>
> Which raises the question, exactly what is the point of worshipping
>Uleria? The earth cults have a good deal of fertility magic, so why would
>Orlanthi or Yelmi do it (pun not entirely intended)?
Here's a justification I wrote for my Amad mob. The exposure of any weaknesses in it (ie flaming) would be welcome.
Uleria is an uncommon goddess among the Far Point Triarity. This does not
make her a lesser goddess. Where her priesthood is found she fills a number
of roles vital to the functioning of the clan. In normal circumstances
these roles are filled by the representatives of Ernalda. While Ernalda
does a satisfactory job, allowing clan life to continue, she is a
generalist. Much as Orlanth the Farmer is replaced by the specialist
Barntar where such priests are available so Ernalda's fertility role is
taken by the specialist Uleria where this is a possibility. As with most
specialisation the role is enhanced by the specialist's involvement. This
being the territory of myth though the participation of one specialist
holder of a rune precludes the participation of its opposite. In Uleria's
case this means that clans with a Ulerian taking the fertility roles is a
peace clan by its nature; Humakt is excluded. The gains in terms of farming
are huge, keeping them is another matter. Likewise the various barren or
vengeful earth cults are excluded from ring & ritual as is Ty Kora Tek. All
warrior & hunter cults have a reduced role whilst farmer, grain goddess,
herd god/ess, hearth spirits & Ernalda are strengthened as is Issaries as
god of communication. This is because Uleria is one of the primal deities &
the only one left holding their rune. Once introduced she dominates or
influences all mythic & social interaction. Friendships become stronger,
the clan is more cohesive, crops grow better, herds thrive, babies are born
well, kinstrife is unheard of as each side is prepared to give the other a
second (or third) hearing. This last is very un-Orlanthi & the other clans
may take advantage of the militarily & legalisticly less able group (bloody
hippies).
The Ulerian's work frees the Ernalda Gwyda to deal with other parts of her
role in the clan. Home-making, healing, & the many other aspects of
subsistence life not strictly within the purview of Uleria can all be given
more attention & take less effort. This too contributes to the clan's
prosperity.
Ulerian priestesses often marry those who are technically kin thus
strengthening bonds within social groups. (this bit solely as a local Amad
justification although it fits well with the calumnies in 'A Story about
Elmal' Enc2 p47)
A full priestess is granted a boggle as familiar as part of her
ordination.(This I regard as quite dodgy & would apreciate alterative
ideas) This rite is in fact the Taming of the Boggles Heroquest & the
familiar is the tamed Boggle. Most boggles remain invisible as they embody
Ratslaff & as such the sight of them causes panic. Thus their priestesses
require them to remain out of sight. This is also the method by which they
act as Spirits of reprisal, continually appearing to their victims until
they crack & flee screaming into the night. the victim usually recovers in
a matter of 1/2 an hour or so but their blind flight means they are now
lost, at night, with few possessions.
Another role deemed vital by the Orlanthi of Amad is the Production of the
"Water of Life" (Alex?) a drink sacred to Uleria for its properties of
inciting both good fellowship & lust. No feasts are considered complete
without some of this potent liquor to toast the goodwill of those
attending. This toast is an integral part of the Feast Hall spell.
Basicly I treat Uleria as the goddess of all forms of love & companionship specificly as opposed to their more general inclusion in the pantheonic religion. I also use the Uleria initiate as a matchmaker.
Nandan. Where can I find more info? Or is he a comment of Greg's subsequently infered into existance & so a product of digest dickering?
Darvall
madamx_at_mikka.net.au
>From quiet homes & first beginnings
Out to the undicovered ends
Theres nothing worth the wear of winning
But laughter & the love of friends.
Hilare Belloc
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