The Gaidin Rebellion

[Ominas]

Once, long ago, there was an attempted coup within the White Tower of Tar Valon. The Gaidin, having become angered by the actions of those who dwell within the White Tower finally stood up, and said no more. It started with words, but that small spark very swiftly became a roaring flame. Some scholars will tell you that this was no more than a small uprising perpetuated by a few of their stranger members. But others, those who claim to have been there, will tell you that if only for a day, they brought the Tower to its knees. This is the true story of that fateful series of days.

It began with a debate on what to do with the King of Cairhien requiring further payment for use of its many fine establishments. Some of the names within this factual document will be redacted. Both for privacy, and because some of these names have been lost to time.

The discussion began with what they were to do with this new change. And it began quickly! With passion and fervor. The Lady Aish wished to know the feelings of her esteemed sisters. She mentioned that she felt it was their duty to also help the "little people" the peasantry who would most feel the sting.

I will be picking and choosing the most interesting parts. In my opinion. For the most part everyone was cordial and it was a good discussion. But just to save space I will use the posts that were made that adhere to the story that's being told. I want to make it very clear that there is no bad guys here. No one who was wrong (other than possibly me at times, sorry, I'm stubborn) so just sit back and enjoy the story.



Lady Alvana -

I would continue to stress once again that if what I've been told is true, this wasn't a decision made by the Rising Sun, so holding an entire nation accountable for the acts of two innkeepers is a disproportionate response, at best.

I am attempting to set up a meeting to discuss a way to move forward with the Rising Sun. I have noted the many various opinions circulating this topic, and will continue to make note of any further opinions I see. By all means, discussion is welcome here. In the meantime, I ask you all for patience, and thank you in advance for giving the Gray some time to try and traverse this unexpected pitfall through negotiation and diplomacy.


Redacted -

Change is a good thing. However, it should be carried out fairly. Creating a change that forces a city in the game to become thieves is not a fair way to carry out change. The change is great. I think it's a great idea. The way it was carried out is not great. We should definitely have to play out the change for 30 days to see if we like the change itself. It makes no sense to tell us to wait 30 days before commenting on HOW the change was carried out. That has been done already, and no amount of time gives different perspective on the "HOW" of this matter. We have seen enough of HOW the change was carried out to be able to fairly give feedback on it. The change itself is ongoing. The release of the change is not ongoing. It's over. Instead of acting like the player base is unfair for not waiting long enough to say Imms botched the roll out, either agree with the criticism and fix it, or tell us all to screw off and stand by your decision. But don't act like some time is needed to give feedback on the rollout of the change. It is not.


Redacted -

I'm perfectly fine with the new implementations.... if everyone could have removed their stuff first. The new implementation would still have value going forward. Many would have been willing to pay for rents or make alliances just for the 20 extra storage places. The imms didn't need to make them into thieves to make this change viable. However, now the imms have forced a certain role play. Players have to deal with Cairhien is thieves now.


Ominas -

Sounds like logical fallacy to me. The Imms definitely aren’t forcing anyone to view Cairhien as thieves.

My thoughts:

It’s 100gc to get your eq out. 10 minutes of in game work. Maybe.

Principles have no place here in my opinion. There is no major injustice. Zero reason for anyone to be up in arms. Zero reason for anyone to consider this anything but an awesome opportunity to roleplay and actually log in and have discussions with your sisters.

The spontaneity of this should be celebrated. Not rejected. It creates a unique dialogue and considering what we (you) are supposed to represent, a chance to show the world how to resolve issues through rp or whatever.

I’m thinking about how cool would it be to work this out for us. Then send Sedai out, maybe under Gray initiative and guidance, to other nations and then help them get it worked out. There’s a lot of cool things that could be done with this.

It should be fun. For some reason some of you seem out to make it not fun. Bare minimum it’s given the Grays something cool to look into. And chances for rp to everyone in general.

Once again I love Alvana’s post.

Redacted - It's not the cost of gold that's the problem here. It's the RP aspect of it. You are mixing game mechanics, like how long to make gold, with RP. Peopl

e certainly have to treat them as thieves. They took money to hold gear in the inn. There was a financial agreement for the holding of that gear. They are now refusing entry for people to enter the inn and recover the gear they're renting here. In order for people to do that, they need to pay more than what was agreed upon. There is absolutely NO way to look at this other than theft.

Now sure, people could play out the RP created of Cairhien stealing the equipment of travelers. I was told, possibly wrongly, that this decision was made by the Imms and the Rising Sun were not part of. If that's true, then the Imms have forced the thieves tag onto them and their city.

Again, I'm not rejecting the change. I really like the change and the opportunities it brings! However, I disagree with the way it has been implemented. In terms of my character, I will RP it the way I think any Aes Sedai would in the Robert Jordan world. We don't let people steal tower property without repercussion, and we certainly wouldn't allow ourselves to be extorted.

EDIT: In terms of Alvana's post, it seems far fetched to think the Rising Sun could not instantly get the Inn keepers to return stolen property (RPwise). I believe it is against Cairhien law to steal, so they'd arrest them, and the whole problem would be solved. Since they have not been arrested, and they still hold our gear, then the legal system of Cairhien is complicit in the thievery.


