Something i have not read before here is a real deep dig into how a world as magical as Glorantha would effect an economic and social model.
So to start a discussion on it.
There are three types of magic we should think about;
- Common - Battle magic as described in the rules and what I assume to be non adventurous equivalents (i've always assumed they exist just aren't relevant to game play ) which will is used by all, quick to replenish and will have a significant boosts on day to day craftsmen productivity, farming yields, livestock health.
- Rune - Rune magic, rare powerful magic possessed in some aspect by many but difficult to replenish and reserved for special or serious occasions by most. Used carelessly by only the rich or powerful.
- Ritual - Community Rituals that both make the world work, but also protect, and positively boost the fertility, longevity and productivity of a people group. Performed in yearly cycles or in extreme times of need.
These should have the following effects;
- Increase productivity - Meaning the following things are possible - goods would be relatively cheap, more free time for individuals, abundance of food, better education for most, more inventive and creative societies
- Decrease in child mortality - the following are possible - massive population booms, smaller family sizes
- Increased life expectancy - increased knowledge and wisdom within communities, greater generational conflict,
- Increased capabilities - Ability to achieve things that only much later societies would have developed on earth
Also there is the counterpoints that;
- Magic makes the threats of the world Greater
- Opponents and foes usually have the same magical abilities
- Increased growth rates mean societies acquire critical masses where they implode, have a revolution, split, schism, or in other ways self immolate much quicker.
This could manifest itself in these areas;
- societies will be bigger and support a greater population at a similar time in earths history
- Building crafts and magical technologies will surpass earths abilities in similar timescales
- societies will have the ability to be more structured and control orientated
- rate of growth will be faster
- rate of decline will be faster
- chance of cataclysmic event are higher
- ability recover is greater
- Goods are cheaper than relative to earth
Nowhere near a finished article but enough maybe to start a discussion. Any other thoughts?