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Um she tries out of desperation? darius_sedai Send a noteboard - 05/10/2012 03:06:59 PM
The man she loves is lying there dying on her bed, of course she makes the attempt. Her Talent is too weak to be effective, he was still going to die. There is no evidence that an angreal would boost her ability. Moiraine had a very strong Talent for Healing and was significantly weaker than Egwene so it's possible that she could do more with one, but Egwene can obviously put many times the strength necessary to make the weaves function against this problem and still could barely achieve anything. Her level of Talent was clearly maxed out by this effort.

Yet Sorilea is stronger than Androl. The obvious answer is she doesn't have a strong enough Talent with Gateways at her strength. Like we saw with Siuan, give her a strength boost and she could make the weave function, but only to the extent her Talent allowed.

As for abstract Talents ... We keep hearing that there are degrees of ability. Elaida has a weak Talent, Egwene is a strong Dreamer,, and will "outstrip the WO someday", Gitara "Had the Foreteling very powerfully" ... This is all over the text. Clearly there are ways to judge the strength of a Talent as well. Granted these are relatively passive Talents and have no effect of weaves since they are not reliant on them, but it's obvious that not all Dreamers or Foretellers are not created equal.

You don't want to believe that characters can say things in the books and be wrong, despite misconception being thematic throughout the series. Do the math, everyone (except the FS) talks about Strength for gateways for the first few months they are around. Then suddenly we start seeing Androl who throws that argument out the window since its obvious that what he does (according to Taim) should be impossible. Eventually AS will start to notice that there are women who are making gateways that are disproportionate to their Strength, Give the Brown and the White some time to investigate and I would bet they realize many nuances. It likely won't be as dramatic as Androl, who is clearly an outlier, but, for argument sake, when Beonin can make a gateway nearly the size of what Egwene can and Lelaine can't match that folks will start to wonder why. Medani is another potential candidate for strong Traveling Talent IMO. She manages a decent size gateway and splits her flows to carry Verins corpse, something we know to be difficult. So she's either a lot stronger than we think she is or she is gifted in Traveling, also note Medani is similar to Androl in her love of travel... Nice little hint for us.

As for how common it is ... All you have to do is look at how many people can actually Travel. We know it is a Talent, which means in order to do it you must possess some level of the Talent or now matter how strong you were you wouldn't be able to make the weaves work to any meaningful effect, Nynaeve can't make Cuendillar, Semihage being poor at Weather etc... Therefore it follows that the Talent is somewhat common to the Channeling community.

Ultimately I think this boils down to this.

1. I think Androl's ability makes judging someone's OP Strength from gateway size invalid. Just as it would be foolish to measure Berowin's strength based on who she can shield. In fact I tend to believe you cannot accurately judge OP Strength based on any individual effect. There are simply too many variables involved. Yes strength is part of this, but you can't back into someone's strength based on a single effect that obviously Talent plays a huge role in.

2. I think the Talent defines the maximum extent a Channeler can effect something. It is very possible that a weak Channeler with a massive Talent such as Androl could create an even larger gateway if you handed him an angreal ... I would say that is a case where the Talent is beyond his natural Stength and therefore he can continue to add strength and get a larger effect. But on the flip side of that Flinn has to put far more strength into his much smaller gateway, and likely would not be able to make a significantly larger one even with an angreal, his level of Talent is restricting the size of the gateway. It's like a flashlight, the bulb is the Talent and the battery is strength. As the battery power fades the light grows dimmer until there is not enough power to make the thing work. But no matter how powerful the battery the bulb will never be brighter than its maximum output and it might even blow if you put too much power behind it. Finn has a 10 watt bulb with a strong battery and Androl has a 100 watt bulb with a weak battery. Flinn is clearly perturbed by this lack as he must knew that the amount OP he has to use to make a gateway is more than other Asha'man ... It obviously bugs him to not understand why.

Circles and mixed circles are too difficult to judge since we don't have enough information on how Talent is affected in these circumstances. The BotW effect certainly seems indicative that there may well be a huge increase in effectiveness when Linked, as that circle managed an effect well beyond what the Bowl was designed for and it was by no means a massively strong circle (by AoL standards).

