Interesting discussion. Of course, I could just tell everyone to read
the first issue of The Unspoken Word - the Tarsh special - when it
comes out (we're putting the art together now) for one composite
perspective on how it could develop. But that would, of course, be a
shameless plug...
But let me just make a few points:
- The Tarshites hail largely but not exclusively from an
Alakoringite culture. There are kin linkages with the Sartari,
especially around the Far Place, but this distinct cultural heritage
does help explain how 'pollution' with the Orlanthi worship of the
Sartari is limited.
- The imperials and the Tarsh regime (remember, they are not one and
the same) are trying to stamp out Orlanth's worship, but not the rest
of the pantheon. UW1 will have a stab at trying to work out how you
can have 'Orlanthi without Orlanth', but it's not as though they are
trying to get rid of Barntar and even many of the aspects of Orlanth,
which they present as other deities.
- Lunars heroquest and so does Moirades. These are people who play
with myth for power and profit. Who knows what they might have
accomplished?
- The point has been made but is worth re-emphasising, Tarsh is
*rich*, thanks to the Olsir, the empire and, to an extent, HonEel's
maize. The promise of wealth and security has a marvellous ability to
open the mind to new options!
Mark
The Unspoken Word, a Gloranthan fanzine, coming soon
http://www.celtic-webs.com/theunspokenword