Orlanthi Shaman

From: David Scott <d.scott_at_ic.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 12:51:30 +0100

>> Personally, I believe that
>> the Orlanth cult should include a shaman level as well.
>
>I can see absolutely no Gloranthan reason for this, myself. Various
>sources have mentioned Theyalan shaman, but none (that I'm aware of)
>have suggested they have anything to do with the Orlanth cult. If
>anything, quite the reverse.

The shaman would not be part of the cult of Orlanth, but certainly part of the culture.

Shaman contacting spirits (through Spirit cults) can contact deities. In RQ2 Shaman could contact the gods as they were just "big spirits". I don't have any problem with that.

The life style of a shaman would tend to set them apart from certain aspects of society, but Orlanthi characters who required healing would certainly visit shaman who could talk to the wind. I don't see an arguement starting with details required of who the wind actually was. As long as the shaman was from Orlanthi culture, no questions asked.

Even in "civilised" orlanthi areas shaman would occasionally occur. Perhaps the call to shamanism would come during your initiation ceremony. Second son would whisper his secret to you and reveal that he survived IFWW with Umath/Orlanths spirit at his side and tell you how to do it. Only idol speculation ;-)

David

David Scott
d.scott_at_nmsi.ac.uk
d.scott_at_ic.ac.uk
Education & Programmes Unit, National Museum of Science & Industry, London, UK.

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