Portal Stones

[dwn]

Dwn, that was Slayer. Why people intently ignore the obvious and go for something convoluted? Slayer is a nameless person as for as Graendal is concerned.

 

Yet she later refers to him by name.

 

That fool Isam, Graendal thought, stuffing the papers in her pack.

 

-- ToM, Epilogue, p. 829

 

The scene I quoted in my previous post is clearly Graendal giving orders to an Asha'man/dreadlord loaned to her.

 

-- dwn

 

No she is not. That was slayer. There is no such thing as "Talent" for getways or portal stone. Moridin only loaned her one servant and that was slayer. Ability to create power forged weapon is a talent. To create ter'angreal is a talent. <oving troops from one stone to another is not a talent.

 

Grendal never calls slayer "nameless" guy. She simply doesn't care calling servants by name.

 

Let me spell it out for you.

 

1) Graendal orders a male 'servant' on loan from Moridin--one that is apparently unique--to spring her shadowspawn trap.

2) A male channeller brings Graendal's trolloc army through a portal stone using a relatively small amount of power. This contradicts how difficult travel by portal stone has been shown previously.

3) We see from Graendal's POVs that Slayer is known to her by name, and by the euphemism 'The Man With Two Souls'.

4) We see Androl, a very weak Asha'man student who can still make large gateways. This is apparently an unusual Talent.

 

It follows that Graendal is giving orders to the Asha'man lackey who will be captaining her shadowspawn attack. This Asha'man's 'uniqueness' is likely some kind of Talent that lets him use portal stones with unusual adeptness and efficiency of power.

 

-- dwn

 

Just your thoughts, not "facts".

1) Unique servant? To do what? Move people around? That's unique now? Slayer very well can take the command and call on a channeler to do the job.

2) Relatively small? Or just not very strong? Is Rand some kind of benchmark? I am not sure where it was stated that portal stones are difficult thing to manage. Oh you mean Rand had tough time using them so it must be difficult!

3)So what? I didn't see in your quote Graendal calling that servant the "nameless one", did I?

4) No it's not. There are 5 items. Each channeler has control over 1, 2 or even 5 of them. Androl is good with Spirit. Still he cannot make gateways bigger than Rand and Rand is not "talented" as for as gateways are concerned. Androl's "talent" lies in extreme control (making gatways small enough to cut leather belt) and how big he can make those things.

 

 

So again, that servant was unique and hence his arrogance. There is no such talent as "super efficient" portal movement. Talent by nature is rare thing. Doing something better is not some "Talent" otherwise Rand is unbelievably talented even though he really cannot do anything especial.

 

I am out. Just believe whatever you wanna believe.

 

You started to debate my interpretation/theory so I'm naturally going to counter your arguments. No need to get snippy over it.

 

I never claimed Graendal called him the 'nameless one'. Her POV where she orders the attack refers to 'the servant', which would be strange for someone like Slayer whose name she knew. Since that we know she had a male channeller managing her shadowspawn, it follows that 'the servant' is that channeller.

 

According to Grady, the man jumping in with large numbers of shadowspawn isn't using much power. In TSR, Rand needed every scrap he could draw through an angreal to move a large group of people.

 

We've frequently seen Aes Sedai refer to Talents governing the effectiveness of weaves--Healing, Compulsion, Delving to name the most frequent--as well as any number of off-the-wall abilities. These Talents are not necessarily tied to a person's strength in the Power. Androl apparently has a Talent for gateways. I posit that Graendal's male channeller has a talent for using portal stones.

 

Since shadowspawn cannot travel through gateways, someone with an affinity for portal stones would be extremely valuable to the Shadow. An unusual Talent like that would arguably make someone 'unique' (Graendal's choice of word).

 

-- dwn

[Zodd]

Okay, shine some light for me.... understand that it's hypothesized (relativity thin IMO) that Graendal may have another servant. But how under the Light are we getting that he can channel? Or that the Portal Stone guy is in anyway connected to Graendal?

 

Excerpts or it didn't happen

[dwn]

Okay, shine some light for me.... understand that it's hypothesized (relativity thin IMO) that Graendal may have another servant. But how under the Light are we getting that he can channel? Or that the Portal Stone guy is in anyway connected to Graendal?

 

Excerpts or it didn't happen

 

Since you asked so nicely...

