How We Came

to Live Here
stories of t he
f i f t h wor l d
brennan tayl or
How We Came
to Live Here
stories of t he
f i f t h wor l d
brennan tayl or

st y l e d b y jaywalt
j u n e 20 0 8
 Remembering how the First People had emerged into this
land, She-Throws-a-Rock-Through-the-Sky took a great stone
and hurled it upward with all of her strength. When she did, the
rock broke through the sky and created a new hole up into the
Third World. Water began to pour down through the hole and
fill the Second World. Soon, there was nowhere left to stand, and
the First People went up through the hole into the Third World.
The Third World was large like the Second World, and it
was full of water, but it still had no food or light. The First People
grew angry, saying, “We are still hungry, and we must always
swim, for there is no place to stand.”
He-Holds-Them-On-His-Shoulders spoke then, saying,
“Stand upon my back, and I will lift you up. There may be a
better world above this one.”
He took the other First People upon his broad shoulders, and
they climbed up through a hole in the sky of the Third World and
out into the Fourth World.
In the Fourth World there was dry land, food to eat, and
water to drink, but it was still dim, like a starry night, for there
was no sun in this world. The First People lived there for a long
time, but after a while there grew to be a great many people,
and the space of the Fourth World was filled up. Again, fighting
began to break out among the People, since there was no room for
INTRODUCTION new people to build their house and plant their corn. At last, the
boldest of the People, She-Climbs-to-the-Top, built a ladder and
put it up to the sky of the Fourth World. The sky here was higher
still than it had been in the previous worlds, so She-Climbs-to-
the-Top rose, rung on rung, for many days before she reached the
Listen. This is a tale of our People. sky. There was no opening in the sky of the Fourth World, and
She-Climbs-to-the-Top searched for some time before she found
Once, First Man and First Woman lived in the First World. a small crack. She dug into the sky at this crack, opening and
The First World was dry and small, and black as the inside of widening it until she could squeeze through. When it was large
a sack. Their children were the First People, but their lives were enough, she climbed into the crack and emerged into the hot light
hard. The First People had to creep about from place to place, of the sun.
because the sky was so close to the ground that they could not
stand. After a while, the First People got tired of crawling around This is how we came to live here. This is how we came to live
in this tiny world, and one of them, He-Forces-His-Shoulders- in the Fifth World.
Through, decided to stand up. When he did, he punched a hole
through the sky and created a passage up into the Second World.
When he crawled up through, the rest of the First People followed
him.
The Purpose of This Game
The Second World was much better than the first, but it
was still dark and there was no water or food. Here, however, How We Came to Live Here is a game that takes its
the sky was much farther above the earth, and the First People inspiration from the mythology of the people native to the
were able to walk about without stooping. Now released from the American Southwest. Although I am as Anglo-Saxon as
constraints of the First World, they became taller and stronger. they come in United States, I have always loved mythology.
After a while, the First People grew irritated with the Second I devoured Greek and Norse myth early, and growing up
World, for they still had no food or water, and the darkness was in Tucson, Arizona, I had a lot of exposure to myths from
still impenetrable. Because there was nothing to do, the First the local cultures, the Hopi, Dineh, Zuñi, Tohono O’odam,
People began to fight amongst themselves, and contention grew Pueblo, and Apache people. I have visited Mesa Verde and
and grew, leading to violence.


Chaco Canyon, where the remains of an ancient civilization be able to achieve all that they desire. While playing you will
known as the Anasazi can be found. have to make choices about your priorities, and some things
How We Came to Live Here is best thought of as an you want will fall by the wayside as you work to achieve
imagining of a fantastical Anasazi culture. The world in other goals.
which the game is set is to the real cultures of the American Everyone at the table should play with the other
Southwest as The Lord of the Rings is to European culture: participants in mind. You are responsible for helping
a pastiche of ancient days liberally mixed with mythology everyone have a good time, including yourself. When you
and outright fantasy. The game is not meant to represent are contemplating your next move, be mindful of what will
any real-world culture. Nothing that is presented in How be fun for everyone.
We Came to Live Here should be considered authoritative This game will tell the tale of a village and the heroes
or even indicative of any real cultural facts or practice. It is who lived there. Threats from inside and outside will be met
a work of fiction. and defeated, or they may overwhelm the village and those
You will also find no white people in this book. The within.
subject of How We Came to Live Here is not the European
colonization of the Americas. It takes place in a time and
Description of Play
place where this cannot happen. The People described in
this game are the only people. The world is full of monsters To play How We Came to Live Here, you will need a
that they are destined to conquer. I would advise players to group of friends. The game is played with a minimum of
avoid bringing in any European tropes or characters. That is three people, but you can have up to six. It is possible to play
not what this game is about. This game is about the People, with as many as eight or nine players, but a game with this
and the heroes who will carve out a place for people in the many participants may not be as enjoyable and will take a
world or go down trying. very long time. Any group larger than six should probably
As I mentioned earlier, I am white. I am not a member of be split in order to play.
any of the cultures that lent inspiration to this game. I have The first time you get together, you will spend most of
some concerns about someone like me writing this game. My your time brainstorming the characters in your game, and
main motivation is to venture forth from the typical fantasy building them within the rules of How We Came to Live
world found in most fantasy. I am interested in exploring Here. This must be done as a group, and it is very important
fantasy that draws on different traditions for inspiration. to include everyone who will be playing the game.
My goal is to treat this subject with respect, and I have done
After this initial step, you will begin to play through the
my utmost as a person who is not a member of the culture
events in the life of the village. Two of the players have the
in question. I have tried to avoid appropriation, but there is
responsibility to create opposition and complications for
no way for me to do so entirely.
the others. The rest of the players portray individual heroes
One of the ways to stay respectful toward cultures other within the fictional world. The game is played in a series
than one’s own is to avoid either denigration or idealization, of rounds in which each player has a turn to set and play
because both are condescending attitudes. I have tried to through a scene. Each scene will have a goal, and all of these
portray the characters in How We Came to Live Here as scenes should add up to a bigger epic story. Hero characters
people who have both virtues and flaws, living in a culture will become more powerful as play proceeds, and their deeds
that is very human. When you are playing How We Came will grow greater.
to Live Here, remember to treat the characters in your own
game as people, not as caricatures.

Game Play Goals

The stories this game is meant to tell are those of
powerful but flawed heroes. Your game should recall myths
and legends of ancient heroes of great strength and ability,
but subject to flaws and complications that can lead to their
downfall. Your characters should be able to grow in power
and perform epic deeds. They will also have to choose
between the many paths available to them, and they will not


 Regarding the Number Four
As you read through How We Came to Live Here, you
may notice something that could seem a bit off. In many
of the stories, as well as within the game mechanics, the
number four features prominently. In folktales, things will
often happen four times and then resolve. The characters
have many characteristics in sets of four. In the European
folk tradition, the number three is considered lucky, and
in folk stories, things often happen three times before they
resolve. Among many of the people of North America, the
number four was considered the magical number, and that
is why you see it feature so prominently in How We Came
to Live Here. This may seem a bit strange at first, but it is
a good fact to keep in mind when reading and playing the
game.

Clans
The clans are the People’s kinship groups. There are
numerous clans, some extremely large and others with fewer
members and little influence. Major clans usually number in
the high hundreds or even thousands of individuals, while
the minor clans can be quite small, between 50 and several
the fifth world hundred people. The clans are one of the most important
organizing influences among the People. Kinship is a very
important tie, and clan lineage is a way of tracking these
The Fifth World is a dry, relatively inhospitable place.
links.
The People live in a roughly triangular area, bounded by the
Spirit Mountains in the west, the sea in the south, and the The clan name is traced through the female, and a married
rugged badlands to the east. man is adopted into his wife’s clan. When introducing
himself to a stranger, a man would indicate his birth clan in
The terrain and climate closely resembles the American
an introduction as well, generally naming himself, his wife’s
Southwest, especially the deserts of Arizona and New
clan, and then mentioning the clan into which he was born.
Mexico. There are red and yellow sandstone cliffs, box
Children are considered part of their mother’s clan, although
canyons, stone arches, and chimney rocks. The soil is sandy
there is still some link through the father to his old clan.
and poor, and often of vivid colors. There are volcanic
outcroppings of twisted black stone, fields of pumice, and The largest clans among the People are listed below.
expanses of yellow sand. Vegetation is spiny and stunted, There are numerous other, smaller clans, but these are not
with plants like mesquite, creosote, and ocotillo common, described in the rules.
as well as cacti. Higher altitude areas have more conifers,
like small pines and juniper, and granite stones. By the few Black Stone Clan
running streams and rivers, the vegetation is lush, with taller This clan was founded by a group of adventurous
trees, cottonwoods and live oak. Cattails grow in the water. individuals who journeyed to the edge of the People’s lands
Running streams are rare. Most streambeds are dry and sandy to construct a new city. Led by She-Stacks-Stone-on-Stone,
throughout the year. In the late summer, thunderstorms they constructed the strong houses of their new village from
come almost every day and the dry streambeds become the hard local volcanic rocks. The Black Stone Clan is known
raging torrents of brown water. as a clan of tough and hard-bitten people, as strong as the
The land is inhabited by many animals: Cougars, bears, stones for which their clan is named. The general opinion is
wolves, peccaries, raccoons, jackrabbits, bighorn sheep, that Black Stone people are grim in demeanor and hard to
coyotes, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and mule deer know.
are all common. There are no horses, pigs, or cattle.


Bighorn Clan Sweet Water Clan
The first woman in this clan, She-Kills-a-Ram, is famous This clan is known for strong and powerful matriarchs.
because she slew a bighorn sheep and prepared its hide. The Women from Sweet Water Clan are famous for going on
clan is large and respected, and quite wealthy. They prefer to journeys to seek out their own husbands in other villages,
live in fringe communities where the hunting and herding is rather than relying on parental arrangements for marriage.
better. The men of this clan are known for hunting ability Since the clan is relatively rich this is not an unwelcome
and the women for tending their flocks of domesticated prize for men from other clans.
sheep. The Bighorn people are thought to be independent
in spirit, not so wild like the Wolf Clan, but still fond of the Wolf Clan
outdoors.
Members of this clan are prone to wanderlust, and
often can be found on the fringes of the People’s lands,
Knife Clan
communicating with Outsiders and even, it is rumored,
This is one of the oldest and most numerous clans, monsters. Wolf people live mostly in those settlements
a clan of famed warriors descended from the first man to closest to the borders of the People’s lands. Many go on their
kill a monster. He-Pierces-Its-Skin was a brother of She- journeys and do not return. Wolf people are considered odd
Climbs-to-the-Top, and his name now means “knife”. and possibly foolish by other clans.
When the People were attacked by the Hunger People, He-
Pierces-Its-Skin took up a sharp rock and killed the chief Yellow Earth Clan
of the Hunger People, driving them off. The members of
This clan is numerous and prosperous, but some view
the Knife Clan are known for relentless prowess in both the
them as soft, since they stick to the safe heartland of the
hunt and in combat, both valuable skills among the people.
area conquered by the People. They do provide much of the
Their strength is respected, but Knife people tend to see all
food consumed by all of the People’s settlements, even those
conflicts through a violent lens.
on the fringes. This clan is quite wealthy and many young
men are eager to marry into its ranks. The Yellow Earth
Porcupine Clan
people are considered a bit plodding and set in their ways,
The porcupine is the keeper of sacred things in the but they considered good to have as friends since they have
Spirit World, and the reputation of the Porcupine Clan a reputation for stalwart loyalty.
benefits from the association. Porcupine people are
considered more holy than people from other clans, and
Villages
are treated with respect. They cultivate their reputation for
wisdom purposefully, and many Porcupine people are quite There are about two-dozen large settlements (cities)
important individuals in their community. within the area controlled by the People, and numerous
smaller villages and enclaves scattered throughout. Cities
Red Earth Clan range in size from 1000 to 2000 inhabitants, while villages
Red earth is the best for making pottery. Red earth is also typically number between 100 and 1000 residents. Smaller
associated with blood and the healing arts. The members of enclaves are often just one or two families living on their
the Red Earth clan are considered to be good nurturers and own, and can be as few as a handful of people or as many as
healers. The Red Earth clan is relatively large and respected. 100 for a large enclave verging on a village.
Red Earth people have a reputation for warmth and caring, A village is typically a collection of square, flat-roofed
but also for meddling in other people’s business. buildings constructed of stone or adobe brick. They are often
built atop mesas or tucked into shallow caves on the side of
Sparrow Clan sandstone cliffs. Communities near the edge of the People’s
This clan is famous for its cliff cities. Settlements founded territories are usually built quite defensibly. Deeper in the
by the Sparrow clan are built within wind-scooped caves People’s lands, where monsters are scarce, a village may be
halfway up cliff sides. Sparrow people show little fear of set in an open area, surrounded by fields under cultivation.
heights, and clamber up and down the cliff walls with ease. Houses are built atop one another, up to four stories high,
They tend to be haughty and quite pleased with themselves, and the upper levels are reached by ladder. In small plazas or
and as such are not particularly well liked among the other at the edges of the village are open areas that are really the
clans. tops of kivas. Kivas are deep, round, covered pits that can


only be entered through a small hole in the roof. Kivas are Men and women wear their hair long and in braids,
the meeting places of the secret societies of a village. either a single braid or two. Wearing your long hair loose
Villages are always constructed near water. The lands of is a highly sexual and very private look, only your lover or
the People are arid, and in order to grow crops, a stream or your spouse would expect to see this, except when washing.
river that is available year-round is preferable. Many streams When the temperature is hot, both sexes wear only a
are dry much of the year, only swelling during the summer loincloth. Children (under 7 or so) typically wear no clothes
rains. If there is no running water near the village site, the at all. At night, or in winter, heavier clothing is needed for
people use wells or build cisterns to hold water, and irrigate extra warmth, and people generally wear skin robes or wool
the fields by hand. Obviously, a village with no reliable blankets for warmth. Garments are often decorated with
source of water will be quite small, and may not survive. shells or beads, and a person’s braid is decorated with beads,
shells, or feathers.
When a woman marries, she leaves her mother’s house
for one of her own. She and her mother select a suitable
spot within the village and build the new house. The multi- Gendered Activities
layered effect of a village often comes from a new bride and
her mother building a house for the younger woman right Most activities are strictly split into male or female roles.
on top of her mother’s house. Doing some activity that belongs to the other gender is
considered a crime, and is quite shameful.
• The following things are male areas of expertise:
Resources and Daily Life
hunting, shooting a bow, dressing meat, tanning
The People have domesticated several animals: dogs, a hides, wrestling, dog training, throwing pots, flint
smaller type of bighorn sheep, and turkeys. They have no knapping, and fighting with knives, swords, spears,
horses, swine, or cattle. Most meat is obtained by hunting, clubs, or axes.
and the domesticated animals are rarely slaughtered. Eggs • These things are female areas of expertise: cooking,
are taken from turkeys, the sheep provide wool and milk, farming, fishing, raising sheep or fowl, baking bricks,
and the dogs provide protection and assistance when constructing dwellings and storehouses, weaving,
hunting. On special occasions, any of these animals might sewing, playing drop-ball, fighting with a staff, and
be slaughtered to eat. carrying water.
Common items found in a household are red clay pots, At puberty, a person may choose to voluntarily switch
woven baskets, corn, hot peppers, edible roots like quinoa, gender (obviously, physical characteristics remain the same).
stone grinders for cooking, flutes and drums, bone or The person who chooses this route is thereafter always
leather armor, round leather shields, and stone weapons and treated as a member of the new gender, and must then act in
tools (bows, knives, spears, axes, clubs). Some individuals all respects as a member of the other gender (a woman who
will have special items, like bronze weapons (short curved becomes a man must take a wife, fulfill male duties, etc.).
swords, knives, axes). This is an all-or-nothing, permanent choice. A person who
The People have no currency. All goods are traded in a chooses to do this can’t choose to be a woman again once he
barter system. Things are only as valuable as other items for has become a man.
which you can trade them. Values for items can fluctuate
greatly, depending on circumstances. If a character is in a Crimes
village by the large river in the center of the People’s lands,
pottery will be relatively plentiful and a pot will be worth Many of the things that the People consider crimes are
less than a well-tanned buckskin. On the edges of the familiar and are crimes in our society as well. Some things
People’s territory, wild items like buckskin will be relatively would not be serious to us, but are transgressions in the
easy to come by, but a well-thrown pot will be much more People’s society.
valuable. Minor transgressions included telling a lie that harms
Gift-giving is a big part of the People’s society. A person another person in any way (lying to monsters and Outsiders
who is regarded as exceptionally generous is respected and is OK), crafting an object without obeying the proper
admired, and many people work hard to be able to have a rituals, performing a task properly belonging to another
lot of items they can give away. Some people will hold a big gender, coming in contact with menstrual blood (if you are a
party and load down their guests with gifts to prove how man), refusing to aid your kin when asked, killing an animal
rich and generous they are.


