On Wed, 14 Jan 2004, Jeffrey Kiok wrote: >> I'm positing a rather more Machiavellian Sethra than portrayed >> elsewhere (well, _Taltos_ supports me). > >But if Sethra were truly a Machiavellian person, she would try to seize >power for herself, or through someone she could control. I think FHA >clearly demonstrates that Adron isn't too easily constrained. You're forgetting that the whole point of the theory is that FHYA is Sethra-generated propaganda. >> In my version of events, Sethra sees Adron's spell, realizes it >> may destroy the Orb, and decides that since Adron would anyway make >> a better emperor (as would any breathing Dragon) > >Why would it be more beneficial to have a Dragon on the throne in >Sethra's eyes? If Sethra's mission or purpose is really to protect >the empire from the Jenoine (I'm pretty Issola more or less >explicitly says that) then what advantage is there to have a Dragon >on the throne trying to conquer more land in the east? That would >spread resources thin, wouldn't you think? And thus make it harder >for her to protect. Military adventures will help to unify the country, of course, and put the whole country on a military footing. Loot from the East will enrich the treasury. Easterners who become citizens will increase the workforce, and be cannon fodder agains the Jenoine. Etc. >> (and since it would make Aliera really happy and grateful) she might >> as well save a lot of bloodshed by taking out Tortaalik. She >> arranges with Khaavren to do it, perhaps with Aliera's help. > >It seems as if through the entire Khaavren and Piro series that >Khaavren was entirely devoted to his duty of protecting the emperor. Again: The whole point of the series is propaganda to disguise what really happened. Khaavren is being painted in the best possible light. You really need to turn your Paranoia [1] up to 11. Assume that nothing is as it seems. Assume that everyone has a hidden agenda. Assume that everyone is lying. Indulge in creative pararectal ideation. Some guy with the initials "SKZB" posted about conspiracy theories in July 2002, which may or may not be germane. [1] Beware of mutants. The Computer is your Friend.