Thylean Outsiders
Outsiders may lead difficult lives in Thylea. They often
start their careers in the Forgotten Land with very
little—for example, basic gear that they managed to
cling to after a shipwreck. As in many societies, this
visible poverty makes them objects of suspicion for
the natives: who are these strangers, and what are they
about to steal? Members of races that are rare in Thylea
will face inevitable suspicion. In extreme cases, they
will need to persuade the natives that they are not some
monster sent as punishment by the gods.
Provided that outsiders don’t run amok, the natives
are likely to treat them with a degree of kindness:
the rules of Guest friendship apply even to those who
wash ashore from shipwrecks. However, it’s easy for a
stranger to run afoul of the conventions of Thylea—
those of guest friendship in particular. For an outsider,
it can be difficult to grasp the idea of being both the
mortal enemy of "savage centaurs” and also a guest in
a centaur camp. Worse yet, no one will explain that
they will once again be fair game when they leave the
camp on the next morning. This absolute standard
of hospitality can be mistaken for weakness—a fatal
error. Outsiders who abuse guest status will soon find
everyone’s hand raised against them and curses raining
down upon them.
All Thylean natives understand the importance of
oaths and the rules of civilized oath-taking. Because
this is widely-understood (and therefore blindingly
obvious), no one bothers to explain it. Outsiders may
foolishly swear an oath, thinking that they are merely
making a promise. In actuality, they are submitting to
a solemn and binding vow. In this world, a hero’s word
means something—it has real weight. Outsiders who
learn this lesson quickly will survive and thrive. Those
who fail to do so will find themselves at the mercy of
the Furies.
The Gods of Thylea can also be unforgiving.
Disrespecting or doubting divine power will provoke
native superstition. Rightly so—for persistent doubt
could well bring down the wrath of the gods. Openly
practicing an outsider religion will also make natives
uncomfortable. Denying the validity of Thylean religions will make their devotees fearful of divine anger.
Being stupid enough to rob or desecrate a Thylean
temple will infuriate both the gods and their native
worshippers. Where the gods are concerned, caution is
always preferred.
But provided that outsiders obey the rules of civilized behavior, mind their manners, and do not make
rash statements or promises, they can make something
of their lives in Thylea—and even thrive.
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