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It should be impressed upon the student that Aes Sedai are viewed as mysterious, confident, cryptic, regal and wise. The following tips are just examples of little tricks one can use to try to portray a character who has more life experience and knowledge than it would ever be possible for a player to gain. Each player will, or should, develope her own personal style. These are just some, not all, of the possible ways one can attempt to appear Sedai-like.
Be extremely careful to never lie. Aes Sedai are world famous for making people believe totally incorrect things without ever lying. One of the easiest methods of doing this is to simply not correct someone else when they make a false statement. Allowing them to continue to believe something you know to be untrue is not lying. Having someone else lie for you is another tried and true lesson. Some think that warders are vital more for this than for the protection their swords offer. Ordering someone to tell a lie is not lying yourself.
Joe steps forward and gestures towards Jane as he says,"Her name is Liersa."
A more advanced form of this concept is convincing, or having someone else convince, another Aes Sedai that something is true when it is not. An Aes Sedai can be wrong, but she cannot speak statements she knows to be untrue. In the books, many Rebel Sedai are spreading the lies that the Red Ajah helped Logain rise to power as a false Dragon. They are not violating their Oaths, because they believe it, having been told by someone they think cannot lie.
Avoid directly answering questions. If someone asks your name and you wish them not to know it, do not respond with "I am [whoever]." Giving someone permission to do something is not lying, so you could respond, "You may call me [insert whatever pseudonym you like]." Feel free to ignore questions posed to you and then make unrelated statements. An example from the books would be when Moiraine was asked why she was in the Two Rivers. The truthful answer to the question would have been, "I am seeking the Dragon Reborn." She ignored that question however and simply made the statement, "I am interested in old stories." Since she cannot lie, it is a true statement that she is interested in old stories. Had she answered the question with that statement by saying something such as, "I am here for the sole purpose of learning the old stories of your region." That would have been a lie.
Preparation is one of the keys. If you are going on a mission, the secrecy of which is vital, have a secondary goal as well. For example, if you are going to Cairhien to spy on the Dragon Reborn, do more than one thing with the trip. There is a world famous library in the city. Plan to visit it. Then, when asked why you are in the city, you can truthfully respond, "I plan to visit the Royal Library."
Make a habit of answering in such a manner even when you are not trying to misdirect. If people spend a lot of time carefully considering your exact wording on every statement, there is more possibility of the important ones slipping through. Even if you are simply in the garden to look at the flowers, couching it in evasive terms will help in the long run, and make you seem more like an Aes Sedai. "Aren't these flowers lovely?" The suspicious will naturally assume that you are hiding some other agenda by the evasive answer. It helps keep them off balance.
If there is simply no way to truthfully respond to an uncomfortable question with misdirection, do not answer. Ignore it and respond with a question of your own. For example, if you are trying to steal the crown jewels and are asked, "Why are you here in the palace?" You could respond,"Have you seen my ink pen?" Questions are never lies. And of course, there is always,"I am an Aes Sedai, child. I am not here to be interrogated by such as you."
Try to always act sure of yourself. In the books, Aes Sedai rarely have to channel to impose their will. Issue suggestions in such a way that it is clear that although they are in the polite form of a request, they are most definitely orders. Act mildly surprised if your commands, suddenly transformed into incredibly reasonable suggestions, are not followed. Make it clear from your attitude, not your words, that not obeying you is merely an act of childishness. Try to never outwardly show fear. There were many scenes in the books of Aes Sedai calmly, nonchalantly facing Asha'man. Then, once they were alone, quickly confiding in their sisters that those men made them want to scream in terror. To paraphrase a quote from a bad western movie, "Nothing unsettles a man more than you standing your ground and looking him in the eye when every ounce of common sense says you should be running like hell." If this confidence annoys someone to the point that he points out exactly how outmatched you are, simply smile mysteriously as if you know something he does not. Perhaps even confirm that he is correct and smile even more.
The Asha'man sneers disdainfully at the small woman and spits out in an arrogant tone,"I have you shielded, Aes Sedai. There is no way you can free yourself."
Jane's cheek dimples as an amused smile slowly spreads across her face. She presses tentatively against the shield once, then stops, her smile growing even more amused. Softly, she replies,"It would certainly seem that you have the upper hand." She seems barely able to suppress a chuckle.
Inside, Jane is likely thinking to herself, "Oh light! Someone please help me!!!" Years of Aes Sedai training enables her to outwardly keep her calm, even if she does feel like wetting herself.
Aes Sedai are important. They are revered, respected and even feared. They are used to being listened to and of being in charge. Use this. Certainly, you would not do this if you are hiding your identity, but if you are in a situation where you are already known to be Aes Sedai and there is turmoil, you are not only allowed, but almost expected, to step in and handle the situation. Also, never explain yourself or your actions unless you absolutely must. Express annoyance if you do have to explain. Even then, do not fully explain. It is hard to be mysterious if you tell everyone exactly what you are up to all the time.
Main Syllabus | Sedai Syllabus | Common Weaves | Restricted Weaves | Lecture | Acting the Part