Covai nodded. "Fair enough." He had heard the story before. He had to admit it was rare for an Asha'man, but it had happened. "You're laps are only part of the training. It's time to see how the rest of it has gone."

Straightening himself, Covai hooked his leg firmly around the tree branch under him before shifting his weight to the side. Grabbing another branch as he dropped, Covai proceeded monkey swing his way down from the tree. Landing in a crouch, Covai was pleased to see Ikki wasn't having too much trouble climbing his way down. He wasn't too impressed at the foot holes he had carved though. It took all the fun of it things.

Leading the Dedicated back towards the path, Covai spoke whilst dodging branches. "You mentioned the taint earlier. Thats not why we exist. I'll admit it a part of it.." Covai paused, holding back a branch as he waited for the man to catch up. "..but not all. We exsit for the Dragon to use at the Last Battle, Tar'Mon'Gaidon. We'll be the first, and last of the defenders against the shadow. Think about that as we walk."

Leaving the man to his thoughts, Covai led him to the training grounds. Fortunately it was lunch time, so the grounds were mostly clear. "Alright, here we are." Covai patted Ikkiliad's shoulder. "Healing is a noble goal, and one you'd be right to follow, but before that opportunity arrises, you need to be able to defend those you would heal."

Taking a twenty steps or so, Covai turned around to face his partner, seizing Saidin as he did, pushing the sickening effects of the taint to the side has he focused. "Come at me as you will. I want to see the weapon you've become. You'll need to become a blade for the Dragon before you can become a tonic for a healer."

OOC: Have fun. Covai will just counter the first few attacks before responding. It will be light at first, but growing with intensity. After all, this is your last test before Asha'man :D

*Makes a special note to swing by the Warder yard to cause some choas  ;D*

Just posting here so everyone can see we're about to undergo some MAJOR changes and events at the Black Tower. Pop over and take a look. Post your comments! Bring cookies!!  ;D

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,35756.0.html

Thats right folks, the details about bonding between the towers (amongst other details) have finally been worked out!

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,35756.0.html

Come over and take a took what we crazies have in store for you  ;D

Thats right folks, we have it all sorted out. And when I say all, I mean ALL! From killing shadowspawn to killing the M'hael (You heard me!). From binding traitors for execution to binding Aes Sedai to our will (well we can try). From ...... Well you get the idea :P

This is going to be the biggest set of RPs for the Black Tower since the Fall of the Stone of Tear and the Dragon's Amnesty. We've got opportunities to see the Dragon (Yes, THE Dragon will be making an appearance at the Black Tower 8)), purge the upper ranks of the Black Tower (with explosives :o) and scare some old ladies (always a bonus! ;D)

Below are the outlines for the 9 Major RPs that are going to take place. I know you've all been holding out for this, so sorry for such a long wait. As you'll see though, a LOT of thought has gone into this, so trust me, it's been worth it!  8)

Okay now guys, go get a pizza and a beer or something before starting. You'll need it.

No# 1  **BIG RP** (Open) - Answering the Call (Blight RP with Congress of the Shadow)

This one has been sorted out and is currently underway. We kill shadowspawn, the Forsaken turn up and we run :P

No# 2  **Small RP** (Closed) - Recognising the need (Arath and Covai talk)

After retreating from battle and licking their wounds, Covai and Arath talk. Neither are pleased about the outcome of the battle, and how severely the Black Tower was beaten. After some serious hesitation, one of them voices the possible need to combine forces with the White Tower, as the battle must have involved linked circles of Dark Channelers. Whilst not wanting to admit the possibility, the two realise not to do so is pointless, and worse, dangerous. Individual channelers stand no chance against a circle.

No # 3 **Small RP** (Closed - Open though Signups) - Approaching the Boss

They proceed to inform Brent as M'hael, and also meet with Jarron to inform him, and broach the topic of creating circles of Asha'man and Aes Sedai. Jarron (after thinking seriously about it, already being aware of the Events in the Watchers RP) orders the Black Tower to make peace and do what they can to make such a collaboration possible, as it would present the only means of countering the Dreadlords/ladies in the future. (Aka: If the shadow can band together, than we can to)

(Brent in the mean time bitches, swears, and refuses the idea )

No #4 **Big RP* (Open for arrival, then Closed) - The Dragon inspects his troops

Jarron visits the Black Tower and calls the M'hael and all Storm/Attack Leaders together. In light of the failure in Shienar, and from the suggestion from Covai/Arath, Jarron declares that we must form a pact with the White Tower so the Light can once again create circles and channel on a scale not seen since the Age of Legends.