 

Moridin lends Graendal a dreamspike and Slayer to try to kill Perrin. She also plans to use the shadowspawn given to her for sowing chaos. (Tom, Writings, pp. 118-120)

 

When Slayer fails to protect the dreamspike, Graendal orders "The servant--one Moridin had loaned her" to "Prepare to spring the trap anyway." She intends to use the trap and Perrin's own ta'veren nature to create a 'tempest' that will give her final tool (very likely "that idiot Whitecloak" Byar) a chance to strike. (Tom, Wounds, pp. 600-601; Tom, Epilogue, p 829)

 

A shadowspawn army ambushes the Whitecloak force led by Galad. (Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 625)

 

During the Shadowspawn attack Grady senses a man channelling, one who isn't very strong and is not directly entering the battle. Grady believes the man is "jumping in with fists of [trollocs]." (Tom, A Making, p.624; Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628)

 

Perrin deduces that misinformation and the dreamspike were to lure his forces into this ambush, with the shadowspawn being brought in via portal stone. (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 627)

 

-- dwn

[Sharaman]

I don't think an unknown channeler with a special talent for portals or otherwise would argue with Graendal.

Slayer would.

My interpretation was that it is Slayer.

The Dark has many male channelers (there were at least 6 blasting the walls in Maradon) and we can presume that Taim's lads are all sworn to the Dark.

More likely than anyone having a special talent for portals, it is just that Rand didn't know what to do and to use a Brandonism he "barreled" through with main force where there is a neater way to operate a portal.

[waffle]

Darkfirnd ashaman are just darkfriends, they wouldn´t dare show disrespect to one of the Chosen. Slayer is somewhat insane. And unique. He´d have the balls for it.

[Zodd]

Okay, shine some light for me.... understand that it's hypothesized (relativity thin IMO) that Graendal may have another servant. But how under the Light are we getting that he can channel? Or that the Portal Stone guy is in anyway connected to Graendal?

 

Excerpts or it didn't happen

 

Since you asked so nicely...

 

Moridin lends Graendal a dreamspike and Slayer to try to kill Perrin. She also plans to use the shadowspawn given to her for sowing chaos. (Tom, Writings, pp. 118-120)

 

When Slayer fails to protect the dreamspike, Graendal orders "The servant--one Moridin had loaned her" to "Prepare to spring the trap anyway." She intends to use the trap and Perrin's own ta'veren nature to create a 'tempest' that will give her final tool (very likely "that idiot Whitecloak" Byar) a chance to strike. (Tom, Wounds, pp. 600-601; Tom, Epilogue, p 829)

 

A shadowspawn army ambushes the Whitecloak force led by Galad. (Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 625)

 

During the Shadowspawn attack Grady senses a man channelling, one who isn't very strong and is not directly entering the battle. Grady believes the man is "jumping in with fists of [trollocs]." (Tom, A Making, p.624; Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628)

 

Perrin deduces that misinformation and the dreamspike were to lure his forces into this ambush, with the shadowspawn being brought in via portal stone. (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 627)

 

-- dwn

Sorry, dwn, my request wasn't meant to sound snide.

Thank you for being thorough, and rather concise lol.

 

I think that the man is really Isam/Luk.

 

Firstly we know the Graedal knew that the failure of this servant would land on her shoulders (ToM, Wounds, pg. 600) and so later Isam's failure was held to her account by Shadar Haran (ToM, And After, pg. 830) The description of the Slayer I believe would be used differently as he is not exactly two people, he is both Isam and Luk. Luk always looked rebellious in nature to Perrin. So far he is the only Shadow associate person we've come across to be called 'unique'.

 

Further more, we know that Luk is an uncle to Rand, and the the ability has been found to travel loosely in blood, perhaps with the Royal Line of Andor. Is it so far fetched to believe he could be one who has the ability to be taught to channel? Many men in Caemlyn were found able to learn.

 

During the Shadowspawn attack Grady senses a man channelling, one who isn't very strong and is not directly entering the battle. Grady believes the man is "jumping in with fists of [trollocs]." (Tom, A Making, p.624; Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628)

 

Pre-Battle of Two Rivers, Luk is never seen taking part in an all out battle. Luk, being of Royal blood, would see it as below him. A King (at least first Prince of the Sword he'd be wouldn't he?) is expected to have others do the work for him. He's shown off his skills as a killer by bringing back trophies for Perrin, even though this was just a ploy to lead Two Rivers to slaughter. The type of manipulation you'd expect to see from a Dark Prince.

 

I'd think being of two worlds would greatly aid in Luk's ability to use the Portal Stones. The Portal Stones are said to be closely related to the World of Dreams (i'll find that reference soon) and having to two souls concentrating on the symbol at the same time. I think this may account for the lack of strength necessary for him to use.

