Family

The three tribes of the Alam are each sub-divided into scores of different families. These extended families are the basis of Alam society, members of a family will often live together in large sprawling estates of houses and villas. In contrast to their mercantile attitude with others, family members can be generous and gracious with each other, without any expectation of favour or obligation. What they do expect is a strong sense of loyalty towards the family, to betray your family is one of the most heinous crimes you can commit in Alam eyes.

Families are always matrilineal, descent is traced through the woman's line. This means that if two Alam marry, the man is expected to leave his family and join his wife's family. Children are always raised by the mother and the men and women of her family. In this way the Alam can ensure that every single member of the nation can trace an unbroken line back to the three Founders.

A family can be exceptionally large, so there is no requirement for the active members be closely related to each other. They also have a habit of adopting individuals with no family of their own who have become fast friends of one or more family members. Such people do not become an actual member of the family, unless they marry a woman of the family, but they are otherwise treated no different from blood family.

Each family appoints a Dhomiro, effectively the head of the family. The main role of the Dhomiro is to represent the family to outsiders and to give the family leadership and direction. Each family has their own method for selecting their Dhomiro, but it is usually a senior member of the family who is well respected by all. The goal is to identify an individual whose leadership will benefit the family and who they can unite behind. It is not unusual for the Dhomiro to change over time, most sensible Dhomiro will step aside as soon if they realize they no longer possesses the support of their family.