Egwenes discovery of the true Aes Sedai symbol in TAR

[Sharaman]

ToM has several sequences where male channelers are fighting on the GLoD's side. At Maradon, against Perrin and Galad, etc.

They may all be rogue Ashaman but we don't know that.

 

Ishamael has been free for a long time (he punished the BA after the Aiel War 20 years ago). He would not only be interested in recruiting male channelers, he could offer a very powerful inducement to saidin users in the protection from the Taint.

Taim's remarks in LoC suggest this has happened - Taim knew how to find male channelers and train them.

How?

Given what we've subsequently learnt, he may have been recruiting them for Ishamael.

[MasterAblar]

ToM has several sequences where male channelers are fighting on the GLoD's side. At Maradon, against Perrin and Galad, etc.

They may all be rogue Ashaman but we don't know that.

 

Ishamael has been free for a long time (he punished the BA after the Aiel War 20 years ago). He would not only be interested in recruiting male channelers, he could offer a very powerful inducement to saidin users in the protection from the Taint.

Taim's remarks in LoC suggest this has happened - Taim knew how to find male channelers and train them.

How?

Given what we've subsequently learnt, he may have been recruiting them for Ishamael.

 

Well, I was talking more about training options for the "good" male channelers. Obviously the "bad" ones have forsaken who can train them.

[FarShainMael]

Are you suggesting that it was Egwene's thoughts that made the change in TAR? I don't think she'd be so careless with her thoughts at that point in the books. If anything it could be a TAR vision like Perrin has when he pops into the wolfdream at times? Or I think in the podcast there's a theory from Tamyrlin (that's the theoryland guy right?) that it's actually a reflection of a mirror world blending with the reflection of the real world because of pattern fraying issues.

 

 

Well, the symbol in the glass is wrong, as I said; it's not the AS symbol so it's certainly nothing to do with Eg's 'real world'. Could be a mirror world thing, but that gets a bit complicated. If it's a TAR-vision, which we haven't seen Eg do before, it suggests that Asha'man may become subordinate to AS; if it's Eg's thoughts, possibly subconscious, it may be that that's what she wants!

[Kahsm]

I think you're making a rather monumental mistake assuming that Ashaman have a monopoly on Saidin as you say. Aes Sedai thought the same for a long time remember? And while it's only recently cleansed, there's no reason other cultures won't figure out how to hang on to their men the way they did their women once the stigma is gone.

Of course there will be male channelers among the other cultures, but the only ones who can train them are the Ashaman, and they're not about to train them for free. The male channelers from the other cultures could try to learn on their own, but only those with the spark will be able to do that, and three out of four of those will die. Even if they were willing to take that risk, and managed to survive, they still wouldn't know much. They certainly wouldn't be able to teach other how to channel. Rand couldn't, and it's still a mystery that Taim could.

 

These are exactly the reasons why Aes Sedai didn't think there were Wise Ones (OP ones who had conscious control), Windfinders, or Kin (non tower trained ones). All managed to find a way, men will too.

[MasterAblar]

I think you're making a rather monumental mistake assuming that Ashaman have a monopoly on Saidin as you say. Aes Sedai thought the same for a long time remember? And while it's only recently cleansed, there's no reason other cultures won't figure out how to hang on to their men the way they did their women once the stigma is gone.

Of course there will be male channelers among the other cultures, but the only ones who can train them are the Ashaman, and they're not about to train them for free. The male channelers from the other cultures could try to learn on their own, but only those with the spark will be able to do that, and three out of four of those will die. Even if they were willing to take that risk, and managed to survive, they still wouldn't know much. They certainly wouldn't be able to teach other how to channel. Rand couldn't, and it's still a mystery that Taim could.

 

These are exactly the reasons why Aes Sedai didn't think there were Wise Ones (OP ones who had conscious control), Windfinders, or Kin (non tower trained ones). All managed to find a way, men will too.

 

All those groups were trying to hide their existence from the Aes Sedai. It's common knowledge that there are male channelers among the Aiel and Sea Folk, so they won't be able to hide, and it's possible they won't even want to. After all the situation isn't the same as it was for the female channelers for hiding. Knowing that, will those male channelers take the risk of learning on their own, seeing as three out of four of them will die. The Wise Ones and Windfinders had 3000 year to figure out how to train each other. If they try to do it on their own, a lot of men are going to die. They'll succeed eventually, but it'll take a long time, and their knowledge will never be as complete as it would be if they went to the BT.