Brent and his inner circle flaty reject this idea, and Jarron tells them to shut up and do it. After Jarron leaves the Black Tower, the Storm Leaders hold their own discussion about what/where/how this is all to happen, with many voicing their distrust of Aes Sedai. After stronge debate, considering the prospect of reaching new heights not seen since the Age of Legends (and wanting serious pay back next time they fight the Shadow) the Storm and Attack Leaders agree to follow Jarron's orders.

**No# 5 **Really, REALLY Big RP** (Open, but only at a safe distance) - Fate Decided

Brent and his inner circle however refuse to bow to the consensus. Storming out of the room in anger and disgust with the rest of us. Later that day, as Covai is just about to leave to visit the White Tower, he is stopped by Brent, flanked by two of his supporters. Brent orders Covai to stand down and forbids him to go to the tower. Covai dismounts his horse and motions Arath (who has been talking with him on the way to the travelling ground) back. The situation has already attracted the attention of all thos nearby.

Covai goes toe to toe with Brent, refusing to obey, as not only do his orders come directly from the Dragon Reborn, he understands and believes in them without hesitation. He verbally blast Brent, reminding him that Asha'man are Guardians, they are to stand against the Shadow in Tai'Mon'Gaidon, not to play powermonger for their egos. He reminds them of their defeat at Sheinar, having been the one who lead their forces there at Brent's command. Covai states that he refuses to let another man's ego and refusal to accept the truth be responsible to the deaths of anymore men.

This attack infront of the entire Tower enfuriates Brent, who as Covai walks past him to continue to the travelling ground, attacks him from behind. Covai, who fortunately had enough time and distance between them erects a wall of earth to deflect the blow. The two leaders then face of in a battle to determine not only who leads the tower (as far as Brent is concerned), but the future meaning and existance of the Asha'man (as far was Covai is concerned).

As this is going on, Arath has barked at all soldiers and Asha'man to stand back from the fight, knowing any who get involved will most likely be killed. It is also Arath (along with the rest of the Storm Leaders who had been drawn by the commotion of the arguement) who take down the two Storm Leaders with Brent, as well as the third who comes rushing in late. They evacuate the surround area, following Arath's lead, and leave Covai and Brent to fight it out.

After an intense fight, Covai finally manages to kill Brent, leaving himself exhausted by doing so. The remaining five Storm Leaders, who along with Arath have taken care of the 3 Storm Leaders who sided with Brent, carry Covai back to his quarters and form a protective guard while he recovers. In the mean time, the Attack Leaders (none of whom sided with Brent) are in damage control mode, having to get the rest of the BLack Tower moving again, and try to clean up the destruction left from the battle.

**Everyone is welcome to post opinions and viewpoints throughout the arguement, duel, and aftermath. No one below Attack Leader however is to be involed in combat. Asha'man and below are free to be pushed back by Arath and the Storm Leaders (even offer a little resistance if they like), but thats it, otherwise they're most likely to wind up dead**

No # 6 **Small RP** (Closed, then open) - A New Black??

Once Covai has recovered, he and the fellow Storm Leaders discuss the battle with Brent. The Storm Leaders throw their support behind Covai, not only beacuse of the Dragon's orders, or the fact he defeated Brent, but because they can see that Covai knew what the right thing to do was. Covai calls for Arath to join this discussion, feeling he has shown himself true to the Black Tower's ideals, as promotes him to Storm Leader with the other's backing.

The Storm Leaders suggest Covai becomes the new M'hael, but Covai turns the idea down, hating the idea of the position, saying that putting only one man above the others is only asking for trouble. He instead suggests a council of Storm Leaders be formed, which with seven members, covers enough of an area to handle things, and the odd number prevents them become deadlocked in a debate.

