Writing "Distance" on the board, Sigmund continued. "Channelers are very powerful at ranged combat, with fireballs, lightning bolts, and hands of air to deal with you. Thus, closing distance quickly and intelligently is essential when in a fight with a channeler. If you are mounted, an all-out charge is excellent for this, it will most likely panic the channeler as well as close the distance rapidly. However, if not mounted, a forward charge is NOT recommended unless you are already nearby, for you will be an easy target, as well as allowing even Oath-bound channelers to kill you." He paused a moment to let that sink in.
"Note, I said closing distance intelligently. One method of doing this is by utilizing cover." He wrote 'cover' on the board. "Channelers can only attack you with the One Power if they can see you. However, cover is not proof against the Power, it can be destroyed."
Writing 'distractions' on the board, Sigmund continued. "Another method is distractions. A missile weapon, like a thrown object or a crossbow bolt, will take the channeler's attention away from you. Furthermore, it will break her concentration, thus depleting her strength and forcing her to re-weave any attacks on you she may have been working on. A light crossbow is an ideal weapon for this sort of distraction. A single shot can be fired more rapidly than a bow, a crossbow is smaller and easier to hold in cover. The bolt is small and moves very fast, making it hard to defend against. A crossbow has a large effective range as well."
He stood in front of the classroom and clasped his hands behind his back. "Any questions?"
Responses:
Justan:
"If you are attacking the Aes Sedai, you apparently want to either kill or disable her. If the first is the case, why not just aim for the heart?
If the second is the case, why not use blunt tipped projectiles?"
Sigmund:
Shrugging, Sigmund said, "This is a possibility, but channelers are excellent at ranged combat. I do not recommend engaging any
opponent where they are strongest. By simply using a crossbow as a distraction, you still have the possibility of injuring her, but
whether you hit or miss, you have cover for your movements. If a channeler already has a fireball woven, they can simply toss it at
you while you're aiming your shot." Sigmund smiled. "A ranged attack is much more effective if your opponent does not know of the
threat. We'll discuss sneak attacks later."
Ellisande:
Ellisande's hand shot up as Justan Gaidin spoke. She had been sitting patiently at her desk, taking shorthand notes in her notebook,
when the floor was opened to discussion. "About what Justan said," she started carefully. It was odd, sitting in a class in the Grey Tower
talking about how to fight channelers. Ellisande knew that not all channelers were to be trusted, of course. There was Black Ajah, and
there were Darkfriends. Still, she felt slightly secretive in speaking up. "Don't channelers have wards and shields? Won't arrows be ineffective
against that? Won't any attack, once you manage to bridge the distance, be difficult?"
Sigmund:
Sigmund nodded. "This is true, which is why I don't recommend it's use as a serious attack in most circumstances. However, shields or no,
a channeler's attention will be drawn to the attack, giving you time to move to new cover and slowing her down. As for close combat, wait
until after my next lesson, I believe that will answer it."
"In my last lesson, I spoke of the necessity of closing distance with a channeler. Today's lesson will be on what you should do when you get there." He wrote 'Close Combat' in big letters on the board. "Close combat is a necessary skill, particularly when fighting channelers. Weaving an attack takes time, far more time than an attack with a weapon. Most channelers do not train much with any weapons, they are helpless once you get in close range. The ones who do train with weapons must simply rely on them, no one can concentrate fully on both fighting and channeling simultaneously. At close range, the One Power is not a factor." Sigmund wrote his last sentance on the board.
"Grappling is particularly well-suited for combatting channelers. When grappling, you can inflict great amounts of pain, forcing your opponent to lose her grip on the Power. It also allows you to control your opponent's limbs, preventing them from using any weapons they may have, or from using the hand motions most channlers need. Grappling also allows you to control your opponent's field of vision. Again, this prevents channelers from targetting you."
"Grappling also allows two other advantages. You can capture the channeler alive, through knocking her unconsious or through physically restraining her. Note, if you physically restrain a channeler, either have your Aes Sedai Shield her or blindfold her. Else, the channeler will be able to use the Power against you." Sigmund wrote 'Capture' under his heading of 'Grappling'. "The other advantage is you can use her as a hostage. This is of critical importance when there are multiple hostile channelers. Oath-bound channelers will not be able to attack you if they risk harming one of their Sisters. Other channelers with ethics will be similarly discouraged." Sigmund wrote 'Hostage' next to 'Grappling'
"Any questions?" he asked.
