My last post on this was wordy and abstract and almost Digesty. The follow
up is a simple list, first written as an aid to narrators.
YGMV. :)
The Great Themes of Sartarite Myth
- Violence is always an option.
- There is always another way.
- Both wisdom and strength are essential for victory.
- You must be generous - give more than you have.
- You must endure to the end, and then beyond: never give up or turn back.
- You must take responsibility for all your actions, and for all that you
do for good or ill. This is how Orlanth became King.
- You must trust to your brothers, then to your kin, then to your spouse,
then to your kayling and heroband companions - no one can face the world
alone.
- A leader must care for all who follow.
- Friendship will be repaid. Everyone can be friends at least temporarily -
you must find the things you share in common. If you fight nobly and for a
just cause, even an enemy may help you.
- You must understand that the world changes, and that nothing lasts
forever.
- Any action is better than no action.
- Once begun, the cycle of vengeance builds until it utterly destroys both
sides. Break the cycle, and your name will live forever.
- If one person takes too much of the glory, or the burden, then everyone
suffers.
- There are six of power, and a then seventh of greater power, which is
hidden.
- The price of herodom is heavy. You must be prepared to leave everything,
up to and including your very humanity, behind. 'The only child of a hero is
his name'.
- Look to Orlanth for the answer. Always.
- Thanes have their blue-black swords of iron, but even a barefoot
stickpicker can change the world.
And The Dark Side...
- Treachery comes from those you who are closest. Be watchful. There is no
greater curse than the curse of kin.
- Jealousy comes with a crown.
- An evil word sheds blood.
4, Cowardice breaks the shieldwall.
5. When everyone is equal, no fool stands alone.
6. A man's name rests on the worst of his brothers.
Additions and suggestions most welcome.
Cheers
John
nysalor_at_... John Hughes
Questlines:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/pipnjim/questlines/
The cloaked one's hero heat shakes wide the city wall.
With feat and spear and magic bolt the final rite begins.
War-band's white bull, a dragon in strife,
Feeds he most fulsome the dogs of the Death-Lord.