Ominas -

Businesses change business practices constantly man. They are no longer accepting storage without a contract and because they’ve been holding your various items for some time after deposit, you have to pay a minimal one time fee. Never use it again if you don’t like it. (An example)

Doesn’t make it theft. Maybe unethical. You’re creating a narrative and applying real life morals to a video game.


Redated -

I don't think that argument holds water Ominas. As Redacted is saying, we are all on board with this change as an occasion for good RP. Just because for you the 100 gc individually, and upwards of 30k in the month of trial itself (if even one character takes out their things), is not a big deal does not mean it sits well with other people. If you look at treasury rewards, that 30k a month can earn them some nice perks actually - double or triple that and they get a pretty fancy bonus, for again, doing absolutely nothing - while the entire playerbase did things.

Let's not conflate something that we are actually okay with (the change as an idea) with the actual point we are making (forcing us to shell out 100 gc per char to a clan we otherwise may have absolutely nothing to do with), let alone the cost on unclanneds many of whom would spend upwards of 15 minutes to make that coin (a highly conservative estimate when you factor in newer players).

And let's also not pretend that everybody objecting to this doesn't go around giving coin and equipment freely to newer players and helping them out. We all do this, and we all care about the game.


Lady Alvana -

Redacted Sedai, while you make a good point, I'm afraid it's not so simple. From my discussion with a Rising Sun official, I've come to understand that the Guild of Innkeepers and the King of Cairhien have agreed on this policy, and tasked the Rising Sun with its administration**. Anyone who thinks a loyal soldier of the Rising Sun would openly defy their King's orders has grave misconceptions about our neighbors.

I cannot stress enough that they have been put in a difficult position by these events. Have we all so quickly forgotten when the Dragonsworn attacked Mayene and our hands were tied by Mother's decrees? Now we find our neighbors in a similar situation, and I am embarrassed to hear so many calls for a childlike response. Yes, the easy and low road is to call names and brandish weapons and make threats. And if we continue down that path, we all know exactly where we will end up.

I encourage you all to instead take the high road and attempt to develop mutually beneficial solutions. I have been working to grow relations between the White Tower and the Rising Sun since early on in my apprenticeship with the Gray. These are most certainly not the circumstances under which I would have preferred to meet at the negotiating table, but this is what we have to work with, and I am doing my best to make the most of it and move forward. The circumstances alone make this task difficult enough. If you're not willing to be helpful and propose solutions, please refrain from complicating the matter by taking your frustrations out on those who are.

Thank you,
Alvana


Lady Evangaline -

Would be nice to separate the IC discussion from the OOC rollout discussion. Makes it impossible to really follow the conversation here or chime in.


Lady Alvana -

(This is in response to another post but I thought it was interesting) I asked for help developing a mutually beneficial solution. I don't think "politically striking back" with banishment or sanctions qualifies.


Redated -

Then you and I disagree on what is 'beneficial.' To me, negotiating with thieves is not 'beneficial' in the long term. We can negotiate when they are not in violation of Tower law. Theft of Tower property does violate tower law, yes?


Lady Alvana -

This is not theft of Tower property. At worst, it's breach of verbal contract.


Lady Evangaline -

How is it not theft of property belonging to our members, in mass?

I can and do empathize with the situation the Rising Sun find themselves in, and I feel for them personally. It is not fair on them, and they did not ask for it. However, just as it is their duty to uphold the King's laws no matter who sits the throne, it is our duty as Aes Sedai to defend our sisterhood and loyal allies against harms. We should not let ourselves, our wards, and our allies in the Gaidin and Tower Guard be robbed merely because we feel bad for the ones who find themselves forced to defend the robbery. Tar Valon must come first.



As you can see, just from what has been shared, the discussion was swift and certain! The most intelligent women of the Tower engaging in a wonderful and powerful debate. Due to Lady Evangaline's comment about staying in character, the Gaidin began to bristle. And Ominas, being the stubborn jackass that he is, along with his brethren, took up a banner.



Ominas - Theft:
the action or crime of stealing.

Stealing:
to take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

Ominas wrote down, copying directly from the great Brown Ajah book of words. He sighed tiredly, his hands cramping, eyes burning. Having only just learned to read it was quite the undertaking. The Gaidin jumped as he heard the barracks door swing open and thunder shut, he turned slightly and saw a figure standing before the battered old door. Frowning he leaned forward, trying to see his attacker in the dark.

Ryzom stood before him staring at him imperiously. He was wrapped in a towel, a sock held aloft in his hand, another sagging down his skinny leg. He continued to look at his fellow warder before following his gaze to the sock dangling freely from his palm. A frown formed across his face, “Found em,” he said simply. “Mine now.” He turned sharply on the spot and continued down the hall, whistling a tune off key.

Ominas sighed deeply and raised a hand, pinching the space between his eyes with his fingers.


Ryzom -

Meandering back into his private quarters, Ryzom peered at the pile in the corner. ‘The precious socks,’ he mumbles as he sniffs a pair he stole from Evangaline Sedai and Detritus, ‘all mine.’


Redacted -

So someone gives me something to hold, and on my oath I agree to hold it for them UNTIL they come back for it tomorrow... When tomorrow comes, I refuse to give it back to them, unless they give me 1000 crowns. Nobody here would consider that theft?

Interesting....


