White Tower Structure
The White Tower of the novels is portrayed as a bureaucratic organization
with many different political factions and power groups often working in
opposition to one another. We have tried to maintain the spirit of that
atmosphere for Tower roleplay, but simplified the structure somewhat in
recognition of the nature of a MUSH. There are differences between the
Tower of the novels and the Tower on Tales of Ta'veren, although we've
tried to only make changes to the Tower structure where it seems
necessary.
The following details the membership, roles and political structure of the
White Tower on Tales of Ta'veren. Deviations from the novels are noted.
Political Structure
The Amyrlin Seat
The Master Gaidin
The Keeper of the Chronicles
The Hall of the Tower
Aes Sedai and Warders
The Ajahs
The Paths
Aes Sedai
Warders
Students and Teachers
Mistress of Novices
Master Trainer
Accepted
Proven
Novices
Trainees
Students
Other Members of the White Tower
Mistress of Kitchens
Master Groundskeeper
Support Staff
Residents and Guests
The Political Structure
The Amyrlin Seat
Current Amyrlin
Seat: Deianeira (formerly a Green Sister)
The Amyrlin Seat is the ultimate authority within the White Tower. All Aes
Sedai are pledged to obey her without question, and the same is expected
from everyone at the Tower. She is the also the ruler of the entirety of
Tar Valon, although in practice the High Councillor handles most of the
city's affairs. (On Tales of Ta'veren, the White Tower and Tar Valon are
administrated as separate areas, although their leaders try to work
cooperatively.)
Her role is similar to that of the King or Queen of a country, and like
any ruler, she has numerous staff members who handle the day-to-day
routine and leave her free for the many important decisions she has to
make. The Amyrlin is not a member of an Ajah - she represents all Aes
Sedai, all Ajahs, and all the members of the Tower.
The Amyrlin is also called the Flame of Tar Valon. The Flame is the symbol
of saidar, the power that women use to Channel. Her other title is the
Watcher of the Seals. The Amyrlin's symbol of office is a stole. It is
made up of seven stripes, the colors of the seven Ajahs. The other symbol
of her office is the Amyrlin Seat itself. The Seat is a throne kept in the
Hall where the Sitters meet.
The Master Gaidin
Current Master
Gaidin: Daelen (bonded to Ilyara)
The Master Gaidin is in charge of all the Warders and the Tower Guards. He
assigns the men to their various duties, which can include accompanying an
Aes Sedai embassy or joining the Red Ajah in a hunt for a male Channeler.
He is responsible for organizing the protection of the Tower, and those
who leave it as official representatives or embassies.
The Keeper of the Chronicles
Current Keeper:
Ilyara (formerly a Green sister)
Each Amyrlin is assisted by a Keeper of the Chronicles. The Amyrlin
selects her own Keeper. Like the Amyrlin, the Keeper is not considered a
member of any Ajah, but represents all Aes Sedai. Her symbol is a tall
staff topped with a gilded Flame, and she carries it whenever acting in
her official capacity.
The Keeper's main duty is to keep the Tower's history. She records the
major decisions made by the Amyrlin and the Hall and anything else of
import. It is for this reason that the Keeper is generally present when
the Amyrlin holds an audience or anything of like nature. No other power
or duty is inherent in the office of the Keeper. Her other functions, and
her authority, are completely at the discretion of her Amyrlin.
In the novels, it is traditional that the Keeper comes from the same Ajah
as the Amyrlin. This is not the tradition in the mirror world of Tales of
Ta'veren. There are far fewer player Aes Sedai than IC ones, and it's
possible that the most qualified person for the position will be someone
of another Ajah.
The Hall
Although the Amyrlin's authority is absolute, in reality she can rule
effectively only with the cooperation of the Ajahs, or at least some of
them. The Hall of the Tower is the political platform of the Ajahs. Each
Ajah is represented in the Hall of the Tower by three Sitters, selected by
the members of that Ajah.
On Tales of Ta'veren, each Ajah is represented by one player character
Sitter, the Senior Sitter. The Senior Sitter is also the Head of her Ajah.
The other Sitters are non-player characters. Sitters sit for a term of two
game years (6 real world months). They may retire from duty during that
period. In the event that a Sitter retires, or at the end of the two year
term, an election is held among the Sisters of that Ajah. A woman can
serve as Sitter for as many terms as her Sisters elect her to. (This is a
change from the novels, which do not indicate how Sitters are selected or
mention a limited term of service.)
Aes Sedai and Warders
The Ajahs
The Ajahs are societies among the Aes Sedai. There are seven Ajahs, each
represented by a color. Every Aes Sedai belongs to one, and to only one.
