Godunya

From: David Cake <davidc_at_cyllene.uwa.edu.au>
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 16:00:27 +0800


>>There are also ruling gods that do
>>not have multiple rune levels (Godunya, for example).
>
>I'll be suprised if this was true. As well as the Mandarins, there
>are also the Exarchs and Governers and probably a number of parallel
>positions like Court Eunuch and General..

        Court Eunuch, General, Governor - what makes you think these are distinct rune levels, rather than distinct cult/political positions? Would you say that, for example, Master of Apprentices is a separate rune level to Sage of Lhankor Mhy? Or 'Chief Priest' is a different rune level to 'Priest'?

        When we refer to different rune levels, we are talking about different paths in the cult hierarchy, not different steps along the path.

        Exarchs is slightly more troublesome. I am prepared to accept either that Exarchs are like Priests of Godunya, only more so (IE they are the equivalent of very senior, politically appointed, High Priests, only slightly more flexible in the application of their power due to the nature of Godunya magic - in which case they are NOT a separate rune level by my definition) or that they are a separate status that just happens to require Godunya priesthood, much as Red Goddess initiation is a separate status. But I don't think we know enough to say either.

         I figured Mandarins where the social class to which the officials belonged, not a religious status itself. Its certainly possible IMO to be a Mandarin with no religious abilities whatsoever, or abilities unconnected to Godunya cult, though I think this would be frowned on. Still, there are all sorts of maniacs calling themselves mandarins out in Bliss of Ignorance.

        David


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