There are some interesting books written about how society in the real world has evolved: Guns, Germs and Steel suggests that geography determined which nations would develop advanced technology first; The Fourth Turning argues that there are four generation types that follow each other in sequence, driving a series of awakenings and crsises; The Third Wave postulates that there are three phases of civilization -- agricultural, industrial, and post-industrial.
We could argue about whether and how these theories apply to fantasy worlds such as Glorantha.
Something else we could discuss is are the new worlds such as the world of Drow War or Privateer Press's Iron Kingdoms. In fact, if we have to convert a world over to Runequest to discuss it here, that opens up a whole new line of arguments over how to convert them.
Right now I am working on my own interpretation of Atlantis, so I would automatically win all arguments because I determine what does or does not fit. But I am willing to argue about almost anything else.
Unfortunately, since I have to work 40 hours a week to support my RPG game buying habit, I don't have as much time to actually READ the RPG books I buy.
I am working through reading the Siderals book for the Exalted setting now -- I'm thinking I might be able to use some of those ideas for my Atlantis setting, but that by the time I'm done with it, the ideas will be almost unrecognizable from what White Wolf published.
So, for anybody who has read The Fourth Turning or other books by William Strauss and Neil Howe, do you think that the four generation types of Hero, Artist, Prophet and Nomad apply to Glorantha society, and if so, how. Give specific examples.