[royale]

in the epilogue Graendal says [qoute] that fool Isam,and that idiot whitecloke

no mention of anybody else

[dwn]

I don't think an unknown channeler with a special talent for portals or otherwise would argue with Graendal.

Slayer would.

My interpretation was that it is Slayer.

The Dark has many male channelers (there were at least 6 blasting the walls in Maradon) and we can presume that Taim's lads are all sworn to the Dark.

More likely than anyone having a special talent for portals, it is just that Rand didn't know what to do and to use a Brandonism he "barreled" through with main force where there is a neater way to operate a portal.

 

Given how arrogant Taim's lackeys are, and that he's there on orders from Moridin, I think it's quite in character for him to be slightly impertinent to Graendal. Particular if he did have a unique ability that made him of special value. He doesn't chew her out or anything, he just has a rebellious air and briefly voices a question at her orders.

 

Firstly we know the Graedal knew that the failure of this servant would land on her shoulders (ToM, Wounds, pg. 600) and so later Isam's failure was held to her account by Shadar Haran (ToM, And After, pg. 830) The description of the Slayer I believe would be used differently as he is not exactly two people, he is both Isam and Luk. Luk always looked rebellious in nature to Perrin. So far he is the only Shadow associate person we've come across to be called 'unique'.

 

Further more, we know that Luk is an uncle to Rand, and the the ability has been found to travel loosely in blood, perhaps with the Royal Line of Andor. Is it so far fetched to believe he could be one who has the ability to be taught to channel? Many men in Caemlyn were found able to learn.

 

During the Shadowspawn attack Grady senses a man channelling, one who isn't very strong and is not directly entering the battle. Grady believes the man is "jumping in with fists of [trollocs]." (Tom, A Making, p.624; Tom, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628)

 

Pre-Battle of Two Rivers, Luk is never seen taking part in an all out battle. Luk, being of Royal blood, would see it as below him. A King (at least first Prince of the Sword he'd be wouldn't he?) is expected to have others do the work for him. He's shown off his skills as a killer by bringing back trophies for Perrin, even though this was just a ploy to lead Two Rivers to slaughter. The type of manipulation you'd expect to see from a Dark Prince.

 

I'd think being of two worlds would greatly aid in Luk's ability to use the Portal Stones. The Portal Stones are said to be closely related to the World of Dreams (i'll find that reference soon) and having to two souls concentrating on the symbol at the same time. I think this may account for the lack of strength necessary for him to use.

 

While it's not inconceivable, we've been given absolutely no reason to think Slayer can channel.

 

If Moridin's servant in that scene is actually Slayer, why all the coyness about his identity? We already know Slayer is working for Graendal for the moment, and you'd expect that Graendal's PoV would use his name, as she readily does in the epilogue. Also, given his disastrous failure, you'd think she would, at least to herself, express a desire to exsanguinate him through his hair or something. The only reason to obscure his identity is to avoid giving away an important plot point--namely that a trolloc army is about to be teleported in to ambush Galad.

 

He also seemed to know that his failure would fall upon her shoulders.

 

-- ToM, Wounds, p. 600

 

That seems to be the quote that leads you to think the man is Slayer, referring to his failure in guarding the dreamspike. In isolation, it's a valid way to interpret the line. Yet any lackey on loan from Moridin, particularly one of value, would reasonably think failure of the mission would fall on Graendal's head--she is, after all, in charge. Combined with the deliberate obfuscation of his identity, it is far more likely he is one of Mordin's Asha'man.

 

-- dwn

[didymos]

While it's not inconceivable, we've been given absolutely no reason to think Slayer can channel.

 

He can't:

 

The Gathering Storm Book Tour, Books and Co., Dayton, OH 11 November 2009 - Tim Kington reporting

 

Q: Slayer made a gateway in Far Madding when he tried to kill Rand and Min. Does this mean he uses the True Power to make his gateways?

 

A: Slayer does not channel. His powers come from somewhere other than the Source. Slayer is not affected by the Guardian in much the same way that Perrin wouldn’t be.

Wotmania Interview 2004

Q: Can Slayer somehow find his victims?

 

RJ: Not in the sense that Padan Fain can track Rand, and to a lesser extent, Mat and Perrin. Slayer's value lies in what you might call his unique ability for someone unable to channel.