Ominas -

“Well Lady Redacted Sedai. No oath is exchanged. And by very definition it is not theft. Just a business change. One which was legally proposed too and accepted by the King.”

Ominas thought as he read the most recent notice. Turning away from the board he wandered down the hall towards his rooms. He stopped suddenly when he heard an awful wailing screech. His back slammed into the wall immediately. The warders hand found the hilt of his sword shakily.

The sounds continued, coming from the door near his back. Ecthus’s rooms. He slid closer to it, his breath coming in gasps, almost ragged. With one motion he spun and kicked the door open!

Ecthus sat upon his knees in his bunk facing the nearby wall, blindfolded. He jumped as the door slammed into the stone behind it, ripping the blindfold down enough for one dark eye to be visible. Ominas stood staring at his warder friend, and his hand fell from the hilt of his sword. Ecthus looked at him a moment longer, before cocking his head to the side and whispering, “Training.” With that he refit his eye hider and once again began his shrieking wail.

Unsettled, Ominas all but fell backwards out of the room, pulling the door as he did.

He sighed once more and continued on his way. “Someone help,” he whispered.


Redacted -

In contracts, as with any negotiation between two or more parties, there has to be consent. When something like this happens, it essentially implies that the party that has suo moto added an arbitrary amount cannot be trusted.

"An agreement between two private parties that creates mutual legal obligations"


Firin -

This thread seems like a big overreaction, we make money easier than anyone and I’m sure we can afford to bribe these otherwise irrelevant RS to get access back. Let’s not make a scene here.


Kochei -

“YOU’RE OVERREACTING!”

Koschei dove behind what passed for his bed as his Sedai hurled a conjured icicle in his general vicinity.

“250,000 crowns gone to women and ale in Cairhien?!?!”, Lady Shiva Sedai shrieked, “A QUARTER MILLION. YOU IDIOT DRUNK.”

Grasping blindly for the bottle he had been suckling before this intrusion, Koschei just couldn’t get his vision of the world to stop trembling. “It is not my fault...Ryzom wanted some new preworn socks and then we had a couple and I don’t remember much but I’m back here alive and you should be grateful and not be yelling, YOU ARE A LaAaDdY-”

For the third time that week, Lady Shiva Sedai collapsed Koschei’s roof upon him and calmly walked away.


Ominas -

Ominas stood before Koschei’s rented house on the outskirts of Tar Valon, surveying the wreckage. Men and women from the city occasionally stopped to join him and exchange pleasantries and chat about the latest gossip. Apparently this scene was normal. He nodded politely, all the while considering how he was going to get Koschei out this time. “And I thought Kit had a temper.” He thought, a shiver going up his spine.

“Koschei again?” A voice called from behind him. He turned on his heel and found Reil. Nodding slowly Ominas turned back to the wreckage as Reil stepped beside him. “Here we go, what weirdness is this one about.” Kitiaras warder thought.

People gasped and women covered their faces at the sight of Reil. “Seems he’s quite popular.” Ominas thought.

“Shame really. They should marry already.” Reil said slowly. “Been like this for years now.” He shrugged a shoulder nodding towards the collapsed house. “Oh by the way did you read Firins newest notice on the Cairhien thing?” He asked holding a paper toward the Councilman.

Ominas peered at the paper and Reil suspiciously before reaching out to take it. “Is he normal...” he thought. Shaking his head he scanned the page and nodded. Turning to Reil, Ominas said:

“I agree with Firin completely. To me this is farcical and completely pointless. The fact that The White Tower would react in such a way, pretending as though this is some massive world ending issue. Pretending as though people are actively being oppressed. And that they have to “save them all.” Well it’s worrisome.”

Reil shrugged a shoulder. “I try not to involve myself in politics. I just knew you were keeping an eye on this situation and happened to be away trying to help Koschei. Anyway, it’s time for me to leave, Sedai is waiting. Send word if you need help.” He said, clapping Ominas on his shoulder.

“Finally a normal one,” Ominas thought, smiling to himself as Reil turned to leave. The smile fell away immediately as he looked down and saw that his fellow warder had the back of his pants cut out. Exposing his bottom. His once smile now turned into a frown as Reil put his sword between his legs and, clicking his tongue, began to gallop away.

“How did I not hear him approach?” Ominas pondered. His thoughts were broken up by a distant, small voice from amongst the rubble. “Can someone just throw some booze at the wreckage? Maybe it will find it’s way though.”

“Well, at least he’s alive.” Ominas muttered.


Ryzom -

Scrambling to his feet at news of Koschei being trapped, Ryzom knew this was his chance. Dropping his now cold and stale socks, he had a new hunt to be on. The elusive socks of Reil, who had been seen with Ominas at the wreckage.

“I can smell him from here, he’s close.” As he muttered to himself, reveling in the ideas of grandeur and fortune he’d receive by selling those socks to some of the Accepted and Sedai alike. Quickening his pace, onward he moved. Directly past Lord Laertes, who appeared to be struggling to lift a sword with his strength of 17 prepubescent boys.


Ominas -

Word spread like wildfire across the Tower. Novices and Accepteds alike gathered, their hands near their mouths, as if they cared about stopping those around them from hearing their whispers. Whether it be Aes Sedai, or the lower members of the Tower, almost all had heard of the recent events stemming from Auriona, specifically of her leading Reil through the halls on a leash. Perhaps most criminally, depending on whom you asked, she had forced him to don a cape.

