>But the 'Son of Yelm' filfuls a similar function [as "mask"] within Dara
Happan Mythology. Look at the Wyrm Footprints. Hastatus,
Sagittus, Hyraos and Tholm are described as 'Sons of Yelm' in
that they are viewed as manifestations of Yelm. Since Shargash
is also a 'son of Yelm' (cf the GRAY), he is viewed in a _similar_
manner by the Dara Happans.
I think there is a fundamental diffrence between the mask/son aspect described in the culturally generic WF write-ups, and the more clearcut position various deities occupy in the DH social order, as described in GRoY. In fact, GRoy doesn't even list Saggitus and Hastatus as Yelm's sons, does it? (I must admit, It's been a while since I last read GRoY).
Also, FS makes it clear than DH religion has many levels, and changes throughout time. The Lodrilli have their own philosphy, the Yelmies another, and the women likely have yet another, which is generally ignored completely, (if the even knew of it). I am sure that at some time, Shargash _was_ thought of as a mask of Yelm, and at others he was condsidered quite seperate. Perhaps the Alkothi consider Yelm just a mask of Shargash, who is, after all, the most important deity in the world to them.
It seems pointless to argue who is a mask of whom, unless you specificy the cultural POV. I do think that using examples of deistic relationships from the Theyalan pantheons is not valid - the cultural differences are far too great. The DH's thrive on authority and hierarchy, the Theyalans are generally more fluid and independant.
> Where else do you think the Lunars got much of their philosophy from?
I think the old Pelandan ideas had a big influence on Lunar philosophy, perhaps as much as Dara Happan. Of course, Pelandan and DH philosophy do seem to have a common, ancient source.
> It is set in Boldhome and will be a more low power level game.
YAYYY! Any farmers?
> My character is a follower of Lhankor Mhy and is by profession one of the
many jurors working there. My game master
has given me the task of coming up with a legal system for both the
Sartarites and the Lunars and an idea of how these two different sytems
would work together in the same region.
Jeff Richard has done a lot with the primitive legal structure of proto-Sartar in his "Taming of Dragon Pass" campaign, which is described in detail on David Dunham's Gloranthan website. Well over 3/4 of our plots involve legal themes, (could have something to do with Jeff being a law student.)
In general, this model is based on law as precedent, and on the Laws of Heort, as described in KOS. This makes Lankhor Mhy important to remember all the precedents, so an LM lawspeaker can advise the clan on the actions considered just in the past. (And nearly every just action has an equal and opposite just action!) In short, there is no great body of codified law- it's a fluid system involving memory and litigation, enforced (for a gift of indebtedness) by whoever has most huscarls. The "jury" is the whole clan present at the moot, or the chief or king, depending on the situaltion. A modern-type select jury is not used, (at least, not in 1350). Joerg and Jeff may have ideas on how the system has changed by 1600.
The Lunars present a less clear picture. In the "Home of the Bold" LARP, the legal authority was Leonidas of Darleep, a Yelmic magistrate. In old Dara Happa, it seems clear that Yelmies were magistrates, and the body of law was the written _Antirius Precepts_. I envision these much like the Codes of Hammurabi. (And, as in Hammurabi's time, if the judge was truely stumped, he threw both parties into a big river, and whoever made it to shore was the just party.) There is no jury - just a Yelmic judge who has a heck of a lot of power. But at least the Yelmic magistrate _claims_ to be impartial, something the Orlanthi condisider irrelevant.
I am not sure if the modern Lunar empire outside Dara Happa has another legal system, and, if so, what it is. Perhaps there are competing legal systems - ie, old-school Yelmic magistrates used by the military, vs a more politically astute Seven Mothers Provincial Court, with a Danfive Xaron magistrate? Perhaps the court system in use depends on the whim of the provincial governor?
Nick Brooke might have more clear idea?
Pam
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