n7axw wrote:I am not sure just what sort of trip wire Duchairn would need to actively enable his conspiracy...
But I do see Clyntahn's position as being a lot more fragile than he himself visualizes. Terror can carry you so far. But the more you have people afraid of you, the narrower your actual base of honest to goodness support becomes. When you get to the point when everyone would cheer your departure, your time is probably getting short.
Don
That is an interesting question. Unfortunately for Duchairn, there are several levels for interest involved.
1. Clyntahn stands for the current primacy of the Order of Schueler and the ultimate authority of the Inquisition. For members of his order, and for Inquisitors in particular, he has brought them more power and influence. As the Order of Schueler is by no means a small entity, this is a solid power base.
Of course, if Clyntahn's direction of th jihad is seen to fail, which would threaten the currently expanded power of the OoS, then there might be an internal revolt against Clyntahn, probably led by Rayno. But that won't help Duchairn.
2. If there is an outside challenge, people tend to stand by their leaders, even if said leaders are
somewhat unpopular. This pertains certainly to the OoS, so any attempts for the Langhornites or Chihirites (Duchairn) to challenge them, would be fought. This secures support for Clyntahn and ups the ante for Duchairn.
3. Because of that, anyone considering to move against Clyntahn needs to move against the OoS. And that complicates matters significantly.
4. People will suffer oppression and terror, if they are sufficiently frightened and the oppressors show no sign of weakness. Clyntahn has managed to get his likely opponents into that position. Since the might of the Inquisition seems overwhelming, acting against them is seen as suicidal and others will be reluctant to be implicated in any plans.
While Clyntahn's position might indeed be weaker than he thinks, the chances of Duchairn of pulling something off against the OoS are significantly lower.
Of course, Duchairn would be able to kill Clyntahn. But he
and his allies and friends wouldn't survive it. And that's the point.