The barracks of the Gaidin were mostly silent now most nights, even more so when or more often than not, if, Reil returned to get to his rooms. Any who entered would have felt the change. Would have noticed it in the ways their eyes met. Something was coming.

A black caped figure stepped close to the door, pulling their hood down further, seemingly to insure their features were hidden. They reached out and pounded upon the door with their fist. The door cracked open, bathing the figure in light, enough to make him step back to be closer to the shadows. "Do you have it," the man said with a gravely voice, resettling his cloak after his sudden shift. "Perhaps. Do you have what I seek?" The door squeaked. "I do, can you guarantee it's properties?" He queried. The door opened up slightly wider, almost as if anticipating such an answer before breathing, "No."

Ominas ripped his hood down instantly in fury, "Dammit Ryzom why are we even doing this? Will it work or not?" Ryzom opened the door wide and sighed. "This is how these things are supposed to be done." He intoned, before muttering something under his breath, the word "stupid" was clearly heard, causing Ominas to roll his eyes. "Look here's your socks, I even got two pairs. Kitiara can never know. But this has to work if we are to have vengeance. If we can pull this off, we can finally shift the power of this place." Ryzom stared blankly at Ominas, he then stood straight, drawing himself up to his full height. His face became stone immediately as he looked his friend in the eyes. "Wait, what are we doing?"

Ominas lashed out slamming the palm of his hand into the door, knocking it backwards into the other warder. "Dammit Ry, this is serious. Never mind. We'll do this without you." He said, turning to walk away. "Ominas wait!" Ryzom cried, Ominas stopped and turned to look at his friend. "The socks... please." Ryzom whispered. With a look of disgust and a sigh he tossed them to Ryzom through the door and continued walking. Ryzom caught the neatly folded pairs out of the air and closed the door. Putting his back to it he slowly slid to the floor sobbing softly. "I can do this," he whispered to his room. He jumped slightly as a whisper came through from the other side of the door. "Ry, I'm sorry, look we meet in three days at the old tavern on the docks. Eight on the dot." Ryzom smiled to himself and clutched the pairs of socks to his chest before knocking out an intricate code into the wood, letting his fellow warder know he'd be there. "Ry? Ry I don't know what that means." Ryzom sighed and yelled back, "I'll be there!" "Stupid," he whispered.

The Gaidin met on that day, to change the future of the Tower. They discussed many things. They were often confused, their answers making no sense. "Why do you think I've been training so hard?" Ecthus said, his face serious. "We have no idea, Ecthus, we didn't even know you were training," Ominas said, staring at him as though he were a monster. Ryzom giggled to himself, rubbing his legs and the lower leg of anyone he could reach, much to the irritation of those around him. He was in charge of infiltration, having spent many nights sneaking through the areas that they must reach. Koschei sat at the head of the table, not because he was being honored, but because his arms and legs were broken and there was no where else to put him with his heavily bandaged limbs. He was just hanging out. Ragyn sat near Laertes, helping him lift his glass so that he may drink. He nodded to those around him. They would be in charge of the escape. Because of Laertes physical deficiencies he couldn't flip the reins of the wagons without help.

Just then they all turned as they heard hard heels hitting the stone outside. Reil entered the tavern, pulling his sword from between his legs. He swore silently when it tangled in his new cape. Once settled he turned towards his rag tag family and nodded formally. They all spoke in hushed conspiratorial tones for the next few hours. When all conversations seemed to run their course Ominas turned to Reil. "We didn't expect you Reil, you're a trooper for going along with this. As we've discussed we need you to handle the application. Can you do so discreetly? Will you be able to safely get away?" he asked, meeting Reil's eyes. The caped warder nodded slowly, "Why do you think I expose my bottom?" Ominas looked at him for a long moment before answering, "What the hell are you talking about? We have no idea. Fucks sake what is wrong with you people?" He sighed to himself and with one last look at Reil grabbed his mug and raised it. "Gentleman we strike tomorrow night." They all raised their drinks and quaffed them in one shot. Ragyn helped Laertes lift his to his mouth. Koschei having no use of his arms simply knocked his head into his cup, tipping it over, and lapped from the table.


Lady Alvana -

Alvana thanks the novice for delivering the message from Auriona Sedai, and reads it to herself. After suppressing a chuckle, she turns her attention back to the girl clad in white.

"Now then, you say you heard some of the Gaidin drinking together. That's... Not particularly uncommon. I don't understand why you're telling me this."

"Because, Aes Sedai," the girl says in a hushed tone, *I heard them say something about..." The girl scans the room.

"Novice, we are locked in the negotiating Chambers of the Gray," Alvana says, reassuring the obviously troubled girl. "Nobody will hear you except those who you wish to be heard by. Now please, out with it."

"Socks," she whispers.

Alvana frowns and bats an eyelash. "Socks? How shirr are you?" She was getting better at hiding the slurs in her speech when Ryzom was out drinking, but admittedly, it had made some recent negotiations... Interesting. "If action is to be taken, I need you to be absolutely certain they said socks."

"Certain as I stand before you, Aes Sedai," the young girl says, nearly trembling.

