When the Brown Ajah first heard about the rediscovery of the suitably named Portal Stones we immediately set to researching the artefacts. Up until now Novices' and Accepteds' have been forbidden to use these objects unless with an Aes Sedai. With the releasing of this information the requirements for using the Portal Stones change. Novices' are still forbidden to use them unless in the company of a Full Sister. However Accepteds that are experienced enough (above level 30) are now allowed to use them without supervision, though we urge you to study the following report intently if you plan on using them.
A Portal Stone is a large column of stone with carvings on it. It is the belief of the Brown Ajah that these objects predate even the Age of Legends and that using them was something akin to what we know as Gating. The Stone stands about 7ft tall and although we are not yet sure on the exact meaning of the carvings, we are certain that these represent the destination. Verin Sedai believes that the symbols at the bottom indicate Stones at other places, and as we know it is possible to be transported to shadow of this world using them, the carvings higher up on the Stone would represent these alternate realities
There is ongoing research on the matter of the Portal Stones, and it is the hope of the Brown Ajah that we will one day soon discover the proper meaning of these carvings, and how to use the Portal Stones properly. However until that day you must use extreme caution around these columns, and to assist you in this, Wynoa Sedai has compiled the following information:
Saidar Consumption
To safely use the Portal Stones, a channeler should be at full (bursting) Saidar levels. I have been at near full Saidar levels (full) and overchanneled. Use of the stones will render the channeler dazed for a couple of minutes (rounds) and leave her at minimum Saidar levels (trickling). The consumption of Saidar by the channeler using the stones does not seem to depend upon the group size traveling through the stones, as I was left at minimum Saidar levels (trickling) whether I used the stones by myself or with a maximum group of seven (including myself).
Dangers of Overchanneling/Burning Out
Any overchanneling via the use of the stones can burn out the channeler. The chance that this might happen will depends on the experience (level) and strength in the One Power (wil) of the channeler. It appears at approximately a minimum of 125 Saidar points is needed to use the stones. Therefore, an inexperienced (low level below 20-25 depending on stats) channeler can overchannel even when she is at full Saidar levels (bursting). Inexperienced channelers (below level 30) also sometimes overchannel when using the stones, even though they are at full Saidar levels (bursting) and have over 125 Saidar points. I have also heard rare rumors that channelers between level 30-40 have also overchanneled at full Saidar levels (bursting), but I could not verify this.
Objects of Power and its Effects on the Portal Stones
When tested it was found that the use of any Angreal did not effect the use of Portal Stones in any way.
Miscellaneous Notes on the Use of Portal Stones
1) There are currently seven functioning Portal Stones that we are aware of. They are located in:
- Arad Doman, between the village of Katar and Bandar Eban
- Saldaean settlement near the bridge
- Maredo Plains, south of Aylia
- Blight Mountain Pass, between Chachin and the Trolloc Stronghold
- On the Island of Seanchan, just north of the city of Seandar
- The Sea Folk Island of Tremalking
- Alternate World, nicknamed 'Evil Braem', as this alternate world is very similar to the Braem Woods northwest of Caemlyn. However, the animals and inhabitants in this alternate world are quite dangerous.
2) Any form of channeling will activate the Portal Stones.
3) The syntax: 'channel stone' will also activate the Portal Stones.
4) Embracing Saidar will not activate the Portal Stones.
5) When activated, the portal stones will transport the channeler and all those in her group (the channeler activating the stones must be the group leader) randomly to one of the other 5 portal stones.
If you are a channeler in the group but not the leader and you activate the Portal Stone, only you will be transported.
Steps to Maintain Safety when Using the Portal Stones
1) Travel via use of the Portal Stones should optimally be done by a large experienced and diverse group, composed of multiple high-level channelers and armored fighters to stay alive should the portal stones send the adventurers to 'Evil Braem'.
2) The group leader should always be channeler that will activate the Portal Stones and all members should be grouped.
3) The channeler activating the stones should be highly experienced (level 41+) and at full Saidar levels (bursting) before activating the Portal Stones.
4) Should the group travel to 'Evil Braem', and that is not the intended destination, have the group leader disband the group and have all group members follow the backup channeler. Once she has grouped everyone, she can use the stones, while adhering to the steps above, and take the group to safety. Even if some of the group members are engaged with the hostiles of this alternate world, they will be transported along with the channeler, if they are in the same room and grouped.
With this, the ban on Accepteds experienced enough in the use of the One Power is lifted. Please pay attention to the information given, and always be cautious when using the Portal Stones. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to mail the Brown Ajah.
-Compiled by the Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah, 26th Aine, year 503.
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