I lean toward Darkfriend turned Dreadlord (because he could channel) or turned by 13x13 - Edit 1
Before modification by _Big_Easy_ at 10/02/2011 05:51:57 AM
Mainly because Rand references his age, and how he "must have learned to keep the madness at bay for [approx.] 15 years".
Based on what we've seen in the series so far, with how quickly the madness is gripping the Asha'man, it makes it unlikely he has survived this long still sane on his own.
Because of the apparent change of appearance ("I shaved, Lord Bashere"
, I would lean towards being turned by 13 Black Ajah and 13 Myrrdraal.
However, a lot of his ticks are reminicent of the Forsaken, especially Demandred; no smile, commenting about the "so-called Aiel", etc.
My best guess is he is a willing Dreadlord, not turned, based on his age, and the beard-shaving comment is just that, a Saldaean man looking different without his facial hair.
Based on what we've seen in the series so far, with how quickly the madness is gripping the Asha'man, it makes it unlikely he has survived this long still sane on his own.
Because of the apparent change of appearance ("I shaved, Lord Bashere"
, I would lean towards being turned by 13 Black Ajah and 13 Myrrdraal.However, a lot of his ticks are reminicent of the Forsaken, especially Demandred; no smile, commenting about the "so-called Aiel", etc.
My best guess is he is a willing Dreadlord, not turned, based on his age, and the beard-shaving comment is just that, a Saldaean man looking different without his facial hair.