Alvana probes the bond for Ryzom Gaidin's location, not that there are dozens of venues for drinking at this hour. "Thank you, novice." She weaves fine flows of spirit and Earth to unlock the door, and a little air to push it open. "I would request that you not repeat what you've told me unless specifically asked. Back to your studies, then."

The novice departs. Annoura turns to Alvana. "What do you make of that, the sock business?"

Alvana shakes her head. "I haven't got a clue, but I believe I know someone who does."


Ominas -

Ryzom approached the grand stairs leading up into the Ajah apartments silently. Diving across the entrance he landed neatly on the other side, scanning down the opposite hall while crouching against the nearby wall. He slowly raised a hand above his head and brought it down upon the marble floor creating a meaty smack that echoed throughout the area.

Standing five feet away in the middle of the hall were Ominas and Ecthus, who were making no attempt to hide. "The hell is he doing?" Ecthus asked, eyes focused on the crouching Gaidin. Ominas shrugged. Ecthus approached Ryzom, who was now wetting his finger with his mouth and holding it aloft, and cuffed him roughly across the back of the head. "Stop that, you're weirding me out," he said, adjusting his blindfold. Ryzom nearly fell forward but caught himself with a hand, he turned slightly and glared up at Ecthus before standing straight and crossing his arms against his chest. "Reil should be in position, the others are likely getting the wagon ready, we need to move," Ominas said, approaching the two. They all nodded and began the climb.

Reil knelt before Auriona, polishing the marble floor of her rooms. "Circular motions Reil, circular. Light you're useless," she hissed, her eyes wide and angry. Reil nodded dumbly and began to move his rag in tighter smaller circles. "That's better. I think I'll have a bath tonight, with bubbles. Make sure to get the lavender soap I so enjoy. Then after I'll allow you to massage my feet." Auriona said, staring down at the Warder. She stepped over him and instead her heel found his hand, she continued on regardless either unaware or without care. Reil glared up at her back as she moved. A cold smile crept across his face, 'A bath eh?' he thought. 'All according to plan.'

Ecthus and Ominas stood on the second floor landing, taking turns glancing down the hall and up the stairs. Ryzom had slipped ahead to prepare traps in case they needed to make a quick exit. Or so he said. They lounged as if they belonged. A door opened up to Ominas's left, raised voices could be heard immediately. "You do you. I'll watch. Or whatever." Carter said, walking slightly in front of Marshall. They paused in step and went silent as their eyes met Ominas's, then Ecthus as he strode beside him. An awkward thirty seconds passed before anyone spoke. Marshall surged forward and threw an arm around Carter and exclaimed, "The orchard. He'll watch the orchard!" Ecthus and Ominas's eyes met and both returned their gaze to the two. "What? You said I didn't have to pay if.." Carter started before being quickly silenced by his friends hand covering his mouth. Marshall began to cackle madly, pulling his friend back into the room from which they came.

"That was weird as frick," Ecthus said, shifting his blindfold. Ominas stared at his friend before shrugging.

Reil stood above Auriona while she soaked in the bath, massaging oils into her hair. She lay still, as was their nightly custom. Her eyes were closed, her feet crossed hanging out the other end of the magnificent gold worked marble tub. It was wrought and created by those she deemed beneath her. Some said if you looked hard enough you could see the reflections of the novices and peasants whose tears had been used to polish it and create it's sheen. "More lavender," she sighed, shifting slightly in place. "Of course Queen Auriona," Reil smiled, reaching for a foreign bottle he had mixed earlier. 'Just enough lavender oil to not give it away,' he thought, smiling wider. He emptied the entirety of the bottle into the tub and watched in both fear, and mirth as Auriona began to rub her limbs. His hands found her hair once more, just as the water began to turn black.

Ominas paced at the landing of the stairs, wringing his hands. "Surely it's been long enough. But we can't go too early." He said, looking to Ecthus who was lifting his blindfold to look down at his wrist for the thirtieth time. "What the hell are you doing?" he hissed, causing Ecthus to shift his chin up and look in his direction. "I don't know, it just feels right." Ecthus said with a shrug. Ominas stopped in place and took several deep breaths. "It's time, we can't wait anymore. We need to get him out." He said, his gaze growing harder. Ecthus nodded slowly and popped his knuckles, readying himself for what was to come. As one they moved up the stairs and made their way to the Yellow Ajah apartments. They paused outside Auriona's rooms and stared at the door. "You do it," Ominas said, looking down. "Uh no fuckin way, I'm not doing it. You do it." Ecthus sneered. Ominas glared at his friend, taking a deep breath once more he raised his hand to knock.

Ryzom stood on first floor of the Tower in the large chamber before the stairs. He had dragged a small table from a corner of the room into the center. Removing the beautiful seafolk vase that once adorned it, he replaced it with many of his treasures. Socks. Socks from almost every room within the Tower. Each meticulously labeled with the owners name, their potential ages, and how many times they were worn before being borrowed. Pulling a large twist of paper from his pocket he undid it's top and began sprinkling a fine powder onto the socks before him. A tear rolled down his face as he worked. 'For my brothers,' he thought. 'For my brothers.' He continued to pour the nettle powder onto the pile. "This should teach them," he whispered between sobs.

