Tiles (part three: Special flowers)

Well, for this part, I have to tell you that the previous presentation of all Flower Tiles used in Pai sho was in fact incomplete. I have mentioned before that there are flowers that are neither red nor white. And I'm sure you know which one I mean: The Lotus, famously favored by Iroh in the show.

In fact, there are two so-called "Special flowers". They're adressed seperately because they don't fit into the scheme the other flowes fit in:


White Lotus:
Moves up to 2 steps horizontally or vertically. Cannot change direction (quite weak, isn't it?).


Orchid:          
Moves up to 6 steps horizontally or vertically. Cannot change direction (seems quite strong, doesn't it?).



So, I am sure you wonder: What's the point in the White Lotus if it's so weak?

Iroh: See, you, like most people, underestimate it's value in Pai Sho.

Well, apart from you underestimating it's value, this has to do with another thing apart from how the tiles move. As you know, flowers are able to form harmonies. We will discuss harmony in a later chapter because it's quite complicated, but you will see that the point is this:

White Lotus: Forms harmony with all other flowers.
Orchid: Forms harmony with no other flowers.

It is clearly visible that, while the Lotus features harmonious power, it is weak in movement. On the other hand, the Orchid is strong in movement, but cannot form harmonies. They are kind of two sides of the same coin, balancing each other (a bit like King and Queen in chess!).

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