Domani Drag Queen in the White Tower ... Aran'gar watch out!
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Problems with gateways - 28/09/2012 05:02:47 PM 3129 Views
It's been discussed before... - 28/09/2012 06:04:35 PM 1683 Views
I would agree with this - 28/09/2012 06:35:14 PM 1351 Views
Re: I would agree with this - 28/09/2012 06:56:57 PM 1472 Views
Regarding shadowspawn: - 28/09/2012 07:19:38 PM 1719 Views
Isn't there a quote somewhere about this? - 28/09/2012 07:30:40 PM 1441 Views
There is - 28/09/2012 07:52:30 PM 1355 Views
Can Fain pass through a Gateway? - 28/09/2012 08:11:59 PM 1384 Views
Re: Can Fain pass through a Gateway? - 02/10/2012 02:37:58 AM 1374 Views
Here's a neat idea - 28/09/2012 08:07:52 PM 1516 Views
Found an interesting quote when I was looking into something else - 07/10/2012 12:57:21 AM 1171 Views
I don't think RJ thought about it - 28/09/2012 07:44:34 PM 1376 Views
Absurd question... - 28/09/2012 10:44:53 PM 1412 Views
Doesn't it meet your standards? - 29/09/2012 07:47:12 AM 1488 Views
Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes... - 28/09/2012 11:02:39 PM 1577 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes... - 28/09/2012 11:12:54 PM 1406 Views
Wow, that makes a lot of sense. *NM* - 01/10/2012 07:30:22 PM 698 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes... - 01/10/2012 09:03:47 PM 1615 Views
Androl throws a kink in this - 02/10/2012 01:14:16 AM 1387 Views
Re: Androl throws a kink in this - 02/10/2012 02:30:23 AM 1553 Views
He said he can make one large enough for a Wagon to pass through - 02/10/2012 03:23:26 AM 1277 Views
Gateway Talent I'd say - 02/10/2012 08:55:26 AM 1368 Views
I think Androl is proof that gateways are more about a the Talent than strength - 02/10/2012 09:00:26 AM 1429 Views
No I think they're more about strength - 02/10/2012 09:27:17 AM 1535 Views
I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this - 02/10/2012 04:47:59 PM 1393 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this - 03/10/2012 07:04:11 AM 1395 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this - 03/10/2012 07:43:12 AM 1408 Views
Re: I disagree with Logain being a credible source on this - 03/10/2012 09:59:13 AM 1358 Views
Egwene could not heal Gawyn - 03/10/2012 02:34:08 PM 1460 Views
She did Heal him - 04/10/2012 08:30:14 AM 1323 Views
and *gasp* maybe breeding. - 04/10/2012 05:36:59 PM 1339 Views
Re-read some stuff - 04/10/2012 07:57:50 PM 1415 Views
Re: Re-read some stuff - 05/10/2012 08:22:06 AM 1282 Views
Um she tries out of desperation? - 05/10/2012 03:06:59 PM 1394 Views
Logain may be correct that Rand is stronger, but his reason is not correct - 03/10/2012 02:13:08 PM 1605 Views
But his thought processes are sound - 04/10/2012 08:20:13 AM 1317 Views
It's in Chapter 5 of TGS - 04/10/2012 09:48:49 PM 1384 Views
Re: It's in Chapter 5 of TGS - 05/10/2012 08:28:13 AM 1299 Views
Why was Flinn so late and why bring up his Gateway? - 05/10/2012 04:15:47 PM 1318 Views
Ummm... - 05/10/2012 08:42:19 PM 1279 Views
Re: Ummm... - 06/10/2012 07:53:10 AM 1409 Views
I don't think RJ changed his mind - 06/10/2012 03:13:44 PM 1232 Views
Re: I don't think RJ changed his mind - 07/10/2012 07:28:38 PM 1455 Views
I wasn't being very clear - 07/10/2012 09:45:15 PM 1383 Views
I think he did - 08/10/2012 05:32:35 PM 1371 Views
Maybe - 08/10/2012 07:48:24 PM 1275 Views
