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The Lighter Side of the Taint: Wide World of Sports

"ARE YOU PONDERING WHAT I'M PONDERING, ISHAMAEL?"
 
"Sure thing, Oh Great Lord of the Dark, but I'm not sure you'd survive being a kid show host. Kids can be vicious."
 
 
TBC: The Ter'angreal Broadcasting Company
 
Good evening. I'm Trobran Fel, and this is the afternoon sports news.
 
A score or more of Warders lined up at the door of the Hall in their finest, laciest gowns today for the inaugural "Dangerous in Drag Race." This new event is set to occur on a course laid around the Tower grounds. Foul was cried by some competitors when a female Warder showed up in pants and was challenged to, quote, "Be a man and put on a dress." After being approached by the judges for a quick discussion, a short scuffle broke out after which the replacement judges agreed she was allowed to compete as dressed.
 
The big Two Rivers Archery Contest was put on hold today when, in the middle of practice rounds, several badgers were released into the stands. Head of security Matrim Cauthon was unsure where the badgers came from, and said that Lord Perrin was personally holding him responsible until the culprit was found. There were no injuries.
 
There's a big crowd on the slopes of Dragonmount today, as the Ogier and channelers have finished a new construction for games and competitions. Our eyes and ears at the stadium is Jurael Kekan. Jurael, how's the big game looking for tomorrow?
 
It's looking pretty spectacular, Trobran. As the first major game of Powerball to be played, spectators have been lined up at the gates of the Lews Therin Memorial Stadium for the last week, which is even more impressive considering that's about the length of time they took to build it. Kicking off tonight will be the Black Tower "Lords of Chaos" and White Tower "Servants of Ball" so it's sure to be an impressive match.
 
Now Jurael, I had heard from the gleeman that there was some speculation about the lineup for the Lords of Chaos. Do you have more information on that?
 
Well, Trobran, the team captain of the Lords, Mazrim Taim, was almost pulled off the team for a traveling foul committed during practice when he opened a gateway and severely injured nearby spectators at the Black Tower practice field. It was determined accidental, however, and so officials have clarified the rules to allow for more space between the viewing stands and the play field.
 
Thank you, Jurael. That concludes tonight's report. Remember that there are several locations in Tar Valon where these viewing ter'angreal have been placed. Check these every morning and night for the latest news, and watch us in the afternoon for full sports coverage.
Ireond
Ireond

WoT If...the Black Tower Saves Caemlyn?

Hello again. Welcome to another edition of "WoT If?". This week's topic might be a bit out there, but bear with me. I'll explain the method to my madness.
 
Spoiler warning! This will include content from many books in the series, including Towers of Midnight, and speculation about A Memory of Light. Please read at your own risk.
 
So, the timeline of The Gathering Storm and Towers of Midnight is a little difficult to get a handle on. Luckily, there are excellent online resources that figure out the timeline of the whole series. On Theoryland.com, I found a tentative timeline for Towers of Midnight by the user morat'corlm. This helps explain where everyone is during each scene along the main timeline.
 
According to morat'corlm's research, there is a nine day gap between Androl pleading with Pevara for help (Towers of Midnight, Chapter 56, "Something Wrong") and Mat preparing to leave for the Tower of Ghenjei (Towers of Midnight, Chapter 52, "Boots").
 
This gap seems plausible for the battle for the Black Tower. After Androl asks Pevara for assistance, I don't think they'll just wait around day after day. Pevara is the type to act. When she listens to Androl, I think she and the unturned Aes Sedai and Asha'man will begin their escape or attack (since the dreamspike only negates Traveling/Skimming weaves) the next day. Also, Myrelle's group of Salidar Aes Sedai is still camped outside the Black Tower, as far as we know. Once attack channeling begins inside the grounds, I'm sure they will come and help fight.
 
Here's a note on the dreamspike. Mesaana thinks to herself:
 
 
What exactly does "except for those allowed" mean? Is the one who activates the dreamspike able to pick and choose who can enter the area? When Graendal activates hers against Perrin, is she still able to Travel into the area? I would assume so, based on Mesaana's statement. But what if the dreamspike's maker, or original user, is currently reborn and in the Black Tower? Would they still have access to Traveling within the area? I think it's possible. My first thought would also be that Androl has some connection to the dreamspike, since he's so skilled with Gateways. But we've already been shown that even his Gateways don't work. However, there could be another person there who is "allowed", even if by accident, to use Traveling within the dreamspike's perimeter.
 
What does all of this have to do with saving Caemlyn? Well, after the nine day gap, there's still another eight days or so before Caemlyn begins to burn. That's plenty of time for the surviving Asha'man to come to the aid of the city.
 
There's been a lead up to a fight between the Light and Shadow factions within the Black Tower for at least the past three books. Logain, most assume, will lead the Light side, with Taim leading the Shadow. However, there aren't too many Light characters still at the Black Tower since Logain says:
 
 
And a little later in the same chapter, Logain talks of Taim's "cronies":
 
 
This information isn't surprising. We've known for a long time that Taim is up to no good. So, with most of the men at the Black Tower loyal to Taim, not Rand—or even Logain—those Asha'man and Aes Sedai trapped inside are in pretty rough shape.
 
