Howard Brazee wrote: > On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 09:55:34 -0400, Jose Marquez > <jhereg69 at earthlink.net> wrote: > >> I wonder what the sign that the Cycle has turned might be when there >> is a peaceful transition between Orca and Teckla... >> >> Jose > > > Are there peaceful transitions between houses? Have there been times > when a ruler in a house dies and instead of his in-house heir taking > power, power has been transformed smoothly and without rancor? > > It's easy to imagine that all houses have fought (even if just > politically) to keep control just a while longer. I would bet the flat stones that power is transferred smoothly and without rancor from Zerika to Norathar, based on Zerika's conversation with Vlad in Phoenix (she is trying to figure out if it is time for her to step aside and let Norathar ascend, among other things occupying her mind at the time). Also, while it is inspired by violence, the Athyra Empress Cherova steps down in favor of Tortaalik because of the significance of Kathana e'Marish'Chala beheading Uttrik's father, and this transfer of power appears to occur smoothly and without rancor. I would think certain Houses would be good at stepping down gracefully, rather than with bloodshed. The Lyorn come to mind, as do the Issola. Jose -- Jose Marquez \ Cthulhu 2004 jhereg69 at hackwater.com \ Why vote for http://www.hackwater.com \ the lesser evil?