Illumination and chaos

From: TTrotsky_at_aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 13:23:34 -0400 (EDT)


Alex on Pelorian v Orlanthi Chaos:
<< Well, if they don't agree what it is, and they don't agree what the  correct attitude to it is, what's "universal" about the concept?  Obviously the average Pelorian thinks of the stereotypical "chaos  horror" as a Bad Thing, whatever he actually calls it. They also think  of man-eating trolls and other nasties as Bad Things, with little real  distinction. Conversely, things that would be seen as Chaotic by a  Sartarite, such as a Riddler, or the Goddess herself, certainly wouldn't  be. >>

    Hey, I only said 'at least some forms' of chaos. I agree there's a big cultural difference that leads to things being called chaotic in one that wouldn't be in the other. But does anyone disagree that broo are chaotic, frex? Even the broo themselves wouldn't argue with that one, AFAIK. And I don't see why having different attitudes to something means the concept of it isn't universal. Cultures have different attitudes to women, but the concept *of* women is a valid one regardless of your culture. What I'm saying is - and I freely admit I may be wrong on this - is that at least some forms of chaos are a discrete thingie with as much specific meaning as the concept 'woman'. I think chaos is a definate force in Glorantha, although not all things called chaotic by a given culture necesserily are in an objective sense.

Peter Tracy on Illumination:

Me: <<So I personally see no reason why a pious non-Stygian Malkioni could not become Illuminated.>>

Peter T: <<DITTO. But the resulting Crisis of Faith, who-ee...>>

     Agreed. Though not necesserily much worse than that of an Uroxi in the same position, say.

Me: <<an Illuminated God Learner would no longer be able to use/believe in the results of his RuneSight powers.>>

Peter T: <<Hmmm. I think not so much lose belief, as gain insight.>>

    From his POV, and that of his fellow Illuminates, yup. But from the POV of his former chums, he's lost his belief and can't use his GL powers any more.

Forward the glorious Red Army!

     Trotsky


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