During that same scene, Rand admits he doesn't have time to deal with Taim at the moment, and Verin says:
 
 
Knowing what we know about Verin and her inability to divulge plots within the Shadow, I think we can assume the opposite is true. That is, Taim will have to act before the Last Battle, so the Asha'man can't help the Light. The Asha'man and Aes Seadi are prisoners in the Black Tower, trapped there by the dreamspike, being picked off one by one and turned to the Shadow by the 13x13 method.
 
During Towers of Midnight, Rand realizes he can't Travel to the Black Tower, so the dreamspike is still active. This is the day before he wants to go to Merrilor, the same day Olver opens Verin's letter.
 
Here's the quote:
 
 
However, we don't know why the dreamspike is still active. Perhaps it's being used by the survivors to make a place of safety for their wives and families. I don't think it necessarily implies that there's still trouble going on there. This quote also implies that Logain is already at the Black Tower. The last we actually saw of him was during the prologue of The Gathering Storm.
 
Mezar Kurin seems to be another 13x13 turned Asha'man. When Logain's Asha'man talk about Mezar, they say his memories are still present, but something is wrong with his manner, with his eyes, with his smile. This is the same way Bashere responds to Taim in Lord of Chaos, Chapter 2, "The New Arrival". Mezar sends along a message from Logain, but is it true or not?
 
 
Was Mezar turned before his return to the Black Tower or after his arrival? If before, perhaps more of Logain's or Rand's loyal Asha'man were turned, even those sent to Illian or Arad Doman. Either way, I'm sure they have all of Mezar's information about Rand and Logain's current whereabouts and some of their plans.
 
Since Logain disappeared from Rand's group, where is he, if not at the Black Tower? Perhaps he's doing a little recruiting of his own, to bolster his group before rushing in to take on Taim.
 
Perrin lends Grady's Gateway abilities to Mat so he can get to the Tower of Ghenjei and back (Towers of Midnight, Chapter 53, "Gateways"). Mat will have at least one Asha'man to help battle the Shadowspawn and Darkfriends destroying Caemlyn. Since I predict the drama at the Black Tower will be finished, Grady can summon the survivors to come help. They have been inspected by Elayne and her guards, and have been made to know that they are on Andoran soil. I think they will feel a debt to help protect the capital.
 
I'll stop there; we'll save the details of the battles for another time. Please join us next week for the first half of a two week special on the Eye of the World.
Mashiara Sedai
Mashiara Sedai

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: July 29-August 4, 2012

It's time for another roundup!
Here's a fun topic from our General Wheel of Time Discussion forum:  Which Forsaken has done the most evil?  There's even a handy poll in which to vote.  I've already seen some amusing answers.
Although it's wrapping up, there's still time to ask last minute questions in our Q&A session with Saladin Ahmed.  I'll be posting all the questions and answers here on the front page once this session is completely finished.
Our Humor Blogger is running a competition in the Artists, Crafters, and Writers Guild to see who can submit the best potential image for his new blog.  If you'd like to see your art featured every week as the humor blog icon, there's still time to see if you have what it takes!
Have you played the Band of the Red Hand Social Group's Originals vs. Covers game?  Two versions of each featured song will be posted: an original version and a cover version.  You simply vote for the version you like the best.  The song "Hallelujah" is currently on the hot seat.
The Brown Ajah is just about to start their Travel & Olympics Month festivities in the White Tower & Warders Social Group.  The event will begin on August 1st and will last the entire month.  See the thread I linked above for an overview of activities.
If you missed the A Memory of Light panel from LibertyCon, don't fret!  The guys from tWotcast have it available as a podcast episode that you can download from their site.
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Fan Art Friday: Lanfear

I never expected to dedicate an entire week to a single character, especially not a single bad guy. But Lanfear's stunning beauty has inspired so many stunningly beautiful works that I felt it would be a disservice not to feature them.
 
During the Age of Legends, Mierin Eronaile was one of the two researchers responsible for accidentally drilling the Bore in the Dark One's prison. Before this, she was briefly involved with Lews Therin Telamon, who she viewed as a path to power. After drilling the Bore, her ambition and jealousy towards Lews Therin's wife, Ilyena Moerelle Dalisar, drove her to swear loyalty to the Dark One. She took the name Lanfear, meaning "Daughter of the Night," and went on to become the most powerful of the female Forsaken, as well as a master of Tel'aran'rhiod. She was sealed into the Dark One's prison at the end of the War of the Shadow, when Lews Therin and the Hundred Companions marched on Shayol Ghul.
 
The seals on the prison weakened at the end of the Third Age, eventually allowing her to escape. Under the guise of the Lady Selene, she then attempted to convert Rand to the Shadow. Her stalking and manipulations came to a head in Rhuidean, where Moiraine famously saved Rand from her fury by tackling her, throwing her through the stone doorway ter'angreal, and trapping them both in the land of the Finns.
 
