Okay kiddies, lesson time :D

The ORIGINAL Inn was made of wood and built by Covai back as a Dedicated. This was a long, long time ago. Back when dial up ruled and DM was found on EZboards.

Over the years the Inn was burnt down and rebuilt numerous times. This usually happened when the M'hael was swapped or a Forsaken popped up at the BT. It became almost like a raising requirement that Dedicated at the time helped rebuild the thing bigger and better. Think of it as a messed up retelling of the three little pigs.

Oddly enough, when the last M'hael (Brent) was killed, despite our best attempts a using a Storm Leader to destroy the Inn in the usual BT tradition, they just made a funny 'splush' noise and a lot of mess when we slammed them into the wall. Looks like we finally reached the house of bricks tier the pigs has so long sought after.

In regards to 'Ownership' of the Inn, it was Covai's to start with. Dashiva and Covai co-ran the place for years, each stepping in as the other stepped out. Whilst most people assumed this to be a form of comradere, the truth is we had really forgotten who was in charge, and just ran away whenever we thought the 'boss' was back to avoid having to do any real work.

As of the moment, the Inn is still owned by Covai, but thats more a signature on some paperwork than anything else. The day to day running is taken care of by the Civilians in the Black Tower and the head cook, who talks loudly and carries an even louder stick. It does still house Covai's quarters not too far from the kitchen, as it makes it easier to sneak a snack during the middle of the night when he and Arath aren't doing a run to Arad Doman for Chinese type food.

So Class, any questions?  ;D

Dashiva owns the Inn?

*Sets Dashiva's pants on fire*

Geez, give the man a welcome back party and he thinks he owns the place :P

Cool.

IC wise Covai can lead the group, then just wander around or something once we turn up :P

Will do :)

Count Covai in. He's the first BTer who made contact with the WK after all :)

Sounds good to me. Who doesn't want a crazy channeler popping up in the middle of their dream? ;)

Covai raised an eyebrow at the Taraboner. "Show some manners and apologise? Well I'll admit we didn't intend on turning up in one of your gardens inside the tower. Light, we planned on turning a few miles outside of Tar Valon and riding the rest of the way." Covai took a slight step backwards, bowing toward the women. "So for turning up so unannounced I aplogoise. And you have my thanks for your gracious and speedy reception of us."

Covai straightened himself again. "However, the Amrylin herself, just moments ago anknowledged any lasting peacse must be based on respect and understanding. I respect your intelligence laides by cutting to the point and being honest. If you prefer we can dance words around the table like Cairhien nobles, but this is not a time for games."

"You talk of understanding, which is exactly why I asked my question. Like it or not, the tower as hunted men who could channel." Covai's eyes locked on the Taraboner. "You think I've forgotten where I am and what you are? I stand amongest women who have hunted anybody who shares my traits in the past, and you think my asking if the explanation given to me was honest is too much?"

"I would think you would know Aes Sedai can speak only the truth"

"Maybe. But telling the truth and being honest are two different things" Covai responded, his voice taking a softer, almost disappointed tone. "Lies by ommission are still lies, remember that."

"So let me clarify and expand the details for you." Covai regained himself and took his seat again, facing Shevara across the desk. "Less than two weeks ago the Black Tower answered a call from Sheinar. The Shadow had attacked and Fal Moran was overrun. We had three Asha'man there at the time, and only one made it back through a gateway. The wound across his chest was not made by any blade or arrowhead. No hand held weapon burns flesh like that."

"Long story short, we lost over a hundred men that day. Lightning and fire rained down from clear skies that day, and only of it was our doing. If you want the details I'll give them to you, but for now I'll get to the point."

Covai's eyes narrowed. "The shadow has channelers on their side. Get me your oath road if you like but its the honest truth. Unless of course you suddenly have sisters running around with Trollocs we should know about." The humor in Covai's voice was dry and hollow.

"We don't know how many there are or how well trained, but they were strong enough to push through most of our defences." Covai's eyes darted to the Taraboner who seemed to be the only other one here speaking their mind. "Before you even start to say they were only boys without training, don't. If you want to gauge the training the Asha'man recieve, I'll submit to whatever tests you like. Besides, I was at Dumai Wells, I know female channeling when I'm up against it." Covai let the sore point rest with that.

