Riders value their honor belts, which represent their status and tell their stories, like a personal version of the Story Tent. To lose one's honor belt is shameful; to take another's in battle is a sign of strength and valor.
Riders add small plaques, made of precious metals and stones, to their belts to indicate their rank and deeds. For example, the plaques on an honor belt can tell of successful raids, and there are specific emblems that indicate that the wearer is a chief. The most impressive honor belts belong to important nobles.
Honor raids are aimed not at killing members of another clan, but at seizing important people's honor belts.
Burning one's honor belt is an ostentatious display of mourning.
Ride Like the Wind[]
Honor belts first appear in Ride Like the Wind.
Most, though not all, of your own clan seem to wear red honor belts, although priestesses of Erissa prefer green and there are a few other colors present.
Events[]
Honor belts are frequently seen on members of your and other Rider clans, but are the focus of the following events:
Lore[]
Your clan circle has some things to say on the topic:
- "An honor belt is not only valuable for its gold, but because it tells the story of its owner, a little like our story tent."
- "During the Warring Chieftains generation, Hyalor told us about honor belts, in hopes that we would fight without killing."
- "When Elmal gave Osara and Zarlen their belts, he said, ‘Do not let the Storm Gang take them from you.’"
- "We wear glittering plaques on our belts in remembrance of the Golden City."
- "In addition to status, each honor belt tells the story of each wearer's accomplishments."
Lights Going Out[]
Your clan has ceased to wear honor belts by the time of Lights Going Out, having become Rams since the first game. Ever since the end of the relatively prosperous Storm Age, it has become more difficult for the average person to scrounge together enough wealth to relegate some to be used as mere display. You still see notables of Rider clans wear their honor belts, though.
The emblems from Beren's old honor belt serve as treasured artifacts, used as instruments of auguries.
Lore[]
You clan ring can say the following of honor belts:
- "Beren worse these emblems on his belt, in our Rider days."
- "We no longer attach gold emblems to our belts, since this is no longer the glorious Storm Age when everyone had that kind of wealth to show off."