From: Hal Bowman (bowman1@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us)
Date: Sat 09 Aug 1997 - 14:56:57 EEST
I recently got my chance to read the excellent set of articles from Tales
16, including the Cult of Danfive Xaron write-up.
This was a very funny article, very refreshing in that regard. My players
and I like a good laugh thrown in time to time among the man-eating ogre
children, rape-spawned succubi, and Thanatar head choirs.
I was, however, a bit concerned about the recruiting policy for the
Can one just walk up and knock on the Penitentiary door, even when not
The reason I ask this is that the write-up (if I read it correctly)
Let us assume for a minute that this is true. Let us further assume that
Young Plurius Unum decides that he wants to be an Unspoken Word agent,
All humor aside, is this _really_ the way it works?
Danfive Xaron cult. If I am reading this correctly, one can join the cult
by choosing its discipline, rather than accepting a "normal" sentence upon
conviction for a crime. One can also join when fleeing the authorities, as
a sort of sanctuary. Correct?
wanted by the authorities? Even when one is _not_ a criminal, or even
particularly penitent about one's life? Is one's pre-initiation
experience the same in these cases?
suggests that the vast secret police/secret army, etc. apparatus
protecting the Lunar Empire from internal foes is composed and lead by
ex-criminals.
the Danfive Xaron cult is able to make up for the backgrounds of its
members before they enter positions of responsibility. (Many criminals
lack even basic education, etc.) Let us finally assume that these
ex-cons, now sufficiently educated and reasonably able to function in
society, do a fine job and engender some sort of regard among the Lunars.
At least some folks look up to the cult as a place where one can get some
power and the fear/respect of others. (Not uncommon among such organs of
state control.) Hmm...
protecting the Empire from within. Or perhaps a prison warden, or a Black
Army trooper. Inspired by his patriotic zeal, he heads off on a crime
spree, knocking over a few fruit stands and mugging a couple citizens
before being apprehended. Great Joy! His career is under way!
Thanks,
Hal Bowman, Owings Mills, MD USA
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