Well... yes and no. Myth is not a exact science. To quote KoS he "severed his family connections with the Storm tribe to maintain his purity of purpose." But he's still a part of the Storm Tribe, whether you call him an ally, honoured guest, stranger, or whatever. He is still the Death and War god of the pantheon. All Orlanthi believe in him and tell stories and myths about him.
In mythic terms he needs to be set apart from the rest of the Storm Tribe to show his devotion to Death and his separation from life (the normal life of the clan). He needs his purity of purpose.
Humakt has a unique relationship with his lord Orlanth. I reckon Humakt will always do Orlanth's bidding unless he does not feel it is honourable to do so. Uniquely he has the ability to say no to Orlanth (without major cultural repercussions) - not that 80% of Humakti will ever exert this perk even in extremis. But it is there for the bold, honourable, and principled.
All in IMHO.
NB: I'd play down the Arkat explanations of Humakt, purely because hundreds of years have now passed and the truth of that is now lost in the current myths and legends. Today's myths of Humakt meet the needs of today's Orlanthi and Humakti - and today's myths don't mention Arkat!
Paolo:
>But, seriously, do the clans really miss a specialized Healer?
Yes. Within the clan Ernalda and magics gained from pantheonistic worship of Chalana Arroy can heal most everyday injuries and ailments. Anything worse and you need to go find a specialist Chalana Arroy healer or a Breath Shaman of Umath. This may be hard or easy depending on your location.
The best place to go is the Sisters of Mercy hospital (the biggest CA temple in DP), a hospital in a city (which may only have an initiate), or a healing shrine somewhere (like the Skyreach Springs). Some tribes may also be lucky enough to have an initiate or priestess, probably retired. And even then you may not be seen in time.
All Hail the Reaching Death!
David Hall
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