Divisions of the Land

The significance of the Tower since the Breaking lies mainly in its services to Randland. Rulers give tribute, the amount of which seems to be relatively staggering, considering the stipend Aes Sedai are given to live off of per year, along with the fact that there are about a thousand in the Tower, along with all the servants, guards, and general upkeeping of the Tower. I think the amount was something like a thousand gold crowns per Aes Sedai.

So, men that can channel can appear just about anywhere, and tribute to the Tower seems to afford rulers a couple things: Reds will come to gentle false Dragons and channeling men, or rulers are entitled to have an Aes Sedai advisor available, and even get the services of a Gray when a treaty must be brokered between nations. The Tower as a whole also seems to be more than willing to browbeat nations into complying with the Tower's wishes. This is evidenced by how pissed Gareth Bryne is that Siuan told him to quit whatever border dispute was going on, forcing him to kneel in submission. Latently, as evidenced by how Aes Sedai determine rank in a combat situation, the White Tower is still, on some level, a military order, and their attitudes towards the world and eachother reflect that.

Next on the gender question is related to geography.

So, how do the nations of the western lands act towards Aes Sedai and channeling?

Considering the immensity of the Misty Mountains, the fact that Amadicia is controlled by the Whitecloaks, and how Far Madding is special in its own way, the amount of respect given to the Aes Sedai is directly dependent on the landscape, since that generally dictates where Aes Sedai can go easily and influence events.

For example, in Shienar early in The Great Hunt, the Amyrlin and everyone from the Tower are afforded every courtesy. Far to the west, in the Two Rivers, Aes Sedai are given the status and respect worthy of women who are in the Women's Circle. At least partially, given that half like Moiraine in The Eye of the World, and the other half look at her with suspicion. To the south you have the unique Power-negating guardian of Far Madding, where Aes Sedai don't want to go, and Tear, where channeling is outlawed.

Further from the Tower correlates with less authority, although there seems to be a minimum amount afforded Aes Sedai.

This portion is important because the role and status of women, I will assert, is directly related to how easily an Aes Sedai can travel to a certain place. Shienar, relatively easy, The Two Rivers, not so much, but hardly impossible.

Alright, it's time to hop off here to get some business done, more to come!

My Madness rating is 20, Ishamael