Devotee v. initiate.

From: Jane Williams <janewilliams20_at_...>
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2004 20:44:17 +0100

> "This'd be easier to 'fix' if it was clearer how the
> two were supposed to differ in Glorantha: I must
> admit to discerning little in the way of pattern in
> which 'major' NPCs are devotees, and which 'just'
> initiates."

I believe the theory is that you can only be a Devotee if all your other time-consuming activities are effectively part of your religion, and you have a means of support.

The other theory is that you don't want a monomanical religious nut (any Devotee!) as a leader. They might give their deity priority over the people they're supposed to be leading.

I can see both these points, but I still agree that the number of major NPCs whose primary activities seem to fit their cults, but are not devotees, is surprising. I'd hesitate to call them "just" initiates when you look at the ability numbers next to their affinities. That -5 becomes almost irrelevant in the face of multiple masteries.