Caliann the Elf writes: I have it straight from the voice of Steve that NO Jhereg Council-member would EVER agree to be Emperor. It is also unlikely to go to the highest bidder. What is likeliest is that it will go to a bidder who the Council feels will follow orders and be the most easily controlled from behind the scenes. Why be the one IN power when you can have all of the power and none of the risk of that power? Leaders get assassinated a lot. That's what i figured, too; the Jhereg wouldn't consent to merely handing the Heirship to someone with a lot of cash. They'd probably work hard to achieve some sort of consensus pick, someone who, as you say, is readily manipulated. However, the Jhereg emperor probably isn't going to get assassinated because of the Orb; plus, it would be in House Jhereg's best interest to ensure that their Emperor lasts as long as possible. I imagine that the House of the Dragon gets collective nausea during a Jhereg reign. I wonder how they deal with the wholesale bad feelings... probably declare war on each other a lot. rone -- New from the makers of Li'l Swimmers: Li'l Eaters. Edible underwear that looks just like Mommy's and Daddy's! - Kibo