>This proves to me the universality of Chaos. The I Fought We Won proves
>that a *choice* must be made to exist, in the face of all so called
>rationality... Chaos will use whatever trick is necessary to annihiliate
>individual identity. Chaos attacks on all levels, either as gods, with
>physical or magical violence, or or as philosophical concepts, such as
>Illumination wisdom. All these roads lead down into the maw of Kajabor and
>Wakboth.
The Godlearners weren't chaos, though. I don't think the end result of this is chaos (although, as we see with Nylasor, it's an option). Maybe the theist version is a realization that all gods are equally valid (perhaps an element of Nysolaran Illumination, which has links to Theism). This can either engender respect and inclusiveness or a cynical mining of power (Illuminated PC Powergaming) that does not care about the results of that power (strengthening Thanatar over Lhankor Mhy has repercussions for the average person, I'd think). For the Orlanthi, it would be discarding the idea that "No one can make you do anything" needs to be balanced with justice and responsibility, Vadrus and Gargath vs Orlanth.
Assuming the Lunars are not blinkered fools, it is possible to use chaos constructivly, and no creature is hopelessly lost. It's one thing when an exceptional person, exceptionally prepared, addresses chaos and another when it becomes fashionable for the average citizen. Similarly, just because an exceptional Broo can rise above his base nature does not mean that they can all be accepted.
Jerome Blondel says:
>I think theism and animism rely on strong convictions and ties to the gods,
>spirits and the Compromise. The full power of human mind finds a better
>outlet on the sorcerous and mystical paths. The rules are easier to break.
>Gods and spirits find it easier to prevent people from doing that. If you
>don't behave well, you have no magic. Unless your gods are _really_
>easy-going. Surely the Red Goddess is, illuminated as she is. Other pitfall,
>the EWF Draconists learned Draconic powers and eventually used them without
>following the rules that the Dragons followed.
Good point about the EWF. Maybe it's approaching any ystem with a "mix and match" philosophy leads to extraordinary power and damnation (Sheng Selleris comes to mind as another mystic example).
>Once the magic works independently from its source, moral hazards arise. The
>only way to avoid them is to stick to the rules.
Again, for the supremely moral (however that morality is expressed), all things are attainable. The hazard lies, I think, when weaker people follow their example and approach these powers with less rigorous intent. This is the point of the "training" that pre-initiates, apprentices, etc get before they get the average abilities of their system -- it makes sure that they are working within an acceptable moral framework. Sorcerors are probably move powerful (or, at least, more flexible) than wizards, but much more prone to mortal error (according to nearly anyone's standards, not just the Church's). I suppose the West is full of town squares with blackened cobbles where this problem was rectified.
Peter Larsen
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