I’m sick of people romantizing life before the orbs. I’m old enough to remember what that was like, and let me tell you: it sucked. Yes, it’s true that it’s easy to get hooked on doompondering and neglect your duties. And yes, it’s true that sometimes demons can possess you through the orb. But the orbs have advanced wizardry more than any other invention since the wizard staff. We can’t stay stuck in the past.
First off, that’s not the orb’s fault. Denethor’s Palantir was hacked by Sauron. If a Maia wants to hack your wizardry equipment, then they’re going to get in, orb or not. Any threat model that tries to defend from the fucking Dark Lord himself is completely bonkers. The only way to protect yourself from threat actors with that much power is to not make yourself interesting enough to be worth their time (see the Blue Wizards).
Second, Denethor wasn’t even a wizard. If he was, he may have been able to recognize Sauron’s influence and avoid pondering. But again, it’s ridiculous to think you can defend yourself from those kind of threats.
Aragorn did use the orb, but he admitted himself he had barely enough strength to bend it to his will. Aragorn only survived that encounter (and the Battle of the Black Gate) because Sauron was arrogant and unprepared. If Sauron had played it smart, Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship would be dead.
I’m sick of people romantizing life before the orbs. I’m old enough to remember what that was like, and let me tell you: it sucked. Yes, it’s true that it’s easy to get hooked on doompondering and neglect your duties. And yes, it’s true that sometimes demons can possess you through the orb. But the orbs have advanced wizardry more than any other invention since the wizard staff. We can’t stay stuck in the past.
One day you’re pondering the orb. The next you’re strung out, fuckeating some tomatoes, and denying that your son even exists
First off, that’s not the orb’s fault. Denethor’s Palantir was hacked by Sauron. If a Maia wants to hack your wizardry equipment, then they’re going to get in, orb or not. Any threat model that tries to defend from the fucking Dark Lord himself is completely bonkers. The only way to protect yourself from threat actors with that much power is to not make yourself interesting enough to be worth their time (see the Blue Wizards).
Second, Denethor wasn’t even a wizard. If he was, he may have been able to recognize Sauron’s influence and avoid pondering. But again, it’s ridiculous to think you can defend yourself from those kind of threats.
Well Aragorn didn’t use an orb, and he was just fine. He even defeated the armies of Mordor.
Aragorn did use the orb, but he admitted himself he had barely enough strength to bend it to his will. Aragorn only survived that encounter (and the Battle of the Black Gate) because Sauron was arrogant and unprepared. If Sauron had played it smart, Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship would be dead.
Dude, take it easy. This guy’s hot elf twink boygirlfriend probably just dumped him for some musclehead orc and he just needs some time to process.
…Elendil😭😭😭
These days there’s so many free open source spells that I just use those and stick to the core functions of my orb.
It’s your addiction to the orbs talking.