Re: Tax Collecting in Sartar

From: bethexton <bethexton_at_...>
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 12:57:34 -0000

I agree with both of these points. I think the lunars collect their taxes mostly through the tribal kings, but I think they consider the taxes paid when the appropriate amount of cows, food, goods, coin, etc shows up at the designated point (usually a city). They don't much care if the tribal tax caravan was waylayed by praxian rhino riders (see, that vision of rhinos and taxes can fit in Glorantha!), just as my government doesn't really care if my tax form gets lost in the mail, they only care if they receive it.

However in the earlier days of occupation, especially with the "free" tribes, they may have sent a strong force out to collect the taxes after discovering that the Orlanthis pay taxes (Orlanthi would say tribute) well enough for the first year or two, but then tend to start holding back.

Still, when the taxes are being carted and herded to town, I wouldn't be the least surprised if enterprising lunar troops didn't create impromptu tolls and/or collect protection money from the heortlings. "What are you doing blocking the road?" "We are bringing your tribute." "Anyone who blocks the road forfeits a tenth of whatever they are carrying." "What, but we are bringing a 1000 cattle, how can we not block the roads?" "Hey, I don't make the rules, and I agree it is a little silly. Tell you what, give me that armband and that sword and those five horses and we'll look the other way, and smooth things out with any other patrols you meet along the way."

All just IMO.

--Bryan

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