Re: >Subject: Re: wergild; better followers

From: KYER, JEFFREY <jeff.kyer_at_...>
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 10:05:52 -0400

> You missed 3a. Go directly to the people who you feel wronged you and sort
> it out without going to a third party. This is likely to happen between
> non-feuding clans because it may well be cheaper (you don't have to gift
> the tribal chief, lawspeaker etc.), particularly if the clan concerned are
> known for their honour, generosity etc. The Orlanthi equivalent of an out
> of court settlement.
>
> Thom

This often happened in Icelandic (and Saxon) literature. And was often a very good way for a wronged party to gain a reputation as a fair/generous/honourable man by letting the wounded party Self Judge (no arbitrator) and awared themselfes the weregild. And if the self judged party was honest and fair, they too earned a reputation. Burned Njal was famous for this, as was Gunnar.

And, of course, no one can make you do anything -- a family may choose not to pay. Theere's little anyone can do about it -- though eventually, enough folks will get annoyed at these greedy scofflaws and burn them out. If someone has enough personal/family power, its difficult to outlaw them (treason never prospers for if it prospers, none dare call it treason).

But then, other, magical/mythical things can go wrong for these outlaws...

Jeff

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