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Places/People

Andor

Andor is a country in the heart of the Westlands. It is the largest and most populous country in the West. After the Borderlands, it also has the largest and most well-trained army.
Formerly a province under gubernatorial rule[1], it was declared a sovereign nation, and is the oldest and largest[2] of the nations formed after Artur Hawkwing's empire collapsed. The capital of Andor is Caemlyn.

History/Traditions
After the death of Artur Hawkwing in FY 994, Ishara and the new Amyrlin Seat, Deane Aryman persuaded Souran Maravaile to lift the siege of Tar Valon. Ishara and Souran returned to Andor[3] and married. Endara withdrew any claim to the governorship or crown and swore fealty to Ishara. Ishara declared herself the first Queen of Andor, establishing an unbroken bloodline of female rulers:

Many of Andor's traditions were established during these early years. Unlike many nobles of the time, Queen Ishara knew that no one ruler would be able to take control of Hawkwing's entire empire. Instead, she focused on controlling only what she could. As a result, Andor began only with the capital city of Caemlyn and the small surrounding villages. Cautious expansion marked the reigns of the early queens of Andor.

The oldest tradition of Andor is that only a queen must sit on the Lion Throne of Andor, and wear the Rose Crown. However it wasn't always intended that a queen would rule - it just so happened that the first two Queens of Andor's sons were killed and so their daughters became queens. After this it became tradition that a queen would rule. The eldest daughter is known as the Daughter-Heir, and is always sent to Tar Valon to study. The eldest brother of the Daughter-Heir is sworn to protect her with his life, and is prepared from an early age to take control of Andor's army. He is given the title First Prince of the Sword. If the Daughter-Heir does not have a brother, another man is appointed to the post.

If a Queen does not have a daughter, then another successor is appointed, judged by the number of blood ties she can establish to Ishara. Four times in Andor's history this method has been disputed, leading to the Succession Wars.
Cairhien

The sign of Cairhien is a golden sun rising on a field of deep blue. Cairhienin (along with Aes Sedai) are known to all but have invented Daes Dae'mar (the Game of Houses), a system of intrigue and plotting. Cairhienin are usually short in stature and of rather pale complexion. They are also, outwardly at least, a very reserved people. Their love of order and control is best illustrated by the perfect grid of their capital's streets.
The politics of Cairhien are dominated by the Game of Houses. The nobles took the plotting and intricacies of politics within the White Tower, and gave it their own twist. To the Cairhienin, everyone has a hidden motive, every word has a hidden meaning, every action is believed to be a move to gain more power and strength. Unsurprisingly, Daes Dae'mar has been the cause of almost every disaster in Cairhien's history.
It is said that when Cairhienin reserve breaks, it can do so to a surprising degree. A good example is Cairhien during the Feast of Lights. During this two day celebration, all social barriers fall, and any man may kiss any woman, and any woman may kiss any man; nobles and commoners alike can be seen in the streets in various states of undress. After the two days are over, life proceeds as if nothing had occurred.

Far Madding

A city-state in the east central part of the Westlands. It lies at the north end of the Plains of Maredo near the borders of Andor, Illian, and Tear. There is a Waygate nearby.
Far Madding lies on an island in the center of a lake. There are three gates and three bridges connecting the city to the mainland. The Caemlyn Gate leads to the Ajalon Bridge and the village of Glancor. The Illian Gate leads to the Ikane Bridge and the village of Daigan. The Tear Gate leads to the Goim Bridge and the village of South Bridge.
There are three Strangers' Markets in Far Madding where foreigners are allowed to trade. They are the Amhara Market, the Avharin Market and the Nethvin Market. They are named after the three most revered women in Far Madding history. At the center of the city is the Counsels' Plaza and the Hall of the Counsels.
In the time after the Breaking, the city was known as Aren Mador and was the capital of Essenia. After the Trolloc Wars, the city was known as Fel Moreina. After the War of the Hundred Years, Far Madding was the capital of Maredo until the nation fell apart. Far Madding is now an independent city-state and a major center of commerce.
In the Hall of the Counsels there is a ter'angreal known as the guardian. This ter'angreal simulates the effects of an Ogier Stedding, rendering it impossible for channellers to sense or touch the True Source. The area of influence is far greater for men than for women. The ter'angreal will also pinpoint the location of anyone channelling in the vicinity.

