Difference between revisions of "A'dam"

From Tar Valon Library
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(13 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{comp}}
 +
 
''Author: Caerwyn Jolan''
 
''Author: Caerwyn Jolan''
 +
 
AYE-dam
 
AYE-dam
== General ==
+
==General==
 +
 
 +
The ''a’dam'' is a ''[[ter’angreal]]'' used by the [[Seanchan]] Empire to control a woman who can channel ''[[saidar]]''.  It consists of a collar made of silvery metal, worn by the woman being controlled, and a bracelet worn by the woman controlling her. The controller of the ''a'dam'' is called a ''[[sul'dam]]'' ("leash holder" in the [[Old Tongue]]) and the woman being controlled is called a ''[[damane]]'' ("leashed one" in the Old Tongue). Men cannot use an ''a’dam'', although there is a [[male a'dam|male form of the device]].  If a man who could channel tried to use wear the bracelet of an ''a'dam'', it would cause extreme pain and usually ended in the death of the male channeler. Like all ''ter'angreal'', the ''a'dam'' is constructed using the One Power. Though most ''ter'angreal'' were made in a manner not known since [[the Breaking of the World]], some ''damane'' can create ''a'dam''.
 +
 
 +
==Appearance==
 +
The ''a'dam'' is a bracelet and collar linked by a chain, all made of smooth silver metal. When the bracelet or collar are closed, they feel as if they are one piece ({{tgh|40}}). There are also working ''a'dam'' without the chain.
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
The first ''a'dam'' was created by [[Deain]], Aes Sedai who was helping [[Luthair Paendrag]] and who eventually ended up as a ''damane'' herself.
 +
 
 +
==Use==
 +
The [[Seanchan]] generally use the ''a'dam'' to use female channellers of the [[One Power]] in warfare. 
  
 +
Sul'dam visit [[Seanchan]] villages to test young [[Seanchan]] women to see if they can be ''damane'' or ''sul'dam''. These visits are treated like [[festivals|feastdays]] ({{tgh|46}}). Women who are born with the ability to channel and do not need to be taught are taken as ''damane'' ({{tgh|46}}). Women who can be taught to channel, but would not channel on their own, are taken away and trained as ''sul'dam'' ({{tgh|46}}).
  
The ''a’dam'' is a ''[[ter’angreal]]'' composed of two pieces, used to control a woman who can channel ''[[saidar]]'', the female form of the [[One Power]]It consists of a collar made of a silvery metal, worn by the woman being controlled and a bracelet worn by the woman controlling her.  Men may not use an ''a’dam'', although there is a [[male a'dam|male form of the device]].  The bracelet has different appearances, and may or may not be connected directly to the collar by a cord.  Like all ''ter’angreal'', it is constructed using the One Power in a manner not known since [[the Breaking of the World]].
+
''Damane'' are considered property, and are generally used for the purposes of the Seanchan empireTheir use in warfare gives the Seanchan forces an enormous advantage, as the ''damane'' cause tremendous fear to enemy troops by channeling the One Power in battle to produce explosions, lightning, etc. at long distances.
  
The first appearance of the ''a’dam'' is as a device used by [[Seanchan]] to control female channellers of the One Power, usually to use them in warfare.  Seanchan have no [[Aes Sedai]], rather all women are tested at an early age and the ones who can channel naturally become ''[[damane]]''.  Women who have the ability to channel, but cannot do so naturally, become ''[[sul'dam]]'', users of the ''a'dam''.  Damane are considered property, and are generally used for the purposes of the Seanchan empire.  Their use in warfare gives the Seanchan forces an enormous advantage, as the damane cause tremendous fear to enemy troops by channelling the One Power in battle to produce explosions, lightning, etc. at long distances.  The terms ''damane'' and ''sul'dam'' are only used by the Seanchan, however in this article we use them to refer to the any two women using an ''a'dam''.
+
The terms ''damane'' and ''sul'dam'' are only used by the Seanchan. However, in this article we use them to refer to any two women using an ''a'dam''.
  
 
Both women must be capable of channeling the One Power for the ''a’dam'' to function.  
 
Both women must be capable of channeling the One Power for the ''a’dam'' to function.  
  
