Personally I think innate OP skills driving life choice seems more likely than the other way around.
That sounds very unlikely.
Just look at the Yellow Ajah. Most of them are dismissive of medication. Their work consisted of delving to know how much of the "heal-all" weave they should use. Even someone like Samitsu who could vary the strength of the weave according to ailment was truly exceptional. The Yellows probably study anatomy and pathology, but most are little interested in medicine. Why would they care, they had only a "heal all" cure as solution to everything?
By your reasoning, there should rather be an overwhelming number of women with a background as Healers among the Yellows, but the evidence is that it's precisely what the Ajah has lacked in the last millenia.
Then came a fully trained Wisdom, a woman truly exceptional because a) she trained for medical knowledge and skills very early in life, earlier than most wisdoms b) she got accepted at the Tower despite being too old. Nynaeve is trained to identify symptoms and causes, to deal with each with the proper specific cure. The "heal all" philosophy doesn't make sense to a doctor like Nynaeve, she approached the OP as she studied herbal medications and their interactions. She's developped an intuitive affinity of how the five powers interacted with one another and with the human body, but ultimately it's grounded in her experience of using medication and procedures. Her prior knowledge and experience have guided her in developping her OP skills. She also has one hell of a strength of will and doesn't give up easily. Unsurprisingly, Romanda has noted that there's a fair percentage of former Wisdoms in the new novices who have great potential for five power healing. The Yellows will have to rethink their training. They will need much greater medical knowledge from now on, and the women already too set in their ways and vision of healing might have problems developping the skills for the "new healing".
We also have evidence from the Wilders. Most of them develop a OP shaped by their a great desire for something. For Nynaeve it was more than that, it bordered on obsession.
Other examples: Semirhage's skills rely on extreme precision in her weaving, it's not surprising she's the one who can block a closing gateway, very likely a skill relying on precision. Graendal was obsessed with controlling people, her main skill is in Compulsion.
It's very likely Androl's gateways work so well because his skills for them is much greater, which is grounded in both his prior knowledge/skills and his limitation of being forced to use very small flows. He requires far less OP to achieve great results. The others compensate with "wasting" a lot of saidin on it, Androl relies on precision. It's a skill more naturally present among the saidar users. Women seems to use less saidar for a large gateway than a man uses saidin. Androl's weaving of gateways is just far more performant than anyone else, and the coincidences that he's trained in spatial skills, good with tasks requiring fine motor skills and precision and he's a great traveller knowing the land very well are just too big not to be a huge factor of explanation why he's so good with that weave. Don't forget, we know geographic knowledge counts: we've seen some channelers studying maps before opening gateways, to increase their precision about the arrival location. With areas they don't know well, they've sometimes been miles off target. Spatial skills must count too, especially for Gateways opened in visual range.
Problems with gateways
- 28/09/2012 05:02:47 PM
3077 Views
Uh, yeah, well, whenever you notice something like that... a wizard did it. *NM*
- 28/09/2012 05:47:13 PM
750 Views
Yeah, I realize that raising physics questions about fantasy books can be absurd...
- 28/09/2012 06:03:05 PM
1280 Views
It's been discussed before...
- 28/09/2012 06:04:35 PM
1641 Views
I would agree with this
- 28/09/2012 06:35:14 PM
1299 Views
Re: I would agree with this
- 28/09/2012 06:56:57 PM
1423 Views
Egwene would likely also know since she puzzled it out as well
- 28/09/2012 07:28:22 PM
1410 Views
Especially when opening a gateway into a void like in Skimming (though that is probably T'A'R too)
- 04/10/2012 03:13:29 PM
1304 Views
Regarding shadowspawn:
- 28/09/2012 07:19:38 PM
1657 Views
Found an interesting quote when I was looking into something else
- 07/10/2012 12:57:21 AM
1125 Views
I don't think RJ thought about it
- 28/09/2012 07:44:34 PM
1324 Views
Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes...
- 28/09/2012 11:02:39 PM
1531 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes...
- 01/10/2012 09:03:47 PM
1570 Views
Androl throws a kink in this
- 02/10/2012 01:14:16 AM
1338 Views
Re: Androl throws a kink in this
- 02/10/2012 02:30:23 AM
1502 Views
He said he can make one large enough for a Wagon to pass through
- 02/10/2012 03:23:26 AM
1230 Views
Gateway Talent I'd say
- 02/10/2012 08:55:26 AM
1329 Views
I think Androl is proof that gateways are more about a the Talent than strength
- 02/10/2012 09:00:26 AM
1374 Views
No I think they're more about strength
- 02/10/2012 09:27:17 AM
1477 Views
I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this
- 02/10/2012 04:47:59 PM
1352 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this
- 03/10/2012 07:04:11 AM
1341 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this
- 03/10/2012 07:43:12 AM
1366 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this
- 03/10/2012 09:59:13 AM
1306 Views
Egwene could not heal Gawyn
- 03/10/2012 02:34:08 PM
1404 Views
She did Heal him
- 04/10/2012 08:30:14 AM
1275 Views
Re-read some stuff
- 04/10/2012 07:57:50 PM
1366 Views
Logain may be correct that Rand is stronger, but his reason is not correct
- 03/10/2012 02:13:08 PM
1560 Views
But his thought processes are sound
- 04/10/2012 08:20:13 AM
1265 Views
It's in Chapter 5 of TGS
- 04/10/2012 09:48:49 PM
1341 Views
Re: It's in Chapter 5 of TGS
- 05/10/2012 08:28:13 AM
1241 Views
Ummm...
