paths of the gods, up and down

Date view Thread view Subject view Author view

From: Close friend of Little Elvis (WALLMAN@VAX2.Winona.MSUS.EDU)
Date: Fri 24 Jun 1994 - 19:39:20 EEST


Colin Watson:
> My only quibble is: why does one *have* to follow an existing path?
> I propose that fresh paths can be forged and, if these new paths are
> subsequently well-trodden enough (by a cult-load of worshippers all doing
> the same magic in the same way) and the route is complex enough then eventually
> a "new god" may form.
> Did this not happen with Zistor the Machine and the Red Goddess?
> Once the god-track is established then the magic becomes easier; but the
> downside is that it becomes vulnerable to other gods (cults).

> Hmm, the idea of gods forming around cults rather than cults forming around
> gods is interesting...

Yes, but note the two examples you give both ended in disaster.

It does appear that paths of worship and heroquesting can be derailed or even forged anew (e.g. Gold Wheel Dancers, Arkat, God Learners). However, it only seems possible with a superhuman effort. Joe Schmoe who wanders in his religion is visited by nasty spirits. Joe Hero who wanders in his religion becomes a subcult. Joe Schmoe who wanders off the heroquest path gets devoured by Krarsht. Joe Hero who wanders off the heroquest path becomes a star in the heavens.

Here is an idea. Instead of a single heroic individual forging a new path, what if many many unheroic people kept throwing themselves at it. Sure, most would be snuffed out, but eventually the path would be trodden enough. This sounds so familiar as I write it, I think it must have happened in some form in Gloranthan history.

---

This reminds me of something I do not think has been mentioned when discussing the Great Compromise. It is usually described as something locking the gods outside Glorantha. To me it is better described as something locking everything inside Glorantha.

The gods do not have it so rough. At first I pitied them for being locked in their timeless stasis. However, after examining the evidence, I think Gloranthans have it much worse off. Every time humanity (or anyone else) even begins to reach up towards the divine, they are brutally crushed. Every age has been a repetition of this theme.

It all seems too convenient for the gods. "Oh, sorry, I can't really get involved because of this darn Compromise. What? Someone is getting powerful like me? I guess the universe will just have to turn against them and obliterate them. That's what they get for disturbing the natural order of things."

I think it should be called the Great Conspiracy. 

Ed						Is it a Dorastor disaster
Wallman@vax2.winona.msus.edu			or a disaster in Dorastor?

---------------------
Date view Thread view Subject view Author view

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Fri 10 Oct 2003 - 01:35:28 EEST