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 Cuendillar, 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 Cuendillar. 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 Aes Sedai Warders
Teachers and Students Mistress of Novices Assistant Mistress of Novices Master of Arms Assistant Master of Arms Accepted Sworn Novices Trainees Students
Other Members of the White Tower
Master Groundskeeper Support Staff Residents and Guests
The Political Structure
The Amyrlin Seat
Current Amyrlin Seat: Hannah Demanne (formerly a Blue 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 Cuendillar, 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: Zannick Mansetti (bonded to Qiani)
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: (TBA)
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 Cuendillar 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 Cuendillar, 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 one game year (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 yearly 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: Orienne Thaebara
Junior Sitters: Avali Chadros
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: Noira Walyena
Junior Sitters: Althea Farrelyn
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: Sarilara Riathan
Junior Sitters: (TBA)
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: Trelsendra Ramaldor
Junior Sitters: Trendina al'Byrr
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: Damara Alddryn
Junior Sitters: Jaenelle Liliana sur Paendrag
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: Shiradel din Avandros
Junior Sitters: Celeria Tanelas
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: Kinneria Leinorien
Junior Sitters: Iryl Berendron
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 Cuendillar implements their Dark policy, we will work on developing a Black Ajah for the Tower.)
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 Cuendillar 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 Cuendillar, 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: Lynna Shandra, of the Gray Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Qiani Mansetti, of the Brown Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Osia Charodene, of the Brown Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Sayareh, of the Yellow Ajah
Assistant Mistress of Novices: Serephine Kuyard, of the White 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 of Arms
Current Master of Arms: Kelsyn Risden (bonded to Micana Vicayle)
Assistant Master of Arms: Braetan Candrick
Assistant Master of Arms: Lars Sylvian
Assistant Master of Arms: Vasily Asway
The Master of Arms is responsible for the training of the Warder Trainees and Sworn. 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 Cuendillar, 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 Cuendillar 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.
Sworn
Sworn is the second level of training for would-be Warders at the Tower. The Sworn continue to study use of weapons for offense and defense, but their training also includes additional elements. Each Sworn 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 Sworn after completing his Trainee courses, and passing a final test. The Sworn have fewer rules than the Trainees, but their lives are still very structured. The Sworn are expected to assist in the combat training of the Trainees. (Levels within the Warder training program are not detailed in the books.)
On Cuendillar, the typical period of Sworn 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 Cuendillar 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 Cuendillar, 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 Cuendillar 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 Cuendillar, 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 Cuendillar mirror world. Promotion to Sworn 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: Yemena Sylanovic
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 of Arms 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.
Some text was written by and copywrighted © to Rhonda Peters. This text is used with permission.
