It doesn't prevent, merely discourages the majority.
> Likewise your model of the
> Malkioni relies heavily on the Rokari. What about the Loskalmi and the
> Safelstrans? Why should they still obey caste?
If they aren't policing caste then the system will break down. The rules may be less strict or less vigerously enforced but some policing will be done.
> > My impression is that not many wizards invent spells, most learn from the approved grimoire of their order.
> I don't think the Malkioni Wizards, the best and brightest of Malkioni
> society, are all mostali-like uncreative plodders. Wouldn't they have
> some independent research on their spare time, such stuff like alchemy,
> necromancy, gambling with demons or even chatting up the opposite sex.
The best educated Malkioi, not necessarily the brightest as a rigid caste system tends to produce a pretty average group intelligence wise. Certainly they aren't all plodders but more will be debating obscure differences in existing grimoires than doing real experimental work. I also see most being involved in routine casting of known spells, teaching and administration.
> > The other thing community support can give you is the ability to bless an entire
> > congregation. You may give yourself +5 for your magic sword but that isn't going to help
> > much when the opposing wizard has given each of his 20 knights +2.
> Except that Community Support isn't dependent on orthodoxy but the
> willingness of your community to support you. The priests of
> Orlanthland had community support every step of the way that their
> country was being warped into the EWF. Pilif had community support
> from a lot of people when he tried to become King of Seshnela.
True, but people generally support someone when they are doing what is expected. When a farmer prays for protection from bandits he is expecting his Lord to send soldiers to kill them. He's not expecting a wizard to turn up with a flaming sword. If you can change those expectations you can get Community Support for whatever wild scheme you like. It isn't easy though because people are reluctant to accept change.
I see this as one of the differences between theistic religions and montheistic ones in Glorantha. A theistic culture involves direct support from individuals for a specific action. A monothesic culture involves lots of people contributing to a pool of magical energy by means of prayer. That pool is available to wizards who know how to access it but it comes with restrictions on use. One of the bigger ones is caste but there will be others.
--
Donald Oddy
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