Borderlands

The Borderlands are the northern nations that border the Blight. For 3000 years the nations of the Borderlands have guarded the Westlands against Shadowspawn from the Great Blight. The culture of the Borderlands is the most martial of all Westlands and many of the best soldiers hail from the Borderlands. Because of the Borderlands' close proximity to the Great Blight and Shayol Ghul, Aes Sedai are highly respected and revered.

Arafel

One of the Borderlands, located between Kandor on the west and Shienar on the east. The current ruler is King Paitar Nachiman; his sister Kiruna is an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah allied with the Salidar sisters.
As with all the Borderlands, Arafel is a martial nation. Arafellin men tend to wear two curved swords on their backs, one hilt above each shoulder. Both genders wear their hair in long braids, with bells on the end. Sometimes they will also wear bells on their coat sleeves or dangling from the tops of their boots, as decoration.

Kandor

One of the four Borderlands. Kandori men are noted for wearing pearl earrings and forked beards; Kandori are also famous merchants. The current Queen of Kandor is Ethenielle, who rules from the capital city of Chachin.

Saldaea

Saldaea is the westernmost of the four Borderlands, larger than Shienar and Arafel combined. The capital of Saldaea is Maradon. Saldaeans have bold, prominent noses and slightly upturned, almond-shaped eyes. While as ferocious in battle as any of the Border nations, their equestrian skills are undoubtedly superior; No other nation in Randland can match Saldaea for her famed and effective use of light cavalry. Saldaean soldiers often carry serpentine swords. Saldaean men usually have long moustaches.
Saldaean women are almost a breed apart, known as they are for their fierce loyalty and strength of will (not to mention temper). For Saldaeans, war is a family affair. The wives of officers and nobles accompany their husbands on all campaigns except those into the Blight. A traditional farewell from a Saldaean wife to a husband going to battle is "If you fall, I will take up your sword." While not trained with the sword, Saldaean girls are quite skilled both with knives and in hand-to-hand combat. All Saldaeans are armed with at least a knife at all times; in Saldaea, steel is not bared unless it will be used.
The Saldaean economy is strong; built upon the trade of furs, wood, and ice peppers, Saldaean goods fetch high prices at markets as far away as Tear.
Another important part of Saldaean life is the sa'sara, a dance outlawed by several Saldaean queens for its indecency. While known by virtually every noblewoman, few would ever admit to the knowledge. Apparently, the sa'sara has the ability to drive men wild. The sa'sara is known to have started three wars and sparked two rebellions, among many other smaller disturbances.

Shienar

Shienar is the easternmost of the Borderlands; the capital is Fal Moran. The current ruler of Shienar is Easar. Shienarans are a very polite people, which might seem at odds with their ferocity in battle and long history of defending against the Blight. Shienaran men (especially soldiers) often wear a long topknot with the rest of their head shaved. Shienar has excelled at effectively deploying heavy cavalry.
The closeness of the Blight to Shienar colors all aspects of Shienaran life and culture. The constant fighting greatly affects the way the Shienaran warriors view life, who view peace, beauty, and life as their three most important values: peace, because they have never known it; beauty, because they are so near the corruption of the Blight; and life, because they are sworn to death.
Like all cities along the Blightborder, no man is permitted to wear a hood or to cover his face within the city walls. This is an effort to prevent Myrddraal from entering the cities. Also, the streets of these cities are very well lighted, to try and prevent the shadows the Myrddraal need to appear and disappear at will.

Other Nations

Falme

Falme, formerly known as Miereallen, is a city that lies at the far end of Toman Head.

Amadicia

Amadicia is a nation in the southwest of the main continent, consisting of the southern end of the Mountains of Mist and the southwestern shores. It is best known as the home of the Children of the Light, a highly militaristic religious order that claims to serve the Light and oppose the Dark One "wherever he is found". Amadicia has historically had a king, but the Children were the real ruling power in Amadicia before the coming of the Seanchan.

