Tar Valon Library - User contributions [en]

Raam Sho'am

2017-12-01T22:47:15Z

Kerna Shedrian: /* Tower Involvement */

{{Template:MemberInfo
|Avatar=Raam.jpg
|TowerName=Raam Sho'am
|RealName=
|Location=
|Birthday=
|Affiliation={{MDD}}
|TowerRank={{gaidin}}
|TowerTitle={{hg}}
|JoinDate=January 17, 2009
|BondedTo=[[Meilen Gevedon]]
|ProfileNo=284
|BarColor=#0000AA
|BarText=#EEEEEE
}}

==Tower History==
*Joined {{TV}}: January 17, 2009
*Joined {{Tower}}: March 14, 2009
*Raised {{Soldier}}: June 19, 2009
*{{aspired}} to {{mdd}}: August 2009
*Raised {{Gaidin}}: May 2, 2010

==Tower Involvement==
===Current===
*{{HGM}} of {{mdd}}: April 1, 2017 - present
*{{Editor|Raam Sho'am}}: March 27, 2010 - Present

===Previous===
*{{cc}} of {{MDD2}}: July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
*{{wc}} for {{MDD2}}:
** {{fall16hall}} (January 1, 2017 - March 31, 2017)
**{{fall13hall}}
**{{spring13hall}}
**{{fall11hall}}
*{{Chat Op}}: February 17, 2010 - April 15, 2014
*{{ishm}}: September 20, 2013 - October 11, 2013
*[[Merit Badge Focus Group]]: July 1, 2010 - March 15, 2011

===Awards===
*{{MCyear|2015}}: Best Real Life Couple (with [[Zashara Sho'am]]) - 2015
===Merits===
{{Checked|201701}}{{Attendance0}}{{Mentor0}}{{Ladder-Staff}}{{Due-GroupPride}}{{AdminWorking|18}}{{StaffWorking|68}}
====Gold====
{{MembershipGold}}{{SM-Gold}}{{StaffGold}}{{EditingGold}}
====Silver====
{{MembersChoice}}
====Avendesora====
{{lightgreen}}

==Tower Relationships==
===Bonding===
*{{Bonded}} to [[Meilen Gevedon]], {{as}} of the {{Blue2}}: October 3, 2010 - present
===Mentoring===
;Mentor
*[[Aves Keynes]], {{gaidin}} of {{MDD2}}
;Mentees

===Other Tower Relationships===
*Married to [[Zashara Sho'am]], {{as}} of the {{Brown2}}

==Official Event Attendance==

==Senior Member Interview==

*;Why did you choose Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb?

Because it was the only decent company

*;Do you fit the Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb stereotype? Do you enjoy using your deviant humor at the expense of others? Are you gay?

Yes

*;What male character from the novels do you think would fit best in Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb?

Padan Fain

*;How long have you been a fan of the Wheel of Time series?

Five years, give or take

*;How did you first get into the series?

Aulrick introduced me to the books while we were both doing our time in the IDF

*;Who is your favorite "hero"?

Moridin

*;Favorite bad guy/gal?

Rand

*;Favorite book and scene?

The Gathering Storm for book. Scene... Dunno, I don't recall reading any graphic torture scenes, so I guess none?

*;If you were set down in Randland, who/what would you see yourself as? An Aes Sedai? Innkeeper? Seanchan Captain?

Elayne Trakand.

*;How did you find TarValon.Net and what convinced you to stay and become a Senior Member?

Like I remember. I stayed for shits and giggles, though, I remember that part.

*;What do you do in "real life"?

Oppress people for fun and profit.

*;Do you have any hobbies?

Watching sports.
Banging my girlfriend.
Killing lions and tigers in Kenya.

*;What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Good music

*;What are some of your favorite movies / television shows?

Movies - The Shawshank Redemption, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Battlefield Earth, Manos: The Hands of Fate, The Human Centipede, A Serbian Film

TV shows - The Simpsons, anything by Sorkin, anything by Whedon.

*;Aside from The Wheel of Time, what are a few of your favorite books/series?

Above all else, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Other than that, anything by Robert Heinlein, most of Brandon Sanderson's work, Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow (but none of the other steaming piles of feces Card excreted), Old Man's War, The Forever War and Pratchett's Guard books

*;What profession did you want to have when you were a kid?

Fascist Dictator (success!)

[[Category:Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb Gaidin]]
[[Category:Blue Warders]]
[[Category:Who's Who Members]]
[[Category:TarValon.Net Gaidin]]
[[Category:Current Staff]]
[[Category:Current Membership|H ]]

Euro Party 2017

2017-11-19T19:19:01Z

Kerna Shedrian: Redirected page to Britain and Ireland Party 2017

#redirect [[Britain and Ireland Party 2017]]

Template:Euro2017

2017-11-19T19:18:44Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "*Euro Party 2017 - Callandar, Scotland <noinclude>Category:Events Templates</noinclude>"

*[[Euro Party 2017]] - Callandar, Scotland <noinclude>[[Category:Events Templates]]</noinclude>

Amyrlin's Tournament

2017-11-19T19:07:49Z

Kerna Shedrian:

The Amyrlin's Tournament is an annual event held at the [[Anniversary Party]], consisting of several competitions in physical or mental prowess. Past Tournament events have included fencing, foot races, obstacle courses, traditional/arm/sumo wrestling, trivia, and speed chess. The winner earns a [[Amyrlin%27s_Champion_Merit|Merit Badge]]

The all-around winner of each tournament receives the title '''Amyrlin's Champion''' for the next year, and receives a complimentary ticket to a future event. Also, due to being the oldest, most "fun to watch", and the only consistently recurring competition of the Tournament, fencing is held in particular regard at events; winners of the fencing competition receive the lifetime honor of [[Blademaster]].

== Past Amyrlin's Champions ==
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2007]]''': [[Josef al'March]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2008]]''': [[Azrael al'Letifer]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2009]]''': [[Valorian Edoras]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2010]]''': [[Valorian Edoras]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2011]]''': [[Riley Maconnar]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2012]]''': [[Alcyon Devrix]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2013]]''': [[Ivanor Winshaw]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2014]]''': [[Dareth d'Rahien]]
*'''[[Britain and Ireland Party 2015]]''': [[Ealandrelle Melyma ]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2015]]''': Ubah's guest
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2016]]''': [[Lok Sionn]]
*'''[[Euro Party 2016]]''': [[Enya Tawarwaith]]

== Blademasters ==
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2007]]''': [[Josef al'March]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2008]]''': [[Azrael al'Letifer]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2009]]''': [[Anigrel Tavadon]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2010]]''': [[Valorian Edoras]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2011]]''': [[Locus Sarania]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2012]]''': Unknown
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2013]]''': [[Alanar Tansden]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2014]]''': [[Locus Sarania]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2015]]''': [[Sean al'Dragoran]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2016]]''': [[Valorian Edoras]]
*'''[[Anniversary Party 2017]]''': [[Ty al'Djinn]]

[[Category:Amyrlin's Tournaments]]

Total Rickall Mafia Game

2017-10-11T20:00:23Z

Kerna Shedrian: testing this semantic thing a little

;Moderator: [[Mafia Moderator::Atreyu Silverstar]]
;Game Date: October 3, 2017 - October 10, 2017
;Winner: [[Won by::Mafia]]
;Players:
#[[Played by::Calen Velervron]]
#[[Played by::Owena al'Saturni]]
#[[Played by::Nebka Galyn]]
#[[Played by::Kerna Shedrian]]
#[[Played by::Zashara Sho'am]]
#[[Played by::Tree al'Rotture]]
#[[Played by::Kaldam Luciere]]
#[[Played by::Barmacral Tigana]]
#[[Played by::Miliham Rastoubel]]

Roles

[[Category:Mafia Games]]

Executive Meeting

2017-09-29T14:05:30Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{MM|The Executive Meeting}}
==General==
Twice a year, in early spring and early autumn, [[TarValon.Net]] has an Administrative Meeting. All Executives, Officers and Board Members at TarValon.Net are invited to this meeting, where they deliberate upon strategies which might have impact on the Administrative and Membership structures in the coming year.

The Admin Meeting is an opportunity to achieve important changes to the site. TarValon.Net has always been in a constant process of evolution, as it improves its operations so it may serve its members as a growing community. Every variation to existing procedure is introduced and established in order to enhance and improve our site, so it may test and stretch its boundaries as a leading community in The Wheel of Time fandom.

Roughly two months before the meeting is scheduled, a thread is started in the Executive forum, in which the Executives, Keeper of the Chronicles and Amyrlin Seat may start adding items to the agenda. Around the same time, the date of the meeting is solidified in the General Administrative Forum (i.e. 'the Water Cooler').

Generally a week or two before the meeting, the tentative agenda is posted in the Water Cooler, at which time the majority of the Administration may give input on the proposed subjects for discussion. These Admins would be able to give input at an earlier date; they would just need to propose the suggestion to their Director, who would be able to add the item to the agenda in the Executive forum. A membership poll is also started to obtain a general feeling of the community about a variety of selected issues. These issues will usually be discussed in some manner at the Admin Meeting.

The meeting is usually a minimum of eight hours, and at times has lasted as long as eleven hours. It encompasses all Administrative issues which are up for discussion. The data compiled from the Annual Membership Survey is also reviewed.

The majority of the meeting involves minor aspects of each Department, tending to involve discussion between the Amyrlin, Keeper, Director and any Admins or Staff relevant to the current subject. This includes, among many other things, an appraisal of the budget, philanthropy goals, assessment of certain Administrative positions and many other mundane issues which allow TarValon.Net to function smoothly and with maximum efficiency.

The Admin Meeting is also the time at which the Amyrlin is able to describe any plans of future innovation, which allow our site to continue serving its members as a fresh and ever-progressive community.

There are usually a number of policies instituted at the Admin Meeting which have a major impact upon the site. In the past, a few cases which were implemented as a result of discussion at Admin Meetings were the sharing of a Bondmate’s Ajah/Company forum, evaluating members for raising to Senior Membership through the Hall rather than deliberation of either all Gaidin or all Aes Sedai, the Guesting program for Accepted/Soldiers and Voluntary Demotions for Senior Members.

After the meeting, the Executive Assistant compiles the minutes. These minutes are then issued to the Admins, which is especially important for those who were not able to be present at the meeting, so they might be updated on the new policies. Once all Admins have corresponded, the rest of the members may become acquainted with these policies through one or more posts made in the Site Announcements forum by either the Amyrlin or Keeper.

Any posts made about newly updated procedures are not discussion or debate threads, but rather serve the function of announcing these changes to the site’s members. In a site as large and dynamic as our own, it is vital to remember that every modification to existing policy is the result of an issue which required improvement. These policies are adjusted or instituted in response to previous member feedback of which the Administration was informed through the Chain of Command or within the Administrative structure or by the membership poll.

Any who wish to communicate about these newly instituted policies may do so by contacting their Membership Admin, who will relay any relevant information through the Chain of Command. All policies are, as always, up for review in the subsequent year’s Admin Meeting.

