Intro:I have been called upon to examine and observe the mighty Disciplines in the area. There has been talk that these rough and tumble Warders and Warders-to-be have a soft side that shows through. At this point I am sceptical. Observation and interaction are required to determine if these creatures are tame or wild. I will put myself at risk and enter the Warders Guild to determine if the stories are true.

JAN 22, 2010,

My next assignment, in my quest to find a soft spot in the Warders rock hard exterior, leads me to the Ren’Shai. Inside are the Warders and their Aes Sedai. I can hear noises coming from their common room but I would first like to take a look at their fighting grounds. The sword commander Vanion is bringing those who want to aspire, to heel. He has a group of young trainees standing in a line while he is demonstrating the basics of the Ren’Shai battle forms.

Vanion drills into them advance and attack. Advance and attack. Never stop moving. Never let down your guard. Embrace pain and use it to push yourself farther. Becoming a living weapon, is the goal for these young trainees. Rounding all their skills and becoming a warrior that uses all the weapons available to them, is the only way that they will be able to complete the training required for the Ren’Shai.  Their weapons include their swords and knives but also their minds and bodies. All of these items blend together to make the Ren’Shai warrior, in a never-ceasing effort to balance the mind and body.

As I pass Vanion, still trying to work on his trainees, I spy a tavern called Blade’s End. Loud ruckuses and giggling can be heard inside.  The sign on the door has two crossed blades with the name of the establishment on it. I push open the door and walk into the dimly lit tavern.

**Giggle** If you want to know what happens at the Blade’s End Tavern, go see for yourself. This Reporter will not spread rumours.

After a fast detour at the Blade’s End, I get back to my original goal of exploring this Disc. I see a sign that has Man Laws posted on it. While it seems a little strange to me I guess this is a code that most of the Warders and Warders-to-be need to follow. Did you know there are only five times a man is allowed to cry? There is a room where you can see what sword fits you best. I am able to sneak into this room and find out that my best sword is not really a sword at all but a Shuriken. Maybe I need Vanion to teach me some good moves before I cut myself or someone else…

It seems as if there are lots of debates going on in the Ren’Shai areas. Most involve what-if situations and weapons. I am sure, if someone needed to find more information about battle tactics and defence, the Ren’Shai is the place to go, but I am still on the desperate search for the soft side of the Warders. Keep reading to see if we can find it.

by Torrie Sedai

I have been called upon to examine and observe the mighty Disciplines in the area. There has been talk that these rough and tumble Warders and Warders-to-be have a soft side that shows through. At this point I am skeptical. Observation and interaction are required to determine if these creatures are tame or wild. I will put myself at risk and enter the Warders Guild to determine if the stories are true.

There seems to be three different packs in the Guilds. Hierarchy, I am sure, is determined in a way that is secret and we may not be able to find out this secret. I will start first in the Cuen’d’eren. I have learned that a Warder named Ireond is the head of this pack, also known as the Sword Commander.

As I diverge into the Cuen’d’eren common room there are students studying under the careful eye of fully trained Warders. It appears that the fighting style is a two handed one that requires full balance.  As I watch, Ireond quickly dispatches 3 students that thought they could get the better of him. As he lectures the students on their ineffective moves he refers constantly to a motto: “Two hands are better than one.”

As I make my way around the common area I spy an area that is covered with Red Aes Sedai. Are they looking for men that can channel? Are they trying to bring this rowdy group under their firm hand of control? No! They are being served drinks and working on sword play. How interesting.

There is also a group of students that are discussing Aes Sedai handling. Hummmm. Seems as if the Aes Sedai need to catch up on their Warder handling. There is also a group of Novices and Algai who are huddling close together while being lead by an experienced Accepted. They look a little frightened by the sword play and brutishness of the men and women of the Cuen’d’eren.

Just as I am about to conclude my observations for the day, I see an explosion of purple sparkles followed by balloon throwing.  Is this the proof that I need to show the soft side of the Warders?

Stay tuned as I investigate further into the Cuen’d’eren and the other Warder groups. We will find an answer.

If you have something to submit to Discipline Update, please email it to me at daesdaemar@whitetower.org with “Discipline Update” in the subject.