Ominas's hand met the cold stone like wood of the Yellow's door. Instantly he turned to run, but Ecthus caught him and held him firm. "A moment," a voice called from the other side. Various sounds came from within. Water being sloshed, brisk movement, and suddenly the door was opening. Reil stood before the open door and surveyed the two Gaidin. "Business," Ominas said. "You're needed." He winked at Reil and gave him a panicked look. "Who is it!?" a devilish voice snapped from behind Reil. "Ominas and Ecthus, they say I'm needed. Gaidin business." he replied, sweat beading his forehead. "Well make it quick, we're not done yet!" Reil nodded in compliance and shifted the door partly closed to grab his sword and cloak from behind it. He stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him. All three gaidin immediately began speed walking down the hall, trying to put as much distance as they could before things kicked off.

They reached the stairs and were about to start down them as Ryzom appeared before them. He tapped his nose and nodded quietly. The Gaidin paused, all smiling at their brilliance. Just then a horrible scream ripped through the hall seeming to come from every direction. The Gaidin looked at one another and all broke into a run, dashing for the stairs! "Reiiiiiiiiiiil" someone screamed behind them, but they weren't stopping. Rule number one forty two of the Gaidin hand book crossed through all of their minds. "When dung gets crazy just keep running."

Ryzom was slightly behind them as they rounded the stairs leading to the first floor, suddenly he was yanked backwards with a yelp. The three Gaidin paused to look towards their friend who was now on his back. He shot to his feet with surprising speed and began to move in their direction when he was once against lifted from the ground and flung, this time hitting the nearby wall. The Gaidin looked on in helpless horror as he smiled at them one last time before closing his eyes.

Auriona appeared around the bend and all three Gaidin screamed as one. Her once beautiful bouncing hair was soot black and oily, hanging from her head in strands, almost perfectly framing red rimmed eyes that seemed to glow with fire. In fact all of her was black. Her skin, nails, even her teeth. "It's just dye Auriona," Reil whimpered, almost falling down the stairs as he backed away in panic. If Auriona heard him she wasn't telling. She shook with cold fury, a white bath robe hanging from her body, a stark contrast from her newly dyed skin. Kendall appeared behind them coming up the stairs, a look of confusion on his face. "Hey guys, what's going..." but he was quickly silenced as he was suddenly heaved from the ground and flung down the stairs with a yelp.

"Go!" Ecthus screamed, "This is what I've been training for!" He charged up the stairs and stood over Ryzom's limp body, mere feet away from Auriona. Pulling his blindfold over his eyes he dropped to his knees and began his shrieking wail. Looking in her general direction. For a moment her face dropped as she gazed upon him. She sighed, her brow knit together and she walked around him, looking at him as though he were a fool.

"Didn't work! Run!" Ominas yelled, dragging Reil along behind him. They sped down the remaining stairs and made their way out into the courtyard before reaching the Tower Square. "Move!" Ominas said running as fast as he could. Reil placed his sword between his legs and began to click his tongue, over taking his friend as they made their way to the eastern gate. He continued to put distance between them with ease. 'I'll be damned,' Ominas thought. "So that's why he exposes his bottom.'

They made their way through the gate just as it closed for the night. Just as they had planned. Ragyn stood upon the wagon gesturing for them to hurry. Laertes twisted at the reins feebly, trying to raise them to get the horses moving. "Where are the others?" Ragyn asked. The two fleeing Gaidin could only look at one another before their eyes fell to the ground. Ragyn knew not to ask anything more. His eyes found Laertes and he pushed him aside in annoyance, and flicked the reins just as the Gaidin climbed aboard. Koschei lay upon the floor of the wagon, bandaged and unmoving.

Hours later they arrived in Cairhien, their horses lathered and blowing. "What now?" Ragyn asked wringing his hands as he stretched. "I've got a contact here that will let us hide out for a few days. We just need to get to her." Ominas replied. Sometime later they found themselves in a dark tavern, a solid metal door between them and the streets. Baroness Aira walked around the space lighting the lanterns one by one. "Thanks for taking us in Aira, we barely made it out." Ominas said, his head hanging. She nodded as she worked. "I heard there was some kind of coup, didn't suspect you lot would be involved or I wouldn't have agreed to this." She said, her eyes shining with fury.

"We had no choice, it had to be done. Even though we lost some good men." Reil said with a sigh. Ominas nodded, followed quickly by the rest. Koschei wiggled, the best he could do really. Aira walked behind the bar and collected glasses, she then found a green tinted bottle and poured a brown liquid into each. She handed one out to each of the Gaidin. For Koschei she placed it in his lap with a shrug. He gave her a withering glare.

Each raised their glasses and gave a toast. Laertes mumbled, Ragyn tried to give a rousing speech, and Koschei wiggled. Reil raised his higher, "May their feet itch, and may Auriona never come undyed." he whispered. "For the fallen," Ominas sobbed. They drank everything down.

Aira slapped her hands to her thighs and nodded. "Right then. I thought you should know I already sent word to the Tower. Your Sedai should be along shortly to get you." Ominas gasped, Reil screamed, Ragyn and Laertes looked at one another and began shaking. Koschei wiggled. "Betrayal!" Ominas sneered, his lips pulling back from his teeth. A resounding knock fell upon the door and all went quiet, staring towards it.

