(08-29-2013, 04:34 AM)C Wrote:(08-28-2013, 12:30 PM)FreelanceWizard Wrote: So... we do get to see a tribal miqo'te group in game, and their approach to breeding does seem to be fairly practical (there's a strong implication via NPC dialogue that the hunter females plan their "couplings" with the nunh). When you consider that the intended goal of the cultural construct is to create the strongest, most adapted offspring, I suspect romance doesn't play a huge role. Then again, since the nunh is the strongest, most adept male of the tribe and has proven such through battle, it'd be to them like getting to bed a rock star while at the same time doing a great service to your tribe. It may not be romantic in a Western (or city-state culture) sense, but to the miqo'te, it may serve a similar cultural purpose.
The strongest, most adept male of the tribe may still not be that impressive given that tribal miqo'te women seem to be much stronger, more capable warriors. Instead of to a rock star, I'd liken it more to a Roman noblewoman taking an accomplished gladiator to bed. He may be the best within his caste, but she's still his better. Plus, in Forgotten Springs, you see the miqo'te there talking about how the "Nuhn is a sop who is slacking in his duties," suggesting great disregard for him. "But that -mane-" replies the other miqo'te. This tells me that the objectification of breeding males exists also and may even be more prevalent given the non-romantic, highly eugenic nature of the union.
(08-29-2013, 02:41 AM)Mr.Bear Wrote: in the opinion of my character regarding his tribe, tribe -is- family. There exists different families within that tribe of course if it's large enough but he feels the tribe is a large family of its own. He's also very dedicated in caring for those under his wing, much like how an Alpha male would. (Nunh can be largely compared to those, except they do not tend to be -the- actual leaders)
The reason they survive and stand as strong as they do is because they stand together. The Tribe is a place of family and friends for him, a place where you can trust and someone can get the helping hand he might need now and then without being exploited for it, without expecting something in return.
Thus he may be close with many in the Tribe, but especially caring of those under his wing. I would say it depends what kind of Nunh you have, the title at face value might be very..practical, but a Nunh can make it more emotionally invested as well. In doing so he's likely to gain more too, as his females might be more loyal.
Again I have the same problem here in terms of mentioning loyalty. I think it is the nuhn who is loyal to the tribe, not the females who are loyal to him. If anything, the females are loyal to the tribe and never to the nuhn. In my opinion, loyalty to a demagogue nuhn over the tribe is an aberration, not the norm; it's a concept I've used in my own character's history and the reason she left to roam the world.
I agree with the idea that the tribe is family, but disagree that the male takes care of the females. I think it is the females who defend and take care of the males. I also don't believe females "belong" to a single or particular nuhn. My basis for this is in the cultural convention of naming children after the siring male rather than the female -- it suggests that a single female can give birth to multiple children of different fathers. In a case where more than one nuhn exist, I expect the choice falls with her, not him.
As usual, my comments push forward my opinion that Seeker culture is matriarchal and not patriarchal, so I understand that, while -I- believe my convictions are based on solid canon and deduction, this view is not in the majority. I'm hoping to sway more of you in my direction of thought, and I hope you forgive me if my character's experiences and views on the matter do not fit with yours. Of course, I will do you the same courtesy, .
I suppose I wasn't completely clear. I agree completely that females are loyal to the tribe, but there is another loyalty beside that. I'd imagine while females might find a Nuhn suitable, it would be better if that Nuhn did more than just that one "duty" as it were. I mean't "loyalty" in that regard, aka relationships of further respect and care. Family.
"I think it is the females who defend and take care of the males." this is wrong. They are both strong in their own regard but it is not so that males are in need of protection like that. Perhaps it is more true of the moon tribe, as sun females tend to regard those males as rather weak.
" it suggests that a single female can give birth to multiple children of different fathers. In a case where more than one nuhn exist, I expect the choice falls with her, not him."
A female cannot sire with more than one Nunh either, that goes against traditions. The naming can be explained as Nunh can be cast down by Tia at any point in their lives. at that point the females would or might go for that Nunh or another they think more accepable. (as always the choice lies with them. The Nunh must make themselves a attractive and strong choice if they want any females)
That all said and done, I heard that in general there are more females born than males. That might explain why these traditions exist and why you might think females do more in the protection area. They likely do join on most if not all things male do (like hunting) but I don't think, not with the sun tribe atleast, that males are in particular need of protection. It's just a tribe thing to protect all, the males do the same. especially the Nunh I imagine as it is their duty to assure offspring and good offspring.