(other than vermin), showing disrespect to an elder or kin, to use is important, and says something about their current
or treating with monsters in any way. attitude toward a person. People may even use different
Slightly more serious would be refusing to honor a names in different situations when referring to the same
promise, stealing, assault resulting in permanent harm, rape, person.
incest (immediate family only, marriage between cousins is
considered OK), homosexuality, adultery, sex with monsters,
Outsiders, or animals, breaking a rule of your kiva society, or
having any contact with a dead person. Listen. This is a tale of our People.
Serious crimes are such things as killing a person, refusing Once, there was a young man of the Porcupine Clan. His
to honor a promise made to your kin, and performing or name was He-Hears-Voices-from-the-West, but before he earned
commissioning harmful magic directed against another this name he was called He-Wanders-Alone. He-Wanders-Alone
person. had three brothers and a brother-in-law, and often he would go
hunting with them. When the group went out to find game, He-
The most unforgiveable crime is to kill one’s own kin.
Wanders-Alone would leave them and walk by himself in the
wilderness. His brothers did not like this, and mocked him when
Language he returned with tales of what he saw. His brother-in-law listened
quietly to his tales but said nothing.
The language of the People has no name, since it is the
One day, while hunting, He-Wanders-Alone entered a deep
only language that they know, apart from those spoken
canyon by himself. He sat under the shade of a stone and as he
by monsters, which don’t count as languages, since People
rested there he heard the sound of some voices talking above his
don’t use them to communicate. The People’s language has
head, along the canyon rim.
a compound structure. There are some basics, mostly verbs
and pronouns, and a surprisingly small number of basic “Lament, my brothers,” the first voice said, “Two of our kin
nouns. Sentences and other words are then created using have died.”
these building blocks. Most complex nouns take the form “Who is dead?” answered the second voice.
of a short phrase with an active verb, describing the object “The old gray one and the largest warrior,” the first voice
in some way. For example, the name for a brick is she-bakes- replied. “Some hunters slew twelve deer, and our kin went to
hard-in-the-sun, a knife is called he-pierces-its-skin. These drink the blood. They were shot and slain.”
names are more complex for newer items, and they become
“Ah!” cried the second voice. “I have told you never to go
shortened as time goes on. Nouns in the People’s language
down to a hunter’s kill! This is what happens.”
are gendered, typically determined by which gender is
associated with the object, whether as a tool or output “They are dead and gone,” the first voice said. “We shall speak
(women build houses, so a brick is female, men fight with of them no more.”
knives, so a knife is male, for example). After this, He-Wanders-Alone heard no more voices and he
returned to the camp of his brothers.
Names “Where have you been?” Eldest Brother asked him.
“I went into a canyon and I heard some voices talking,” He-
Personal names change over time. Early in life, people are
Wanders-Alone said.
called by a cute “child name.” These names are cute to adults,
but are often vaguely insulting or call out some negative trait “Not another tale,” Second Brother said. “We have much
in the child that her parents feel is in need of correction. work to do dressing our kill.”
Child names are things like She-Cries-a-Lot, He-Brings- “What did you hear?” Brother-in-Law asked him.
Trouble, His-Nose-Always-Runs, etc. A person gains a new, He-Wanders-Alone told them he heard two voices talking,
adult name when she reaches her early teens and is initiated and told the story of what they said of the deer and how their
in her first society. To call a person by her cute childhood kin were slain.
nickname after this is exceptionally insulting, and sure to
“I never believed your tales,” Eldest Brother said, “But this
provoke an angry reaction.
is strange. Your brothers have killed twelve deer, and when the
When a person does something else that others feel is crows came down to the carcasses, we shot and killed two of them.
significant, a new name is often given to him. Sometimes The rest flew off and left the kill alone.”
people are referred to by more than one name at a time.
The rest of the brothers did not make fun of He-Wanders-
Which name another member of the community chooses
Alone’s tales this time.


 The hunting party went to return to the village, and as they Brother-in-Law spoke up then. “This is our lost brother. I
were walking along a ridgeline, Eldest Brother spotted four big- saw him change into a sheep, but also saw that the four sheep he
horned sheep across a ravine. stalked were gods, and he must have gone with them to the west.
“We may have some hunting yet,” Elder Brother said as he Tell us what you saw there, brother.”
pointed out the sheep. He-Hears-Voices-from-the-West spoke to the People and
“Let He-Wanders-Alone hide ahead of them and slay them,” taught them the secrets told by the gods. This is when the first
Brother-in-Law said. “He was not with us when we made our kivas were built, and He-Hears-Voices-from-the-West arranged
first kills.” all the People into kiva societies and taught them the right ways
of devotion.
He-Wanders-Alone crept up to a hiding place ahead of the
sheep and hid within some bushes. When the sheep approached,
he became insensible and when he recovered, the sheep had
passed on. Again, he crept ahead of the sheep and hid himself,
and again he passed out and could not kill them. He crept ahead Religious Life
of them, high in some rocks, and waited for the sheep to approach.
It was as if there were a bright light shining from the sheep as they Religion is a fundamental part of life among the People.
approached, and He-Wanders-Alone was blinded and again lost There are numerous ceremonies held throughout the year.
consciousness. The People venerate the spirits of their ancestors, as well as
His brothers were watching from the opposite ridge, and to more powerful gods. The secret societies that underpin their
their eyes He-Wanders-Alone did nothing as the sheep passed religion are a fundamental part of life in a village.
by.
Ancestors
“What is he doing?” Eldest Brother asked. “He-Wanders-
Alone is not serious about hunting. He is playing some game.” Spirits of the dead are honored within the people’s
Brother-in-Law merely watched and said nothing. society. During ceremonies, especially the Dust Ceremony,
the People make offerings to the departed spirits of their
He-Wanders-Alone decided to try a fourth time to kill
ancestors, as well as to any individuals who have died that are
the sheep, and he hid ahead of them again. This time as they
still remembered. This generally extends up to grandparents,
approached, they transformed, and instead of sheep he saw four
but beyond that it is rare for a person to make offerings to
gods: Corn Maiden, Red Sand Serpent, Sun Father, and Rain
a specific person. Some families with a famous ancestor will
Woman.
continue to honor that person for many generations, but this
“Look,” said Corn Maiden. “It is He-Wanders-Alone is unusual. Sage is lit, and food and other items are left for
again.” the spirits beside the fire pit. The spirits of ancestors are said
He-Wanders-Alone put down his bow and knelt down in to watch over their descendants and attempt to intercede
front of the gods. “I am sorry I stalked you, but you were sheep with the gods if a descendant is in distress.
to my eyes,” he said.
“You see our true forms now,” said Red Sand Serpent. “Rise, Gods
and come with us to the Black Mountains. We have many things Gods are powerful spirits who represent various forces
to teach you.” of nature. There are hundreds of gods, but some are more
He-Wanders-Alone stood and followed the gods to the Black powerful than others. The gods are patrons of the People,
Mountains. From the opposite ridge, his brothers only saw him and wish to see them succeed. When people stray from a
put down his bow and kneel before the sheep. To their eyes, He- right way of living, the gods turn their backs on them, and
Wanders-Alone changed into a sheep and then all five sheep calamities can occur. Floods, droughts, earthquakes, and
bounded up the slope. They gathered his bow and returned to other natural disasters are signs of their disfavor.
their village, afraid to speak of what they saw. The four principle gods are Corn Maiden, Red Sand
When a year had passed, He-Wanders-Alone reappeared Serpent, Sun Father, and Rain Woman. Each of these has
in the village, but he was now called He-Hears-Voices-from-the- dominion over one of the cardinal directions, and therefore
West. When he came into the village, his brothers did not believe rules over the other gods. Sun Father rules the east, Red
he had returned. Sand Serpent comes from the south, Rain Woman comes
“This is not He-Wanders-Alone,” said Eldest Brother. “This from the west, and Corn Maiden rules the north.
is a spirit taking his form. No one should listen to this being.”


 Some other gods are Coyote Old Man, Red Tongue first society around the age of 12 or 13. Initiating in a kiva
Wolf, Dust Woman, Weaving Woman, Moon Woman, society makes a person officially adult and responsible for
Flint-Knapping Man, and Strong Killer. Many villages her own actions.
have some minor gods that are unique, and not recognized To initiate in a kiva society, a person must have a sponsor
in other villages. Gods representing a local spring or some within the society. The candidate is not technically allowed
other feature are common local spirits. to actively seek a member to act as sponsor, but in practice
this is the normal way to find a sponsor. Gifts are often given
Ceremonies to the sponsor by the candidate’s family by way of thanks.
Throughout the year, the people hold important Of course, many initiates join kiva societies already closely
ceremonies or dances. These dances help keep the favor of tied with their own clan, and have close relatives (fathers,
the gods, and are one of the principle duties of kiva societies. brothers, uncles, etc.) within the society to sponsor them.
Each kiva has several ceremonies they perform, and the A person can initiate in more than one kiva society,
members of the kiva dress in costumes to represent ancestor but there are strictly proscribed limits. He may only begin
spirits and the gods in the dance. The costumes keep the kiva initiation in one kiva society at a time, and must have
members’ identities secret, as well as obscuring who holds achieved a rank above First in any societies in which he is
what rank within a kiva. Only kiva members are allowed to already enrolled. Kiva societies are strictly segregated by
know the identities of the dancers. gender. This is an obvious barrier to entry if the would-be
Some of the most important ceremonies are the Corn initiate is the wrong gender.
Dance at the vernal equinox, the Rain Dance at summer All kiva societies have magical secrets not known to other
solstice, the Dust Ceremony at the autumnal equinox, and kiva societies. They are all self-governing and completely
the Sun Ceremony at winter solstice. These ceremonies separate. These kiva societies are the underpinnings of the
are universal among the people, along with several other People’s entire culture, and all participants take them very
dances throughout the year. Each village also has some local seriously. The magic taught be these societies keeps the
ceremonies, if they have had time to develop. Some very new monsters at bay and prevents the human lands from falling
villages don’t have their own dances, but variations usually into disorder, like the culture of the Outsiders.
show up with a little time. • First Rank: First Rank members of a kiva society
There are also ceremonies that are performed when a participate in society rituals, but must sit at the
problem arises in an attempt to gain the attention of the back and do not take any important roles in the
gods and solve the problem. Cleansing ceremonies for illness ceremonies
or spiritual corruption are examples of these, and sometimes • Second Rank: Second Rank members are the main
an entire community must be cleansed. Ceremonies to rank and file of a kiva society. Most members of a
counter drought or other problems also exist. particular society fall in the Second Rank. Second
Rank members participate in society rituals as
Kiva Societies dancers, and all Second Rank members wear a certain
The primary expression of religion among the people is uniform of masks and costumes for the dances that
the kiva society. Kiva societies are exclusive groups whose varies by society.
purpose is to teach magical secrets to initiates. Membership • Third Rank: Third Rank members are the elite of
in a kiva society is a fundamental part of village life. A kiva is a kiva society. Third Rank members take the roles of
the secret meeting place for one of these societies. Kivas are the ancestor spirits in society rituals.
round rooms constructed below ground level that can only
• Fourth Rank: Fourth Rank members are the
be entered through a hole in the roof. They are meant to
most respected and powerful members of their kiva
emulate the first emergence into the world, and entering the
society. They make all of the decisions for the society
kiva represents moving back to the origins of the People.
and take the role of the gods in society rituals. There
Members typically go to a meeting disguised with a are only a handful of Fourth Rank members of a kiva
mask, and descend into the kiva by ladder through the hole at any given time, and all must agree to add a new
in the roof. It is strictly forbidden for someone who is not member to this rank.
a member or initiate of a society to enter that society’s kiva.
Some kiva societies are tied quite closely to certain clans, but
one’s clan does not restrict membership. It is quite proper to
join any other kiva society. People generally initiate in their

10
Men’s Kiva Societies out of his community. Of course, Ghost Society members
can wreak revenge on those who drive them out, so they are
The following are kiva societies open to membership by often killed instead. Ghost Society members often join in
men: order to gain power over their neighbors, and this type of
arrogance and ambition is quite dangerous when combined
Arrow Society with the secrets taught by the society. Ghost Society kivas
The Arrow Society is a hunter’s society. Members of can be quite small, sometimes only one or two members.
this kiva society are instrumental in finding wild food for
their community. Wild food is the primary source of meat,
Medicine Society
and is quite important. This society is stronger in fringe This society administers both physical and spiritual
communities where hunting is more important, and its healing for both men and women, even though only men can
influence fades in central, safe communities where farming join its ranks. Medicine Society members are not allowed to
is the more prevalent mode of food gathering. The Arrow be present at childbirth, however. That medicine is handled
Society has a traditional rivalry with the Corn Maiden by the Moon Society. The two societies are rivals, and the
Society, and many say that the Arrow Society is fated to lose women’s magic performed by the Moon Society is mistrusted
this conflict as more areas become civilized. by Medicine Society members. The Medicine Society is a
prestigious one, but has little political influence. Medicine
Bronze Society Society members are also known as witch-hunters, since
The Bronze Society is heir to the secrets of metalworking. their secrets can help absolve people of Outside influence
Most tools are made of stone, but the Bronze Society and bad magic.
members create strong metal implements imbued with
magic. The Bronze Society is more socially powerful than
Talking Society
might be suspected, because it is one of the richest societies. The Talking Society knows the magic that allows the
The bronze tools they create are a valued trade item. The People to communicate with the ancestors for advice and
society is quite exclusive, and many more young men supernatural aid. This society is revered, and its members
petition than are allowed to join. It is common for men to be are all considered holy. They take only those who have a gift
members of another society before they attempt to join the for the magic, and their numbers are small. Because they
Bronze Society. speak with the authority of the ancestors, however, members
of this society are very influential. They are few and far
Dog Society between, for the Talking Society only accepts members who
The Dog Society organizes communities against are already touched by spirits. The Talking Society is a rival
external threats and problems. They provide fighting power of the Dream Society.
in times of crisis or attack. The Dog Society will go to war
against all “outside” threats: travelers, monsters, Outsiders, Women’s Kiva Societies
and sometimes other villages. The outside chief of every
community is almost always a member of this society. This The following are kiva societies open to membership by
society is not difficult to join, but moving up requires acts of women:
valor or foolhardiness. Every community has a Dog Society
kiva. Bone Society
The Bone Society is the society of witches, teaching
Ghost Society women’s magic. These dangerous techniques can be used for
The Ghost Society is a society of sorcerers, teaching good purposes, but can also easily be turned to harm. The
men’s magic that can be used for good or ill. The Ghost Bone Society is kept secret and members do not reveal their
Society meets in secret, and its members do not reveal their allegiance. These witches cause much fear and animosity, but
affiliation. Because of the kind of magic they practice, they are still sought out by those who wish to use their powers.
are feared and hated despite the fact that when desperate, If the magic is used to harm, the witch will corrupt herself.
people seek out their services regardless of their reputation. Witches, if discovered, are typically driven out of their
Their magic can be used for harm, and when it is, corruption village. Bone Society kivas usually have only a handful of
begins to infect the sorcerer. If a person is publicly revealed members.
to be a Ghost Society member, he will typically be driven

