Blood Debts, Justice & Vengeance

Demanding Justice

  Blood Debts have been going on since the aftermath of the Dead Winter, with conflicts between remerging tribes and clans fighting over what resources remained. These led to the deaths of many kin and fellow tribesmen, and conflicts became more than just survival, for the desire for vengeance became more powerful. Many of these were considered debts that needed to be paid for the crimes that could not be left unanswered for the sake of those wounded or killed. Leading to endless wars that seemed to have no end, and the blood of the dead covered the land with it, said the Elenithir gods took notice of them and intervened. This led to the creation of the sacred Folkmoot, where the gods showed that these debts could be resolved through reason and compensation to the afflicted parties.   Thus, with all debts settled, the killing had ended, and peace was returned to the land. The management of the debts was directed through a lawspeaker dictating the payment terms to resolve feuds caused by these debts. Yet not all Blood Debts would be resolved through this peaceful means as some refused to pay or to let go of the suffering they caused, leading to full-on clan wars against the afflicters of their kin. Many tales would be passed on about these infamous feuds being both just and tragic, as well as what some of these conflicts had caused to all around them. Yet, most cases would be resolved quickly before they got out of hand.

Committing Harm: It can start as a simple argument or a dispute over anything that gets out of hand, causing bodily harm to either with possible death as an outcome.   Demanding Justice : Once a slight has been committed, it is brought to a clan or tribe with both parties being at odds with one another, with the group that suffered demanding justice for the crime committed by payment of a debt.   Payment or Bloodshed: There are always two outcomes to repay a debt: compensation to pay for the wrongdoing or bloodshed until either side is wiped out, which can last years or decades with the debt rising.

Accused: Those who start a Blood Debt will always be held accountable for the harm they have caused, often having to pay with their life or be able to pay off the debt.   Victim: Whether or not the victim is wounded or killed, their clan will stand with them to avenge them and ensure that those responsible shall meet justice at their hand one way or another.