Due to the Children's belief that Aes Sedai are servants of the Dark One, both Aes Sedai and channeling are outlawed in Amadicia, and the merest suspicion of such "witchcraft" can result in harsh punishment and even execution. Similarly, the denouncment, trial, and execution of suspected "darkfriends" are common, though the accused are often little more than social outcasts, the unlucky participants in disagreements, or merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Children's expansionist aspirations have led to a number of wars in Amadicia, most recently the "Whitecloak War" with Illian and Altara, which the Children call "the Troubles."

The dress and mannerisms of Amadicia, as well as its harsh punishments and disdain for due process of law, are evocative of early Puritan settlements of North America and the witch trials held there. The name "Amadicia" bears this out; in Latin it means "The [land of] the saying of the right" and is similar to the name "Amadeus", which means "He who loves God".

Ghealdan

Ghealdan is a relatively minor country, known for its production of alum. (Alum=These salts are employed in dyeing and various other industrial processes.) Its capital is Jehannah, where Queen Alliandre currently rules in name only.

Murandy

The people of Murandy, much like the people of Altara, do not really considers themselves the residents of a nation. They are more likely to claim allegiance to one or another of the local lords. The ruler of Murandy seldom controls events outside of the capital city of Lugard, and sometimes not even there. The only reason a monarch is tolerated in Murandy is as a deterrent to incursions by foreign nations, and such an invasion is just about the only thing that will compel rival Murandian lords to cooperate.

The capital city of Lugard is located in central Murandy, and trade there always flourishes, regardless of whatever political upheaval may be engulfing the city or nation; it is this trade which keeps the city alive. It is one of few cities in the world which has more inns and stables than residences and shops. Lugard was once surrounded by a tall stone wall, but it has since crumbled. The many thieves who call Lugard home consider any foreigner a fair mark, and the unpaved roads and alleys are dangerous to travel alone.

Murandy plays a minor role in world politics. The lack of an effective ruler makes it difficult for Murandy to defend itself, much less to make its presence felt in the rest of the land.


Tar Valon

Tar Valon

An island city in the River Erinin, within sight of the Dragonmount, and center of Aes Sedai power. "The Wheel of Time turns around Tar Valon, and Tar Valon turns around the Tower." Kings and Queens bow before the power that Tar Valon holds.
Tar Valon is the home of the White Tower, where the Aes Sedai reside and train. The Tower, and much of the city, was built by the Ogier. Tar Valon is a city-state of sorts, over which the Amyrlin Seat rules. The "Shining Walls" of Tar Valon are thought to be impregnable (never mind the difficulty in taking a city filled with Aes Sedai), and the common belief is that no army has ever breached them. In fact, this last is Aes Sedai deception, as in the Trolloc Wars the armies of the Shadow actually managed to breach the Tower itself.

Dragonmount

Dragonmount is a massive volcanic mountain formed during the Breaking of the World after Lews Therin Telamon was confronted by Elan Morin Tedronai (Ishamael). Lews Therin drew enough of the One Power that, "The air turned to fire, the fire to liquified light," a lightning bolt struck from a clear sky to the point where Lews Therin was standing, bored into the earth and created a volcano, and split the river Erinin in twain creating an island, now the home of Tar Valon. The mountain became known as Dragonmount, where the Dragon would be Reborn according to prophecy, and its summit, which often smokes like a volcano, is high enough to cast a shadow over Tar Valon at certain times of day.

The White Tower

The central feature of Tar Valon, the Tower is the home to the Aes Sedai, with different sections within the Tower for the different ranks and factions, including guards, Novices, Accepted and even the servants. The White Tower was built by Ogier and the Aes Sedai, and soars to heights unparalleled anywhere in the world.


Atha'an Miere

Sea Folk

The Sea Folk control serveral islands and archipelagos. The known Sea Folk islands are: the Aile Somera and Aile Jafar in the Aryth Ocean (it is assumed but unconfirmed that the Aile Dashar are also inhabited by the Sea Folk); and Tremalking, Qaim and Cindaking in the Sea of Storms. Two additional Sea Folk archipelagos are known to exist, one some considerable distance to the south-west of Tremalking in the southern hemisphere, slightly closer to the Land of the Madmen than the Westlands, and another on the equator south-east of Mayene, roughly a thousand miles west of Shara. The names of these islands are unknown.

