Cannibal Factions
Cannibal factions are groups of people, cultures, or other factions that consume the flesh of other humans. They may do this for ritualistic purposes, out of necessity in the face of starvation, or simply because they enjoy the taste of baby-back ribs. Fictional cannibal factions are commonly also raider factions, cultist factions, or tribal factions. They are generally evil.
| Synonyms: consumers of flesh |
| Example Mythonyms: the Cult of Flesh |
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Designing Fictional Cannibal Factions
Overview
Fictional cannibal factions are either depicted as being upfront and open about their favorite pastime, or secretive about it. If their consumption of human meat is known to others, in general people will seek to avoid whatever territories they control. If they keep this act secret, they will have needed to devise ways of keeping their activity away from curious eyes [cult compounds; hidden chambers; secluded locations].
The consumption of human flesh is generally held as taboo and if that is the case in a fictional world as well, worldbuilders will need to consider why cannibal factions have not yet been brought to the justice of law. While keeping their actions secret is one such solution, having significant numbers of cannibals and insignificant numbers of non-cannibals of deal with the threat is another option. This may happen in conditions such as wastes, frontiers, or lawless territories where the law has little resources. It may also occur if the cannibal faction has complete control over their territory [islands, hidden valleys, etc.]. Cannibal factions may also be raider factions, allowing them to escape back into unknown regions after capturing future meals.
Faction Identity
Fictional cannibal factions often borrow their aesthetic from cults, utilizing robes and other symbols. If a tribal faction they may adorn themselves in bones and skulls. If they were forced into cannibalism by necessity, their attire may be worn and falling apart.
Themes
Cannibalism is generally held as animalistic, and fictional cannibals are often depicted as feral and inhuman in their actions. Sophisticated cannibals, a contrast to this, are also a common archetype.