still don't think that's proof. It's just practical. - 11/10/2012 07:06:15 PM 1299 Views
Interesting point you bring up about fighting for control - 12/10/2012 03:44:26 AM 1264 Views
She wouldn't have to guess! - 09/10/2012 08:43:54 PM 1285 Views
Exactly... - 10/10/2012 12:35:16 AM 1180 Views
Re: Exactly... - 10/10/2012 10:29:13 AM 1219 Views
Re: Exactly... - 10/10/2012 10:06:08 PM 1308 Views
AND... - 10/10/2012 10:15:14 PM 1181 Views
Re: AND... - 11/10/2012 04:46:31 PM 1367 Views
Again THANK YOU! - 11/10/2012 08:35:10 PM 1159 Views
Re: AND... - 12/10/2012 04:09:25 AM 1282 Views
Re: AND... - 12/10/2012 08:57:46 AM 1332 Views
Because let's be honest, it's rarely a Talent and you both know it - 11/10/2012 04:44:27 PM 1365 Views
TY!!! - 11/10/2012 08:38:44 PM 1378 Views
You are basing this entire post on a fundamentally flawed premise - 12/10/2012 04:13:06 AM 1522 Views
Re: You are basing this entire post on a fundamentally flawed premise - 12/10/2012 08:52:02 AM 1311 Views
Are you reading mine? - 13/10/2012 07:09:02 PM 1236 Views
Apoplexy, that is what is happening on my side of the screen - 11/10/2012 08:31:30 PM 1109 Views
the fact that Egwene is proven incorrect on this any number of times? - 12/10/2012 04:14:35 AM 1338 Views
THANK YOU!!! - 11/10/2012 08:26:49 PM 1273 Views
Re: Logain may be correct that Rand is stronger, but his reason is not correct - 04/10/2012 09:51:08 PM 1318 Views
to the point on the Circle - 06/10/2012 09:36:18 PM 1341 Views
Circles don't add the Talents... - 07/10/2012 03:34:47 AM 1291 Views
I had forgotten about Brendas! - 07/10/2012 05:15:52 AM 1298 Views
I've been thinking about this - 07/10/2012 10:11:22 PM 1234 Views
Circles give added precision, remember? - 07/10/2012 11:27:05 PM 1272 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 1145 Views
Circles of larger numbers give added benefit... - 08/10/2012 02:00:58 AM 1336 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 1232 Views
Highly doubtful... - 08/10/2012 01:36:47 PM 1271 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 1241 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 1289 Views
That is actually the crux of my issue - 08/10/2012 07:52:52 PM 1253 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 1301 Views
Yet that only explains when a circle does certain things - 12/10/2012 04:18:36 AM 1310 Views
the text is not inconsistent. - 19/10/2012 08:20:52 PM 1758 Views
RJ specifically said that was ONLY because of Forsaken skill level - 11/10/2012 09:02:03 PM 1303 Views
Not so much - 12/10/2012 04:28:44 AM 1301 Views
Re: to the point on the Circle - 07/10/2012 06:09:48 PM 1259 Views
Healing is a thing of the physical body - 07/10/2012 09:50:37 PM 1294 Views
Suian was stilled for hiding these boys. obviously trust was the issue. not healing skill. *NM* - 11/10/2012 10:11:50 PM 572 Views
Didn't I just say that? - 12/10/2012 04:31:22 AM 1226 Views
That's what makes a Talent a Talent.... - 04/10/2012 05:02:36 PM 1304 Views
There is so much evidence against this - 04/10/2012 08:04:45 PM 1373 Views
Androl does not match Rands Gateway size. - 05/10/2012 05:59:34 PM 1396 Views
Rand states straight out that gateway size is not OP strength dependent. - 05/10/2012 08:51:58 PM 1233 Views
+500 ... Well said sir! *NM* - 06/10/2012 04:52:38 AM 881 Views
He's referring to skimming - 06/10/2012 07:08:14 AM 1409 Views
I think we aren't far off in interpretation - 06/10/2012 02:48:46 PM 1279 Views
