I see what you mean about Harrek Sandy. He can control the power flow around him? To what range? Does that mean that if you attack him with rune magic running then he can simply dispel it? If he controls the power flow surely he could redirect spells cast at him and his mates, even reflect them?
Joerg Baumgartner suggested, in a private argument, that Harrek has access to the Polar Bear Gods powers through the binding such as its roar, the claws and the "ursine jaws". This seems to fit with much of the literature to date on Harrek. As for the 100k power available to him, what could he use it on? He is not a spirit magician according to DP and there is a limit to how much battle magic you can cast, so whats he do with it?
Skill wise Harrek is ludicrous of course, but what to most Gloranthans is ludicrous? Argrath would merely be awesome with his sword, I reckon by his apotheosis, 500% wouldn't be unlikely. Harrek though would be boosting 1000% I would think making a critical hit most of the time and slashing the rest. He'e probably immune to fumbles too. Conversely, he'd probably make a very poor personnel manager and I bet you a billion Imperials he'd have no idea on how to let a pot of tea brew properly for a good flavour, so its all relative.
However there are a few questions about old Harrek the Bearug that need answering:
(1). So he's mega tough, okay but how would he fight the Crimson Bat? It would
just eat him as he is only 6-7 feet high, yet according to DP its only about as
tough as Harreks big toe.
(2). How on Glorantha did he knobble the Polar Bear god? I mean I know he's an
experienced and lethal dart competitor and I know he's a natural for spotting
weakness on the hero or god plane but this is a God we are talking here.
(3). He is master of the infinity rune, therefore immortal. So where does he
go? After the fall of the Red Moon does he go back to Pamaltela or what? He
doesn't seem the type to do an Arkat and retire somewhere.
(4). He is meant to be a great leader. Does this imply that, like Conan, he's
deadly but has a brain? I know he'd be inspiring to follow but being super
personally deadly does not a good general make. Any ideas anyone?
(5). Motivations. What drives this man to do what he does. Argrath is easy to
divine, he's a crusader, but Harrek can only be compared to Conan in fiction,
but in Glorantha, how many other heroes have existed with his power yet without
a cause to drive them to it. Arkat was probably as tough, if not tougher (maybe
magically) but he was totally driven by his desire to crush Gbaji, hence his
endless quest for more powers. Harrek just wanders about, looting and killing.
But WHY?
Argrath: The boon companions are what makes a hero as tough as he is, as well as his personal power. I think that there are some revealing bits in KoS about this point such as Sheng Seleris and his sprit guardians or Argrath attacking Pavis surrounded by spirits. Does anyone think this might translate into the rules as a spirit wall, blocking spells? It certainly seems important to the heroes.
Hopefully I'll only send this once, unlike the Art of War which I sent twice by accident - sorry about that folks.
Martin Laurie
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