I'm going to have to go with saidin here too. Its not likely the Dark One would allow these creatures to use the TP and deny it to someone like Demandred. Besides, I think its simple... They are turned by a circle and the DO protects them from the taint (much like we saw from Rahvin's POV). There are two possibilities though... Either they have genuine direct protection from the DO like the Forsaken do, or turning does protect you from the taint as you suggested. I favour the latter. Its likely Semirhage's weave is primarily Spirit based and some form of complex Compulsion, and through the Myrddraal it carries enough of the DO's essence into the victim to fully lace the brain with the True Power. It probably gives humans the same malignant essence that trollocs have. I'm interested to see if Nynaeve can delve some of the corrupted Aes Sedai and heal them. I'm sure their brains will be black with corruption and will resemble a tainted male. The turning probably ensures that the person isnt insane per se, but its quite obvious that there's only a shell left. Its no coincidence that Semirhage discovered the weave and not Graendal... Its an organic brain disease more than a psychiatric ailment, thus Nynaeve's ability to remove it.

The Forsaken oaths are too powerful for these mongrels (they seem like a wild pack). Its probably that Forsaken oaths are obtained in the pit of doom and provide the powers to command Shadowspawn, avoid the taint and allow instant location of the Chosen by the DO or SH. They probably also amplify the inner corruption in these individuals.




I get the impression that they're similar to the Kin, but even less trained. Its possible that Moridin leaves this small zoo to get on with it. They have very basic channeling abilities, possibly only a little better than most female wilders. The tough and the powerful probably survive. They're not insane, they're merely turned, and I think they socialize much like a trolloc clan does. Moridin probably takes the strongest ones sporadically. I think he has a handful of very powerful specimens (them annihilating a whole wall was a high channeling strength), and he trains them further, probably to Ash'aman level of skill, though high in strength.



I agree with this sentiment.



I'm not so sure. I think the DO is more vulnerable to TP than the OP. I think he does indulge the Forsaken their petty little status game, but he really does seem to place its use in the hands of those he trusts (all things being relative). I doubt there were degrees of treachery in the War of Power.. Who would be allowed back? There's also no evidence of this addiction apart from Ishamael so who knows who these other 26 channelers were and if they included the 13 Forsaken? Lews Therin knew about the TP and dreaded it, saying that it is the DO himself. Its possible the Forsaken wanted to bathe in his "glory" or some other tripe and would have minded too much if someone warned them of addiction. It might even be an incentive.



I doubt they could anyway. Apart from him being one of the most dangerous men alive, they're probably little more than wilders. Incidentally who do you believe commands them if you claim they don't know Moridin? I think they're his ant farm.


I wonder how far he is with his saa? He might be close to getting his flaming eyes. Ishamael took at most a decade to gain his fiery appearance.



I doubt Moridin started this business but I'm sure he's capitalized on it. It was probably started a by a few dreadlords after the Breaking.


I've long suspected Sorilea. I'll have to check back but I thought she was integral in Semirhage's acquisition of the domination band. I may be wrong though, I dont know if it was confirmed that Elza worked alone.