"So when I say Tar'Mon'Gaidon is coming, I mean it. This isn't just some rambling on about prophesies or worried speaking the Dark One's name will somehow summon him. The simple fact is we can't afford to fight amongst each other any more."

"As you said Shevara, this is not the time for false pride or assumptions. The previous treaty was formed out of chaos and a desire to cease the bloodshed between us. It was a desperate measure made by desperate people. That is no foundation for a future."

"I've laid our cards on the table. The Dragon wants, and needs the White Tower on his side. We're not asking you to bow down and scrape before him, but at the same time, don't expect to carry the Dragon around on a leash before you."

"If we continue, we both need to live up to our namesakes. Aes Sedai and Asha'man. The Servants and Guardians of all."

Anything really, I just want to RP in TAR :P

RPing with a WK may be fun, since that's where Covai learnt to control his talent, way back when Telnor was around :P

Well my BT Asha'man has the Dreamwalking Talent, but it's been years since I've actually RPed anyting in TAR.

Any body up for a dreamwalking session? Open to all Divs as well, so maybe use this as an interdiv req?  ;D

Covai ran his fingers through his hair and scratched his head as he looked at the Amrylin. "So... you did not put the Dragon in a box.....you did not send Aes Sedai to the tower....." Covai let the words hang in the air for a moment. "To me, it sounds like you don't have very good control over your Aes Sedai, Shevara." Whether it was the emphasis on the Amrylin, or the fact he called her by her name rather than title Covai didn't care. The fact was though, none of the Aes Sedai in the room were impressed with his lack of subtly, tact, or manner. Light, half of them looked like they'd just as soon bend him over their knee with a switch. They were probably old enough to think they could do it too.

"If you follow that logic, then we.." Covai geustured to Arath and himself "...are not the ones you made the treaty with. Nor did you make it with Jarron Al'Tanin." The underlying threat in his words were echoed in Covai's eyes. These women had no treaty to hide behind. And their oaths prevented them from striking first. If Covai and Arath wished it, they could easily overpower and take over half of the room before they had a chance to strike back.

Covai waved irritatedly at the Ter'angreal on the desk. "You all witness one man's dying request, and think that it gives you a free hand to end the lives of how many is it? Hundreds? Thousands of lives over the years? Aes Sedai were once both women and men. Yet look at yourselves now. The once proud Servants are now no more than a half of what they were."

Covai stood, shaking his head in bemusement as he started to pace. "For thousands of years your tower here has stood, and yet what has been accomplished. Judging by all records, the tower has never even come close to regaining what was lost from the Age of Legends. You all seem to be too interested playing Daes Dae'mar, deluding yourselves that because you can channel, because you've been chosen or touched by the creator himself, or light, because you can call yourselve a Servant of All, somehow that means you know better than anybody and everybody how things should be done."

"You hide behind this Ter'Angrael and its message, implying that your actions are done out of love.." Holding up a hand to stall one of the Aes Sedai who went to speak, Covai continued. "I won't argue the point that the man's sister who he sent the message to may have had those feelings. Light, I haven't even argued about that fact you women had to translate this thing for us....."

Covai paused for a moment. "No, burn you all." Spinning to face the Amrylin, Covai spoke. "Shevara Edosian, do I have your word as Amrylin Seat, and Aes Sedai, that those words you spoke are a directly translation of the message we've seen. If so, how do you know? Was the translation done by yourself or another?"

Covai scratched his chin as he kept his eyes on the women. Light burn him if he's light Aes Sedai word tricks get in the way of things today.

OOC: Figured this was a good point to break, feel free to just answer 'yes', Covai has a lot more ranting to get through :D

This is possibly the coolest thing I've seen about WOT all year (besides the new book - no offence  :))

It looks pretty damn plausible as well. Maybe we should chase up Sanderson and see if this is in any of the notes Jordan let behind for him?  ;D

(PS: Looks like Australia ends up being land of the madmen. Considering we started off as a convict colony down here, its seems to add more credibility to it :D)

Already replied to you :D

Welcome back mate!

Arath has a point too....

