Originally Posted by Mith
So I am now more and more against a formal [quilombeiros] state, so how about a middle form where there are village states, but they are all connected out of need for security. I suggest this since division can work when you are all too small to hit, but when you are collectively a big target, some unity is required. Maybe not a formal government, but maybe a central meeting point for all the people of the area.
This could certainly be an option if a large force came their way, but I'd say it would be rarely used except in emergencies, real Toruk Makto situations.

They would, however, certainly be in contact with each other, although I'd expect small-scale intervillage conflict from time to time, people being people.

Originally Posted by Mith
Do we want to develop a name for these people besides Ex-slaves?
Meaning, a name they use for themselves?

I came across the name Bakari some years ago, although I don't recall the exact derivation; apparently it's an African term which means "promising." Could be adapted to mean "people of hope" or something along those lines.