+Oltux72 he/him Posted September 30, 2024 Posted September 30, 2024 Now, it looks like Dalinar is about to leave Urithiru. That has consequences. He cannot be sure that he'll be back at all, let alone back in time. He must make a contingency for that case. There must be a replacement champion. In fact probably a chain of replacements, just in case. Furthermore they learn that Odium has changed vessel. Does that in their mind invalidate what they know about the contest? Do they know have to plan for the case that the contest will be a conventioal battle and Odium will send it the bearer of Yelig-nar? I would say, yes, they must take that possibility into account. That pretty much rules out sending in anybody but a Surgebinder. On the gripping hand they have also learned that curing Ishar is useless militarily speaking. Hence Dalinar's options are calling back Szeth calling back Kaladin Jasnah that fourth ideal Stoneward Would Adolin be an option? 1
Atlas333 Posted September 30, 2024 Posted September 30, 2024 I think narratively it has to be Adolin. Szeth and Kaladin are busy doing their mission (it'd be weird to get that plot thread going and then backtrack on it). Leaving the fate of Roshar in the hands of a character we didn't know about until this book wouldn't feel satisfying so the stoneward is out. Jasnah is probably the second most likely but generally, she doesn't think one person should have so much power and she's more a scholar than a fighter. That just leaves Adolin. While it doesn't make much sense because he isn't a surgebinder he could make progress with Maya and get a power boost there or he could wear Shallan's shardplate which would help at least a little. Honorable mentions are Renarin, Navani, and Lift but I don't think they're likely at all. An argument could be made for Taln as he was incredibly powerful in his prime but he is not in good shape and would likely make for a poor choice. 3
Inevitability Posted September 30, 2024 Posted September 30, 2024 Woof….can you imagine him appointing Adolin as the champion and then Adolin losing?? yikes 2
Taliax none (name only) Posted October 1, 2024 Posted October 1, 2024 I think it would require a lot of mending the broken trust between Adolin and Dalinar for Dalinar to appoint Adolin like that right now. I'm frankly not sure if Adolin would even accept in this case. Not that he would be too petty to fight to save the world, but he may not consider himself a good enough choice. That said, I really have no idea who else Dalinar could pick. lol
AquaRegia he/him Posted October 3, 2024 Posted October 3, 2024 Dalinar is far too professional a soldier to allow PERSONAL conflict to affect any policy decision, especially one this important. My impression is that the recon mission to Shinovar is considered too critical; Kaladin and Szeth will not be recalled. I agree with @Atlas333 that the narrative momentum supports the idea that Dalinar would ask Adolin to serve in this case, although Jasnah is also a good candidate. On 9/30/2024 at 2:34 PM, Oltux72 said: On the gripping hand... Nice Niven/Pournelle reference, one of my all-time favorites! 2
morcey2 Posted October 6, 2024 Posted October 6, 2024 (edited) On 10/3/2024 at 9:54 AM, AquaRegia said: Dalinar is far too professional a soldier to allow PERSONAL conflict to affect any policy decision, especially one this important. My impression is that the recon mission to Shinovar is considered too critical; Kaladin and Szeth will not be recalled. I agree with @Atlas333 that the narrative momentum supports the idea that Dalinar would ask Adolin to serve in this case, although Jasnah is also a good candidate. On the Kaladin/Szeth front, if they can actually cleanse Shinovar in the time they are given AND the oathgate there still works, they could oathgate themselves back to Urithiru. That's also assuming that the enlightened oathgate spren are cooperative. ETA: I know that particular oathgate is a mystery to the outside world, but I think it's a possibility. Also, Wit said something to the effect that what Kaladin was doing in Shinovar (or on the Journey , before destination (or after Escape... someone will get it. Best album ever)) was as important to the future of Roshar as Dalinar's fight with Odium. It also may be something that is important to Wit's goals than to Roshar itself. I think Wit's final goal is something honorable, but like he said, he'd watch Roshar burn to accomplish it. Not happily, but he would. Edited October 6, 2024 by morcey2 3
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