Let me start by saying that I am writing here about RQ in the Glorantha
environment, as I have seen it in published supplements and magazines.
I disagree with what Mr. Petersen has said about RQ's unique qualities.
I am not an expert, but I did play a competitor game (AD&D) set in
another setting (Greyhawk) from 1981 to 1992. I believe both that game
and its setting are inferior to RQ and to Glorantha, but they provide a
foil for my argument.
- "RQ is friendly to non-human PC's" in that they are fully developed
species with cultures, etc. Very true, but non-human PC's in Glorantha
are generally outcasts from their community, if they play with human
PC's. Based on what I have read in the published supplements, in a mixed
human/ other party: dwarves are heretics or apostates, elves are
rootless, and trolls are somehow not-with-their-clan. In fact, it seems
easier for non-humans to play in a homogenous group. Xenophobia is a big
factor in most places in Glorantha, and I get the impression that
non-humans just can't fit in many places. Most published scenarios seem
to favor either a group of humans or a unified group of trolls. All of
the prepared PC's in every scenario pack are human. AD&D, with its
"human clones" does make it easier to play a mixed group. In fact, given
that game's rules, non-humans generally lived much, much longer, can see
in the dark, etc. I still prefer to play RQ in Glorantha, but mixed
groups (outside of Pavis) seem sort of tough to handle. Except for ducks and
newtlings...
- "RQ is anti-heroic." Maybe for PC's. The Heroes in the G:CotHW
folks seem to be super tough, though. Even for "normals", is a Rune Lord
actually in danger from 3 merc's. If I play it correctly, one cannot
critically hit through Shield. If I play it incorrectly, skip these
comments. Several points of shield will reduce or remove the risk of
damage from Joe Average's weapon. The danger now comes from being
tackled and smothered, taken captive, etc. With Teleport spells,
spirits, etc. in the hands of very tough folks, it doesn't seem that the
game is anti-heroic in that respect. I like the idea of gritty PC's,
but my players like the idea of being super dudes out saving the
region, and who can blame them?
Of course, I am probably wrong on all counts, and will really appreciate
taking any discussion of this topic either to private email or just
skipping the whole issue.
Thanks,
Hal Bowman hbowman_at_morgan.edu