Shardlet

Thanks Trizee, I appreciate the input. Do you have any alternative suggestions for me?

I got the impression that the strength of the line resulted from the precision with which it was drawn (i.e., the more perfect the line, the stronger the field). If it was an effect of the width, then I would think that the Rithmatists would all have freaking thick chalk for drawing lines of forbiddance.

I think it is interesting that Kaladin can't get away from "lordling". First from Jost, then from Gaz, now from Rock. Then, at the end of WoK, he essentially becomes a lordling when Dalinar gives him command over all the bridgement (a number of troops commanded by a brightlord of no less than 4th Dahn). While I agree that implanting beneath the skin would inhibit stormlight charging, I am not as sure about if the gem gem is partially exposed. I'm not sure how much blood contact has to do with it. Remember, TLR pulled on the metals in Vin's stomach and don't forget that a coin in Zane's mouth was undetectable to Vin. It doesn't change your point in this context, but they may be important clarifications. In support of PM's point, Vin had to really concentrate hard and flare her iron really crazy high in order to even be able to sense TLR's armbracers which penetrated his skin (mostly exposed but partly not). Edit: added second part of post

I lika da cootiespren. Me takes all I can git. I don't know about how close he would need to be. I don't think he was that cozy with the parchendi when he was sucking the light from their beard-gems. Szeth needs to be close, but we don't know how close Kaladin needs to be. Let's face it! The boy's a stormlight magnet! I suspect we'll find out a lot more about Kaladin's stormlight limits in WoR with Sigzil's tests. I'm keen to read it. P.S. up-vote for the cootiespren.

Hey everyone. I always have a rough time picking up a new author. I tend to find one and if I like them, completely consume all their works and then reread everything I own again before trying out a new author. My brother-in-law recommended Steven Erickson to me and I have heard good things about George R.R. Martin. Now, I am LDS and I know this forum has a high density of LDS sci-fi fans. My brother-in-law is not active LDS and can be sometimes touchy about asking about content. So, that being said, I am not keen on language (sparse mild language is acceptable, but I put down a book at the first F-bomb). As far as sexuality goes, Warbreaker was right at my limit. Yes, I know, there was no sex, but there was enough description of Siri and Susibron's encounters and descriptions of Blushweaver (and her suggestiveness with Lightsong) that I almost put it down. Whether you disagree or not with my choices and limits is not at issue. These are just the limits for me not suggestions for everyone else. I am not judging. I am just looking for quality authors whom I will enjoy reading. How do Erickson and Martin (and other authors you've read) compare to my preferences?

I suspect it is something on the order of analogous to the metal inside the body point you brought up. Remember though, So if it works on the same underlying principle, it seems an opposing Windrunner could suck out your stormlight, but I expect that they would have to be wicked powerful. However, what about the stormlight that has already leaked but not dissipated? Could be good for a little extra boost. Might be the edge our boy Kal needs to beat Szeth if it comes to a fight between them since Szeth leaks stormlight like a sieve. I would also expect that Kaladin's increased efficiency with stormlight would also be accompanied by increased capacity for stormlight. Another edge? Edit: added spoiler tag.

I thought of this while posting in another thread. So, the width of a line of forbiddance determines the height of the field generated by the line. I could readily envisage that the field forms an excedingly acute triangle (in cross-section) with the width of the scribed line as the side opposite the smallest angle (wedge shaped). In other words, a field generated by a line of forbiddance has two non-parallel sides which angle towards each other until they meet (forming the top of the field) and the angle of incidence between a side of a field to the line of forbiddance is constant from line to line. This would result in the height of the field being precisely and calculably determined by the width of the line from which it is generated. What do you guys think.

I also thought of the acid moat. Remember though, the chalklings Morsk refers to are actually transform Rithmatists. At the time of the book, the only chalklings known to be hazardous to people are the wild chalklings and chalklings that Rithmatist who drew them lost control of. therefore, it stands to reason that acid is permanent against wild chalklings. The scale would be challenging, but not insurmountable. As to the chalklings filling in the moat, I wonder how it is that two-dimensional (entities?) could interact with a three-dimensional objects. Clearly it is somehow possible since chalklings are used to wind the springs for the springrails. But I wonder how? I would expect that the wall of the line of forbiddance would be almost perpendicular to the surface upon which the line is scribed. I say almost because if the width of the line determines the height of the wall, then I could readily envisage that the field forms an excedingly acute triangle (in cross-section) with the width of the scribed line as the side opposite the smallest angle. In other words, a field generated by a line of forbiddance has two non-parallel sides which angle towards each other until they meet (forming the top of the field) and the angle of incidence between a side of a field to the line of forbiddance is constant from line to line. This would result in the height of the field being precisely determined by the width of the line from which it is generated. It is interesting that the scribing of lines on a portable or movable surface is unexplored in the book. I suspect we will see it addressed in the next.

