Linking (Arc Royale)

In *Arc Royale*, **linking** describes how the different Jaunes' and their anchors relate. The Coeurpedia has different theories for the mechanisms based on observable traits in the narrative.

## Potential Mechanisms

### Shared History Theory

**Shared history theory** postulates that Jaunes' link with their anchors through extended interactions or personal connections.

#### Evidence Favoring Shared History

Practical examples showing the shared history theory include:

* Fate, linked with Pyrrha. Fate started his journey after the death of Pyrrha Nikos and partnered with her several times after.
* Knight, linked with Ruby. Knight formed a romantic relationship with Ruby (and Blake)
* Ashari, linked with Emerald. Adopted Emerald Sustrai as his daughter
* Grimm, linked with Salem. The son of Salem
* Hunter, linked with Ren. Worked with Ren in a survival setting
* Barista, linked with Velvet. Employed Velvet at his coffee shop

#### Evidence Against Shared History

* Ash, linked with Tyrian Callows. Tyrian did not appear in *RWBY* proper until over a month after *Stress Relief* ended.
* Leviathan, linked with Yang. Leviathan and Yang interacted, but Yang died by chapter 18.
* Ghost, linked with Amber. Ghost and Amber never interacted, Ghost was only put into Amber's body in the final chapter 69.
* Null, linked with Cinder. While Null worked with Cinder and killed her at the end of *Null*, they were not close friends, and better described as associates.

### Personality Theory

**Personality theory** postulates that Jaunes' are linked to their anchors by shared personality traits.

#### Evidence Favoring Personality

* Null, linked with Cinder. Both Null and Cinder are driven to a single goal and each facilitate this ambitions in a positive feedback loop.
* Ash, linked with Tyrian. Both have misplaced affections towards more powerful women, Cinder and Salem, respectively.
* Knight, linked with Ruby. Both are idealistic heroes who look to achieve victory against Salem.
* Fate, linked with Pyrrha. Fate is cynical, but desperate regarding ending his cycles. Pyrrha is cynical, but desperate regarding true friendship.

### Balance Theory

**Balance theory** postulates that Jaunes' and anchors are selected based on how they balance each other. This contrasts with Jinn's statement that they were assigned based on group balance to make Ozpin's and Salem's factions roughly equivalent.

#### Evidence Favoring Balance

* Barista, linked with Velvet. Barista has his Aura unlocked, but cannot practically use it. Velvet, despite her meek appearance, is a strong second-year student with a flexible semblance and fighting style.
* Leviathan, linked with Yang. While Leviathan is a powerful entity, it's not known if Jaune can use it in the physical world. Yang helps mitigate this concern as one of Beacon's strongest brawlers.
* Hunter, linked with Ren. Hunter's fighting style is not equipped to deal with humans, only animals. Ren is a capable student, such as single-handedly defeating the King Taijitu.
* Fate, linked with Pyrrha. Fate has great experience, but his Aura is fracturing and his physical prowess is comparable to Jaune when he first entered Beacon. Pyrrha is a multi-championship victor with a useful semblance controlling polarity.
* Null, linked with Cinder. The Null Zone is a powerful ambush tool, but it has limitations if opponents expect it. Cinder's pyrokinesis and half-maiden abiliites help mitigate this.
* Ash, linked with Tyrian. Ash is comparable to a normal Jaune, having Aura, but little abilities beyond that. Tyrian is one of the most effective fighters in *RWBY*, fighting Team RNJR easily and Qrow Branwen to a standstill.

#### Evidence Against Balance

* Knight, linked with Ruby. Ruby is one of the strongest Beacon students, and Knight is likely the strongest of the Jaunes'.
* Grimm, linked with Salem. Grimm and Salem are both powerful entities, neither appear to balance the other.
* Ghost, linked with Amber. Ghost had limitations to his range and possession, and Amber is trapped in a machine in a comatose state.
* Ashari, linked with Emerald. Ashari is one of the deadliest huntsmen on Remnant, having defeated Salem in the past with enhanced magic. Emerald is also a capable fighter with her illusion-base semblance and weaponry.