Peter wrote:
> I don't see why this should be so. The Tsars of Russia recruited large
> numbers of serfs into their army yet the forces that overthrew them came
> from another sector of society.
I think this depends on the appreciation of certain factors in Esrolian society. Was Russia different? Take the interaction between the serfs' social ethos and the Russian hierarchy. A variety of factors, including supersition, religion and a lack of education bred a form of social consciousness that effectively stunted the formation of dissent. They were oppressed, but was there clear realisation of the fact, and upset caused therefrom? Many readily recognised the Tsar as their annointed ruler, chosen and supported by God, a recognizance reinforced by their peity and the Russian Orthodox church.
Does the Esrolian system, where there is a clearer and more present everyday dichotomy between citizens based on sex breed the same effectual aquiescence? In Esrolia the classes 'apart' are far more socially entwined than in Russia. Is any male contempt diffusively aimed at local oppressive matriarchal institutions, rather than the system, the Queens and the Earth Goddess as a whole? ('Begging your pardon, Ma'am, we recognize the benificence of yourself and the Goddess, but them local matriarchs is treating us right rotten...'). Clearly some feel they were oppressed by the general system e.g. the Porthomekans.
I don't argue that a matriarchal system would breed universal discontent amongst the male populace, but that given the character of men (and these are pretty stubborn fellows) and the culture they dwell in, the peculiarities of military service could easily exacerbate any discontent, and offer an avenue for action. Gloranthan religion also enters into the fray; the opportunity for the development of 'outside' masculine cults within the army (or the perversion of the 'consortial' cults), whether secret, condoned or perhaps promoted, is as much a factor as giving the chaps weapons.
So whilst I'll steadfastly defend the martial training of the conciously oppressed as a dangerous development, the problem is predominantly influenced by the social template you start with... and I think views on that may vary a little. I'll happily eat my words when I've seen the new Esrolia spread in HeroQuest, or HeroQuest Voices, and seen how the social situation has been more fully explained. Are we looking at happy fellows content under the wise rule of the Goddess and her daughters, or the Two Ronnies' 'The Worm That Turned'*? Or something that is variable and often in-between...
*Might not mean much to non-Britons, but the best example I could think of!
> Likewise look at the arming of trollkin - does anybody seriously suggest
that they will overthrow the > trolls?
Ummm... in fairness Peter, arming Trollkin against strapping Uzuz, Uzdo and Uzko is perhaps a different threat level! :o)
All the best,
Stu.
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