The Free Tribes — The World Beyond the Fall

The Free Tribes

 

Aliases: Freefolk (common), Tribals (slang)

The arrival of the Illustrados and the Temple in the Mid-Atlantic slowed the conflicts between the disparate towns and tribes of the region before stilling them completely. The Free Tribes arose from those communities and desired the expulsion of the two Arch-Factions from their lands and their lives. Thus, these communities and orders have allied together for that very purpose, though their alliances worked instead to defeat the Harbingers alongside the Illustrados and Temple.

As a whole and as subfactions, the Free Tribes are fiercely independent of their business and their destiny. However, this commingled alliance has resulted in pacts with enemy and enemy and with raider an d avenger, the first steps to an internal and lasting peace that once eluded the tribes and communities that make this Arch-Faction who they are. 

Lore Level: Low to medium reading

Art by Nicco Salonga

Image by Nicco Salonga

Sub Factions — the FREE Tribes

The warring of the Harbingers drove thousands from their homes and gave birth to the Dustriders, sometimes called the Dusters. Their warbands stand watch over adopted communities, hunt monstrosities for coin, or hunt down ex-Dusters that prey upon the innocent.

The Grailguard’s heavy armor and sharp swords call to mind a time of honor and chivalry, though they do not shy from auto-pistols and flame-throwers. Though many regard them as inflexible, foolish, and overly stringent, the Grailguard are well-regarded by communities as protectors, and avengers.

The Hellhounds are known for the roar of their engines and the rumble of their chain-blades. The Motorgangs’ desire to return to raiding clashes heavily with the need to remain a part of the Free Tribes, for the sake of survival. 

In their own eyes, the Cartel is a force of order and discipline in the North American continent. They fund and supply the improvement of communities. However, they are hated for their ruthless business practices and their willingness to perform horrible acts in accordance to their code of honor.

When the Scavvers’ junk-laden wagons and auto-carriages trundle to a rest at the fringes of a town, some communities see them as little more than carrion-eaters in human form and mismatched garmentry. However, they are known to be the most daring of tinkers and a useful font of news, rumors, and trade.

These nomadic, clannish peoples travel in small groups across continental North America. They are hunters, gatherers and spiritualists first and foremost, having adapted to the nightmarish landscape of the World Beyond the Fall. They wear the runed skins of monstrosities, commune with the ruined earth, and understand the wrathful sky’s whispers.