Hunter Cults of Glorantha

originally published in Questlines 1

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Mythos and History
Hunter's Children

Mythos and History

The nameless Hunter came to mortality's aid during the Great Darkness. He seeded beings across Glorantha which were either his children or incarnations of himself. Each was given a different name. Though many Hunter cultists recognize the existence of this higher, more primal deity, most prefer to worship his more accessible children.

For instance, the being later called Foundchild was first discovered by Helpwoman during the Great Darkness. Though an infant when found, he rapidly grew to manhood. While doing so, he was nurtured and cherished by the woman, whose inner power had fostered a group that struggled together to survive. Upon reaching adulthood, he taught them the use of death as a tool to bring life. He also taught the songs to send slain beasts' spirits back to their ancestors.

Similar stories are known over the world. Everywhere the Hunter is worshiped through his minions. After time, Hunter's worship developed into a fraternal society in which the strong are respected, and the weak are protected.

True hunters believe that they go to a Happy Hunting Ground after death. Even folk believing in reincarnation believe they will stay there for many years before again entering the cycle of birth/rebirth. Hunters follow the burial customs of their tribe or else place their dead on raised platforms. Troll worshipers eat their dead.

The chief runes associated with Hunter are those of Death and Harmony. Though he slays beasts, he does so in order to save life.

Hunter's Children

The different children of the Hunter God are geographically limited. The different subcults are in effect different religions, though all share certain beliefs. Each provides a different array of Command spells to cultists.

Foundchild

Foundchild is the hunting god of Pent and the Wastelands. He provides Command spells for Alticameli, Bison, Bolo Lizards, Herd Men, Impalas, Rhinos, Sable Antelopes, and Zebras, as well as for several extinct species.

Odayla the Hunter

Odayla is the favored hunting god of the Orlanthi. He is worshiped everywhere that Orlanthi hunt. He teaches Command spells for all species of wild cattle (including aurochs), deer, wild goats, rabbits, wild pigs, wild sheep (including mountain sheep), and waterfowl.

Rasout

Rasout is the most widespread human hunting god. He is worshiped by humans across the entire Pamaltelan plains, from Tarien to Zamokil. He teaches Command spells for all four-footed, herbivorous, plains-dwelling mammals, and all herbivorous, plains-dwelling reptiles except for turtles.

Zong

Zong is the simple troll name for their hunting deity worshiped by trolls everywhere. He was born to a starving troll woman in her need and taught the trolls of Genertela to seek prey properly. He teaches Command spells for all rodents and herbivorous insects.