User blog comment:UltimateTORINOR/A Simple Question.../@comment-2016601-20100625054410

Well, people do blow things out of proportion when certain crises come up. And I guess there's no simple answer to that question. Realistically, a staff does not, in any case, need air to function (magical or not). But, since the whole idea of a talking magical staff falls outside the boundaries of "reality", then, Arbok could not possibly be chained by the limitations that human beings face. But that would only prove that Arbok has no real need for air at all, and therefore would not be capable of drowning. But before I confuse myself, Arbok has obviously been in the human world for a while. Perhaps, the magic staff stopped responding to the world in a "magical staff" way, but instead in a "human" way. This is referenced by Arbok's own line, "I don't have arms!". Perhaps, Arbok has no need for air, but, as he is surrounded by beings who do need it, reacts similarly to the thought of drowning. Perhaps he was anthropomorphizing himself, and not the other way around. And although this explanation doesn't give any insight on why he needs it, I think it gives an explanation on why he feels like he needs it. Gideon, I tried to answer. It's just too hard of a subject.