==2003 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2003 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2003]] Administrative Meeting was held in Fairview at the Anni Party.
==2004 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2004 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2004]] Admin meeting was held over the weekend of July 17 and 18. Major changes included the implementation of a new departmental structure, include the formation of the [[Department of Research and Communication]]
==2005 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2005 Admin Meeting}}
Little is known of the [[2005]] Admin meeting, other than the decision to set formal age minimum for the different levels of membership and the requirement that any member must have a voice conversation with their membership administrator before being raised to Senior Member or attending an official event. [[Guilds]] were also introduced.
==2006 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2006 Admin Meeting}}
The major change announced at the [[2006]] meeting was the introduction of the guesting and aspiring system. It was also decided to add an annual scholarship and to create a position of European Mistress of Revels to split the burden on the North American Mistress of Revels
==2007 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2007 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2007]] Admin Meeting was held in June. Major changes included splitting the Mistress of Novices to create a Mistress of Accepted position and spliting Captain of the Guard into Captain of Recruits and Captain of Soldiers
==2008 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2008 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2008]] Admin meeting was held in August, major changes included changing Membership Admins to rotating positions
==2009 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2009 Admin Meeting}}
At the [[2009]] Admin Meeting, the [[Department of Events and Conferences]] and [[Department of Philanthropy]] were created
==2010 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2010 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2010]] Admin Meeting was held before the [[Anniversary Party 2010|Ninth Anniversary Party]]. Major changes agreed upon at this meeting included the introduction of [[Merit Badges]]
==2011 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|2011 Admin Meeting}}
The [[2011]] Admin Meeting was held before the [[Anniversary Party 2011|10th Anniversary Party]]. The changes decided upon included the dissolving of the [[Department of Community Development]] and the [[Guilds]], which were to be replaced by special interest forums as well as transitioning the [[Department of Philanthropy]] into the [[Department of Community Outreach]]. It was also decided to use the member pages as a base of a re-introduction of the [[Who's Who]]
==2012 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|Spring 2012 Admin Meeting}}
{{Main|Fall 2012 Admin Meeting}}
The first [[2012]] Admin meeting was held after the [[Anniversary Party 2012|Eleventh Anniversary Party]]. For the first time, the Agenda was released ahead of meeting and comments invited. Major changes include giving community groups the ability to set their own rules for unofficial guests and the change of the Headmistress to an admin level position. A second meeting was held in the Fall, as on online meeting.
==2013 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|Spring 2013 Admin Meeting}}
The first [[2013]] Admin meeting was held April 13, the weekend before [[JordanCon 2013]]. Major discussions include the possibility of integrating genders within the Tower.
{{Main|Fall 2013 Admin Meeting}}
The second 2013 Admin Meeting was held October 19
==2014 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|Spring 2014 Admin Meeting}}
It was decided that TarValon.Net would move ahead with integration, with all Companies and Ajahs to be open to anyone who wished to join
{{Main|Fall 2014 Admin Meeting}}
==2015 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|Spring 2015 Admin Meeting}}
Held March 29, [[2015]]
{{Main|Fall 2015 Admin Meeting}}
==2016 Admin Meeting==
{{Main|Winter 2016 Admin Meeting}}
{{Main|Spring 2016 Admin Meeting}}
==2017 Executive Meeting==
{{Main|Spring 2017 Admin Meeting}}
[[Category:Tower Organisation]]
[[Category:Administrative Meetings| ]]

Department of Moderators and Operators

2017-09-29T14:04:39Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{MM|Department of Moderators and Operators}}
==General==
This Department takes care of all of our community moderators, primarily those forum moderators who do not hold their positions because they are part of another Department, and our chat operators.

The Department is currently led by [[Kelgan al'Moranwin]].
==Programs within the Department==
===Forums===
{{Main|The Forums}}
TarValon.Net has a number of forums visible to all users. The majority of these are moderated by the Department of Moderators and Operators.

===Chat===
We have several chat rooms
==History==
The Department was created at the [[2007 Admin Meeting]]
==Positions with the Department==
{{Main|Department of Moderators (Positions)}}
The Department currently has one [[administrator]] level position, moderator for the Mafia Forum. Staff positions are [[Chat Operator]]s, [[Master of Chat]] and [[Moderator|Forum Moderators]].
[[Category:Department of Moderators]]
[[Category:Current Departments]]

Template:Avendesora Leaves

2017-09-29T13:49:11Z

Kerna Shedrian: Redirected page to Avendesora Leaves

#REDIRECT [[Avendesora Leaves]]

Category:Estyrien al'Halien Library Articles

2017-09-28T20:21:45Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__ Category:Library Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__ [[Category:Library Articles]]

The Great Hunt: Chapter 17

2017-09-28T20:21:35Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{next2b|16|18}}
''Author: Estyrien al'Halien''

{{Title|Choices}}
{{Icon|{{Stone}}}}
{{Pov|Rand}}
''' Setting: A reflection of the real world and the real world'''

'''Characters: [[Rand]], [[Loial]], [[Hurin]] and [[Lanfear|Selene]]'''
==Outline==
At Selene's urging, and to avoid grolm, Rand takes the group back to their world through the Portal Stone.
==Summary==
After the group realises that ''[[grolm]]'' are hunting them, Rand wants to outrun the ''grolm'' but Selene warns that "They don't give up, not ever". Rand insists that he can kill the five ''grolm'' and leads the group up onto "a low, round hill, bare of trees". Using the [[flame and the void|void]], Rand manages to slay each of the ''grolm'' by shooting it in the eye with an arrow. While Rand was still using the void, "The light called to him, and he... reached... towards it". This was an attempt to reach for ''[[saidin]]'' but he was interrupted by Hurin and the void shattered. Rand realizes that he feels alive when he reaches for ''saidin'' but the thought horrifies him; "He wanted to go back into the void".

However, shortly after this, the group hears the barking of yet more ''grolm'' and Rand realizes that he can't slay all the ''grolm'' he will meet. He decides, at Selene's urging, to find the [[Portal Stone]] that Selene used to enter the Portal world; "Lead us to this Stone, Selene". Selene leads them to the Portal Stone, which is in a "hollow nestled below them in the granite". The group gather round the Stone and Rand seeks the void. Through the void, Rand is able to channel ''saidin'' in to the Portal Stone, "He was one with the Portal Stone".

The channeling allows the four of them to return to the real world. However, Rand's first thought is that he wants to continue to hold on to ''saidin'' but "he let it go regretfully". Selene tells him that what he did was "remarkable", transporting four people and their horses. Rand however, doesn't know what he did to activate the Portal Stone and asks Selene to not tell anybody about the Portal Stones since he doesn't "understand it, and neither will anybody else". Selene promises to keep it a secret.

There is a problem though because Hurin has lost the scent of [[Fain]] and the [[Trollocs]] and Rand fears that they have lost them for good. Selene then explains that some events "have a shadow of that reflection even before the event occurs" and so they have been tracking where the Trollocs are going to be.

Rand then wishes to send Selene back to [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] but she refuses, saying, "A few days will see if I'm right". She then reminds Rand of the power [[the Horn]] will give him but he "doesn't want anything to do with legends". They then decide to find a camp before darkness falls and while they are riding, Hurin promises that "I'll never sleep again without first seeing what kind of stone there is nearby". The plan for the following days is to find where they left the trail and wait for Fain and/or [[Ingtar]] and the others.
==Notes==
{{Annotated|
===Mysteries===
;Why is Selene’s mount not affected by the grolm?
She may be using the Power to calm it.
===Common Themes===
;Men and Women.
*Rand thinks Perrin knows how to talk to girls and Mat knows how to lie.
*Rand thinks Egwene would have called him a woolhead, not wise.}}

{{Next2b|16|18}}
[[Category:Estyrien al'Halien Library Articles]]

Estair

2017-09-28T20:20:08Z

Kerna Shedrian:

''Author: Estyrien al'Halien''
{{Comp}}

==General==

Estair is an apprentice to [[Aeron]] and is training to be an [[Aiel]] [[Wise One]] ({{LoC|27}}).

She has red hair and grey eyes; she is slender ({{LoC|27}}).

==Timeline==

*999 NE: Estair is given the day off when the Wise Ones meet to discuss the [[Aes Sedai]] ({{LoC|27}}).

*999 NE: Estair witnesses [[Egwene]] repaying her ''[[toh]]'' to the Wise Ones and apprentices she lied to ({{LoC|33}}).

==Miscellaneous==

*Estair is serious and seems to hunt for rules to obey ({{LoC|27}}).

*Estair believes that Rand is more than a chief of chiefs, speaking of him with such reverence that Egwene would not be surprised to see her don the ''[[siswai'aman]]'' headband ({{LoC|27}}).

*Estair claimed that Egwene had no ''toh'' towards her when she revealed that she was not an Aes Sedai ({{LoC|33}}).

==Quotes==

"It never ceased to amaze Egwene that [[Sorilea]] should have an apprentice who was full of fun, while Aeron, pleasant and smiling, with never a cross word, had one who seemed to hunt for rules to obey." Egwene about [[Surandha]] and Estair ({{Loc2|Chapter 27}})

"Surandha immediately tackled Estair over how she was ever going to deal with a hold chief, much less a sept or clan chief, if she did not realise that a man did not stop being a man just because he led, while Estair maintained stoutly that the Car'a'carn was different." ({{loc2|Chapter 27}}).

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Minor Characters]]
[[Category:Aiel Characters]]
[[Category:Channelers]]
[[Category:Estyrien al'Halien Library Articles]]

The Great Hunt: Chapter 17

2017-09-28T11:15:34Z

Kerna Shedrian:

The Great Hunt: Chapter 17

2017-09-28T11:14:19Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{next2b|16|18}}
''Author: Estyrien al'Halien''

{{Title|Choices}}
{{Icon|{{Stone}}}}
{{Pov|Rand}}
''' Setting: A reflection of the real world and the real world'''

'''Characters: [[Rand]], [[Loial]], [[Hurin]] and [[Lanfear|Selene]]'''
==Outline==
At Selene's urging, and to avoid grolm, Rand takes the group back to their world through the Portal Stone.
==Summary==
After the group realises that ''[[grolm]]'' are hunting them, Rand wants to outrun the ''grolm'' but Selene warns that "They don't give up, not ever". Rand insists that he can kill the five ''grolm'' and leads the group up onto "a low, round hill, bare of trees". Using the [[flame and the void|void]], Rand manages to slay each of the ''grolm'' by shooting it in the eye with an arrow. While Rand was still using the void, "The light called to him, and he... reached... towards it". This was an attempt to reach for ''[[saidin]]'' but he was interrupted by Hurin and the void shattered. Rand realizes that he feels alive when he reaches for ''saidin'' but the thought horrifies him; "He wanted to go back into the void".

However, shortly after this, the group hears the barking of yet more ''grolm'' and Rand realizes that he can't slay all the ''grolm'' he will meet. He decides, at Selene's urging, to find the [[Portal Stone]] that Selene used to enter the Portal world; "Lead us to this Stone, Selene". Selene leads them to the Portal Stone, which is in a "hollow nestled below them in the granite". The group gather round the Stone and Rand seeks the void. Through the void, Rand is able to channel ''saidin'' in to the Portal Stone, "He was one with the Portal Stone".

The channeling allows the four of them to return to the real world. However, Rand's first thought is that he wants to continue to hold on to ''saidin'' but "he let it go regretfully". Selene tells him that what he did was "remarkable", transporting four people and their horses. Rand however, doesn't know what he did to activate the Portal Stone and asks Selene to not tell anybody about the Portal Stones since he doesn't "understand it, and neither will anybody else". Selene promises to keep it a secret.

There is a problem though because Hurin has lost the scent of [[Fain]] and the [[Trollocs]] and Rand fears that they have lost them for good. Selene then explains that some events "have a shadow of that reflection even before the event occurs" and so they have been tracking where the Trollocs are going to be.

Rand then wishes to send Selene back to [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] but she refuses, saying, "A few days will see if I'm right". She then reminds Rand of the power [[the Horn]] will give him but he "doesn't want anything to do with legends". They then decide to find a camp before darkness falls and while they are riding, Hurin promises that "I'll never sleep again without first seeing what kind of stone there is nearby". The plan for the following days is to find where they left the trail and wait for Fain and/or [[Ingtar]] and the others.
==Notes==
{{Annotated|
===Mysteries===
;Why is Selene’s mount not affected by the grolm?
She may be using the Power to calm it.
===Common Themes===
;Men and Women.
*Rand thinks Perrin knows how to talk to girls and Mat knows how to lie.
*Rand thinks Egwene would have called him a woolhead, not wise.}}

{{Next2|16|18|17}}
[[Category:Estryien al'Halien Library Articles]]

Category:Atarah al'Norahn Library Articles

2017-09-28T09:07:07Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__ Category:Library Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__
[[Category:Library Articles]]

Coride

2017-09-28T09:06:48Z

Kerna Shedrian:

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''
{{Comp}}

==General==

Coride is a [[novice]] in the [[White Tower]].

