----- Original Message ----- From: "David Dyer-Bennet" <dd-b at dd-b.net> To: <readalong at dragaera.info> Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 12:23 AM Subject: Re: TPG:Chapter 1:P.4 Wizards of the Athyra Guard > > I seem to remember a reference somewhere in books that states the Imperial > > Guard majority belong to the House currently in power. Which may be why, > > when the Cycle shifts to Phoenix, the Athyra wizards find themselves > > "retired." Kinda makes sense - no Emperor or Empress would want to keep > > guards from a reign they just toppled, no matter how "peaceful." > > But is that as simple, perhaps, as the members of that house feeling > the greatest call to defend it? Does it say that this is *enforced* > or *required*, or does it only observe that it *is*? > I see it as sort of 'required service' for members of the house for 'x' number of years. The exception being, Phoenix, of course (due to low population). Nobody actually 'wants' to be in the guards (aside from landless nobility and adventurers... etc...) as it's low paying and distracts one from his/her main profession. Let's face it, it's awfully hard (in the case of the Athyra) to study magic when you have to make roll call at 8am then patrol for 8 hours. So, they serve as long as they need to, then return to their estates or regulating the weather or whatever. Let's face it, they won't happily commit to a life of rising early for low pay... they're NOBILITY. Yeah, sure, some do... but most won't. -Scott Ingram