Aes Sedai Guild

Aes Sedai is a guild composed of women who channel the One Power - here is a brief history:

Before the Breaking of the world, Aes Sedai consisted of both male and female channelers. The male half of the One Power is called Saidin and the female half is called Saidar - women draw on Saidar. When Lews Therin Telamon and the Hundred Companions resealed the Dark One's prison, the counterstroke tainted Saidin. Because of this "taint" every male Aes Sedai eventually went mad leaving only the female Aes Sedai. There are those men scattered, however, who can still channel, but they are rare and are not considered Aes Sedai.

Aes Sedai look for those who draw on the true source, which is the driving force of the universe and turns the wheel of time. Aes Sedai search for girls who can channel the One Power. There are those females that will channel Saidar no matter what they do, these are the ones with the inborn ability, the spark. There are also those that can learn to channel, but without teaching will never be able to touch it. Aes Sedai search for those who can channel, but especially for those that have the spark, as these will touch Saidar no matter what, and only have a 1 in 4 chance of surviving this touching. Those that survive often form a block, an emotional barrier that denies they can channel, therefore always channeling unconsciously.

Aes Sedai are widely distrusted and feared, even hated at times, and are blamed for the Breaking of the World. When one becomes an Aes Sedai they have taken on a few enemies automatically (Forsaken, Darkfriends, and Whitecloaks). However, Aes Sedai are bound by the Three Oaths: Never to speak a word that is not true; never to make a weapon with which one man may kill another; and, never to use the One Power as a weapon, except against shadowspawn, or in the last extreme in defense of her life or that of her warder, or another Aes Sedai. (OOCly, you cannot use the One Power to attack anyone unless they first attack you; but you may use the One Power against shadowspawn anytime).

Aes Sedai also have warders. A warder is one who is bonded to an Aes Sedai and has sworn his allegiance to his death to serve and protect her. The bond is until death (unless, in rare occasions, she gives him to another). The warder is there to serve his Sedai and no others - he is not required to help even another Sedai (SEE ALSO WARDER)

Once one is full Sedai they chose an Ajah. Ajahs are societies among the Aes Sedai to which they belong and are designated by colors: Blue, Red, White, Green, Brown, Yellow, and Gray. Each follows a different philosophy of the use the One Power and purposes of the Aes Sedai - the only one who does not have an Ajah is the Amyrlin Seat; she is of all ajahs, and of none.

After a time of wielding the One Power, Aes Sedai take on an ageless look, so that one old enough to be a grandmother may show no signs of age other than a few gray hairs.

(Last Updated: Wed Feb 19 02:08:00 EST 1997)