11
Corn Maiden Society their home communities. The society is consulted whenever
information about outside areas is needed, however.
The Corn Maiden Society teaches the secrets of crop
husbandry and farming techniques. This society is found Moon Society
in all communities, and readily accepts new members. The
Corn Maiden Society is essential to the survival of any The Moon Society teaches women’s mysteries and magic.
community, because without their magic, crops cannot be Society members have a lot of social input in women’s lives
grown. It is a mark of prestige to be part of the Corn Maiden in a community, and Moon Society members are often
Society, and the elders of this society often have more power consulted about feminine matters. Women’s magic is viewed
in a community than the chiefs. Each kiva has a woman with a great deal of fear and mistrust by men. Membership
who is the local handmaiden, a proxy of the Corn Maiden. in the Moon Society can intimidate some men, and some try
She can never own property and must remain a virgin. She to prevent their family members from joining this society.
is required to perform blessings on the fields in order to Tradition dictates that the Moon Society and the Medicine
preserve their fecundity. There is a traditional, if low-key, Society are at odds, since both concentrate on healing and
rivalry with the Arrow Society. spiritual matters. On the rare occasions the two societies
collaborate, extremely potent magic can be formed. Usually,
Dream Society they feud.
The Dream Society is a society of seers and diviners,
they learn magic that can tell the future. They partake of Spirits and Sorcerers
special medicines that bring on the visions, and they can be
a valuable asset to any community. Despite this, they are The People also recognize certain malevolent spirits,
considered frightening and possibly dangerous. The drugs including some harmful gods. Also, some individuals can
take a physical and mental toll that adds up over the years, learn to do magic, which is outside the bounds of what
with the highest ranking members quite frail and often people should do and is innately corrupting. Such sorcerers
completely mad. These high ranking members also deliver can do good things for people, but they also will lay curses
to most potent and useful prophecies. The Dream Society is and other harmful magic, which is one of the most terrible
a rival of the Talking Society. crimes a person can commit.

Dust Society Ghosts

The Dust Society is responsible for the preparation and When a person dies, the corrupted portion of that
burial of the dead, a dangerous and potentially corrupting person cannot travel to the afterlife. Instead, these evil parts
activity. Dust Society members conceal their appearance of a person linger after his death, becoming a malevolent
by wearing white masks or by painting their faces. If it is ghost. Although they have no body, ghosts can bring harm
discovered that a person is a member, they could possibly much like a sorcerer. Their very presence corrupts, and a
be ostracized by their neighbors, thus requiring anonymity. powerful cleansing ritual is needed to drive them off. Since
Contact with the dead is considered ill-omened, and they have no body, they cannot be slain with weapons, or
thought to invite the attention of malevolent ghosts. Of even perceived, usually. A person can sense a ghost by its
course, funerary rites are essential in any community, so powerful evil, but this is typically manifested as an uneasy
Dust Society members are necessary, even if they are not feeling or unexplained terror when a ghost is present. Ghosts
loved. can attack people and make them sick, and this corruption
can be detected by holy people and driven off by the proper
Long Walking Society ceremonies.

Members of the Long Walking Society travel into the Harmful Spirits
wilds to explore and discover new things. The Long Walking
Society is dedicated to exploration, and its members know Besides ghosts, there are many other harmful spirits.
many tricks to effectively travel in dangerous areas. They These are spirits of vices that can afflict people, or spirits
are constantly going deep into monster lands, and they of disease that cause them to become ill. The spirits of vices
have also compiled maps of the lands of the People. Some like greed, lust, or rage can attack a person and change the
members of this clan have even been to the peaks of the way they act. A skilled healer can detect these spirits within
Spirit Mountains, it is said. The Long Walking Society has a person and drive them out with the proper ceremony. Like
very little influence, for its members are often absent from

12
ghosts, these spirits have no body and cannot be affected by At that moment, a woman emerged from the scrub. “I will
physical weapons. take you, man, if you are bold enough. I am a wild woman, and
The most terrible of such spirits is the cannibal spirit, I live my own way.”
which causes a person to be afflicted with a great hunger The man looked at her. She was very beautiful, but her hair
that can only be satiated with the flesh of his own kind. was wild and tangled, and she wore raw wolf-skins rather than
These spirits are terrible and dangerous, but luckily rare. It proper clothes. She looked like an Outsider to his eyes. The man
is said that such spirits once destroyed an entire clan. was so desperate for a wife that he took her offer anyway.
Spirits of disease are more common, but these spirits He took her back to the village. The wild woman had no
cannot attack a healthy person. If a person has become family, so there was no house for them to move into. They had to
corrupt, then the spirit has an opportunity to attack. This is live in an empty house at the edge of the village. The wild woman
why people who are morally lax can become sick. A person’s did not like the village, and flinched whenever neighbors spoke to
corruption can also affect his loved ones, as spirits of disease her. She would only answer with brief words, and spent most of
use his emotional connection to these people to afflict them her time staring out into the desert.
as well. The wild woman had no people, and had no land to cultivate.
Sorcerers can command harmful spirits and cause them The man’s mother gave the wild woman a part of her lands, so
to attack even blameless people. This is how good people that her son would not starve, but the wild woman would not
get sick. work the fields.
When the man confronted her about this, she replied, “I am
Sorcerers no prairie dog, to dig in the ground. When my people want food,
A sorcerer or witch is a person who uses harmful spirits we seek it out and take what we like.”
to create magic. This practice is very dangerous because The man grew angry at he words, and shouted at her. She
such spirits have a powerful corrupting influence on anyone merely gazed out toward the desert and ignored him. He beat her
who comes in contact with them. Sorcerers can use these with his fist. After he struck her, she said to him, “I told you, I
spirits to good effect, and can cast good magic. Even good am a wild woman, and I live my own way. Strike me again and
magic cast by a sorcerer uses corrupt spirits, however, and see what happens.”
all good people avoid such things. Sorcerers can also cause Since his wife would not till the fields, the man went hunting,
harm with these spirits, which is far easier than doing good but he had little luck and returned with two small quail. When
through them. he brought them into the house, the woman clucked her tongue
A sorcerer will rarely admit his profession, because any in disgust at him. “This is what you bring me?” she said. She left
calamity that befalls a village will be laid at the sorcerer’s the house and went into the wilderness. She returned with a large
door. If people get ill, or their crops and animals die, a village buck.
will often kill or exile a sorcerer if they think he is to blame. “This is what my people bring back when they hunt,” she told
On the other hand, many times people will decide that a him. The man was ashamed and enraged, and again he struck
sorcerer’s magic is the best way to accomplish something her. She said, “I told you, I am a wild woman, and I live my own
and seek out the sorcerer. Often, the goal in this situation is way. Strike me again and see what happens.”
a crime, and the person wants the sorcerer to perform some
magic that will not be traced back to the person asking for it. Since his wife did the hunting, the man became idle, and
This is a way to get revenge on enemies, eliminate rivals, or gambled with other idle men by the ceremonial square. He spent
fulfill other dark desires. It is far more common than anyone so much time there that other men began to live by his example
will admit. and provided poorly for their households. The Inside Chief could
no longer ignore this, and came to speak to the man. When the
chief learned what was making him idle, she spoke to his wife
to tell her that she must allow her husband to hunt while the
Listen. This is a tale of our People. wife worked the fields. The wild woman ignored the chief, simply
staring out into the desert. Angered again, the man seized her
Once, a man wished to marry a Wolf Clan woman, but and threw her to the ground where the chief was sitting.
he was weak and a poor hunter and none would have him.
Heartbroken, he went into the wilderness, and wept and tore Looking up at him, the woman said, “I told you, I am a wild
his clothes. woman, and I live my own way. Strike me once more and see
what happens.”
He cried, “Why will no Wolf woman have me?”
Unable to bear the shame of being spoken to in this way in

13
front of the Inside Chief, the man snatched up a piece of wood person walking along, sometimes she will murder them to
from the fireplace and struck his wife in the face. She fell back, eat, and sometimes she will take them back to her home. If it
bloodied. “You are a poor husband,” she said, “And you have is a handsome young man, she will keep him for a husband.
struck me for the last time.” None of her husbands last very long.
In a wink of an eye, the woman turned into a great grey
wolf, and the wolf chased the man from the house and out into He-Eats-Them
the desert. The Inside Chief ran into the village and got some This is the worst monster of the eastern lands. He-
hunters, who followed the man out into the desert. They tracked Eats-Them is a huge and powerful ogre, capable of seizing
the man and wolf for a long way, but all they found was a bloody a person in one hand and dashing his victim’s head against
sandal. No one ever saw the man again. a stone. He likes to eat the viscera rather than the meat and
bones, and has long black claws with which to pick out his
victims’ internal organs. His teeth are sharp and yellow, and
his breath is an offal pit. He is fast and dangerous despite his
immense size, and can hide in the narrow sandstone canyons
Monsters and Outsiders surprisingly well.
The lands are still full of terrible creatures and deadly The Hunger People
tribes of monstrous people called Outsiders. Most of these
beings are unrelentingly hostile to the People, and contact These are the first Outsiders encountered by the People
with them is almost universally violent. Some members of as soon as they emerged from the underworld. They
the Long Walking Society are said to be able to communicate superficially resemble people, having hands and standing
with some monsters, and even move about in their lands upright, but they wear no clothes, and their hands and feet
unharmed, but this ability is viewed with fear and horror bear sharp, curved claws. Their skin is pallid and colored
rather than respect in most communities. like grey clay. They have bushy black hair on their ankles,
wrists, underarms, and genitals. Their heads are bald but
The Blood People their faces horrifying, with a round, open mouth filled with
a ring of needle-sharp teeth. Their ears are long and beast-
These Outsiders are among the most insidious creatures
like. They are always hungry for meat, and will attack and
in existence. They are actually the remaining members of a
kill any person they can find for food, but they are cowardly
clan of the People called the Blood clan. It is widely assumed
and will flee before any determined resistance.
that the Blood clansmen were all slain, and their line lost. In
fact, the clan members were possessed by cannibal spirits, Merciless Man
and returned to the lands of the People in secret. They live
among other clans in the cities, pretending to be normal This powerful monster is a moving stone dwelling in a
individuals but killing and eating people when they can do canyon. He can crush any person that he encounters with
so without risk of discovery. his unyielding body. He seeks a wife, and without a doubt,
his lovemaking would grind her to pulp. Thus, his attentions
Chief-Who-Dances are most unwelcome and his canyon is shunned. If a woman
has the misfortune of encountering him by accident, he will
This terrible king of monsters lives in the north, and is
demand that she marry him. If he encounters a man, he will
sometimes called North-Wind-Chief or Winter-Chief. His
only release him by extracting a promise that the man will
subjects are pale and cold vulture-like fiends, the Winter
find him a wife.
People, who fly through the air, snatching people up and
taking them to the lands of the Chief-Who-Dances. No one The Night People
knows what happens to those taken away. It is said that they
are devoured, but perhaps some more horrible fate awaits These horrifying Outsiders dwell below ground and only
them. emerge during the night, and even then they shun moonlit
nights. They have no eyes, but rely instead on some other
Grizzly Bear Woman sense to hunt, using low hoots to communicate. Their skin
is pallid, and they have shaggy white hair on their heads,
They say this woman was once one of the People. How
and they almost look like a person. Their limbs are long and
she became Grizzly Bear Woman is a tale of its own. She
have too many joints, with long claws on their fingers and
lives in a house in the badlands, and is she comes across a
toes. They can weave webs like spiders, and steal away their

14
prey live to eat later in their honeycombed lairs below the
ground.

Outsiders
There are tribes living around the lands of the People who
look very much like people, but they are actually monsters.
They have strange customs and do not follow the right ways
of living. They do not build houses, but move place to place
and live in tents. They do not cultivate corn, but subsist
on what they can hunt or scrounge. They often come into
villages to beg for food, or raid them to steal whatever they
can carry. Some people have occasionally married one of
these Outsiders, but it always ends badly.

The Water Serpent

This monster dwells in a sweet water well near a mesa.
The mesa looks like a fine place to build a city, and some
ruins attest that this was attempted at some time in the past.
The Water Serpent’s well is the only source of water within
miles, and the Serpent will emerge once a year to seize a
child and take him or her into the well to be his servant.
After a year, the Serpent will devour the stolen child and
seek a new one.

15
 told him about Red Mesa, he wanted to see what was there and
why the hunters didn’t return, so he headed out east. It was a
long climb up Red Mesa, but when he got near the top he saw
many big-horned sheep. There were so many he knew it would be
good to hunt here. He also knew there must be something wrong
because Red Mesa was close to the village. With all the good
hunting, men from the village would have killed a lot of these
sheep if they could.
He-Walks-Where-He-Wants followed a sheep trail around
the mesa, and it passed a big rock next to the mesa’s edge. Only
a narrow path was left between the rock and the cliff, which
dropped a hundred feet to the rocks below. As He-Walks-Where-
He-Wants came around the rock, he saw a strange person lying
there on the path. He looked like an old man, and he was leaning
up against the big rock with his legs across the path.
“Hey, Grandfather,” He-Walks-Where-He-Wants said.
“Hey, Grandson,” the old man replied.
“I want to follow this path,” He-Walks-Where-He-Wants
said.
“Let me move my legs for you, Grandson,” this person
replied.
The old man was not actually a person. He was really a
monster called He-Kicks-Them-Off-a-Cliff, and he waited in
Pools this spot for a person to walk by and then kicked him with his
legs and knocked him down to the rocks below, where his family
Players will have pools of resources they can use during would devour the victim.
the game. These represent different things within the game He-Walks-Where-He-Wants did not know about this
world. How you build these pools is described later, but what monster, but he was mistrustful of the old man. When the old
they represent within the game is detailed in this chapter. man pulled back his legs, He-Walks-Where-He-Wants made as
if to go past but stopped just before he got in front of the old man’s
legs. The old man kicked out, but he missed He-Walks-Where-
He-Wants.
Listen. This is a tale of our People.
“What are you doing,” He-Walks-Where-He-Wants asked.
Once, there was a man of the Wolf Clan named He-Walks-
“Nothing, Grandson. Have no fear,” the old man said, and
Where-He-Wants. He was a wanderer, and known for going
pulled his legs back as if to let He-Walks-Where-He-Wants go
wherever he liked without a care for danger. His mother and
past.
father were dead, and he lived with his grandmother for he was
not married. He-Walks-Where-He-Wants made as if to go past again,
and again he stopped short. The old man kicked out again, but
His grandmother worried about him because she knew he had
again his plan was foiled.
no caution. One day when he took up his sandals, she stopped
him at the door. “So, you are the reason no hunters return from Red Mesa,”
He-Walks-Where-He-Wants said. “When they come down this
“Where are you going?” his grandmother said.
path, you kick them over the edge.”
“I don’t know. Just rambling around,” he replied.
“Don’t be foolish, Grandson,” the old man said. “I shall turn
“If you go east, stay away from Red Mesa,” his grandmother my back and then you can pass in safety if you are worried.”
replied. “Many hunters who go there don’t come back.”
The old man drew up his legs and turned his back to He-
He-Walks-Where-He-Wants didn’t answer her, he just left Walks-Where-He-Wants. This time, He-Walks-Where-He-
and went into the wilderness. He-Walks-Where-He-Wants Wants took a large stone and dropped it in front of the old man’s
was not a bad man, he was just curious. Since is grandmother legs just as he was about to walk past. Again, the old man kicked

