Jonathan Palfrey
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
It's occurred to me that, when Penric stays anywhere for a while, there may be a significant decrease in the local population of bugs and vermin. I'm no ecologist, but I've heard about the dramatic and unexpected consequences of reintroducing wolves into the Yellowstone National Park; perhaps wiping out pests could have other unexpected ecological consequences. Is this an interesting thought?
Lois McMaster Bujold
It is, but Penric is only one dude. And sorcerers generally are rather thin on the ground. I don't think the kinds of flies and fleas and mosquitoes and ticks that bite people are in any more danger of magical eradication than whatever dent humans have made in their populations after centuries of trying in non-magical ways. (I.e., none.) Cockroaches ditto.
Though if anything, magical eradication might be better for the ecology because it could be far more selective.
There are also lots of plant and animal diseases and pests of interest, glancingly touched on in the most recent tale.
Ta, L.
It is, but Penric is only one dude. And sorcerers generally are rather thin on the ground. I don't think the kinds of flies and fleas and mosquitoes and ticks that bite people are in any more danger of magical eradication than whatever dent humans have made in their populations after centuries of trying in non-magical ways. (I.e., none.) Cockroaches ditto.
Though if anything, magical eradication might be better for the ecology because it could be far more selective.
There are also lots of plant and animal diseases and pests of interest, glancingly touched on in the most recent tale.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Catherine Nemeth
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Generally since the higher a person’s status the more they are able to get away with, was Ezar’s concern over Serg mostly about erratic and destructive decision making rather than his “personal hobbies” or was he concerned Serg would eventually move on to Vor women, causing a Vor revolt? Is there even a concept of human rights or are any rights seen only in the lord/subject relationship? And would that evolve?
Stefano
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
The last books of the Vorkosigan’s saga looked like a sort of “the kids are all right”. You fixed Ivan, Simon , then Cordelia with Jole, and of course Miles and his family. Right now, when I think about miles and its universe, 3 things still need fixings. 1 Jackson hole, 2 Athos, 3 Barrayar empire and the long in the making constitution. Any chance to see any of these thing developed?
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May 22, 2020 11:41PM · flag
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