Re:AW: Vedr. Re: In Defence Of A Goddess - A

From: David Cake <dave_at_GwSmSyuvdjyOxdgSyHD-2Js_EmZjzpdt6X2cp8wNAz347fFxgR_KIxcmujHi46I02dBNSt8>
Date: Wed, 9 May 2007 11:37:33 +0800

At 6:26 PM +0000 8/5/07, Jeff Richard wrote:
> > The problem is, Jeff, is that saying that Ernaldans deserve respect
>> because they are a vital part of the society, they make a lot of the
>> important decisions, they hold a lot of moral authority, etc is a bit
>> like saying people in a modern day RPG should play public servants or
>> entrepeneurs.
>> ( rather than mostly playing that tiny minority of professions that
>> involve lots of violence, as gamers are wont to do).
>
>No, I am saying Ernaldans deserve respect because they have a lot of
>magical power and they worship one of the primal gods of Glorantha.
>And if you are playing Heroquest or Pendragon Pass, you no longer are
>using a rules system that only models violence or success/failure with
>skills and should be able to create dramatic tension around events
>other than smashing things.

        Yes, yes, yes. Just like the basic HeroQuest mechanics could be used to run a modern role-playing campaign where you model the dramatic contests of elections, policy debates, launches of new business ventures, etc. And you know, the people that do those things in real life obtain real money and power!

        But are those the stories people necessarily want to tell? Why, ones that mimic the great escapist stories of popular culture. Which frequently, but not always, involve lots of violence, and frequently, but not always, involve those who act in some outside social norms.

        Pontificating that if people don't LIKE playing the activities that really make the world go round, and prefer to to play the ones that are considered glamorous and exciting, then the problem is their attitude - well, that line isn't exactly hurting our case, you know?

	So..... famous Ernaldan non-warriors from Gloranthan history?
	I'm not down on non-combatants or non-combat specialists by 

any means. Issaries, Lanbril, Lhankor Mhy, Eurmal, Chalana Arroy - all have featured in my games.

        But its not some blindness in peoples appreciation of Glorantha that makes people not want to concentrate play on a goddess who focusses on domesticity, common sense, stable and prosperous domestic life, the status quo, and the wonders of wifehood and motherhood. Rather, it might just possibly be the same reason why there are more movies about shooting people than about raising children and having a happy and prosperous home life.

	Cheers
		David