Tritons of Antilla

The Tritons of Antilla belong to three distinct tribes, but all three work together in harmony; the divisions are a matter of tradition and pride, for Antillans play down group identity in favor of individual freedom. Toward most outsiders they are wary and neutral, making no treaties with national governments, and a friend of one band is not thereby a friend of other bands of the same tribe, still less of the other tribes.

Every Triton decides for himself or herself on any matter that touches them, and that choice binds only that individual and any children. Each Great Tribe has a chief, honored for descent from the ancient Antillan sages, who may suggest ideas but never impose rules or make agreements for others; a measure passes only if every member of the tribe agrees. The one important exception to their aloofness is a set of pacts binding them and the River Tritons of Hesperia to defend one another, which apply only in war, so contact amounts to the odd exchange of envoys and messengers.

Each Great Tribe divides into many Lesser Tribes, meaning a cluster of several kin groups dwelling near one another, while single family groups are called Bands, scattered all over the plateau. The Tritons are locked in endless enmity with the Makara, the sea devils of the escarpment along the Antillan Channel and the Sargasso weeds. Sailors also say a large Triton tribe dwells in the sunken First Age capital, Attalus, off southwestern Atlantis.