That is correct Kapoteeni, Cimmerian religion is regarded as a largely unexplored subject on Robert E Howard’s part.
Furthermore, you are also correct that he does not accept human sacrifice. And therein lies a clue as far as my interpretation is concerned. It only states human sacrifice, and quite specifically at that. It does not say no sacrifice period. Crom does accept animal sacrifice, as detailed in the Expanded Universe (EU) sources (Savage Sword of Conan). I personally believe that although not expressly written this is actually aligned with Howards lore. After all, why would Howard even bother to specify human sacrifice if he accepts no sacrifice at all…? He wouldnt have even bothered to make this distinction.
So off the topic of direct lore and simply based on the purely conceptual for a moment, there is at least some potential for us to pick-up baby animals, and (somehow) use them as offerings to Crom. Just a thought…
Im not certain that the monument shown would actually be a sacred site to the Cimmerians. While the Field of the Dead in the Conall Valley, and of course Ben Morgh itself are considered sacred to the Cimmerians (Age of Conan), this is the Exiled Lands, and I think those monuments pre-date the Cimmerians arrival there (citation needed). But by all means correct me if I am incorrect in any of my claims.
As far as offering skulls or severed heads to Crom…in the absence of any lore to reference on the subject…well that one is up to individual interpretation I guess. But do bear in mind that he is the chief deity of a barbarian culture and civilization. So I personally think he wouldnt object to us offering the heads of crushed weaklings to him.
You know I am actually glad that you agree with making Conan a ‘Crom religion trainer’. And considering that many of us have called for Conan to have a greater role in this game, to me it would be a step in the right direction. You are correct in that Conan taught others some fundamentals regarding Crom, most famously of course was Belit (Queen of the Black Coast). No matter how anyone feels about adding more Crom artifacts into the game, there is more than enough space to accomodate this. I have also read many times over now that people now puposely choose Crom at the character creation screen, solely because his is the only religion which cannot be learned later. Some people have said previously, ‘Why bother, it wouldnt do anything?’. But I guess I was just born in a time before everything had to have an extrinsic reward attached to.
Quite true. Crom is the chief deity in the Cimmerian pantheon, but others have been referenced in the lore. I can list and tell you a little about at least 5 of them if yourself or any other readers would like some additional information…? However based on what I have read, they are much like Crom in their dispositions, especially towards mortals.
Finally Kapoteeni, I would like to ask you (if Ive not already), do you personally like the idea of a Crom themed Forge, and why or why not? You know I have enjoyed this discussion thus far, it is nice to partake in a discussion on the forum other than the rule changes at the moment. Thanks.