The point regarding plants and animals domesticating us is entirely this; Humans may depend on some domestic plants and animals now, but it is up to us. We have the power to choose and to discard species and we consider those species largely dispensable. IG: Orlanthi farmers don't use peaceful cut - they don't care. I refered to the 'mutual dependence and adaption' view as guilt-alleviating because I believe some people like to justify human greed for resources with the argument that we are part of an ecosystem (a green sounding word), albeit of our own creating, therefore it is ok. [If you would like to continue this thread, I am up for it but please use email]
I believe Elves _care_ about plants. They use food song and they are descended from plants. IMG, This special relationship means that they respect plants as they would Elves. They have dryads and trees on their council. The Great Tree _leads_ the council (Elder Secrets). This does not exclude enmity with other groups of Elves or 'foreign' plants. IMHO, this demands a level of respect for local trees and plants that is total unlike the human/domestic animal relationship. Elves can not logically be 'ruthlessly concerned about their own survival' to the detriment of trees and acknowledge a tree as their leader. If Elves must heavily exploit a plant species, I expect it involves raiding other territories. IMO, an Elf may well look on warped trees that produce trinkets full time as modern people look on child labourers sewing Nikes. I would expect that many Elves consider such things uncivlised and would only use trees in this way for important items (usually not clothes or paper). Elven morals must vary widely across Glorantha, depending on history and the traditional beliefs of the local Elves. 'Immoral' elves (by these standards) could do whatever they liked, but it might require kicking the Great Tree off the council and where does that leave Aldrya?
Elf cultures across Glorantha
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The agressive Brown Elf Kindom of Umathela represents an unusual situation, IMHO. Such tendencies imply the possible existence of 'slave tree' species; trees that are warped to produce weapons, potions or armour for the expansionists. Some poison plant species are no doubt the product of vicious wars. Since brown elves warred on green elves, I presume they would use stands of conifer related species for the purpose.
There is a really dirty war between the 'isiduous' Garbulia of Pamaltea and the local humans. This is a prime place for 'mask of the meaties' and related dirty anti-human tactics.
I am fairly busy writing (or not writing) my thesis, but if there is a strong demand I am willing to write something up. My ideas aren't focused on a specific cult or region and I would appreciate suggestions[email?] on how to write this as fairly independent unit so that in can fit IOG (In Other Gloranthas) without causing conflicts.
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