Why didn't Merlin kill Zhaspyr Clyntahn?

Expert snuggler wrote:When Merlin says he would kill Clyntahn instantly given a clear shot, maybe he's kicking himself for not taking that opportunity.

The Plaza of Martyrs might also be too close to the Temple's defenses for him to have considered it a clear shot.

Maybe. Do we have a distance from the Temple that he regards too close? I've wondered about the possibility of roof tops and modern sniper rifles...

Don

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n7axw wrote:

Expert snuggler wrote:When Merlin says he would kill Clyntahn instantly given a clear shot, maybe he's kicking himself for not taking that opportunity.

The Plaza of Martyrs might also be too close to the Temple's defenses for him to have considered it a clear shot.

Maybe. Do we have a distance from the Temple that he regards too close? I've wondered about the possibility of roof tops and modern sniper rifles...

Don

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It doesn't even have to be Merlin. If the FoG can't manage on their own I'm sure they could infiltrate a scout-sniper or three and that there would be volunteers for that mission even on a "You probably won't be coming back" basis.

Among other things:
1) FOG was unknown to Charis at the time of the Archbishops execution
2) FOG were not actively assassinating anyone) at that time
3) The only weapons available for use by Merlin at that time for a rifle based assassination were matchlocks. If he had used either a TF rifle he would have opened the "Demonic' intervention can of worms he was trying very hard at that time to avoid.
4) The story would not have developed as it did and we probably would now be reading and discussing something else.

Keith_w wrote:Among other things:
1) FOG was unknown to Charis at the time of the Archbishops execution
2) FOG were not actively assassinating anyone) at that time
3) The only weapons available for use by Merlin at that time for a rifle based assassination were matchlocks. If he had used either a TF rifle he would have opened the "Demonic' intervention can of worms he was trying very hard at that time to avoid.
4) The story would not have developed as it did and we probably would now be reading and discussing something else.

If he had been caught usung a TF rifle... The object of the exercise would be to not get caught, leaving the inquisition with a mystery.

Don

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Keith, I happily grant you all your points in that timeframe. I was more thinking of what could be done at the current point in the story and indulging myself with a little, "wouldn't it be cool if ..." without examining the possible strategic outcomes too closely.

As to TF rifles, Don, we know that they require ammunition of some kind, but beyond that we haven't got a clue. If they turn out to be lasers or plasma rifles, say, the effect might have been rather more than a mystery!

n7axw wrote:Maybe. Do we have a distance from the Temple that he regards too close? I've wondered about the possibility of roof tops and modern sniper rifles...

Rayno observes that "nothing happens within five miles of the Temple." OWTTE

That's the only reference to a specific distance the Temple's defenses reach, and that is basically a false assumption on Rayno's part. But, it might be a hint from MWW despite its obvious erroneous nature.

five miles might not be much of an exaggeration. the few times Merlin has been to Zion he has stayed well away from the temple itself.

also for eryak Dyynys execution he sent the snarc in and had it RECORD and then retreat some distance (not specified) before transmitting the footage, as opposed to doing a live broadcast.

I expect the same tactic was used for the circle and Gwylen Manthyr & his sailors murders.

Randomiser wrote:Keith, I happily grant you all your points in that timeframe. I was more thinking of what could be done at the current point in the story and indulging myself with a little, "wouldn't it be cool if ..." without examining the possible strategic outcomes too closely.

As to TF rifles, Don, we know that they require ammunition of some kind, but beyond that we haven't got a clue. If they turn out to be lasers or plasma rifles, say, the effect might have been rather more than a mystery!

There are 2,000,000 rounds of TF rifle ammo available in the cave.

Randomiser wrote:Keith, I happily grant you all your points in that timeframe. I was more thinking of what could be done at the current point in the story and indulging myself with a little, "wouldn't it be cool if ..." without examining the possible strategic outcomes too closely.

As to TF rifles, Don, we know that they require ammunition of some kind, but beyond that we haven't got a clue. If they turn out to be lasers or plasma rifles, say, the effect might have been rather more than a mystery!

Sorry, I was more responding to Donna....'s question about not assassinating Clyntahn during the execution.

Good day everyone, very interesting thread. good input.

my two cents are that Merlin doesn't want to kill Clyntahn. the guys is doing such a great job messing with the AOG leadership, just like Hitler did with Nazi Germany. Killing Clyntahn in a spectacular way could reinforce the safeholdian's view of God, and in Langhorn, AND the proscriptions. steam ships aren't going to work against the Gbaba.

Killing the Proscriptions, which, again, Clyntahn is doing a great job writing dispensions, and Charis though innovation, which infects the other nations.

In terms of dealing with Clyntahn, i'd prefer Merlin test that medical unit of his, and do some altering. Let Clyntahn go though his own prison camp as a prisoner, or maybe as a small female child in Harchong, since he and his office has such a hand in keeping Harchong the way it is with serfs and slavery. who knows, maybe he like Erayk Dynnys, he'll attempt to redeem himself.


okay, Safehold joke: the oil lamp burnt out, and the bedardist wants to change it, but the lamp has to really want to change first.