She is pale-haired and a year younger than [[Egwene]]. Despite having spent a year and a half in the Tower, Egwene thinks that she is still most definitely a girl.

As a prisoner in the Tower, Egwene comforts Coride when she is terrified after seeing a ghost walk into a wall and after she, [[Pedra]], and some of the other novices in Pedra's class get lost in the Tower. Egwene tells her that the dead cannot harm the living, and that, besides, the ghosts were once initiates of the Tower, or servants who worked there, so the Tower was their home once, too. She tells Coride that the world is full of strange wonders, and that the Tower is full of wonders as well. Egwene thinks her words sound feeble, but Coride wipes her eyes and swears to never be frightened again.

(Reference: {{kod2|Chapter 24}})

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Minor Characters]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Atarah al'Norahn Library Articles]]

QOTD

2017-09-25T17:06:11Z

Kerna Shedrian: The random extension is no longer supported, need to see what extension replaces it

:Men listened closer to calm tones than to the loudest shouts, so long as firmness and certainty accompanied the calm - [[Lan]] PoV ({{ns|1}})

Template:TVTArchive

2017-08-06T12:50:45Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "|- |{{{Author}}} |<CATEGORYTREE mode=pages hideroot=on>{{{Author}}}_TVT_Articles</CATEGORYTREE> |{{Catcount|{{{Author}}} TVT Articles}}"

|-
|[[{{{Author}}}]]
|<CATEGORYTREE mode=pages hideroot=on>{{{Author}}}_TVT_Articles</CATEGORYTREE>
|{{Catcount|{{{Author}}} TVT Articles}}

Category:Aeryth Astriaden TVT Articles

2017-08-06T12:48:23Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__Category:TVT Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__[[Category:TVT Articles]]

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2017-08-06T12:47:54Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Aeryth Astriaden |Year=2005 |Month=August |Banner=tvt.jpg |Category=Book Reviews |Article= Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the long awaited sixth..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Aeryth Astriaden
|Year=2005
|Month=August
|Banner=tvt.jpg
|Category=Book Reviews
|Article=
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the long awaited sixth volume of the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, was released on Saturday July 16 at midnight worldwide. Breaking records for its price and for its first printing (the largest of any book in history) the latest installment is well worth the wait.

In the linear, brisk style reminiscent of the first three books of the series, rather than of the latter two, she presents sixteen-year-old Harry in a mature and confident light; his friends too have grown into young adults, their dilemma in this book far more serious than any they have yet faced. Harry and his friends face their usual problem of Lord Voldemort and his followers, but also the new and confusing tribulations of relationships, Apparition, and N.E.W.T.-level homework. Rowling reveals much more of two of her most mysterious characters, Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore, while also leaving tantalizing hints of what is to come in the seventh and final installment of the series.

Though while not as intriguing a mystery as her past books, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince remains an enjoyable story with fascinating characters and a well-written plot (and shorter than the last two, at 654 pages in the American edition). Rowling leaves her readers temporarily sated, though with plenty of unanswered questions ripe for speculation.
}}

Category:Adra Ceana TVT Articles

2017-08-06T12:43:50Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__Category:TVT Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__[[Category:TVT Articles]]

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Expansion

2017-08-06T11:27:36Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Zandera Sommers |Banner=tvt.jpg |Year=2014 |Month=June |Category=Video Game Reviews |Article= This is not a complete review of the game, as I haven't fini..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Zandera Sommers
|Banner=tvt.jpg
|Year=2014
|Month=June
|Category=Video Game Reviews
|Article=
This is not a complete review of the game, as I haven't finished all of it yet, but this article is targeted toward serious computer nerds who enjoy the world of third-person monster-bashing and fantasy universes.

;About your Writer:

I don't typically review games for the Tar Valon Times so before I get to my exploration of Reaper of Souls hopefully I may provide you with an idea of where I'm coming from as a gamer and a player. My serious interest in gaming started on the Playstation 1 with RPGs like Final Fantasy 7. While I certainly played platformers and fighting games on earlier consoles, this is when I started to figure out my specific tastes. I branched out to all consoles of the second generation and also developed a strong addiction for tabletop Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 and eventually Pathfinder. Halo 2 and Smash Brothers Melee are huge fixtures in my gaming history.

Nowadays I play MOBAs as an almost exclusive computer gamer. In a lot of ways, trying Reaper of Souls is a return to more of the RPG elements I've left behind while still having echoes of MMOs and MOBAs that are now my constant companions. I tell you all this because my exploration of this game (or at least as much as I can describe to you in this article) is extremely biased. This is my shiny new game I'm really enjoying. Please take what you read for exactly as much worth as it deserves, and come to your own conclusions about the game.

;On to the Exploration:

That said, Game Informer magazine gave this game a 9.25 out of 10 with an average game rating of 7 to all games. People who review games for a living greatly enjoy this expansion and recommend it—and that's saying something.

My experience with previous Diablo games are a brief stint with One where I didn't like the overhead view of the third-person character. Too many ceilings and walls got in the camera's way, and the loot you picked up on the ground was difficult to see. I know Diablo II was big in terms of popularity, and I remember watching a friend of mine run from rabid cows in the joke level while frantically casting ice aoe spells. My impression at the time was it looked fun.

As far as my impression on Diablo III before purchasing the expansion and experiencing the game for myself, I actually perceived an overall negative opinion from the gaming community and reviewers. The Diablo series is a loot-based gaming system. The goal, and a lot of your enjoyment of the game, comes from finding shiny item. The different levels of loot drop, from common to rare and legendary, have a percentage chance to drop from any chest, barrel, enemy, or box at any given time.

In loot-based games, there are 2 features I can identify that turn off gamers not already fans of the subgenre:
(1) Your in-game combat is spamming a smaller set of abilities repeatedly and quickly. Have you played Gauntlet Legends? It's slightly more advanced than that. Unlike fighting games such as Street Fighter, you aren't rewarded for coming up with hard-to-hit combinations. Combat is also in real-time, but not as visually pleasing as a game like Kingdom Hearts. In Diablo, your character is much smaller on the screen, and your abilities are repetitive and less likely to blow enemies away. You will spend at least 90% of the game doing this kind of interaction.
(2) Recycled content. As with a lot of MMOs, you will run the same content over and over again. In loot-based games and similar, you will likely make more than one character, running the same storyline over and over again, swapping in to different parts with friends or by yourself, but even when you beat the game, typically you take the same character and start a new game plus, experiencing the same story from the beginning ad naseum. Both of these things are true in Diablo III, but I was pleasantly surprised how the expansion enhanced and improved these common obstacles.

Game Informer said that “Diablo III's Reaper of Souls expansion is one of the most significant turn arounds in gaming. Out of the ashes of a boring, auction house-centric grind comes a dynamic and addictive system that encourages grouping and rewards players with continual upgrades and challenges. Almost every facet that players rightly attacked in the original game has been refined and revamped, transforming the title into an enjoyable action/RPG experience” (page 94, issue 253). Honestly I've found this to be true.

The most basic improvement of the expansion is that it gives access to a new class, the crusader. I personally am a voice-acting junkie. The cannon character is female, (though you can play both genders,) and her acting has both personality and fits well within the already-established universe and plot. She is a joy to play and contributes completely new lines to the script instead of the same stock responses from all the previous characters, adding a fresh new flavor to an already-recycled plot. The crusader is also flashier. You get more of that mouse-gripping, goofy-grinning glee when you explode a whole mob of enemies with a single shield bash. In short, due to the visuals, she is more satisfying to play. The crusader can be well-exaggerated toward damage and still be intensely effective in solo and group combat but also equipped to a more defensive role as a tank to claim aggro for damage dealer teammates. I've found that pushing in either direction is much more viable when compared to the versatility of other meleers like the barbarian or monk. I honestly don't know if the lore surrounding who crusaders are and why they have been added to the universe is standard in the original Diablo III game, but there is a lot of story surrounding the crusaders and history of why they fit—also fun to learn at the same time as exploring the game.

So the expansion spiced up combat with a new playable character. How has it addressed the quality of life related to recycled content? Most of the improvements have been made to the end game. I am a new player to Diablo III, as I've shared, and have yet to experience everything available. However, I am super excited about one of the new features, called a Nephalim Rift. Basically it's an instance with a ton of enemies in a relatively small dungeon (based on party size) topped with a boss. With a new patch released this month, they also modified drops to relate more to your current player. So more crossbows drop for your demon hunter, and far more items have enhancements to your main traits, like dexterity for said demon hunter. Rifts are the main place to farm for legendary items, and quite possibly the best thing about them is that you can trade a dropped legendary to a teammate who participated in the rift with you. Get a sexy shield your wizard doesn't want? You can trade it to your crusader friend—who I'm sure will be very happy to get a free legendary. This is completely unique to this expansion.

Why else are rifts so amazing? Something likely specific to me, they create a very friendly end-game place to spend time with your casual clan or pull in your real life friends to socialize, much like raids or instances in MMOs. To get the best benefit, you really need a party of 3-4. This encourages the social aspect, and due to the rewards, players are much more likely to hop into another's game because there's benefit all around. This is especially good to address the recycled-content issue because those exposed to the most repeated plot are loyal players who already have at least one level 70 character. Rifts provide more modes and content for the ones who have the highest concentration of monotony. I believe the expansion is also responsible for paragon levels—basically you can earn (as far as I know) an infinite number of levels providing 1 point per level that you can spend in a variety of categories to enhance any and all characters you make in the game for the rest of time. That way, if you create a brand new character, you get an added buff for participating in post-game content immediately. There are also other modes and tasks Reaper of Souls brings to the original game, but I have yet to learn all of them. I know bounties exist and there are recipes for legendary equipment for which you must hunt down or craft ingredients. There is also the elusive my-little-pony-themed level, which I have yet to enter.

All in all, I find that Reaper of Souls revitalizes the once-bland Diablo III game and makes a great play for anyone looking for a break from a MOBA or someone who wants a casual foray into a game with a bit of a throwback to MMOs in a loot-based system. As I hope I've convinced you, it addresses a lot of the common downfalls of this kind of game through feedback from its players. As always, please free to comment with any further information you might have about the game that I don't know—in addition to fixing any errors I may have made. They are helpful to other gamers reading this, and they're helpful to me too!

For more Diablo III: Reaper of Souls discussion, you may visit [https://www.tarvalon.net/index.php?threads/diablo-iii-reaper-of-souls.14094/ this thread].
}}

File:Whiteraising13anni.jpg

2017-08-06T11:21:52Z

Kerna Shedrian: Category: TarValon Times Images

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File:Gaidinraising13anni.jpg

2017-08-06T11:21:35Z

Kerna Shedrian: Category: TarValon Times Images

[[Category: TarValon Times Images]]

File:Meeting13anni.jpg

2017-08-06T11:21:10Z

Kerna Shedrian: Category: TarValon Times Images

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File:Zanderacuddles.jpg

2017-08-06T11:20:53Z

Kerna Shedrian: Category: TarValon Times Images

[[Category: TarValon Times Images]]

Citizens' Corner: Real Life Events

2017-08-06T11:20:19Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Zandera Sommers |Year=2014 |Month=June |Category=Community News |Banner= |Article= There is a lot to say about real life Tower events. It would probably t..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Zandera Sommers
|Year=2014
|Month=June
|Category=Community News
|Banner=
|Article=
There is a lot to say about real life Tower events. It would probably take 20 pages and 8 articles to cover everything so in this installment of Citizens' Corner I exclusively explore my first time at a large, official event. This is my personal experience. Results may vary.

