Amyrlin Seat (Grey Tower)

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The Amyrlin Seat is the leader of the Aes Sedai, and co-ruler of Hama Valon and the Grey Tower.

Election and term

The Amyrlin Seat is elected unanimously by the Aes Sedai members of the Hall of Sitters. After her election to the Amyrlin Seat, she no longer belongs to her former Ajah, instead being "from all Ajahs and yet of none". This is the formula that is used to emphasise the fact that she must govern in an equanimous manner, absolutely avoiding any kind of favouritism, especially towards the Ajah of her origin. Therefore, the Amyrlin usually wears a stole with the colours of all eight Ajahs.

Unlike her White Tower counterpart, Amyrlins of the Grey Tower are not elected for life; some Aes Sedai have even been Amyrlin multiple times. The reasons for an Amyrlin to step down need not be publicly explained, and this act is not usually seen as a sign of weakness.

Role

The Amyrlin Seat leads the Aes Sedai of the Grey Tower. She is present during the raising tests for all novices and Accepted, as well as during all meetings of the Hall (outside those meant to elect a new M'Hael). The Amyrlin theoretically has legal powers equivalent to a sovereign, although these powers find their limits in the consensus that it succeeds in securing in the Hall of Sitters. In fact, the orders and the decrees of the Amyrlin risk being meaningless without the support of the Sitters and Heads of the various Ajahs, who tend to take charge in the implementation of such policies.

Relationship with the Keeper of the Chronicles

The Keeper of the Chronicles serves as the first associate of the Amyrlin Seat, assisting the Amyrlin in all of her acts and in countersigning all of her decrees. When elected (and throughout her term), the Amyrlin may choose a new Keeper to serve with her. Different Amyrlins take different views on this prerogative, meaning that some Keepers have served multiple Amyrlins, whereas some Amyrlins have had multiple Keepers.

Full title

The Amyrlin's full title is "Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Hama Valon, the Amyrlin Seat". "Watcher of the Seals" refers to the seven seals of cuendillar that imprison the Dark One in Shayol Ghul. In reality, this is a completely honourary title, since the exact location of the seals has remained unknown since the time of the Trolloc Wars.

List of Amyrlin Seats

References

  1. During Ninya's reign, the Grey Tower transitioned into its fourth iteration, where IC titles and OOC ranks were separated. Ninya is the first Amyrlin not specifically played by a member of the Grey Tower Administration.