The map wars rage on and I think I might as well stick my oar in
There are going to be good maps in and around Glorantha, there are all kinds of reasons for this, but it really only needs one person who can fly well and has the desire and ability to draw good maps to produce these. There are all kinds of intelligent creatures on Glorantha that can fly, (windo chiildren, men assisted with magic, grifins, giant hawks etc) some of these are capable of drawing or telling others how to draw and where to place things.
As for the desire of these fliers, that is easily found. Pay them to do it, or provide other goods/services that they want. Or kidnap their young and force them to do it.
Why would people want good maps? So that they know where they are going. Who are the kinds of people that I see want these?
Any army or mercenary band. Knowledge is a vital weapon in warfare, the lay of the land is critically important, once the war gets underway the air will become a contested area, but before it is relativly open.
Any warband would want these. Want to know where the enemy clan hides all it's heard beasts when it is raided? Use a map, take a look. Want to find a good way to sneak in, use a map to find that way. Sure for your near neighboury you don't need this, but when some clan from far off does something that requires reprisals, you need this kind of advantage, because you are on their home ground.
Any regular far traveller such as issiries merchants would want these. You've got to know the route and way - OK you may accompany other caravan masters, but the day that there are two competing caravans there will be someone wondering if there is a way to get to X ahead of the other.
So, IMG there are good maps. But they are expensive, knowledgable people realise that a good map is a valuable commodity and they price them accordingly.
The Taz! ....
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