Re: I think we aren't far off in interpretation - 08/10/2012 05:41:12 PM 1260 Views
We are close enough on this point - 08/10/2012 08:02:48 PM 1404 Views
Re: Rand states straight out that gateway size is not OP strength dependent. - 07/10/2012 06:37:32 PM 1301 Views
Please explain Androl then - 07/10/2012 09:48:54 PM 1320 Views
OMG. Androl DOES have a Talent. NO ONE is disputing that. - 11/10/2012 10:50:41 PM 1286 Views
You have waffled back and forth on Traveling being a Talent - 14/10/2012 03:01:03 AM 1327 Views
there is no waffle here. plenty of syrup though.... - 18/10/2012 06:53:34 PM 1356 Views
No it's not - 19/10/2012 04:25:25 AM 1166 Views
- 07/10/2012 11:35:00 PM 1127 Views
How many different times does the text have to say Traveling is a Talent? - 05/10/2012 11:54:19 PM 1235 Views
How do you know there's a difference? - 06/10/2012 06:53:33 AM 1296 Views
- 06/10/2012 03:15:25 PM 1280 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 804 Views
Not really - 07/10/2012 09:57:56 PM 1265 Views
I agree with this PoV - 06/10/2012 07:19:52 AM 1442 Views
Yes, Healing Talent is incredibly rare and only implies out of proportion ability... - 06/10/2012 03:36:24 PM 1258 Views
I think you use the word Talent too liberally - 08/10/2012 05:45:39 PM 1360 Views
I disagree - 08/10/2012 08:08:04 PM 1261 Views
I sort of agree with Sidious there - 09/10/2012 03:03:54 PM 1265 Views
Re: Yes, Healing Talent is incredibly rare and only implies out of proportion ability... - 09/10/2012 02:37:10 PM 1445 Views
That has no relevance here - 09/10/2012 06:29:34 PM 1195 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 1735 Views
This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. And some added points to consider - 07/10/2012 04:09:33 AM 1220 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. - 07/10/2012 07:46:51 PM 1393 Views
I noticed that... - 07/10/2012 11:38:18 PM 1380 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. - 08/10/2012 05:47:57 PM 1238 Views
Re: This debate is restricted by the "largest Gateway possible" issue. - 09/10/2012 05:08:34 PM 1527 Views
On Healing and Yellows... - 09/10/2012 05:24:11 PM 1289 Views
Re: On Healing and Yellows... - 09/10/2012 06:07:20 PM 1443 Views
True - 07/10/2012 10:01:42 PM 1310 Views
Life skills and OP skills... - 02/10/2012 06:40:00 AM 1189 Views
Or the reverse could be true - 02/10/2012 08:43:37 AM 1353 Views
Re: Or the reverse could be true - 02/10/2012 09:12:28 AM 1391 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 1322 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 1447 Views
The point is the same regardless - 03/10/2012 05:14:36 AM 1343 Views
Here's an answer to your original question - 06/10/2012 07:21:27 AM 1395 Views
*takes a bow* ... thanks for finding that quote! *NM* - 06/10/2012 08:41:49 PM 681 Views
Re: Or the reverse could be true - 02/10/2012 01:02:03 PM 1445 Views
You misunderstand the nature of the Yellow - 02/10/2012 05:06:20 PM 1353 Views
I know - 02/10/2012 07:27:14 PM 1376 Views
Our stance seems to be Nature v. nurture in nature - 02/10/2012 11:21:50 PM 1340 Views
Re: Gateways, Tel'aran'rhiod and Dreamspikes... - 02/10/2012 06:38:11 AM 1347 Views
Trollocs have dreams - 05/10/2012 06:39:49 PM 1431 Views
XKCD is on the case! - 03/10/2012 06:05:54 AM 1304 Views
Re: Problems with gateways - 04/10/2012 03:10:48 PM 1178 Views

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