There's just too many soldiers for one man to fireball by himself :D

Covai couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he grinned in amusement at the Amrylin spoke. Assistance? All the time he had spent walking the halls, corridors and stairs of the White Tower, his stomach had been gnawing at him uneasily. Somehow, instead of wishing he had more time to think things over, the speed of their admittance did more to ease his fears than any amount of time in an ante-chamber could. Light! These women were scared!

..no, not scared. Covai corrected himself as his eyes scanned the room. On edge, but these were hardened woman, may years older then either Arath or himself. Covai's eyes darted to one of the women, a rather attractive Saldean, if such could still be said for an Aes Sedai, who....

...wore a red shawl... Covai hated the Reds. Some mistook his hate for simple vengeance, a desire to rebel against the Ajah for what they had done to male channelers. Truth, they frustrated him because of their boneheaded ignorance and assumed superiority. Women were bad enough at that as it was, but burn him if the Red Ajah didn't take it to a whole new level.

They've got something up their sleeves....

The grin stayed on Covai's face, but the brief warmth of humor it held slipped away as is insides started to boil. Today was not a day for Aes Sedai and their Daes Dae'mar. If they wanted to hide something up their sleeves, then light damn them he'd burn the bloody things off!

"Let me clarify what I meant by peace." Covai did what he could to keep his voice mellow, pushing away his feelings about the Red Ajah for the moment.

"Tar'Mon'Gaidon is approaching. The Dragon needs every weapon and everyone at his disposal at that time."

"That means the Dragon needs circles."

*Hides Elgee's pitchfork*

Anybody else just get a nasty mental image?  :-\

And then the Borg assimilate the Trollocs  ;D

Seriously though, which would be stronger?

Compulsion Vs Jedi Mindtrick 

Balefire Vs ......well whatever force lighting stuff you want to use :P

......so just me and Elgee then?  :-\

Well that could be fun  ;D

Heya Folks,

As you've all undoubtedly noticed, the WT/BT bonding is still stalled. Elgee and Myself will be moving it forward this weekend and NPC any characters needed so we can get this going again.

So consider this a nudge/wake up call for anybody still interested/active in the RP. Sort out with your bondmate your details and such, since the bonds will be happening shortly. Covai will be the first one bonded from the BT side, then others can/will follow suit.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Well if we can time it for while the BT boys are here, I can jump in. Who doesn't want a power crazy channeler popping up in their dreams?  ;D

Arath has a method?  ???  :P

Welcome back though mate. I remember you. I also remember throwing fireballs and you on the odd occasion(s)  ;D

Does this mean Covai needs to be polite from now on?  :-\

Seriously though, congratulations!  ;D

Covai watched events unfold with the barest hint of a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Light, they really are more scared of us then we were of them." The woman before him and a lifetime of combined experience or more that Covai didn't even want to start thinking about. Not so much because of the danger or awe he might feel. Truth be told, the thought that women that old simply shouldn't have full heads of hair without at least some grey in them.

Pushing the unbidden, and rather random, thought from from his mind, Covai turned back to the matter at hand. Checking over his shoulder to make sure everybody had made it through, Covai left the gateway shut and released the source. With his level of exhaustion it actually felt like a relief to let go of Saidin. Fighting back a yawn as he stretched, Covai waved for the Asha'man gathered to follow him as he plodded after the Aes Sedai who had offered to show them the way. He wished he had the energy not to 'plod', but they weren't likely to be thinking much of him anyways, so light burn them and their opinions.

Nudging Arath beside him, Covai spoked in a soft voice. He could see all the eyes on their group as they walked along the tower grounds, and those he couldn't see he could feel digging into his back. At the moment however, fatigue had robbed him off any sense of shame or propriety, so he gave into the thought that had entered his him.

"Hey, we are sure they're taking us to the person right, not just some seat in a dirty old room?"

I'm back.

"Listen up."

Covai's words echoed across the assembly field from his position between the other Tsorovan'M'Hael. Saidin flickered around the edges of his senses as his eyes took in the men in the tower grounds. Scores of the men here had barely started growning hair on their chins, and others had a lifetime more experience the him that he doubted he could begin to imagine. Regardless though, all eyes and ears focused on the young Andoran, barely into his mid twenties.

