There is no doubt in my mind that weaving the One Power is generally much better in a fight than using tradational weapons. Of course if one might have to fight, the gholam, and given that the Dark One can exclude the One Power from the area around it (somehow), then one needs both skills. More generally, since I would not want to fight and since the Power can be used for many other things I would always take the One Power.

saidin, and sword trained... no question... simply for the drive to survive, overcoming all challenges...

not to mention that theres alot less politics then in the white tower... its REALLY easy to tell who your enemies are in the BT...

For myself, I think traditional weapons would be best.

As the question made no mention of any training, I have to assume a situation where I'm taken as I am now, about to be thrust into a battle, and given the choice of weapons or the One Power.

Now, I have no idea how to use the One Power. And, as we've read time and again, accessing the True Source is dangerous, at best. And even after that's mastered, it takes time to learn how to be dangerous with the One Power.

With traditional weapons - swords, staves, and perhaps some projectile weapons - I at least know enough to not hurt myself, and would like to think that I would have a sporting chance against many possible opponents.

Fighting with saidar would be really awesome, who doesn't to be able to wrap people in air? Throw fire about and countless other things?

But fighting with saidar against people who aren't feels somewhat like cheating. Like at Dumai's Wells, we saw the asha'man absolutely demolish thousands of people like it was nothing and the Shaido were pretty much defenceless.

It takes just as long as it does to learn a traditional weapon as it does to learn to wield the power, and so to me the two are pretty much equal and I think fighting with both would be the best way. But if I had to choose only one, I would pick the power.

Saidar as I think learning to use it seems to be an easier process than with Saidin.

Most definitely saidar if those are the only choices.

Saidin if those are the choices, but would prefer the true power if possible that seems really good.

I think for me that would depend on whether you asked before or after Rand cleansed the source. Considering that Saidin has been cleansed, that seems like a better option than it would have before.

Oh, Saidin definately ! Either before or after the taint. Being able to use the powers of nature, earth,water,fire and air...would be just awsome. All I can think of is Jim Carey in "The Mask" as to the fun you could have...."Why, with these powers I could be a.....SUPERHERO ! but first we have to make a little stop.."

Saidin. Its the strongest and i'm a guy so I cant wield Saidar. But I would want to be a blade master as well (get them herons)

Traditional weapons, but not ones from the age of the main story-line. I've got a few ideas as to what the Lance of Mosk might be, and it would sure as heck do a number on a Fade, as well as whatever happens to be within a hundred miles of it.

I agree with those above who said both if possible. We see quite often that just because you can channel, doesn't mean you can fend for yourself (and that is usually proven closely following a character stating that they need no protection). If I had to choose one over the other, saidar. I don't think I'd do well with a sword or an axe.

I would love to rend the earth and shadowspawn flesh with my mastery of Saidin. Plus gateways would make it a lot easier commute to work.

I would definitely love to wield Saidin, but I'm no Taim type. I love my melee weapons, too. I'd have to have a sword and be proficient with it, at least. Try not to stab my foot and all lol.

I'd say there's no question that fighting with the One Power is going to win over someone fighting with traditional weapons. The only downside to saidar/saidin is that if you are shielded then you become incredibly vulnerable.

I'm going with Saidin. Generally, Saidin weilders are stronger in the One Power than Saidar weilders, although they generally are weaker in terms of agility with the One Power. I prefer brute force. Saidin it is! Saidin weilders also increase in strength faster than Saidar weilders...another plus for Saidin.

I'd say there's no question that fighting with the One Power is going to win over someone fighting with traditional weapons. The only downside to saidar/saidin is that if you are shielded then you become incredibly vulnerable.

Chances are, if you are shielded already, then you are going to get wrapped up in air immediately following. So you are going to be vulnerable regardless.

And here are the winners:

al Corey

Edgetho

theLivingNightmare

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