I don't think things would change too much. The motivations that brought the AS to where they are right now are still the same, so I have to think that they wouldn't change much.
I do agree that people would either respect/love or distrust/hate the AS no matter whether they were bound or not. And the WoT rumor-mill can really be an annoying thing, so stories of AS being unbound or bound to kill or whatever would be floating around no matter what.
As to effects on the AS themselves, any differences from the lack of the oaths would be gradual and occur over much time - how long would it take before you'd have full AS who never had to operate under the oaths at all? Probably a very long time...
As a practical matter, the AS could go back to making OP weapons. They would also have a big vulnerability to DFs and BA, assuming no one but Mesaana knew how to circumvent the oaths (which I think is the case).
Of course, it would be a different and harsher world if AS could flat-out lie. AS who grow used to such freedom might - or never lived with it at all - might grow worse with language and picking their words carefully.
Also, AS would be free to hurt normal people and kill whoever they want. That would be a potential problem, from a PR and accountability perspective...
I do agree that people would either respect/love or distrust/hate the AS no matter whether they were bound or not. And the WoT rumor-mill can really be an annoying thing, so stories of AS being unbound or bound to kill or whatever would be floating around no matter what.
As to effects on the AS themselves, any differences from the lack of the oaths would be gradual and occur over much time - how long would it take before you'd have full AS who never had to operate under the oaths at all? Probably a very long time...
As a practical matter, the AS could go back to making OP weapons. They would also have a big vulnerability to DFs and BA, assuming no one but Mesaana knew how to circumvent the oaths (which I think is the case).
Of course, it would be a different and harsher world if AS could flat-out lie. AS who grow used to such freedom might - or never lived with it at all - might grow worse with language and picking their words carefully.
Also, AS would be free to hurt normal people and kill whoever they want. That would be a potential problem, from a PR and accountability perspective...
Aes Sedai without Oaths
- 30/03/2011 04:54:32 PM
1521 Views
Re: Aes Sedai without Oaths
- 30/03/2011 05:49:56 PM
919 Views
You think?
- 30/03/2011 08:33:45 PM
846 Views
Re: You think?
- 30/03/2011 08:36:45 PM
826 Views
Think seat belts...
- 30/03/2011 09:33:28 PM
880 Views
Aes Sedai without oaths = Seanchan
- 30/03/2011 10:36:10 PM
771 Views
Aes Sedai without Oaths = having to change their organization (an idea they abhor)
- 31/03/2011 01:36:05 AM
931 Views
*Cough* Aiel *cough*
- 31/03/2011 05:19:21 AM
885 Views
Re: *Cough* Aiel *cough*
- 31/03/2011 08:34:51 AM
736 Views
A new post?! I nearly spit out my drink
- 30/03/2011 11:23:13 PM
837 Views
I think these things would be less of a problem without the oaths actually
- 01/04/2011 02:07:12 PM
752 Views
I still haven't lost all faith... I think the pending Seanchan conflict will kill the Oaths
- 01/04/2011 01:50:50 PM
807 Views
Elayne did what was best for Andor
- 03/04/2011 01:52:59 AM
722 Views
Agreed. Elayne's actions were in the best interest of Andor
- 03/04/2011 05:14:15 PM
773 Views