Lanfear has since been reincarnated as the Darkfriend Cyndane ("Last Chance"), who Moridin controls with a mindtrap. Her stated intent has always been to enlist Rand's help in using the Choedan Kal to destroy both the Dark One and the Creator. However, both her desire to see Rand dead and her subjugation by Moridin confuse the issue of her current intentions.
 
 
 
1. Lanfear by ~kotian82:
 
This artist is a master of light and composition. The opulent details and silvery light emphasize the ephemeral beauty and power Lanfear personifies. Her association with the night is beautifully conveyed.
 

 
 
 
2. Xmas Gift: Lanfear by =trishna87:
 
The flawless simplicity of this work--particularly the sparse use of color--strikes a perfect chord. Lanfear's coy smile and hipshot pose perfectly convey her sensuality and arrogance.
 

 
 
 
3. Selene by *EdselArnold (Edsel J. Arnold):
 
I really thought this work was done in watercolor with gold foil, and I was completely floored when I realized it was digital. In any medium, it's a carefully balanced, flawless example of Art Nouveau.
 

 
 
 
4. Daughter of the Night by Zephyrus (Zephyrus at Dragonmount, ~Gorgaidon at deviantART, and here's her online portfolio and blog):
 
In terms of the sheer physical beauty of the subject, this is one of the most beautiful depictions of Lanfear I've seen. The washed out colors used here have a sinister feel--appropriate given Lanfear's darker (or shall I say manipulative, sociopathic, and power-crazed) qualities.
 

 
 
 
5. WoT - Lanfear by *Rakiah:
 
I feel a little guilty because I just featured another one of *Rakiah's works last week. But beautiful work deserves praise, and the time is right!
I particularly like the costuming details in this depiction of Lanfear.
 

peregrine
peregrine

Weekly Musings of an Insane Firebird: Rotating Features Blog Returns!

First off, I'd like to thank Tynaal Consen for the hard work she put into this position as my predecessor and for giving me a good base foundation from which to start. As of today, I will be taking over as the Rotating Features Blogger. Here's some information about me for those of you who don't know me. I guess you could call me a bit odd, for lack of a better word. I started reading The Wheel of Time back in November of 2010, and I finished the series around June of 2011. I absolutely loved it; I couldn't put it down, and I even read it at work. Besides reading, I'm an avid fan of manga, anime, and video games. I'm a fledgling mafia player as well. I am pretty active around the Dragonmount forums.
 
I have quite a few plans for my blog. Some of them have been greenlit already, and some are still in the idea phase. One of my biggest plans that has already been greenlit is a countdown to A Memory of Light series review. Each month, I'll post a brief review of my thoughts on the book I am currently on for that particular month. I'll try not to put too many spoilers in there, as I know not everyone is finished with the series up through Towers of Midnight, and I'll make it obvious in the article title when it's a Wheel of Time book review. Also, I plan to finish up the rest of the Dragonmount Admin interviews from where Tynaal left off. Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll be posting one each month. The rest of my weekly articles will just be random topics of interest. I hope to make these articles interesting for everyone. I realize everyone won't like every article, since that's just personal preference, but I hope to get in something for everyone and am not above taking requests when I can squeeze them in. Keep in mind, though, I will not encroach on the other front page bloggers' territory, so if your request would fall under one of their categories, I won't be able to cover it.
Gabriel Kross
Gabriel Kross

The Lighter Side of the Taint: Evil Never Tasted So Good

"ARE YOU PONDERING WHAT I'M PONDERING, ISHAMAEL?"
 
"Sure thing, oh Great Lord of the Dark, but even if we put a creamy nougat into every Trolloc, we'd still not be able to call them a tasty treat."
 
"NEVER MIND, ISHAMAEL. JUST MAKE SURE THAT PRESS RELEASE GETS DOWN TO MARKETING, WILL YOU?"
 
 
New from Thakan'dar Enterprises
 
Nae'Bliss
 
A sensual dark chocolate bonbon filled with an even darker core of blackberry brandy. Deliciously decadent, it'll be sure to please the Dreadlord in you. Thirteen pieces to every box, they'll turn your enemies to friends with but a taste.
 
 
and for the kids, don't forget to pick up
 

 
Candy Bubbles of Evil
 
A delightful treat for children of all ages. Candy coating on the outside, and a surprise inside every one. Now available in Blood Red Cherry (pictured), Shadow Black Licorice, and new Myrddraal Gray Grape.
 
 
Find these delightful treats and more from your local door to door Thakan'dar peddlers, coming to a village near you.
Ireond
Ireond

WoT If...the Sul'dam and Damane Relationship Changes?

Hi, everyone. Welcome back to "WoT If?". For this week's discussion, I'd like to look a little closer at the sul'dam and their damane. There are a few points about them that get overlooked and plenty of questions to ask about their future.
 
Spoiler warning! This will include content from many books in the series, including Towers of Midnight, and speculation about A Memory of Light. Please read at your own risk.
 
