Gray Ajah
Author: Leora Oldessroth
Introduction
One of the seven Ajahs, the Gray Ajah is devoted to mediation and seeking consensus (LoC, Ch. 49; CoT, Ch. 8). Gray Aes Sedai feel that negotiations are their territory and guard it against Aes Sedai from other Ajahs who try to intrude (KoD, Ch. 23).
It is necessary for Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah to be familiar with the laws of every land in order to be successful in mediation (LoC, Ch. 35). Many nations use Gray Aes Sedai to ensure that their treaties hold, although they fear the treaties may further the White Tower’s goals more than their own (TWoRJtWoT).
Grays are noted for believing that any problem can be solved by talking long enough (CoT, Ch. 17).
Wars and threats of wars “mesmerize” Grays because they are dedicated to ending strife. They are also known for seeking to increase their influence; every time their skills end a war they increase the influence of all Aes Sedai, but it increases the influence of Gray Aes Sedai most of all (CoT, Ch. 18).
Organization
The Gray Ajah is the third largest Ajah (TWoRJtWoT).
The Head of the Gray Ajah is known as the Head Clerk; currently, the Head Clerk is Serancha Colvine (CoT, Glossary).
Like most Ajahs, the Grays have a network of eyes-and-ears (TFoH, Prologue; ACoS, Prologue).
Customs
Gray Aes Sedai traditionally bond only one Warder at a time (TEotW, Glossary).
Miscellaneous
- There have been 9 Amyrlins raised from the Gray Ajah, the most recent being Sierin Vayu in 979 NE (TWoRJtWoT).
- During the Aiel War, a Gray Aes Sedai represented the White Tower in the Grand Coalition (TWoRJtWoT). After the Aiel War, many Gray Aes Sedai traveled and worked to preserve the Grand Coaltion but were unsuccessful (ACoS, Ch. 19).
- Pevara thinks that the Gray Ajah is a good place for Serancha Colvine because she is a prig (ACoS, Ch. 32).
- The Gray Ajah has an outraged sense of being thwarted by the Seanchan’s refusal to negotiate with them (CoT, Ch. 18).