There are two primary effects of an ''a’dam'':
+
The ''a'dam'' actually creates a circle of two women, although it has some key differences compared to an ordinary circle. The ''sul'dam'' is the one leading the circle. This usage was lost and the ''a'dam'' ended up being used solely for controlling the ''damane''.
<ul>
+
 
<li>The damane cannot channel on her own without being allowed by the ''sul’dam''.  It is possible to channel without a ''sul’dam'' wearing the bracelet but it causes the ''damane'' to become ill.   In the Seanchan version of the device where the two halves are linked physically, the ''damane'' may not touch the bracelet side of the ''a’dam'' or move it without physical pain occurring, even if the ''sul’dam'' is not present and wearing it.
+
==Effects==
</li>
+
There are several effects of an ''a’dam'':
<li>
+
 
The ''sul’dam'' can cause the ''damane'' physical pain (or any sensation) through ''a’dam'', as well as control her channeling. This allows a ''sul’dam'' who has no knowledge of channeling herself to channel the One Power for specific effects.
+
*A ''sul'dam'' can use the ''a'dam'' to control a ''damane'''s channeling ability. This allows a ''sul’dam'' who has no knowledge of channeling herself to use the One Power.
</li>
+
*The damane generally cannot channel without being allowed by the ''sul’dam''.  It is possible for the ''damane'' to channel a little without a ''sul’dam'' wearing the bracelet, but it causes the ''damane'' to become physically ill.  
</ul>
+
*The ''damane'' may not touch or move the bracelet of the ''a’dam'' without intense physical pain, even if the ''sul’dam'' is not present.
Like many ''ter’angreal'', the ''a’dam'' can function in the [[World of Dreams]] as well.
+
*The ''sul’dam'' can cause the ''damane'' physical pain through the ''a’dam'' without physically harming her ({{tgh|40}}). The ''sul’dam'' can also make the ''damane'' feel a great pleasure ({{kod|9}}).
 +
*The ''damane'' feels any physical pain inflicted on the ''sul'dam'' twice over, even to death ({{tgh|40}}).
 +
*While wearing the ''a'dam'', the ''sul'dam'' knows how the ''damane'' feels emotionally ({{tgh|40}}).
 +
 
 +
Like many ''ter’angreal'', the ''a’dam'' can function in the [[World of Dreams]] as well as the waking world.
  
 
== Appearance and Uses ==
 
== Appearance and Uses ==
  
<ul>
+
*Egwene is captured to become a ''damane'' ({{tgh|40}})
<li>
+
*Egwene’s training as ''damane'' in Falme ({{tgh|42}})
Egwene is captured to become a ''damane'' ({{tgh|40}})
+
*Elayne finds the male version of an ''a’dam'' in the Panarch’s Palace in [[Tanchico]] ({{tsr|54}})
</li>
+
*Nynaeve uses an ''a’dam'' in the World of Dreams to capture [[Moghedien]], one of the female [[Forsaken]].  ({{tfoh|54}})
<li>
+
*[[Mesaana]] tries to hold Egwene with an ''a'dam'' in ''Tel'aran'rhiod'', but Egwene refuses to accept the reality and in the struggle Mesaana's mind breaks ({{tom|38}}).
Egwene’s training as ''damane'' in Falme ({{tgh|42}})
+
===Opening an A'dam===
</li>
+
A woman who is collared cannot open her own collar, and will suffer extreme pain if she even thinks of doing so ({{tgh|42}}).  The ''a'dam'' is usually opened manually, the bracelet by squeezing top and bottom, almost opposite the leash, and the collar by doing something similar and then twisting the correct way ({{Wh|29}}). It can also be opened with a trickle of the One Power ({{tgh|45}}).
<li>
 
Elayne finds the male version of an ''a’dam'' in the Panarch’s Palace in [[Tanchico]] ({{tsr|54}})
 
</li>
 
<li>
 
Nynaeve uses an ''a’dam'' in the World of Dreams to capture [[Moghedien]], one of the female [[Forsaken]].  ({{tfoh|54}})
 
</li>
 
</ul>
 
  
 
== Miscellaneous ==
 
== Miscellaneous ==
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li>
 
<li>
Seanchan test all women for ability to channel.  All of the women selected to become ''damane'' would be considered "[[wilder]]s" by the [[White Tower]].  The testing process and training as a ''damane'' prevents a significant fraction of wilders dieing through uncontrolled experimentation with the One Power as happens in the world outside Seanchan.
+
Seanchan test all women for ability to channel.  All of the women selected to become ''damane'' would be considered "[[wilder]]s" by the [[White Tower]].  The testing process and training as a ''damane'' prevents a significant fraction of wilders' deaths through uncontrolled experimentation with the One Power as happens in the world outside Seanchan. The ''a’dam'' also prevents the ''damane'' from burning herself allowing her to use as much power as she could handle.  
 
<li>
 
<li>
 
The Seanchan also test to select women to become ''sul'dam'', but do not realize that these women can be taught to channel the One Power.  In fact, they do not realize that channeling can be taught at all.
 
The Seanchan also test to select women to become ''sul'dam'', but do not realize that these women can be taught to channel the One Power.  In fact, they do not realize that channeling can be taught at all.
Line 47: Line 59:
  
 
[[Category:Objects of the One Power]]
 
[[Category:Objects of the One Power]]
[[Category:Seanchan]]
+
[[Category:Damane| 2]]
 +
[[Category:sul'dam| 2]]

Latest revision as of 14:06, 18 March 2019

A similar entry appears in the Wheel of Time Companion confirming the information available in the main story arc.