For most of our female characters in the series, being a damane is a fate worse than death. Egwene has such a fear of being leashed that it makes her particularly vengeful when the Seanchan attack the White Tower in Towers of Midnight. Though the a'dam was mysterious at first, we learn later that it acts as an instrument that forces a link between the damane and the sul'dam, leaving the sul'dam in complete control.
 
The first thing that I've always wondered is why the damane don't feel the ability to channel in sul'dam. When Rand and Aviendha Travel to Seanchan in The Fires of Heaven, they encounter two sul'dam, two damane, Lady Morsa, and Jalindin, a Seeker for Truth. When Rand asks Aviendha to shield the ones who are leashed, she says:
 
 
Sul'dam claim they develop an "affinity" (The Great Hunt, Chapter 42, "Falme") for knowing if a damane has channeled. Some experienced sul'dam can even see weaves without the bracelet on. I can't believe that the Empress, or anyone within the Seanchan hierarchy, couldn't put together these pieces and realize that sul'dam can channel too.
 
Tuon's total lack of surprise at this reveal might show some do know. In Knife of Dreams, she tells Mat:
 
 
She doesn't respond with, "Don't say such vile lies," or something along those lines. She seems to accept it without comment.
 
It might be argued that Seanchan-raised damane don't know how to sense the source in another woman; it could be one of the skills or Talents that have been lost in Seanchan. I doubt it, but it's possible. However, with the sudden intake of so many Aes Sedai, the secret can't remain hidden for long. If Aviendha can sense the sul'dam's ability, a trained Aes Sedai most certainly will.
 
Once exposed, all the Seanchan would have to do is order the sul'dam to drink forkroot tea. I'm assuming it would work on sul'dam the same as any other woman who can channel. After all, it worked on Morgase and she is probably more weak and unpracticed than the sul'dam.
 
The Aiel Wise Ones being taken damane might have a large impact on the Seanchan's future. When Aviendha goes through the glass columns in Rhuidean a second time, she sees the future of her line. The scene, through the eyes of her daughter, Padra, shows the Aiel still fighting with the Seanchan over the collared Wise Ones. However, you'll notice that it doesn't imply that more Wise Ones have been taken, only the initial Shaido who were captured by General Tylee.
 
The other future scenes show the Aiel constantly at war with the Seanchan. The Raven Empire has taken control of most of the world. They have technology—or is it One Power technology? Malidra thinks:
 
 
So, the Raven Empire seems to make use of the One Power, and even have a weapon that sounds to me like a shocklance. But it never mentions sul'dam, damane, or getting the "magics" from leashed women. I think this shows that the Seanchan eventually will give up their ways of collaring women.
 
Another question to ask about the a'dam is whether it's similar at all to the Domination Band (the male version of the a'dam). Moghedien tells Nynaeve in the Panarch's Palace:
 
 
Is it only the male a'dam that has the backwards flow? Obviously, women channelers don't have the madness, but could the damane eventually be able to turn the flow back on the sul'dam? Damane from Seanchan are raised to know they are beneath humans; they are animals, dogs. Their training is so harsh that even Egwene, a very strong-willed woman, was beginning to be brainwashed into believing it was good for her to serve her sul'dam wholeheartedly.
 
However, a sudden hoard of Shaido Wise Ones was collared at the end of The Gathering Storm. How will the sul'dam control a group of women who do not fear pain? I can't see how the sul'dam could even begin to turn the Wise Ones into obedient damane. And if the Wise Ones cannot be cowed by the a'dam's effects, perhaps the Wise Ones can turn the flows against the sul'dam.
 
There's more to speculate on the a'dam, but I think I'll leave it there. Join us next week for a look at the Black Tower's possible role in saving Caemlyn.
Mashiara Sedai
Mashiara Sedai

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: July 22-28, 2012

I hope everyone is enjoying the new bloggers so far.  This week, we'll also hear from our new Rotating Features Blogger.
It's time for our Q&A session with Saladin Ahmed!  Anyone can participate.  Just head to our General Discussion forum and find this thread.
Everyone's talking about the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises.  We're talking about it too, so come to our Movies and Games Discussion forum to let us know how you liked it.   
The Black Tower Social Group's July discussion on video games is still going on.  The thread I linked also contains links to the related discussions for the month, so be sure to read it carefully.
It's time for the Shayol Ghul Social Group's latest Caption Faction game!  It's easy to play.  Simply take a look at the featured picture and vote for the caption you think would best fit with it.  
The Blue Ajah's much anticipated annual Harry Potter Week at the White Tower & Warders Social Group is almost here!  The event will take place from July 25-31.  Watch this space to keep up with each new thread as it starts.
That's all for now.  Have a great week! 
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Fan Art Friday: Ties That Bind

Physical and mental bonds are a recurring theme in The Wheel of Time. This week, the Fan Art Friday spotlight is on the four types of bonds that shape destiny in the world of the Wheel.
 