The Atha'an Miere are headed by a Mistress of the Ships, roughly equivalent to a queen, but without a fixed geographic territory. Her consort and/or male counterpart is the Master of the Blades, responsible for trade and security concerns. Under this leadership, the Sea Folk are further organized into clans, headed by a Wavemistress. The male counterpart at this level is a Swordmaster.

The Atha'an Miere have a hierarchy that is very strict and, in some cases, complex. The rank of a Sea Folk can be determined, among other things, by the number of earrings (typically ear and nose, with a chain in between for higher ranks) a man or woman has and the number of medals the have on their honor chain.

Windfinders can be found on every ship the Sea Folk inhabit. Most Windfinders can channel, and are ranked only under the Sailmistress and Cargomaster on a ship. Windfinders who can channel can typically handle Air and Water most skillfully, creating thick and powerful flows to aid their ship's travel. Conversely, many have little to no skill with Fire or Earth, even less than most female channelers, due to the nature of their society. Windfinders typically fear being found by Aes Sedai, as they believe the Aes Sedai may take them to the White Tower against their will to train them. Because of this, a Windfinder has the right to refuse passage to a passenger who can channel, something usually reserved for the Sailmistress of the ship.

The Seanchan

Seanchan (pronounced SHAWN-chan) is a continent located across the Aryth Ocean. Its nearest shores are over 5,000 miles to the west of the Westlands. The name "Seanchan" also applies to the Empire that occupies the continent, and the people living there. It is divided into two landmasses separated by a wide dividing channel, and is longer north-to-south than east-to-west, although it is split by many fissures and fjords. The Morenal Ocean separates Seanchan from Shara to the west.

History

A thousand years after the Trolloc Wars, after unifying the Westlands, Artur Hawkwing sent a vast fleet led by his son, Luthair Paendrag Mondwin, across the Aryth Ocean. Luthair's fleet never returned to the continent from which they came, and was presumed lost. The fleet had actually made it across the ocean to arrive in Seanchan. By pitting the native nations against each other, Luthair and his descendants eventually subjugated and unified the continent into the Seanchan Empire, a process called the Consolidation. Luthair's heirs continue to rule the Empire. During this time the Seanchan began to use animals from this continent. With the use of these creatures they killed all of the Shadowspawn on the continent.
Recently, the Seanchan Empire has engaged in a concerted effort to retake the continent from which the Empire's rulers' ancestors hailed, known as the Return. The Seanchan made their first attempt, seizing the city of Falme and surrounding lands, but were driven back. Later, the Seanchan were successful in taking Tarabon and Amadicia, and continued their advance, taking Ebou Dar and southern Altara. They were then halted when the forces of Rand al'Thor fought the Seanchan to a standstill. With the arrival of the main Seanchan fleet and the Daughter of the Nine Moons, the Seanchan are poised to make further advances. Locked in an uneasy stalemate, Rand al'Thor currently seeks to make a truce with the Seanchan.

Culture/Customs

The rule of Seanchan is provided by an Empress or Emperor who has absolute power. He or she reigns from the Crystal Throne at the Court of the Nine Moons, located in Seandar; the throne itself is a ter'angreal, inspiring awe and wonder of the person who sits on it. Below the Empress and those of her immediate family is the Blood, the noble class of the Empire. The elite guard around the throne is provided by the Deathwatch Guards, while the Seekers for Truth hunt Darkfriends and act as a secret police.

The nation of Seanchan is ruled by a rigid class structure. The lowest class of people are the da'covale, or "those who are property." However, not all servants hold low rank in Seanchan society. The hereditary servants of the Imperial family, called so'jhin hold higher rank than free men and women.

he highest tier of Seanchan society is held by those who are of the Blood. Initially, it was only the descendants of Luthair and his armies who were of the Blood, but over time others have been raised to the Blood. Being raised to the Blood, while exceptionally rare, is the greatest honor possible for one who was born a commoner. The Blood are divided into two groups, the Low Blood, and the High Blood. Members of the Low Blood have their hair cut into a bowl-type cut with a tail in the back and lacquer the last one or two nails on each hand. The High Blood shave the sides of their heads, leaving a long crest running along the top of their heads and lacquer the first one or two nails on each hand, depending on their rank (two is higher than just one). Members of the Imperial Family shave their heads bald and lacquer all of their fingernails.

