Barbarian Societies:(overview of beliefs)
An important feature of most tribal societies is their extreme superstition. Most folks in Harn are superstitious to some degree, but tribal societies have more rules about Taboo activities, plants and animals. Their beliefs are the defining point of their society.
Some tribal deities are independent demigods, several are really aspects of gods, worshipped by outside folks. Although since tribal needs are different usually deities appear to them in different forms.
Example: Horse totem= Larani
Most tribes believe that everything in nature has a spirits from the wind to the Sun. For some tribes even isn't a such thing as an inanimate object (Kath are not this extreme) The differences of the spirits worships usually has something to do with location of the tribe also.
Example : Forest dwellers do not worship Sea creatures.
Most spirits are benign, but there are evil spirits to overcome. Because tribal cultures are so close to nature, almost every activity is likely to disturb a spirit or two. Hence, the spirit world is never far from the natural world
To a tribal. Pursuits such as hunting, fishing, or gathering herbs are accompanied by rituals (prayers) to ward off the displeasure of spirits affected. If not properly appeased , hazards visited upon the tribe or individual by evil or angry spirits. Can be dire to the tribe.
The shaman is the tribe’s intermediary with the spirit world. Attitudes within the tribe differ, some may honor the shaman some may distrust .
Totemism:
Totemism is a special type of animism in which the worshipper takes on some of the properties of a particular entity-usually an animal, but sometimes a natural phenomenon. The entity chosen is always a useful one, often a fierce and strong animal seen as more powerful than the human it’s self.
Example: Wolf, Lion, Bears are common totems
The totemist (sometimes entire clans, like Kath) becomes stronger by emulating the creature. The interaction between individuals or groups with different totems is governed by strict social rules and rituals.
Shamans:
Shaman’s functions vary from culture to culture some being closer to civilized priests than to a genuinely animist shaman. Tribal societies cannot feed those who do not provide a useful service; thus Shamans are less isolated that most priests. Many have skills in hunting as well as other mundane abilities, while others concentrate on providing healing, blessing of weapons, warding off evil spirits, or cursing enemies. Shamans also perform ceremonies such as Joinings(marriage), Blessing of children, Coming of Age. .. etc.. These rituals guide the tribe through different rites of passage.
Psionics to Tribals:
Tribal societies seldom differentiate between types of supernatural power. Those with psionic powers or Shek Pvar spells may even be granted similar rights and responsibilities.