[David Selig]

All the Aiel, the Sea Folk or any King or Queen need to do to start their own centres for recruiting and training male channellers is hire one Asha'man to start the operation up. And since the Asha'man lack the prestige, the extensive indoctrination and the rich allowance (1000 gold crown per year, a fortune) that the Aes Sedai have, that shouldn't prove difficult.

 

The Aes Sedai can even start their own program in Tar Valon for recruiting and training male channellers the same way.

[MasterAblar]

All the Aiel, the Sea Folk or any King or Queen need to do to start their own centres for recruiting and training male channellers is hire one Asha'man to start the operation up. And since the Asha'man lack the prestige, the extensive indoctrination and the rich allowance (1000 gold crown per year, a fortune) that the Aes Sedai have, that shouldn't prove difficult.

 

The Aes Sedai can even start their own program in Tar Valon for recruiting and training male channellers the same way.

 

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high? And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

[randsc]

Are you suggesting that it was Egwene's thoughts that made the change in TAR? I don't think she'd be so careless with her thoughts at that point in the books. If anything it could be a TAR vision like Perrin has when he pops into the wolfdream at times? Or I think in the podcast there's a theory from Tamyrlin (that's the theoryland guy right?) that it's actually a reflection of a mirror world blending with the reflection of the real world because of pattern fraying issues.

 

 

Well, the symbol in the glass is wrong, as I said; it's not the AS symbol so it's certainly nothing to do with Eg's 'real world'. Could be a mirror world thing, but that gets a bit complicated. If it's a TAR-vision, which we haven't seen Eg do before, it suggests that Asha'man may become subordinate to AS; if it's Eg's thoughts, possibly subconscious, it may be that that's what she wants!

 

I don't know about this. I think she saw that Aes Sedai symbol. Note that the bulk of the black space is "above" the bulk of the white space. Egwene is used to seeing the flame (white half) all by itself. Seeing this: , she might well describe the Dragon's Fang as being above the Flame.

[Xcorpyo001]

All the Aiel, the Sea Folk or any King or Queen need to do to start their own centres for recruiting and training male channellers is hire one Asha'man to start the operation up. And since the Asha'man lack the prestige, the extensive indoctrination and the rich allowance (1000 gold crown per year, a fortune) that the Aes Sedai have, that shouldn't prove difficult.

 

The Aes Sedai can even start their own program in Tar Valon for recruiting and training male channellers the same way.

 

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Since the Asha'man did all the fighting alongside other troops and the DR(and the rebel AS sworn directly to him), while the AS had their little civil war, and even now, after they are reunited, the Borderlands are overrun and they don't help with anything, maybe some regions will pay them as well, or even switch from WT to BT, if the BT promises not to meddle in their affairs(which they don't wish to do anyway). So having the same support(or even greater) and no meddling in their internal affairs will make many kings reconsider where to send their tribute.

Soon the Asha'man will have the same recognition, or even better, some cities will pay them instead of the AS(Maradon for one).

Also, I don't think the regions occupied by the Seachan will continue to sent their tribute to the WT.

 

If the Asha'man will keep their training only inside the BT, executing any Asha'man that tries to train other men separately for treason(they are soldiers after all), and train every man for let's say 10% of his wealth, I think they'll have a very good income.

And since they'll don't have the superior airs of the AS, they can help people for money(gateways, OP support in wars, huge rewards for incursions in the Blight, fast transport, healing).

If they do all of this, the AS will have to do the same or they will lose prestige and the respect they so desire.

[MasterAblar]

Are you suggesting that it was Egwene's thoughts that made the change in TAR? I don't think she'd be so careless with her thoughts at that point in the books. If anything it could be a TAR vision like Perrin has when he pops into the wolfdream at times? Or I think in the podcast there's a theory from Tamyrlin (that's the theoryland guy right?) that it's actually a reflection of a mirror world blending with the reflection of the real world because of pattern fraying issues.

 

 

Well, the symbol in the glass is wrong, as I said; it's not the AS symbol so it's certainly nothing to do with Eg's 'real world'. Could be a mirror world thing, but that gets a bit complicated. If it's a TAR-vision, which we haven't seen Eg do before, it suggests that Asha'man may become subordinate to AS; if it's Eg's thoughts, possibly subconscious, it may be that that's what she wants!

