the spellbinders are beset with internal conflict due to the deterioration of their technology. because there are only a limited number of power suits and flying ships still in operation, only a select few can be spellbinders at any given time. at one point, a major dispute is legally settled by a ritualised duel in which spellbinders fire power bolts at each other; such duels were noted to be somewhat archaic, however. the loser of such a match is stripped of his power suit and exiled to the wastelands to die. the same punishment is also given to anyone who violates the law against using science.