Not something the orbs do but...

Twice now I've set up a run and, just before I started clicking for the attacks, found someone with an orb and hit them first. And both times, I had someone message me after the run was finished to say they'd tried to hit me in the middle but the orb bought me enough time to finish before they could. So, while everyone else who can get orbs is probably already doing so, just wanted to share that. I found it interesting that people would actually comment on it

Yeah orbs are great buffer, to help not get hit while making a run. it's a very smart tactic

Good Stuff! That one hit really does help when doing a run. It often comes down to seconds, and once they get you, you usually cant build your building or spend down on mercs. Also, (although not confirmed) if you attack someone and you've already had 3 orbs, and they happen to haven an orb, they can't attack you and continue to get the "Orb Vanished" message. Makes me want to only get 2 per day on the off chance I catch a runner.