Plot holes (spoilers included) in RotE

[Syrocko]

Repelling seems like such a powerful weapon to use against the unwitted. Also in defence, as Fitz uses it against Galen to prevent his blows from causing damage. Fitz even says that it's use comes instinctively to the witted. I would have thought that it would not only be useful in almost any fight, but pretty much automatic. Yet Fitz and other Witted ones seem to rarely take advantage of it, and throughout the series I wondered why.

Repelling seems to equate to an overwhelming display of dominance on the part of the witted one. As such, I imagine that it can only be used before a fight has actually commenced. Among animals, displays of dominance are an alternative to combat, not a combat strategy.

Thanks for answering. That's a very good point, which makes perfect sense. However, there was that one occasion on which Dutiful tries to repel against Fitz in the middle of their fight on the Other's beach. Oh, and when Laudwine's horse repels at Fitz after Fitz has already stuck a sword in him. Oh, and Burrich's repelling attack against the Rawbread dragon was accompanied by a lunging attack with his knife. It also wouldn't explain why a witted one couldn't easily begin a combat by repelling and then attacking while their enemy is stunned.

...although on second thoughts, I guess those things could be explained. Laudwine's horse might have be able to repel due to the fact that he was the stronger and fiercer of the two, yet was unable to retaliate physically to Fitz's sword what with being locked in a stable. Dutiful's attack would have perhaps been attempted in a pause in the fight, and perhaps the fact that the fight had already commenced and Fitz was in control would explain why it didn't work. Burrich's attack I suppose could be likened to a mother cat's angry swipe with her paw when her kitten's are threatened, as a display of aggression rather than a full-on assault. As to why repelling not generally used to stun an opponent before combat to gain an advantage, well I guess I'd have to be Witted to understand.