Tribes

I was thinking today... despite the interesting "rash" of tribes that have flitted however briefly through our game, we've really only managed to create 2 that deserve the name. Those are the Misfits & the River Rats.

The Misfits was the first tribe created in season one of KTDARPG. At that time, it included almost all the players who started us off. Today the Misfits live in a warehouse with a surrounding metal fence--ingeniously electrified for their security, thanks to Arianna's knowledge of solar power. The Misfits have hung together through war & peace, the wickedly brilliant skateboarding competition (that they won!), the death of loved ones & the desertion of others. And through it all, they've done their level best to try & help others in the city of Fort River. Prince, Savinius, Ransom, Sid, Xeno, Lily, Izzy, Scarecrow, Sable...I know I'm forgetting people, but you get my point. A lot of diversity in this group! And throughout the tribe's history, Arianna may insist she's not the Misfits' tribe leader--well, if nothing else then she's the "tribe mom." And the character has just become a true mom in-game, with the recent birth of baby Sapphire.

The River Rats have a different story. Forged from the remnants of 2 warring tribes, the members of this group came together because they had nowhere else to go. First tended then empowered by Hawk & Chyna (yep, that's me...), the RR as a creation was our tribute to the "Mallrats" from our inspiration/tv show. These Rats have held it together through sickness & hunger & confusion, through the Brotherhood & then the Anti-kid battles, through minor upsets & the death of their leader. They've been threatened, attacked & bad-mouthed. Tensions may be getting to them at the moment...but hey, they do the best they can. It's all any of us can do.

I call these the only true tribes in the game because they were created--and remain composed of--multiple players who've stayed together and created a family-type environment. Sure we've had Manglers, Vixens, Reapers, Travelers and lots of other tribes skirting around the edges of the game. But those groups were generally the inspiration and work of one KTDARPG player. Not to take away anything from the creativity & brilliance that created them!! They added a lot to the game!!

Still, when you see where we are and where we're moving? I'm thinking the Misfits & the River Rats will still be there with us at the end.

Wouldn't it be great if we could have another tribe join their ranks? Any ideas, anybody? :)

-Chyna

Photo source--copyright Cloud 9 "The Tribe"