Though I argued for the Muslim thing, I would actually say in practice that the Empire's polytheistic style makes it distinct from a monotheistic culture such as Islam.
As
>an English, Socialist, Ancient & Dark Age historian, however, I don't
>didn't mention. As I've said before now in this thread, "that's just
>me".
"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs..."
> > Is anyone doing work on the Taraltarans? I am trying to write them
> > up so as to differentiate them from Kralori mystics, and have been
> > finding inspiration in the Persian sufis.
>
>Sounds like fun!
A sample of where I'm heading....? Feel free to pee in the soup, anyone. Bear in mind I've only just started.
"I am the cosmos and the cosmos is me."
Berkali, 3rd Wane astronomer
The Taraltarans use music and dance in quest of cosmic oneness. They stage elaborate, whirling dances in which their flashing double scimitars weave a web of steel around and through each other as the wielders themselves weave in between the other dancers. The dances are so complicated that it can take a lifetime to master their intricacies, for they are the motions of the universe itself. Frequently masters depart this life during one of these dances, at the very point at which they have finally mastered all the 9 million steps.
The dances are not uncommonly held in public squares and markets in the cities; and often spontaneously when several dervishes meet by chance as they wander, begging for their food and sleeping anywhere they can lie down. The only possessions a dervish cares for at all (not even requiring a bowl to eat from) are her pair of scimitars, which are necessary for the dance.
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