Hold up: Ishamael has HOW many friends?
The Big Picture In the sprawling world of The Wheel of Time, the battle between light and dark is only beginning. In fact, few of the villains have revealed themselves. Season 1 saw Moiraine searching for the Dragon Reborn to defeat the threat before it emerged, but her mission failed. Now, Rand al'Thor has revealed himself as the Dragon, but the conflict is only growing. As the ancient war reignites, old foes break free of their imprisonment.
Then, Lanfear and the other Forsaken slowly sided with the Dark One, pledging their loyalty in return for more power and immortality. Swearing their oaths directly to the Dark One at his seat of power in Shayol Ghul, the thirteen Forsaken rose in the ranks of other Darkfriends because of their ability to channel and willingness to commit violence. The Dark One granted the Forsaken access to the True Power, which is much like the One Power but not divided and more chaotic.