Re: How prevalent is magic?

From: hcarteau_at_...
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:01:43 +0100 (CET)


First, finish reading the book, it hold many of your answers.

Second, in Glorantha, Magic is EVERYWHERE, EVERY MOMENT.

Don't think like a 21st century westerner; try to break the frame.

Bringing Babies in this World is Magic, with our without the protective rituals for the mother and child danced by the Ernalda midwives in the women's loom house.

Growing barley is Magic, with our without the mighty Carl plowing a whole field in two hours alone with his two oxen, thanks to his prayers to Barntar.

Negociating an agreement with strangers (or your neighbours) is magic, even without Issarie's Silvertongue.

"Magic" doesn't always mean "flashy magic" ! There are some men (and a few women) who can fly and shoot lightning from their swordtips. They are mostly weaponthanes, professional fighters. They're not an example to follow for normal people. "the first need is Provision ; defense comes next".

Most orlanthi use Magic given by the Gods in return for worship and sacrifices. Some bargain with local spirits (animists). Many pray to their Ancestors, some of whom are Heroes with their own magic.

What does a Carl do with his Magics ? Mostly things that help him being a good carl : plowing his fields, reparing his house, placating his wife and educating his children, sharpening his axe to cut wood : anything that a good carl needs. If life changes, he can change his God. My present Sartar character is a former carl who died and came back from the underworld as a Humakti warrior, filled with relife sickness, but with a Sacred Duty to accomplish.

And this only for heortlings. Lunar Magics are much richer, more splendid, more subtle. These guys made Magics a (raw) Science and are getting fantastic results out of it. For such a small, itty-bitty price...

Hope that helped !

 

I know YGWV and all that, but how prevalent is magic in Glorantha? I'm reading Thunder Rebels at the moment and hoping to run a campaign in Glorantha in the near future based in Sartar. I'm probably not going to use HQ rules. I've heard that Glorantha is a higher magic setting than like Harn. I've heard that Heortlings can fly on the battle field and shoot lighting bolts. I'm assuming that everyone cannot do such magical feats.

What can a common Carl do, if anything with magic?

And if they can do some magic, is it obvious that the feat was done by magic?

Where does this magic energy come from? I'm assuming the gods. But does some come from their ancestors? Would each have some magical reserve?

Thanks            

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