History of the Tribe of Red Sands

The Tribe of Red Sands has many traditions and ways of life that have arisen from adapting to the harsh desert they call home. For one, they share a close partnership with the native Dromedary Calves, who bear both villagers and supplies in return for companionship and having their needs met in a safe and loving home. 

When a child of the Tribe turns twelve years old, they are considered adult enough to both begin training in a profession - what they call careers - and to receive a Dromedary Calf. The Tribe of Red Sands believes that a tribesman without a Dromedary Calf is only half of themselves, and so the Binding Rite is a much-looked forward to event in their lives. Once of age, those in need of their other half are brought to see the newborn Dromedary Calves as soon as they are born, to find their partner. It is said that as soon as they lock eyes, both parties will simply know. If one of more of the children simply don't feel a connection, or there are more children then Calves, then they are brought to nearby settlements to search out their destined partner in a journey known as walking the Binding Path. There is a magic in the journey, it is said, and though both halves may be born far apart, they will always be drawn together. Given that not a single child has ever gone without finding their partner in the birthing nearest to coming of age, perhaps they have a point.

If a calf or tribesman lose their other half, they can participate in a second Binding Rite should they find a connection to another partnerless being. This turns a terrible tragedy into a moment of joy, as it's seen as a bonding not only between two new partners, but a bonding to both their deceased other halves as well. And when it is their turn to pass, it is said that they will meet their bonded brothers or sisters in joy and friendship. Tribal culture has villages seeing each other as extended family rather than people of the same tribe living together, with people often referring to non-related tribesmen as "brother", "sister", "aunt", "uncle", "grandmother", and "grandfather".

As such, the elderly of the tribe are held in the utmost respect. To have made it to old age in the Red Desert is considered an achievement, especially if the tribesman in question is a warrior. That's not to say that they follow whatever the elders say without question; rather, they make sure that those who have made it to old age and those who have become crippled in defense of the tribe are well respected and taken care of in return for their service.

There are tales of warning told to the youngsters of the tribe. Stories of those who have abused either their other halves, their family, or worse, both; and the punishment for their fell deeds is to be ritually severed from their victim by a rite known as the Rite of Separation, and known as one of the Severed from there after. But, should the guilty party take their failings to heart, and truly strive to turn themselves around, then they can earn their way back among the tribe, and have what was lost to them restored - and respect gained for having overcome their past. However, should they refuse to change their character, and will not make the effort to better themselves as a person, then they become one of the Banished and are cast out from the tribe.