 

A Crown of Swords book tour 24 August 1996, Vancouver - Lara Beaton reporting

 

Slayer: Can't channel. He has certain "gifts" granted to him by the Dark One, but can't channel either the One Power or the True Power.

 

 

If Moridin's servant in that scene is actually Slayer, why all the coyness about his identity?

 

There is no coyness: it's obvious who he is. His name isn't required.

 

He also seemed to know that his failure would fall upon her shoulders.

 

-- ToM, Wounds, p. 600

 

That seems to be the quote that leads you to think the man is Slayer, referring to his failure in guarding the dreamspike. In isolation, it's a valid way to interpret the line.

 

Uh no, the important line is the one right before it:

 

He was unique.

 

Slayer's unique. Some random male channeler? Not unique.

[dwn]

He also seemed to know that his failure would fall upon her shoulders.

 

-- ToM, Wounds, p. 600

 

That seems to be the quote that leads you to think the man is Slayer, referring to his failure in guarding the dreamspike. In isolation, it's a valid way to interpret the line.

 

Uh no, the important line is the one right before it:

 

He was unique.

 

Slayer's unique. Some random male channeler? Not unique.

 

The failure line I quoted is what Zodd was referring to. Graendal's thought about his uniqueness, combined with the obscured identity, suggests this guy has an ability crucial to the upcoming story events, hence my theorized portal stone Talent. That would account for the ease at which he rapidly brings a huge army of shadowspawn through a portal stone, which from all previous evidence would be a very difficult thing to do. So no, not just a random male channeller.

 

For reference, Rand needed an angreal to barely shift 'a few hundred' Aiel and their packhorses (TSR, Out of the Stone, p. 246). Graendal's male channeler shifted more than 50,000 trollocs over a fairly short period of time. Perhaps more than one man was jumping in with trollocs, but Grady's description implies only one (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628).

 

-- dwn

[WhiskyJack]

That's why I quit the argument. I mean it is not impossible to assume that Graendal can give Isam order to spring the trap (which includes a channeler moving troops) since Isam controls shadowspawn...But if you have convinced yourself that moving people from portal stone to portal stone is a unique Talent...or Taim's lackeys have so much arrogance that they will challenge a chosen (ofcourse we don't even know if they are Taim's lackeys)...there's not much room for argument.

[Durinax]

For reference, Rand needed an angreal to barely shift 'a few hundred' Aiel and their packhorses (TSR, Out of the Stone, p. 246). Graendal's male channeler shifted more than 50,000 trollocs over a fairly short period of time. Perhaps more than one man was jumping in with trollocs, but Grady's description implies only one (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628).

 

-- dwn

that was rand porting straight from stone to stone again. I think that requires portionally more power to do a direct move, whereas the shadow may be moving to an alternate reality and then marching cross the world to the stone they need

[chuckievi]

Grady's perception at the Jehannah battle was interesting.

He felt a weak-ish channeler who was jumping in and out with fists of trollocs.

That suggests that Rand who was already an extremely strong channeler did it rather inefficiently in TGH and TSR, given the huge effort he had to make.

Also G's PoV makes it obvious that Lanfear was not the only mirror world expert among the FS but for some reason, GLoD has less reach in some mirror worlds, since she thought of hiding from him.

 

This has to be an oversight, because men cannot tell another's potential strength in the Power, only how much power is being used. So all we can deduce from that passage is that the channeler was not using much power to move the trollocs, unless that channeler was maxing himself out, but again we have no way of knowing whether he was or wasn't.

[dwn]

For reference, Rand needed an angreal to barely shift 'a few hundred' Aiel and their packhorses (TSR, Out of the Stone, p. 246). Graendal's male channeler shifted more than 50,000 trollocs over a fairly short period of time. Perhaps more than one man was jumping in with trollocs, but Grady's description implies only one (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628).

 

-- dwn

that was rand porting straight from stone to stone again. I think that requires portionally more power to do a direct move, whereas the shadow may be moving to an alternate reality and then marching cross the world to the stone they need

 

That's certainly possible, though the evidence is thin. Regardless, 50,000 trollocs is quite the shipping order.

 

-- dwn

[WhiskyJack]

Grady's perception at the Jehannah battle was interesting.

He felt a weak-ish channeler who was jumping in and out with fists of trollocs.

That suggests that Rand who was already an extremely strong channeler did it rather inefficiently in TGH and TSR, given the huge effort he had to make.

Also G's PoV makes it obvious that Lanfear was not the only mirror world expert among the FS but for some reason, GLoD has less reach in some mirror worlds, since she thought of hiding from him.

