weather, animals & HQ

From: Carlson, Pam <carlsonp_at_wdni.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 12:30:00 -0800


Multiple topics here:

WEATHER
Nick mentioned that the Glowline & the Kalikos cult have modified the weather in the empire, so that it is usually sunny and rarely rains, thus making irrigation necessary.

I am not so sure. Water planning has been necessary since Murharzarm's time in the Oslir valley, but the area was originally a vast marsh. Therefore, I think all that irrigation is more flood control, and an effort to maintain semi-dry plots of land for grain crops. (Even then, they traditionally plant rice in the lowlands).

The Lunars may have been making the weather less variable and severe, but I don't think they'd eliminate rain and clouds. The cloud sheep of the beloved Entekos still scamper across the sky, making beautiful patterns and bringing gentle, warm rains to the land. The rains help grow crops in the higlands, and wash clean the lovely cities and town of the empire. Even Shagash's voice can still be heard, beating his thunder drums and throwing skyspears at celestial enemies - especially at mythically important times of the year.

Have the Orlanthi decided to try to weaken their sun, because they don't like the Evil Emperor? Removing rain and clouds makes no sense. (Though maybe they have convinced Entekos/Shafelsora that it's most polite to rain only at night!)

COYOTES Almost all biomes on Earth have a smallish canine predator - either dingoes, jackals, wild dogs, aardwolves, coyotes, dholes, etc. I think most Gloranthan ones do, too. Therefore, I'd put either coyotes or jackals in Prax. Simple Praxians would fear that the coyotes would eat their calves. More astute Praxians would notice that the coyotes mostly eat the rabbits, rats, and insects that compete with their livestock for the few available grasses....

DOGS Dogs go where people go. Therefore, in Prax there are dogs that hang around the village and live on scraps, while keeping the wild canines away from the herds. And they will bark when they sense intruders.

PIGS Pigs are another universal creature. Wild pigs can be found in almost all forests, and even many grasslands. Therefore, while Dragon Pass/Maniria is certainly a mythic stronghold of piggery, it needn't be the sole source. Ralios, Western Peloria, and no doubt Kralorela have their own pig deities. I can see a universal Earth connection though, as pigs are very fertile, very strong, and spend a lot of time rooting around in the dirt and living in dens.

VROKS AND RAVENS I loved (Chris Leman's?) suggestion that solars traditionally use hawking as a way to keep damaging birds out of the fields!

Ravens are impressive animals. My 100 pound dog, who on may occasions has proven herself to be quite the predator, is afraid of the crows that land in the yard. It is not surprising that a Gloranthan culture would associate ravens with tricksters.

HEROQUESTING WITH A FALSE HEART Intent or action in heroquesting? I would use the Pendragon traits, or, if you don't like them, just use your player's intent. I think that a heroquest may work if the intent is wrong, but at the core it is a deceitful act. And deceit on such a powerully magical level might cause the Trickster to take an interest. Then your quest goes all higgledy-piggledy, and you might not get what you wanted at all!

Pam


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