After reaching agreemnt, Covai and the new Storm Leader Council address the whole of the Black Tower, informing them of the Dragon's orders, Brent's Death, and the new Council of Guardians (I like the name  ;D) that would govern the Black Tower from now on. They are also informed of the Dragon's orders to collaborate with the White Tower to create circles of Guardians and Servants to protect the Light from the Shadow. Covai announces his plans to visit the White Tower and speak with the Amrylin and Hall at this point, where they will offer Asha'man and bondmates to Aes Sedai, to ensure that both Towers are able to access the same ability to create a circle.

**This is where everyone gets to go 'oooh' and 'aahhhh' and "Light Burn you woolheaded fool!!!"

No # 7 (Small RP) - Open (Through sign ups) - Realisation

Covai opens a gateway to the White Tower. Unfortunately he happens to open it into a courtyard with Red Ajah members inside. Unable to close the gateway before they are spotted (Those shiny pins are a giveaway), Covai and his party  travel through and inform the Aes Sedai of why they are there, and ask to speak to the Amrylin.

Some of the Aes Sedai leave to report (both to the Amrylin and Ajah) whilst the others stay behind to watch over the crazies :P

**This RP will basically involve Covai and others rocking up and waiting around, admiring the sights of the White Tower from the courtyard. This RP will focus mostly on the Aes Sedai returning with the news and Covai's offer of collaboration. The WT can do what they like with this, and BT involvement will be confined to commenting how pretty the flower beds look, and how someone could at least bring them some food whilst they wait. Oh, and the funny looks on Novice faces have having a bunch of Asha'man standing around looking scary  )

No # 8 **Big RP** (Closed) - The Guardians and The Servants of All.

Covai is taken to see the Amrylin. (with the moral support from the others who have come along and don't have to say anything --- thanks guys) Covai starts to inform the Amyrlin of what has happened, but before he gets far the Amrylin sends for some other AS by name. The Red Sitters and Zarinen have already arrived and get escorted in, followed by the others with Covai (to even out the numbers),

In front of the assembled Aes Sedai, Covai informs them of all that has happened, from the Fall of Sheiner, to the Fight with Brent to the Dragon's orders, to the fact the Shadow has male and female channlers working in unison. Covai holds nothing back, even about how badly the Black Tower was beaten.

Covai then proposes collaboration between the two towers, not as a political move, but as one that needs to happen. He reminds them not only of the needs to be able to combat full circles of channelers, but of the true meanings of Asha'man and Aes Sedai. He pleads with to Tower not just to think of what is, but what they are meant to be, Servants of All, and Guardians of All.

They Amyrlin admits what a fine idea it would be to work together, but that Covai must understand that for 3000 years AS have been very wary of men who can channel, blah blah. Of course, the Red Ajah have more experience with such men than any of the other Ajahs. Reds might consider … oh … bonding members of the BT. That would help form better relationships. The Reds ARE the largest Ajah, so plenty of them around to help expand circles and such.

To their surprise Covai accepts the bonding of Asha'man as warders with little hesitation. To their ire however he also demands that Aes Sedai are bonded to Asha'man as well, so that the power isn't held purely by one side of the tower.

No #9 **Big RP** (Open) - The Age of Legends Reborn

After the Aes Sedai discuss/argue about Covai and the Black Tower's offer, it is eventually agreed that some Asha'man will join the Aes Sedai as Warders, and some Aes Sedai will join the black tower. As the two sides reach an agreement, for the first time in memory, Male and Female channelers are treated as equals.

Due to the depth and bredth (and the fact my outbox is strangely empty  >:() of the bonding RPs, No#9 here will be a more of a series of RPs at the same time, covering all the intial bondings and responses. We'll cover these in a different thread. I'll post the basic gist of it here though, since I know its what a lot of people have been holding out.

Basically the Red Ajah will bonded some Asha'man straight up. These Asha'man will be put up in the Red Ajah quarters. Men staying with the Red Ajah, combined with the Red Aes Sedai asking other Ajahs about bonding details soon make it obvious what's going on. The whole matter is made public, and bonding is open to all Ajah's.