 

This has to be an oversight, because men cannot tell another's potential strength in the Power, only how much power is being used. So all we can deduce from that passage is that the channeler was not using much power to move the trollocs, unless that channeler was maxing himself out, but again we have no way of knowing whether he was or wasn't.

 

 

We don't even know for sure if there was just one guy. Perrin uses the term channelers and not channeler. We do know that at a time only one guy was moving trollocs to Rand world but there is not reason to believe that there was just one guy.

[Sharaman]

Grady's perception at the Jehannah battle was interesting.

He felt a weak-ish channeler who was jumping in and out with fists of trollocs.

That suggests that Rand who was already an extremely strong channeler did it rather inefficiently in TGH and TSR, given the huge effort he had to make.

Also G's PoV makes it obvious that Lanfear was not the only mirror world expert among the FS but for some reason, GLoD has less reach in some mirror worlds, since she thought of hiding from him.

 

This has to be an oversight, because men cannot tell another's potential strength in the Power, only how much power is being used. So all we can deduce from that passage is that the channeler was not using much power to move the trollocs, unless that channeler was maxing himself out, but again we have no way of knowing whether he was or wasn't.

 

 

We don't even know for sure if there was just one guy. Perrin uses the term channelers and not channeler. We do know that at a time only one guy was moving trollocs to Rand world but there is not reason to believe that there was just one guy.

 

Perrin is guessing, based on tactical sense.

I think Grady senses just the one channeler and says he's not very strong.

Yes, he must be extrapolating from what he can feel of the power.

Yes, it's possible that there were more than one channeler.

It's even possible that there was a man-woman link and he could only feel the saidin part.

Another possibility is that Grady is feeling a make-and break - in fact, he says it's intermittent.

The major use of OP is at the other portal stone and what Grady feels is the relatively minor effort the channeler is making to transport himself back alone to the other stone from where he's bringing the trollocs

[WhiskyJack]

Grady's perception at the Jehannah battle was interesting.

He felt a weak-ish channeler who was jumping in and out with fists of trollocs.

That suggests that Rand who was already an extremely strong channeler did it rather inefficiently in TGH and TSR, given the huge effort he had to make.

Also G's PoV makes it obvious that Lanfear was not the only mirror world expert among the FS but for some reason, GLoD has less reach in some mirror worlds, since she thought of hiding from him.

 

This has to be an oversight, because men cannot tell another's potential strength in the Power, only how much power is being used. So all we can deduce from that passage is that the channeler was not using much power to move the trollocs, unless that channeler was maxing himself out, but again we have no way of knowing whether he was or wasn't.

 

 

We don't even know for sure if there was just one guy. Perrin uses the term channelers and not channeler. We do know that at a time only one guy was moving trollocs to Rand world but there is not reason to believe that there was just one guy.

 

Perrin is guessing, based on tactical sense.

I think Grady senses just the one channeler and says he's not very strong.

Yes, he must be extrapolating from what he can feel of the power.

Yes, it's possible that there were more than one channeler.

It's even possible that there was a man-woman link and he could only feel the saidin part.

Another possibility is that Grady is feeling a make-and break - in fact, he says it's intermittent.

The major use of OP is at the other portal stone and what Grady feels is the relatively minor effort the channeler is making to transport himself back alone to the other stone from where he's bringing the trollocs

 

Excellent point. Major channeling will occur on other side, hopefully.

[Zodd]

For reference, Rand needed an angreal to barely shift 'a few hundred' Aiel and their packhorses (TSR, Out of the Stone, p. 246). Graendal's male channeler shifted more than 50,000 trollocs over a fairly short period of time. Perhaps more than one man was jumping in with trollocs, but Grady's description implies only one (ToM, An Unexpected Ally, p. 628).

 

-- dwn

that was rand porting straight from stone to stone again. I think that requires proportionally more power to do a direct move, whereas the shadow may be moving to an alternate reality and then marching cross the world to the stone they need

 

Even if the unknown channeller was bring the trollocs from the alternate worlds, it seemed that when Rand transported just himself and two other people and an Oger, it drained alot of his strength. However, we don't have anyway to judge just how powerful Rand is at the time of tGH.

 

My earlier statement about Slayer being able to channel was just a way to express that it was possible, not that I believed it. I think it likely he was just a DF of BT or such put to Graendals use, like Slayer and her hoard of trollocs.