Only Aes Sedai are part of the Ajahs. Each of the Ajahs strives to achieve
the goals of the Tower in a slightly different way. Each Ajah tends to
attract women with similar interests and views, as well as particular
abilities with the One Power. Each Ajah is led by its Senior Sitter. (In
the novels, the true Head of the Ajah is a secret known only to the
Sisters of that Ajah, and is not necessarily a Sitter.)
Ajahs are eligible for a player character Ajah Head when there are three
player character Aes Sedai of that Ajah. The members of the Ajah choose
the Head from amongst their number. The Ajah Head, who is also the Ajah's
representative in the Hall, sits for a term of two game years (6 real
world months). At the end of that term, or if she retires, the members of
that Ajah hold an election. A woman can serve as Ajah Head and Sitter for
as many terms as her Sisters elect her to.
Most of this is a deviation from the novels to improve the ease of MUSH
play. The books do not indicate how Ajah Heads are selected, and no
limited term of service is mentioned. In the books, the true Head of the
Ajah is a secret known only to the Sisters of that Ajah, and is not
necessarily a Sitter.
The following is a list of the Ajahs and their roles within the Tower:
The Blue Ajah - Ajah Head: Roseana
The Blue Ajah tends to be active in the world at large. Justice is very
important to the Blues. They dedicate themselves to causes with complete
devotion, and many are willing to die for their causes. The Blues feel
that the world must be a just place so the Light can thrive to battle
against the Shadow.
The Brown Ajah - Ajah Head: Quinlan
Knowledge is the key for the Brown Ajah. The Browns seek to preserve all
that is known, to discover what is as yet unknown, and to rediscover what
has been forgotten. The Browns feel that knowledge is an important weapon
against the Dark. Most Browns concentrate on knowledge related to the One
Power, but there are many with interests in other fields, such as botany
or zoology.
The Gray Ajah - Ajah Head: Fennel (NPC)
The members of the Gray Ajah are skilled mediators. They are active in the
politics of the world. Grays often serve as advisors to rulers and are
often involved in treaty negotiations and the like. Because of that role,
they learn the laws of every nation, as well as White Tower Law. The Grays
feel that humankind must be harmoniously united if it is to successfully
battle against the Dark.
The Green Ajah - Ajah Head: Ylanna
The Green Ajah is also called the Battle Ajah, and holds itself in
readiness for the Last Battle. The Greens study defensive and offensive
uses of the One Power in preparation. The Greens are the only Aes Sedai
who bond multiple Warders, strong men to join their battle against the
Dark. The Greens and their Warders often travel to the Borderlands to join
in the defense against the Blight.
The Red Ajah - Ajah Head: Siobhan
The Red Ajah's mission is to prevent another Breaking of the World, or
anything resembling it. The Breaking was caused by male Channelers driven
mad by the taint, and such men still cause damage and strife in the world
from time to time. The Reds seek these men out, and bring them to the
Tower to be gentled so they can cause no further harm. The Red Ajah is
also active in seeking out young women to train at the Tower. Members of
the Red Ajah never bond Warders.
The White Ajah - Ajah Head: Chessa
The White Ajah dedicates itself to seeking truth and other matters of a
philosophical nature. They feel this true and pure understanding is
necessary for the Light to prevail. The Whites tend to forsake the world
and consider worldly knowledge unimportant.
The Yellow Ajah - Ajah Head: Vaisha (NPC)
The members of the Yellow Ajah are the most powerful and skilled of the
Healers in the White Tower. They seek to train their skills further, as
well as researching new or lost methods of Healing with the One Power. The
Yellows know there will be many casualties in the Last Battle, and will be
ready to keep the forces of the Light as strong and healthy as possible.
The Black Ajah
There are rumours of an eigth Ajah, the Black, said to be made up of Aes
Sedai who have joined the Dark. These rumours are utterly untrue and
unfounded. Aes Sedai are dedicated to the cause of the Light. (Once the
administration of Tales implements their Dark policy, we will work on
developing a Black Ajah for the Tower.)
The Paths
On Tales of Ta'veren, there are also societies among the Warders, known as
Paths. The three Paths are represented by symbols - the Sword, the Tree
and the Star. A Warder can only belong to one Path, and begins his Path
studies during Proven level training. The Paths are intended to broaden
the Warder's knowledge and study beyond mere mastery of weapons. (Warder
societies are not described in the books, they have been added to Tales of
Ta'veren to enrich the role of Warder.)
The following is a description of the Paths and their emphasis:
The Path of the Blade - Path Head: Akorin
The School of the Blade is the Path of the master combatant. Students of
the Blade study tactics to enable them to battle any opponent in any
situation. They also study current and historical strategies for leading
groups of armed men.
The Path of the Tree - Path Head: Daelen
Those in the School of the Tree concentrate on the world and its peoples.
Studies include tracking, cartography, field medicine, heraldry and
history. Students also concentrate on learning more about themselves and
other people, such as body language and social behaviour.
