In Tribe 8 and Tribes in the Dark, the divide between the haves and have-nots isn’t just about wealth or power but humanity itself. The players take on roles of Fallen, who have been stripped of everything that once defined them: their connection to the Seven Tribes, the blessing of the Fatimas, and even their ability to dream. In the eyes of Tribal society, they are less than human, cast out into a liminal existence where survival is a daily struggle.
Yet, this is where Tribe 8 does something remarkable: it gives the Fallen the chance to redefine themselves and forge new paths from the ashes of their old lives.
Understanding the Oppression of the Fallen
The social structure of the Tribes is rigid and hierarchical, with the Fatimas, semi-divine figures who bestow power and purpose on their followers, at the top. To be a member of one of the Tribes means having a place in the world, a sense of identity, and a connection to the spiritual realm through the River of Dream. The Fallen, by contrast, are banished from this system. They are severed from the River and their Fatima, and cast out from their Tribe, rendering them spiritually, socially, and physically isolated. The act of banishment is not just a punishment; it’s a statement. It tells every Tribal that their worth is conditional on their obedience to the system.
Of course, the Fatimas are not the only part of maintaining the systems of power and control in Tribe 8. The human Tribal leaders play a significant role in the oppression of the Fallen. These leaders are responsible for the day-to-day social, economic, and political life within their Tribes, with the Sisterhoods acting as intermediaries between the divine Fatimas and the mortal followers. Wielding political power as the heads of the Tribe, it’s the human leaders' mandate to ensure loyalty and obedience to the Fatima’s will.
Thus the plight of the Fallen is not just a product of divine judgment, but also human ambition and manipulation. Tribal leaders benefit directly from the Tribal hierarchy, and have access to resources, status, and their Fatima’s favor. They will try to protect their power by eliminating potential threats using banishment. Accusations of heresy or disloyalty are wielded as a political tool to remove rivals or dissenters, further entrenching their authority. Those who challenge Tribal and Fatimal decrees or laws, fail to conform, or simply ask too many questions are marked as heretics, dissidents, or failures, reinforcing the rigid hierarchies that define Tribal society.
Tribal leaders perpetuate the cultural values that justify the oppression of the Fallen, framing banishment as a righteous act that aligns with the Fatima’s will and the greater good of the Tribe. Tribal members are indoctrinated into viewing the Fallen with suspicion or disdain, and the threat of banishment just for associating with the Fallen perpetuates the social ostracism that makes life outside the Tribe so difficult.
The narrative constructed by these leaders positions the Fallen as dangerous, tainted, corrupt, and unworthy of the Fatima’s blessing. This dehumanization justifies their banishment and discourages others from sympathizing with or aiding them. The suffering of the Fallen is intentionally designed to maintain control and conformity, and makes an example out of the Fallen of what happens when one questions how things are done. This mirrors real-world systems of oppression and marginalization.
While many leaders act in self-interest or out of blind loyalty to the Fatima, not all are unthinking enforcers of oppression. Some may doubt the morality of casting individuals out, while others might chafe under the Fatimas' and Tribal leaders’s authority. For the Fallen, these leaders represent both the face of their oppression and, occasionally, the cracks in the system that might be exploited. A Tribal leader disillusioned with their role could become an ally—or a dangerous liability—if their internal conflict becomes known. These internal conflicts can add layers of complexity to the story of the Fallen, highlighting that the human leaders are as much products of the system as its perpetrators.
The Liminal Space of the Fallen
The Fallen inhabit a literal and metaphorical liminal space. They live outside the embrace of Tribal society, scavenging for survival in the ruins of the World Before, but they are not truly free from it. Banishment is devastating but also liberating, and the Fallen are not just victims but potential agents of change. Outside the Tribes, they are free to question the Fatimas' authority, reimagine their relationship with the River of Dream, and create new communities that reject the hierarchies of their former lives. This tension creates an opportunity to explore the question of what it means to rebuild your sense of self when everything that once defined you has been taken away, and resonates with stories of oppressed groups reclaiming their identity and humanity.
Uplifting the Oppressed Through the River of Dream
Reconnecting with the River of Dream is one of the most profound aspects of the Fallen’s journey. No longer relying on the Fatimas as intermediaries, they learn to forge their own relationships with the spirit world. Those new relationships, free from the influence of the Fatimas, manifest in surprising and powerful new ways. This challenges the narrative that only the Tribes—and, by extension, the Fatimas—have access to divine power.
In game terms, this reconnection allows players to explore themes of resilience, hope, and resistance. It transforms the Fallen from passive victims into active protagonists who reclaim and reshape what was taken from them into something uniquely their own. Access to The River of Dream becomes a source of autonomy and defiance instead of a tool of oppression.
Bringing Nuance to the Table
When incorporating the plight of the Fallen into your game, avoiding grimdark tropes where suffering exists only for its own sake is crucial. Focus instead on the Fallen’s resilience and ingenuity. Highlight how they build new communities, forge bonds of solidarity, and challenge the oppressive systems that cast them out.
At the same time, explore the complexity of the Tribes themselves. The Fatimas are not monolithic or infallible, and neither are their Tribal followers. Some Tribals may question the system, while others may enforce it out of fear or desperation. You can create a richer, more engaging game by giving every side depth and motivation.
Conclusion
The story of the Fallen in Tribe 8 is a powerful metaphor for real-world struggles against oppression and marginalization. It invites players to grapple with questions of identity, power, and resistance in a profoundly personal way. By treating these themes with care and nuance, we can create games that entertain and inspire us to think critically about the world we live in—and how we might change it for the better.
Through the Fallen, Tribe 8 reminds us that even in the face of dehumanization and exile, we can always reclaim our humanity and forge a new path forward.
