Erfworld 135 The Battle for Gobwin Knob, Page 122

[BillyJimBoBob]

If Duty is absolutely binding, then it's nonsense to say that it has a "higher" or "highest" effect on certain units. The only way those comparative measures make any sense is if there's some likelihood that a Duty-bound unit might fail to act in accordance with Duty (with that likelihood being less, but still nonzero, for units that are "more" affected by Duty than others).

Also, as other people have pointed out, if Duty were absolutely binding, then Ansom's condemnation of Stanley as having advanced by regicide would be preposterous. It would be like accusing someone in the real world of having supernatural powers and using them to put curses on people or rob banks by impalpably walking through the vault walls. Yes, Ansom is not entirely objective or rational on the subject, but if his notions were flat-out impossible then surely Vinny, at least, would call him on it.

If Duty is not absolutely binding on anyone at all, then why would things be stated in completely black and white terms: Requires us to use our own initiative in the service of the Ruler. Can't withhold information, can't conspire against the Ruler.
Requires. Can't withhold. Can't conspire.

We are being fed these rules by Parson, so it's possible he has misrepresented them, but that would set up another inconsistency:
Parson is ignorant of many rules. But once he learns of a rule, it becomes quickly and expertly integrated into his strategic thinking. As a case in point, Parson was able to quickly deduce the "hit and run" tactic that made the turn seem like an overwhelming victory to Ansom and his leadership cadre. Until Vinnie expressed doubts based simply upon the strength of the attacking Dwagons, it never occurred to Ansom or any of his other leaders that this sort of tactic was not only possible, but could be used to great effect. And Ansom and his cadre are veterans of at least the capturing/sacking of Stanley's other 10 cities, and theoretically a good number of other skirmishes or wars as well. For Parson to be wrong about Duty would be so uncharacteristic as to be astonishing. Rather, Parson, as Chief Warlord, is "Require[d] to use his own initiative in the service of the Ruler. Can't withhold information, can't conspire against the Ruler." Other leaders are similarly compelled, but not as absolutely.

This conclusion, and this alone, has no logical inconsistencies with the other information provided and prior characterization of Parson's ability to accurately grasp the rules.

2) Wanda's spells on Stanley may predate her joining GK.

Once Wanda was Stanley's unit, you know, so much under his control that he can end her existence with a thought if he sees her before leaving GK to follow his quest, so much so that Stanley decides whether or not GK pays her upkeep, both Loyalty and Duty would forbid any such skullduggery. It is preposterous to assume that Wanda is puppeteering Stanley with anything other than her required obligation to use her initiative in his service.