 

And yes, I concur that men can't tell how strong another channeller is unless he's holding max strength, which we've no way of knowing. However, the use of Portal Stones suggests needing great power to transport a large number of persons/objects.

 

Perhaps trollocs, being made things, are easier to transport across worlds? A trolloc fist (ala WoT Wiki) consists of a hundred or more Trollocs (as compared to a few hundred Aiel) So if he's popping in and out with a fist at a time, the channeller must of a lot of stamina in terms of using the OP. Unless of course there is a conga line of channellers in the wait.

[Erunion]

It's also possible that there is an "easy" way to use the portal stones. Baddies are doing it the easy way, Rand did it the hard way.

[chuckievi]

It isn't like Rand knew what he was doing, I liken it to clearing my driveway of snow in the winter. You can use a snow-blower (know what you are doing) or you can shovel it with superhuman strength (Rand using ginormous amounts of power to get the job done). Both get it done, one is much more efficient.

[AutomatedTeller]

I don't see any reason to think that the servant that Moridin loaned her is referring to anyone other than Slayer. I mean, it fits right in with the way that Jordan did stuff.

 

Sure, Moridin COULD have loaned her 2 unique servants (Slayer and some form of unique channeler with an attitude we havent' seen who might be to blame for the messup), but far more likely in my mind is that Slayer was loaned to her and he was just used to pass on an order to a channeler from some form of general pool of channelers, available to all Forsaken. Like a steno pool of Dreadlords (resume includes ability to Portal Stone 1000 trollocs a minute, graduated from The Black Tower 13x13 honors program)

[dwn]

I don't see any reason to think that the servant that Moridin loaned her is referring to anyone other than Slayer. I mean, it fits right in with the way that Jordan did stuff.

 

Sure, Moridin COULD have loaned her 2 unique servants (Slayer and some form of unique channeler with an attitude we havent' seen who might be to blame for the messup), but far more likely in my mind is that Slayer was loaned to her and he was just used to pass on an order to a channeler from some form of general pool of channelers, available to all Forsaken. Like a steno pool of Dreadlords (resume includes ability to Portal Stone 1000 trollocs a minute, graduated from The Black Tower 13x13 honors program)

 

The problem is that if the 'servant' in Graendal's POV is, in fact, Slayer, then that scene is written with completely unnecessary obfuscation of the servant's identity. Slayer could simply be named, as he is in the epilogue, without giving away any new information; we already know he and the dreamspike are part of Graendal's plot. So we must ask why the servant's identity is obscured. The obvious answer is to foreshadow--but not spoil--that Graendal has a male channeller involved in her shadowspawn ambush.

 

-- dwn

[Xcom78]

Would it not be easier to assume that whoever was bringing in the trollics. The male channeler learned how to use a portal stone in the proper manner. Unlike rand who was just winging it. I can do a complex plumbing job but it sure as hell would take me a lot longer then even a apprentice learning from a master plumber. No need for special talents or skills in the one power. Just someone who has learned how to use the tool (portal stone) in the proper way.

[dwn]

Would it not be easier to assume that whoever was bringing in the trollics. The male channeler learned how to use a portal stone in the proper manner. Unlike rand who was just winging it. I can do a complex plumbing job but it sure as hell would take me a lot longer then even a apprentice learning from a master plumber. No need for special talents or skills in the one power. Just someone who has learned how to use the tool (portal stone) in the proper way.

 

That's certainly a reasonable possibility, as are some of Sharaman's in a previous post. Yet if you interpret the 'servant' in Graendal's POV as other than Slayer, then his 'uniqueness' needs an explanation. Since we're shown an Asha'man--Androl--with an apparent Talent for gateways, a similar Talent for using portal stones is a likely possibility. Given that shadowspawn cannot be moved by gateway, a DF with such a talent would indeed be too valuable for Graendal to simply kill out of pique.

 

-- dwn

[waffle]

Yet if you interpret the 'servant' in Graendal's POV as other than Slayer, then his 'uniqueness' needs an explanation. Since we're shown an Asha'man--Androl--with an apparent Talent for gateways, a similar Talent for using portal stones is a likely possibility. Given that shadowspawn cannot be moved by gateway, a DF with such a talent would indeed be too valuable for Graendal to simply kill out of pique.

 

-- dwn

 

Can there be a Talent for using, what essentially is, a terangreal? The things were constructed by someone. I somehow doubt anyone can make them work better because of a Talent. Rand was a learning driver who had never driven a manual before and the guy who was bringing the Trollocs was an experienced racing driver.