Most damaging loss?

I am currently in the process of re-reading the series and am currently on HFAF. While reading the parts about operation Rakurai and the losses inflicted on the EoC, I got to wondering what the most damaging stroke would be to not just the EoC, but to the long term goals of Merlin and the Inner Circle.

In my thinking, the one I came up with, would be the loss of OWL and the database in Nimue's Cave. The loss of all the records and information contained within would be a major set-back for them. Although much of the technological data could be re-obtained, the key information about Gbaba weapons, tactics etc would be gone until the next encounter. Although to be honest, the only way I could see anything like that happening would depend on the millennial return of the Archangels. Thoughts?

-Ugoff

I think you're right. Losing OWL would cost them a lot more than just the technological data for reconstruction. It would also cost them all of the SNARCs, the shuttles based there, and fabrication facilities. That means they lose most of their enemy intelligence, any SNARCs watching the Rakurai, the remotes putting up broadsides and other activities, long-range radio communication between members of the inner circle, bullets for Merlin's pistols, repair and maintenance of Merlin's shuttle, remote control of the shuttle, new radio sets for local communication, all the AI and VR assisted analysis, and lots more I can't think of right now.

Even if Charis won the war after that (which would suddenly become a lot more difficult), it would set Merlin's ultimate plans back by centuries.

SWM wrote:I think you're right. Losing OWL would cost them a lot more than just the technological data for reconstruction. It would also cost them all of the SNARCs, the shuttles based there, and fabrication facilities. That means they lose most of their enemy intelligence, any SNARCs watching the Rakurai, the remotes putting up broadsides and other activities, long-range radio communication between members of the inner circle, bullets for Merlin's pistols, repair and maintenance of Merlin's shuttle, remote control of the shuttle, new radio sets for local communication, all the AI and VR assisted analysis, and lots more I can't think of right now.

Even if Charis won the war after that (which would suddenly become a lot more difficult), it would set Merlin's ultimate plans back by centuries.

Not to mention losing Prince Nahrmahn - again!

That's right! I didn't even factor that in!