Before the thought of meeting a single Tower person in real life ever crossed my mind, a respectable member gave me a warning. He said, "There are two types of Tower people—those that use the Boards as a tie-over to stay in touch with people between real life events—and those that don't." I didn't really understand what he meant at that time, but after having been to the 13th Anniversary Party and a couple local events in Atlanta, U.S. I think I have a better idea.

In a lot of ways, real life events are the highest form of social intimacy you may attain with the Tower as a whole. That is to say, you may find your best friend, your husband or wife, or a long-lost adopted sibling through interaction in the Tower. However, on the whole, meeting people in real life at a place away from home requires (1) money and real life assets such as gas, vacation time, food, and drink, (2) enough personal connections you have developed remotely to feel comfortable attending, and (3) the commitment and wish to contribute to the Tower—essentially where it has given you enough that you want to understand it more and also—give back. You may never meet a single Tower person in real life, but parts of the Tower you could experience/share/hold will never be accessible to you if you do not.

I would say that meeting a single person counts as a “casual real-life event." For your reference, the official location of all events on the Boards is Forums → Events. [https://www.tarvalon.net/index.php?categories/events.110/ If you go to this forum], you will see there are many different types of real life events, encompassing different scopes. Meeting up with a friend with whom you've exchanged PMs at a local restaurant will not be listed in this forum, but meeting a handful of friends at someone's house to play Cards Against Humanity would be listed here. Such events such as the latter are called “local events,” as you will see listed. I've found there are 'cells' of Tower people in different regions. I lived in Atlanta—and there was a generally-established group. There is also a group in Boston which I have yet to meet, though I now live here. Some of these groups have pre-established events that happen regularly, and I assume some do not. There is typically an existing dynamic, and if you're lucky you will fit in. I am sure most everyone at real life events will be friendly and accommodating, (though not having been to an event in every single region I cannot say for sure,) but Tower people are generally friendly so it's probably a good bet.

Local events mirror large events since they are often organized by region, as you will see in the events forum. Each continental region has its own annual set of events. The “ultimate” Tower events (in my opinion) are big events like Anniversary Party (also called simply “Anni”) and Fall Ball—where the most people attend. Euro Party (you guessed it! In Europe!) is also growing steadily in size, and [[My First Europarty|I heard the last one was super fun]]. Each of these events are so big, they have their own forums, so I think calling them “ultimate” Tower events is pretty legit.

I attended 3 local events in Atlanta before I moved, and both times I met roughly the same crowd. My first impression was surprise at how revealing meeting senior members (SMs) in real life and watching them interact informed me on the innerworkings and dynamics of the Tower. By attending 1 event early on as a brand-spanking-new citizen, I observed how Aes Sedai treat each other, and the impact roleplaying has on members in real life (the amount Tower folks roleplayed with each other was practically non-existent, to my surprise.) As an aside, I've learned that Tower folks roleplay more in their own minds than with each other in real life, as the site is an authentic group of friends, not based off fantasy (per se.)

I would definitely go to a Tower event with someone. If you don't have a friend with whom you want to hang out, you may find the class/culture/personalities of a local group's pre-existing group may not be your cup of tea, and if you planned to go with someone ahead of time, you at least have one person you can hang out with. The friend with which you attend doesn't have to be a Tower person—it can be one of your friends you convince to go--or your significant other. There is 0% repercussion of going to a Tower event, deciding it's not your thing, and never going again. I think it's safe to say that Tower people with any experience on the site, are accustomed to seeing new people try out the Tower and wander away (or just wander away from a particular kind of interaction.) One of the great things about the Tower is that it's there if and when you need it.

Though it may go without saying, always be safe when attending any meeting with anyone you've met online—Tower or elsewhere. The Tower is great because people who make it to Senior Member must be “made real.” In other words, it is confirmed that you (1) exist and (2) are who you say you are if you are a senior member. You may be “made real” at a local event, but it is mandatory for larger events, regardless of rank. This is to your benefit because the majority of people who attend all events are Senior Members, and they've already been confirmed by administration as 'relatively' honest people. Please keep in mind that local events are a bit more flexible, and not all members may be Senior Members. I would not advise meeting a Junior Member alone anywhere unless you know them very well. More information on being “made real” is here: [[MM: Being made real|Being Made Real]] It's great that the Tower has a bit more of a security measure in place than a random website you may visit—or say, Facebook or other social media site, where you have no idea if the person with whom you plan to meet is authentic.

The three local events I attended in Atlanta were fun. There was drinking, games, copious conversation... There was a pool at one party, Cards Against Humanity at another, and music and cats at a third. I believe you may be any age to attend local events, (again this is very casual—people just deciding to meet up,) but I'd definitely say that parties are adult-oriented. Furthermore, I met a friend I would be quite lost without in my life on a regular basis at my second event. This friend provided with me with a lot of support right away after meeting him, directly after the event to this day. Though Tower events may be scary and new, the potential to connect with people and make them such close allies in your life is a huge benefit to attending.

[[Image:Zanderacuddles.jpg]] 
This is me cuddling up to a random Tower guy. (I'm the one on the left.) This is also the costume I used to compete in the contest—I was a member of the Blood. See the nails?

So here we are—the point I wanted to reach. Roughly two weeks ago I attended my first Anniversary Party—the 13th of such parties in existence. ([[Anniversary Party 2014 Schedule|Schedule here]]) I had attended a couple local events and wanted to see if large, official gatherings were for me—especially after hearing they were essential to the definition of the Tower to some SMs. So why did I choose Anni? (1) I wanted the largest event possible in which to immerse myself, (2) I hoped to connect with as many people as possible whom I had forged relationships with remotely, through my time on the Boards, and (3) I had real life friends (who happened to be Tower members) already planning to go, and reducing costs and easing time commitments and transportation was simple.

I planned to go to Anni almost a year before attending—so I had a lot of prep time. During that time, my interest, activity, and love of the Tower waxed and waned. I was actually in a 'low' period directly before Anni. The number of people who had planned to attend was actually the lowest [[Anniversary Party|since they started to track Anni attendance]]. I'd reached a roadblock in reading The Wheel of Time, and I had stress in my life with jobs and moving that made the extra effort to travel and spend extra money a bit of drag. Though as a Novice asked me upon my return, would I go again? Yes, I would—or I'd attend another big real life event, given I had the money and vacation days.

Can I tell you a secret? Anni was like camp. I mean, yes we were in cabins and technically 'roughing it' in the woods, (though I think typical camping is a bit more difficult than accommodations in the outskirts of Los Angeles where we had running water, and I could walk around all day in high heels for a costume contest, though it was a bit challenging.) Anni was like a typical retreat / camping trip /semi-convention, except unlike when you were at camp as a child, there's practically no regulation. That is to say, we had to be careful about lighting the forest on fire, (there are droughts there this time of year,) and there were strict rules to which he had to adhere for the facility, (also the location was kosher so we had to use our plates and obtain our meals in particular ways to be respectful to other groups on the site,) but there were only 2 events which we were required to attend. If you wanted to take a nap in the middle of the day—go for it! If you want to stay up until 4:00 AM and drink and be merry—go for it! (Don't be dumb in your safety of drinking—but go for it!) It was camp with a little bit of going away to college with a nerdy convention—all with a Tower twist like a delicate lime or orange placed on the rim of your glass.

[[Image:meeting13anni.jpg]] 
This is the meeting hall room where we spent most of our time. It gives you a good idea of the atmosphere of the event as a whole.

[[Anniversary Party 2014|There were events]]. I specifically enjoyed participating in the [[Amyrlin's Tournament 2014|sword fighting tournament]] (part of the Amyrlin's Tournament,) during which I made a new friend whom I absolutely adore. (How can someone else's drastic style of sword fighting be such a challenge to overturn??) Other notable events which I enjoyed included a [[Anniversary Party 2014 Costume Contest|costume contest]], (I participated but did not win,) and a [[Da'covale Auction 2014|Da'Covale Auction]]. (I could be wrong, but I pronounced this “da-coh-vall.”) During the latter, our members provided goods and services typically on-site during the weekend for a fee, sold auction-style. All proceeds went to the Tower. It might seem self-serving, but this is actually a great way to share Tower resources, mingle with people with similar interests you didn't know you shared, and give back to the community that gives to you. There was a grill-cooked meal that was served (that I bid a bunch for,) people that provided cuddles for the evening in exchange for Tower donations, and cool services like professional photo shoots, graphic design, handcrafted cloaks, and a dress up and photo session. It was a really fun experience to bid and watch people compete (or team up to try to win at the auction) but also watch the Da'Covale as a Tower tradition. This was clearly customary, and it was another opportunity to learn more about the traditions and typical forms and interactions that occur within the Tower. If I had one complaint, it would be that they saved a traditionally popular bid for last. I think there would have been more bidding generated if the winner of the best prizes weren't last. That way, if you didn't get the really shiny prize, you could still go for other cool services that caught your eye.

As I said, this year's Anni was smaller than usual. I'm not really sure why that is, and I'm sad there were much fewer people at the event (of those to which I specifically wanted to connect,) than I had hoped. However, I made a lot of unexpected friends I had not anticipated meeting, and I got to have good conversations, fun gaming interactions, and participate in a lot of entertaining events. (There was what seemed to be a casual pick-up game of real-life mafia that became a huge highlight of the trip for me.) As a side note relating to this, there were very few citizens in attendance. There were literally 3 citizens, and almost all of the other Junior Members were Accepted and Soldiers that were raised live to Senior Member during that weekend. Out of the three citizens, one was a 'gone-yesterday and here-today' citizen who was well-acquainted with the Tower, myself a two year member (not as new as most citizens,) and a citizen who was very close friends with Tower members in real life before he ever considered joining the website. Being a new member and going to this big event is not typical for new citizens. As I said, it is one of the most intimate forms of social interaction you can attain while belonging to the Tower (in my opinion.) However, it's good to know that this huge thing is out there, available to you potentially as a goal, reward, and possibly gratifying identity.

[[Image:gaidinraising13anni.jpg]] 
This is a Junior Member being raised to full-fledged Gaidin.

[[Image:Whiteraising13anni.jpg]] 
Here is an a Junior Member becoming Aes Sedai and coming home.

Did I decide if real-life Tower events are for me? Honestly, I'm still a little undecided. I don't think I'll make it to every Tower event—all the time—for the rest of my life. But I had a great time, and if the Tower continues to be the kind of force in my life that it is now, I will certainly make it to more big, official events, and look forward to doing so.

Before I close, I would also like to share that large Tower events have a fundraising element to an outside organization. We receive donations (monetary and goods-based from attendees,) sometimes give blood, and typically have a committee that oversees our whole external fundraising process. As always, we are a service-based organization (and it is a presence at official events, even mixed with the revelry.) There are also [[Anniversary Party 2014 Committees|committees]] to which you may donate your time and efforts to make the event a success. These are non-paid positions, as with all administrative positions on the site. However, they are people like you and me, working hard to make the Tower amazing and rewarding, so it may be appreciated by all.
}}

Category:Al'Cary Mandoragon TVT Articles

2017-08-06T10:59:11Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__Category:TVT Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__[[Category:TVT Articles]]

Citizens' Corner: A Tutorial on IRC

2017-08-06T10:52:34Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Zandera Sommers |Banner=tvt.jpg |Year=2014 |Month=February |Category=Community News |Article= "There are a few ways to get introduced to IRC on the Boards..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Zandera Sommers
|Banner=tvt.jpg
|Year=2014
|Month=February
|Category=Community News
|Article=
"There are a few ways to get introduced to IRC on the Boards. Some people look at TarValon.Net for the first time, click “Forums” and then click “chat” by chance. Some people are taught how to access text chat by a friend. Some people are chat pro's and have already used it before they joined the Tower. Text chat is just one more aspect of the Tower that a citizen may experience and enjoy.

