[SiriusL]

Whelp said:

I agree, that is what it comes down to. The inherent depravity of humans, and the basic urge to assert power/dominance over others.


Not even so much reason as scaring people. Mainly they do it because they can, without any dire consequences to them. IMO that is the main reason why especially somebody like a Seerdomin would commit rape: he is only responsible to the Seer - who does not care for such mundane affairs. They are the least pressed by social code, as they stand above it.

Plus, lest we forget, the whole Dead Seed issue. It's not like rape was an uncommon thing among the forces of the Seer.

And wasn't there a quote later in MoI where Gruntle thinks about doing to the Seerdomin exactly what they did to Stonny? I'm not sure of the exact phrasing, but it made me question my belief that she was indeed raped.

[Whelp]

SiriusL:
I think the Dead Seed-thing is a bit different:
- its done by women
- the purpose is procreation
- highly insane and religiously motivated

Quote

And wasn't there a quote later in MoI where Gruntle thinks about doing to the Seerdomin exactly what they did to Stonny? I'm not sure of the exact phrasing, but it made me question my belief that she was indeed raped.

IMO Gruntle referred to the psychological aspects of rape: the breaking of one's psyche (and body as well), the suffering inherent in the act.
Basically what I am trying to say is that he wanted the Seerdomin to suffer like Stonny had suffered.

[SiriusL]

Whelp said:

SiriusL:
I think the Dead Seed-thing is a bit different:
- its done by women
- the purpose is procreation
- highly insane and religiously motivated


IMO Gruntle referred to the psychological aspects of rape: the breaking of one's psyche (and body as well), the suffering inherent in the act.
Basically what I am trying to say is that he wanted the Seerdomin to suffer like Stonny had suffered.

Perhaps your right, but I think rape is rape, regardless. The women of the Dead Seed were violating the soldiers, just as the Seerdomin did to Stonny (and probably others). I don't think the fact that the Dead Seed was "religiously" motivated takes away from its cruelty, and the message inherent in the brutality of the Seer's forces.

I do agree with your assessment of what Gruntle meant--that makes a lot of sense.

[Whelp]

SiriusL:

Quote

I think rape is rape, regardless...I don't think the fact that the Dead Seed was "religiously" motivated takes away from its cruelty

I agree with that, I did not mean that the religious motivation takes away from the cruelty of the act.

[SiriusL]

Whelp said:

SiriusL:

I agree with that, I did not mean that the religious motivation takes away from the cruelty of the act.

Oh, sorry--I didn't mean to imply that you did. I was merely suggesting that the "condoned" rape of the Dead Seed might suggest that such brutality was more acceptable among the Pannion Domin.