16
out, and the stone fell over the cliff. He-Walks-Where-He-Wants Skill
looked over the edge and saw it smash on the rocks below. He saw
many shapes as well, as He-Kicks-Them-Off-a-Cliff’s wife and This pool comes from the North and is represented by
children came out to feast but found only a broken stone. the color white. This is the pool of dispassionate dedication
“Aha!” cried He-Walks-Where-He-Wants, and he stepped to craft, careful planning, aptitude, age, and experience.
forward on the path. He-Kicks-Them-Off-a-Cliff lashed his feet
Masculine Skill Characteristics
out, but He-Walks-Where-He-Wants leapt over the old man’s
legs. He then seized the old man around the neck and killed him • Strength at Arms: A skilled man is a good fighter,
with his knife. Then he threw He-Kicks-Them-Off-a-Cliff’s body and can defend his people and his village. To be a man
over the edge, and it crashed into the stones below. He-Kicks- is to be able to kill.
Them-Off-a-Cliff ’s family came out again, but when they saw • Fitness: A skilled man does not lack in physical
who it was they began to weep and wail. ability. To be a man is to run far, lift heavy loads, and
He-Walks-Where-He-Wants went down to where the old perform hard labor easily.
man’s family lived and saw them crying around the body. • Artistry: A skilled man makes beautiful things. To
“Did you kill him?” the old man’s wife and children cried be a man is to take pride in your work and to craft it
out. in a way that is inspiring to behold.
“Yes,” replied He-Walks-Where-He-Wants. “Because the • Observation: A skilled man watches carefully. To
way you live is evil. If you need food you must grow it or hunt be a man is to observe everything closely before you
it like regular people. To kill people and eat them is not a right act, and to see what is there.
way to live.”
He-Walks-Where-He-Wants took He-Kicks-Them-Off-a- Feminine Skill Characteristics
Cliff’s family back to his village and showed them how to build • Household: A skilled woman can provide food and
a house and cultivate fields. They left off their wicked ways and shelter for her family. To be a woman is to grow food
became regular people. and build a home.
Then He-Walks-Where-He-Wants went back to his home, • Motherhood: A skilled woman can bear many
and his grandmother asked where he had gone. When he told children for her family. To be a woman is to raise
her his story, she wept for joy that he was safe and had destroyed many boys and girls to adulthood.
the terrible monster.
• Tirelessness: A skilled woman can work many
hours without complaint. To be a woman is to till
the fields, prepare food and clothing, and maintain a
household all while showing no sign of discomfort.
Hero Pools • Care: A skilled woman works methodically. To be
a woman is to do your work carefully and to avoid
Each hero character has four pools from which they mistakes.
can draw dice in conflicts. A character’s strength in each of
these pools indicates what virtues are most powerful in the
character, as well as the flaws the character is most subject
Strength
to. Choosing which pool to emphasize says a lot about the This pool comes from the East and is represented by the
character’s methods of interacting with the world. color yellow. This is the pool of the self, and the drive for
Each pool has several principles that are associated with dominance and power over others.
it. These are the ways all People are expected to act. These
principles are sometimes contradictory, and their effects Masculine Strength Characteristics
are not always good. These principles are neither wrong
• Bravery: A strong man does not back down from
nor right, and they are not meant to be taken as a blanket
a physical challenge. To be a man is to face danger
requirement for characters. They are merely the stereotypes
without showing any sign of fear.
associated with each gender by the People.
• Ruthlessness: A strong man shows no mercy to
his enemies. To be a man is to force conflict to the
end, without pity.

17
 • Stoicism: A strong man is silent even when he • Joy: A spirited woman is delighted by the world. To
suffers extreme pain. To be a man is to show no sign be a woman is to sing with happiness as the day goes
of distress when injured or tortured. on.
• Esteem: A strong man commands respect. To be a
man is to walk proudly and display your strength as Faith
an example to others.
This pool comes from the West and is represented
Feminine Strength Characteristics by the color black. It represents your spiritual power and
connection to the unseen world, and your ties to family,
• Pride: A strong woman carries her head high. To be
ancestors, and community tradition.
a woman is to walk boldly wherever you wish to go,
secure in your own power.
Masculine Faith Characteristics
• Wisdom: A strong woman uses her head. To be a
woman is to be wise and intelligent in your actions. • Loyalty: A faithful man never betrays his family
and village. To be a man is to give those within the
• Outspokenness: A strong woman speaks her
community unquestioning allegiance and respect.
mind. To be a woman is to give voice to the truth,
even if that truth is painful. • Camaraderie: A faithful man bonds tightly with
his brothers-in-arms, his friends and kiva brothers.
• Expertise: A strong woman knows her craft. To be
To be a man is to hold these ties deeper than any
a woman is to do your best at whatever you put your
other.
mind to.
• Tradition: A faithful man adheres to the traditions
of his kiva and his village. To be a man is to not
Spirit tolerate deviation from these customs.
This pool comes from the South and is represented by • Respect: A faithful man holds those higher than
the color red. It represents youth, love, hate, lust, anger, fear, him in high regard. To be a man is show respect
and all of the other things that run hot. where it is due, to the elders of your kiva and your
village.
Masculine Spirit Characteristics
Feminine Faith Characteristics
• Anger: A spirited man is quick to become enraged.
To be a man is to take offense at insults and to show • Kinship: A faithful woman holds close her
your displeasure. immediate family, her parents and her children. To be
a woman is to know that these are the most valuable
• Passion: A spirited man openly shows his emotions.
people in the world.
To be a man is to weep in grief, cry out in rage, and
act boldly in love. • Tradition: A faithful woman adheres to the
traditions of her kiva and her village. To be a woman
• Tenderness: A spirited man is tender with his love.
is to not tolerate deviation from these customs.
To be a man is hold your woman tenderly and lend
her your strength. • Secrecy: A faithful woman keeps secrets to herself.
To be a woman is to know many things, but never to
• Envy: A spirited man must be the best. To be a man
reveal them improperly.
is to try to bring down those who exceed you.
• Fidelity: A faithful woman does not stray from her
Feminine Spirit Characteristics man. To be a woman is to love one man without a
wandering eye.
• Love: A spirited woman burns with love. To be a
woman is to fall for a man completely.
Threat Pool
• Revenge: A spirited woman seeks vengeance when
she is wronged. To be a woman is to nurse a grudge The Inside and Outside Players each have a pool as well,
and to wreak revenge when the time is right. different from those of the hero characters. This is the threat
• Jealousy: A spirited woman protects what is hers. pool. Each of these players uses the threat pool when taking
To be a woman is to guard your possessions closely. actions for supporting characters or inhuman forces.

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 Inside represents everything internal to the community. • 3 points Killing a person.
The Inside influence is the force of tradition and social • 3 points Refusing to honor a promise made to kin.
control that the village can exert over heroes. • 4 points Performing or commissioning harmful magic on
Outside represents everything external to the community. another person.
The Outside influence is the force of chaos and disorder, and • 5 points Killing kin.
other people or monsters that wish to control or consume
what belongs to the village. Spending Corruption
The Outside Player may spend Corruption points to
Corruption harm the hero character. This represents how the hero
character begins to suffer as he grows ever more estranged
There is one last pool possessed by a hero: corruption. from the community of the People.
This pool represents how far the hero has strayed outside
the bounds prescribed by society. Crimes cause a hero to Cost Consequence
accumulate corruption, and this spiritual stain will begin • 1 point Add a new failing to the hero character’s sheet.
to taint him and all those close to him. Corruption causes
• 2 points The hero character’s artifact breaks when next
illness, disaster, and sometimes transformation. used.
When a hero character commits a crime, he gains • 2 points Turn a friend or lover’s heart against the hero
Corruption. The Inside Player must agree that what the character (a positive connection becomes negative).
character has done is a crime, and she assigns the Corruption
to the hero character’s pool. These may only be done to a hero character who has already
suffered at least one consequence from the list above.
Gain Act

• 1 point A lie that harms another person in any way. Lying • 3 points The hero character is haunted. His animals
to monsters and Outsiders is OK. get sick, his crops fail, his family grows ill, and
eventually the character himself grows ill.
• 1 point Crafting an object without obeying the proper
rituals. Any time a character makes an item that is • 3 points One of the hero character’s loved ones becomes a
a kiva secret from a society of which he his not a failing, constantly causing problems for the hero
member he earns this point. Additionally, making with bad actions.
an item without belonging to the proper rank in
the kiva is also a corrupting act. These may only be done to a hero character who has already
suffered at least one consequence from the second list.
• 1 point Performing a task properly belonging to another
gender. • 4 points The hero character becomes seriously ill. He
• 1 point Touching menstrual blood (if you are a man). cannot call on traits until cured.
• 1 point Refusing aid to kin. • 5 points A close loved one becomes seriously ill. Unless
• 1 point Killing an animal (other than vermin). Monsters cured through a conflict, the loved one dies.
and Outsiders count as animals.
These must be done in order, and after the hero character
• 1 point Showing disrespect to an elder or kin.
has suffered at least one consequence from the third list.
• 1 point Treating with monsters.
• 2 points Refusing to honor a promise. • 5 points Monsters seek out the hero character, but as allies
not enemies.
• 2 points Stealing.
• 10 points The hero character transforms into an Outsider.
• 2 points Assault resulting in permanent harm.
This character is no longer a hero, but is instead an
• 2 points Rape. Outsider under the control of the Outside Player.
• 2 points Incest with a relation closer than your cousin.
• 2 points Physical homosexual activity (even kissing).
• 2 points Adultery.
• 2 points Sex with monsters, Outsiders, or animals.
• 2 points Breaking a rule of your kiva society.
• 2 points Having any contact with a dead person.

19
 lands? Is it perched on a mesa in the badlands, surrounded
by hostile territory? Once you have settled on the village’s
surroundings, decide what the village is called. Villages are
generally named after nearby geographic features, such as
Sweet Spring Village, Chimney Rock Village, or Yellow
Mesa Village.

Step 2: Choose Clan

The next step is determining which clan each hero
character comes from. Each Hero Player starts by deciding
what clan her hero character was born into, and what clan
her father came from. Clans have an effect on the character’s
personality to a greater or lesser extent depending on player
choice. All of the clans definitely have a reputation, and
other characters will judge yours based on clan, whether this
is merited or not.
Characters automatically get one trait based on one
of their birth clan’s strengths (their mother’s clan). This is
chosen now and noted on the character sheet. A second trait
can be gained from the birth clan’s other strength, but if you
choose this trait, a failing must be taken based on the clan’s
weakness as well. Next, choose your character’s father’s clan.
Normally, characters gain no benefit from their father’s clan.
creating a A character can get one trait from the father’s clan, but must
also take the failing for that clan’s weakness to do so.
character In summary, each character gets:
• 1 Birth Clan Trait
Making the characters for How We Came to Live Here is
a group activity. All of the players will build the village and the • and/or 1 Birth Clan Trait + Birth Clan Failing
hero characters together, and interweave the relationships the • and/or 1 Father’s Clan Trait + Father’s Clan Failing.
hero characters have with one another. It is pretty important Coordinate with the other players during this step.
for everyone who plans to play to be present together for Having characters that are siblings, cousins, and other blood
this process, although it is possible to bring new characters relations adds a lot of depth to How We Came to Live Here,
in for subsequent sessions. The relationships between hero and has a lot of potential for dramatic moments in the game.
characters and between members of the community are the If two characters have either a mother or father from the
main focus of this game, and if someone isn’t present at the same clan, they are cousins, and if they have parents with
beginning, it will be hard to integrate them later, and they matching clans, they are siblings. Characters marked with a
will have less influence over the flavor of the game and may kinship bond in the Village Web must have at least one clan
feel left out. in common.
The hero characters will be young members of the village,
just starting on their journeys. These heroes will have earned
Step 3: Choose Gender
a name for themselves, and will have initiated in their first
kiva society, but will have otherwise done little of note. This is an important step in creating a hero character. Men
and women in How We Came to Live Here have distinctly
Step 1: Define Your Village different roles in the People’s society. What your character
will be allowed to do during play will be determined by your
This first step is done by all of the players together. The chosen gender to a large extent. Men and women have strict
group as a whole needs to decide the characteristics of the and separate roles among the People. Also, kiva societies are
village in which the game takes place. Where is the village restricted to members on one gender, and this choice will
located? Is it in the fertile valleys deep within the People’s

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determine which societies will be open to your character in with 4 having the most influence on him, and 1 the least.
the game. You will end up with one direction ranked 1, one ranked 2,
It doesn’t matter what gender you are, you may choose one ranked 3, and the last ranked 4.
either a male or a female character. Sometimes it is interesting
to explore a character of the opposite gender. Step 6: Choose Name
Note that the actual physical sexual characteristics of
the character are secondary. The chosen gender is how the The People earn their names through their deeds. These
character will live, and on rare occasions a male character earned names are powerful, and act as traits that your
may choose to live as a woman, or vice versa. This is not a character can call on in conflict. At this step, you will choose
choice that is made lightly, nor can it be changed once the the first name that your character earned, the one that made
character goes down this particular path. her a woman or made him a man.
The name your character earned is a descriptive one.
It tells a story about the deed your character performed to
Step 4: Set Personal Traits
become an adult. Names among the people take the form
Next, choose the personal traits your character has. Each of a short sentence, such as She-Brings-in-the-Crops, He-
character begins with two personal traits and one personal Fools-the-Wolf, She-Laughs-at-Suitors, or He-Kills-Them-
failing. These are the way you customize your character, and All. This name is a trait, and it helps define your character.
have these traits can be unique to your character. The best Choose one that describes the first impression you want
way to choose these traits is to create a short sentence that your character to convey.
describes your character. The sentence states two positive Before your character has earned a name of his own, he
traits he is known for, and one failing that is also known. has a childhood name that was given to him by his parents.
For example, a player describes his character as a swift These are descriptive, affectionate, and often demeaning.
runner who has a charming manner, especially with the Names like He-Is-Full-of-Trouble, She-Never-Stops-
ladies, but doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut. Talking, and His-Ears-Are-Like-Handles are typical of
The two traits from this are “swift runner” and “charming childhood names. Characters will go by these childhood
manner,” and the failing is “doesn’t know when to keep his names until they can earn their own. Once someone has
mouth shut.” earned a name, calling them by their childhood name is
incredibly insulting. You may also choose a childhood
Other examples:
name for your character which everyone in the village will
• He is a muscular and handsome man and he fights still remember, even if they don’t use it. This step is not
like a wild beast, but he’s too quick to take offense. required.
• She has a charming way with words and refuses to
be intimidated by any man, but she knows she is the Step 7: Choose First Kiva Society
most beautiful girl in the village.
• He’s a peacemaker and always quick with a joke, but Normally, characters must spend resources and meet
he always thinks there is an easier way. specific requirements to join a kiva society. As a starting
• She is fierce when defending a friend, and powerful character, your character has just joined her first kiva society.
in her silence, but she is often overlooked because of Joining a kiva society is what marks a person’s passage to
her quiet way. adulthood among the People. Each character starts play as an
initiate in one kiva society, with access to all the benefits that
the affiliation grants. Further initiation and advancement
Step 5: Assign Pools follows the regular rules.
There are four directions on the character sheet, and
each of these is associated with a pool. The pools are Skill, Step 8: Build Your Village Web
Strength, Spirit, and Faith. Each will have a numerical value.
When a conflict is initiated, you will call upon one of these The next step to take before play is creating the Village
pools. Web. This is a map of the relationships between various
people in the village.
Each of these will have a numerical value for your
character ranging from 1 to 4. They should be ranked
according to how important each pool is to your character,

