On Sat, 2003-11-01 at 20:54, David Silberstein wrote: > I find myself wondering exactly *how* the Orb protects the Emperor. > Why *is* it necessary for people to defend her against Kana's forces? > > One possibility is that she is not well versed in using the Orb > offensively. Another is that the Orb only *has* defensive > capabilities, and would allow her to be captured if a more active > defense was not mounted, and direct threats to her life were not being > made. A third, and more subtle possibility, is that the Orb "defends > the Emperor" by manipulating the minds of those who are connected to > it so that they will be willing to give their lives (with the caveat > that some can perhaps resist this manipulation, e.g., Adron). Hmm. Kana is a Dragon. Zerika is a Phoenix. One way for the Cycle to change >from Phoenix to Dragon is for a Dragon-led army to lead a rebellion against the Emperor. Thus, I do not think the Orb can completely defend a Phoenix Emperor(ess) against an attacking Dragon army as that might disrupt the Cycle. And even if the Orb protects the Emperor(ess) against death, I am sure the Emperor(ess) can be held captive, even with the Orb. At least is the Emperor(ess) is not trained in sorcery. Just because someone has a tool doesn't mean they can use it well. Along those lines, I'd be damn frightened of a wizard-Emperor(ess), especially one who has studied Zerika I's notes on it, or discusses such matters with Sethra.