> I notice that in HQ2 some of the gods have two runes but can only be
> "approached" through one of them. For example, I think Buserian has
> Truth and Fire/Sky but can only be initiated to through your Truth rune.
>
> What in practical terms is the significance of the second rune? I
> know this isn't the forum for rules queries so how would Gloranthans
> perceive the difference between the two runes (if they are even aware
> of their existence in this context).
This likely indicates that there is a difference between the nature of the god and the nature of the cult that worships him/her. This is more common than one would suppose, but I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all reason for this, hence the very abstract reason I'm proposing.
In some cases, the cult may have lost the knowledge that pertains to focus on the Rune (unlikely in Buserian's case).
In other cases, initiation might be through one Rune, and some deeper mysteries only be available through the second (sounds more likely in this case).
Or, those with an affinity for the second Rune may be chosen for initiation in a completely different cult, especially in cases where different divine entities may be different names and faces of a single greater god/goddess.
Or, there may be a strong taboo forbidding initiation via that Rune although the god may not be the source of that taboo.
Or, the god's personal Runic association may itself be partially broken.
Or, initiation via that Rune may be magically perilous for some reason, leading to failure or even death, so that the path is only undertaken once per generation by some great Hero.
Or, the first Rune might belong to the god's personal attributes, whereas the second might represent some group affiliation unsuitable for initiatory focus.
Or, the cult description may be a local one, and they do things differently elsewhere.
Or, any one of a hundred reasons, including any reasons that you may not *actually* need for your own campaign :)
Julian Lord
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