Mitlanyál, Vol. 1: The Gods of Stability (Tekumel) [Paperback]

Robert Alberti; MAR Barker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2004

Through the oppressive heat-haze shimmer, the traveler to the great southern cites of Tsolyánu is immediately met by the looming and massive stone bulks of the great Temples, with their high gong-towers, pillared ritual courtyards, and fearsome places of sacrifice. Whether the visitor is a devotee of violent Karakán, Lord of Glorious War, distant and aloof Belkhánu, Protector and Guardian of the Dead, Lord Thúmis, the Wise Teacher, motherly Avanthé, She Who Protects and Feeds the World, or the radiant Hnálla, the Blazing Light who brings Stability to all, the temples are the anchor of all life in the Empire. Mitlanyál is the key to understanding this foundation. The indispensable, illustrated, companion reference to the science fiction Tékumel novels of M.A.R. Barker, and to the epic fantasy role-playing game, Empire of the Petal Throne published by TSR and Tekumel Empire of the Petal Throne published Guardians of Order. Enhance your reading and gaming experience with this jam-packed compendium, the definitive word on the lore and secrets of the Gods, the inner workings of Tsolyáni religion and ritual. Learn the hidden workings of the temples, the magic and demonology, and the politics of the Five Gods who oppose Change and support the Eternal Cycles of Being. This long awaited reference for fans of the novels and the game were more than five years in the making, and you can see why with the extensive lists and descriptions of many aspects and personalities of each god, the factions within each temple, the demons who might be called upon to serve ! the priesthoods. Valuable cultural and political details include descriptions of religious holidays and festivals, celebrated by regions, and the most current dispositions of the military legions sponsored by and loyal to each temple. This revised edition now includes evocative illustrations and story excerpts and character studies exploring how the gods have a hand in the lives of their Tsolyáni worshippers. Volume One contains additional supplemental information including: ·An overview of the world of Tékumel ·The nature of magic ·Tsolyáni culture, politics, and religion ·The nature of the Temples and the social-political structure ·Science and learning in Tsolyánu: science, legends, ethics, and moral precepts. ·Demonology, the nature of time and the multiverse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Zottola Publishing Inc. (November 1, 2004)
• ISBN-10: 0972588027
• ISBN-13: 978-0972588027
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,392,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tekumel's gods of stability seen more closely, May 5, 2006

By 

g.finn (Pittston, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mitlanyál, Vol. 1: The Gods of Stability (Tekumel) (Paperback)

I have been interested in Tekumel since playing Empire of the Petal Throne when it first came out and particularly enjoyed the first novels, Man of Gold and Flamesword. I have always been fascinated by the elaborate religious system and was happy to find more about it, especially the gods of stability (gods of chaos seem to get more space in the novels despite one of the major characters being a priest of Thumis).
It is clear that a great deal of time and thought went into developing a coherent religious system with appropriate theologies, rituals, institutions and ethical considerations. Its an application of all the principles of sociology of religion towards creating a new religion. It truly expands one's insight into the world of Tekumel. The information covered is quite extensive. After a general introduction to Tekumel and its religions each god is presented with basic elements of theology and history, ceremonial worship, principal manifestations, clan affliations, magic, details of signficant worshippers and finally a short story touching upon the god in question (these are wonderful in themselves, begging to be expanded upon). At the conclusion are materials for integrating these gods into a current game version of role-playing for Tekumel.
I found all the material enjoyable, adding to the knowledge of what has only been hinted upon in the novels, giving much scope to the imagination.
Of course this only leaves you wanting more. There are details yet to be worked out and only hinted at or just mentioned in passing in the text. Some things are simply presented without much explanation. Sadly there are a a number of editorial glitches (repetitions, lack of clarity, typing errors)that occasionally distract.
For gamers this is a treasure trove of possibilities and game material. For readers of the novels this helps to fill in the background of an original and fascinating fantasy world, making one look forward to more.