I should totally have read your comments before replying to this post. Sorry about the repetition.
My instinct with the First was always that it wanted a world where evil was present to such an extent that it could manifest itself, but I say 'instinct' because I have absolutely nothing to back it up.
Would this help?
First!Caleb: I will overrun this Earth. And when my army outnumbers the humans on this Earth, the scales will tip and I will be made flesh. Chosen
And about humanity's fate, then there's this from 'End of Days':
First!Buffy: Look, when this is all over, and our armies spring forth, and our will sweeps the world, I will be able to enter every man, woman, and child on this Earth, just as I enter you.
So if The First managed to tip the scales, it would be able to *control* humankind. Of course W&H are interdimensional, and might be able to bring in armies from different places - but humans would certainly be nothing more more than canon fodder.
Oh and re.this:
Ultimately, in the pecking order of evil, I think the Senior Partners fall above the First.
I don't think so. Well W&H might have more immediate *power* and sway:
Lindsey: You're talking about fighting flesh and something that passes for blood demons with enormous power, and they will mow you down. NFA
But - The First is eternal:
BELJOXA'S EYE: It cannot be fought, it cannot be killed. The First Evil has been and always will be. Since before the universe was born, long after there is nothing else, it will go on.
Whereas W&H...
ILLYRIA: The wolf, ram, and hart? In my time they were weak, barely above the vampire. KNOX: Huh. I guess they beefed up.
That still doesn't mean that W&H wouldn't kick The First's ass in a straigthforward fight.
This is all v. fascinating, although personally I always wondered what would have happened if *Jasmine* hadn't been stopped and there had been a battle between her and The First. And which side would W&H have come down on?
no subject
My instinct with the First was always that it wanted a world where evil was present to such an extent that it could manifest itself, but I say 'instinct' because I have absolutely nothing to back it up.
Would this help?
First!Caleb: I will overrun this Earth. And when my army outnumbers the humans on this Earth, the scales will tip and I will be made flesh.
Chosen
And about humanity's fate, then there's this from 'End of Days':
First!Buffy: Look, when this is all over, and our armies spring forth, and our will sweeps the world, I will be able to enter every man, woman, and child on this Earth, just as I enter you.
So if The First managed to tip the scales, it would be able to *control* humankind. Of course W&H are interdimensional, and might be able to bring in armies from different places - but humans would certainly be nothing more more than canon fodder.
Oh and re.this:
Ultimately, in the pecking order of evil, I think the Senior Partners fall above the First.
I don't think so. Well W&H might have more immediate *power* and sway:
Lindsey: You're talking about fighting flesh and something that passes for blood demons with enormous power, and they will mow you down.
NFA
But - The First is eternal:
BELJOXA'S EYE: It cannot be fought, it cannot be killed. The First Evil has been and always will be. Since before the universe was born, long after there is nothing else, it will go on.
Whereas W&H...
ILLYRIA: The wolf, ram, and hart? In my time they were weak, barely above the vampire.
KNOX: Huh. I guess they beefed up.
That still doesn't mean that W&H wouldn't kick The First's ass in a straigthforward fight.
This is all v. fascinating, although personally I always wondered what would have happened if *Jasmine* hadn't been stopped and there had been a battle between her and The First. And which side would W&H have come down on?