Anyway, standard disclaimer: the following comes from discussions with Greg about Isidilian, Mostali and Mysticism. While it is true for his version of Glorantha, it is not true of mine, nor need it be true of yours.
Number of True Mostali: Limiting this term to mean only those Mostali created before the Clay vessel project, there are currently only 5 known to the surface world. There are about another dozen that Isidilian hangs out with in various places about Glorantha. I do not believe that any of them sit upon any of the Two major known Mostali councils, they are much too busy.
Martin's Heresies: Were really entertaining, and much closer to the truth than what most people believe. All that nonsense in DW#24 pertains only to Clay Mostali, and even that is horribly mangled by passing through human thought patterns. Isidilian's current form is taken by choice, and is mutable (quicksilver you know). There are currently True Mostali working on Sky projects, and deep, deep dark projects to repair the world machine. Isidilian himself has been known to wander through the sky tunnels to tighten a screw now and then.
Why Greg hates Mostali: Well, the truth is, he only hates Clay Mostali. When the True Mostali started running out and needed replacements, the Clay project seemed ideal, but it turns out terribly defective and undeveloped units that require hundreds of years of rigorous training before they can even be released of the caste system. That was put in place to guide young Mostali in a rigid way that their narrow conciousness could comprehend. Only once they reach Diamond status do they even have the option of breaking from their enforced adolescence and begining to contemplate the infinite, the plans of the machine. The True Mostali all understand the Great Mystery, (what lies behind the mask of the goddess) in their own way, much like successful illuminates. It is their understanding of the Great Plan that allows them to guide the repair and construction of the Mask, the World Machine. Clay Mostali neither know or understand any of this, it is beyond their comprehension, much like trollball is.
eric
ps In my Glorantha, Mostali RULE the world!
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