The Deathwatch Guards are perhaps the most honored and valued of the Imperial servants. They are charged with the protection of the Imperial family. They are easily recognized by both their dark green tasseled spears and dark green lacquered shields. The green on their armor is so dark that it is easily mistaken for black by those who do not already know. These fearsome warriors are known for their willingness to kill or die, as necessary, to protect the Imperial family. Sometimes a segment of the Deathwatch Guards is loaned, as an honor, to other nobles. The most elite members of the Deathwatch Guards are never loaned, and are responsible for the life of the Empress herself and her immediate family. Some members of the Deathwatch Guards are Ogier; they are called the Gardeners and are not da'covale. These Ogier are more somber than their relatives across the ocean, and carry large battle axes taller than most men.

The One Power

Damane
Women who can channel are regarded as animals, and are kept on a silvery metal leash, the a'dam, that allows control of their channeling by a trainer known as a sul'dam. The leashed women are called damane, meaning "Leashed One." Women who can channel but are not kept as damane are referred to as marath'damane, or "those who must be leashed." Most damane have been treated this way their entire lives, and tend to become hysterical at the very mention of marath'damane.
Damane are kept and treated as sentient pets, but are also used extensively in warfare by the Seanchan. They are trained in the art of using the One Power as a weapon, preferring fireballs and lightning to more indirect methods.

Sul'dam
A trainer of damane is known as a sul'dam, meaning "Leash Holder" in the Old Tongue. Like damane, only certain women can use the a'dam, but the reason for this is largely unknown to the Seanchan. Recent discoveries show that sul'dam have the ability to learn the use of the One Power, showing that the a'dam must be used by two women who can channel.

A'dam
he a'dam is a silvery metal leash attached to a collar made of the same material, which seems to be made all of one piece. It is a specialized ter'angreal that actually creates a link between two female channelers.

The collar, at one end of the leash must be fastened onto the female channeler's neck, and the other end clasps around the wrist of the sul'dam in the form of a bracelet. A leash is usually present between a damane and sul'dam, but it is not necessary for the ter'angreal to function. The sul'dam may then direct and guide the flows of the damane, or even block access to the One Power altogether. Commands may also be issued, and the damane is compelled to obey, even if the a'dam is removed from the trainer's wrist.

The a'dam has no effect on either end for men and women who cannot channel. At times, the Seanchan have been known to force a man to take the a'dam, sometimes with disastrous results. It is unknown whether this is related to a man's ability to channel, though it is assumed to be the case.

Creatures & etc.

Raken
A raken has a body considerably longer than a horse and is about equal in girth, with leathery gray skin and large powerful wings much like those of a bat. While the raken is not used as a weapon, it will often lash its tail in anger when perched or on the ground. It normally crouches rather than standing erect, and stands erect only when alarmed or preparing to fly. Raken are omnivorous, but are content with an all-plant diet.

They are ideal mounts for scouting and/or sending messages, as the raken can fly at approximately three to four times the speed of a running horse, and can actually be ridden up until the point it dies. A morat'raken is a Seanchan flier who rides the raken, and three out of four morat'raken are women.

Grolm
Weighing in at three hundred to five hundred pounds, grolm are the size of large bears, only with the gray green coloration and skin texture of very tough frogs. Like the torm, they have three eyes. They appear to be carnivorous scavengers, as their diet is known to include their own dead.
When walking, grolm appear almost awkward, moving with a waddling motion. All traces of awkwardness vanish when they run.

Grolm are used in battle, though normally only against lightly armoured opponents to break holes in an enemy line which will then be quickly exploited by human soldiers. They are very useful against cavalry, as horses often panic in their presence unless specifically trained to tolerate the grolm. They are extremely difficult to kill, given that nonfatal wounds seldom incapacitate them, and they heal rapidly. They also have very good vision, a keen sense of smell, and are extremely territorial.