I would have to say my favorite memory was the first time I entered IRC chat. I was so new and everyone was so nice and welcoming.. Wil Cambrae and Neisa Sedai especially. They took me under their wings and really welcomed me. Its the first time I felt a part of a family. It was really something special.. Something I will never forget." -Gracienda Al'vonde

-Respectfully pilfered from [[al'Cary Mandoragon]]'s [[Tower Memories|2006 March Tar Valon Times]] article.

Forums, threads, private messages, Facebook, meeting-up in real life, texting, calling, video-calling, voice chatting. There a lot of ways to connect with fellow Tower members. We are, at heart, a social group of people with common interests, and one way that you can mix and mingle with your fellow Tower members is through text chat.

What is “IRC chat”? In essence, it's a chat room operated by a separate company that is somewhat affiliated with TarValon.Net. “IRC” stands for “Internet Relay Chat.” You type a line of text at the bottom of the client and press “enter,” and you may send a message to new members and long-time members alike.

Chat is public. Anyone, regardless of their rank in the Tower (and even people who are not at all related to the Tower) may enter chat rooms and read what you write—so take care on what you say! You do have the option to send private messages to others on IRC, but it's easy to forget that in the public chat room.

The Tower has three official registered “rooms” that you may enter,though it is not unusual for participants to go into creatively-named rooms for fun.

The three names of the rooms are:

#wheel
#oldewarderandhen
#wanderingwoman

#wheel is the default room. You will find basically everyone online in the Tower in this room. In order to join a room, type “/join #wheel”for example, just as if you'd type a message. #oldewarderandhen is a room made for playing games. It appears to be most active during festivals, when scheduled events take place, like trivia and other competitions. Finally, #wanderingwoman is the mature chat room,where older members (18 and up) may broach topics not meant for those with more tender ears. More information on both the channels and IRC in general may be found in the Membership Manual located at [[MM: Chat Guidelines]].

There is more than one way to access IRC. As previously mentioned, the easiest and most direct way is to go to the top of TarValon.Net and click “Forums.” Then see the second line under that one? Go to the last option and click “chat.” Your browser will automatically open up a new tab, and you will be prompted to enter a username and enter the lobby for #wheel, the main Tower chatroom. Doing this will allow you to access IRC through Mibbit. The second way to connect to chat is to go to Sorcery.Net and click “Webchat.” In this method of connecting, you not only need to add a username,but you also need to specify the channel you would like to link to. (We've already mentioned the three Tower channels up above so you can definitely fill that out.) Sorcery.Net is the site that hosts our three channels. They are not in any way related to the Tower—none of our members work there, we don't control what they do, and they're not (necessarily) big Wheel of Time fans.

A short word on choosing your username: According to Tower rules, your nickname must be clearly recognizable as your Tower name on TarValon.Net. Basically you're not allowed to moonlight as someone else. This is mainly for everyone's safety because, for example, someone could log on and try to harass people. Users are identified to prevent this and ensure everyone has a good time.

The last way (that I know of,) to connect to IRC is by downloading software on your computer to maximize the ease of use of IRC. This is mainly for frequent chat users. The program that I use is called mIRC and may be downloaded here: http://www.mirc.com. I wish I could tell you how to set up the options, change all the colors, and set up all your rooms to open automatically, but I don't even know myself. (I got a Brown to do it for me.) However, this does bring me to my next point about IRC.

If you're having difficulty using IRC or just have general questions,there are moderators who administrate chat (not just for safety as mentioned,) but are just there to be friendly, helpful people, and they may be able to help you out. Just like the rest of the staff positions on the Tower, “chat ops” are volunteer positions. You may end up serving some time monitoring chat if you find you really like to hang out there and apply—or you might not. You'd have totry it to find out! If you want to see who the current administrators are, you may visit the library at [[Chat Operators]] or when you log in, just look for anyone who has a “@” in front of their name or a star.

One last note: There is a “robot administrator” who always hangs out in our channels named “@Bela.” Bela has been programmed to (1) keep the channel open if, for some reason, everyone left and (2) login formation about who has accessed chat when and what was said. I'm not telling you this to weird you out but mostly to warn you not to try and introduce yourself to her and embarrass yourself. (She's not real.)

Besides the chat ops, there is a Master/Mistress of Chat—a position that just came back this month, actually. Back in the day, the MoC was called the IRC Administrator. She used to be the head of all the chat ops, but starting in 2014 after her brief time of nonexistence, s/he has returned to handle all the tech aspects of maintaining Bela and managing our channels with Sorcery.Net to ensure we stay registered and healthy. Nowadays, the MoC is not someone to approach about problems with IRC beyond what you would approach a regular mod for, but you may always go to [[MM: Chat Help]] for more information.

So once you've made your nickname and entered chat, the most important way to fit in is to use the right etiquette to speak to people. Here is an awesome article (if I say so myself) that you may read about using honorifics on IRC, since it is relatively counter-intuitive. Unlike the Boards, the social norm is to neglect all honorifics unless noted in a user's nickname. I think it's an excellent idea for you to go read the article I linked to learn all about it.

Just for fun when I was writing this article, I logged on to IRC and randomly asked people for their thoughts and experiences on IRC. I got a few people to respond:

:[19:45] <@Onis_OLeia> I can tell you that because of IRC, the more direct
communication one can have with people compared to on the forums, I got to know
some people so well that I decided to stick around.
:[19:45] <@Onis_OLeia> A couple of them are now very close friends of mine.
:[19:48] <@Nymala> I met my husband through IRC
:[19:48] <@Onis_OLeia> Yeah, I got to know my Warder through #wheel!
:[19:53] <@Ashlyn> When I first joined, I found the forums pretty overwhelming and a bit
intimidating. Then I got to know some people on IRC, and I felt much less out of place
commenting on forum threads.
:[21:01] <@Lilli> The one thing I've found unique about our IRC channel is that people can go
for hours without talking and then a conversation will start flowing like it never stopped. No
one minds.It's like we're all Browns in that respect. It gives a sense of security to me to know
that no matter how long it takes to answer, someone did listen. It feels so welcoming that way.

I leave you with one last warning, dear readers. You may have already discovered that the Tower is quite addicting because it's full of interesting people, fascinating conversation, and fun things to do,though they may be productive or not. My warning is this: IRC is even more addicting than the Boards, PMs, or even some real-life events. It's convenient, always-present, and there is such a short time between when you poke someone and they respond—it's almost instant access to other book-loving, fun people like yourself! Use it wisely, and don't over-use it or you may find yourself unwashed,unemployed, and hungry—it's that amazing!

If you haven't already discovered that the Tower is addictive, I look on you with envious and appraising eyes. You've barely started to discover what awesomeness there is to access here. I wish you good luck on your continued adventures.
}}

March, 2006 Tar Valon Times

2017-08-06T10:52:05Z

Kerna Shedrian: /* Tower Memories */

Tar Valon Times March Edition 
Editor: Adriana al'Tere 
Assistant Editor: al'Cary Mandoragon

==Letter from the (assistant) Editor.==

Well, Adriana decided to spring this duty on me somewhat unexpectedly due to a rush of other commitments, so I am madly tring to come up with a purpose and topic for this piece even as I write. Since the only topic of conversation on everyone's lips (or fingers) right now is the 5th Anni party, I thought I would write a bit about Tower RL functions, from the unique-ish position of someone who hasn't actually ever attended one.

So, what do we know about these occasions? People tend to enjoy them. Whether this is due to them being seriously awesome events that provide fun and merriment for all, or whether it is simply because we all live such drearily unpleasant and joyless lives that any escape from the norm is welcomed, I can't really say. Certainly the alcohol consumption seems to support the the "drowning your sorrows" theory, or perhaps just indicates a social situation that needs a fair bit of lubricating.

In any case, behaviour during these events does often seem perplexing and inexplicable to the uninitiated. Odd clothes, people whacking each other with sticks, people being sold off as cattle...the list goes on. Either it's the meeting of a weird and improbable internet based cult with a widespread membership base ruled over by a dictatorial matriarch, or everyone is just really drunk. Possibly both.

In any case, 5th Anni will undoubtably be filled with intruigue, suspense and all round enjoyment. Many new stories wll undoubtably be added to Wil's exhaustable repertoire. Many new and embarassing photos of people in compromising positions will be made public to the hilarity of all. Meanwhile, the rest of us will sit around be somewhat jealous of everyone going.

Have fun you all! Or, hope you had fun if this is as delayed as it usually is!

al'Cary Mandoragon

==15 Minutes of Fame==
'''by Dart Marouvin'''

Title: Gaidin of the Dai M'Hael 
Tower Name: AXIS 
Member Since: October 2001 
Real Life Name: Stephen "Bigsteve" Irvine 
Age: 23

1. The food I'd die for: Main meal wise I love my fish, Mmm nice freshly caught fish, covered in a lovely beer batter, served with a pile of crisp golden chips, nothing more delicious that that. And for desert Apple Crumble with cream and Ice cream. Now you're talking.

2. My tombstone would say: The Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich, Samuel Morse invented the Morse Code, Plato invented the plate, and AXIS invented the AXIS Bendy Straw Drink Skuller.

3. Trapped on a desert Island, I'd want: A Jackhammer to bust open the hatch that would obviously be frustrating me to get inside for a very, very, very long time.

4. Music genre that defines me: Well I do like metal a lot, but to sum me up? Probably be Weird Al Yankovich

5. Favorite Wheel of Time character: Well that would have to be Hopper, I was so sad when I thought he was dead, and so happy when we saw him in the Wolfdream, and then when he could fly, and Perrin said "He did it" I got all choked up. To soar!! Loved it.

6. I'd pick this person to play me in a movie based on my life: Hmm, for old me, I would cast Harrison Ford, for young me I would cast David Boreanaz from Angel and Buffy.

7. My lightsaber would be colored: It would be red, double ended and with little sparks of lightening flicking over it,

8. If I were Aes Sedai I'd be: damn sexy and handy with the balefire

9. Favorite emoticon: Can't go wrong with a good old smiley face or winky face

10. I have a weird habit of: Turning too quickly around corners and bashing my shoulder on doorframes, I think I still forget how wide my shoulders grew.

11. If I could be anyone for a day, I'd be: Albert Eienstein, would be cool to be him and then to fire up the old brain cells for some harcore thinking.

12. All-time favorite movie: The Princess Bride, love that movie. Inconceivable!

13. Most people don't know that I: Think Elephants are really cool, and would love to have a ride on one.

14. I'd be voted most likely to: Accidentally blow the entire city power grid.

15. Award I'll never win: Darwin Awards, I'm not going out like that, I'll live to a ripe old age of 103.

==Hail to the New Chiefs!==
'''By Cursor Wrathwind'''

People come, people go. Real life can get in the way, and sometimes people have to take a hiatus from this place we call home. Recently, our community witnessed the retiring of three outstanding members from the important positions of Company Commanders and Head of Ajah. However, as Yenie Sedai, Cathel Gaidin and Sataere Gaidin step down, new leaders must arise to the challenge of following in their footsteps. The new leaders, Jasin Gaidin, al'Cary Gaidin, and Morwynna Sedai were generous enough to grant the Tar Valon Times an interview, giving all a chance to get to know our new leaders.

Morwynna Sedai - Head of the {{Red2}}

TVT: What motivated you to apply for the position?

