From: David Hall (100116.2616@compuserve.com)
Date: Tue 18 Oct 1994 - 22:50:24 EET
Lismelder Humakti:
I don't really understand Alex's objections.
So, it would be extremely unlikely for a Humakti to become a chieftain. But, I don't see anything wrong with this? The Humakti's role is not that of community leader, i.e. part-time judge, jury, farmer, herdsman, craftsman, warrior, politician and leader. The Humakti is pure and simply a warrior.
When the tribal king is chosen he must become an initiate of the Humakti Temple and this allows him his authority over the Humakti and presumably initiates him into their importance and role. This tradition goes back to Indrodar who was the first to set this up.
In the past King and temple have argued about what is good for the tribe and so the temple should not simply be seen as the king's lackeys - though their fanatical loyalty to kings is well attested. Also, there have been Humakti kings chosen in the past, usually in time of war.
But the basic fact is that chieftains, kings and queens are 85% of the time from an Orlanth & Ernalda background and not from a Storm Bull, Humakti, Lhankor Mhy, Chalana Arroy background. As Orlanth and Ernalda are the rulers of the pantheon so are their worshippers the rulers of the clan and tribe.
Orlanthi Marriage:
We've had one or two in the Lismelder campaign. I use as a basis the Lightbringer model from the last Biturian Varosh entry in Cults of Prax.
An Orlanthi priest officiates, but the couple also receive sponsorship and gifts from Lightbringer representatives. I think Fleshman was represented by a drunk from the Greydog Inn. I'm not sure what he gave, or if he just threw up.
For most clan marriages the Lightbringers are represented by important Household or Clan figures, but it makes the marriage luckier if you can get real priests and priestesses or important people. In one marriage they had a friendly duck Issaries Goldentongue turn up and an Ernaldan priestess they'd helped. You also get better gifts from those who owe you or are good friends!
I'm also toying with the idea that these people also act as Godfathers/mothers to the marriage. If there is trouble then either partner can go to one of the sponsors of their marriage to get guidance. The sponsors are honour bound to help. So if the king sponsors your marriage you can maybe stretch things a bit and ask for help against a pesky neighbour.
Of course, it cuts both ways when you have sponsor someone else's marriage. Which gives me some ideas for the next game session...
Cheers,
David
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