Re: Non-Genertelan Glorantha

From: BEThexton <bethexton_at_...>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:06:55 -0000


This is not information about the east isles. Rather, it is speculation along the lines of "gee this could be fun."

Start with the fact that the isles are mostly mystic in tone, and much mysticism teaches that all wisdom is within, hence travel and mortal concerns like trade and conquest are mere distractions on the path to wisdom. Now, many schools will consider those external activities a valid part of life once understanding is achieved, but the temptation to pursue them for their own sake is distracting.

Now add in Dave's comment that the `theme' of the third age is lack of communication.

It seems to me that this is a perfect set up for growing monasticism and isolation. Each island turns inwards, focusing more and more resources on supporting monasteries or other centers of enlightenment. Most likely there was some prophecy or at least prophet that helped get this started. Think of an effect a little like Tibet (or for that matter, parts of Europe prior to the invasion period when Vikings, Magyars, and Arabs made monasteries seem less appealing). The nobility has been brought to the service of religion, so that the monasteries are the pride of most islands, not the royal palaces.

The kicker is, it has worked. On each island the understanding of "their way" has achieved new levels. Not every island has pursued this new enlightenment, but those that haven't have suffered…they navies re-buffed, their traders frustrated, all their efforts futile in the face of more enlightened neighbors. Those that still try to look outwards are only shells of their old glory. Some have crumbled to barbarism, some have become largely de-populated, some have finally turned to their own pursuit of enlightenment.

Indeed it is a glorious thought, a thousand schools all having found truth and taught many followers.

A thousand schools that have all found different truths, that is. A thousand schools that are about to come into conflict, as the sidestepping of the closing has suddenly provided competition to inward-turning as a survival strategy. After all, there are bound to be some falsely enlightened, and you need only look to Sheng Solaris to see how dangerous those can be.

Only by cooperating can the islands keep from being conquered by external forces, and their learning smothered. But how do you cooperate when you both absolutely know the truth, and it isn't the same?

Should be mind-altering, in a very literal sense of the phrase.

-Bryan

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