The Helpful Handout of How to Become a Northern Barbarian
Criteria established by Mercedes Lackey
Based on the Darian's Tale trilogy.
Distributed by:
Queen's Own The Official Mercedes Lackey Fan Club
Basic Requirements
I. Clan and Position
Honor applies; what you roll is what you get.
Clan
Determine your Clan by rolling two six-sided dice or one die twice and add the numbers.
| Roll | Clan |
|---|---|
| 2-3 | Ghost Cat Clan |
| 4-5 | Gray Wolf Clan |
| 6 | Magpie Clan |
| 7-8 | Raven Clan |
| 9 | Red Fox Clan |
| 10 | Seashan Clan |
| 11-12 | Snow Fox Tribe |
Note: QO does not accept personae for the Blood Bear, Wolf-Head and Wolverine Clans.
Position
Determine your Position within the clan by rolling one six-sided die.
| Roll | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clan Healer |
| 2-3 | Clan Member* |
| 3-4 | Warrior |
| 6 | Shaman |
*If you roll a result of Clan Member, please specify your role: artisan, blacksmith, hunter, food gatherer, weaver, potter, fisher, trapper, or some other suitable job.
II. Develop a Character
Develop a character (your persona--Who would you be if you could daydream yourself into one of the tribes of Norther Barbarians? Be the "real" you or as different as you please.) and write about him/her. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.
This is a biography. Describe your persona's physical and emotional characteristics, likes and dislikes, whatever makes you uniquely you. You may use first or third person.
Remember to roll for Clan and Position first; it is the prerequisite for developing your persona. You can't write your story without knowing who you are.
(10 points)
III. Develop One or More Friend or Relative Characters
You needn't be quite so detailed in your descriptions of these other characters. But remember, you are writing about people you know well. Describe what your family and/or friends look like, their own character traits, etc. Again, a minimum of 3 pages. (5 points)
IV. Extra Point Requirements (5 points each)
Choose and complete the requirements for two (minimum) of the following:
- Write a story of more than 3 pages.
- Design a costume--Woodland tribe design.
- Create a costume.
- Draw a picture of your character.
- Write an essay about hunting and gathering techniques. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.
- Write a poem about life in your clan.
- Write an essay on archery. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.
- Create a piece of pottery.
- Weave a basket.
- Learn to fish.
- Draw a map.
- Learn CPR and basic first-aid.
- Become a regular blood donor.
- Become a volunteer.
- Commit to recycling.
- Design and/or create an original weaving.
- Send a story, poem, or art to one of our zines.
After you have acquired 25 points, you may become a full clan member!
Special Notes for Northern Barbarians
- Be sure to list the Clan and Position you rolled for in your submission.
- Characters should stay within Darian's time-line, after the founding of k'Valdemar (the Owl books).
- See the general rules for persona submissions.
- See the submission instructions for persona handouts.
- See the helpful hints for persona submissions.
If you have additional questions, check out the Northern Barbarians FAQ.
Advanced Rank
There are several advanced ranks possible for Northern Barbarian personae.
Clan Elder
If you have an approved Northern Barbarian persona, you may try for the advanced rank of Elder. To become a Clan Elder:
- Write a 20-page paper on the Wooland tribe of your choice (For some suggestions, see the map at http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/images/algonmap.gif.).
Warleader
If you have an approved Clan Elder, you may try for Warleader. To become a Warleader:
- Write a 20-page paper on warfare as practiced by the Woodland tribe of your choice.
Clan Chief
If you have an approved Warleader, you may try for Warleader. To become a Clan Chief:
- Write a 20-page paper on the Constitution of the Iroquois Federation.