The baroness moved towards the door and turned a key, swinging it open. In strode Kitiara, Shiva, and Auriona, along with the rest of the Sedai to whom the Gaidin belonged. "Ok boys you've had your fun, Ominas on your feet, we're going home." Kitiara snarled, looking to her warder. "I won't go!" Ominas said, crossing his arms. "I said move it," she said, reaching towards him and grabbing him by his cloak to pull him along. Shiva glared at her warder before sighing and sitting next to him. "You're an idiot," she smiled. Koschei wiggled happily. Auriona stood before Reil, now impeccably clean, glaring down at him.

Outside Kitiara waited patiently as an attendant brought horses, freshly dressed and saddled. "You just had to didn't you?" She said, not even bothering to look in her warders direction. Ominas stood quietly, staring at the ground. "The nettle powder was a nice touch by the way." She smiled, continuing to stare forward. "You got a couple of them before we figured out why we had so many Sedai and Accepted complaining of burning and itching feet." Ominas perked up at this, puffing out his chest. 'So,' he thought, 'We succeeded after all. May this be burned in their memory.'

Kitiara finally looked at Ominas and sighed. "Come on then, stupid."

**I've intentionally left some spaces blank, without giving away too much of what happened between each character. Just in case other Gaidin or Sedai want to chime in and fill in the blanks themselves. I thought it would be a good time for all. Thanks for reading this silliness. I didn't expect this to become as popular as it did. But a lot of players have reached out to share a laugh so here we are. You can thank Evangaline who recommended we try to stay IC haha. I hope you enjoyed**

Ps. Loved what you wrote Alvana. Would love to see more


Ryzom -

Ryzom’s Story:

Awoken by a splash of water and a slap of Air, the Lord Gaidin was not surprised to see the faces of Auriona, Kitiara, Alvana, and Shiva Sedai. Judging by their expressions, the plan has been executed perfectly and the others have gotten away.

‘YOU FLAMING FUCKWIT, WHAT HAVE YOU IDIOTS DONE,’ shrieked Shiva Sedai.
‘Why IN THE ALL BLOODY HELL AM I STAINED IN INK,’ ree’d Auriona Sedai.
‘WHY ARE OUR WARDERS LEAGUES SOUTH OF HERE,’ Kitiara Sedai said while trying to keep her stature cool and calm.

Alvana Sedai tried to stand from her stool, but quickly found herself not tempting fate by all that the liquor had done through the bond.

‘Please, Sedai, I will not give in to torture and I will not speak of my brothers or their intentions without their presence,’ calmly stated by Ryzom. He had begun to start practicing Lord Coulin’s bladeforms with a pretend sword. Oblivious to the obvious ire and wrath he was incurring upon himself.

Auriona Sedai’s mouth suddenly twisted into a smile as she spoke, ‘Well at least you weren’t competent enough to hide our socks better, you petulant little grubby thief. I’m glad you took the time to write down the names of each owner for every pair so we may return them swiftly.’ Ears perking up at the mention of socks, Ryzom whooped.

‘You may have all of your socks back! A harmless prank, my most beloved friends and Sedai,’ he cackled. It had all worked perfectly. Some say you can’t trick an Aes Sedai into doing anything they didn’t want to do. This myth became fact as they didn’t want to have cold feet now, would they?

A sudden scream came from the halls, a short, Murandian Accepted came running and jumping, trying not to put too much stress on her feet. ‘It burns, by the Creator! What has happened to our socks!’

Shiva Sedai started screeching as well, hurriedly sitting onto the ground and removing her socks. One by one, screams of agony around the Tower were heard as the powder worked it’s antagonistic properties on all who dared not have cold feet.

Whooping triumphantly, Ryzom turned to run, only to be met by another swift blow to the head. Staring up into the eyes of Alvana and Kitiara Sedai, they seethed with rage. This did not bother Ryzom. It had all gone according to plan. Victory, against even those whom are said to not be tricked or deceived. He closed his eyes and began to dream of the coming nights, where he’d share drink with his fellow Gaidin and brothers. Where, perhaps, a new beginning would unfold.

(Shout out to Ominas. My boy blue and his stellar rp as always. Can we award him please? Thanks!!!)


Firin -

What is this crap?


Lady Alvana -

S-tier collaborative roleplay. Take notes.


Elysia -

Aaaaaand now I understand why there's a Dobby reference on Discord...


Carter -

Someone needs to award Ominas something. I'll watch.


Koschei -

*wiggle* *wiggle*


Auriona -

Auriona's eyes snapped open at the sound of a knock on her door and removal of Reil's hands from her scalp. She stared up at the gorgeous fresco on the ceiling and listened carefully to the strained, hushed voices of the Gaidin on the other side of the door. Eyes still stuck in a roll, she reached down and pulled the stopper from the tub with a casual flick of her dextrous toes. She climbed to her feet as the warm water drained away, and paused as she caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror across the room. Ink? She thought. Had the Gaidin learned how to do Novice-level pranks? They were evolving at a worrisome rate. They'd try itching powder next, if they'd been relying on Novices for inspiration. Auriona din Nerisi Two Moons, daughter of a Seafolk windfinder, stared at her even-darker skin and hair and wondered if Ecthus' screeching midnight meditations were involved in any of this. She laughed quietly to herself and then turned on a heel and filled herself to the brim with Saidar at the sound of rustling behind her.