 
1. Prisons and Imprisonment
These bonds may be entirely physical, but they have a powerful mental effect on the imprisoned. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the subjugation of the marath'damane by the Seanchan, which (especially in Egwene's case) may yet impact the world in ways we haven't even foreseen. For better or worse, imprisonment plays an essential role in the personal development of many of the characters. Egwene's imprisonment in the White Tower was essential to her development as Amyrlin and the mending of the rifts between the Aes Sedai factions, Rand's imprisonment in the events leading to the Battle of Dumai's Wells didn't do his sanity any favors and most certainly precipitated his trust issues, and Faile's kidnapping at the hands of the Shaido Aiel forced Perrin to accept command. Then, of course, there is the most famous prison of all--the Dark One's prison in Shayol Ghul, where He was "bound at the moment of Creation."
 
Above: Red Ajah by ~leilasedai
Below: Defeat in the Stone Stand by *faile35 (Jeff Fairbourn)
 


 
 
2. Treaties and Oaths
Many of the oaths sworn in The Wheel of Time, including oaths of fealty and all those promises Mat always ends up regretting, can be broken at will (albeit at the oath-breaker's peril). Others, such as treaties made with the Snakes and Foxes in the Chamber of Bonds, oaths sworn on the Oath Rod, and the oaths sworn by Darkfriends, are virtually inescapable. These bonds exact a terrible price.
 
Above: Son of Battles by ~aiconx (Amanda Elm)
Below: Seanchan Propaganda Poster by ~minniearts
 


 
 
3. Relationships
Love, friendship, and fealty take on a whole new meaning in a world with Warders and Aes Sedai, first-sisters, and Compulsion. For me, the most interesting person-to-person bonds in the series are those between Rand and Moridin and those between Rand, Mat, and Perrin. In the case of the three ta'veren, they are not only bound together mentally (as evidenced by the flashes of color they see when they think of each other) but are also bound together physically, as threads in the Pattern.
 
Above: WoT: Hold over Caemlyn (Rahvin and Morgase) by *Rakiah
Middle: Moiraine and Lan by Cicely Combs
Below: Tarmon Gai'don by ~ReddEra (Ariel Burgess)
 



 
 
4. Ta'maral'ailen (Web of Destiny)
Most of the heroes in the world of the Wheel are reluctant heroes, and most of the series concerns each character's struggle to accept his or her fate. Eventually, though, even Mat realizes some things are just meant to be.
 
Below: One Seanchan to go, please ... by Forbis
 

peregrine
peregrine

Tor Reveals AMOL Book Cover Process

Tor Books released a fascinating article on Tor.com today which reveals the process by which the hardcover dust jacket (i.e., the book cover) is produced. Tor Art Director Irene Gallo describes:


Last week I visited Coral Graphics to do a press-check for the A Memory of Light jacket sales-proof. A sales-proof is not the final jacket but it’s pretty darn close...
The full article can be read on Tor.com. Head over there to read it, and see a lot of great photos.
About A Memory of Light
AMOL will be released on January 8, 2013 in hardcover and audiobook. The eBook will be released on April 9th.

Read the opening portion of the AMOL prologue.
Read the opening portion of Chapter 1.
Visit our complete AMOL info page.
Discuss A Memory of Light on our forums.
Follow us on Twitter or "Like" us on Facebook.
Please consider pre-ordering the book through one of our international Amazon affiliates, and help support our website.
      
Jason Denzel
Jason Denzel

The Lighter Side of the Taint: The Descent into Madness Just Became a Water Slide

"ARE YOU PONDERING WHAT I'M PONDERING, ISHAMAEL?"
 
"Sure thing, oh Great Lord of the Dark, but even if we could find the tutus in their size, I'm not sure we could teach the Trollocs to do ballet."
 
 
Greetings, and welcome to the mad ramblings of a lucid man or, perhaps, the sane ramblings of a mad man. It can be so hard to tell at times. My name here is Ireond, and this is "The Lighter Side of the Taint", a wellspring of jokes, songs, twisted poetry, and humorous reflections that are derived from looking at the world of The Wheel of Time with a mind as twisted as a Trolloc horn.
 
I will try to make most of the references and jokes understandable to as many of you readers as possible. I will also attempt, as far as spoilers go, to label any joke that I do with a spoiler tag. That being said, if you don't get the joke, it's either a prime example of why someone like me shouldn't channel tainted saidin, or you just haven't reached the point in the books where the punchline comes in. For example:
 
"I hear that a male channeler from the Aiel has a Blight future ahead of him."
 
Just keep in mind that I think phonetically, so some of my jokes are better said aloud, preferably in large groups of people so that they all look at you as if you have a voice from another Age talking to you in your head.
 
So, in parting this week, some haiku:
 
The Dark One's own luck
roll the dice merry Matrim
your fate is still sealed
 
Oily is the taint
Rainbow colors on soul's fire
The world is remade
 
Trollocs are dancing
Twirling like a tornado
The tutus do fit
Ireond
Ireond

WoT If...Nynaeve Heals Death?

Hello, everyone, and welcome to "WoT If," Dragonmount's weekly theory blog. My name is Mashiara, and I'm going to be filling this post. First off, my credentials: I've been reading the Wheel of Time since 2000, and joined Dragonmount that same year. I've read through the series eight times, with occasional rereads of my favorite parts. I'm also on my fourth listen through the audio books. During Brandon Sanderson's The Gathering Storm tour, I was a Storm Leader at the Scottsdale, Arizona location.
 
