originally posted by Rhett Jones
I've always wondered just how powerful is Arithon compared to a Fellowship Sorceror, and can the Fellowship add to their numbers by recruiting someone like Arithon?
Isi t possible that Arithon could become something like a FS and return to his splinter world where he'd be immortal like one of the other 7?
If, by placing this question in this area of the forum, you wished it directed to me, please be specific (ask me by name). Otherwise, it will be left for general speculation.
This is my way of showing respect for fans' discussions, where they wish to air and share their findings freely, and without any untoward steering thrown in from me. (smile).
originally posted by Rhett Jones
Sorry about that Janny, yes it was directed at you. After all who better than the source!
originally posted by Rhett Jones
Sorry about that Janny, yes it was directed at you. After all who better than the source!
Sorry for the double post
originally posted by Cheryl
I've wondered that too Rhett if their could be another member added to the Fellowship of Seven like Arithon. It's been something I wonder about now and then when I read the books.
originally posted by Hannah
I believe it's been dropped before that no members could ever be added to the F7. I don't recall the exact specific reason, but it could be due to the oaths sworn by the Sorcerers, which would be impossible to duplicate at this point in time with no Drakes, or even Paravians, available for a quick ceremony.
Also, Arithon is very gifted and also talented, but he is just, what?, 50 years old or so? Whereas the Fellowship have, em, quite a headstart on him in the experience department. Any of the Fellowship could pretty much level Athera with an idle thought, if they wanted to, and frankly Arithon is nowhere near that part, as far as I can tell. If Arithon's reaction to Asandir's power in CotM is any indication, then their power greatly surpasses his own.
Arithon's potential is probably limitless, though. But remember, he's not going to live forever. I doubt he'd want to.
Hannah
originally posted by Rhett Jones
Would Arithon want to live forever? Maybe if he thought it was his duty? And I guess if he had a companion like Elaira, I'm sure immortality wouldn't seem that bad. As for power, from my interpretation, Arithon has abilities that neither the Fellowship Sorcerers or the Paravians had. After all, who got rid of Deshtiere (spelling?), even if only temporarily. And I guess there can always be ways to pass on knowledge quickly, some sort of mind transfer or something. The FS seem stale, so much so that within just a few paras, Davien showed me different. He's someone who seems willing to act, no matter the consequences, so they need new young blood.
originally posted by Cheryl
By appearance Arithon looks in his 20's I guess he'll stay youthful for 500 years. Good to know he won't get old and gray and need a cane. lol
OK then, you asked –
Why the Fellowship of Seven will never "expand" - one needs to fully understand their origins, what they are, how they came to be, what their purpose of existence IS.
ONE: they were summoned by a Drake's dream - which means, the dragon dreamed what Athera required to underwrite and secure Paravian survival AND the force (read 7 spirits) who PRECISELY matched that template of intent answered, due to what they were in that EXACT pinpoint instant of time - and the original seven, as a direct consequence of who and what they were, AND (don't underestimate this) what they believed themselves to BE - at that split second moment that the dream was cast – engendered and launched by the power of creation (without love)– those who became the Sorcerers you know were drawn and became bound to that fate.
Therefore, for reason one, the Seven can never, and as they are now, (after they encountered the Paravians, and so claimed their self-redemption) will never, delegate their bound status, even if they could.
TWO - they bear the magic, bestowed by the Dragons, to secure Paravian survival. This is not something anyone could treat to achieve. Athera's dragons do not bargain. They are not a FORCE that humans could meddle with. The attempt would result in utter annihilation.
Arithon does not hold nearly the power of a Fellowship Sorcerer, by many orders of magnitude - Davien's warning admonishment in PG, last scene said so straight out…take note of the frail and perilous stay that restrains their hand, also mentioned there in most unvarnished sincerity.
Spellbinders are those the Seven have trained and led to initiation - they cannot be mistaken for an "apprentice, cum potential Sorcerer, cap S) Arithon's master status derives and descends from the training and initiation given to Dari s'Ahelas by Sethvir to assist her survival.
She, a born rogue talent, is a tale all to herself.