- 05/10/2012 08:42:19 PM
1237 Views
Re: Ummm...
- 06/10/2012 07:53:10 AM
1362 Views
I don't think RJ changed his mind
- 06/10/2012 03:13:44 PM
1191 Views
I think he did
- 08/10/2012 05:32:35 PM
1331 Views
She wouldn't have to guess!
- 09/10/2012 08:43:54 PM
1243 Views
Really? Where is that quote? All we've heard is a woman needs to be strong enough
- 09/10/2012 11:44:15 PM
1224 Views
There is only one book left. It is definitely not LIKELY
- 11/10/2012 08:06:04 PM
1246 Views
I can agree with most of that ... I simply believe that the Talent dictates the amount of strength
- 12/10/2012 03:53:21 AM
1174 Views
Exactly...
- 10/10/2012 12:35:16 AM
1135 Views
Re: Exactly...
- 10/10/2012 10:29:13 AM
1159 Views
Re: Exactly...
- 10/10/2012 10:06:08 PM
1265 Views
AND...
- 10/10/2012 10:15:14 PM
1134 Views
Re: AND...
- 11/10/2012 04:46:31 PM
1311 Views
Re: AND...
- 12/10/2012 04:09:25 AM
1241 Views
Re: AND...
- 12/10/2012 08:57:46 AM
1289 Views
I only discount direct statements when we are explicitly shown that they are incorrect
- 13/10/2012 06:55:38 PM
1228 Views
Because let's be honest, it's rarely a Talent and you both know it
- 11/10/2012 04:44:27 PM
1319 Views
You are basing this entire post on a fundamentally flawed premise
- 12/10/2012 04:13:06 AM
1476 Views
Re: You are basing this entire post on a fundamentally flawed premise
- 12/10/2012 08:52:02 AM
1265 Views
Apoplexy, that is what is happening on my side of the screen
- 11/10/2012 08:31:30 PM
1062 Views
the fact that Egwene is proven incorrect on this any number of times?
- 12/10/2012 04:14:35 AM
1291 Views
Re: Logain may be correct that Rand is stronger, but his reason is not correct
- 04/10/2012 09:51:08 PM
1271 Views
to the point on the Circle
- 06/10/2012 09:36:18 PM
1290 Views
Circles don't add the Talents...
- 07/10/2012 03:34:47 AM
1242 Views
I've been thinking about this
- 07/10/2012 10:11:22 PM
1187 Views
Circles give added precision, remember?
- 07/10/2012 11:27:05 PM
1229 Views
I get that, but the evidence in front of me from the text is inconsistent to the quote
- 08/10/2012 12:11:15 AM
1095 Views
Circles of larger numbers give added benefit...
- 08/10/2012 02:00:58 AM
1283 Views
Egwene with a sa'angreal might be like 15x her natural strength, so maybe 9-10x Rand
- 08/10/2012 02:59:26 AM
1192 Views
Highly doubtful...
- 08/10/2012 01:36:47 PM
1223 Views
Meh, I don't really care all that much, I just don't think this adds up to the text.
- 08/10/2012 03:31:20 PM
1193 Views
Re: Meh, I don't really care all that much, I just don't think this adds up to the text.
- 08/10/2012 05:57:04 PM
1241 Views
That is actually the crux of my issue
- 08/10/2012 07:52:52 PM
1205 Views
That's why its called exponential. It is NOT linear and that why the gains look ridiculous
- 11/10/2012 10:00:15 PM
1246 Views
Yet that only explains when a circle does certain things
- 12/10/2012 04:18:36 AM
1264 Views
the text is not inconsistent.
- 19/10/2012 08:20:52 PM
1712 Views
I see, it only counts when it supports your point! Why didn't I think of that!
- 20/10/2012 03:58:27 AM
1350 Views
RJ specifically said that was ONLY because of Forsaken skill level
- 11/10/2012 09:02:03 PM
1256 Views
I'm still arguing about this but I think the evidence is that AS holding a shield are not linked.
- 11/10/2012 08:59:20 PM
1290 Views
THAT is proof of the power of LINKING. This is why thirteen Morgases could smash Rand.
- 11/10/2012 08:41:45 PM
1110 Views
It's one example that supports the exponential increase ... not arguing that
- 12/10/2012 04:40:08 AM
1208 Views
Re: to the point on the Circle
- 07/10/2012 06:09:48 PM
1206 Views
Healing is a thing of the physical body
- 07/10/2012 09:50:37 PM
1243 Views
Suian was stilled for hiding these boys. obviously trust was the issue. not healing skill. *NM*
- 11/10/2012 10:11:50 PM
547 Views
That's what makes a Talent a Talent....