In other words, you'll have two ways of being bonded. If you are bonded by the Red Ajah in the first wave, you'll basically have no warning, and you'll have to come to grips with what has already happened (and no one's telling you you have to be thrilled about it either). The second option is to be bonded later on, and you get the chance to know your Aes Sedai before the bonding takes place. These bonds can occur either way, where as the first wave is purley Aes Sedai bonding Asha'man.

Asha'man living at the White Tower are for all effects Warders. The get to training with the warders, and follow their Aes Sedai around like a good puppy.

Aes Sedai stationed at the Black Tower would see that despite the taint, male channelers still have families they care for, livelyhoods they practice inbetween classes, feelings, emotions and dreams. They aren't just crazies who need to be put down.

Well I hope you all like what we've managed to come up with. This has all been approved by the Black Tower, White Tower, AND Admins (Hence we get to use the Dragon!  ;D) As you can see there's going to be plenty of time for sub plots and side RPs in conjunction with all of this. These are just the 9 major points to be covered.

Feel free to post or PM me with any questions ^_^

*Sighs sadly*

And Robert Jordan tries to say SAIDIN is the tainted side........

Just remember to keep it PG13+ :P

Are you sure you want that while one of you are asleep?

Well maybe you do  ;D

I didn't say anything...

*steps over sieve and wanders off looking innocent*

Covai raised an eyebrow at the last comment. "I hadn't heard about that..." Covai leaned back, resting against a spilt in the tree branches. "Tell me about what happened."

OOC: Its short, I know, but this RP is focusing on your character. Let's hear what happened to you :)

Arath's the one who brought the point up :P The male and female bonding weaves are different. The woman's bonding weave gives their bondee more stamia, endurance, etc. The male's bonding weave doesn't as far as I remember (but I don't remember the Aes Sedai getting in fights afterwards :P), but it does provide the male with a limited degree of compulsion over the woman. Its not abosolute, but it does carry weight, more so if they don't notice it. If they notice and realise, they can fight it easily enough.

If people want to vary this and 'double bond', that is place the second bonding weave from the other side, now that's intersting, and definetely something to be worked out in advance. Otherwise I say we stick to the books, and just figure how our characters will react :P

*Honestly thought the brooms would be more of a threat*  :-\

Yeah, the bonding weave for each tower are completely seperate. The White Tower's one has been used for thousands of years. And us at the Black Tower come up with ours the other week while drunk :P

Besides, women don't need the bonded to force a man to do what they want. They just have to keep telling him until he gets sick of hearing it :P

As for having the reqs done for raising, I doubt that there will be a problem with any of that. There's a LOT of detail going into this, so you'll have time to finish your classes on the side :D

*hides before he gets beaten for teasing people with little bits of information...or the nagging comment :D*

*Nods Sagely*

Why else would we put up with you all? :P And don't stress if you don't get around to the RP Matalina, we can always just start a different one for Jeffery when you're ready :)

Okay Ikki, your post is up.

Matalina, I'd suggest jumping in on the Sheinar thread. There are Dedicated as well as Asha'man present. And I can't think of a better chance for Jeffery to get some healing practice. I'm willing to count it towards his inter-div RP count as well.

Covai twirled the twig absently between his fingers as he waited for the Dedicated to turn up. Leaning back against the trunk of the tree as he waited, Covai tilted his head back, looking up through the branches at the sky above. There were a few clouds scattered about, but it was otherwise a rather fine day.

The sound of a twig snapping brought Covai to his senses. Glancing down from his perch, he could see the the man in question at the base of the tree, some ten or twelve feet below him. Covai was about to whilst the get Ikkiliad's attention but stoped himself. Sitting himself upright, Covai used his legs to balance himself as he pulled the waterskin from his belt. Untapping it, Covai proceeded to pour the contents over the unsuspecting Mayener.

"Hey, up here!" Covai called down. Storm Leader's up in trees probably weren't the best sign of a good day, but it had become something of a habit for Covai at times like this He was about to see what the man was truly made of before his raising. Putting people off guard and in unfamiliar situations was usually a good way to do it.

"Well don't just stand there, climb up!" Covai called down again whilst the Mayener was brushing the water out of his hair. "I'll make it an order if you don't get moving!" Covai's soft threat was serious. Light, he could order the man to walk around on his hands if he had now. "Hmm... not a bad idea actually..." Covai mused to himself. He'd have to try that one on a pesky soldier someday.

