http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dimension/5507/runeq.html
There was a flurry of discussion on the Glorantha Digest in March 1998 about the infeaibility of the Lanbril cult in Pavis being structured as described in the original Pavis supplement. After reading some of this I reluctantly decided that some of these people were correct. Whilst a wide-ranging Thieves Guild could function in a large enough Gloranthan city, Pavis is not such a place.
Therefore I have decided in my RQ world to design the Pavis Lanbrilites as follows: Firstly the exceptions - These are foreign Lanbril cultists from large cities elsewhere in the continent. Presumably run out of their place of origin, or fleeing a few steps ahead of The Law. Such people in my campaign include Griselda and Wolfhead. These also illustrate part of the newer concept - that Lanbril is not usually a straight Thieves cult, but actually includes brigands, pick-pockets, bushwhackers, highwaymen, and all manner of low-life. Although of course, certain Lanbril factions will embrace higher codes of ethics, even to being a sort of shadow side of Orlanth Adventurous. (Griselda and Wolfhead again.)
So, the Lanbril cult in Pavis is scattered groups of disparate
individuals - from professional muggers and petty-theft orientated
beggars, to seasoned brigands that dwell in the Rubble. The most
organised branch is the group that deals with fencing stolen property
(interacting with the local Arin cultists), and providing guides and
body-guards for expeditions that are not quite above the law. Other
Lanbrilites with a highish profile are those Confidence Men, drunk
rollers, and Wide-boys who prey on gullible Pavis newcomers. Sometimes
this is by promising aid and then disappearing into the crowd. And
they were probably using the Face of Lanbril spell in the first place.
Others are some of the outlaws hanging out in the Big Rubble,
undesirables and neer-do-wells. They use their skills plundering old
buildings and robbing adventurer parties, and paradoxically out in the
Rubble is likely to be the only place where formal Lanbril ceremonies
are held, with bandits and organised con-men/fences mingling
periodically to renew Rune spells and practice tricks of the trade. A
dangerous place at best. Quite a challenge for unsuspecting PC
Lanbrilis. I contend that it is the prescence of the Big Rubble which
allows the Lanbril cult to survive in any significance at all in
Pavis.
Paying to learn thieves' skills:
In normal game terms you might expect these to be from the Lanbril cult directly, however I have just explained how such a cult does not exist here. It may be extant to some degree as close as Furthest or even Boldhome. Therefore such things as breaking and entering skills are NOT easily available. The Rubble Trackers (Flintnail Dwarves) will teach a variety of related skills such as sneaking, opening locks. A suitably specialised Donandar cultist might teach acrobatics, foiling restraints etc. Yes after due consideration and with great sadness I have relagated the Lanbrilis in Pavis to a bunch of opportunistic bully boys, wide boys, and bandits. You can pay to learn from them and to join worship ceremonies in the Rubble, but this is not recommended for outsiders and can be extremely hazardous. Technically a foreigner paying enough and able to prove cult loyalty should be able to join in, but many have had their throats cut just asking too many questions.
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