 

I don't know about this. I think she saw that Aes Sedai symbol. Note that the bulk of the black space is "above" the bulk of the white space. Egwene is used to seeing the flame (white half) all by itself. Seeing this: , she might well describe the Dragon's Fang as being above the Flame.

 

Except the Dragon's fang was below not above in TAR.

[David Selig]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

[MasterAblar]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

[Suttree]

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Since the Asha'man did all the fighting alongside other troops and the DR(and the rebel AS sworn directly to him), while the AS had their little civil war, and even now, after they are reunited, the Borderlands are overrun and they don't help with anything, maybe some regions will pay them as well, or even switch from WT to BT, if the BT promises not to meddle in their affairs(which they don't wish to do anyway).

 

The truth of the matter is aside from Maradon no forces of the light have been fighting in the Borderlands(including the Borderland rulers which is where the blame rightfully should fall). With the AS gathering intel and everyone poised at the FoM that will certainly change soon.

 

None of the countries are going to switch their tribute and your point would only hold if AS were to sit out TG entirely.

 

As for the AS source of income, Tar Valon is far and away the wealthiest city in Randland. Controlling all the major N/S trade routes has made it an economic powerhouse. The tributes are a pittance compared to that.

[MasterAblar]

The BT's and the WT's image in the future is going to depend a lot on what happens in aMoL.

[David Selig]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

Yeah, I know, but some of them might be tempted enough to risk it, especially if the offer comes from a country with close ties with the White Tower - would the Black Tower start a war against the Aes Sedai to get one renegade?.

 

Plus the policy of the BT may change after the Last Battle and with the taint gone. The harsh measures against deserters which are now in place could cease to be in effect.

[Ernmore]

Didn't Elayne and Perrin work out that the Two Rivers would be Rand's seat of power with Perrin as Lord? Wouldn't this be the logical place for the Ashamen to rebuild and train until integration with the WT is done? It make s ense to me that his would be the way to go. Just sayin.

[MasterAblar]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

Yeah, I know, but some of them might be tempted enough to risk it, especially if the offer comes from a country with close ties with the White Tower - would the Black Tower start a war against the Aes Sedai to get one renegade?.

 

Plus the policy of the BT may change after the Last Battle and with the taint gone. The harsh measures against deserters which are now in place could cease to be in effect.

 

I guess it would come down to whether someone risk it and then pull it off or not. Would the BT start a war with the WT? If there's enough at risk maybe, but would the WT start a war with the BT, which would be a huge risk if they attempt to "corrupt" one of the Ashaman? I certainly can't see the BT letting the WT metaphorically step all over them and get away with it.

 

I imagine they probably won't execute them any more after catching them, but I doubt they'll go easely on them either.

[MasterAblar]

Didn't Elayne and Perrin work out that the Two Rivers would be Rand's seat of power with Perrin as Lord? Wouldn't this be the logical place for the Ashamen to rebuild and train until integration with the WT is done? It make s ense to me that his would be the way to go. Just sayin.

 

The might not even need to move from where they are, and it's not like anyone can force them out. Intergration from the WT is no neccesary either. If they are going to move, I imagine the best would be somewhere where no one else has any power.

[Xcorpyo001]

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Since the Asha'man did all the fighting alongside other troops and the DR(and the rebel AS sworn directly to him), while the AS had their little civil war, and even now, after they are reunited, the Borderlands are overrun and they don't help with anything, maybe some regions will pay them as well, or even switch from WT to BT, if the BT promises not to meddle in their affairs(which they don't wish to do anyway).

 

The truth of the matter is aside from Maradon no forces of the light have been fighting in the Borderlands(including the Borderland rulers which is where the blame rightfully should fall). With the AS gathering intel and everyone poised at the FoM that will certainly change soon.

 

None of the countries are going to switch their tribute and your point would only hold if AS were to sit out TG entirely.

 

As for the AS source of income, Tar Valon is far and away the wealthiest city in Randland. Controlling all the major N/S trade routes has made it an economic powerhouse. The tributes are a pittance compared to that.

 

 

The Rebel AS managed to sustain themselves and a huge army on the march with only part of the tribute for over an year, because the Tower took most of it.

TV may be rich, but it's just one city, however rich it may be. If they are doing so well, why do they need the tribute from the other countries? And there are a lot of expenses. Now most of the river trade is blocked, because of the chain.

