[Glorantha] Re: Outlawry, a wider perspective

[Simon Phipp]

Jamie (Orlanth Umathi):

  > If we pull back from the narrow focus on Orlanthi outlaws, we can see 
> them as part of a wider problem in Orlanthi society: legitimacy.
>
> From a Meta-Myth angle Orlanth is a rebel king who took his right to 
> rule by force. Many of orlanth's problems stem from this "might is 
> right" premise.
   
  Perhaps, but don't forget that Dara Happan (Solar?) law states that someone can be a candidate for Emperor if he is descended within 3 generations of a previous Emperor. Orlanth Umathsson Aethersson is actually merely 2 generations away so he had a legitimate claim on the Solar Throne, as have his children.
   
  I'm not sure if this has ever been looked at as a possible reason as to why Orlanth killed Yelm, but it is there. Of course the Solars probably claim that Umath is illegitimate and Orlanth almost certainly is, so there is no real claim.

> From this wider angle we have some excellent themes for roleplay, none 
> of which have simple answers: -

  Don't they?

  > Can violence solve social problems?
  Yes.
  
> Is there such thing as an unjust law?
  Yes.
  
> Is kingship divine?
  Yes.
  
> Are cheiftens legitimate arbiters of law?
  Yes.
  
> Do cheiftens have to abide by law?
  Of course :-)
  
> Do clans have the right to outlaw individuals?
  Yes.
  
> Is severing ties with kin akin to murder?
  No.
  
> Are Thralls kin?
  Yes, if they are kin.
  
> Can an outlaw be "healed"?
  If he is hurt. (Have I got the wrong end of the stick?) Temporary outlawry is common, permanent outlawry/exile is not. I suppsoe that someone could have his outlaw status rescinded following new evidence. But this is getting close to a serious answer.

See Ya
   
  Simon