3rd lap through the series and I’m wrapping up LB. I feel like throughout the series, PB does such an artful job weaving through details about all the Colors. By the end, we know a fair amount about the culture and relative strengths and weaknesses of everyone with remarkable consistency.

Except the Ascomanni. I cannot make heads or tails of these guys. They’re described as savages for the most part, but it’s really hard to understand to what degree. Their social hierarchy described in DA and LB makes them seem somewhat organized. Their grasp of technology is hard to comprehend consistently. And how the Gorgon Obsidians managed to blend into their culture makes me think they can’t be that far removed psychologically from their Society cousins.

Where I really struggle is the taking of the Pandora vs the eradication in the Garter. It feels like a major inconsistency in their behavior. And yeah- I’m aware that most of the Pandora mission is directly attributed to Fa and Atlas’s tactical brilliance. But the Ascomanni are able to execute the mission. Their silent hull breach on the Republic’s most powerful ship is unreal. And in combat during the taking of the Pandora, they are borderline indestructible, as they absolutely dismantle Victra’s best soldiers. But then in the Garter, they get mowed down by less experienced New Shepherds. I can buy that tactically, they’re without Fa and unable to muster a meaningful group defense. But in individual combat, why are they suddenly getting rolled by Votum Grays and New Shepherds?

Maybe I missed something and I’m the only one bothered by this.