LBK:Reputation

Reputation is whether an NPC knows who you are. Chances are pretty low for a stranger to recognise you to begin with, but grow as your reputation does. For NPCs/groups who do know you, it is how you are seen by them other than any deliberate interaction on your part. Generally speaking, reputation in your tribe is good as they are more likely to help you out, do as you ask, or side with you during times of disagreement.

Reputation outside of the tribe is one of these things that may be desirable for some characters, and undesirable for others. It can also be positive or negative, and this probably ties in closely but not exclusively with that. Even good reputation can be undesirable, as you are more likely to be the target of kidnapping and so on.