COMMENT ⊗   VALID 00002 PAGES
C REC  PAGE   DESCRIPTION
C00001 00001
C00002 00002	Jargan is a priest who believes in anamism: that each object has
C00007 ENDMK
C⊗;
Jargan is a priest who believes in anamism: that each object has
within it a sentient spirit that can be appealed to, offended,
appeased, etc.  Therefore, artisanry and fabrication are considered
holy arts, and one of the most heinous transgressions is the wanton
destruction of physical objects (living or not).  It means that
farming is also sacred, as it produces numerous living vegetables.
Finally, it means that cooking and eating are treated as a sacred
ritual, necessary but basically evil, as they destroy objects.  All
the village inhabitants are therefore thin, and eat only one (large)
meal each day, generally followed by a ritual of repentance.  It
also means that they are cannabalistic, eating their own and enemy
dead so that their spirits will not be wasted.  
The political organization of the village is strictly hierarchical,
corresponding to the inhabitants' positions in the church.  Thus,
the head of the church is also the village leader.  It also means
that those of other religions (all outsiders) are of necessity at
the bottom of the village political ladder.
Advancement in the church -- and therefore politically -- is done
through merit alone: promotions go to those who show leadership,
wisdom, creativity, etc.  Neither physical strength nor
military ability is, surprisingly, a determining factor.
Economically, the village prospers because the strong giant farmers
can work a large acreage daily, strong giant craftsmen can build
large objects (such as tables, plows, etc.) quickly, though small
finely crafted objects are much harder than normal for them to make.
Since advancement is by merit, not birth, there is less feeling of
class distinction, of serf vs lord, as there is in most neighboring
traditional feudal settlements.  The "peasants" here often have
children in the "trade" or "aristocracy" -- and vice versa.  The
community is thus self-satisfied, closely knit, and defensive.
Children are greatly prized, and parenting is considered a noble
occupation. Pregnant couples are given a bonus to come to settle
here, and there is a bonus for every baby born to a villager.
Unlike most giant enclaves, this one is not inimical to dwarves;
they are welcome as citizens, as displomats, as traders, as neighbors.
Jargon's philosophy is that they complement each other, and need not
constantly war.  For instance, dwarven craftsmen excel at just the
sort of fine work that giants are unable to perform.  Dwarves can
dwell underground, and in small caves, and not compete for mountain
lands.  Jargon will do all he can to avoid a fight with another people,
even a fight he knows he could win.  This has the effect that his
enemies often drastically underestimate his (and his people's) abilities.