[RAD]

So, all the Dunyain are guys apparently. Why is that? I'd have thought people trying to be self-moving souls should be moving past sexism. Is it because a Dunyain chick would mop the floor with us guys (the whole mother fixation thing)? That's it, ain't it?

I for one wouldn't mind being 'possessed' by a female Dunyain.

[Evil Agent]

Well, I haven't yet read TTT, but I assume there are female Dunyain. How else would Moenghus have had a son?? As far as I know (as of TWP) we just haven't heard anything about them. But I could be way wrong...

[Dawnstorm]

We know very little about the Dûnyain. It makes sense, though, that they send males into a partriarchal world. I'd expect that to "shorten the path" a bit.

There are too few Ishual-scenes to draw conclusions. But if there are no female Dûnyain, how would they breed? Abduction?

[RAD]

I'd assumed some kind of abduction/brood-mare/breeding stalls scenario, yes. Most likely even lobotomizing the captives, since they apparently only need women for the reproductive function (like the world-born aren't any different, but at least the Dunyain are honest about it)

It makes sense, though, that they send males into a partriarchal world. I'd expect that to "shorten the path" a bit.

By controlling a powerful man or powerful men, a Dunyain female could wield just as much power in the outside world while being in much less physical danger, since the male figure would be the obvious target of enemies. If the guy she's controlling gets defeated and killed, she could become the property of (and later the master of) the victor.

[Dawnstorm]

I'd assumed some kind of abduction/brood-mare/breeding stalls scenario, yes. Most likely even lobotomizing the captives, since they apparently only need women for the reproductive function (like the world-born aren't any different, but at least the Dunyain are honest about it)

Possible. However, what would they do the females born?

Breeding's a lot quicker when both sexes are premium material.

It makes sense, though, that they send males into a partriarchal world. I'd expect that to "shorten the path" a bit.

By controlling a powerful man or powerful men, a Dunyain female could wield just as much power in the outside world while being in much less physical danger, since the male figure would be the obvious target of enemies. If the guy she's controlling gets defeated and killed, she could become the property of (and later the master of) the victor.

True. I'd still argue being a man would give you more versatility (as background-manipulation is a path not only open to females).

***

Reading the books, you do get the impression the Dûnyain is a boys club, though. (Might explain their philosophy. :p )

[kron]

[QUOTE=
Reading the books, you do get the impression the Dûnyain is a boys club, though. (Might explain their philosophy. :p )[/QUOTE]

:D

Yeah, it sounds like a ram party to me!

But we are not conditioned after all. It is not for us to ask:)

[RAD]

Possible. However, what would they do the females born?

I'd supposed they had some way of being sure. Kellhus was pretty certain Esmi's kid would be male. In case of female births, well, cut out their brains and toss 'em back in the breeding stalls.

True. I'd still argue being a man would give you more versatility (as background-manipulation is a path not only open to females).

Females can manipulate on a dozen different levels at once (fellow guys, you can testify to this) look how Kellhus uses Serwe. That givees em the edge in versitility. Also, females have a greater chance of survivability if things go south. Defeated men get executed, blinded, castrated, etc, because they're threats. Who'd admit, even to themselves, to feeling threatened by a chick? Female captives are more likely to survive in one piece. No point in damaging a 'prize.'

[Dawnstorm]

Why would they do away with female babes, when they could raise them (even if only as breeders); not having to rely on abductions and more rapidly improving lifestock would be quite an advantage, wouldn't it?

***

I'm not sure about greater female survivability. Neither Serwe nor Esmenet would have survived the desert, were it not for their association with Khellus. I think it's a safe bet that the water would have been used on soldiers.

I'm in no way saying that a female Dûnyain couldn't have done it. It's just that, as a male, you have more options, because you have more interfaces to abuse. Crowd control is a lot easier as a male (having to rely on another is a risk factor), for instance.

***

But we are not conditioned after all. It is not for us to ask

We are conditioned. By history, habit and similar Darkness. We're just not among the conditioned. Always liked how they referred to themselves as "the conditioned", when they really wanted to escape (unconscious) conditioning. The ultimate behaviourists. *grins*

[RAD]

{i}Why would they do away with female babes,{/i}

Guess I should've been clearer. I meant they'd still be alive after they cut their brains out. They'd keep em for breeding stock, in other words.

{i}Neither Serwe nor Esmenet would have survived the desert, were it not for their association with Khellus{/i}

Ah, I misunderstood. I thought we were talking about situations in general, not those specific to the Holy War. In a peacetime situation or in a city-based conflict, a female would be on equal or better footing. Men have the edge in achieving power in war or on prolonged desert treks.

The situation in the Holy War, for instance, was set up by Moegullus and Maithenet (spelling?) as the perfect 'soil' for a Warrior Prophet to thrive.

[Evil Agent]

kron: Yeah, it sounds like a ram party to me! :DNot sure exactly what you mean.. but could that be another term for what we here call a "sausage party?" (ie. All guys, no girls...)