1) How limited am I, as a new player, to clan selection? Do I have to join one or can I be independant?

A new player may join any clan he wishes to join. The selection will probably be made in the character selection process but you will have enough information to make a wise choice. Hopefully, tattoos will be different for each clan, which is why you would have to choose a clan from the beginning.

You do not have to choose a clan. You can be a renegade Dalmite, one who has no clan obligations. If you live a peaceful life, you will be left alone. If you cause trouble, either with other Dalmites or other cultures, you will answer to the Dalmite Elder Council. As a renegade, you cannot expect protection from the Dalmite Nation and if you break a law of the forest or that of a foreign nation, you will be tried without the benefit of your clan.

2) How is ascension handled? Are there set ceremonies or can we make up our own?

There will be general descriptions of the ceremonies in the lore, but you are free to individualize the ceremonies by clan or tribe.

3) How often do the Dalmites pray to their gods? Are they super religious, or does it very by the person?

How religious a Dalmite is depends on many factors, including the clan or tribe. Some clans, such as the Telantha and the Duissa are more religious and pray more often. Others, like the Aerthilye are less religious. Of course, the individuals own personality and life's experiences will affect his religious identity as well.

4) How superstitious are the Dalmites?

Again, this will depend on the individual and the tribe or clan. The more educated or the higher up the social/political ladder a person is, the less superstitious he will be.

5) Would we jump in front of a tree to save it? Hehe

You may…but not sure the game mechanics will allow you to save the tree.

6) Since we prefer to hide and run, do we have an automatically distrusting nature of outsiders, or can we be friendly so long as they obey the laws?

Dalmites do have a distrusting nature of outsiders. This is the reason for their self-imposed isolation for so many years. However, they do befriend some outsiders who have proven their respect and consideration for the Dalmite beliefs. The Aerthilye are more accepting of outsiders while the Duissa and the Celinde are more reclusive.

7) If another Dalmite attempted to usurp the position of another (Say: clan leader, head shaman type positions), would it be legal to kill them for their attempted mutiny?

Yes, it would be acceptable. It would be considered treason to the clan leader or other leader and the death would be justified. There would probably be an inquiry though by the tribe or clan council. The only exception would be a legitimate challenge to the leadership, which is usually fought through a wrestling type match. However, challenges of this type are rare and often, the challenger ends up dead by mysterious means before the match can be held, especially if the current leader is loved by her people.

8) If a player wants to change Clans, will this affect a position they have within the Dalmite nation?

Players can change clans, but they cannot change their tattoos. So a Dalmite will always be recognized by the clan he/she was born into. Men often change clans when they marry.

As for the Dalmite's position, this will depend. If they are well respected, and a similar position is available in the clan they wish to join, then they can appeal to the clan leader. If there is no such position open, they will have to wait until one comes open or take another position. Shamans remain shamans though…although they could lose their rank if there is a shaman of equal or greater experience within the new clan.

9) Will the facial markings be different for each tribe/clan - or just random?

Hopefully, the tattoos will be different for each clan. I am not sure we can do each tribe though…especially since tribes will be created by players on a daily basis.

10) If death is permanent, how will this affect the Dalmesh priesthood when a priest dies. Will player be able to assume a new character and continue in the old role?

When a character dies, they are dead. They cannot make a new character and assume the same role. They can, however, create a new character who is a priest, but this character will have to train and go through the ranks again. The exception to this might be if the Head Shaman of a tribe/clan/nation dies without anyone to assume his/her duties. Then the son or daughter might take over his/her duties after his/her death.

11) What sort of tribal/clan punishment could we employ if a player refuses to role play? i.e. punishment within the role playing context.

I suppose this will be up to the community in which the player resides. The tribe or clan might treat him like a simple person, humoring him. Or they may decide he is a danger to the community and banish him from the tribe or clan. If he refuses to leave or causes more trouble, they may take more drastic measures. However, remember that being too harsh with non-roleplayers could turn them into griefers. So we want to be patient and compassionate with other players, trying to teach them first.

12) My character has lost his/her entire clan/family to the wars; what clan did I belong to?

In this case, you still belong to your clan…but you are the sole remaining survivor. You can join another clan, entice others to join you, or remain as the leader of your clan, hopefully having children to carry on the clan. If you are a man, you may choose to find a wife who will join your clan rather than join another.

13) How are political positions filled?

Political positions are filled by the clan/tribe/nation leader or by other leaders within the structure. They are usually filled based on loyalty, family connections, deeds, and experience. Of course, there are times when positions are filled for less than honorable reasons, hence the heavy politicking of many tribes. You will learn more about this when more lore is released.

14) If I collect food, do I get to eat it, or do I have to put it in the community supplies?

This will depend on the tribe. More than likely, players will eat most of the food they collect. But some may choose to place food in a community basket. I would love to see the Dalmites be more communal, but it might be a tough thing to enforce in a game.

15) Will the tribes/clans fight in my defense if someone has attacked me?

If you are attacked by an enemy of the Dalmites, yes, the clans will protect you as long as you are a member of a clan. If you are attacked by a personal enemy, your friends may defend you….or at the very least, someone will try to subdue the attacker until an inquiry can be made. If you provoke an attack on someone who is not an enemy, you are out of luck, sister!

16) What are the trades available to me as a Dalmite?

Most anything is available to a Dalmite that is available to other cultures. Of course, you would be a very poor Dalmite if all you did was make swords because not many would buy them. I will release a list of possible professions and skills as soon as Paul releases the skill list, probably after the January 19, 2003.

15) If I fall asleep in a tree, and roll over, will I fall out and die? <G> If no one is there to hear me fall, do I still make a sickening thud?

At this time, falling will not cause death. As for the thud, I don't know. Why don't you try it and report back to us?

17) As a dalmite can u conquer the world ?

I don't know! Maybe, but it would be a lot of work. Dalmites really don't care about any part of the world that doesn't have trees…so they really have little use for the rest of the world. Now, there is a faction within the Aerthilye that wishes to have ownership of land, something which goes against the Dalmite tradition. So who knows, maybe at the very least, we will someday rule all the forests! Muhahahahaha!