Corlm
Corlm appear as large, flightless birds, perhaps similar to some prehistoric ostrich such as a moa.

Lopar
The lopar is the main combat animal of the Seanchan. Its average size is between fifteen hundred and two thousand pounds, with a leathery hairless hide which is dark brown or a pale reddish hue. Lopar have six toes on both front and rear paws, and all have large retractable claws. They have no visible external ears. Lopar sometimes rear upon their hind legs when fighting, and can reach as high as ten feet. They are also armored similar to the style the Seanchan soldiers use.

Torm
A torm is a cross between a horse-sized cat and a lizard, it has bronze scales, six-clawed feet that can grip stones in a road, and three eyes. The torm is the most intelligent of the Seanchan creatures, being well above that of a very bright dog, and can come close to human levels in certain areas of problem solving, such as maze tests. As riding animals their speed and endurance are superior to that of a horse, but they are particular about their riders. Once it has found its rider, the torm will not allow another to mount. If its rider dies, it takes some time to get a torm to accept another.
The torm suffers from fighting frenzy if in battle for too long. It rarely will turn on its rider during one of these frenzies, but will strike at anyone else within reach. Torm will also immediately attack any corlm within reach, making them additionally unsuitable for protracted combat. They are not widely available and are difficult to replace.

S'redit
S'redit are used as war animals. They are massive, with thick gray skin. The bull s'redit has long tusks, but they are used mostly as large cargo animals. They are called by different names in other lands; Valan Luca calls them giant boar-horses to make them more pronounceable and interesting. They appear to be much like elephants.

Kaf
The Seanchan form of coffee, brewed from dark beans into a black liquid and drunk steaming hot, sometimes sweetened, but often not. It is known for its stimulating effect and bitter taste.

Cities/Towns/Regions

Seandar - the capital
Abunai - on the Sea of L'Heye
Aldael Mountains
Alqam
Ancarid
Asinbayar
Barsabba
Dalenshar
Ijaz Mountains - source of kaf beans
Imfaral
Jeranem
Jianmin
Kaensada Hills
Khoweal
Maram Kashor - an island at the southeastern tip of Seanchan
Marendalar - an island
Mechoacan
Merinloe
Muyami
N'Kon
Noren M'Shar
Pujili
Salaking
Semalaren
Sen T'jore
Serengada Dai
Shon Kifar
Sohima
Tuel

Aes Sedai

“An Aes Sedai never lies, but the truth she speaks, may not be the truth you think you hear.” - Tam Al'Thor

Ajahs

"Browns seek knowledge, Blues meddle in causes, and Whites consider the questions of truth with implacable logic. We all do some of it all, of course. But to be a Green means to stand ready. In the Trolloc Wars, we were often called the Battle Ajah. " -Alanna Mosvani of the Green Ajah.

When a woman is raised to the shawl, becoming Aes Sedai, she is brought into a group within the tower, these groups are called Ajahs. Each group has a specific purpose/devotion.

In the Age of Legends, Ajah (pronounced: AH-jah) meant a temporary group of people banded together for a specific purpose. During the founding of the present White Tower, there were more ajahs than exist now. The first Amyrlin, Elisane Tishar, was the head of one of twelve groups of women who represented a particular viewpoint or purpose at that time. Sometime between 47 and 98 AB, the number of Ajahs decreased from this twelve to the current seven, though it is not known if these seven had any purpose that was close to the purposes of the current seven Ajahs, nor what the purposes of the lost Ajahs were.

These "ajahs" and the early Tower were particularly competitive and vicious. Mesaana notes that the machinations of the current Ajahs almost matched the ajahs at times and it is stated in The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time that the assassination of the early Amyrlins was not unusual.

Presently the Aes Sedai divide themselves into seven Ajahs. Each of these sub-societies has representation on the administrative councils, its own ideology and purpose for its members, own ruling head or heads, and its own spy network. They also have secret weaves that are only taught to initiates, and own traditions governing things ranging from conduct in everyday life to what one might wear inside the White Tower.
Each Ajah is dedicated particular tasks, though they all do some of everything.

