This has been a constant theme in Gloranthan history.
The God Learners are the prime example of what happens when the IG worshippers seeing that theists have all these really neat feats, are tempted by the 'easy' gains of such powers. The universe reacted to violently to such exploitation and modern Malkioni would be very afraid of anyone proposing such a plan.
Gbaji, the dark side of Nysalor, has often been suggested to be the exploitation of the benefits of many religions without commitment to their values. Arkat rose to destory such abuse. Arkat himself may have been illmuniated and changed religions, but he did so wholeharetedly each time, though he is still despised by most cultures as a traitor - especially the Malkioni who saw such embracing of theist religions, for the powers they gave him, as heresy.
The EWF explored Dragon Magics but human use of the secrets to gain greater powers instead of understanding resulted in the Inhuman King rising.
To mainstream Malkioni the attractions of the 'pagan' gods are at best the heresy of henotheism.
Faith in a religion is about more than mundane benefits. For many they would no nore change religions for percieved greater benefits than they would their football team becuase it was on a loosing streak or accept a bribe.
This too will be an issue in the Hero Wars theme. For example, when Orlanth dies after Whitewall, will people keep faith with a god who no longer offers them magic, and cannot be contacted or will they be seduced to the Lunar way (after all if Orlanth is dead he can't punish them for apostasy).
Ian Cooper
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