Tribes of Metaphor: ReFantazio – A Deep Dive into Atlus’ Unique World

ElaineOctober 15, 2024

Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’ new RPG masterpiece, plunges players into the rich and immersive universe of the United Kingdom of Euchronia. The game’s depth doesn’t just stem from its complex storylines and gameplay, but also from the diverse tribes that populate its world. These tribes are more than just background lore they shape the society, politics, and relationships within the game. Understanding these tribes is key to unravelling the intricate prejudices, conflicts, and alliances that define the kingdom.

In this guide, we’ll break down each of the nine tribes that make up the population of Metaphor: ReFantazio, delving into their characteristics, societal roles, and how they influence the protagonist’s journey. Whether you’re a new player or someone deep into the lore, this guide will help you navigate the complex web of tribal dynamics in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

The Clemar Tribe: The Pillars of Euchronia’s Society

The Clemar are the backbone of Euchronia. As the most populous tribe in the game, they dominate key positions of power and influence, including the royal family. What sets them apart visually is their sheep-like horns, making them instantly recognizable. They’re often portrayed as the “elite” of Euchronia, wielding significant political and social influence. The protagonist encounters many Clemar characters throughout the game, including Leon Strohl, who serves as a humble contrast to the often-arrogant Clemar nobility.

Characteristics of the Clemar Tribe:

Appearance: Human-like but with prominent sheep-like horns.
Role in Society: Dominant political and social class, with many occupying high-ranking government positions.
Notable Characters: Leon Strohl, a central figure in the game, embodies humility despite his tribe’s influence.

The Roussainte Tribe: Warriors with a Competitive Spirit

The Roussainte tribe is famed for its martial prowess and imposing physicality. They are easily distinguished by their tall, muscular bodies and long, pointed ears. Comparable to the elves of other fantasy realms, the Roussainte possess exceptional combat abilities, and their society is structured around competition and proving superiority through strength. The character Hulkenberg exemplifies this, showcasing her tribe’s combat prowess early in the game.

Characteristics of the Roussainte Tribe:

Appearance: Tall, muscular, with elongated, pointed ears.
Role in Society: Known for their combat skills, often seeking to outperform others.
Notable Characters: Hulkenberg, a fierce warrior who demonstrates the strength and pride of the Roussainte.

The Eugief Tribe: Outcasts with Hidden Strength

Perhaps the most visually distinctive tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio, the Eugief are often marginalized due to their bat-like features. With large mouse ears, bat-like wings, and pupilless eyes, they stand out—and not always in a good way. The Eugief face significant prejudice because of their appearance, which has led them to be cast into the lowest rungs of society. However, despite their status, they possess unique abilities like night vision and enhanced hearing, making them exceptional at tasks like farming and hunting.

Characteristics of the Eugief Tribe:

Appearance: Short stature, bat-like wings, large ears, and pupilless eyes.
Role in Society: Farmers and hunters, often discriminated against due to their appearance.
Notable Characters: Heismay, a prominent Eugief character, brings attention to the tribe’s struggles.

The Nidia Tribe: Masters of Charm and Mystery

The Nidia tribe is one of the most enigmatic in Metaphor: ReFantazio. On the surface, they appear to be regular humans, but their large, sparkling eyes hint at something more mystical. Nidia are known for their charisma and ability to win the hearts of others, often making them influential figures in society. However, there is a deeper mystery behind their appearance, one that players will unravel as they progress through the game.

Characteristics of the Nidia Tribe:

Appearance: Human-like but with notably large, sparkling eyes.
Role in Society: Charismatic and often influential, though shrouded in mystery.
Notable Characters: Junah, whose hidden powers and charm make her a key player in the game’s story.

The Mustari Tribe: Visionaries with a Secret

The Mustari tribe is visually striking due to the third eye that adorns their foreheads. This eye grants them the ability to see Magla, the essence that pervades the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio. To avoid drawing attention, many Mustari wear large masks that conceal their third eye, adding an air of mystique to their appearance. Their religious beliefs and ability to see Magla set them apart from the other tribes, making them both revered and feared.

