Re: Nepotism among the Heortlings

From: Tim <tim_at_timellis.demon.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:25:19 -0000

Certainly on automatic succession via bloodline, in (Orlanthi) all cases (The Prince of Sartar is obviouly one of the 14% that differ...). While Orlanthi are proud to tell you "Anyone can become a Chief", bear in mind that the chief should embody Orlanthi virtues like generosity, which tends to be easier if you have sufficient assets to allow you to be generous. In most cases the next Chief is likely to come from a handful of candidates, and may very well be a blood relation of the current chief.

In some cases, of course the Clan Wyter may have a particular relation with a particualr bloodline, so the next chief may need to belong there to get the benefit of the Wyter (and I suspect this is the case for Sartar - Although Termatain's inability to relight the flame suggests his connection is weak, and without the Lunar Troops backing him, his [osition might be very shakey - especially if another heir to the house of Sartar could be found...)

Tribes, of course may have their own rules about which clans can provide tribal kings as part of their founding rituals...

> Would the status of a daughter depend on her occupation, or would
> weight be given to her family tie?

Yes, and yes. Certainly in Dragon Pass, there is little place for a "precious princess" whose only worth is that she is her father's daughter, and she will be judged on her own merit. However ones family is an important part of who you are, so her family ties will be part of "her own merit". Someone marrying her will be forging an alliance with her family, and will expect to have a channel to her fathers ear.  

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