Analysis
Magic Necklace’s Powers: The Necklace allows its wearer to control Grimm, causing their eyes to glow blue instead of red, indicating submission to the user’s will. It works over long distances and enables strategic coordination of Grimm, as seen with Lemon and Asher controlling various Grimm (Sabyrs, Beringels, Lancers, Manticores) to attack or defend. The artifact is a magical item from an ancient civilization, not tied to a Semblance, suggesting it operates on magical rather than Aura-based principles.
Salem’s Nature: Salem is a unique entity in RWBY, cursed with immortality by the gods and infused with Grimm essence, making her predominantly Grimm-like, especially as her injuries reveal her corrupted form. She has direct control over Grimm, as seen in her ability to command and create them, and her immortality ensures she cannot be permanently killed or destroyed. Her magical abilities are vast, predating modern Semblances and drawing from the same divine magic that created the Grimm.
Application to Salem:
Grimm Control: The Necklace’s ability to control Grimm could theoretically affect Salem, given her significant Grimm essence. If her Grimm nature is dominant (as suggested by her injuries showing Grimm-like traits), the Necklace might attempt to override her autonomy, forcing her to follow the wearer’s commands. The blue glow in Grimm eyes indicates a shift in control, which could apply to Salem if her Grimm physiology is susceptible.
Salem’s Resistance: However, Salem’s unique status complicates this. As the de facto “queen” of the Grimm, she exerts innate control over them, likely through a magical connection tied to her creation by the God of Darkness. The Necklace, while powerful, is an artifact from a bygone era, and its magic may not supersede Salem’s divine-level authority. Her willpower and magical prowess could resist or nullify the Necklace’s influence, especially since she’s not a typical Grimm but a hybrid with human intellect and divine curses.
Practical Challenges: Using the Necklace requires the wearer to be in possession of it and actively use its power. Salem’s combat abilities, magical strength, and command of Grimm hordes make approaching her with the Necklace risky. Historical users (e.g., Lemon, Abigail) faced betrayal or death, indicating the Necklace doesn’t guarantee victory against strong opponents. Asher’s success was situational, aided by external reinforcements, not solely the Necklace.
Immortality Factor: Even if the Necklace temporarily controlled Salem, her immortality prevents permanent defeat. Controlling her actions might delay her plans, but she cannot be killed or permanently subdued. If the Necklace’s control wanes (e.g., if removed or countered), Salem would regain autonomy. Additionally, her ability to manipulate Grimm suggests she might wrest control back or destroy the Necklace, as its limits against a being of her caliber are untested.
Conclusion
The Magic Necklace could theoretically affect Salem by attempting to control her Grimm essence, potentially forcing her to obey the wearer’s commands temporarily. However, her divine immortality, magical power, and intrinsic control over Grimm make it unlikely to stop her permanently. At best, it might disrupt her actions briefly, but her ability to resist, counter, or outlast the Necklace’s influence—combined with the practical difficulty of using it against her—means it’s not a definitive solution. It could be a tactical tool to hinder her in a specific scenario, but stopping Salem entirely would require more than the Necklace alone.
(Poor Aritist Representation)