Re: "She is a better ruler than most". Really? Can you provide the examples? - Edit 3
Before modification by Skeeve the Great at 20/07/2010 05:20:08 PM
Really? I'd like to know the plenty of examples of rulers in the Randland that Tuon is better of. Better than Morgaise was? Better than Elayne is? Better than any Borderland ruler is? How exactly?
I'll give you Tarabon rulers. They are dumb. But saying she's better than "most" of Randland rulers is just not true.
She's way better than the rulers of Cairhein, Tear, Illian, Tarabon, Amadicia, Ghealdan, Saldea and Arad Doman. Also, much better than Elaida. That's a significant portion of the Westlands.
There is no way it's a fair comparison with rulers that felt under Forsaken domain.
Let's go over the list:
1) Arad Doman was a base for Graendal and she destroyed it. Plus coming of the Last Battle and the Dragon Reborn played huge role. But what about before all of that? We don't have much, but what we know from POV of characters Arad Doman was pretty prosperous nation, rule of Merchants and wise rule of the King did their part.
2) Tear - I don't know what you are talking about. In social justice part, Seanchan is not better than Tear, meaning there are some aspects of regular people life that are evil in both places. In economy though, I don't understand what is your beef with Tear. It was the richest nation on the Randland. Right after the long winter and very late spring, it was producing enough food to feed Cairhien and Illian. From the personal POVs, when girls and Mat were there (before Rand taken it) it was very stable and safe place, with all this Guards marching, theif-takers snooping and all.
3) Illian - before Forskaen showed up, it was again very prosperous given circumstances. If you remember Moraine's words about how much Sammael changed the place, you surely can deduce how it was before.
4) Amadicia - pleeeese. It's very tiny version of Seanchan and saying the Pedron Nial was worse than Tuon as a ruler is waaaay over board.
5) Saldea - I don't understand what you are taking about. Saldea is very stable and just nation. We have seen may Saldeans in the book and judge that.
5) Cairhein - all I can say that before the whole Dragon Reborn deal it was very difficult place to live, thank to Aeils. Their economy was DESIGNED to rely on trade through Aeil Waste. Since the war, it was in shumbles. I don't think Seanchan would've done better job given circumstances.
6) Ghealdan - again strike and miss. Judging by descriptions of manors, land, towns and villages the place was very prosperous and thriving, before the Prophet arrived and the Dragon Reborn happened.
As a counter point to whole none-better-than-Seanchan theme that's going on here, I'd like to point to the current cituation in Seanchan continent - as soon as Royal Family gone, war and disorder thrived as in any other places.