The noble Family of Taxis (later Thurn and Taxis) got their postal monopol in the 15th century in large parts of central Europe. It survived til it was bought by the Prussian King in the late 19th c. After Napoleon the post-service was not eliminated but increased its speed, due to extensive roadbuilding.
The first courier system on earth was established in Persia some centuries BC. It delivered letters between the King and the Satraps. It was then copied by the Roman Empire (Augustus) and to some extend by greek cities. In the Middle Ages christian orders and trade associations had their own couriers, while independent courier-companies emerged and delivered the letters over long distances until their were superseded by Thurn and Taxis.
IMO postal/courier systems would fit only into civilized and well organized areas of Glorantha. The problems are not only dangers by broos and warbands on the way. You need a good infrastructure, some legal status in the crossing countries etc. What if your horse dies? How do you come back? OTOH a specialized company would meet these requirements much better than an individual courier of a merchant far away.
The Cult of Etyries could maintain a system on a regular basis and guarantee the delivery within the Empire and allied countries. The courier could get shelter in the temples, change his old horse against a well rested one, he would have some kind of imunity etc.
BTW, what about carrier pigeons. I am not sure but I think they are using the magnetic field for orientation. Is their any in Glorantha?
Bye
Robin
End of The Glorantha Digest V6 #318
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