Red Ajah
The Red Ajah of the Aes Sedai is dedicated to locating men with the ability to channel and subsequently gentling them. The leader of the Red Ajah is known as Highest.
The Red Ajah is the largest Ajah. According to the The Guide, approximately 20% of sisters are Reds. Given that there are approximately 1,000 Aes Sedai, Red membership stands at approximately 200. It also has the greatest concentration of Black sisters.

The Red has, for millennia, been seeking out men who can channel and gentling them. They do this mostly by detecting the residue of weaves made from saidin. Red sisters generally do not have friends outside of their Ajah. Nor do they ever have warders, in fact, during the time in which the The Wheel of Time series takes place, it is said that most Red sisters hate all men, not just those who can channel.

Green Ajah
The Green Ajah of the Aes Sedai holds itself ready for the final battle between good and evil, Tarmon Gai'don, when the Dark One breaks free and must be opposed. They are sometimes called the "Battle Ajah". The head of the Green Ajah is known as the Captain-General. Greens have a long history of friendship with the Blues, and generally oppose the Red. However, they do not oppose the gentling of men who can channel. Not only are members of the Green Ajah fantastic at utilizing their Power in times of war, but they are also wonderful strategists who can plan effective battle strategies.
In ancient times, the Greens were the counterpart of the Dreadlords -- male and female channelers who had openly accepted the Shadow. The Dreadlords were the generals who lead the armies of Trollocs, Myrddraal, and Draghkar. Dreadlords were the only members of the Shadow's armies who could match the power of the Green Ajah, and the battles between the two were climactic enough to destroy many from either side.
According to The Guide, the Greens are the second largest Ajah, following close behind the Reds, who have approximately 200 sisters.

Greens are willing to bond more than one Warder. Even though it may be a source of humor in the White Tower to find a member of the Green Ajah with nearly a half-dozen Warders, it was not entirely a frivolous practice: in the old wars, their amount of Warders made a positive difference. The Greens are also known for their love of men; this can be reflected in their amount of Warders. They are also the Ajah that has the most cheerful and cajoling members: in a world where the White Ajah is cold and remote, the Red Ajah is proud to a fault, and the Brown Ajah oblivious and dreamy, the Green Ajah acts like a breath of fresh air with their nonchalant and carefree nature. In this, the Green Ajah is almost the ideological opposite of the Red Ajah. Some of the Greens like men to such an extent that they may even marry their Warder, although those Greens that do only have one, perhaps in an attempt not to create marital problems by constantly being bonded to multiple men.

Yellow Ajah
The Yellow Ajah of the Aes Sedai primarily studies Healing. The head of the Yellow Ajah is called the First Weaver.
Healing is a Talent that not all sisters possess, but is considered a requirement for entry into the Yellow Ajah. The best Healers are always Yellow sisters, and it is said they will try to Heal anything.

Blue Ajah
The Blue Ajah of the Aes Sedai normally involve themselves with righteous causes and justice. While the body of the Blue Ajah is a relatively small one, it has the most extensive network of spies throughout the land. The leader of the Blue Ajah is called the First Selector.

The Blue Ajah are closely allied with the Green Ajah, a friendship that has lasted a thousand years, and are on good terms with the Brown Ajah as well. They have a long-standing feud with the Red Ajah.

Traditions for members of the Blue Ajah include never wearing red inside the tower, wearing all blue the first of each month, wearing blue stockings when leaving Tar Valon, greeting the newest members of their ajah with a kiss of welcome and requiring a newly raised member of the Ajah to bake a pie for the sixth member of the Ajah to kiss her.

Gray Ajah
The Gray Ajah of the Aes Sedai favors harmony and consensus above all else. Members are often conflict mediators or ambassadors. The leader of the Gray Ajah is called the Head Clerk.

The Grays attempted to hold together the coalition of nations that fought against the Aiel during the Aiel War, but failed. They have been responsible for drawing to a close countless conflicts and wars over the last three thousand years, through their skill in crafting agreements and treaties.

