I hope not. One type that I would expect to see (though it is probably more universal than I am implying) is the Father-quest.
In the Western (Gloranthan) version, you would use this as a way of demonstrating sovereignty (i.e. the right to assume some political office).
Let's say you were an aspiring Sorcerer and meddler. You didn't like the oppressive polices of King Guillarm because he destroyed your father tribe/clan/family/etc.
How would you go about replacing him?
One way would be to assert that the 16 year old kid you have been fostering is the direct descendent of The Emperor of ancient Seshnela, and, as such, has the right to the throne the current King can't match.
What would you do to make the claimed sovereignty real?
You would pour over genealogies, looking for a suitable candidate. Even if you couldn't find one, get as close as you can.
Then discover the rites necessary make an Emperor. Get all the regalia, or makes copies which fulfill the same purposes as the original. If someone needs to be present who is now dead, perform the ceremony in Hell.
Train the child to act in the proper way, so that he could pass any tests of character necessary. For any test hew cannot pass, find a way to cheat.
Once he has gone through the proper rites, gain the support of the disaffected in the Kingdom (there must be some) to support you militarily.
Then use the sovereignty of the kid to cement your own magics so as to oust your hated opponent magically, while your troops follow up on the ground.
Oui la! Instant Emperor. Now all you have to worry about are all those foes who might become aroused, now that there is an Anointed Emperor on the throne.
The most interesting thing about this process (manufacturing sovereignty, which is a good portion of of the meat of KoS and GRoY) is that it still mirrors the process of the RW manufacturing of sovereignty, while still being the result of the magical nature of Glorantha.
Doyle Wayne Ramos-Tavener
Powered by hypermail