This was a very funny article, very refreshing in that regard. My players and I like a good laugh thrown in time to time among the man-eating ogre children, rape-spawned succubi, and Thanatar head choirs.
I was, however, a bit concerned about the recruiting policy for the Danfive Xaron cult. If I am reading this correctly, one can join the cult by choosing its discipline, rather than accepting a "normal" sentence upon conviction for a crime. One can also join when fleeing the authorities, as a sort of sanctuary. Correct?
Can one just walk up and knock on the Penitentiary door, even when not wanted by the authorities? Even when one is _not_ a criminal, or even particularly penitent about one's life? Is one's pre-initiation experience the same in these cases?
The reason I ask this is that the write-up (if I read it correctly) suggests that the vast secret police/secret army, etc. apparatus protecting the Lunar Empire from internal foes is composed and lead by ex-criminals.
Let us assume for a minute that this is true. Let us further assume that the Danfive Xaron cult is able to make up for the backgrounds of its members before they enter positions of responsibility. (Many criminals lack even basic education, etc.) Let us finally assume that these ex-cons, now sufficiently educated and reasonably able to function in society, do a fine job and engender some sort of regard among the Lunars. At least some folks look up to the cult as a place where one can get some power and the fear/respect of others. (Not uncommon among such organs of state control.) Hmm...
Young Plurius Unum decides that he wants to be an Unspoken Word agent, protecting the Empire from within. Or perhaps a prison warden, or a Black Army trooper. Inspired by his patriotic zeal, he heads off on a crime spree, knocking over a few fruit stands and mugging a couple citizens before being apprehended. Great Joy! His career is under way!
All humor aside, is this _really_ the way it works?
Thanks,
Hal Bowman, Owings Mills, MD USA
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