Brown Ajah
The Brown Ajah of the Aes Sedai is devoted to knowledge and the collection of ancient wisdom. For the past few centuries they have been at odds with the Blue Ajah, but are not enemies with them. Unlike the other six Ajahs, the Browns are run by an internal council, and not a solitary woman. This council is colloquially called the 'Brown Council,' which has a designated sister to sit at its head. This leadership position was simply refered to as the 'Head of the Brown Council,' but was later named as First Chair. It is currently held by Jesse Bilal. The size of the Brown Council has not been revealed, nor the manner in which a sister may sit upon it.

The Browns dedicate themselves to knowledge and history and generally forsake the mundane world. They can be usually found in the Great Library in the White Tower, which they also administer, looking for something new to study.

White Ajah
The White Ajah of the Aes Sedai is dedicated to the value of logic, and devotes itself to questions of philosophy and truth. The head of the White Ajah is called the First Reasoner.
They ignore the social causes that define the Blue, Gray, Green and Red Ajahs and have no room for the worldly knowledge that the Browns and to some extent the Yellows seek. It is said that they have no room in their hearts for passions. Their Ajah contains the fewest Black sisters, 17, though the head of the Black is a White.

It was White sisters who first made the connection between the Reds' gentling crusade and the dwindling numbers and strength of female channelers. They proposed to the Tower that male channelers should, either before or after gentling, be allowed to mate with Aes Sedai. The idea was flatly refused by the Hall of the Tower.

Black Ajah
The Black Ajah is a secret Ajah, comprised of sisters who hide in other Ajahs and who have forsaken their Three Oaths in order to serve the Dark One. Reports of its existence were only recently accepted by other sisters when Liandrin, a Red, fled the Tower along with twelve other sisters, stealing several ter'angreal and killing a number of Tower personnel. Some, even then, refuse to believe that some of the sisters who fled were Black Ajah. There is a deep-seated denial of its existence among many Aes Sedai.

Most sisters who join the Black Ajah were not Darkfriends before they did so. They worked for years as ordinary sisters until members of the Black Ajah suspected that they may be suceptible to swearing allegiance to the Shadow.Those who might be willing to become a member of the Black Ajah are likely those who find the Three Oaths chafing and who delight in the Power an Aes Sedai has over non-channelers, even having been known to abuse it. The Black Ajah allows them to exploit their power free of the restrictions of Tower Law and the Oaths, but at the price of swearing to the Shadow. Like most Darkfriends, they probably did not feel the truth of their fealty to the Shadow until the arrival of Ishamael a few years after the Aiel War.

Obviously, the Black Ajah are not bound by the Three Oaths, but they do have three replacement oaths. We know that Galina refers to them as a "trinity", so they are also three in number. One of them is an oath to not reveal any current plots that the Black Ajah is involved in, or to expose any other Black sisters. A second was revealed by Verin Mathwin: "not to betray the Great Lord, to keep my secrets until the hour of my death".

Obviously, the Black Ajah are not bound by the Three Oaths, but they do have three replacement oaths. We know that Galina refers to them as a "trinity", so they are also three in number. One of them is an oath to not reveal any current plots that the Black Ajah is involved in, or to expose any other Black sisters. A second was revealed by Verin Mathwin: "not to betray the Great Lord, to keep my secrets until the hour of my death".

The Black Ajah is nominally controlled by Mesaana, who is undercover in the White Tower. The truth is, however, that the Black Ajah are as subject to the whims of the Forsaken as any other Darkfriends and know they have no choice to obey any of the Chosen should they command it. Not only that, but they would have to obey any non-channeling Darkfriend that may stand higher than them in Darkfriend circles.
(To see a list of Known Black Sisters in the Tower now, go here.)


Every Accepted requests acceptance into an Ajah when she becomes Aes Sedai. No woman is ever refused entry into the Ajah of her choice. The Amyrlin Seat is the only Aes Sedai who does not belong to a particular Ajah -- formally she is of all ajahs, and none. The Ajah she was raised from is often significant, however, since that Ajah often enjoys the prestige of having a sister of their Ajah as Amyrlin and key roles such as Keeper of the Chronicles and Mistress of Novices are commonly given to women from the Amyrlin's former Ajah.