That being said, I'm going to present theories and ideas as I've perceived them, which may be different from your perceptions. If you have a different point of view, feel free to post it in the comments. I'd love to explore conflicting ideas; that's what is so fun about the Wheel of Time! Please be respectful, even if you're disagreeing with me or someone else.
 
Okay, moving on. This blog will cover theories mostly dealing with the last few books and the ending of A Memory of Light. It will contain spoilers! Please read at your own risk.
 
For my first post, I'd like to talk about something I've thought since near the beginning of the series: the importance of Nynaeve al'Meara. We are introduced to the Wisdom of Emond's Field very early on in The Eye of the World. When Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene leave the village, Nynaeve chases after them. She arrives at The Stag and Lion inn, where Min works, in Baerlon. What Min sees is the first indicator that Nynaeve is important.
 
 
There are three ta'veren present plus Moiraine, a woman who is important herself.
 
 
 
Since Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Moiraine are all needed to get sparks—which represents the fight of the Light against the Shadow—why would Nynaeve's arrival make them visible with just two people present? I think it's implying that she's quite important later on down the road. For example:
 
First: she Heals stilling. (Lord of Chaos, Chapter 29, "Fire and Spirit")
Second: she helps Rand clean the taint on saidin. (Winter's Heart, Chapter 35, "With the Choedan Kal")
Third: she Heals the saidin-caused insanity in the Asha'man. (Towers of Midnight, Chapter 15, "Use a Pebble")
Fourth (though in the future): she promises to link with Rand and Callandor during Tarmon Gai'don.
 
Looking at each of these shows a time when Nynaeve does something that shouldn't be possible. For Healing stilling, she uses weaves not typically associated with Healing.
 
 
The same thing happens when she Heals Naeff's madness.
 
 
While Nynaeve is Delving into Naeff's mind, she wonders about her increased skills.
 
 
Why do Nynaeve's abilities suddenly increase? How is she able to see weaves and ailments more clearly? If her skills have strengthened in just the two years she's knowingly worked with the One Power, it seems likely they will continue to improve.
 
This leads me to my conclusion: Nynaeve will be able to Heal death.
 
I know there's already a lot of debate about this, but it seems to me that most people are in the body-swap camp. But I believe there is some foreshadowing to Healing death in the books.
 
 
There's also a lot of speculation on Rand faking his own death. However, the Aelfinn said:
 
 
Rand and Min discuss a viewing of Alivia:
 
 
I think this means a real death, not a metaphorical death. If Rand must really die, then there needs to be a way to bring him back so he can live once more. Nicola's foretelling says:
 
 
The great battle is Tarmon Gai'don. There's no way Rand can stay dead at the end of the series and have all these prophecies fulfilled.
 
While there are several plausible endings to the series, Nynaeve manifesting the ability to Heal death gives it more heart. It keeps in line with Nynaeve being able to do things that are considered impossible. It would also explain why her appearance at The Stag and Lion makes the sparks appear more easily. She's much more important to the future of the world than we give her credit for.
 
That's all for this week. Join us next time for a discussion about sul'dam and damane.
Mashiara Sedai
Mashiara Sedai

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: July 15-21, 2012

We're back! The much anticipated debut of the new bloggers will occur this week. Stay tuned for some great new content from them.
 
Saladin Ahmed, author of Throne of the Crescent Moon, will be visiting Dragonmount for a Q&A session next week. Look here for more information on the upcoming visit.
 
We recently posted about Brandon Sanderson's reading of Chapter One from A Memory of Light at Comic-Con. If you'd like to discuss this in depth, head over to our A Memory of Light Spoiler Discussion forum and let us know what you think.
 
The theme for the Artists, Crafters, and Writers Guild's July Challenge is "Under 100". If you write something, it needs to be under 100 words. If you do crafts, you have to spend less than $100. Whatever you decide to do, the only rule is that it somehow has to stay under 100.
 
The Aiel Social Group is bravely tackling another difficult topic this month: sexuality. Anyone who can participate reasonably and in a mature, respectful fashion is welcome.
 
The Kin Social Group is currently celebrating National Short Story Month. If you're a lover of stories, which I'm sure applies to everyone here, keep an eye on their guide to the month's events.
 
What happens when a Darkfriend and a newly minted Black Ajah member join forces? Find out in the role play A Web of Black Silk.
 
Were you at Comic-Con this weekend? If so, we'd love to hear about your adventures! You can also hear about some of the shenanigans from the weekend on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Author Q&A with Saladin Ahmed

Dragonmount is pleased to host fantasy author Saladin Ahmed for a week-long author Q&A session! Saladin Ahmed's debut novel, Throne of the Crescent Moon, released in February of this year, is gaining attention in the fantasy genre, particularly because of Mr. Ahmed's unique choice of setting. Last year, Saladin Ahmed was a guest podcaster on Brandon Sanderson's "Writing Excuses," Season 5 Episode 36. He has also been nominated for both the Nebula and Campbell awards.
 