- 04/10/2012 05:02:36 PM
1254 Views
There is so much evidence against this
- 04/10/2012 08:04:45 PM
1323 Views
Androl does not match Rands Gateway size.
- 05/10/2012 05:59:34 PM
1344 Views
Rand states straight out that gateway size is not OP strength dependent.
- 05/10/2012 08:51:58 PM
1183 Views
He's referring to skimming
- 06/10/2012 07:08:14 AM
1368 Views
I think we aren't far off in interpretation
- 06/10/2012 02:48:46 PM
1225 Views
Re: Rand states straight out that gateway size is not OP strength dependent.
- 07/10/2012 06:37:32 PM
1254 Views
- 07/10/2012 11:35:00 PM
1082 Views
Please explain Androl then
- 07/10/2012 09:48:54 PM
1275 Views
OMG. Androl DOES have a Talent. NO ONE is disputing that.
- 11/10/2012 10:50:41 PM
1246 Views
You have waffled back and forth on Traveling being a Talent
- 14/10/2012 03:01:03 AM
1276 Views
- 14/10/2012 03:01:03 AM
1276 Views
- 07/10/2012 11:35:00 PM
1082 Views
i will gladly find you the quote where it it is the right size and ONLY takes more power.
- 11/10/2012 11:18:15 PM
1277 Views
I don't think so... Spirit is used in many weaves (like Healing) as part of the weave
- 12/10/2012 04:38:29 AM
1226 Views
I was incorrect about the size. but ultimately not incorrect about her evaluation quote within
- 18/10/2012 03:28:30 PM
1421 Views
How many different times does the text have to say Traveling is a Talent?
- 05/10/2012 11:54:19 PM
1186 Views
the text calls a lot of things Talents when they're just lost weaves...Traveling is one of them. *NM*
- 07/10/2012 07:03:35 PM
781 Views
I agree with this PoV
- 06/10/2012 07:19:52 AM
1398 Views
Yes, Healing Talent is incredibly rare and only implies out of proportion ability...
- 06/10/2012 03:36:24 PM
1208 Views
I think you use the word Talent too liberally
- 08/10/2012 05:45:39 PM
1319 Views
I disagree
- 08/10/2012 08:08:04 PM
1211 Views
I sort of agree with Sidious there
- 09/10/2012 03:03:54 PM
1219 Views
Flinn has difficulty with the weave. Unlike Aviendha he doesn't has a second weave problem
- 09/10/2012 06:17:34 PM
1182 Views
Re: Yes, Healing Talent is incredibly rare and only implies out of proportion ability...
- 09/10/2012 02:37:10 PM
1394 Views
Beonin's Gateway v. Egwene's v. Rand's v. Aviendha and Elayne Edit: made a math mistake
- 06/10/2012 08:34:56 PM
1681 Views
- 06/10/2012 08:34:56 PM
1681 Views
This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. And some added points to consider
- 07/10/2012 03:49:05 AM
1217 Views
This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. And some added points to consider
- 07/10/2012 04:09:33 AM
1172 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue.
- 07/10/2012 07:46:51 PM
1339 Views
Cadsuane possessing a strong Talent for Traveling would not be surprising to me
- 07/10/2012 10:15:17 PM
1271 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue.
- 08/10/2012 05:47:57 PM
1193 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue.
- 09/10/2012 05:08:34 PM
1472 Views
Life skills and OP skills...
- 02/10/2012 06:40:00 AM
1144 Views
Or the reverse could be true
- 02/10/2012 08:43:37 AM
1302 Views
Re: Or the reverse could be true
- 02/10/2012 09:12:28 AM
1346 Views
And Egwene was training to be Wisdom ... I don't know that any of this is true 100% of the time
- 02/10/2012 04:55:30 PM
1276 Views
Re: And Egwene was training to be Wisdom ... I don't know that any of this is true 100% of the time
- 03/10/2012 12:55:01 AM
1397 Views
The point is the same regardless
- 03/10/2012 05:14:36 AM
1294 Views
Re: Or the reverse could be true
- 02/10/2012 01:02:03 PM
1398 Views
You misunderstand the nature of the Yellow
- 02/10/2012 05:06:20 PM
1309 Views
weaves are not magical entities that exist in channelers. They are tools that are invented.
- 05/10/2012 06:17:31 PM
1270 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes...
- 02/10/2012 06:38:11 AM
1300 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes...
- 06/10/2012 02:05:30 PM
1314 Views
Was Avendoraldera a separate construct, and what to make of the Green Man cosmology?
- 06/10/2012 06:54:27 PM
1343 Views
Re: Was Avendoraldera a separate construct, and what to make of the Green Man cosmology?
- 06/10/2012 10:04:41 PM
1500 Views