The Path of the Star - Path Head:
The School of the Star believes that victory can be sometimes best be
achieved through subtle means. Students study non-combative methods of
overcoming obstacles. Studies may include etiquette, heraldry, history,
politics, disguise, public speaking and subtle means of defense and attack
such as silent fighting and use of poisons.
Aes Sedai
Aes Sedai are those women who have successfully completed all of the White
Tower training for their Channeling ability and general education. Their
skill with the One Power is unrivaled in the world, although it pales in
comparison to the feats of the Age of Legends. Women who have a very weak
ability with the Power are unlikely to ever complete the training and
reach the stage of Aes Sedai.
A woman becomes an Aes Sedai if she successfully passes the test at the
end of her Accepted training. The first thing she does is hold the Oath
Rod, and speak the Three Oaths. The Oath Rod binds the Aes Sedai to the
Oaths as surely as her flesh is bound to her bones. The Oaths are:
- To speak no word that is not true.
- To make no weapon with which one man may kill another.
- Never to use the One Power as a weapon except against Shadowspawn,
or in the last extreme of defense of your own life, or that of your
Warder or another Aes Sedai.
Upon becoming Aes Sedai, a women's next duty is to choose her Ajah. All
Aes Sedai must belong to an Ajah. Most women have already made their
choice during their time as an Accepted. Once she's been accepted to an
Ajah, the new Aes Sedai is given a shawl fringed in the colour of her
Ajah, and may wear her serpent ring on any finger she wishes. Only a full
Aes Sedai is permitted to bond a Warder.
Warders
The Gaidin, also known as Warders, are trained warriors who have dedicated
their lives and pledged their service to the White Tower. The term Warder
can be a bit confusing, so the following distinctions and terms are used
on Tales of Ta'veren to try and keep things clear.
Trained Warder
The trained Warder has completed the White Tower's training program and
taken the vows of service, but is not bonded to an individual Aes Sedai.
The duties of these men include protection of the Tower, escorting Aes
Sedai delegations, and training of future Warders. Warders who have lost
their Aes Sedai or had their bond dissolved also fall into this category.
Bonded Warder
The bonded Warder is bound to an Aes Sedai through the One Power. Through
the bond, the Aes Sedai and Warder can sense each other's moods, injuries,
and approximate distance/direction. The bonded Warder is able to go longer
periods without food, water and rest than a normal man, and his injuries
heal faster.
All bond requests should be submitted to the Amyrlin for her information
and approval. Virtually all bonds to trained Warders will be approved.
Bonds to Blademasters are not guaranteed approval, but it is likely,
particularly if there are more Aes Sedai than Warder characters on the
MUSH at that time. Bonding to other types of warrior characters is
possible. Bonds to non-warrior, Ogier or female characters are unlikely
to be approved, but will be considered.
The White Tower should also be notified of a desire to dissolve or
transfer a bond, or if one of the bonded pair goes idle, etc. Bonds can be
dissolved or transferred in the world of Tales of Ta'veren, we just need
to what's happening for tracking purposes. If one member of a bond leaves
the MUSH or is deleted for being idle, we can arrange to play that the
bond was dissolved, so that the remaining member can move on in their
roleplay.
The intention of this policy is to ensure that those who have completed
Warder training have the first chance at being bonded. This policy allows
for the possibility of a Birgitte type plot, while ensuring that it will
be as rare and unusual an event as it was in the novels.
Teachers and Students
The Mistress of Novices
Current Mistress of
Novices: Neri, of the Blue Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Althea, of the Blue Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Saorla, of the Blue Ajah
The Mistress of Novices has charge of all the Accepted and Novices. Even
the Amyrlin rarely interferes with her in this area. She directs their
training, assigns chores and studies, and punishes those who disobey the
rules. Training is organized by the Mistress of Novices, but is conducted
by many of the Aes Sedai residing in the Tower. The Accepted are also
responsible for assisting with Novice training.
The Master Trainer
Current Master
Trainer: Alshaer, of the Star Path
The Master Trainer is responsible for the training of the Warder Trainees
and Proven. He directs their training, assigns chores and studies, and
punishes those who disobey the rules. Many of the Warders at the Tower
assist him by conducting training sessions.
Accepted
Accepted is the second level of training for the young Channelers at the
Tower. These women have more freedom in choosing their studies, and fewer
rules than the Novices, but their lives are still very structured. The
Accepted wear the white costume of a Novice, but with bands of the seven
Ajah colors around the hem and cuffs of their dresses.
A woman reaches the level of Accepted after completing her Novice training
and passing a final test. She is then given the serpent ring to wear,
although she may only wear it on the third finger of her left hand.
Throughout her time as an Accepted, a woman begins to make the decision
about which Ajah she will ask to join. One of the Accepted duties is to
assist in the training of Novices.
