> I think a case can already be made that the so-called
>Gloranthan "humans" are not like us. After all, they have an
>built in instinctual fear of chaos, while we think chaotic
>patterns make great screen savers.
There is a marked difference between Gloranthan Chaos and Mandlebrot Screen Savers insofar as prolonged exposure to the latter has not caused the end of the world as we know it.
>Also, it seems likely that
>living in a world where magic "works" would have all sorts of
>unanticipatable ramifications for society and psyche that we
>couldn't begin to understand.
What do you mean? I look out my window and see a multiton metal monstrosity lift itself into the air and make a great big roaring noise. I am pushing tiny buttons which make funny characters appear on the screen in front of me. I know that if I type certain keys, these characters will be sent all over the world.
Would a gloranthan intepret this as magic? Yes. Does it affect my psyche and society in ways I couldn't begin to understand? No. So why should the humans not be human? Is it because they believe in God(s) and/or magic ? Many people in this world do and although they think differently from me (or rather I to them), that does not make them any less human.
>This, no doubt, explains why
>Gloranthans find great spiritual significance in the question
>"What is the difference between a Silent Movement?"
I think the riddle was supposed to be something like 'What is the difference between Silence and Movemnt' which makes the answer more understandable.
Bill McKinley:
>John Hughes et al have proposed that inland Pamaltelans have similar
>beliefs to Australians aborigines, so the "great southern land" would
>be the obvious choice [for Austral Flora], I guess.
I should point out that only the Left Hand Tribes are analogous to the aborigines. As for the Eucalyptus Trees, I've a feeling that the Elves associated with it are the legendary fire elves.
The only problem is where to put them. Although inland Pamaltela is a fine enough place, the forests of Taluk Mormadak are stated to be Pine. Kothar or Zamokil could be a good place. Alternatively we may have the flora in Slon or perhaps deep within the the East Isles.
Ed Tonry:
>I forget the name, but there is a type of rose plant (I think) which
>produces a very thick, thorny hedge, very hard to cut through. I seem
>to recall that it was actually used as a sort of outer defense at some
>medieval manors. Maybe someone better versed at botany could provide
Gorse?
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