Characteristics of the Mustari Tribe:

Appearance: Human-like but with a third eye on their forehead, often hidden by a mask.
Role in Society: Visionaries who can see Magla, often shunned for their unusual abilities.
Notable Characters: Eupha, a key Mustari character, exemplifies the tribe’s mystical nature.

The Paripus Tribe: Discriminated for Their Joyful Spirit

Despite their beast-like appearance often featuring animal ears and tails the Paripus are a joyful, carefree tribe. They tend to be discriminated against, not because of their physical features, but because of their personality. Their happy-go-lucky nature is seen as reckless and irresponsible by the more rigid members of Euchronian society. However, their love for life, celebrations, and parties makes them a vibrant and integral part of the game’s world.

Characteristics of the Paripus Tribe:

Appearance: Bestial features such as animal ears and tails, often with colourful skin and hair.
Role in Society: Often seen as carefree and reckless, facing prejudice due to their personalities.
Notable Characters: Fidelio and Basilio, two Paripus characters who add a sense of light-heartedness to the game’s darker themes.

The Rhoag Tribe: Wisdom Comes with Age

The Rhoag tribe is known for their long lifespans, living twice as long as other tribes. This extended life gives them the appearance of elderly individuals, even though they may only be middle-aged by their standards. They are highly knowledgeable, often serving as historians, scholars, and advisors. However, their age and wisdom sometimes lead them to hold grudges for generations, making them a tribe known for both their intellect and their stubbornness.

Characteristics of the Rhoag Tribe:

Appearance: Appear elderly due to their long lifespans, with traditional face markings.
Role in Society: Known for their wisdom and knowledge, often serving as advisors.
Notable Characters: Santifex Forden, a wise elder who embodies the Rhoag’s deep historical knowledge.

The Ishkia Tribe: Intelligent and Aloof

The Ishkia tribe is perhaps the most intelligent of all the tribes in Metaphor: ReFantazio. With two sets of wings, they are a rare sight in Euchronia. Their intelligence often places them in positions of power, especially within academic and religious institutions. However, this same intelligence can make them seem aloof or condescending to others, leading to tensions with other tribes. Despite their small population, they hold considerable influence due to their intellect and their physical beauty.

Characteristics of the Ishkia Tribe:

Appearance: Two sets of wings and a strikingly attractive appearance.
Role in Society: Often serve as scholars or clergy, known for their intelligence.
Notable Characters: Neuras, a prominent Ishkia scholar, plays a critical role in the protagonist’s journey.

The Elda Tribe: The Outcasts of Euchronia

The Elda tribe is the rarest and most mysterious tribe in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Unlike the other tribes, Eldas have no distinct physical features, appearing entirely human. However, this normalcy makes them stand out in a world filled with fantastical beings. They are shunned and discriminated against for their perceived inferiority and for inheriting dangerous magic that contradicts the teachings of the Sanctist Church. The protagonist, who belongs to the Elda tribe, faces prejudice and challenges as they navigate the complex societal structure of Euchronia.

Characteristics of the Elda Tribe:

Appearance: Entirely human in appearance, with no distinctive features.
Role in Society: Shunned and discriminated against for their perceived inferiority.
Notable Characters: The protagonist, whose journey as an Elda reveals the depth of Euchronian prejudice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do the tribes influence the gameplay in Metaphor: ReFantazio? Each tribe brings unique characteristics, prejudices, and abilities that impact the story, interactions, and even combat mechanics. Understanding the tribes enhances the immersion and helps players navigate the complex world of Euchronia.

2. Why is the Elda tribe so heavily discriminated against? The Elda is shunned because they appear entirely human and are seen as inferior. Additionally, their dangerous magic contradicts the teachings of the Sanctist Church, further fuelling the prejudice against them.

3. What is Magla, and how do the Mustari use it? Magla is an essence that pervades the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio. The Mustari tribe, with their third eye, can see and interact with Magla, giving them unique abilities that other tribes fear or revere.

Understanding these tribes not only deepens your connection to the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, but it also helps you make more informed decisions as you guide your protagonist through the game’s intricate narrative. What’s your favourite tribe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!