21
Step 8a: List of Names or resentment. Continue filling the slots in order. Again,
once all Hero Players have had a turn, this step is complete.
To begin, two sheets of paper should be placed in the
middle of the table. Each player takes a turn and adds Finally, each Hero Player chooses which outside
one character to the village on the first sheet of paper: the influence particularly threatens her character. Describe what
character list. These characters are the prominent members the relationship here is like. Does the hero feel tempted
of the community. They can range from village elders to by something, or want something this outside influence
creepy sorcerers on the outskirts of the village. Each player can provide? Is it the other way round: Does the outside
gets to name and describe two characters in the village. A influence want something from the hero? Each chosen
brief description is all that is required at this point, just a outside influence gets a slot on the village web sheet as well,
quick sentence that evokes the character. counting up as usual. Once the Hero Players have each had
a turn, this step is complete.
After people in the village have been named, flip the
paper over. Each player, in turn, names an outside influence It is OK to choose the same character or outside influence
or monster that is threatening the village. These can be as another player at any of these steps. The connections can
natural forces (floods, earthquakes, etc.), other villages, or also be made between hero characters. During these turns,
monsters and Outsiders. Everyone gets to write down one Hero Players are free to create and name new characters in
of these, and again, a few brief words to describe it should the village web if no character on the character list fits what
be sufficient. they would like to do. New characters can be of any rank or
position in the village, and must be added to the character
Example characters and outside threats: list. Only supporting characters with relationships to the
• She-Is-Pregnant-Again; the village’s Inside Chief hero characters may be created at this stage.
and a legendarily prolific mother. When complete, you should have a map of the
• Her-Eyes-Shine-Like-Stars; the most eligible maiden relationships between many members of the community,
in the village. with the hero characters tied closely to all of these people.
• He-Talks-to-Owls; a sorcerer living in a cave near the It is essential to create an interlocking web of relationships
village. that ties all of the hero characters together. When the web
is finished, there should be no sections that exist off on
• He-Strikes-Fast; the village’s most powerful warrior.
their own without some sort of connection to the other
• The Corner-of-Your-Eye People; a tribe of invisible characters in the web. There will be complex interweaving
monsters you can only glimpse from the corner of of relationships, often with good and bad relationships
your eye. crossing and interacting with one another. This is good.
• Famine; lack of rain and a corn blight have ruined the
village’s food supply.
Step 9: Assign Ambitions
Step 8b: Connecting the Web Once you have built the village web, you will choose
Once these things have been added to the sheet, move your character’s ambitions. All characters will have four
to the other paper. This is actual Village Web. As names are ambitions. These ambitions drive your character’s actions in
added to the Village Web, begin with slot one on the sheet the game, so choose ones you are interested in having the
and count up. character pursue.
First, each Hero Player writes the name of his hero Ambitions should be chosen carefully. They should be
character on the sheet. The first Hero Player puts his goals that your character can achieve, but not goals that will
character name in slot one, the second in slot two, etc. be easily accomplished. Ambitions are medium- to long-
term goals, not impossible goals.
Second, in turn, each Hero Player creates a positive bond
between his hero character and one of the other characters • Renown: Write what act of heroism your character
named in the previous step. This can be a bond of kinship, would like to achieve: To craft a bronze work of the
friendship, a mentoring relationship, or love. Again, add greatest beauty; to count coup on 10 enemies in
each character’s name in the next available slot, counting up. battle; to be solve a mystery that baffles the elders of
After all Hero Players have had a turn this step is complete. the village; to bring in the most crops at the end of
the growing season; etc.
Third, each Hero Player creates a second, negative
connection for her character, a relationship of rivalry, hate, • Aid: Write what act you would like to help someone
else in the community achieve (whether they like it

22
 or not): To get my sister and my best friend to wed;
to get my friend to join my kiva; to get my enemy
to leave the village forever; to get my father to
acknowledge my brother’s skills; etc.
• Community: Write what deed your character
would like to perform to strengthen the village: To
wed and tie the Wolf and Porcupine clans together;
to bear the most children of all of my siblings; to
force the Hot Spring Village to let people from our
village use the springs whenever we wish; to become
the handmaiden of the Corn Society and increase
the fertility of the village fields; etc.
• Crime: Write what crime your character secretly
wishes to commit: To kill my father; never to marry;
to love someone of my own gender; to learn the
secrets of the Bronze Society without initiating; etc.
When ambitions are assigned, announce them to the
whole group. How We Came to Live Here is not a game
about secrets. The play will be much more enjoyable if
everything is on the table.

23
 ◊ Black Stone Clan
• Trait: Black Stone People are no strangers to hardship.
• Trait: Black Stone People are strong as the stones.
• Failing: Black Stone People have no need of friends.

◊ Bighorn Clan
• Trait: Bighorn People are great hunters/herders
(depending on gender).
• Trait: Bighorn People forage like wild sheep in the
wilderness.
• Failing: Bighorn People do not fear dangerous places.

◊ Knife Clan
• Trait: Knife People are the greatest hunters among the
People.
• Trait: Knife People do not shrink from a fight.
• Failing: Knife People are violent and unpredictable.

Clans and ◊ Porcupine Clan

• Trait: Porcupine People are the holiest of the People.
kiva Societies • Trait: Porcupine People are wise in the ways of the
spirits.
The People have two groupings that define a great • Failing: Porcupine People are aloof from day-to-day affairs.
deal about all individuals, their place in the village, and
how others view them: clans and kiva societies. Clans are
bloodlines and the members of a clan are thought to share ◊ Red Earth Clan
certain characteristics in common with the other members
of their clan. The People trace bloodline through the female • Trait: Red Earth People care for those in need.
side, so a person’s maternal clan is much more important, • Trait: Red Earth People can be trusted.
generally, that his paternal clan. Kiva societies are secret • Failing: Red Earth People always try to get in your
groups that individuals join after they reach their majority. business.
A kiva society, unlike a clan, is a personal choice, and
membership also says a great deal about a person. What a
person wishes to do is pretty clearly indicated by which kiva ◊ Sparrow Clan
society she chooses to join. • Trait: Sparrow People fear no height.
• Trait: Sparrow People are quick and agile.
Clans • Failing: Sparrow People look down on the other clans.
When you choose your mother’s clan, you gain one
of the traits of that clan. Each clan has two traits and one
◊ Sweet Water Clan
failing common to the members. You can have both traits
from your mother’s clan if you take the failing as well. Your • Trait: Sweet Water People are wealthy.
father’s clan can also be an influence, and you can choose • Trait: Sweet Water People are strong of will.
one of the traits from that clan if you take the failing as well. • Failing: Sweet Water People let women step outside their
Below are the traits and failings associated with each clan. role.

24
 First Rank: Young Hunter
◊ Wolf Clan
Young hunters are expected to accompany elders on
• Trait: Wolf People value curiosity over fear. hunts and perform duties such as flushing game. They learn
• Trait: Wolf People know how to speak to many people. technique from the older hunters on these missions. They
• Failing: Wolf People cannot resist a journey. also hunt themselves, and try to distinguish themselves in
order to move up. Arrow Society members are rarely in First
Rank for long.
◊ Yellow Earth Clan • Ability: The hunter’s heart. You have learned how
to hunt and kill animals without bringing spiritual
• Trait: Yellow Earth People never abandon a friend.
corruption into yourself. You do not gain any
• Trait: Yellow Earth People are steady and uncomplaining
Corruption points from killing an animal.
workers.
• Trait: The hunter makes no sound.
• Failing: Yellow Earth People are set in their ways.
The First Rank member is required to give a gift to the
local head of the Society in order to advance to Second
Kiva Societies Rank. This gift must demonstrate his hunting skill.
Each rank in a kiva society grants the hero character Second Rank: Hunter
additional traits and abilities.
Hunters undertake hunts themselves and are tasked
To move up in a kiva society requires a conflict with with providing meat for their families first, and then for the
the goal of advancing in the society. Each society lists a village as a whole. Hunters are a vital part of most villages,
requirement someone of a given rank must fulfill to move especially those on the fringes where domesticated animals
up to the next rank. A hero character must get into a conflict are less common.
to achieve this goal. Achieving the goal without a formal
conflict will not allow the character to move up in rank. As a • Trait: The hunter is patient as a stone.
Hero Player, the best way to move your character up is to set • Artifact: Horn bow. This tool is made from horn
a scene where the requirement can be met on your turn. and is superior to bows made of wood. Only Arrow
To join a new kiva society, the hero character must initiate Society members know the secrets of this bow.
in the new society. Like moving up in a society, initiating also The Second Rank member must distinguish himself as
requires a conflict with the goal of joining the society. a skilled hunter by bringing down a powerful predator or
The hero character may only undertake one kiva-society a particularly elusive animal in order to advance to Third
related conflict between recuperation scenes. This means Rank. Many members of the Arrow Society never advance
he may initiate in a new society or move up one rank in a beyond Second Rank.
society in which he is already a member only once until a Third Rank: Master Hunter
recuperation scene has passed.
Master hunters hunt the largest and most dangerous
game, and are sent when some particularly savage or
Men’s Societies dangerous animal needs to be slain.
• Ability: Touch of the hunter. You know the paths
Arrow Society of the animals’ souls, and can free others of the taint
Initiation of death. By performing a sweat lodge ceremony, you
An Arrow Society initiate is ritually prepared, his body can remove Corruption gained from the death of an
painted, and he spends a four-day vigil in the smokehouse. animal from someone who is not a member of the
Then, he is given a bow and four arrows and sent naked into Arrow Society.
the wilderness to hunt and return with a large or dangerous • Trait: The hunter’s arrow strikes true.
animal. There is no time limit, but he may have no assistance The Third Rank member is a highly respected hunter,
on this journey, and anyone who encounters an Arrow but must be acknowledged by the top hunters of the village
Society initiate on his hunt must immediately turn around to be among the best in order to advance to Fourth Rank.
and leave the area. If he returns successful, he is made a First The hunter must bring down some animal that a Fourth
Rank member of the Arrow Society. Rank hunter failed to kill. Only the most skilled hunters
join the Fourth Rank of the Arrow Society.

25
Fourth Rank: Elder Hunter The First Rank member is required to prove his ability
Elder hunters will go on hunts themselves, but many are on the forge to advance and must craft a special object.
too elderly to undertake dangerous tasks. Second Rank: Caster
• Ability: To the hunter, all prey is equal. You can hunt
Casters are craftsman and have learned to make durable
and kill any creature, including monsters, Outsiders,
artifacts of bronze. They do cast their artifacts, rather than
or strangers, without bringing spiritual corruption
crafting more complex metal objects.
onto yourself. You do not gain any Corruption from
killing your prey. • Trait: Strong as bronze.
• Trait: No trace escapes the hunter’s eye. • Artifact: A bronze knife.
• Artifact: Obsidian arrows. Arrowheads made of The Second Rank member must create a unique and
volcanic glass are sharper than any other stone. Only beautiful piece of bronze work in order to advance to Third
the Arrow Society knows the secret of making these Rank, using techniques beyond mere casting of metal. It is
arrowheads. common for a Bronze Society member to fail to advance
beyond Second Rank.

Bronze Society Third Rank: Metalworker

Initiation Metalworkers know how to make the most complex of

items using bronze. They are relied upon to construct any
Bronze Society initiations only take place once a year
bronze item of significance.
and all prospective initiates perform the rituals together. The
Bronze Society initiate must be painted and prepared, then • Ability: bronze-working. You can make almost any
spend four days cleansing himself in the forge-room, sitting item from bronze, including tools. These are valuable
on a mat and eating no food, partaking only of water. The as trade goods and will enrich your household.
fires are constantly stoked. If the initiate moves or passes • Trait: Sure hands make fine crafts.
out he must leave and try again next year. After four days, The Third Rank member is a master craftsman, but
each initiate advances one by one and stokes the fires while a must be acknowledged by the top crafters of the village to
Fourth Rank member heats a bronze knife blade within the be among the best in order to advance to Fourth Rank. Only
fires. The blade is pressed to the initiate’s flesh. He cannot the most skilled crafters join the Fourth Rank of the Bronze
cry out, or the burn will be marked and he will be beaten Society.
out of the forge-house. By means of these brands, Bronze
Society members identify one another. Each kiva places the Fourth Rank: Crafter
knife in a unique place. If successful, he is made a First Rank
Crafters are the most knowledgeable members of the
member of the Bronze Society and is taught the first secret
kiva regarding metalworking, and they know secret Fourth
of the society.
Rank techniques that allow them to create the most durable
First Rank: Fire Stoker and beautiful items.
Fire stokers are required to attend to the forge within • Ability: master craftsman. You can make bronze
the kiva, and fetch tools and supplies for the higher rank items that act as artifacts for anyone, and give them
members when they are crafting. Fire stokers spend this time as gifts.
learning about the tools and techniques of the forge, and • Trait: The sharp eye sees flaws.
they also accompany higher rank members on expeditions • Artifact: A bronze hatchet or sword.
for copper and tin to make the bronze. Bronze Society
mines are hidden from the uninitiated, it is forbidden to
bring anyone who is not part of the society to visit the mines. Dog Society
Bronze Society members spend longer than other societies Initiation
do in each rank, as the skills they learn are quite complex
Anyone who wishes to join the Dog Society can find a
and must be mastered before the member can advance.
sponsor. Some members sponsor several initiates at any give
• Ability: metallurgy. You know the proper rituals time. The initiate must prove his valor. He is taken into the
and ingredients which are used to make bronze metal kiva, and his hands are bound. Each of the elder members
and can create metal objects. will cut the initiate’s chest with a knife, and he must not cry
• Trait: Hardened by the forge. out. If he cries out, he is driven from the kiva and may not

26
attempt to initiate again. If he does not cry out, he is made • Ability: Touch of the killer. You know the paths
a First Rank member of the Dog Society and is taught the of the other beings’ souls, and can free others of the
first secret of the society. taint of death. By performing a sweat lodge ceremony,
you can remove Corruption gained from a killing in
First Rank: Scout
combat from someone who is not a member of the
Scouts accompany older members on scouting missions Dog Society.
and other military endeavors. They must obey higher ranked • Trait: Hardened by battle.
members, but are typically given opportunities to prove
• Artifact: Trophy bag: a spirit bag artifact
themselves. It is not difficult to advance in the Dog Society,
containing trophies taken from defeated enemies, a
and most members do so quickly.
symbol of potent martial power.
• Ability: The warrior’s heart. You may kill monsters,
Outsiders, or strangers without bringing spiritual
corruption onto yourself. You do not gain any Ghost Society
Corruption from committing such an act. Initiation

• Trait: Fierce as a dog. It is difficult to initiate in the Ghost Society, because it is

To advance, the member must defeat an enemy on the so secretive. Members are usually invited, and invitations are
field of battle, and show his valor by taking a trophy from most often extended to close family members. The initiate
his enemy while the enemy is still alive. is taken out of the village to the society’s hidden kiva, then
received by the masked elders of the Ghost Society, all
Second Rank: Warrior
dressed as spirits. The initiate must face these apparitions of
Warriors of the Dog Society are the main body of fighters the dead without fear and answer their mystical questions
for a village. They share camaraderie but also rivalry, as acts to be received into the society. The initiate must show that
of valor are what distinguishes a member from his fellows. his desire for supernatural power overcomes his fear of the
dead.
• Trait: A dog knows his brothers.
• Artifact: A spear, axe, or war club. First Rank: Ghostwalker

In a battle, the member must find and defeat an enemy Ghostwalkers take on some of the riskiest tasks of
leader single-handedly if he wishes to advance to Third the Ghost Society, such as stealing bones from graves, or
Rank. personal effects from the houses of potential victims. The
movement up through the ranks of the Ghost Society is
Third Rank: War Leader
slower than others, and members without skill can stay at
War Leaders plan and execute raids and lead the warriors First Rank for a long time.
in battle. They are generally quite skilled and combat- • Ability: Ghost curse. You can curse a person with
hardened fighters by this rank. evil magic, causing bad fortune to haunt them. They
• Ability: You may kill other People in fair combat will suffer as if their Corruption pool was the same
without bringing spiritual corruption onto yourself. as your own.
You do not gain any Corruption from committing • Trait: Ill-omened.
such an act.
To advance, the member must successfully curse an
• Trait: Leader of the pack. enemy with black magic.
The member must fight and defeat a Fourth Rank
Second Rank: Sorcerer
member if he wishes to advance. Sometimes, this is his
sponsor. Often, it is a Fourth Rank member who opposes Sorcerers are the full-fledged magicians of the Ghost
the advancement. These fights are meant to be non-lethal, Society. They are justifiably feared black magicians, and they
but sometimes accidents happen. use their abilities to gain power for themselves.
Fourth Rank: War Chief • Trait: Sorcerer.
• Artifact: Bone shooter: a blowpipe used to shoot
The War Chiefs of the kiva are the most tested and
a bit of human remains beneath the skin of potential
hardened warriors of the village. They use their knowledge
victims.
strategically, and plan for the defense of the village against
known threats and those they anticipate.

