Mini Battle

[Talysia]

Only just found this thread. I'd have to go with the Will and the Word, too. Despite the power of having a god intercede for you and do what you cannot, there seem to be a few problems with doing so. One is the language. It was said that Styric is a difficult language with lots of tenses, so getting it right would require the user to do a lot of study.
Even then, there is a certain strain when using the secrets of Styricum, which would make a prolonged battle using magic rather difficult (although this may, too, be a problem for users of the Will and the Word). And also the users of Styric magic have to concentrate hard in order to complete their 'requests' to whichever god they're asking. In Otha's palace, Sparhawk told his fellow knights to give lots of noise to stop their enemies from being able to concentrate, and in the Tamuli Scarpa keeps getting Zalasta so angry that he wouldn't be able to use his magic on him.

 

[YuYus dumber Brother]

Two schools of thought on the styric magic. Remember Sparhawk in the tamuli asking aphreal in normal elenic to give them light. The request and incatation was only the Gods preference.

But imagine your requesting your Deity to help and he/she is busy somewhere else. Then your stuffed, since Belgarath and Garion can use their considerable power. As long as you keep the fight short will and word is better.
The yo have the Orb. Just tell it what you want it to do and it is done.
Same with Bhelliom.

 

[Talysia]

Very good point.

I wonder if the Orb of Aldur and the Bhelliom are supposed to have equal power. That way, you wouldn't need the will and the word or the secrets of styricum. Now THAT would be a good contest.