> While more RQy than Gloranthan, it seems strange to me that a CA has to
make
> a specific committment to never harming another being (knowingly?), and
gets
> the 'benefits' of the spells and cult/community support. Now, CA
provides
> some of her spells to associated cults. Shouldn't members of those
cults,
> such as Ernalda, who want to learn the CA spells, have to make *some*
sort
> of committment as well? The power of the spells comes from CA.
THis is an interesting issue. I suspect that most higher magics require some sort of offering or commitment on the part of the learner. Learning a spell requires a ritual which in some way follows the actions that deity took to get that power. If a village has a shrine to CA, then the villagers who sacrifice for those spells might have to follow some of the strictures of CA.
However, not all healing magics are from CA. I think that the earth goddesses have quite a bit of healing power on their own. Growth and rebirth are central themes for earth deities. Yelm's healing magics come from his mythic return from the underworld and his defeat of Malia. To use these powers effectively, you would have to follow the strictures and heropaths of these cults - some of which do relate to CA. (Several paths place great importance on protecting CA - Storm Bull/Orlanth and Yelm come to mind.)
>I suspect CA requires users of her spells (or learners of her spells
depending on how you
> view spells) to adhere to some, maybe lesser, vows/guidelines like her
initiates
> priests and acolytes.
Sure - for those who get healing spells through CA shrines. If you get them at the Ernalda shrine, you're much more free to whomp your enemies.... (especially if you return to Ernalda some of the spoils).
Pam
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