Morwynna: Good question! when I saw how much work being a Head of Ajah involves, part of me thought "Oh my God", but seriously, I love my Ajah. It's been like my second family. I trust each of them, I can tell them anything and they give me support when I've needed it. I'd loved being Heart, and cliche as it sounds I wanted to give something back to them, to my Sisters. I just hope that I don't let them down.

TVT: How would you appraise the sate of your Ajah? What weaknesses need to be improved upon? What strengths need to be built up?

Morwynna: To be totally honest I don't think we have anything in particular that could be called a weakness. We have backed off from a lot of the torturing jokes; we don't do that as much which I think is a good thing. We have had our problems in the past but in the last six months or so we've grown significantly and we've had some excellent feedback from some of the Novices.

TVT: Any grand plans/ambitions for your Ajah?

Morwynna: Ah, now for me to tell you that you'd have to come and visit our nice comfy tort...er, study area... oh and you do know you won't be able to leave I'd like to see us continue to grow... we're only three members behind the Gray Ajah now which is amazing, considering when I joined we had I think three active Aes Sedai and five (including me) active Accepted... the fact that we've grown so quickly and yet still retained that closeness we had when we were tiny I think is a credit to the Sisters and Accepted.

TVT: Any aspect of the job frighten/overwhelm you at times?

Morwynna: I'm not looking forward to the report writing aspect of it, but I think once I've done that a few times I'll be fine - which reminds me but I've only been Head for a month now... the technical website side of things is a bit un-nerving but thankfully Yenie is very patient overall though I'm enjoying it, pretty sure there'll be something sooner or later though!

TVT: What's the best part about being the Head of Ajah?

Morwynna: Considering I've only been Head for a month, I've already dealt with two new Accepted joining the Ajah which has been a wonderful experience and I'm looking forward to other Raisings as well.

Jasin Gaidin - Company Commander of Val'Cueran

TVT: What motivated you to apply for the position?

Jasin: Well being Honor Guard for over a year, and with Cathel on a leave of absence due to real life circumstances, I was already doing a lot of the job...plus I wanted to give back to my Company in the best possible way.

TVT: How would you appraise the sate of the company? What weaknesses need to be improved upon? What strengths need to be built up?

Jasin: Our Company is strong and united. The wolves are showing a stronger sense of brotherhood that I've seen in a long time. Primarily we need to be a bit more active in the public eye. I am seeing a dramatic improvement in that, and it keeps getting better.

TVT: Any grand plans/ambitions for your company/Ajah?

Jasin: Activity is a big one. We have a few surprises down the road, things I'm very excited about, but think we're going to keep it a secret right now

TVT: Any aspect of the job frighten/overwhelm you at times?

Jasin: Nothing specifically...It's not an easy position, but not a difficult one either. It's all about time management and how to handle what's thrown at you. I'm fortunate enough to have a great group of easy going guys with very little drama or issues. The administration part of the job is probably the most challenging, because you have to look at everything in a bigger picture. Sometimes that proves difficult.

TVT: What's the best part about being the Company Commander?

Jasin: I don't know if there's any one part It's pretty rewarding on all fronts. I think that it's a great way to be a Servant of All to the site. To give back to a community and a group who has given me so much!

al'Cary Gaidin - Company Commander of Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb

TVT: What motivated you to apply for the position?

al'Cary: Mainly because I thought I could do the job well. Also, I really do like Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb and the people in it (really lucky they don't read this thing, otherwise they might find out...) and I figured this was a good way to put something back in.

TVT: How would you appraise the sate of the company? What weaknesses need to be improved upon? What strengths need to be built up?

al'Cary: Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb has been filled with some of the most talented people from its inception. We are a bunch of intelligent and funny guys, who tend to respect each other. Sort of. However, this talent has expressed itself in negative ways in the past. We need to fix that a bit.

TVT: Any grand plans/ambitions for your company?

al'Cary: Grand? No. However, it has become apparent that we need to interact with the rest of the site a bit more. Most of our immediate plans are centered on getting to know some citizens and recruits. The most obvious such would be our new #mdd chatroom, where we are hosting semi regular sessions where people can meet us in our full glory.

TVT: Any aspect of the job frighten/overwhelm you at times?

al'Cary: Not yet. Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb pretty much runs itself, we are all fairly independently minded and they don't need me to hold their collective hands. Some of the admin stuff has taken a bit of getting used to.

TVT: What's the best part about being the Company Commander?

al'Cary: I couldn't actually say. I am enjoying it all so far, but no one feature of it sticks out as being the fun bit. The power trips are pretty fun.

==The New Hall: Things you didn't know about them==
'''by Natalya Laragan'''

The New Hall of the TV.net has already been working since the beginning of January. Who are these people behind their serious Senior Member image? I am offering you a chance to get a peek into their lives. These random facts you shouldn't have heard before. (And if you have, feel free to send complaints to me by PM. I like getting them.)

When in High School, Adolla Sedai was in her School's State championship swimming team.

Aidan Sedai is afraid that one day, the police will pull her over and make her do the drunk walk. She claims she is unable to walk a straight line even when she's sober.

There's a 20-year time difference between Alena Sedai and her younger brother.

Allin Sedai has a naturally white eyebrow. But it only appeared when she was thirteen.

Darian Gaidin takes his shoes off before he can use the toilet. Any toilet. Even a port-a-potty.

Darim Gaidin hates mustard. In fact, he absolutely loathes it.

Dee Gaidin, who is most often known as Doc Gaidin likes his western star sign, cancer.

Don't go offering fruit to Jarin Gaidin. He has hated fruit since his childhood.

Jundna Gaidin doesn't like face masks.

Khisanth Sedai is about three generations removed from the last name Tudor (as in Henry VIII). Neat, huh?

Kytheria Sedai enjoys dinosaurs, cowboy boots and buttered popcorn jellybeans.

Before moving to her present location, Kiana Sedai worked in a cave, a battlefield and a floating memorial, consecutively.

Oddey Gaidin learned to read when he was six years old. His mother simply grew tired of reading the road signs aloud on a car trip to Sweden, so he had to start practicing himself. By the time they reached the Swedish border, he could read.

Osaka Sedai cannot stand the taste of normal toothpaste. She always uses a strawberry flavoured kiddy version instead.

Riley Gaidin can drive a tractor. This man has goats, too.

Robertus Gaidin just bought a new house. This is also his third term as the SDS representative to the Warder Council.

Sharradin Sedai would rather ruin her hair than use an umbrella. The umbrellas she's trying to use will anyway either turn upside down, drip on her or they simply won't open.

Tallan Sedai is a color-graphemic synesthete. In plain English, it means she is seeing colors when reading a letter, word or number.

Tyla Sedai is constantly walking into things. To quote her own words: "Poles, signs, doors... You name it, I'll probably walk into it."

Valadilene Sedai is 'double jointed' in her hands, shoulders, hips and toes. She can do one impressive seal imitation.

Yelenia Sedai has a very plotsy puppy. Nine-year-old, but still a puppy. It's definitely Blue Ajah material.

And finally we get to Z. The last sitter in our list, Zashara Sedai is a very ambitious one. She wants to get to Harvard Medical School and do a MD PhD there.

I hope you enjoyed this short glimpse to their lives. Of course, you can always get to know them even better. After all, they're just a PM away.

==Tower Memories==
{{:Tower Memories}}

==Keepers Past and Present==
'''By Dart Marouvin 
'''Laurienne Corana, contributor

Stilled. Abused by Forsaken. Forcibly removed from office. At best, disrespected by the Amyrlin.

In Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, the women filling the Aes Sedai second-in-command position, Keeper of Chronicles, seem to face trials and tribulation of momentous proportions.

At tarvalon.net, a Keeper's job description is different than that of the Wheel of Time Keeper's, and tarvalon.net Keepers don't tend to face such dire situations, but their job is still one that requires much from the woman who fills it.

For nearly four and one half years, Elyna al'Tzoran, Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah, has been Keeper of tarvalon.net. This February it was announced that Elyna Sedai would be retiring and that Dralyn Montsier, Aes Sedai and former Head of the White Ajah, would take Elyna's place as Keeper of Chronicles.

"I've been very fortunate in my Keepers," said Eleyan al'Landerin Aes Sedai, the Amyrlin Seat of Tar Valon. "Both in their unique abilities fitting the time in which they serve, but also in having their friendship."

At tarvalon.net, the Keeper's duties do not include acting as the Amyrlin's secretary. Instead the Keeper is in charge of the Female members, bondings and other administrative tasks, such as working with the community administrators.

Val a'Shain, Gaidin of the Dai M'Hael Company, serves as the Keeper's male half, the Master at Arms.

He said that the Keeper and Master at Arms, while they have different responsibilities, must work closely together and communicate.

He said that Elyna Sedai and Dralyn Sedai do things differently and it will take time for him to get used the change. But he said he believes that Dralyn will do a good job as Elyna Sedai's replacement.

"On the whole," he said, "I don't think there are going to be dramatic changes for our membership... The Tower remains unbroken."

The confidence that Dralyn Sedai will fill Elyna's place efficiently is shared, not just by the Amyrlin and Master at Arms, but also by someone who knows Dralyn Sedai well: Shyana al'Veara, Aes Sedai and new Head of the White Ajah,

"(Dralyn) is direct, she knows what she wants and goes for it," Shyana Sedai said. "She leads well by example rather than just with words. She doesn't just try to get people doing things, she participates with them. She was, and is, what a leader should be."

The Amyrlin's sentiments were similar, as she expressed her respect for both Elyna Sedai and Dralyn Sedai.

"(Elyna's) efforts and dedication have been a major force behind our development and growth," the Amyrlin said. "Without her, we simply would not be where we are today. I am confident that Dralyn is going to do the same: shape where we go."

The Amyrlin also said that she believes Dralyn Sedai will help tarvalon.net be the most it can be in the coming years.

As for Dralyn Sedai, she said that she never expected to be made Keeper when she first joined Tar Valon about four years ago in May of 2002.

"It never even crossed my mind that I would one day be involved enough to have the experience necessary to be in a position as involved as Keeper," she said. "Much less have the time and actually be chosen."

Her first reaction when she was told she had been chosen to fill the position, she said, was to wonder what she'd done.

Now, Dralyn Sedai's goal is one that, she said, encompasses all of her goals: to be a part of the administration that keeps things running smoothly.

She also hopes to be an active presence in the community. This will be one of the major changes in how the administration works, Val Gaidin said.

"Elyna doesn't like to be the center of attention," he said. "She runs things from the background as much as possible... Dralyn will spend more time in the spotlight I think."

Dralyn Sedai explained that she hopes being active will help show that administrators are active, often working behind the scenes even if they aren't visible.

"Members should also expect me to be as fair as possible," she added, "even if it does not appear that way. Remember, there are always multiple sides to the same story."

The change in administration is one that all those involved expect to go smoothly.

"(Dralyn has) been with us for most of our history," the Amyrlin said, "and has a firm grasp on where we're going in our future. I think she truly understands and shares my vision for our community. She is active, and she is eager to get started."

==The Countdown Is On==

It is March again and like every year that means TarValon.net's Anni Party is coming up. But this time it is not just any Tower Gathering; no, it is the Fifth Anniversary!

This year, the party will be held from March 17 until March 20 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and it is going to be the biggest ever! What can be expected? "We have a little bit of everything for everyone planned," says Kariada Kunai, Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah and Director of Membership Services. "We have some of our favorite traditions and ceremonies paired with some new additions.

To make it short: There will be trivia games, discussion panels, workshops, classes, a video game competition, a costume competition, group dances, a movie night, karaoke, ceremonies, and a formal dinner and masquerade, which will be the crowning event.

