Resurrection - a rarity.

From: Neil Robinson <neilr_at_gonzo.wolfenet.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 15:23:17 +0000


Bear in mind that I don't like resurrection as a simple three-point spell, and want to consider it a more important heroquest level event.

Simon says: (Hibbs that is)
> I wonder just how common CA priestesses with resurection
> are in orlanth society.
> of the population. In Orlanthi lands say 8/10ths of these worship
> Orlanth, Ernalda, Barntar, Heler, etc.
My opinion is that 95% of Orlanthi men worship Orlanth and Barntar first and formost, and 95% of the women are initiate into Ernalda worship. If it takes 50 adults to support a rune level (the 2% in your example), a large 600 adult clan only gets 12 rune levels, and most of women would be worshippers of Ernalda (or other aspect of the Earth Goddess). Chalana is just too specialised.

I would say that Chalana Arroy worship is even below the 0.1% that you mention. White Ladies are very, very, very rare and most Orlanthi clans do not have one. Ernalda provides healing, and people would only propriate CA in times of real trouble - a spirit infestation perhaps. Just as farmers may sacrifice to Heler to ask for rain. Then again, I'm a strong believer in pantheistic worship anyway.

Now, somewhere I read (sorry, I'm at work) that to perform a resurrection, you either need 7x7 (49 people) or 7x7x7 (243 people) in the ceremony. It is a powerful and draining event. So, if someone would have to get resurrected, the clan will have to focus a huge portion of its magical resources into getting one person raised. The downside is that they can't devote their energies to the harvest, or more importantly, waging ware on foul Orlevings. Think of the politics about getting someone raised at the cost of everyone else. There just isn't that much magic around.

> I can't see the average CA priestess performing as many as one
> resurrection a year - more like one every 5 years.
I agree with this, if they ever do a ressurection at all. A CA would tend to do what she could to help the living, not the already dead.

Neil

Neil Robinson           2650 NW 58TH ST APT 1
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