But they are so rich by themselves, then they'll have no problem with stopping the payments.

 

The bridges have been blocked for months, so they had to Travel to pick up some of the tribute money. I think most of the traders are already looking for alternate routes, especially since Seachan raids on the WT will probably became a routine in the not so distant future.

 

And again, if the Asha'man can build Travelling Posts inside several countries, it will make going through Tar Valon just a bother. If they use the same tax Tar Valon asks to pass goods through the island of Tar Valon, they can shorten the same trip from several months to one day. So they can actually pay more than the tribute, and still have a big profit.

I know, maybe the AS will do the same. But I just can't see a Red, a White or a Brown demeaning themselves as to do this menial tasks.

[Suttree]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

 

Yes but when Taim is gone this crazy harsh measures will surely be discontinued...

[MasterAblar]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

 

Yes but when Taim is gone this crazy harsh measures will surely be discontinued...

 

Maybe they won't be executed after being caught, but I highly doubt they'll just let any Ashaman walk away and start another organisation for male channellers. It would be desertion. I don't think the WT allows it either.

[Suttree]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

 

Yes but when Taim is gone this crazy harsh measures will surely be discontinued...

 

Maybe they won't be executed after being caught, but I highly doubt they'll just let any Ashaman walk away and start another organisation for male channellers. It would be desertion. I don't think the WT allows it either.

 

Maybe not with full fledged AS but they did with the Kin. Point being is it only takes one and at some point it is likely to happen.

[MasterAblar]

Money doesn't seem to have been a problem for the Ashaman so far. And having the monopoly on saidin is far more valuable than making a little money. There are plenty of other ways they can make money using their abilities. And certainly better ones than training future rivals. Why would any male channeler choose to obey Kings or Queens or Female channelers where they will always have to obey, rather than join the BT that is growing more and more powerful, and where they can rise very high. And any Ashaman who tries to betray the BT is hunted down.

This makes sense for the Black Tower as a whole. But on individual level, if you are on of the lower ranked Asha'man, who don't have much luxury and no prestige now, and get offered to become ultrarich and a high ranked noble by let's say the Queen of Saldaea, it would be a tempting offer. Whether they have to obey the leader of the Black Tower or a Queen doesn't make much difference, in fact being a high noble would be far more tempting than being a run of the mill Asha'man on the lowest level of the BT hierarchy.

 

They AS have money because all the regions of Randland pay them a tribute in exchange for protection/help in the war against the Shadow, and mediation of conflicts(read royal spanking).

Nope, that's a very minor source of income for them - they have money because they control the richest city in Randland and the trade routes that pass through it, and the oldest and most respected bank in Randland.

 

Yes, a low rank Ashaman might want to do this, but I'm pretty sure they are not allowed to do that. They would be betraying the BT. They would be hunted down. I think it's Perrin who thinks to himself at the end of KoD, after Tam asks him about Rand, and tells him about Taim coming to the TR to recruit men for the BT, that the BT doesn't let men go after training them.

 

Yes but when Taim is gone this crazy harsh measures will surely be discontinued...

 

Maybe they won't be executed after being caught, but I highly doubt they'll just let any Ashaman walk away and start another organisation for male channellers. It would be desertion. I don't think the WT allows it either.

 

Maybe not with full fledged AS but they did with the Kin. Point being is it only takes one and at some point it is likely to happen.

 

The BT is far more militaristic than the WT. Even a soldier isn't allowed to walk away. Besides why would they? The BT is the one place where there is no prejudice against them, and unlike the WT you don't have to be strong in the power to gain importance. Androl for example is weak but he essentially leads the Ashaman at the BT who are on Rand's side.

 

But even if one did decide to take the risk, and betray the BT, they would have to get away with it, which is no easy feat. Then they have to hope that the BT doesn't discover their new organisation, and if it grows large enough there's no way it won't be. And whose to say the BT won't just stamp out that new organisation when they discover it, much like the WT has done in the past?

 

Apart from the Seanchan, who have issues with any kind of channellers to begin with, no nation can stand toe to toe with the BT, so who would dare risk starting a war with it? Because that's what they would be doing by trying to corrupt an Ashaman to start their own group of male channellers, and I don't see the BT letting any traitor get away with this.

 

So it's not just the individual channeller who is taking a huge risk, it's the nation he's going to work for that is taking a huge risk as well.