David Silberstein wrote: > If Adron thought the Cycle had turned, *why* would he have wanted to > use Elder Sorcery against the Orb? It should not have been necessary; > his military victory would have proven that the Cycle had turned, and > he would have gained the Orb *legitimately*. That's kinda why I'm wondering if you assume the Orb had it's 'software' improved, if that means the Cycle could similarly have it's 'software' 'improved'. Or at least that someone could think the Cycle could be hacked. Kinda thinking that a) one can successfully rebel against the Emperor only after the Cycle has changed, since before then the Orb protects the Emperor b) trying to hack the Orb to get rid of that feature while it's attuned to an Emperor probably isn't a good idea, since the Emperor is likely to notice and squash whoever's doing it. c) OTOH, I don't remember any suggestion that the Cycle has anyone bound to it to protect it, so d) hack an unprotected Cycle, and if it works, the Orb stops protecting the Emperor and you can take over. A Dragon might consider that a rather nice bit of strategic thinking, and so admirable. Thoughts?