27
 The member must demonstrate that he is feared and inside to heat rocks. Eight hours inside will ritually
respected by his fellow villagers to advance. The mere threat purify any person so that spiritual activities can be
of his displeasure should cause others to pander to him. performed without danger, no matter how large the
person’s Corruption pool is. The GM may not spend
Third Rank: Warlock
Corruption to hinder the purified individual’s next
Warlocks are terrifying magicians, and their counsel is contest or quest.
sought against dire threats. They can easily curse others, and • Trait: Herbalist.
have the ability to hide their powers from other villagers.
The novice healer must perform a healing ritual on his
• Ability: Purge evil influences. You can remove own to advance.
Corruption gained by black magic from your own
pool and give them to another person. The victim’s Second Rank: Healer

pool increases, while your own goes down. Healers commonly perform ceremonies for ill members
• Trait: Fearful countenance. of the community, and help and aid the injured. They
A warlock must show the favor of the spirits in order to generally deal with everyday complaints.
advance. Once he can demonstrate this favor to the elders of • Trait: Wise in the ways of disease.
the kiva, he can become a skinwalker. • Artifact: A medicine bag: a spirit bag artifact
Fourth Rank: Skinwalker containing holy items that help purify poisonous
influences and aid the process of healing.
The skinwalkers are the most powerful and terrifying
The member must cure a seriously ill village member in
of the Ghost Society members. They have nearly become
order to advance.
monsters themselves, and gain the ability to change their
shape. Third Rank: Medicine Man

• Ability: Shape-changing. You can transform Medicine men are consulted when ailments prove beyond
yourself into a coyote, owl, or other night creature. the powers of the lower ranked healers. They are able to
You can also take the form of a man with an animal handle serious illnesses and life-threatening wounds.
head.
• Ability: Medicine blessing. You can remove
• Trait: Skinwalker. Corruption sent by evil magic. The treated villager’s
• Artifact: Second skin: the pelt of an animal, which Corruption pool will decrease, and the Corruption
you can throw on yourself to change shape. points return to their original owner.
• Trait: Soothing words.
Medicine Society A medicine man must counter the attack of a sorcerer or
Initiation witch on an ill villager.

The initiate is blindfolded and wrapped in a blanket, Fourth Rank: Medicine Singer
then handed head first down into the Medicine Society Medicine singers are the most powerful healers
kiva. Once inside, the initiate is cut, to spill blood like those around. They can purify an entire village, and drive out evil
injured persons he will be expected to heal, then heated influences.
rocks are placed under the blanket, and water steamed up
inside, in a simulation of a sweat lodge. Once purified, the • Ability: Wipe away sin. You can remove Corruption
initiate has his blindfold removed and he is welcomed into caused by the person’s own sins. They must make
the society at First Rank and taught the first secret. amends with their victims, and then undergo a
rigorous purification, but you can decrease the
First Rank: Novice Healer Corruption pool equal to the crime in question.
Novice healers are given a mentor, a higher ranking • Trait: Medicine singer.
member that takes the young man under his wing and begins • Artifact: Sacred sand: this sand can be used to make
to train him in the healing arts. Generally, the novice healer’s sacred paintings that draw away evil influences.
tasks are fetching and carrying, and close observation.
• Ability: Purification. You can construct a sweat
lodge, a small wood and skin hut with a fire pit

28
Talking Society Mystics can advance if they are favored by a particular
Initiation
god. In the Talking Society, the gods choose those who
advance, rather than the elder members of the kiva.
The initiate is purified in a sweat lodge for four days,
Fourth Rank: Prophet
and then brought down into the kiva. A special substance
that opens the mind to visions is burned in the fire pit and Prophets have become favored by one particular god,
the initiate breathes in the smoke. The initiate then begins and this god chooses one person to manifest within in each
to speak in spirit voices. Many people are unable to contact village. Prophets often identify one another as gods rather
spirits, and fail this stage of the initiation. If they do, they than as People any longer.
awaken to find themselves at home, and they can never
• Ability: Manifest god. A god chooses you as an
attempt to initiate in the Talking Society again. If they do
earthly vessel, and when possessed, you have the
begin to speak in the voices of spirits, they remain in the
insight and abilities of the god himself.
kiva until the spirits have left them, and then are formally
initiated with a ceremony. • Trait: Chosen by a god.
• Artifact: God mask: the mask is imbued with the
First Rank: Augur
presence of your chosen god, and is one of the most
Augurs must learn to regularly contact ancestor spirits, holy artifacts among the People.
and to deal with the powerful influences these spirits assert
over their hosts. Augurs are not allowed to enter trances very Women’s Societies
often, and must always have an elder member with them.
• Ability: Spirit channeling. You can allow spirits Bone Society
to enter your body and speak through your mouth.
Initiation
You have no memory of what happened afterwards,
however. Like the Ghost Society, it is difficult to initiate in the
• Trait: Touched by spirits. Bone Society. Members are almost always chosen and
invited, rather than seeking the Bone Society out themselves.
In order to advance, Augur must contact a spirit known
Initiates must cross the graveyard and confront a human
to a higher ranked member, and communicate information
skeleton. The skeleton then appears to quiz the initiate’s
that only the spirit, rather than the initiate, could know.
magical lore. If the initiate shows no fear and is willing to
Second Rank: Seer touch the bones of a dead person, she is initiated in the
society.
Seers gain some more control over their powers, and
begin to be able to channel more powerful spirits, sometimes First Rank: Bone Stealer
even gods.
Bone stealers take must steal bones from graves or
• Trait: Sees the spirit world. rob personal effects from the houses of potential victims.
• Artifact: Spirit bag. This is a special bag constructed A member who displays no magical skill will stay a bone
of items that spirits instruct you to gather. It has stealer indefinitely.
magical powers. • Ability: Bone curse. You can curse a person with
Seers can only advance if they are able to contact a god. evil magic, causing bad fortune to haunt them. They
If they cannot contact such a powerful spirit, they remain will suffer as if their Corruption pool was the same
seers. as your own.
Third Rank: Mystic • Trait: Evil eye.
To advance, the member must successfully curse an
Mystics regularly contact the most powerful spirits, the
enemy with black magic.
gods. By this stage, Talking Society members are becoming
very different than their peers among the People. This type Second Rank: Witch
of contact with the spirit world changes a person.
Witches are powerful black magicians. They are feared,
• Ability: Foretelling. The spirits begin to tell you of and can use their powers for personal gain.
events that will happen in the future.
• Trait: Witch.
• Trait: Halfway to the spirit world.

29
 • Artifact: Bone charm: a charm made from the • Ability: farming. You know the proper rituals for
bones of a person that died from a witch’s magic. It planting and raising crops.
has terrible dark powers. • Trait: No stranger to work.
The witch must be recognized as a powerful magician The digger must show ability in crop-raising to advance,
among the village to advance. Her true identity might be and there is a lot of competition among kiva members to
unknown, but as a witch she is known and feared. produce the most food
Third Rank: Bruja Second Rank: Farmer

Brujas are powerful magicians, and the people of the Farmers are householders, and are able to provide for
village will seek them out in desperate situations. They can their own family, save crops for a poor season, and share
hide their abilities from their fellow villagers and send evil food with those less fortunate than themselves. Many society
influences on people. members never advance beyond this rank.
• Ability: Purge evil influences. You can remove • Trait: Knows the secrets of weather and the
Corruption points gained by black magic from your seasons.
own pool and give them to another person. The
• Artifact: Corn bag: a spirit bag artifact containing
victim’s pool increases, while your own goes down.
holy seeds that aid the growth of crops.
• Trait: Unsettling manner.
Farmers can advance if they show leadership among
A bruja must demonstrate the favor of dark spirits in the other field workers and have a desire to advance in the
order to advance. If the elders of the kiva are satisfied, the society.
bruja moves up.
Third Rank: Harvester
Fourth Rank: Skinwalker
Harvesters organize the field workings, help young
Skinwalkers are really no longer human, and have become women get their crops started, and organize village grain
monsters. They can change their shape and have terrifying storage and distribution when needed. They are powerful
supernatural powers. and important members of the village.
• Ability: Shape-changing. You can transform • Ability: grain storage. You know the proper rituals
yourself into a coyote, owl, or other night creature. for storing grain, which stave off rot and pests.
You can also take the form of a woman with an
• Trait: Measure by eye.
animal head.
To become a corn woman, a harvester must demonstrate
• Trait: Skinwalker.
great competence and insight in the planning and logistics.
• Artifact: Second skin: the pelt of an animal, which
you can throw on yourself to change shape. Fourth Rank: Corn Woman

The corn women of a village have the authority to grant

Corn Maiden Society fields to young women, and to take fields away from those
Initiation
not worthy. They can reallocate lands as they wish.
• Ability: fecundity. You know the secrets of the
A woman cannot join the Corn Maiden Society until fields, and can make a cultivated field yield twice as
she has fields of her own to cultivate. A woman who owns much food with the proper rituals.
land must join the society, and if she fails initiation she will
lose her property. The woman must plow her monthly blood • Trait: Matron.
into her field, and prepare a meal for the village with the • Artifact: Corn necklace: this artifact is the symbol
resulting crops. of your authority over the fields.
First Rank: Digger
Dream Society
Diggers cultivate their own fields, but under the
Initiation
supervision of a higher-ranking member. Their first few
years of crops are often poor, and the older members will The initiate is purified and then led into the desert. After
provide backup to cover any shortfall. an all-night vigil, at sunrise she is given the drink that the
dream society uses to contact the spirits. The initiate will

30
then speak a vision. If the initiate seems somewhat resistant • Artifact: Spirit knife: This knife is the only thing
to the influence of the spirit, it is considered safe to initiate you can take with you into the spirit world.
her into the society. The drink gives everyone visions, but
if the spirit influence is too strong in a person, drinking it
Dust Society
regularly will drive them mad.
Initiation
First Rank: Diviner
The initiate is laid out like a corpse, wrapped in a shroud,
Diviners will be visited by ancestor spirits, and the main and then carried to the burial grounds. A grave has been
duty they have at this stage is to acclimate themselves to the prepared for the initiate, and she is laid within and buried.
powerful drinks used by this society. She is quickly dug up again, and the eldest member of the
• Ability: Spirit potion. You know the secret of kiva gives the initiate her hand to help her climb out.
making the potion that causes spirit visitation.
First Rank: Gravedigger
• Trait: Seen the other side.
Gravediggers do most of the hard physical labor involved
In order to advance, the diviner must be able to voluntarily
in burying the dead, especially the digging of graves.
end a trance.
Gravediggers are also given the responsibility of guarding
Second Rank: Soothsayer the burial grounds to prevent witches and sorcerers from
desecrating the graves.
Soothsayers are allowed to contact more powerful
spirits. Soothsayers probably drink the potions more often • Ability: Affinity for the dead. You are able to handle
than any other rank in the society. corpses but gain no Corruption.
• Trait: Instrument of the spirits. • Trait: No fear of the dead.
• Artifact: Spirit bag: this is a special bag constructed To advance, gravediggers must spend an all-night vigil at
of items that spirits instruct you to gather. It has the burial ground, alone.
magical powers. Second Rank: Pallbearer
Soothsayers must contact a powerful god in order to
Pallbearers do just that: It is their duty to lift the bodies
advance.
of the dead onto a plank and carry them to the graveyard.
Third Rank: Visionary • Trait: Solemn countenance.
Visionaries are in regular contact with the most powerful • Artifact: White beads: these beads are placed in
spirits, the gods. The drinks that she takes have transformed the hair of a dead person, but if you wear them in
the member at this stage, and she is distant and strange, often your own hair, other members of the village will fear
seeing things that others do not, even without the potions. you as if you are a corpse yourself.
• Ability: Foretelling. The spirits begin to tell you of Pallbearers must learn and demonstrate the rituals for
events that will happen in the future. cleansing a corpse in order to advance.
• Trait: Talks to spirits. Third Rank: Corpse Handler
Only the strongest visionaries are able to advance,
The corpse handler washes and prepares the body for
because the powerful potion taken by the fourth rank will
burial, and wraps the person in their burial shroud.
kill most people.
• Ability: Ghost propitiation. You are able to handle
Fourth Rank: Oracle the corpse and prevent any evil spirit from haunting
Oracles take the most powerful potion of all, which you.
allows them to leave their body completely and enter the • Trait: Familiar with death.
spirit world. This is only done in the safety of the kiva, The corpse handler must confront and confine an evil
because the oracle appears dead when she has crossed over. spirit in order to advance to the final rank.
• Ability: Enter the spirit world. You can leave your
Fourth Rank: Usher
body and enter the spirit world to speak to any spirit
you choose. The task of the ushers is to help the spirit move on to the
• Trait: Slightly mad. next world. When spirits leave, they also leave behind their

31
tainted parts, which become evil spirits that try to harm • Ability: Know the way back. You do not get lost, for
people. An usher can also banish these spirits. you have a technique for always retracing your steps.
• Ability: Exorcism. You can drive off evil spirits so • Trait: Knows the wilds.
there will be no harm to the village. The far walker must speak to a monster and learn of its
• Trait: Exorcist. ways in order to advance. This is obviously an extremely
• Artifact: Spirit rattle: this artifact will drive spirits dangerous task.
before you, and ushers generally force them into the Fourth Rank: Traveler
wilderness with it.
Travelers are the most knowledgeable members of any
village about what lies beyond its borders. They regularly go
Long Walking Society into the wilderness to explore.
Initiation
• Ability: Monster soothing. You can calm a hostile
The initiate must undertake a journey outside of the monster with this ability. If it is trying to attack or eat
lands of the people. She must add some new knowledge to you, you can get it to just talk for the initial conflict.
the collective wisdom of the society when she returns. If she • Trait: Talks to monsters.
is successful, she is initiated into the Long Walking Society. • Artifact: Soft moccasins. These shoes make very
First Rank: Walker little sound, and help you travel both far and quietly.

