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Message no. 1
From: Fade <runefo@***.UIO.NO>
Subject: Hermetic vs. Shamanic mages
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 05:11:25 +0000
While taking a brisk walk outside, pondering exactly how I can make a
fair rule which makes a high-strength bow not quite so good an
anti-air defence, I had this thought -

What if hermetic mages simply were shamans following the totem of
science? A totem with a lot of differences from the others, but with
*exactly* the same basics. It would explain why some hermetic mages
become insect shamans, why they have the same spells, same abilites,
etcetera. It also goes with the thread earlier, about science as
religion. It's more an image, a way of interpretation, than a rule.

On another note, I'd believe the ratio of mages in cities like
Seattle would be a lot higher than the global average, simply because
corporations would 'drain' third world nations for those with magical
talent and move them to their 'home ground'. No, they wouldn't get
*all* or anything like that, but enough to skew the ratio more than a
little.

--
Fade

And the Prince of Lies said:
"To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell:
Better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven."
-John Milton, Paradise Lost
Message no. 2
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Hermetic vs. Shamanic mages
Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 23:44:23 EDT
In a message dated 5/4/98 10:33:27 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
runefo@***.UIO.NO writes:

> What if hermetic mages simply were shamans following the totem of
> science? A totem with a lot of differences from the others, but with
> *exactly* the same basics. It would explain why some hermetic mages
> become insect shamans, why they have the same spells, same abilites,
> etcetera. It also goes with the thread earlier, about science as
> religion. It's more an image, a way of interpretation, than a rule.

TWISTED EVIL I LIKE IT!!! Of course, this is not trying to bring up -THAT-
discussion again...

> On another note, I'd believe the ratio of mages in cities like
> Seattle would be a lot higher than the global average, simply because
> corporations would 'drain' third world nations for those with magical
> talent and move them to their 'home ground'. No, they wouldn't get
> *all* or anything like that, but enough to skew the ratio more than a
> little.

This is a good thought, except that it mentioned the "world average" being the
100 (or whatever) to 1 thing...

-K
Message no. 3
From: John Dukes <dukes@*******.NET>
Subject: Re: Hermetic vs. Shamanic mages
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 02:47:14 -0500
>What if hermetic mages simply were shamans following the totem of
>science? A totem with a lot of differences from the others, but with
>*exactly* the same basics. It would explain why some hermetic mages
>become insect shamans, why they have the same spells, same abilites,
>etcetera. It also goes with the thread earlier, about science as
>religion. It's more an image, a way of interpretation, than a rule.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Hermetics might be considered
"Shamans of Man". Cant recall exactly where though.

-Teeg
Message no. 4
From: SThanatos <sthanatos@*********.COM>
Subject: Re: Hermetic vs. Shamanic mages
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 06:35:11 -0400
Fade inscribed thus
:
>What if hermetic mages simply were shamans following the totem of
>science? A totem with a lot of differences from the others, but with
>*exactly* the same basics. It would explain why some hermetic mages
>become insect shamans, why they have the same spells, same abilites,
>etcetera. It also goes with the thread earlier, about science as
>religion. It's more an image, a way of interpretation, than a rule.

I suppose one could interpret hermetics that way. But keep in mind that
one of the biggest discrepancies in this arguement would be the
Elemental/Nature
Spirit differentiation. If mages were true Shamans of Science, they would
still
be bound by the limitations of nature spirit domains. Likewise, in the
Grimoire,
it states that a Shaman must always be true to the path of his Totem and never
question its purpose, lest he loose his powers permanently. But there are
many manifestations of the Hermetic path, and the basis of Hermetic magic
IS questioning.
I'm not saying this arguement isn't viable, it's just that there are so many
differences between a typical Shaman and a typical Hermetic, that they have
to be
classified seperatly.
Message no. 5
From: Matthew Waddilove <m_waddilove@*******.COM>
Subject: Re: Hermetic vs. Shamanic mages
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 10:18:15 PDT
Fade Said
>
>What if hermetic mages simply were shamans following the totem of
>science? A totem with a lot of differences from the others, but with
>*exactly* the same basics. It would explain why some hermetic mages
>become insect shamans, why they have the same spells, same abilites,
>etcetera. It also goes with the thread earlier, about science as
>religion. It's more an image, a way of interpretation, than a rule.
>

NO NO NO. Shamans are just Hermetic's with some bizarre psychosomatic
constrants, mild multiple personality disorder("My Totem talks to Me!!!"
Yeah right) and a very twisted world view ;)

But seriously good Idea but as my comment shows it's purely a matter of
perception.

-Matthew Waddilove


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