Watching in amusement, Covai guessed it had been a while since the man had climbed a tree. The Black Robe of the Tower probably didn't help either. Grinning to himself as he waited, Covai was thankful for the tunic and leggins he was wearing.

Shuffling around to a free branch, Covai nodded for the Dedicated to do the same. "So Ikkiliad, I hear you've grasped most of what you're been shown in your classes. Its good to hear. But I've called you out here for something different today."

Covai stretched a little, letting the breeze blowing through the leaves break the conversation for a while before continuing. "But despite being able to channel, knowing how to bend Saidin to your will and make it do as you will, there's something else you need before being raised." Covai looked the Dedicated in the eye. "Why do you want to be an Asha'man? Are you here because you're afraid of the taint? Do you seek power? Or is there something you want to protect?"

*Bites Liitha*

Okay, Incarns, Admins, they're still the boss :P

You're spot on about the WT and BT officials meeting. After the Big RP between the two, the RPs that flow on afterwards will give people more than enough oportunities to work with (hey, maybe even an idea or two as well :D)

Asha'man Weapon Score = 8

Attack Leader Weapon Score = 9

Storm Leader Weapon Score = 10

Thats basically as high as the BT's Weapons scores go. There's been a few exceptions in the past, but none of those characters have been active for years :P

As for the rules for bonding, they'll be pretty much the same as the Aes Sedai and Warders in regards to releasing the bond due to inactivity and such. Basically, the bond will NOT be release because you're bored with it, or want to do something else with your character. So make sure you're ready for this people getting in over your heads.

Liitha's got it spot on with Asha'man bonded by Aes Sedai. You're their warder, but you can channel as well. You follow them around and try to be a good little doggie :P

Aes Sedai bonded by Asha'man will be the same as the books as well. Except because this is all agreed to (unlike the occurances with the Watchers RP), you won't be make to do chores all day. You'll basically hang around with the Asha'man at the Black Tower, and wherever they happen to go.

I'll reveal a little bit about the details with the BT approaching the tower and WHY everyone will be getting bonded. One of the main factors involved is so that each tower will have access to forming circles. The Black Tower will be able to create a circle for the first time, and the White Tower will be able to expand theirs beyond the limit of 13. There's a few minor details that will be up to each pairing, but that is the underlying reasoning behind the events. I hope that clarifies and helps with a few points. (Yeah, its a pain trying to sort everythnig out without knowing all the details. But I promise, we're almost there!! :D)

In regards to not being able to bond someone due to OP or WS scores or anything like that, that won't really come into play as far as I can see. (Only Asha'man will be bonding, and their WS is 8 anyways). If the WT want to impose rules on their side feel free, but no such rules (other than being Asha'man) will be applied to the Black Tower members. Like Liitha said, we don't have thousands of years of tradition holding us back. (Of course you'll still need to the bonding and inform us before RPing the whole thing out :P).

If you want to RP some IC repercussions of your bonding (senior Aes Sedai disagreeing, problems at the Black Tower for being with a witch, etc,) feel free to. Keep in mind though the offical stance of both towers will be agreement to the bonds (of course, that doesn't mean every character has to like it :P)

Also, the whole order and reasoning behind bonding and all that will become clear soon. People will be able to use the RP outline as a base and come up with their own individual RP ideas from there. (Again, sorry about holding details back, but we don't want people getting excited and jumping the gun like with the watchers RP :'()

Oh, and for reference. The Black Tower's Diplomatic policy goes something like this

1) Does it argue with you?

Blow it up.

2) Does it still argure with you?

Use bigger explosions!  ;D

Covai nodded in agreement. "Something's wrong. I'd like to say we're simply better prepared but..." Covai's gaze took in the shaken Dedicated and Asha'man sacttered around. Most held their composure, whether from sheer defiance, force of will or experience Covai couldn't tell. Still, their training had led them all towards a day like this. A few upset stomaches could be understood, but he couldn't afford to tolerate them, not now. Pausing from his conversation, Covai addressed the Asha'man.

