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HeroQuest Q&A
Heroes and Immortals
Question by Charles Corrigan, answer by Greg Stafford.
| Q: |
I am quite interested in the topic of very powerful people (and others) who
are not apotheosized, but who are still operating, as themselves, in the mundane
world. Examples are Heroes (Broyan and Kallyr), Superheroes (Jar-Eel and Harrek)
and Demigods (Cragspider and Ralzakark). |
| A: |
These six beings are all superhuman, though different slightly in the source
and manifestations of their powers. Broyan and Kallyr are both heroes who are
content to get their powers from an established source, Vingkot and Rigsdal. But
both have also explored and expanded upon those powers, hence their unusual
abilities and magnitude of magic. Harrek was an extraordinary individual who went
to extraordinary lengths and obtained supernatural powers (the living skin of an
immortal) that he was able to control. [The bear spirit would normally have taken
over the man, much as Nosebiter's Ax does.] Jar-Eel is a demigod, being the child
of a mortal and an immortal, and hence inherited a tremendous magnitude of power
that she has to learn to control. Ralzakark is a chaos being who is also able to
control the tremendous power that he has access to. Cragspider's origins are
forgotten in the prehistoric myths, but she too has obtained control of her huge
power. |
| Q: |
I see that there are two obvious differences between these examples and other
"normal" people. Most obviously, they have large groups of followers that (to at
least some extent) worship them. And, or course, they have some personal powers
in the appropriate 10w3 plus range. |
| A: |
None of these beings are actually worshipped at this stage of their lives.
They do have extraordinary power, manifest as unusual magic; and they may also
have taught this to some followers who have established a link with magic
dependant upon the individual; but they are not actually worshipped. To make
sacrifices, offerings or a grimoire based upon them would acquire no actual
benefit at this stage of life.
Just for the record, to actually qualify for worship later, an individual would
have to have a magnitude of at least 1w4. |
| Q: |
But, in addition, there usually appears to be more - some intimate connection
with an otherworld. Kallyr has the gem in her forehead and the implied connection
to Rigsdal. Ralzakark seems to have multiple bodies. Cragspider controls the
Black Dragon. Harrek has the White Bear skin. |
| A: |
To be come immortal and worshipped, an individual must have a link with the
Otherworld that was established by their actions. However the things you list are
not that link, but all of them are manifestations of the power. The gem is a sign
of Kallyr's personal connection with Rigsdal (the "unmoving star on the face of
the world.") Ralzakark's multiple bodies is a common manifestation among gods
(like Orlanth, for instance, who is present in the Great Wind, specific winds,
in temples and in the Otherworld all at once), but for Ralzakark is a sign of
his inherent chaos. Cragspider conquered the Black Dragon but it did not make
her an immortal (and in fact, her conquest of it diminished its massive
potential). The White Bear skin is the part of a living being that is manifest,
a sort of supercharm. To complete the list, Broyan has the Sword and Helm of
Vingkot and JarEel has the Harp of Six. |
| Q: |
What other ideas do we have on how these entities operate in general? For
example, can they offer magic to their followers? If so, how? |
| A: |
Yes and no. That is, an individual who is going to be worshipped has to have
access to some specific, unique power. They must have earned it the hard way:
gone into the Gods War or into an Otherside and gotten it. This act must be
reproducible, so someone else could go and get the/(a) Sword of Vingkot or the/(a)
living skin of the White Bear spirit. And, if they become worshiped, this act
will become a key part of their worship. Thus if Broyan were to be worshipped
then his worshippers would have the Sword of Vingkot Feat as part of the Broyan
Affinity, or Kallyr's might have the Starbrow Feat.
But while he being is alive then they do not grant this magic. They can teach it
to others who must then undergo the test for themselves to obtain it. This is
different from doing what a worshipped being does, for Broyan's actions will not
have altered the Hero Planes until he becomes worshipped. His actions will not
have forged a path upon which the others can walk, and thereby gain his presence
and power on that path, until after he has obtained permanent residence on the
Otherside as himself. |
| Q: |
How does the number of their followers affect their personal abilities or the
amount of magic they can offer? |
| A: |
While they are living, none at all. |
| Q: |
Once they reach a certain level of power, does the hero become the guardian
for the followers? |
| A: |
No. Not while they are living and embodied. And, after departing their mortal
coil, there is a difference between being a Guardian and being a worshipped
entity. The main difference is that the latter is able to grant magic while that
can be used while it is not present, the former must be present. |
| Q: |
Does the Hero incur any penalties for replacing the old guardian? What happens
to the old guardian? |
| A: |
After immortalization a being can replace an existing Guardian, but
only with a struggle. If Broyan were to become the Guardian for the Volsaxings,
for instance, then he would have to remove the current one and replace him. This
would probably be performed as a duel on the God Wars plane, probably through
arms since this is a warrior society, but using whatever means is appropriate for
the type of entity involved. So a new candidate for the Jonstown Library wyter
would engage in a knowledge contest, a healer for the Great Hospital in a healing
contest. etc.
THUS, in short, there is a identifiable difference between living beings and
worshipped beings. |
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Latest revision: 4 Jul 2005, new
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