Responses:
Ellisande:
"Why would we be attacking Oath-bound channelers in the first place?" Ellisande asked quickly, putting her quill down and resting her chin in the
palm of her hand. "I've assumed so far that we're talking about Black Ajah and Darkfriends, and I'd be willing to assume that neither of those are
Oath-bound or particularly ethical."
Sigmund:
Sigmund sighed and nodded. "The problem is, not all Oath-bound channelers are particularly ethical. Any channeler, Oath-bound or no, can be used
by the Dark. Many people do not question orders, and so they could be used. The other possibility is the White Tower." He paused. "They are misguided,
and might come here in an attempt to Gentle the Asha'men here. I would strongly advise against killing them unless nessecary, but it could happen."
Havelocke:
Havelocke was again writing in his notebook. He hoped he would never have to face off against a channeler, but it was a distinct possiblility what
with the current instability of the world and it is best to be prepared. He penned:
"Close Combat
One Power not a factor
Grappling - Capture - Hostage(?)"
He interjected after Sigmund had finished speaking, "May i suggest that it might be a strategical error to assume that the Three Oaths offer any protection?
Like you said, any channeler who we are going to be attacking is likely not particularly ethical. Even those Aes Sedai who are 'bound' by the Oaths, i'm
thinking of the White Tower here, are notorious for finding loopholes to get arround all but the strictest interpretation of their Oaths. And then there's the damane,
who i think we are more likely to face than even Black Ajah or White Tower channellers, and they're not constrained by Oaths at all, in fact, they're designed
to kill."
Sigmund:
Sigmund nodded. "Indeed, you cannot always assume that the Three Oaths are a protection. However, when dealing with other Aes Sedai, know
that it can be an option." he said. "You are correct, the White Tower Aes Sedai are quite good at finding loopholes in the Oaths. Remember, though,
that the Oaths work based on what the channeler herself believes she is doing. If you can convince her that she is using it as a weapon, she will no
longer be able to." He shrugged. "It is an option you have available, and one which is not applicable to all situations."
Sheralina
"You mentioned blindfolding the Aes Sedai," 'Lina said quietly. "How does that keep and Aes Sedai from channeling?"
Sigmund:
Sigmund smiled at her. "Blindfolding doesn't quite prevent channeling," he said, "but Aes Sedai must be able to see something before they can direct weaves at it. If they're blindfolded, channeling is next to impossible, like blindfolded archery."
He smiled. "Stealth is a very effective way of getting the upper hand quickly. If you can attack your target unaware, she will not have a chance to defend. You can kill her or knock her unconsious before she even knows what has happened. You also have the Fancloak, which gives you a distinct advantage when sneaking. When your presence is undetected, this is a very good opportunity for use of a ranged weapon. Be sure to make every shot count! Once you fire, your opponents will be looking for you. As long as your position is unknown, you may use ranged weapons to your heart's content."
His voice became deadly serious; Sigmund said, "I strongly urge you to move between shots. This will give the illusion of multiple attackers, keep your location unknown, and it will make it more difficult for channelers to erect a defense. A ranged engagement would also be more effective with allies in the ambush. This would allow a higher rate of fire and it would be FAR more demoralizing to your opponents."
As usual, Sigmund clasped his hands behind his back and asked, "Are there any questions?"
Responses:
Justan:
Nodding, Justan knew the advantages of stealth first hand. He also knew most Aes Sedai would be focusing on any combat action around them.
"If there is a fight goung on around them, that adds to the distraction of the Aes Sedai. If they have woven a shield, it would most likely be between
them and the main body of the fight, not completely surrounding them. If the shield DOES completely surround them, though, there is another weapon
you have besides stealth...patience. Would you agree?" he added to the conversation.
Sigmund:
"Patience is also quite useful. In many battles, the defending forces feinted a retreat to draw the attackers into a trap." Sigmund said.
"If you cannot harm the Aes Sedai, it might be useful to disengage from combat. Then, when they drop their defenses you can catch them unaware."
"This is the last lesson," Sigmund said, "but it is perhaps the most important one. Cooperation is an essential tool when attacking a channeler, and cooperation with a channeler is an invaluable asset. If you are with your Aes Sedai and in combat with another female channeler, your Aes Sedai can warn you about when the target is channeling, and what she is doing. This will allow you to take appropriate action to counter it. If you can distract the hostile channeler, a friendly channeler can shield her. This is much easier if you can cause your opponent to lose her grip on the Power."