On Tales of Ta'veren, the typical period of Accepted training is designed
to be one to two game years (three to six real world months). This is
assumed to be average length of training in the Tales mirror world.
Promotion to Aes Sedai is not automatic, the roleplay abilities and other
factors are taken into account. In the novels, not all Accepted have the
abilities or skills to become Aes Sedai. We are open to players who wish
to play a perennial Accepted.
Proven
Proven is the second level of training for would-be Warders at the Tower.
The Proven continue to study use of weapons for offense and defense, but
their training also includes additional elements. Each Proven studies
under one of three Schools or Paths. The Schools and their studies are
detailed above in the Paths section.
A man reaches the level of Proven after completing his Trainee courses,
and passing a final test. The Proven have fewer rules than the Trainees,
but their lives are still very structured. The Proven are expected to
assist in the combat training of the Trainees. (Levels within the Warder
training program are not detailed in the books.)
On Tales of Ta'veren, the typical period of Proven training is designed to
be one to two game years (three to six real world months). This is assumed
to be average length of training in the Tales mirror world. Promotion to
Warder is not automatic, the roleplay abilities and other factors are
taken into account.
Novices
When a woman comes to the Tower with the intention of becoming an Aes
Sedai, or even if she comes simply to learn how to control her Channeling
ability, she begins at the Novice level. The bulk of Novice training
involves controlled and effective use of the One Power, but Novices also
learn history, politics, the Old Tongue, and several other things. Strict
rules govern the Novices, and they are all given chores to do. Novices
wear costumes of pure white.
On Tales of Ta'veren, the typical period of Novice training is designed to
be one to two game years (three to six real world months). This is assumed
to be average length of training in the Tales mirror world. Promotion to
Accepted is not automatic, the roleplay abilities and other factors are
taken into account. In the novels, not all Novices have the abilities or
skills to become Accepted. We are open to players who wish to play a
perennial Novice.
Trainees
Trainee is the first level of study for those men who wish to become
Warders, or take combat training with the Tower. The bulk of the Trainee
program focusses on the use of weapons for offense and defense. Additional
studies include the creatures of the Dark One, mediation, and care of
horses. (Levels within the Warder training program are not detailed in the
books.)
On Tales of Ta'veren, the typical period of Trainee study is designed to
be one to two game years (three to six real world months). This is assumed
to be average length of training in the Tales mirror world. Promotion to
Proven is not automatic, the roleplay abilities and other factors are
taken into account.
Students
The Tower is home to the finest library in the land, and the best
organized and most detailed educational programs. It is not uncommon for
Nobles or rich Merchants to send their children to the Tower as paying
students to take advantage of studies in history, politics, etc.
Other Tower Members
The Mistress of Kitchens
Current Mistress of
Kitchens: none at present
Initially granted as a tongue-in-cheek title, the title Mistress of
Kitchens has evolved into an important role at the Tower. She is
responsible for organizing all of the support staff within the Tower
itself, such as the servants and cooks. She also works with the Mistress
of Novices to direct the Novices and Accepted in the chores and
punishments assigned by the Mistress of Novices.
The Master Groundskeeper
Current Master
Groundskeeper: none at present
The Master Groundskeeper has charge of all the Tower staff that work in
the grounds surrounding the Tower. He is responsible for organizing all of
the support staff that work in these areas, including grooms, smiths and
gardeners. He also supervises handymen and the like. On occasion, he works
with the Mistress of Novices and the Master Trainer to direct their
charges in chores and punishments assigned in his area. (This role is not
mentioned in the novels.)
Support Staff
The White Tower is a large organization, with multi-national concerns. It
takes the support of hundreds of people to keep it running smoothly. The
Aes Sedai need the assistance of clerks and artists for their studies.
Daily life at the Tower requires the labour of servants, cooks,
laundresses, seamstresses, nannies and many others. The grounds and
stables must be maintained by grooms, gardeners, Tower guards and a host
of others. Living quarters are available for all staff within the Tower,
although some choose to live within the city of Tar Valon.
As characters, the people who populate the White Tower are very concerned
with rank and title, and feel that all must behave according to their
roles in life. It is a very traditional place, and one that may have
become blinded by politics and routine.
As players, we welcome characters of all varieties to the life of the
Tower. We don't want the White Tower to be a place just for the Aes Sedai
and Warders, we want it to be a dynamic and well-rounded institution.
Ideas, suggestions and contributions are welcome from everyone, regardless
of character role.
Residents and Guests
There may be people at the Tower who don't fit into any of the above
categories. These would include the children of Tower members, retired
staff supported by the Tower and gentled male Channelers. Convalescents
and others seeking the support or assistance are temporarily housed at the
Tower, as are occasional guests.
Page updated June 17, 2000
Page copyright Leigh Ricia, 1998
Wheel of Time setting copyright Robert Jordan