Re: Consequence when breaking the caste taboo's in rokari society

From: donald_at_xzNua4jjlKp2IDWuLjYXZ92KNhmdPvLP7CSQJZIgq6PgJELft7p4wD43hfNg24sq_v1Fj
Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:27:11 GMT


In message <flq5mc+7o6i_at_eGroups.com> "vesa.randelin" writes:

>I have been a bit wondering about the consequences when some one in
>rokari society breaks his caste taboos. For example if a peasant is
>carrying a sword which is a taboo for his caste, will this lead into
>some concrete consequences? Like bad harvest etc. Or is it only that
>if the peasant get's caught by officials, he then will face the
>consequences like paying heavy fines etc.?
>
>In our own world peasants were not allowed to carry swords because
>the rebellions the peasants have caused through the history. But how
>is this in Glorantha? Does this kind of an action really angers the
>Invisible God, or is it just a rule made by the church to avoid
>possible peasant uprisings? Do the peasants of Seshnela respect this
>rule and is it sacred for them so that they don't even think about
>carrying a sword or thinking hiding swords to some woods waiting for
>bad times?

Apart from the points already mentioned I'd suggest that a peasant could not afford to acquire a sword legitimately. Either in the real world or Glorantha. They are expensive to make, need careful storage and require training to use properly.

So the taboo is a reflection of the practicalities. A pitchfork or grain flail makes a much better weapon for a peasant than a sword.

-- 
Donald Oddy
http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/

           

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