Re: Elmal Questions

From: Jeff Kyer <jeff.kyer_at_...>
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 23:37:49 -0000

> I looked at the incomplete Elmal write up
(http://www.glorantha.com/hw/
> cultlong_elmal.html), and realised there was no way I would be able
to
> produce even a half decent attempt at a write up by the
deadline(*), but
> I do have a couple of questions arising from what was there. Since
the
> competition forbids changing what Greg has written, I think I can
ask
> them now, as they are general background questions rather than
rulesy
> types (another reason for asking them here)
>
>
> 1) Elmal left the fire tribe with a Justice stick, ("containing the
last
> particle of decency of the fire tribe"). Nothing subsequently in
the
> myth points to any role connected with Justice for Elmal, so what
(if
> anything) is the significance of the stick?

I am not sure but it might be connected to the Law Staff that Orlanth got his hands on? I think it might be more symbolic of his nature -- perhaps its is his spear?  

> 2) Elmal is known to the Storm Tribe as the Loyal Thane, because he
> stuck by Orlanth, and ruled his stead in his absence, handing it
back
> when he returned from the Underworld. How is he known to the Fire
> Tribe, who he refused to fight for at the start of the Gods War,
then
> refused to defend himself when they attacked him, going to join
their
> brutal foes, the Storm tribe? Presumably this is why the Solar
peoples
> have (tried to) convert Elmal to Yelamalio, a Solar God who better
meets
> their ideals?
>

That's a pretty good direction of departure. And by reduceing the Elmali in Orlanthi society, they strengthen themselves. And with their very fscinating and interesting Solar culture, this seduction is
sonmething they seem to have gotten very good at.

He's best when Orlanth is weak or otherwise occupied. And if he's gone/reduced when things get bad for the Orlanthi, then it makes the Lunar/Solar's job all that more easy.

That's my take on it, at least.

Jeff