"Cooperation also allows multiple attacks, whether you are with a channeler or a regular person. Channelers must concentrate on their weaves, it is difficult for them to weave multiple weaves simultaneously. Thus, while she can target multiple people with a area-based attack, if you and your allies surround the channeler, you can take her rapidly. Multiple people also intimidates people. If a channeler is being attacked by multiple people, she will be more likely to lose hope and surrender."
"Any questions?"
Responses:
Havelocke
Havelocke could clearly see the benefit of cooperation in combat with a channeler. "I understand this lesson clearly," he said, "There is always benefit to
numbers, if the many can work toward a unified cause, and futhermore, entering combat against a channeler with a channeler ally substatially reduces
the advantage of the One Power that the enemy channeler would otherwise hold over you."
Sigmund:
"Very good." Sigmund said, smiling. It is good they are thinking. "Also remember that a channeler must focus on the task at hand. It is more difficult to
focus if one is bombarded by an assortment of challenges, and near impossible to focus on multiple threats simultaneously."
Responses:
Ellisande:
Ellisande raised her hand, willing to take a stab at Sigmund's final scenario. She settled back in her chair, glanced at her notes, and drew a deep breath.
"First," she said, "I'd analyze the situation. It's always best to know what you are getting yourself into before leaping into the line of fire. I would like to
know, for example, if the two White Tower Sedai are accompanied by anyone - guards, trainees, or Warders. If their numbers are too great, it would be
best to leave as soon as possible. "Now, if there was room and reason for attack, I think that my Sedai and I would go about the threat as calmly and
quietly as possible. I think that we'd use the cover of the woods to the best of our advantage for as long as possible. It's impossible to channel at what
you can't see, and the woods would offer protection and shields from the attacking Aes Sedai." Ellisande paused thoughtfully. "If we couldn't get away
safely, there are several ways to proceed. First, we could attack. My Aes Sedai could distract or attempt to disarm the other Aes Sedai with the Power,
and I could use subterfuge or stealth to sneak up on them while they are busy with her. "Attack might not be possible, though. We might not have the
advantage of surprise or numbers, and two against one isn't promising as far as channelers go. My Aes Sedai could be easily overpowered. In that case,
it would be best to use cunning in escaping. We could submit, and attempt to sneak away or attack again at night or another opportune time. We could also
"befriend" the Aes Sedai; you offered the suggestion of getting opponents drunk earlier." Ellisande drew a breath. "In summary, I think that it would be best
to deal with the threat after assessing the situation. There are several things upon which a course of action is dependant, and it would be best to keep my
head and act logically and smartly."
Sigmund:
"Good job," Sigmund said. "Don't forget other options, though. For example, you could distract the enemy Aes Sedai while your Aes Sedai shields her." He smiled. "Good analysis of options, though. It's good to remember that fighting is not always the best option."
Justan:
Justan thought for a moment. This would be a difficult situation at best, but he then came to an idea that might work. Knowing his tendancy to travel with
certian people, his plan came to mind.
"While traveling through the the woods, I notice the birds and other animals have stopped moving, and there is an uneasy silence. I dismount and take a detour to the right of my companion, wrapping the fancloth cloak fully around me. Keeping the noise down to nothing, I shadow my Aes Sedai, when two Aes Sedai from the White Tower come after us. Being well hidden, they are wary of not being able to see but one of us."
"When I feel the stress of my Aes Sedai getting into a battle of Power, I first take a stone and throw it to their right, but make sure it hits behind them. One of then turns to find me, and I make my way closer to them. At about ten feet from them, I throw another stone at the one not looking for me, hitting her...anywhere. The impact would cause her concentration to fail...especially as hard as I would throw."
"As she recovers, my Aes Sedai would get the chance to focus on the second. I cover the last ten feet as the stone is still in the air and strike her on the head, as if I were fighting a much larger man. At that point it becomes teamwork between my Aes Sedai and me to capture the other as she would be aware of the two of us imediately."
Sigmund:
Sigmund nodded. "It is a hard question, but your plan is sound. Of course, in a real battle don't be afraid to innovate. As you well know, your opponents don't always react the way you would expect them to." That was an iffy responce. There would be far too many variables this way, but it was a good scenario.