This that and the other

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From: Bill Robertson (x820660@fcusqnt.fcu.edu.tw)
Date: Fri 03 Jun 1994 - 03:41:34 EEST


Martin...
>Re: closed societies
> As Joerg points out, China and Japan were officially closed
>to outsiders. Another closed society was the Muslim culture of

Yes, they were officially closed, but you're bordering on innacuracy here. They weren't always closed like this. China was closed during the Qing (Ching) dynasty, and Japan was closed during the Tokogawa period. Interestingly enough, the Qing rulers themselves were not Chinese. So, what does this have to do with Glorantha... Um... Sorry! Well, maybe I could say that I was trying to say be careful when considering Gloranthan societes, but I'm to honest. I was just... just... quibbling! "Arrrggghhhhh! Shoot me now! Shoot me now!" quoth the Black Duck, "Nevermore."

Paul Reilly...
> DO people want Harangvat info?

Sure we do! Let me start with the first question. Who or What are they or is it? ;)

Graeme Lindsell...
> I don't like the idea from the Heroes of the King prospectus posted
>here recenly, that magic cannot be done secretly. Takes too much of the
>fun out of it IMO. I'd like to think that Mindspeechs are flying thick
>and fast in any Gloranthan meeting.

I agree whole heartedly. I like the idea that a skilled sorcercer using his sleight skill can cast a spell while talking to you. I think it makes for better role playing opportunities. Brings more flavor and danger into interaction with a sorcerer.

Here's the way I envision it working. While engaged in conversation, the sorcerer would begin casting his spell normally. If you encourage note passing in your game (I do) (s)he should inform you in this manner. This keeps the other players on edge because their characters (probably) wouldn't know it either. Then, include sleight into the skill mix of sorcery manipulation skills. i.e. You have to roll lower than your lowest skill.

My ideas are still incomplete. How can the targets notice? Scan? Seems reasonable to use the normal skill v.s. skill rules. Also, Sorcery requires a verbal component (or DOES it?) If so, do you need to work your fast-talk skill into it? Additionally, what does this do to casting time? I suspect it would lengthen it. Maybe it would double casting time, but I'm not sure how reasonable this is. Is it too much of a penalty to make it worthwhile?

Ideas, comments, and suggestions would be appreciated.

Bernt Hillesland...
>PILGRIMAGES: What place do they have in the religions of Glorantha?
>Obviously the Animal Nomads have their Praxian pilgrimages to the Paps,

As I recall to become a tribal cheiftan in Prax, the poor sap must go the the fens surrounding The Block and kill a chaos beast. I like the idea that to become a Storm Khan you must do the same thing (in some regions at least). For Yelmalio, I think a pilgrimage to the Hill of Gold might be appropriate.

Is the difference between pilgrimage and Heroquest physical and metaphysical?

Gary Newton ...
Thanks for the information about Japanese. Now I'd like to toss in my two cents about how to address your family members in Chinese. The proper way to address your family members is by their "title", not by name. "Titles" are very numerous. There's not just a "title" for your sister. There's one for your older and younger sister. There's not just a word for uncle. There are words for your fathers older brothers and words for your father's younger brothers. etc. etc. etc. I'm an American, and it confuses me like you wouldn't believe. I don't really understand why, but I can say that it has to do with the importance of family relationships in Chinese society. Of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. My girlfriend's sister calls her by her name.

This makes me wonder about the importance of the clan in Orlanthi society. I don't think the Orlanthi have this sort of mode of address because of their, "freedom lovin' nature." I wonder what cultures in Glorantha might address their family members like this? Any suggestions?

>OK, last bit: RQ here in Japan seems really popular. Apart from the AH
>ranslations, there's a home-grown thingie called "RuneQuest 90s", which has
>some interesting interpolations... Let me know if you want to know more...

Yes! I'm very interested. If nobody else expresses interest publicly, then contact me through e-mail.

Neither Scotland nor Sartar, but Taiwan.

Joerg Baumgartner... (regarding major gods/goddesses)
>> (1) Why Lodril?
>if you dare a head-count of worshippers, including associate, pantheon
>
>> (2) Where's Uleria?
>I didn't think of her. Maybe she is too subtle to elbow her way to

Well, maybe Uleria just has millions of lay members. <Ahem>

Nick Brooke...
>Dara Happans impale criminals, I've heard (and written). I don't know about

>like reasonable folk, maybe they did nothing worse than the Greeks: poison
>(anyone for Hemlock?), or casting into deep ravines followed by stoning...

I'd imagine that any sort of death sentence would have be quick. Hate to see those thugs using DI to get out of their fate. Although it COULD be a great plot device.

Peter J. Whitelaw...
>Has anyone every wrankled at the neat little packages that Strike Ranks are
>grouped into? By this I mean Melee rounds. In my group we tend to make/bend

>Has anyone tried this?

This topic was discussed last summer. Personally, I like the SR system for its simplicity. I think when you're role-playing you need to balance playability v.s. realisim. If you're game is too "playable", then you're running Monty-Haul everybodies-got-everybody-else-special-Rune-magic- through-abuse-of-the-spell-trading-rules type of game. If your game is too "realistic" then it's too rules heavy or too literary. Have you ever glanced at the Roll-Master rules.

But then I'd also like to say, "Suit yourself!" Play whatever type of game you like!

>CRIMSON TEAR
>There you have it; Like it or loathe it.

I didn't loathe it. I didn't like it. I loved it! Great writeup too. Especailly since you included a description of the ceremony spell. Thanks!

Now two questions. I've been in hiatus for awhile. What's the status of RuneQuest IV? And, did I see a mention of an aol library? Is there, and is it accessable?

Thanks all!
-Bill

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