"I'll get the top questions on everybody's tounges out of the way first."

Soldiers and Asha'man alike started nudging those standing next to them and muttering to whoever could hear them. To Covai's Saidin enhanced senses though, it was just a nuisance.

"Knock it off!"

Whether it was the tone of the words, or the effect they had, Covai couldn't say which surprised him more. Silence overcame the men within a heartbeat. Releasing the fist that had clenched by his side, Covai stepped down from the podium that had been assembled and stood in from of it. If he was to say what he would, it wouldn't be from an old symbol of power.

"First, Brent it dead. Deal with it."

Covai could see the eyes in the crowd darting from his position to the other leaders of the Black Tower standing around.

"Next you're all probably wondering who will replace him as M'hael. The simple fact that I'm standing and he isn't seems to have been enough for most people here to assume that I have taken that role."

Covai spread his hands to the side as if to acknowledge the point.

"Fair enough assumption. But fair enough is not good enough. There will be no more M'hael at the Black Tower."

It took a few moments for his words to sink in. People started looking beyond him to the other Storm Leaders. The Attack Leaders around the perimiter seemed to be sharing their fair share of questioning looks as well. Unbuckling the Asha'man pin tha annointed the collar of his robe, Covai held it aloft.

"This will be your only loyalty. The Dragon, Jarron Al'Tanin."

"I can see some of your are a little confused.... to put it politely. So I'll clarify things so there will be no misunderstanding. I have already seen FOUR M'hael since I first came to the tower. Dramon, Aginor, Dalinarius, and then Brent."

Covai's speech was broken my a heckle from the crowd.

"Aginor? You expect us to believe one of the Forsaken controlled the Tower?"

The Storm Leader's vision narrowed on the man as his eyes and voice turned to ice.

"Not only will you believe it, you will shut your damn mouth and show some respect for the four Tsorovan'M'Hael, six Baijin'm'hael and the scores of Asha'man, Dedicated and Soldiers it took to take him down. Every one of those men knew what it meant to be a part of the Black Tower and they all laid down their lives protecting what was important to them!"

Pulling his gaze away from the man before he killed him, Covai continued with his speech.

"As I was saying... each of these men took the title of M'hael, of Leader. Some, like Dramon and Dalinar thought that meant to lead us to a path where we could exist safely, without killing our families when we went mad."

"Others, like Brent, felt the term translated more litterally, more military. They felt that whoever held the position of M'hael possessed an inate right to command the men and women of the Black Tower to do as they, and they alone see fit."

"Their translation was wrong. Or at least the context of the translation was, and is wrong. The phrase M'hael translates more accurately as one who guides. A leader in battle stands around shouting orders. Any man with a set of lungs can do that. A leader in the community stands around telling people what they should do. Again, any man with a set of lungs can do that."

"We are Asha'man above and beyond all else. We are guardians, protectors when all else have fled, and we will still stand when all is lost. Standing infront of you are the Tsrovan'M'hael, The Storm Leaders. And were are here to do more than stand and shout orders."

"When we arrive in battle, the enemy will be helpless against us. They will know nothing but the sheer fury of our attacks, the unrelenting strength that we wield. They will know that they have more chance surviving a storm of nature than a storm of our power."

"Yet for the survivors, a storm brings new beginings. Old buildings and structures may be torn down, and soil and supports washed away, but what remains is the grounding for a new beginging. A fresh start amidst the ruins of destruction. Crops will grow again, grass will grow, and animals and life will return to the land."

"That is the Black Tower's role come Tar'Mon'Gaidon gentlemen. That is the sole purpose for why we exist. Our loyalities are to the Dragon, and through him every man woman and child alive. After the Storm of Battle has blown, and our existance is all but forgotten, there will be proof of our deeds and actions in what we leave behind for those that follow us."

Covai paused to let words sink into the men assembled. It had been a long time since somebody had voiced words such as these in the Tower Grounds on such a scale. Walking back to the rest of the Tsrovan'M'Hael for a moment, Covai used the pause to rest his throat. The words so far had come naturally enough as he had believed in them, as should have the rest of the Tower. The next stage though would be a little hard for people to swallow.