"Get your backsides moving people! Don't let the first wave go to your head. There's no way a force like that could have conquered Sheinar. The rest of them know where here, and they're not going to be happy." Covai allowed himself to grin. "So lets make sure we continue to spoil their day! Frontlines fall back for some rest. Anyone who hasn't been on the front lines step up! Healers, get moving and patch up who you can. I want a tally of wounded for both sides within ten minutes. And for LIGHTS sake can someone tell me the moment Krissin's forces report back!"

Turning his attention back to the Attack Leader, Covai lowered his voice. "For the life of me I'm not sure. I'm going to send squads out to start weaving wards and some other nasty traps in the area around us. We don't have any archers, so any sort of advanced or extra attack before they reach the walls is vital." Covai looked his friend up and down. "How are you holding up? Think you can take a few squads back out there and show them how its done?" Covai was glad Arath didn't even hesitate. It was good to have a friend you could trust watching your back.

Turning his back to the dead bodies outside the fortifications, Covai whistled loudly for attention. "I need some volunteers. Anyone who wants to set up some nasty surprises for these shadowspawn get your hides over here. I'm looking for Asha'man strong in earth and fire. Healers carry on as is." Covai was pleased to see the determined look in the eyes of the Asha'man and Dedicated who stepped up. He was about to hold back the ones fresh from the battlements, but their gazes stopped him. These men now knew what it was they were fighting, and they were determined to win. Covai would be a fool to hold them back.

"Five man squads men. Spread out and set up a death trap out there for the bastards. Spikes, pitfalls, grenades, exploding wards, I don't care what you do, just make those shadow scum pay for what they did here!"

OOC: Use your imagination here guys. This is the end of phase one. As soon as the CoTS start posting their arrival, double time it back to the defenses before you're caught. Also for the CoTS, feel free start beating the tar out of Krissin's forces that headed to the Sheiner Capital. They're the guys you get to wipe out :P

I'll get the Duel started then :)

So do you have anything in mind in regards to healing? We could include him in the Battle in the Sheinar going on at the moment and have him try to save a couple of dying Asha'man while the shadow are charging down as us :D

Yep, its true. The Crazies are coming to invade Tar Valon!!!

.....

Okay, maybe not. You're all crazy enough as it is. That's problaby why we thought we'd come and pay you all a visit  ;D

The planning for the bonding of Asha'man are on their final stages. Soon as the last kinks are worked out we'll be posting the RP outlines for all to follow. So if you're already planning how the two of you meet and such, PLEASE just hold back a bit for the moment. There's about 10 RPs leading up to the bonding stage (I'm not kidding here!). That's a lot of room and time for character development, and there will be some MAJOR changes at the Black Tower as well.

Well, the Black Tower changes will be happening anyways. The staff love them, as do the Incarns! (Yes, they DO look at the stuff we do ) We've got everything you could ask for (and most of which you were afraid to ask ). Trust me, give it another day or two, and you'll be in for some (possibly un)pleasant surprises.

So either arm yourself with cookies or broomsticks, cause the Black Tower's coming to pay you girls a visit! :D

Yeah, I'd love to join in, but all my creativity is focus on the WT at the moment :S Have fun with this though!

*Starts kicking other members to go join you so you stop playing with yourself :P**

Okay folks, the details for all of this are on their final stages. Soon as the last kinks are worked out we'll be posting the RP outlines for all to follow. So if you're already planning how the two of you meet and such, PLEASE just hold back a bit for the moment. There's about 10 RPs leading up to the bonding stage (I'm not kidding here!). That's a lot of room and time for character development, and there will be some MAJOR changes at the Black Tower as well.

Well, the Black Tower changes will be happening anyways. The staff love them, as do the Incarns! (Yes, they DO look at the stuff we do :P) We've got everything you could ask for (and most of which you were afraid to ask :P). Trust me, give it another day or two, and you'll be in for some (possibly un)pleasant surprises :D

*Grins*

You have NOoooooooo idea how glad I am for a duel :D Do you want to track Covai down for the duel, or have Covai call you out for it?

Okay folks, who's up some RPs? If you got reqs still needing a hand, post here. If you're bored and getting twitchy, post here was well! We've got some really big RPs about to get rolling, so lets get some warm up RPs happening ;p

Basically post here with your character, request/suggestion, and lets get these boards going!! :D