Naval Ships and Tech discussion (LONG)

[Scott Cohan]

Without getting personal (and therefore starting a flame war), let me just say
that, IMO, I've always found these arguments to be sloppy.  Once you just pass
off one thing as "The Gods willed it", then you can justify anything.  And let's
say that the Climan gods are so pleased with the Climans for their sacrifices
that they reward the Climans with extra nautical speed.  What about the other
nations?  If every other country's gods don't give out goodies like the Climan
gods, then you would think that everyone around them would convert.  Remember,
religion works on a "Do ut Des" methodology.
     Let's face it, if we had demonstrable proof that one religion was correct
and that it's worshippers were being rewarded and people with other religions
were getting squat, I would think that there would be a lot of converts.
"Become a worshipper of Baal and receive financial success" would attract a lot
of people.
     Then, if we attribute the Climan's nautical superiority to the gods, what
have the other nations received?
     Also, I'm not sure of this, because I don't have my books right here in
front of me, but I thought that the gods could _not_ intervene on the Middle
World and that Slidranth could solely because he has an avatar down here.
     Let's face it, if all the gods were interfering all the time, we'd get
something like the Greek myths, only more messy.  The Greeks even had a story
about the consequences of too many gods interfering.  There was a dog who was
given the gift to always catch his prey.  Unfortunately, one day he went after a
deer which had been given the gift that it would outrun any hunter.  Solution:
The gods froze them in time, so that the paradox would never have to be
resolved.


Scott Cohan

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Re[8]: Naval Ships and Tech discussion (LONG)
Author:  Powers and Perils <POWERS-AND-PERILS at DUTCGEO.CT.TUDELFT.NL>  at
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Date:    12/11/97 05:32 PM


-----Original Message-----
From:   Scott Cohan [SMTP:scott.cohan at SSA.GOV]
Sent:   Thursday, December 11, 1997 7:36 AM
To:     POWERS-AND-PERILS at DUTCGEO.CT.TUDELFT.NL
Subject:        Re[8]: Naval Ships and Tech discussion (LONG)


  I'm not sure which nations I would consider "nautically advanced".

None of them, the Goddess of the Sea wouldn't like mere Humans rooting around
her kitchen.
Remember, when in doubt, "The Gods did it...."   ;) , is the rule. They are
Active in the middle world.
This is something to remember, because even a canoe can cross the ocean if they
worship and pay
Proper homage to the Sea Goddess.....  food for thought, stolen from Tiamat's
Fridge....  :)  Lyndon