Therefore, at this moment, Arithon's powers as master sorcerer derive from Fellowship teaching ADDED TO his gift, refined by Halliron's guidance to Masterbards title, ADDED TO a transcendent initiation won through the challenge of Davien's maze. His use of elemental mastery - is a rogue gift, derived from and bestowed by Mak s'Ahelas' independent experimentation, which took place off world and not on Athera, therefore, outside reach of the compact…never EVER doubt the Fellowship do not have the capability to have replicated that step.
For the soundest of reasons, they didn't, and wouldn't, a great deal of which is an emerging part of this story and to unfold in subsequent arcs.
You will, guaranteed, see more of the breadth and depth within the Fellowship's workings in TK…
originally posted by Demi
Maan Lady!!! how many layers deep does this story decend? Even if the story ends I'm sure I could read it 10 times from beginning to end and still not comprehend the story other than the major plot line. Makes for enjoyably long reading though.
originally posted by Neil
However Arithons gifts could become "unmanageable" with the crown jewels (In COTM, Sethvir/Asandir ward the jewels)?
Unmanageable by himself perhaps?
I always thought that "unmanageable" would mean Arithon could cause the F7 problems…if ever his "agenda" did not agree with theirs. But yes, daviens comments contradict such an idea.
I guess the F7 wanted to minimise foreseeable problems for themselves/Arithon?
originally posted by Auna
Arithon may be weak compared to F7, but he has fewer restrictions on his power. Having his magic back on top of his fully developed bardic gift has got to be giving the F7 indegestion.
originally posted by Blue
Not mentioning, Auna, that he has befriended the most wildly creative of the F7, who does NOT feel constrained to omit certain details during a briefing.
originally posted by Neil
Thanks Anna, I missed the "obvious" there 
Moriel and Lirenda believed Arithon's responsibilies would become too hard to bear (gift of compassion etc. etc. )… I wonder whether this is still a valid conclusion?
Yes, Davien does seem very pleased that Arithon survived in Kewar actually 
While I'm not sure why Davien is not contrained by Law of Major Balance (Black rose prophesy + I thought that respecting LOTM was obligatory for a F7 member…LOTM is more than just respecting/asking permissions?) he seems keen for Arithon to have access to his library.
Arithon did not "ask"…isn't this contrary to expected F7 behaviour?
Maybe being proved fit for kingship automatically give the F7 responsability to "educate"?)
If Arithon has a choice and a war can't be avoided between clans and towns…what is he likely to do? Why is he back down in Shand (excerpt) and he certainly seems to be passing through Alestron (now "warded" we learn…except).
I guess the "Koriani Arithon hunt" will continue…
originally posted by Deborah McNemar
"Arithon did not "ask"…isn't this contrary to expected F7 behaviour?"
Not really. If you recall, Arithon did not ask to have his sight opened to the dancing of the paravian shades, either. Asandir offered and Arithon accepted. Davien offers the books but it is Arithon's CHOICE to go looking and studying. Does that makes sense?
originally posted by Neil
yes, thanks Deborah.
I'm just looking for new bits and pieces I missed before inbetween books…I don't always succeed…
originally posted by Michelle-Louise
Would Arithon have survived Kewar if he wasn't blood bound to?
originally posted by Neil
*** FUGITIVE PRINCE / PERIL'S GATE SPOILERS ***
I believe so. Ultimately he accepted redemption.
At each stage where he faced his guilt in Kewer, there was a balancing influence forgiving him / presenting him with a alternative viewpoint to put things in perspective.
He "paid" with the lost of his magesight during the battle in Rathain but he was acting to save the clans. The Vastmark attack seems to have been mitigated by the Vastmark girl he tried to save. Ultimately his father and the centaur encouraged him to recognise that he was not ultimately responsible for the deaths of those who by free will went to war against him, i.e. for me the blood oath not directly related(?)
However, the blood oath may well have played a part in Fugitive prince though at the end where Arithon is in a very bad way after Caolle's capture/death?
The request for blood oath seems to be Kharadmon's reaction to his exeriences on Marak independent of mistwraith curse/Aliance of Light/koriani threats(?)
originally posted by Michelle-Louise
I think that he needs to survive mistwraith curse/Aliance of Light/koriani threats to stay in reserve for Maraks attack.
originally posted by Neil
Michelle,
I found a passage in PG where Arithon nearly "gives up" in Kewar but he was "forbidden by the blood oath not to go on…" or something like that.
So the blood oath appears to have been necessary there.