From: Geoff Gunner (eosgg@raesp-farn.mod.uk)
Date: Mon 18 Oct 1993 - 15:55:10 EET
re: Roland M. Volz's comment that 'IMHO, is that Humakt is not the god of
soldiers ... Humakt is a god for warriors, especially those who have lost
causes.'
Bit of a problem, there. Count the number of initiates likely. Sartar has a pop. of 200,000 (from memory); 90% *at least* are going to be Orlanth or Ernalda, then there's Issaries (most people in towns), Chalana Arroy, etc. So lets be *REALLY* generous and say that there are 1% who would like to worship ANYTHING in the Humakt line (remember; Humakt severed his blood ties, an awesome thing for a barbarian to do). That gives us ... 2000 humakti. Spread out all over Sartar. I wonder, how many major temples there are going to be ? Zero, perhaps ? And minor temples ? Doesn't it take at least 100 initiates for even a shrine ? Unless you de-restrict Humakt, you'll depopulate him out of Godhood.
And secondly; Gods are supposed to be ideals. Show me a christian who *lives* as Christ instructed. The idea of beer-swilling, unshaven oafish soldiers turning up drunk at the Humakt rituals and getting a severe frowning-upon by the Commander of the Temple lies close to my heart.
Some conclusions:
For shrine requirements, etc, use the average MP's sacrificed on holy days to get an idea of the power of that holy place. Ten fanatics are worth at least a hundred indifferent worshippers.
For initiates, junk the '10% of time' required for cult service. Sure, people will tithe (leave that at 10%), but who wants 10% of a load of farmer's time ? If your players are really gung-ho about their religion, then let them offer their time to the temple elders, to proove how dedicated they are. Much more valuable, and that way the priests get to know those who are *really* dedicated to the cause.
And the initiates of a cult don't have to be the image of their god - quite unlikely. Have spindly, timid storm bullians who only joined the cult because they're the only sons and their pa threatened to brain them with a tankard if they didn't. Or a mean and spiteful Chalana Arroy priestess, embittered by all the pain and suffering she's seen.
Don't make Glorantha a stereotype - it's got a lot more to offer.
Geoff.
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