Author: Caerwyn Jolan

AYE-dam

General

The a’dam is a ter’angreal used by the Seanchan Empire to control a woman who can channel saidar. It consists of a collar made of silvery metal, worn by the woman being controlled, and a bracelet worn by the woman controlling her. The controller of the a'dam is called a sul'dam ("leash holder" in the Old Tongue) and the woman being controlled is called a damane ("leashed one" in the Old Tongue). Men cannot use an a’dam, although there is a male form of the device. If a man who could channel tried to use wear the bracelet of an a'dam, it would cause extreme pain and usually ended in the death of the male channeler. Like all ter'angreal, the a'dam is constructed using the One Power. Though most ter'angreal were made in a manner not known since the Breaking of the World, some damane can create a'dam.

Appearance

The a'dam is a bracelet and collar linked by a chain, all made of smooth silver metal. When the bracelet or collar are closed, they feel as if they are one piece (TGH, Ch. 40). There are also working a'dam without the chain.

History

The first a'dam was created by Deain, Aes Sedai who was helping Luthair Paendrag and who eventually ended up as a damane herself.

Use

The Seanchan generally use the a'dam to use female channellers of the One Power in warfare.

Sul'dam visit Seanchan villages to test young Seanchan women to see if they can be damane or sul'dam. These visits are treated like feastdays (TGH, Ch. 46). Women who are born with the ability to channel and do not need to be taught are taken as damane (TGH, Ch. 46). Women who can be taught to channel, but would not channel on their own, are taken away and trained as sul'dam (TGH, Ch. 46).

Damane are considered property, and are generally used for the purposes of the Seanchan empire. Their use in warfare gives the Seanchan forces an enormous advantage, as the damane cause tremendous fear to enemy troops by channeling the One Power in battle to produce explosions, lightning, etc. at long distances.

The terms damane and sul'dam are only used by the Seanchan. However, in this article we use them to refer to any two women using an a'dam.

Both women must be capable of channeling the One Power for the a’dam to function.

The a'dam actually creates a circle of two women, although it has some key differences compared to an ordinary circle. The sul'dam is the one leading the circle. This usage was lost and the a'dam ended up being used solely for controlling the damane.

Effects

There are several effects of an a’dam:

  • A sul'dam can use the a'dam to control a damane's channeling ability. This allows a sul’dam who has no knowledge of channeling herself to use the One Power.
  • The damane generally cannot channel without being allowed by the sul’dam. It is possible for the damane to channel a little without a sul’dam wearing the bracelet, but it causes the damane to become physically ill.
  • The damane may not touch or move the bracelet of the a’dam without intense physical pain, even if the sul’dam is not present.
  • The sul’dam can cause the damane physical pain through the a’dam without physically harming her (TGH, Ch. 40). The sul’dam can also make the damane feel a great pleasure (KoD, Ch. 9).
  • The damane feels any physical pain inflicted on the sul'dam twice over, even to death (TGH, Ch. 40).
  • While wearing the a'dam, the sul'dam knows how the damane feels emotionally (TGH, Ch. 40).

Like many ter’angreal, the a’dam can function in the World of Dreams as well as the waking world.

Appearance and Uses

  • Egwene is captured to become a damane (TGH, Ch. 40)
  • Egwene’s training as damane in Falme (TGH, Ch. 42)
  • Elayne finds the male version of an a’dam in the Panarch’s Palace in Tanchico (TSR, Ch. 54)
  • Nynaeve uses an a’dam in the World of Dreams to capture Moghedien, one of the female Forsaken. (TFoH, Ch. 54)
  • Mesaana tries to hold Egwene with an a'dam in Tel'aran'rhiod, but Egwene refuses to accept the reality and in the struggle Mesaana's mind breaks (ToM, Ch. 38).

Opening an A'dam

A woman who is collared cannot open her own collar, and will suffer extreme pain if she even thinks of doing so (TGH, Ch. 42). The a'dam is usually opened manually, the bracelet by squeezing top and bottom, almost opposite the leash, and the collar by doing something similar and then twisting the correct way (WH, Ch. 29). It can also be opened with a trickle of the One Power (TGH, Ch. 45).

Miscellaneous

  • Seanchan test all women for ability to channel. All of the women selected to become damane would be considered "wilders" by the White Tower. The testing process and training as a damane prevents a significant fraction of wilders' deaths through uncontrolled experimentation with the One Power as happens in the world outside Seanchan. The a’dam also prevents the damane from burning herself allowing her to use as much power as she could handle.
  • The Seanchan also test to select women to become sul'dam, but do not realize that these women can be taught to channel the One Power. In fact, they do not realize that channeling can be taught at all.