A world that uses magic in a technological way as you suggested is (naturally) a perfectly valid game setting. But it isn't Glorantha as described, it would be quite a different world IMO. Now, if that's how you like your game, more power to you. I can't say I'd be particularly keen on it, but then I wouldn't go for Jeff Richard's farmer campaigns either. Well, maybe I'd give both options a try, but they don't appeal to me overmuch.
Why not? Let's take your 'instant water' example. This allows one to cross a desert with minimum fuss. Well, dammit, if I put a desert on the map I _want_ it to be difficult to cross! Putting in cheap life-support magic reduces the hazards your PCs must face, as does having readily available high powered healing magic. Now, there are other difficulties you can put in the PCs way, of course, but if I'm going to run that sort of campaign I'd rather use a modern-day or SF setting than a fantasy one. Aside from anything else, it would be easier for the players to get to grips with.
These things are fine to discuss on the Digest, IMO, since at the very least they alert us to possible 'loopholes' in the rules which we can try and think of ways to circumvent. But a rapturous reception is unlikely, I feel.
You close by saying that game designers and players should have 'the guts' to make their worlds fantastic. It entirely depends on what you mean by 'fantastic'. It isn't a matter of guts (at least on my part, I've run some really wierd games in other settings) I'm just not _interested_ in gaming in a world that is 'fantastic' in the way that you mean. Sorry, but there you are.
Oliver Bernuetz:
<<What cult do mercenaries you aren't Humakti belong to?>>
Orlanth Adventurous or Yelmalio, mostly. I doubt Elmali become mecenaries very much, because IMO they ought to be the chaps who stay behind and guard the stead, rather than nipping off to work for other people. Another difference between the two cults, perhaps? Followers of Gagarth may also end up as mercenaries. They're not very popular people, true, but then people hire Tusk Riders for the same purpose...
<<Are there any male Earth deities?>>
Pamalt? Barntar? As for war-like Earth deities in Genertela, men can join the cult of Maran Gor, who is pretty violent. They can't advance very far through the ranks unless they volunteer for castration, though. Which just might put some people off....
Forward the glorious Red Army!
Trotsky
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