Saladin Ahmed will visit Dragonmount July 22nd - 28th to answer questions from fans. Everyone is welcome to join in. The discussion will take place on the General Discussion board. I hope you will all come over and take part in this exciting event!
Mashiara Sedai
Mashiara Sedai

Reading from AMoL Chapter One

This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Brandon Sanderson did a reading from the first chapter of A Memory of Light. Luckily for those of us that can't be there, someone has put it on
for us. 
For those who prefer to read, our friends at Theoryland have kindly put a transcript online here.
 
If you are avoiding spoilers, Sanderson spoke for a few minutes at the beginning. He assured the audience that the book should be on time for the January 8th release date and would not be split. You can read a summary of what we know about the final Wheel of Time novel here and discuss it on our forums here.
Barmacral
Barmacral

Audiobook Giveaway: The Fires of Heaven

It's time for another audiobook giveaway! Here are the rules again for those who aren't familiar with our giveaways:
 
 
 
This month, we will be giving away a copy of The Fires of Heaven. Click here for a clip from the audiobook.
 
This month's question is: How many times have you read the Wheel of Time series? You have until Wednesday, July 11th to answer in the comments section. Note that even though I will not be back here until a few days after the 11th, I still will only count comments that were posted either before or on that date when I do the drawing. Good luck!
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: July 1-7, 2012

First and foremost, I want to give you all a heads up about the next two weeks. Because I'll be gone during this time, we'll be having a hiatus from our regular blogs on the front page. I'm writing this week's roundup and Wednesday's audiobook giveaway in advance. However, there won't be a roundup for next week, and you won't see our regular blogs or the debut of the new writers until the week of July 15th. Don't fret, though, because there's still plenty of things in our forums that can occupy your time!
 
Here's a question that has been on many people's minds: What role will Padan Fain play in A Memory of Light? We're curious to hear your opinions, so head to our A Memory of Light Spoiler Discussion forum and let us know what you think. Remember, this forum has rules, so be sure to read them before posting.
 
Do you think pick up lines would be used in the Wheel of Time world? It's amusing to pretend they would be, like the Aiel Social Group is doing in this thread. They already have some creative ideas in there.
 
It looks like the Band of the Red Hand Social Group revived their Tune or No Tune Game. It's easy to play--just vote for whether you think the song is good enough to qualify as a tune, or bad enough to qualify as no tune. "Home" by Phillip Phillips is on the hot seat right now.
 
The topic for the Wolfkin Social Group's July discussion is trips. How do you prefer to travel? Where have you been? Where would you like to go? You can talk about all those things and more in the thread.
 
I've always liked seeing the different ways role players handle breaking someone's channeling block. One of those opportunities just came up in the role play Double Time. I wonder what innovative route to success they will take?
 
That's it for now!
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Fan Art Friday: Storytelling Through Art (Part 2)

This week, I continue my ham-handed but humble exploration of multi-panel Wheel of Time art. Here's a link to Part 1, in case you missed it.
 
 
1. Rhuidean by Toraneko Studios (Stephanie Chan)
 
Scene: The Shadow Rising, Chapter 24, "Rhuidean." Rand and Mat walk into Rhuidean, where Rand enters the circle of glass columns and gains the knowledge (and tattoos) that mark him as the Car'a'carn. Here, Mat debates following Rand into the glass columns.
 
With a Dragonmount gallery (woohoo!), a deviantART gallery, an independent website, and accounts on Tumblr and Fur Affinity, this Aussie art student is enviably entrenched in the Internet art community. It's also worth noting that she takes commissions (If you check out her gallery and like what you see, you can go here for details).
 

 
 
2. WT Comic Commish 1 by RoseMuse
 
RoseMuse isn't likely to produce much more Wheel of Time fan art, and she's currently closed for commissions. But that's okay, since I'm more than happy to dig through her old stuff. Here's the first part of a four-part comic she did of Moiraine and Siuan getting into trouble as novices in the White Tower (Story by Vorador2. If you're curious, here are parts two, three, and four).
 

 
 
3. Father of Lies webcomic No. 1. Story by Clytemnestra215, art by Sasha-Melrai.
 
This was going to be the first page of an unofficial webcomic based on the world of The Wheel of Time, but it doesn't look like the project took off. Still, I love the concept and it was executed beautifully.
 

 
 
 
4. Darkhounds--Storyboard by kaikonen (Thomas Kaikonen Pettersen)
 
Scene: The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 6, "Gateways." Rand is attacked by Darkhounds in Rhuidean.
 
