Harsh

One thing every world or country or city or society or family faces post-apocalypse is harsh reality. By its very nature, an apocalpyse changes things drastically . . . and usually for the bad.

For Tribeworld and our gameworld, that "bad change" was the death of all adults over the age of 20.

Domino-effect: No adults means no government. No manufacturing. No advanced knowledge (mostly). Things begin to break down. Nobody's refining oil for gasoline. Food resources and delivery become very localized.

Violence is on the upswing. Anarchy is rampant. Survival of the fittest.

School's out, kiddies.

In a lot of those ways, our game has mirrored our inspiration. Over four years now, we've dealt with short rations, finding safe places to live, tribe wars, slavery, fighting to survive, even unwed mothers making their way with the help of tribe and friends.

We've taken the good with the bad and made the best of it. In addition to bullies and thieves and gang leaders and warlord-wannabees, some of our characters have shown charity, generosity and genuine concern for their fellows. Many our characters have shown courage, ingenuity and long-term planning . . . so nobody talk to me about how kids can't think ahead and work to make the future what they want it to be!

Still, life's harsh under the best circumstances . . . and these certainly aren't the best.

It's a challenge. One our players have set to with a lot of creativity.

Harsh?

Yes. But harsh can bring out the best in us. It can also bring out a lot of other things too. I think we call that the fun part.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"