Everyone has been pretty much excited for the past few months, but now most attendees seem to be boiling with impatience. A lot of new faces will appear among the crowds, and although this is going to be their first Anni Party they can be sure they have at least one thing in common with the confirmed members - they use this opportunity to see their friends, siblings or loved ones again or just to make new friends; as Evgren Sedai of the Yellow Ajah phrases it "All of the activities sound fun, but the best part seems to be the communication with others."

[[Category:TarValon Times 2006|603]]

Tower Memories

2017-08-06T10:51:13Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=al'Cary Mandoragon |Year=2006 |Month=March |Category=Community News |Banner=tvt.jpg |Article= To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the site, I have gathere..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=al'Cary Mandoragon
|Year=2006
|Month=March
|Category=Community News
|Banner=tvt.jpg
|Article=
To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the site, I have gathered the favourite memories regarding the site from a wide range of members. Contained in these memories is a rich history of the high points of the site, especially Nadine Sedai's contribution which reads like "Sum up the Tower's history in 50 words or less". It says a lot about our site, that so many people have had such pleasant and life altering experiences as described in these statements.

"I guess it would have to be the very first time I attended a Tower Party (the TN party in April of '03). The reason why it was so memorable for me was my very first impression of Tower Folk. Naturally, I was pretty nervous about meeting people that I had only talked to online before, but when I arrived, I was greeted by a few random people out in the driveway who asked, "What's your name?". And I answered, "Sherry but I guess Lyoness" and I was immediately tacklehuggled and grouphugged and I swear I wanted to cry tears of happiness! I had never before in my life felt so accepted and loved as I did when I arrived at that Tower party. I guess it's the warmth of the members on the site that prevents me from ever leaving. I love this place and all you guys like family!" Lyoness Sedai

"I would have to say my favorite memory was the first time I entered IRC chat. I was so new and everyone was so nice and welcoming.. Wil Cambrae and Neisa Sedai especially. The took me under their wings and really welcomed me. Its the first time I felt a part of a family. It was really something special.. Something I will never forget." Gracienda Al'vonde

"The first year I was here, when we were still on Ezboards and used a chat feature on the boards. I was chatting with some people, one who happened to be Arn Oakenskye, who eventually joined SDS. I was feeling my oats and since I was a Gaidin and he a recruit I had him drink some ooosquie. I forget why but he was. I talked the inebriated recruit into doing some kicking on a pole like the Aiel did at the in the books after the Battle at Carhien. Arn was jumping and spinning then I said I saw him fall off, and land with his knees locked and he broke his legs. Well I believe it was alCary or Moah who was in there with me also, and I had him help me take Arn to the Yellow Tents on the boards to get Healed. It was great times and my first real memory of Arn, and a good one at that. I later found out though it was a spoiler cause he hadn't read that book yet." Wil Gaidin

"It's hard, of course, to choose only one good memory from the many I've had in my just over a year as a member here. Being Raised, whether to novice, Accepted or finally to Aes Sedai - all three were a blast. Endless hours of chatting, either in IRC or via messengers or even Skype, has also been a part of my Tower experience I feel extremely privileged to have been allowed. Still, though, it's the Europarty in Gothenburg summer 2005 that has so far been the biggest prod-buttock experience. The sheer beauty of the place we stayed at was part of it, of course, but far more than that it was the immense feeling of...kinship? I felt with the people in attendance. We didn't really do a lot; we went to an amusement park (Liseberg) where both Ehlana and myself tried our first ever rollercoasters after some (more or less) mild persuasion, but other than that our weekend was filled with hanging out, drinking, swimming in the lake, drinking and generally just having fun. So yes; if you haven't been to a RL gathering yet and you have the opportunity; DO IT!" Ilissa Sedai

"There are so many memories that it's hard to pinpoint one particular one! Scraps we got into as Accepted... real life events... welcoming new Sisters... my bonding experiences... the evolution of the Tower... the list is endless. I shall choose a real life memory; Fall Ball 2003 in Tennessee. Mother was making her announcements of who had won the Tower Awards. For some reason that is still foggy to me, I was chosen as Member of the Year! Mother gave me a huge hug as she presented me with my yummy award book. I was quite giggly and feeling very flushed, but overall it has got to rate up there with my all time favorite memories of the Tower! I hope for many more in the future!" Amaria Sedai

"The first time I went to a tower party was 2nd Anniversary in 2003. I had just ridden 12 or more hours from Ubahsur Sedai's house in Richmond to Tennesse. I was a bit nervous wondering what I had gotten myself into, but when we arrived at the camp noone was there. We were kinda nervous that we had the wrong place but eventually people started coming in, the set up crew had gone out to get food and we were the first people to come in that day. Slowly more and more people showed up and everyone was hugging and talking excitedly. It was a bit like going to a school reunion except you actually like all the people. In the end I never felt more at home with a group and I've been addicted to tower parties ever since." Adolla Sedai

"I have many fond memories of my time here at TarValon, as my membership has spanned near four years now. al'Cary asked me to try to be brief, so, I shall jot down some stuff, and maybe it will spark memories in some of you. Union of Pranksters debut and the punishment set by Mother - When the Browns dressed up as Blues for Halloween and confuzzled everyone! BtBA (most Browns will remember this one) - Monkeys with Bananas and the Prevailing Teddies! When the Browns became Whitecloaks and tortured people in their Dome of Truth. When Naomi and I made a clock blink. My very first meeting of Tower people, when some Yellows kidnapped me for a weekend and introduced themselves to my Mom as the cult members. The tornadoes and floods at 3rd Anni Chicago. The cozy night at Marlinya's the night before heading to the mountains at 4th Anni Colorado. Last but certainly not least, the meeting of my fiance, Jasin Bashar." Nadine Sedai

As for my own memories? There have been a number of good ones. TC back on Ezboards where I made my first bunch of friends. The endless and pointless spam threads in the old DM forum. The immediate sense of belonging I felt when MDD first came together. Making friends from all around the globe, some of whom I hope will stay good friends forever. Having a place to hide and people to whine to when RL goes bad. I can only hope for another three years worth.
}}

Category:Ashlyn Sindal TVT Articles

2017-08-06T10:40:55Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "__HIDDENCAT__Category:TVT Articles"

__HIDDENCAT__[[Category:TVT Articles]]

Game Review: Zombies, Run!

2017-08-06T10:40:00Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Ashlyn Sindal |Year=2012 |Month=September |Category=Fitness |Banner=tvt.jpg |Article= En route to Abel Township, one of the few human settlements left in..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Ashlyn Sindal
|Year=2012
|Month=September
|Category=Fitness
|Banner=tvt.jpg
|Article=
En route to Abel Township, one of the few human settlements left in the area, your helicopter is shot down over zombie-infested territory. With no notion of who shot you down or if they're coming after you, no way to contact the township for help, and mere moments before your position is overwhelmed by walking dead drawn to the sound of the crash, you do the only thing you can to stay alive: You run.

Zombies, Run! is an interactive, story-driven fitness app/game from Six to Start available for iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, and Windows smart phones. The zombie apocalypse has come, and what's left of humanity shelters in small, makeshift townships, living off of and defending themselves with whatever supplies they're able to scavenge. You are Runner 5, one of Abel's scavenging crew, dependent upon your speed to evade ravenous undead as you seek out supplies for the township and search for clues to the truth behind the zombie outbreak.

Game play is simple: put in your headphones, start the mission, and start running. As you run, you pick up supplies, which you can then use to build up your base. The story unfolds through dramatic audio scenes between songs from your own imported playlist. Optional “zombie chases” require you to pick up your pace to outrun approaching ghouls or risk being devoured. If you fail to outpace the zombies, you drop all of the supplies you've picked up during the mission.

When the creators of Zombies, Run! describe the game as “immersive,” it's no joke. With zombie moans becoming more and more distinct and Abel's communications team shouting at you to “Run! Just run!” through your headphones, it's easy to get wrapped up in the idea that you are, in fact, running from zombies. Stellar voice acting adds depth, and the slowly unraveling mystery surrounding the initial outbreak is engrossing enough to convince even a certifiable couch potato like yours truly to stick with a running routine.

The game currently consists of 23 story missions, the complete “first season” story arc, as well as an additional seven repeatable “supply run” missions. Six to Start has announced that they are working on a second season and they expect to be releasing a Beginner 5k add-on, complete with further story, later this year.

If you've ever wanted to save the world from zombies; if you like a well-woven narrative and a good mystery; if you like running or even ever thought you might want to start, then this game is for you.
}}

Springtime Puzzle

2017-08-06T10:39:15Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Zandera Sommers
|Banner=TVT 5-2015 header-12.png
|Year=2015
|Month=May
|Category=Fun Stuff
|Article=
'''Welcome the change of weather with this Springtime Crossword Puzzle!'''

Words may be diagonal and/or backwards.

[[file:TVT 5-2015 internal-12a.jpg]]

==Word List:==

*tulips
*fog
*sweet
*daisy
*daffodils
*grassy
*yellow
*April
*joyful
*Spring
*May
*swim
*clouds
*bloom
*teeming
*lawn chair
*umbrella
*breezy
*growing
*love
*buzz
*beauty
*sing
*light
*rain
*scamper
*airy
*stormy
*anew
*lovely
*mist
*sunny
*gentle
}}

September 2012 Puzzles

2017-08-06T10:36:17Z

Kerna Shedrian:

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Ashlyn Sindal
|Month=September
|Category=Fun Stuff
|Banner=AmyrlinCrossword.png
|Year=2012
|Article=
==Crossword==

The theme of this month's crossword is the Amyrlin Seat.

===Across===
:5. She was raised to the Amyrlin Seat from no Ajah.
:6. The first Amyrlin Seat.
:7. She met with Artur Hawkwing's general in an attempt to convince him to lift the siege of Tar Valon.
:11. Formerly of the Yellow Ajah, she died in 578 NE.
:12. She was stripped of stole and staff for attempting to manipulate Artur Hawkwing.
:13. She was raised to the Amyrlin Seat at the age of 30.
:14. She dreamed of returning the White Tower to the glory and power it held before the Trolloc Wars.
:15. Generally counted among the greatest Amyrlins, she controlled the Tower by playing different factions against each other.
:16. The first Amyrlin Seat to be raised from the Red Ajah since the time of Artur Hawkwing.
:17. She tried to run the White Tower with an iron hand, but by the end of her reign she was a puppet for the Hall.
:18. The only Amyrlin Seat the Whitecloaks have ever hanged.

===Down===
:1. A fierce Mistress of Novices before she was raised Amyrlin, she is considered a legend for controlling the White Tower through sheer force of will.
:2. Because the previous three Amyrlins had died within years of being raised, she was chosen in part because of her young age.
:3. A Green sister raised to the Amyrlin Seat in 396 NE.
:4. A sister of the Black Ajah arranged to have this Amyrlin killed to protect herself from being arrested as a Darkfriend.
:8. She is considered the most politically-skilled Amyrlin Seat in White Tower history.
:9. The sitting Amyrlin when the Dragon was reborn.
:10. The sitting Amyrlin during the Kavarthen Wars.

==Cryptogram==

The second puzzle for this month is a cryptogram from the prophecies of the Dragon.

[[Image:cryptogram.jpg]]
}}

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2017-08-06T10:36:04Z

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2017-08-06T10:35:45Z

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2017-08-06T10:35:24Z

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2017-08-06T10:34:48Z

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2017-08-06T10:34:00Z

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2017-08-06T10:33:24Z

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September 2012 Puzzles

2017-08-06T10:28:28Z

Kerna Shedrian: Created page with "{{TVTArticle |Author=Ashlyn Sindal |Month=September |Category=Puzzles |Banner=AmyrlinCrossword.png |Year=2012 |Article= ==Crossword== The theme of this month's crossword is t..."

{{TVTArticle
|Author=Ashlyn Sindal
|Month=September
|Category=Puzzles
|Banner=AmyrlinCrossword.png
|Year=2012
|Article=
==Crossword==

The theme of this month's crossword is the Amyrlin Seat.

