Jeff G. wrote: >Maybe they can build a SCIF with stones imported from Elde Island? As >always, the keys to victory are sound strategic goals, adaptive tactics, and >superior logistics. We know that Sethra Lavode keeps these near and dear to >her heart, but she is not the current Warlord, and is not likely to be in >command at first. And that first battle would be decisive. If the Empire >responded to an invasion from the East with the scorn we have seen before, I >would expect the initial engagements to be a slaughter. > >Also, did the javelin shooters and arrows in "Dragon" have metal heads? If >so, then I can't see sorcery being very effective against bullets/artillery >besides destroying ammunition before it's fired. But that's when railguns >come in handy. > > > Dragaera has become rich and powerful since the Orb. It appears that its research community has been active. It even has people studying alternative stuff including witchcraft and sorcery - and we see only a small subset of its population. (The surfs don't count much - but picture the scientific & technological growth of the 18th and 19th centuries). On the other hand, they depend quite a bit on the orb - although they have practice fighting without much of its capabilities available. While their behavior doesn't seem as patient as we might expect, it is possible that their research could be slowed down by their long lives. We get the self-centered impression that Dragaera is large and Human land is small. I think of Japanese Shoguns who wanted to conquer China and thus the world when I think of Sethra the Younger's desire to conquer the Humans. It would be interesting to see Admiral Sperry's Great White Fleet, if it weren't for the fact the the Jenoine change the historical analogs.