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
1675 Views
Re: Aes Sedai without Oaths
- 30/03/2011 05:49:56 PM
1067 Views
You think?
- 30/03/2011 08:33:45 PM
1014 Views
Re: You think?
- 30/03/2011 08:36:45 PM
1000 Views
Think seat belts...
- 30/03/2011 09:33:28 PM
1027 Views
Aes Sedai without oaths = Seanchan
- 30/03/2011 10:36:10 PM
930 Views
Aes Sedai without Oaths = having to change their organization (an idea they abhor)
- 31/03/2011 01:36:05 AM
1093 Views
*Cough* Aiel *cough*
- 31/03/2011 05:19:21 AM
1036 Views
Re: *Cough* Aiel *cough*
- 31/03/2011 08:34:51 AM
883 Views
A new post?! I nearly spit out my drink
- 30/03/2011 11:23:13 PM
984 Views
I think these things would be less of a problem without the oaths actually
- 01/04/2011 02:07:12 PM
869 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
983 Views
Elayne did what was best for Andor
- 03/04/2011 01:52:59 AM
858 Views
Agreed. Elayne's actions were in the best interest of Andor
- 03/04/2011 05:14:15 PM
938 Views