===Across===
:5. She was raised to the Amyrlin Seat from no Ajah.
:6. The first Amyrlin Seat.
:7. She met with Artur Hawkwing's general in an attempt to convince him to lift the siege of Tar Valon.
:11. Formerly of the Yellow Ajah, she died in 578 NE.
:12. She was stripped of stole and staff for attempting to manipulate Artur Hawkwing.
:13. She was raised to the Amyrlin Seat at the age of 30.
:14. She dreamed of returning the White Tower to the glory and power it held before the Trolloc Wars.
:15. Generally counted among the greatest Amyrlins, she controlled the Tower by playing different factions against each other.
:16. The first Amyrlin Seat to be raised from the Red Ajah since the time of Artur Hawkwing.
:17. She tried to run the White Tower with an iron hand, but by the end of her reign she was a puppet for the Hall.
:18. The only Amyrlin Seat the Whitecloaks have ever hanged.

===Down===
:1. A fierce Mistress of Novices before she was raised Amyrlin, she is considered a legend for controlling the White Tower through sheer force of will.
:2. Because the previous three Amyrlins had died within years of being raised, she was chosen in part because of her young age.
:3. A Green sister raised to the Amyrlin Seat in 396 NE.
:4. A sister of the Black Ajah arranged to have this Amyrlin killed to protect herself from being arrested as a Darkfriend.
:8. She is considered the most politically-skilled Amyrlin Seat in White Tower history.
:9. The sitting Amyrlin when the Dragon was reborn.
:10. The sitting Amyrlin during the Kavarthen Wars.

==Cryptogram==

The second puzzle for this month is a cryptogram from the prophecies of the Dragon.

[[Image:cryptogram.jpg]]
}}

File:Cryptogram.jpg

2017-08-06T10:28:02Z

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2017-08-06T10:27:10Z

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More April Holidays

2017-08-06T10:13:33Z

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{{TVTArticle
|Author=Jahily al'Karee
|Month=April
|Year=2014
|Banner=April Holidays.png
|Category=Fun Stuff
|Article=
In celebration of our April Fools edition, I decided to see what other fun "holidays" there are to celebrate during the month of April. I don't know who makes these things up, but here's a list. Have a great month y'all!

==April 2014 Bizarre and Unique Holidays==

;Month:

*National Humor Month
*International Guitar Month
*Keep America Beautiful Month
*Lawn and Garden Month
*National Poetry Month
*National Pecan Month
*National Welding Month
*Records and Information Management Month
*Stress Awareness Month
*Sexual Assault Awareness Month

;Weekly Celebrations:

*Week 1 Library Week
*Week 1 Read a Road Map Week.
*Week 2 Garden Week
*Week 3 Organize Your Files Week
*Week 3 Medical Labs Week
*Week 4 Administrative Assistants Week
*Week 4 National Karaoke Week

;Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
:1 April Fool's Day
:1 International Fun at Work Day

:2 Children's Book Day
:2 National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

:3 Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day

:4 Walk Around Things Day
:4 School Librarian Day
:4 Tell a Lie Day

:6 Plan Your Epitaph Day

:7 Caramel Popcorn Day
:7 No Housework Day
:7 World Health Day

:8 Draw a Picture of a Bird Day

:9 Name Yourself Day
:9 Winston Churchill Day

:10 Golfer's Day
:10 National Siblings Day

:11 Eight Track Tape Day
:11 Barbershop Quartet Day
:11 National Submarine Day

:12 Big Wind Day
:12 Russian Cosmonaut Day

:13 Scrabble Day

:14 International Moment of Laughter Day
:14 Look up at the Sky Day
:14 National Pecan Day
:14 Reach as High as You Can Day

:15 Rubber Eraser Day
:15 Titanic Remembrance Day

:16 National Eggs Benedict Day
:16 National Librarian Day
:16 National Stress Awareness Day

:17 Blah, Blah, Blah Day
:17 National Cheeseball Day - where’s Erin Sedai?
:17 National High Five Day
:17 Pet Owners Independence Day

:18 International Juggler's Day

:19 National Garlic Day

:20 Look Alike Day
:20 Volunteer Recognition Day

:21 Kindergarten Day

:22 Girl Scout Leader Day
:22 National Jelly Bean Day

:23 Administrative Professional's Day
:23 Lover's Day
:23 National Zucchini Bread Day 23 Take a Chance Day

:24 Take Your Child to Work

:25 World Penguin Day

:26 Hug an Australian Day
:26 National Pretzel Day
:26 Richter Scale Day

:27 National Prime Rib Day
:27 Tell a Story Day

:28 International Astronomy Day
:28 Great Poetry Reading Day
:28 Kiss Your Mate Day - guys, do not forget this one. Kiss her, then read her some poetry.

:29 National Shrimp Scampi Day

:30 Hairstyle Appreciation Day
:30 National Honesty Day
}}

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2017-08-06T10:13:22Z

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A Celebration of Passover and Easter

2017-08-06T10:12:13Z

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{{TVTArticle
|Author=Jahily al'Karee
|Month=April
|Year=2014
|Banner=Easter and Passover.png
|Category=General Interest
|Article=
''With [[Nymala Ingasy]]''

When we sat down to write about Easter and Passover, it was difficult to determine what to write about. Though many people are celebrating a holiday at this time of year, they're celebrating for different reasons. It would be too easy to point out our differences, to let them be something that keeps us apart rather than brings us together. We thought about symbols and what unites us. So come, join us around the table as we celebrate this season together as one big family.

So what unites the celebrations of Passover and Easter? There are two things, actually: the lamb and the egg. We'll look at them both.

First, the egg, humble and simple. You wouldn't think that something so simple would unite two major world religions symbolically, but they do. In the Passover celebration, we remember the Exodus from Egypt and the freedom of the Jews from slavery. We retell this story with the use of ritual foods. There are two interpretations of the symbolism of the hard boiled egg ( ביצה or beytzah in Hebrew). One is that it is an ancient fertility symbol. The other is that it is a symbol of mourning for the loss of the two Temples, the first of which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and the second of which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E. Hard boiled eggs were traditionally the food of mourners and hence they were an appropriate symbol for the loss of these sacred sites.

Secondly is the lamb shank bone (זרוע or zeroah in Hebrew). The roasted shank bone of a lamb reminds us of the tenth plague in Egypt, when all firstborn Egyptians were killed. The Israelites marked the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a lamb as a signal that death should pass over them, as it is written in Exodus 12:12: "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn - both men and animals - and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt... The blood will be a sign... on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." The shank bone is sometimes called the Paschal lamb, with “paschal” meaning "He [God] skipped over" the houses of Israel.

Although Passover and Easter share it as a common symbol, the meaning of the egg is different for Easter. For Christians, the egg symbolizes new life. The hard shell represents the rock tomb Jesus Christ was laid in, and breaking the egg – or a baby chick breaking out – represents Jesus emerging when He rose. There are many different kinds of eggs. Real eggs (usually chicken) are hard-boiled and dyed; there are also egg-shaped chocolates or candies, plastic eggs filled with goodies, even jelly beans (love them or hate them!) are egg-shaped. In some parts of the world, eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Jesus. In other traditions, they are dyed in spring colors. A favorite children’s activity on Easter weekend is an egg hunt, where eggs are hidden inside or outside for them to find.

As for the lamb, its significance stems in part from the Passover traditions. Jesus and his disciples in the upper room were celebrating the Passover Seder meal. It was during this Last Supper, that Jesus changed the liturgy and introduced what Christians now celebrate as Holy Communion. Jesus was also referred to as the “Lamb of God.” Since the time of Abraham in the book of Genesis, sheep were one of the animals used for sacrifice - offerings to God to take away the sins of man. Jesus was identified as such by John the Baptist, who said “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Many people enjoy lamb as the main dish for their Easter Sunday dinner.

While the symbols and what they mean are different, one thing is the same: We all come together for faith, family and food. We share this time of year with those who are most important in our lives. We celebrate the meaning behind the foods we eat, and what we say and do in our places of worship. Differences are important, to be sure. They remind us that we are individuals. But when we come together and deeply examine our symbolism, we'll find we're not so different after all.

Happy Holidays from Nymala and Jahily! No matter what you might be celebrating, may it be filled with family, food and best wishes.
}}
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2017-08-06T10:12:05Z

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Why I Love Pretty Little Liars

2017-08-06T09:52:24Z

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{{TVTArticle
|Author=Ashlyn Sindal
|Year=2015
|Month=April
|Category=Reviews
|Banner=Why I Love... Pretty Little Liars.png
|Article=
The first time I saw Pretty Little Liars pop up in my Netflix recommendations, I thought it was one of those weird flukes, like how sometimes Netflix tells me I’ll enjoy Disney’s Pirate Fairy because I watched Archer. Teen dramas aren’t exactly my thing, and the swirly script and and apparent tea party on the show’s banner didn’t really speak to me. But it kept coming up in my recommendations, and one very dreary Saturday, bored out of my mind, I figured I’d give it a shot.

I was hooked within five minutes.

The first episode of Pretty Little Liars opens with a blatant horror movie cliche. Four teenage girls (our Pretty Little Liars) sit in a circle in a barn, laughing and passing around a party cup while a thunderstorm rages outside. Suddenly, the power cuts out. The Liars huddle together in fright as the barn door slowly creaks open...and in bounces Alison, a pretty blonde who in under thirty seconds manages to establish herself as the epitome of every mean girl stereotype. When the Liars awake the next morning, Alison is missing. “I think I heard her scream,” one of the Liars admits with a shaking voice.

The story picks up a year later, with Alison still missing. Each of Alison’s friends starts to receive odd notes and text messages signed “A,” which at first simply hint at knowing the Liars’ deeply-held secrets, but quickly become threatening. By the end of the first episode, we’ve got our first dead body, and the mystery is off and running.

There are a lot of things I love about this show, but one of the biggest is all of the nods to classic film and literature. There are Hitchcock references galore (the Liars spend a lot of time at the Rear Window Brew), and the Rosewood High English department seems to have a knack for assigning novels and plays that are remarkably allegorical of the Liars’ lives. I love trying to spot all of the references and figure what clues they provide.

Another thing I love is the tone of the show. There are a lot of things that happen in Pretty Little Liars that I wouldn’t buy from a show with adult protagonists in a supposedly real-world setting. But I can accept them in show about teenagers, because even the most ridiculous events that take place in the show recall the sorts of fears I experienced as a teenager. In Rosewood, the adults really are clueless, the Liars can’t depend on anyone except each other (and even that is questionable at times), and every decision the Liars make is literally a life and death dilemma. While none of this is particularly realistic, it evokes the emotional intensity of adolescence really well.

Then, there’s Emily. I know LGBT representation isn’t a big deal for everyone, but it is for me, and for all of the ridiculous, over the top drama Pretty Little Liars has in other areas, the character of Emily Fields and her struggle to understand and accept her sexuality come off as very authentic. I won’t go into details so as to avoid spoilers, but watching Emily’s character develop has definitely been one of my favorite non-mystery-related parts of the show.

And finally, there’s Alison. I can’t remember the last time I felt such a strong combination of pity and loathing for a fictional character. Even after five seasons of learning about the events that led up to the night she disappeared, I’m still not sure whether Alison is more villain or victim, and I find that ambiguity really delightful.

Pretty Little Liars just wrapped up its fifth season, with two left to go. A lot of the questions I had after watching the first episode have been answered, but not all of them, and there are new mysteries to unravel. I can’t say I know where the show is headed (although I’ve got at least ten working theories), but I’m sure of one thing: wherever this crazy train is headed, I will enjoy the hell out of the ride.
}}

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2017-08-06T09:50:37Z

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