> Picture it, a mission departs guarded by four
> weaponthanes and ten carls. It is led by an Issaries
> worshipper acknowledged by all to not only be of
> heroic bargaining abilities but to be excellent in
> almost every pursuit. It stops by our great temple of
> Issaries for a final blessing, then heads off secure
> in the knowledge that the silvertongue blessing will
> aid them. They lead off five fine horses, seven
> healthy cows, goods worth more than twice that amount,
> and enough food to feed 140 people for a year.
>
> Then a couple of weeks later they return, tails
> between their legs, to admit that our tribe mate and
> ally didn't see fit to accept all that bounty as
> repayment for a favor owed.
No offense meant, but why would you want to repay all those favors?
The culturally based reciprocity of favors constitutes one of the
subtle historical points about KoDP I like so well. That's just how
many cultures have maintained a sense of social continuity through
time. I owe you a favor; I'm going to do what you ask, so the rest
of society recognizes that I'm as good as my word, and can be trusted
further. You won't attack or harm me, because you'll want to collect
that favor back some day. The analogy to modern credit is inexact,
but still appropriate: you become a better risk in potential
creditor's eyes when you actually owe somebody money.