Ryzom Gaidin sat in her discarded clothes with an ecstatic look on his face, stretching a long silk stocking under his nose. With a throaty roar, Auriona deftly wove a massive wave of Air, lifted the rather heavy troll of a man up off the ground and threw him into the hallway. She took a moment to take a deep breath and compose herself, reached over and covered her immaculate, dark form in a fluffy robe, and unhooked a length of chain and heavy leather collar from its hanger on the door before striding into the hall. Ryzom was no where to be seen, but no worry. Enhancing her voice to be heard throughout the Tower she intoned a haunting "Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeil" and then took off to intercept them. Since none of them even knew the zone that well, and they ran predictably down the main staircase. Auriona muttered a victorious "yee-haw" to herself as she formed a lasso of air and tossed it casually at Reil. She hissed as it caught Ryzom around the neck instead, and yanked him hard to the ground. Twice. She had to admit, that stupid idiot Gaidin didn't know when to stop. She locked eyes with Reil and gave a crazed smile that promised quite a scene later. A voice behind her interrupted the delight of her imagination and was punished by a wall of air and the sound of an armored man tumbling down the stairs. She'd have to mend bruises on her sisters tomorrow.

Then, Ecthus was standing before her. Then, Ecthus was screaming in her face. Plugging her own ears with Air, she regarded this weary adventurer before her, chuckled politely, and walked around him.


Aloisa -

Aloisa sighed


Marshall -

Yes, yes you will. (He quoted Carter here)


Shiva -

As the cool morning breeze carries the scent of lavender and misery through the Tower, Shiva tends the small herb garden on the balcony of her apartments. Lamenting the quarter million crowns her brain dead companion has spent after years of hoarding and hard work. Why did he do these things? She didn't think she would ever understand how his brain worked or if he had one at all.

From the corner of her eye a flash of movement at the entrance to her wardrobe. Embracing Saidar, she solidified the air around the door to her chambers. "Whoever you are, you are trapped. Remove the hood and put whatever you have down and you might make it out of here with your skin."

The tall figure slowly turns removing its hood and Shiva lets out a sigh. "Ryzom, what the hell are you doing in my wardrobe AGAIN!" With an idiot grin Ryzom responds "I was just guarding your socks Shiva Sedai, for you have so many and the COLOURS!". Ryzom giggles and sets pair after pair of socks on the dresser beside him. "Sometimes I wonder if your brain isn't made out of socks Ryzom, or nothing at all." Grumbling Shiva makes her way to the bottle of mulled wine on the edge of her desk. Pouring two goblets she turns to face Ryzom handing him one.

"Your timing could not have been more fortuitous Gaidin, I have something I need done, provided I can clear it with your Aes Sedai. You are with Alvana Sedai now yes?" Nodding slowly Ryzom takes the goblet of wine offered to him. "Your friend Koschei has been under the house I collapsed on him for a few days now and I think the time has come to dig him out of there, frankly a job too dirty for myself not to mention much too time consuming and yes before we go further and I have to suffer any complaints, I KNOW you and he were together in Cairhien carousing and drinking."

Shiva moves towards the wardrobe and retrieves a small pair of elegant white socks from one of her draws. Showing the socks to Ryzom she says "I travelled once with a Tower delegation to the borderlands, and I failed to bring a pair of socks. Mother was kind enough to lend me a pair of her own and I still have them, right here. A sock connoisseur such as yourself might consider the socks of the most powerful woman in the world something of a prize yes?" Tossing the socks at Ryzom and making her way back to the herb garden she says "Consider that payment for your services, you will bring him back here when you get him out. If you decide not to then perhaps I shall have a talk with Alvana Sedai about why you are skulking around a sitters apartments, stealing things."

"You may finish your wine, then get out." Removing the weave from the doorway Shiva smiles at the thought of one idiot digging another out from under that house.


Davor -

Davor looked around. He had no idea what was happening with his clan mates. Something about socks. He remembered his stories of minotaurs and centaurs and thought that was the most bat-dung crazy role play that could ever happen. Then he realized Ryzom is a Gaidin now.

"firetrucking place is gone to dung!" he muttered. Then he rode into the Ruined Keep and died to a Dreadguard.

In her clan rooms, Taleena collapsed in shock and grief. "God damnit, I don't even play and I lose a level a day."

(That one actually made me laugh the hardest. Davor rping. Who saw that coming? Epic)


Reil -

Reil happened to be walking by as Taleena collapsed.

"Well, the grief I maybe get, but you really only have yourself to blame if you're shocked at this point."

Smiling to himself, Reil scratched his bare butt cheek through the window in his pants and continued down the hall. Everybody knew you had to allow Taleena Sedai her daily dose of laying on the ground and grieving for her idiot Warder. No sense in interrupting routine and making folks fussy.


And so, as you can see, the Gaidin made the White Tower of Tar Valon kneel, if only for a moment. Mostly due to excruciatingly itchy feet. But it counts. Not only did they stand up to the powers that be. But they even hijacked a thread and out roleplayed the roleplayers. May this day live on in the long memories of the Tower. May they always remember that we are watching! The redacted people are only redacted because I do not have their permission to post. The ones who are not, I know won't care.

I hope you enjoy.

[Naomi]

I really enjoyed this.

What a fantastic read!