Walkers gather information near their villages, and add

to or complete the knowledge of the kiva regarding these Moon Society
closer areas. Initiation

• Ability: The Outsider’s tongue. You have learned A girl must have had her first blood in order to join the
how to communicate with those Outsiders and Moon Society, but as soon as she does, she is eligible. On the
monsters with the ability of speech. You do not gain night of the full moon, the initiate is brought into the kiva
any Corruption from speaking to these beings. and stripped naked. Her body is ritually painted and she is
• Trait: A steady stride eats the miles. laid in the moonlight that falls through the entrance of the
The walker must travel with a higher ranked member kiva. The entrance is guarded above by two masked women
regularly to advance. This member will teach her the ways with whips, who will fiercely scourge anyone who tries to
of this society. come near.

Second Rank: Long Strider First Rank: Moon Maid

The long strider takes trips to other villages and bears Moon maids are given the task of cleaning and preparing
news and messages between them. They mark and maintain the blood house, where women go for their monthly
the trails of the People so others do not stray into dangerous menses.
territory. • Trait: Knows the secrets of women.
• Trait: Well-traveled. • Ability: Female magic. You know the mysteries
• Artifact: A walking staff. This staff is a symbol of of women, and can aid in childbirth and touch
the society, and many monsters and Outsiders who menstrual blood without gaining Corruption.
see it will be friendlier to its bearer than usual. Most women are advanced when they go through labor
The long strider must map and mark a new trail in order for the first time, but some select members of the society
to advance. eschew sexual intercourse and marriage altogether, which
concentrates magical power. These women are advanced
Third Rank: Far Walker when they help one of their fellow initiates bear a child.
The far walkers travel off the beaten paths and outside of Second Rank: Midwife
the People’s lands. They enter the territory of monsters and
break new ground, bringing back information about areas Midwives help other women in pregnancy and oversee
outside of those controlled by the People. the bearing of children. They also guard the blood house so
that no men can approach.
• Trait: Blood magic.

32
 • Artifact: A moon knife: made from hard white
stone in a sickle shape, used to cut umbilical cords.
To advance, a midwife must adopt a child whose mother
died during birth.
Third Rank: Matron

The matron’s duty is to oversee the care of all of the

children in the village. When the women are working the
fields, the matrons take care of the children old enough to
walk but too young to work.
• Ability: Lullaby. You know how to cause children
to listen to you and behave.
• Trait: Mother to all.
A matron can advance when she goes through
menopause.
Fourth Rank: Crone

These are the eldest, wisest women in the village. They

know much about women’s ways, and see to it that all of the
proper rituals are performed.
• Ability: Fertility blessing. You can bless a woman
that can’t conceive so that she will bring a child to
term.
• Trait: Wise woman.
• Artifact: Crone’s rattle: made from rattlesnake
tails, and used in blessing ceremonies.

33
 • Recuperation scenes are those in which players
recover their dice pools and traits, and time passes
in game.
Scenes are called for in a particular order, with players
taking turns initiating scenes. During a session, play begins
with the Inside Player, who calls for the first scene. Next, the
Hero Player to the left of the Inside Player calls for a scene,
followed by the Oustide Player calling for a scene. Each Hero
Player in turn after the first one calls for a scene, alternating
with first the Inside Player, then the Outside Player, until all
Hero Players have had a turn. The turn then passes back to
the first Hero Player and the cycle repeats. The Inside and
Outside Player have a track of threat pools. When there are
no more pools of dice in their track, a recuperation scene
occurs. This will typically end a session, but if the players
wish to continue, begin as if play is restarting, with the
Inside Player again.
The easiest way to keep track of this is with the use of
turn markers. You will need two turn markers: one for the
Hero Players, and one for the Inside and Outside Players. At
the end of a Hero Player’s turn, he passes the turn marker
to the Hero Player to his left. By the same token, whenever
the Inside Player finishes a turn, he passes his token to the
Outside Player, and vice versa.
Scenes A sample scene progression in a game with three Hero
Players:
Play in How We Came to Live Here is measured in 1. Inside Player
scenes. A scene in this game is similar to a scene in a movie or
novel. Characters appear in a particular place or setting, and 2. Hero Player 1
interact with other characters and often engage in some kind 3. Outside Player
of conflict, whether that is physical, emotional, or personal. 4. Hero Player 2
Everyone in the game will have a chance to create a scene
5. Inside Player
that interests them, and to depict characters interacting with
each other in that scene. Each player has control of a certain 6. Hero Player 3
set of characters, and you will often portray a character even 7. Outside Player
in scenes you do not initiate. 8. Hero Player 1
9. Inside Player
Scene Progression 10. Hero Player 2
When you play How We Came to Live Here you will 11. Outside Player
dramatize a series of scenes. There are three types of scenes 12. Hero Player 3
in the game: action scenes, drama scenes, and recuperation 13. Inside Player
scenes.
14. Recuperation Scene
• Action scenes are those in which a conflict occurs
and is resolved.
• Drama scenes are those in which pure roleplaying
Calling for Scenes
alone takes place. Drama scenes do not count on the When you call for a scene, you may not know yet if it is
threat track. The threat pool is not used in a drama a drama or an action scene, but you may have a pretty good
scene, and therefore carries over to the next action idea which type it will be. The player calling the scene sets
scene. the time and place with a brief description and describes

34
which characters are there. Is the scene in a kiva? Then the problems, these should grow in significance and spawn
other kiva society members are likely to be present. Is the new problems of their own. Players cannot describe new
scene in the character’s home? Then her family is likely to conflicts in the recuperation scene, merely the consequences
be there. of conflicts that came up in the preceding rounds.
If a Hero Player is setting the scene, his hero must be
present. He must also declare whether the scene is an inside Inside and Outside Player Roles
or an outside scene. Depending on his choice, the Inside
or Outside Player gets to participate in the scene as his During a drama or an action scene, the role of the Inside
opposition. If the Inside or Outside Player is setting the or Outside Player is to provide tension in the scene.
scene, at least one hero character must be present. • In a drama scene, this means portraying a
Once the scene is set, the players controlling any supporting character as a person with desires and
character in the scene begin to describe the actions and needs that probably conflict with or complicate the
speech of their characters. Sometimes, the scene will play player character’s desires and needs.
out without a formal conflict and all of the players involved • In an action scene, this means providing active
will be satisfied. This is a drama scene. Sometimes, one of the and strong conflict for the Hero Players.
characters will try to do something that another character
will want to oppose. When this happens, the scene becomes
an action scene, and a conflict begins. Threat Pools
New characters can be introduced into a scene with The Inside and Outside Players do not use the regular
the following rules. Any Hero Player can invite any other directional pools. Instead, they use special threat pools.
hero character into the scene. The invited Hero Player may Threat pools are a progression of dice pools that can be used
choose to join the scene or can refuse. The Inside or Outside turn by turn in the game. Both the Inside Player and the
Player can introduce any character under her control into Outside Player follow the track. Each time they draw on a
the scene if it makes sense to do so. pool in a scene, they use the next threat pool available.
At the beginning of the game, and after each recuperation
Moving to a Recuperation Scene scene, the Inside and Outside player decide what track to
use in the next round of scenes. Which track is chosen will
Once all players have had at least one scene, the group determine some of the tone in the round. When the last
can choose to have a recuperation scene. This choice must threat pool is used, a recuperation scene must be next.
be unanimous among the Hero Players. If any Hero Player
desires another action or drama scene, they can vote against Gathering Threat
moving on and regular scene progression continues. If the
Hero Players do not call for a recuperation scene, one occurs Use this pool early in the game when threats begin to
automatically when the threat pools run out (the Inside and show themselves and gather in strength.
Outside players have reached the end of their track). • 1 Hero 3.4.5.7
Recuperation scenes should be used to move time • 2 Heroes 3 . 3 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 6 . 7
forward in the game, and should usually be between a few • 3 Heroes 3 . 3 . 3 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 6 . 6 . 7 . 7
months and several years, depending on the interests and • 4 Heroes 3 . 3 . 3 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 6 . 6 . 6 . 7 . 7 . 7
desires of the group. Each player, starting with the Hero
Player to the Inside Player’s left, moving clockwise through Early Surge
the other Hero Players, and followed by the Inside Player
and then the Outside Player, describe what the intervening Threats in this track peak early, and then subside. This
agreed-on time has done for the characters under their gives the heroes a victory as their early actions result in
control. The actions and consequences of the drama and lowering danger.
action scenes that preceded the recuperation scene should • 1 Hero 4.7.4.3
all figure in this narration. The other players can comment • 2 Heroes 4 . 6 . 7 . 5 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 3
and criticize as desired, and the narrating player should • 3 Heroes 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 3
consider the reactions of the group accordingly. • 4 Heroes 4 . 5 . 6 . 6 . 7 . 7 . 6 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 3
The long-term effects of important events should be
described, and if the heroes neglected to deal with any

35
Steady Assault The Outside Player
This track delivers a steady, relentless attack of adversity. The Outside Player controls any dangerous forces,
• 1 Hero 4.5.5.4 monsters or Outsiders that exist outside the village. This
• 2 Heroes 4 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 can include wild animals, sorcerers and witches, monsters,
• 3 Heroes 4 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 4 . 5 . 4 other villages, ghosts, natural disasters, and Outsiders. The
Outside Player should use her scenes to introduce and
• 4 Heroes 4 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4
then escalate threats from outside the village. These threats
Assault, Respite, Renewed Attack must be tied into the hero characters. Each player created
a link between their hero character and an outside threat
For another classic narrative, the heroes suffer, get some in the village web step of character creation. The Outside
breathing room, and then are hammered with a follow-up. Player should use these threats to heighten tension between
• 1 Hero 6.3.5.6 the hero character and the village. Outside threats should
• 2 Heroes 7 . 6 . 3 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 6 eventually threaten the village’s very existence.
• 3 Heroes 7 . 6 . 7 . 5 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 6 . 7 Below are some example Outside threats.
• 4 Heroes 7 . 6 . 7 . 6 . 5 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 4 . 4 . 5 . 5 . 6 . 6 . 7
Introducing Outside threats
Denouement • A new monster or monsters are sighted in the vicinity of
the village.
This track is for late-game play. It delivers some serious
adversity, and then a brief set of light scenes. Use sparingly. • Another village begins to use a resource originally
dedicated to the players’ village.
• 1 Hero 7.6.3.3
• A tribe of Outsiders moves into the area.
• 2 Heroes 7 . 7 . 6 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3
• Someone is afflicted by witchcraft.
• 3 Heroes 7 . 7 . 6 . 6 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 3
• Wild animals that might threaten the village’s resources
• 4 Heroes 7 . 7 . 7 . 6 . 6 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 5 . 4 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 3 are sighted around the village (big cats, wolves, or other
predators, or insects that could damage the village’s crops,
Supporting Characters etc.)
in Scenes • Augurs indicate a natural disaster threatens the villages
resources (fires, storms, earthquakes, etc.)
When a player frames a scene, it will either be an Inside
scene or an Outside scene, depending on the setting and Escalating Outside threats
circumstances of the scene. Inside scenes deal with issues • The monster kidnaps or harms someone from the village.
internal to the village, and Outside scenes deal with external
• The other village blocks people from using the resource.
threats. The player associated with the appropriate side will
then provide opposition for the scene. • Someone is killed by witchcraft.

The Inside or Outside Player will usually bring in • Outsiders begin kidnap someone from the village or begin
to steal resources from the village.
characters during a scene. In an Inside scene, it is the task
of the Outside Player to portray the first character brought • Wild animals begin to consume the village’s resources
into the scene. The opposite is true of an Outside scene. (flocks, grain stores, crops, etc.)
Any subsequent characters may be played by either player, • The disaster appears.
but the first one always goes to the player not in control of
the scene as set. Often, the player handed this character will Attacking Outside threats
need to discuss and strategize with the controlling player to • The monster attacks and kills someone outside the
learn the controlling player’s intent for the scene, but this village.
rule helps both players keep in the action even when the • The monster enters the village and demands to be served.
scene is not in that player’s realm.
• The monster enslaves some people from the village.
• War starts with another village.
• Outsiders attack and kill someone outside the village.
• Outsiders attack anyone who leaves the village.

36
 • Outsiders invade the village to pillage and carry people off Escalating Inside threats
as slaves.
• All of the elders decide to practice polygamy.
• Fear of witches is causing accusations to fly, and innocent
people are accused and murdered. • Brawls erupt between members of rival kivas.
• Wild animals attack people. • A romantic rival takes action to win someone from
• Wild animals decimate one of the villages resources. the Hero.
• The disaster destroys one of the villages resources. • Members of feuding families try to undermine and
harm each other.
The Inside Player • Both members in a feud appeal to the Hero for help.
• Young members of a kiva are stripped of rank.
The Inside Player controls all people and forces within the • The new ceremony becomes more popular than the
village. The Inside Player should use her scenes to introduce old one.
conflicts of interest and pressures from family, friends, and
authority figures who all try to control the heroes and bend • Old people take young men as husbands, while the
them to their will. This could be a new disruptive custom, young must go farther afield.
like polygamy, a new privilege reserved only for some
members of the village, the stultifying imposition of older Attacking Inside threats
practices that go directly against player character ambitions, • People below a certain age are denied the right to marry.
love triangles, family pressure to wed, friends asking for • The two kivas are at open war within the village.
favors, etc. • A romantic rival duels or attempts to harm a hero.
A key part of a threat is making non-player characters • The feuding families begin to kill one another.
call in obligations that player characters have, and ask the
• The hero is forced to decide between two rivals close to
player characters to perform tasks they do not want, or that him.
go directly against their ambitions. Hero Players created
• The kiva closes to new members and everyone below of
links between their characters and the other people in the
certain age is thrown out.
village during the creation of the village web. The Inside
Player should use these connections to put pressure on the • The rival ceremonies battle in the streets.
Hero Character by having these characters put conflicting • The young women without husbands are driven out of the
demands on the character. village.
Below are some examples of Inside threats.

Introducing Inside threats

• An elder decides to take a second wife.
• Members of one kiva vandalize another rival kiva.
• Another character is romantically interested in the same
person as a hero.
• A family in the village seriously wrongs another family.
• A character’s friend or family member gets into a rivalry
with someone close to the hero.
• Young members of a kiva are denied a traditional
privilege.
• A kiva creates a new ceremony on a day another kiva has a
traditional service.
• Young people are required to go outside the village to find
a husband.

37
 about. Each player involved in the conflict should be clear
about her character’s motivations and what the character
is trying to achieve in the conflict. These helps everyone
keep focus during the mechanical phase of the conflict
and avoid conflicts that have no point for the characters
involved. Before starting the conflict, take a close look at
the goals. Determine if the other character is really resisting
her opponent’s goal, and if so, initiate the conflict. If the
characters have unopposed goals, then the conflict is not
necessary. Simply run the scene as a drama scene.