This Norwegian artist isn't one to shy from an artistic challenge or settle into a routine. He's tackled portraits, landscapes, and interiors, as well as written and illustrated multiple pages of an unofficial graphic novel based on Chapter 33 of Winter's Heart ("Blue Carp Street"). Here's the storyboard he did for an animation of Rand channeling (click on the image or the title for the full-size version!).
 

peregrine
peregrine

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: June 24-30, 2012

It's hard to believe it's the end of June already.  Yikes!
The denizens of our General Wheel of Time Discussion forum would like to know the following:  How many times have you read The Wheel of Time?  I love how our forums cater to everyone, from those who have just discovered the series for the first time to those who have read the books fifteen times or more.
One of my bosses (yes, Jennifer Liang, I'm looking at you) will probably be disappointed if I don't feature the following thread, so here I go.  If you have seen Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, please report to this thread in the Movies and Games Discussion forum and see if you agree with the review posted there.  I know opinions of this movie can be quite diverse.
The Ogier Social Group would like to know which time periods interest you the most.  Whether you'd like to study them or live in them, I'm sure you have a favorite or two.  You can learn a lot about people from their responses to this question.  
If you miss cage match season and want something to tide yourself over until next year, the White Tower & Warders Social Group is hosting a mini cage match featuring only Warder characters.  This thread will tell you everything you need to know.
Here's something I've never seen before.  It's a role play from a Fade's point of view.  Read Awakening and see if you can handle seeing the world through the non-eyes of a Fade.
Until next time, folks!
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Fan Art Friday: Storytelling Through Art (Part 1)

To preface, I know almost nothing about comic strips, comic books, storyboarding, and the difference between Japanese manga and the American graphic novel. If you're deeply passionate about the distinction between these unique and beautiful forms of storytelling-through-art, you may be appalled by my treatment of them over the next two weeks. Being the ignoramus that I am, I plan to just lump them all together to bring you the best of what I'm going to call "multi-panel" Wheel of Time art.
 
Each of the works featured today and next week either represents or reinterprets a scene from The Wheel of Time. Follow the links or click on the images for the full-size versions.
 
 
1. Maradon by liruichen
 
Scene: Towers of Midnight, Chapter 32, "A Storm of Light". Rand rescues the city of Maradon by singlehandedly destroying an army of Shadowspawn.
 
The artist submitted this for the "Badassery" contest hosted last summer by the Wheel of Time fan art group on deviantART. I have to say, it was one of my favorite submissions. This painting gives me more chills than the scene in the books did.
 

 
 
2. Apocalypse Perrin: Redux by johnplaystuba
 
Scene: Knife of Dreams, Chapter 30, "Outside the Gates," and Towers of Midnight, Chapter 47, "A Teaching Chamber." Perrin rescues Faile from Malden. Later, he recounts his adventures to Mat and Thom.
 
If you liked Perrin's story arc in the middle of the series (what the artist refers to as the "Plotline of Doom"), you may not want to read this hilarious reinterpretation of it. BE WARNED--his construal is probably not for diehard fans.
 

 
 
3. Page 100--The Shadow Rising by Kimiko (Nadia Attlee):
 
Scene: The Shadow Rising, Chapter 4, "Strings." Mat moans to Thom about being stuck in Tear.
 
Just a bit of well-executed cuteness.
 

 
 
4. Wheel of Time 10 page 2. Lines by Andy Tong, colors by Nicolas Chapuis (BoOoM)
 
Scene: The Eye of the World, Chapter 14, "The Stag and Lion." In one of the many dreams the three boys have of Ba'alzamon, he attempts to turn Rand to the Shadow by encouraging him to drink from a jeweled goblet.
 
A discussion of multi-panel adaptations of the Wheel of Time wouldn't be complete without including a page from the official Wheel of Time comic book adaptation by Dynamite Entertainment. This is my favorite of the pages posted online by the colorist before the text was added.
 

peregrine
peregrine

The Path of Daggers eBook Wallpaper

It's time for more wallpaper!  After a quiet month from them, Tor.com will now continue to post eBook wallpaper for each Wheel of Time book.  It's one of many ways in which they are celebrating the countdown to the final book.

This week, the featured eBook wallpaper is for The Path of Daggers. The artwork is by Julie Bell. Here is the image:
 


Go here to download different sizes of the wallpaper and to read more about how this art was created. How do you like the art for this eBook?
Dwynwen
Dwynwen

Dragonmount Weekly Roundup: June 17-23, 2012

Before we begin, I would like to express my gratitude to all the fathers out there.  Father's Day was yesterday here in the USA, so I hope the dads out there got a chance to relax and be spoiled.  I would also like to give a shout out to my father, who has been one of my biggest supporters and has instilled in me many of the values I hold most dear.
Here's an interesting question from our General Wheel of Time Discussion forum:  What characters does Brandon Sanderson write the best?  We've heard more in the past from those who criticized his portrayal of some characters, so it's nice to see a more positive approach to this topic.
The Black Tower Social Group has started a new monthly discussion series.  This month, they are talking about role playing.  This looks to be a very informative discussion.
The Wolfkin Social Group is discussing camping this month.  Have you done much camping in your life?  If so, where?  Did you enjoy it?
What would the Band of the Red Hand do with a scared potential recruit they found in the forest?  Find out in the role play A Boy and His Toys.
Some of you may know that JordanCon will be hosting DeepSouthCon next year.  This year's DeepSouthCon was this weekend, so if you want to hear about the exploits of the JordanCon representatives who attended this year, check out the JordanCon Twitter account.
Dwynwen
Dwynwen