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Graendal
Before the arrival of Aran'gar, Graendal was certainly the most decadent Forsaken. If nothing else, she is still the most ostentatious, wearing enormous gemstones and barely transparent gowns. Before she turned to the Shadow, Kamarile Maradim Nindar lived a simple, ascetic life. She was the Age of Legend's equivalent of a psychologist, curing mental illnesses too extreme to be Healed using the One Power. Her gift did not stem from strength in the use of the One Power; her true power was her keen insight into human motivation and behavior. Though she was loved by the masses (most of whom had only heard of her good works), those who knew her personally tended not to get along well with Kamarile. She was highly critical of those who did not live up to her standards; and as those standards were absurdly idealistic, she wound up being disappointed by most people. Because the world failed to meet her standards she turned to the Shadow, becoming only the second Forsaken. If the world would not accept her guidance, she decided that she would lend her incredible skills at manipulation to the Shadow. In stark contrast to her former lifestyle, Graendal adopted the decadent behavior that is now synonymous with her name. Although she led no armies for the Shadow, her considerable skill at Intrigue (and her unparalleled ability to use Compulsion) has aided the Shadow immensely. Since her release... Graendal has taken up residence in Arad Doman, where she disguises herself as the Lady Basene, a once beautiful Domani noble woman who is wasting away from illness. This disguise allows her to live in relative peace and security. She aided Sammael in his scheming with the Shaido Aiel. Masquerading as an Aes Sedai named "Maisia" (the exact translation is unknown, but the word is a profanity in the Old Tongue), she helped to scatter the Shaido across the Westland.
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