This topic has had a lot said on it before, but it obviously remains a live one for many gamers! So, here's my two cents' worth.
The reaction of the Lunars to Storm-worshipping elements (pun intended) surviving in Sartar will have many different facets. In our game, different Lunar groups react differently to the survival of true Orlanthi. This is partly because we believe this to be more realistic, and partly because it means that the PCs will often find themselves with rather strange bedfellows, allowing the GM to have fun with their little minds...
That said, I think that it is very likely that specialised examiners have checked the orthodoxy of people proposed for higher office in many places in the Lunar Empire for many years. They're already worried about the White Moonies, among others. What started in the Heartlands may then extend to the colonies as the organisation grows in strength and influence. This is just the old story of a bureaucracy trying to perpetuate itself and grow. The Inquisition itself did that, when it turned its attention from tracking down Cathars (a task in which it succeeded so thoroughly that it would have had to be disbanded) to finding secret Jews and other heretics.
So, the Holy Office of the Inquisition is not such a bad analogy. (And I loved Jane's take-off of the Malleus Maleficarum.) Yes, known Jews were persecuted and despised, but the penalties for being a secret Jew were far worse. Likewise, being a known Orlanthi may cause you to be taxed harder, or forced to wear particular clothing, or be restricted as to the offices or trades that you may have, but pretending to be (or even being) a fervent Lunar while refusing to ever eat goat meat may get you crucified.
I believe that this is because there have been many cultures that feel that an out-and-out enemy staying true to their religion is more honest and brave than those who take the easy road and hide their true beliefs while appearing to be conformists. Many Lunars, living in a decidedly pluralistic empire, probably feel the same. As an example, does anyone remember the name of the British tribal king hauled to Rome, who gave a stirring speech to the Senate about all the Romans having to sleep with a dagger next to their pillows if they tried to conquer the island? The Senate applauded him, pardoned him, and voted him a pension for life, as I recall the story. (And who might this be in Glorantha - it's got to have happened?)
Concerning the consequences of trying to enforce orthodoxy, one of the weirder things that happened in the colonisation of North America is that potential French colonists were checked for being good little Catholics before being allowed to emigrate - the French throne didn't want any overseas trouble from heretics thinking that they were out of the reach of punishment. OTOH, farther south, the English settlements were often started by various Protestant splinter groups who were encouraged to take their energy and troublemaking habits somewhere where they could work it off, and not bother their neighbours. This, we are told in Canadian history, is one of the factors that slowed the spread of French Canada, and led to its defeat by the English. (Yes, there were many others.)
So, which model is the Lunar Empire following? Considering its huge size, probably both, depending on the region being colonised. Dorastor, definitely option 2. If anyone's willing to go, religious freedom is a small price to pay. Sartar - at the moment, land grants for retired soldiers are being given from lands of rebellious tribes. This has been a popular option for many empires, as it seeds the new territories with armed and trained loyalists, and is cheap to do.
I would expect the following actions and opinions:
Other, more radical missionaries (especially those who consider themselves directly appointed by their gods) may find their holy zeal extremely unwelcome to everyone, though they must officially be protected by the army.
4. Traders - won't generally care what a customer's religion is. What's religiously important to traders are knowing any taboos of the region, what gods' oaths will be honoured ("Don't trust anyone who swears by Eurmal!"), and such like. I imagine most would happily make money selling tin lightning bolt ornaments to Orlanthi. You should see the number of gem and mineral dealers who are perfectly happy selling "healing crystals" to the neo-pagans, while snickering at them behind their backs.
5. Tourists (not many of these) - want to see the quaint Orlanthi houses, clothing, etc., while still feeling safe and superior with the might of the Lunar authorities behind them. Likely despised by all, and likeliest after the missionaries to cause an uproar.
6. Tax-farmers - are bad news. Probably prefer pacified tribes converted to Lunar ways, just because it's safer to work there. Need large escorts and some overt punishments of resisters in the rebellious tribes. Profits frequently less in those, too, due to greater expenses in collecting.
7. Criminal elements - probably find more opportunities in a not-completely-controlled land. May try to take advantage of being Lunar if caught.
8. Colonists - just want to be safe and left alone to farm. Would prefer to be around co-worshippers of their own gods. However, since they are by definition taking land that is considered the heredity of displaced or killed Sartari clans and tribes, they are doomed to conflict. They are likely there for many reasons, but will almost universally find themselves labelled usurpers and are highly unwelcome. They may or may not try to expose active worship of Orlanth to the Lunar authorities.
If anyone can think of other types of people likely to be important in the Lunar occupation of Sartar, feel free to expand the list.
Alison
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