Hero Player: Choose Pool

To determine how many dice to roll, the player who
set the scene, either a Hero, Inside, or Outside Player, will
choose a pool that Hero Players will use to draw dice for the
conflict. Each pool has various principles associated with it.
Use this description to determine to appropriate pool for the
conflict. Of course, there is a lot of ground for interpretation
here. The player choosing the pool has the flexibility to put a
conflict into whichever pool they feel is the most appropriate
after the goals and methods of the characters involved have
been stated.
Hero Players will try to frame conflicts to their strengths,
Conflicts and it is fair for them to do so. The Inside and Outside
Players will, in turn, frame conflicts in their favor on their
How We Came to Live Here uses a special kind of turns.
dice called Fudge dice. These dice are marked with three
numbers: plus [+], minus [–], and blank [ ]. When you roll, Inside or Outside Player:
you will sort your results into three groups for each type of Choose Opposition
result. This collection of dice is a pool of resources that are
then used in conflict. Inside and Outside players don’t have four pools. They
If you do not have any Fudge dice, use a pool of six- only have one pool in a given turn, the threat pool. In
sided dice. When rolling, the result of 5 or 6 indicates a [+], conflicts, the Inside or Outside player chooses how many
the result of 3 or 4 indicates a [ ], and the result of 1 or 2 dice to draw off of her threat pool. The Inside or Outside
indicates a [–]. Player does not have to roll all of the dice. Some can be held
in reserve to use as flips on the rolled dice (described below).
In a conflict, you will roll several of these dice together.
Any reserve dice not used in a conflict can be added to the
Separate the dice into groups depending on their face. Each
threat pool in the next conflict. Any dice rolled are lost at the
result has a different effect in a conflict.
end of the conflict, whether they were used or not.

triggering conflicts
Rolling the Dice
A conflict is triggered when the player of a character in
Once you have determined how many dice you will use
your scene chooses to resist an action of another character.
for the conflict, you pick up all of them and roll them. There
Now the conflict is opposed, and both sides have an
are three results available on the dice: plus [+],minus [–],
opportunity to bring their resources to bear and attempt to
and blank [ ].
beat their opponent. Conflicts always take place between one
Hero Player and either the Inside or the Outside Player.
Once it is clear that a conflict will be a serious one, take a
moment to be clear about what the characters are in conflict

38
 • [+] results are opportunities to attack your opponent. Defending Yourself
These are called Attack Dice.
• [–] results are opportunities to defend yourself. When attacked, you have three options:
These are called Defense Dice. • Do nothing. If you do nothing in response to an
• [ ] results are neutral dice. They merely represent your attack, you must remove two dice from your hand
character’s disposition in the conflict. Along with all as your opponent’s attack damages your position.
of the [+] and [–] results, [ ] results indicate what These dice go into your opponent’s victory pool. The
resistance your character can offer your opponent. attacking character describes the resulting damage
These are called Neutral Dice. to your character. The damage described cannot be
permanent, but it should make your position more
Until the dice are used, these attack and defense difficult in the conflict.
opportunities are not realized. These rolled dice are called
your “hand.” • Aggressive defense. You can choose an aggressive
defense by spending an attack die [+]. In this case,
you still lose an additional die from your hand, but
Conflict Turns your opponent must now defend as you attack him.
The extra die goes into your opponent’s victory pool,
The dice have now hit the table. That means the conflict but the attack die does not. This attack takes place
is on. Each player involved takes a turn in the conflict. This during your opponent’s turn and has no effect on the
begins with the player who has the most [+] results. If there turn order. You describe how your character suffers
is tie for this distinction, the player among those tied with the attack your opponent offered, but in so doing
the most [–] results begins. If this is also tied, move to the also strikes back at the original attacker. You must
player with the most [ ] results. If there is still no winner, describe some damage to your character, as specified
the players should roll off, with [+] beating [–], and [–] in the attack result above.
beating
• Full defense. You can choose a full defense by
[ ]. Roll until there is a clear winner. This roll-off die spending a defense die [–]. In this case, your character
is not added to the players’ roll, it is merely for breaking avoids damage altogether, and you describe how
ties. Each player then takes a turn, using the turn order your character avoided your opponent’s attack. Your
described above, until everyone has had one, then the cycle defense die goes into your opponent’s victory pool.
begins again.
Once this initial turn order is determined, it does not
vary, even as the dice are used and the totals change. In
Hero Player: Calling on Traits
conflicts with multiple participants, it’s a good idea to write Often, the hand of dice you roll will have a lot of results
the turn order down so it isn’t forgotten. It’s also a good idea that are not too useful in the conflict, or you will begin to
to have some sort of token to indicate whose turn it is. When run out of dice to use. The Hero Player can call on a trait
your turn is complete, pass it to the opposing player. for two things:
On your turn, you can choose from three possible • Flip a die to another result. You may flip
actions: one of your dice to another face by checking a single
• Make an attack. trait.
• Propose a compromise to end the conflict. • Roll a new die and add it to your hand. You
• Flee the conflict. can only do this once per turn. If you are called on
to act in your opponent’s turn, such as when you are
being attacked, this counts as a turn, and you may roll
Attacking an Opponent another die in this instance. If you are not called on
to act, you may not roll a new during your opponent’s
To attack an opponent on your turn, you need to use an
turn.
attack die [+]. Describe how your character is attacking his
opponent. Your opponent must then defend. When you call on one of your character’s traits, you
describe how the trait is applied to the situation at hand and
then check the trait off on your character sheet. Traits that
are already checked off may not be called upon.

39
 Your opponent must agree that any trait you provide is point (or more, depending on the crime) to your Corruption
appropriate, and has the right to veto any trait you attempt pool. Whatever act you decide to commit, the Inside Player
to call on. Inside or Outside Players should be sparing with must agree that it is a crime. If the Inside Player does not
the veto. Only use it if the trait is completely inappropriate think the act is criminal enough, you do not gain any extra
to the conflict at hand. dice.
You may call on as many traits as needed or desired. You The Inside and Outside Players should remind Hero
may call on traits when both attacking and defending, even Players of this option in conflict. Make sure the temptation
if it is not your turn. If you have no need to use a die at any is there for the characters, especially when things start to
given moment, you may not call on traits at that time. look bad. Supporting characters cannot go Outside.
When you call on a trait, a check is placed beside the
trait on the character sheet. This trait may not be reused Inside or Outside Player:
until the check is removed during the recuperation round. Supporting Characters

Hero Player: Calling on Failings Supporting characters do not have regular pools or traits.
The Inside or Outside Player has a threat pool instead and
Your character’s failings can be called on during a uses these dice in a conflict. Inside and Outside Players may
conflict. When you call on a failing, you may uncheck one of roll as many dice as they want from the threat pool for a
your traits. The failing must be described as it applies to the turn. Some dice can be kept aside.
situation, and is subject to veto just like a trait. When you do Instead of checking a trait, the Inside or Outside Player
this, however, your opponent gains a victory point. may flip a die by discarding one of the dice set aside from
Failings are checked when used in exactly the same their threat pool. If any dice remain set aside at the end of
way as traits, and checked failings cannot be reused until the conflict (they have not been rolled or discarded), they
refreshed in the recuperation round. may be saved for use in a later conflict.

Hero Player: Refreshing Traits Winning a Conflict

Traits can be refreshed by going through a recuperation If both sides continue to attack on their turns, eventually
scene. Until refreshed, the checked traits of a hero character one side or the other will run out of usable dice in his hand.
are unavailable for use. If the player is unwilling or unable to bring any more dice
into play, the conflict ends. There are two possible ways that
this can occur:
Hero Player: Artifacts
• One character is subject to an attack, and cannot
Artifacts are powerful items your character can possess respond due to a depleted hand.
that act just like traits, granting dice flips in conflicts. • It is a player’s turn and he has no more [+] dice in his
Artifacts are checked off just like regular traits. However, hand, and cannot initiate an attack.
they are unchecked at the end of any given conflict, and When the conflict ends, the player who ran out of dice
are available for use again immediately, rather than having loses. The winning player gains two points for his victory
to wait for the recuperation scene to refresh. Supporting pool.
characters cannot use artifacts.
When the conflict ends, each side totals up their victory
pool, including the points the winner receives at the end of
Hero Player: the conflict. The dice in the victory pool can then be spent to
Going Outside in Conflicts determine the outcome of the conflict. To change events in
the game, you must spend your victory dice to cause effects.
If your hero character is losing a conflict, you can go The character with the most dice begins, and can spend as
Outside to give yourself a boost. To go Outside, you must many as he likes. Then, it is his opponent’s turn to spend
do something criminal or subversive (any act banned on the dice. Repeat until all dice are used.
list in the crimes section). You gain two dice to add to your
hand, but rather than rolling them, you may choose what
value they have when they are added to your hand. Each one
can have a different value, if you desire. Doing this adds a

40
Spend 1 Victory Die to: can propose a compromise to the other player involved in the
conflict. This can be any resolution to the various goals. If
• Remove a Victory Die from your opponent’s pool.
the other player accepts, the conflict is over. Any victory dice
• Narrate a change within the game that has no game-rule gained to this point may be spent, but no one is considered
impact. This should be related in some way to the conflict
to have lost the conflict and the two extra victory dice are
that just occurred (even if it is just metaphorically).
not awarded.
• Earn a 1-point favor from someone (cumulative: spend 2
dice for a 2-point favor, etc.).
Fleeing a Conflict
Spend 2 Victory Dice to:
Sometimes things will go very badly for you, and you
• Change a relationship one step: an enemy becomes neutral may wish to escape conflict rather than risk losing or
toward you, or someone neutral becomes a friend. compromising. This can be done by using two defense dice
• Force someone to perform a minor crime (worth 1 or 2 [–] on your turn rather than attacking. Your character can
points). flee the conflict, but your opponent may give your character
• Give someone a temporary failing (1 use, lost if not used one temporary failing. If you successfully flee a conflict,
before a recuperation round). your opponent cannot force his goal upon you, but you also
• Give someone a temporary trait (1 use, lost if not used cannot achieve your ultimate goal for the conflict either. The
before a recuperation round). result is an impasse.
• Temporarily remove an artifact (lasts 1 conflict). If your opponent wants to stop you from escaping, he
can spend two attack dice [+] to do so, and gets to perform
Spend 3 Victory Dice to: a regular attack on you even though it is not his turn.
• Change a relationship two steps: an enemy becomes a
friend, or vice versa.. Helping Another Character
• Destroy an artifact. in a Conflict

Spend 4 Victory Dice to: Conflicts are between one Hero Player and the Inside or
Outside Player. If another Hero Player wishes to help the
• Give someone a new permanent failing.
player in conflict, he may offer his character’s traits to the
• Give someone a new permanent trait. player in the conflict. If she wishes, the Hero Player in the
• Earn a new name for your character. conflict may call on one of the helping character’s traits as
• Increase the Hero Player’s pool used in the conflict by 1 if it were one of her own. If she does so, she owes a 1 point
point (no pool can exceed 4 points). favor to the helping character. This can be done as often as
• Reduce the Hero Player’s pool used in the conflict by 1 the players involve wish, but each trait called upon results in
point (no pool can be less than 1 point). a 1 point favor. Helping traits are checked just like any other
• Force someone to perform any crime. trait in a conflict.
• Earn an appropriate honor (inside chief, outside chief,
etc.) Achieving an Ambition

Spend 5 Victory Dice to: Each time a character enters a conflict, your goal in the
conflict could move your character toward realizing that
• Kill someone. ambition. At the outset, you must declare that this conflict
• Change a societal rule through your example (e.g. allow a is moving the character toward one of his ambitions. Your
gender to perform a previously restricted activity). opponent has the opportunity to object if he wishes, but he
should have a good reason to do so.
Proposing a Compromise When the conflict is resolved, the ambition will either be
to End a Conflict realized or it will not. If it is not realized, you place a mark
next to the ambition. If the ambition is realized, then the
Sometimes, when a conflict has been initiated, you may marks next to the ambition are added to the victory pool at
not want to play it out to the end. It could be clear you will the end of the conflict.
lose, or you may not want to continue to use your character’s
resources in the conflict, etc. If you wish to end it early, you

41
 Once all four ambitions are realized, the hero character
should be retired. Retired hero characters become supporting
characters. At this point, you should be close to the end of
the game. Players with retired characters should be given
supporting characters to play during scenes. Players with
retired characters are not counted when determining the
threat pool track.

changing an Ambition
Hero characters are unique in that they have ambitions.
As shown in the Create a Character chapter, Hero Players
set the ambitions of their character when the character is
created. Sometimes, a Hero Player might decide that he
wants to change his ambition after the game begins. This is
a simple process: the Hero Player declares that he is going to
change the ambition, then erases the old ambition and writes
in a new one. If a player changes his ambition, however, any
progress made toward the old ambition is lost, and he must
start from scratch on the new ambition.

Favors
Characters can earn favors from one another as the result
of a conflict. Favors are markers that can be called in during
later conflicts. If a character is in a conflict, he may call on
a favor to aid him. When you call in a favor, you may use it
like a trait to flip or reroll a die. Even supporting characters
can call on favors in this way. If it is a hero character who
owes the favor, then check a trait on that character’s sheet
for each favor called in. You must narrate how the character
is helping you in the conflict. It is more difficult to get help
if the character is not there, but not impossible. You can use
a flashback scene to explain how the character gave you aid
before the conflict began, for example.

Conflicts Between
Two Hero Characters
It is possible for a conflict to occur between two hero
characters. If this is the case, it works just the same as a
regular conflict, but both players use the hero character rules
in the conflict. The Inside and Outside Players will have no
role in this type of conflict, and their threat pool will remain
unused.

42
 progress more rapidly in the game, and ambitions are likely
to be achieved more quickly and decisively.

One-Shots
Setup time for a regular game of How We Came to Live
Here can be somewhat long. If you want to play a game in
a single evening, it’s a good idea to do some of this setup
in advance. Characters should be ready to play before the
players gather, with everything filled in except for ambitions.
Characters should probably have a few checks by some
ambitions, and instead of starting as first rank in a kiva
society, characters should be second rank or even third rank.
When the players gather, build the village map together,
and then have Hero Players assign ambitions for their
characters. A satisfying single session can be played with
this level of setup, but it is unlikely a complete endgame will
be reached.

Bringing in Hero Characters

Bringing in characters after a game has started can be a
bit tricky. It is important for a new player to be comparable
in advancement to the other characters. Make sure the new
Variations on character has as many traits, kiva ranks, and ambition checks
as the least advanced character already in the game. The new
standard play hero character should be added to the village map, and his
relationships marked. It’s important to make sure that the
As it is structured, How We Came to Live Here is aimed relationships tie into existing links and make these links
at 4 to 6 sessions per game, giving the characters a longer more interesting for all of the players involved.
story arc. A session is considered to be one instance of the Note that adding extra characters will slow the speed of
players coming together and playing out scenes. You should the game.
be able to get through a whole arc of threat dice in a single
session, although if your group has three or more Hero
Players, it may not be possible to get through all the scenes
and a session might take two meetings to complete.
Characters are expected to start as young people with
low status in the village and gradually improve in ability and
fame until they become heroes of their village. Sometimes
you don’t have time to play out this many sessions, however,
and you may want to play a shorter game or even a game in
a single evening.

Short Games
Shorter story arcs can be achieved by accelerating the
story arc during play. The best way to do this is to award
three victory dice instead of two to the victor at the end of
a conflict. Characters should also start with two checks by
each of their ambitions. With these changes, characters will

43
 Female character Names

Clan

kinship Skill Father’s Clan

tradition Household
secrecy motherhood
fidelity tirelessness Kivas
care

strength
faith

Ambitions
renown
love renown renown
Pride aid
revenge aid aid
wisdom
jealousy community
community outspokenness
community
joy spirit
crime
expertise crime crime

Favors abilities Traits

artifacts

Connections corruption failings

 male character Names

Clan

loyalty Skill Father’s Clan

comaraderie strength at arms
tradition fitness
respect artistry Kivas
observation

strength
faith

Ambitions
renown
anger renown renown
bravery aid
passion aid aid
ruthlessness
tenderness community
community stoicism community
envy spirit
crime
esteem crime crime

Favors abilities Traits

artifacts

Connections corruption failings

 village web village names

major characters

1
16
9
8

5
12

13
4

2
15

10
7

11 14
3