Re: Another lurker delurks

From: aweill2002 <aweill_at_wLGS4O7b1rcxSIREELRPu-rzkXpWpXbFp2lFzPdFAclSY5gs9NxD2qOtgTV2ZVETv34sp>
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 21:41:47 -0000

wrote:
>
> I have only one question about Heortling life just now. My
character is
> rather naïve and can't handle the concept that his wife might be
> unfaithful to him. It just won't compute, "naaah, she wouldn't do
that,
> she likes me". As a player I am interested in a subplot about
jealousy
> (which Wordnet defines as "zealous vigilance", hehe). How is
Heortling
> fidelity handled in your campaign? Are there social penalties? For
whom
> is it OK to sleep in his neighbor's bed?
>
In my campaigns, it depends on many things, particularly the level of the marriage contract. Infidelity has many possible ramifications. A major issue is whether the infidelity predated the marriage, which can cause all sorts of problems, since perhaps the wedding was improper in the first place, and the gifts may be demanded back. The sexual aspect is much less important than other aspects. Thus, a host who seduces a guest's wife has violated hospitality, which is much more a wrong than the seduction itself. Also, the risk of pregnancy and the issues of bloodline must be considered. As I play it, Orlanthi are lusty and occasional infidelity is not seen as threatening the social order. And many Orlanthi stories are about amorous adventures -- usually about the successful Orlanthi wooing and conquest of the daughter of some disliked outsider's wife.

Andy Weill