>However, is it not the case that there is
>competition
>for resources between clans of the same tribe
>(especially the Bison and High Llama tribes, which
>like particular kinds of stuff and travel in groups
>large enough that they might need to monopolize the
>entire local supply)? For example, Big Ole Bison clan
>arrives at the Rhino Grassland to find that Bad Ugly
>Bison Clan is already there. There's not really
>enough room for both of them, especially if they are
>coming up on rutting season, when they need to settle
>down for 8 weeks or so. Neither clan would
>particularly look forward to taking to the trail again
>-- there is always attrition when you move, and
>there's always some risk that something really bad
>will happen.
>
>What normally happens under these circumstances? Do
>they fight, engage in ritualized combat, flip a coin,
>or have some custom that resolves the situation (FIFO
>anyone)?
If cooperation is impossible, ritual contests would decide the results. Cooperation between rival clans of the same peoples might include portions of each clan departing, submission of one to the other, most of one departing but some cows remaining behind to be impregnated, and so on. Ritual contests would be non lethal, similar to counting coup in combat, but may also include prophesying contests, crafting contests, counting children, and so on.
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