THE TRANDO (NATIVE TRIBE)

• Location: Eastern Equatorial Section of VOI-700 D's Habitual Belt, surrounding Lake Arla.
• Tribal Type: Settled
• Tribe Size: Approximately 80,000 members

The Trando Tribe is one of the oldest and most prominent communities in VOI-700 D's Habitual Belt. Nestled high in the Tropical Forest's canopy, the Trando's main settlement, Trandon, is a marvel of natural architecture. Known for their deep respect for nature and their adaptive lifestyle, the Trando have thrived in harmony with their environment for centuries. Their history is marked by peaceful coexistence with other tribes, though they have defended their lands fiercely when necessary, most notably during incursions by exohuman forces in the Great War.

The Trando live a unique vertical existence among the ancient trees of Lake Arla's dense forests. Their treetop settlements are intricately woven into the branches, providing safety from ground-level predators like the Moar while offering ample sunlight for their elevated farms.

• Diet and Sustainability: The Trando are strict vegetarians, cultivating crops on wooden plateaus high above the forest floor. Their agricultural practices include permaculture and crop rotation to preserve the ecosystem's balance.

• Beliefs and Traditions: The tribe's spiritual life is guided by the Trends, a set of natural laws that dictate harmony with the environment and mutual respect among tribe members. They believe that violating these principles brings imbalance and suffering. The Trandorm, their spiritual leader, embodies these beliefs and ensures their continuity.

• Defense Tactics: While peaceful by nature, the Trando are not defenseless. They rely on clever defensive tactics, such as pouring hot water from above or using heavy stones to deter intruders. In close combat, they wield long, sharpened wooden stakes, demonstrating their resourcefulness and self-reliance.

• Skills and Traits: Living among the treetops has made the Trando exceptional climbers with unparalleled balance and agility, skills that are as vital in their daily lives as in defending their homes.

The Trando are governed by the Trandorm, a leader who serves as a spiritual guide, judge, and chief. The Trandorm’s power is not absolute and must align with the Trends, the ancient laws of the tribe.

The next Trandorm is chosen through a mystical vision, during which the current leader identifies a child destined to inherit the role. This ensures spiritual continuity and stability within the tribe.

• Elders’ Council: Advisors who support the Trandorm in governance and decision-making.
• Artisans and Farmers: Specialists in crafting tools, maintaining treetop structures, and managing agriculture.
• Warriors: Protectors of the tribe, trained in tactics and the use of defensive tools.

Material:

• The garments are primarily made from woven bark fibers and soft leaves of the Arla Emberwood, treated to be lightweight, durable, and breathable. These materials are abundant in the Trando’s forest environment and allow for silent movement, essential for their treetop existence.

Design:

• Tunics and Wraps: The basic attire consists of sleeveless tunics for both men and women, accompanied by waist wraps or short skirts. These are dyed using natural pigments derived from berries, flowers, and tree sap, often in shades of green, brown, and gold to blend with their surroundings.
• Climbing Straps: Special woven straps are integrated into their clothing to help secure tools or weapons and assist in climbing.
• Decorative Elements: Trando garments are adorned with leaf patterns or embroidered symbols representing the Trends, the tribe’s spiritual laws. Warriors often wear feathered accents to signify bravery.
• Ceremonial Garments: During ceremonies or special events, the Trando wear elaborate capes made from layered leaves and feathers, symbolizing their harmony with nature. The Trandorm’s attire includes a headdress made of woven reeds and bright feathers, representing wisdom and spiritual authority.

Practical Additions for Warriors:

• Warriors' clothing is reinforced with sap-treated fibers for added durability and includes small, concealed pouches for carrying arrows, sap, or climbing tools.

The Trando's tools for defense reflect their resourceful and environmentally conscious lifestyle:

• Trando Firebow: A rare and devastating weapon that uses Lumifire Sap for explosive arrows. These are primarily reserved for trained warriors in times of great peril.
• Wooden Stakes: Long, pointed stakes used for close combat. Lightweight yet durable, these are crafted from the abundant Arla Emberwood.
• Treetop Defenses: Includes heavy stones and hot water prepared for aerial bombardment against intruders. The Trando prefer defensive tactics, using the forest's natural advantages to ambush and disorient enemies.

• Terrain Advantage: The Trando's treetop lifestyle gives them a significant advantage in forested environments. Players may need to overcome height differences, climb obstacles, or deal with ambushes from above.
• Stealth Missions: The Trando’s settlements are well-camouflaged. Players attempting to locate or infiltrate them must rely on sharp perception and stealth.
• Cultural Dilemmas: Interactions with the Trando could involve moral decisions, such as respecting their natural laws or addressing disputes over deforestation and land use.
• Combat Challenges: Use the Trando Firebow for ranged ambushes and traps like falling stones or scalding water to create high-stakes encounters.
• Allies or Adversaries: Depending on the campaign, the Trando can serve as wise allies with deep knowledge of the forest or as formidable adversaries protecting their sacred lands.

• Native Tribes on VOI 700 D
• Known Native Tribes on VOI 700 D (Overview)
• Alliance of Native Tribes
• Habitual Belt
• Eastern Equatorial Section
• Tropical Forest
• Lake Arla
• Trandon
• Trando Firebow
• The Great War
• Peace Treaty

Other Native Tribes within the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt:

• Honga
• Senti
• Orlanda