I think it is very compelling that Joel saw the Shadowblaze. I also think Nalizar's comments about Joel are very compelling and clearly indicate that Joel is not a Rithmatist (yet?). But, his words also indicate that Joel is someone very special and important. It is clear from Melody's ability with Chalklings (I think hers deserve a capital "C") that she also is special and important. The two of them together have shown to be a very formidable team. I think that Joel will eventually have Rithmatic ability. His chalklings are poor enough that I suspect he and Melody will continue to be a team (even more formidable with Joel being able to handle the basic lines with precision while Melody focuses on crazy powerful Chalklings). But I don't think he will gain the abilities until the climax or just before the climax of the next book at the earliest. In fact, I think Book 3 is more likely.

I agree that the Cryptics are Cultivationspren. I was not intending the listings and categorizations to be comprehensive. As to whether or not the grey stuff is Cultivationspren, I am not even sure if the grey stuff is spren at all. I think it is described as resembling spren. Probably is spren, I just don't know for sure. What we do know is that spren bond with greatshells and this enables them to become much larger. Exoskeletons are great for a small beastie, but they don't work with large beasties because the shell is unable to support such a large mass. Cultivation (the concept, not the Shard) is fostering growth or change that either wouldn't or likely wouldn't occur naturally. I think this spren relationship is even more clearly of Cultivation than the Cryptics.

I am thinking that the Rosharians use the term 'spren' too freely. Most spren we have seen are, apparently, manifestations attracted to a change that has occurred or is occurring (fearspren, flamespren, creationspren, etc.). Other types are clearly agents of change (i.e., Syl, the Spren in the vision from the reading, the spren which bond with greatshells, the cryptics, etc.). I'm not sure where to go with this line of thought, but I think it is important to distinguish between these two characteristic groupings. These agent spren seem to me to be the most likely spren to be splinters of Honor (Syl), Cultivation (greatshell spren), and Odium (thunderclast spren, dare I call them void spren?). The others (mundane spren) could very well be indigenous manifestations on Roshar that existed pre-Shardic influence.

I am rather uncertain as to whether, the Shardblades are from Odium. I am more inclined to think of them as voluntary splinters of Honor which were provided to the Heralds (Honorblades) and the KR (Radiantblades) for the purpose of defending Roshar against the forces of Odium. To be sure, Syl hates the blades with a passion. But, I believe this is due to their current condition rather than their original comdition. I believe, as I expounded more in depth here, that the nature of the Shardblades has been corrupted by the intent for which they have been used since the Recreance. From that point (the Recreance) on, the blades have been used almost exclusively for the purpose obtaining wealth and power. This is far removed from the purpose which I believe they were created. I do make an exception for the case of the Shardblade wielded by Szeth (and others like it?). As I pointed out here, it is described in a different manner than other Shardblades and it seems it may be Odium's version of a Shardblade.

This, IIRC, is not accurate, Phantom. The Phoenix Comicon report shows that metals change form when burned and are eventually returned to Scadrial in a similiar manner that atium is, though likely a different mechanism (i.e., not geodes). It is conceivable to substantially burn it all in the short-term. But eventually, it seems that it comes back.

I get what you are saying Fawx. But I am inclined to agree with Phantom. If we are to take Liar to be at generally accurate (it is unpublished so it is not canon) about his feeling's towards his master (who bore the name Hoid), and his feelings of unworthiness of bearing that name, then it would readily explain the part about it becoming worthless for his wearing it. As to a shard being described as a rock, well, to our minds having seen stuff like the Dark Crystal the concept of a shard being a piece of a big crystal readily recommends itself. However, we really don't know the nature of Adonalsium and the physical substance of the Shards thereof (not speaking of the holders of the Shards). I think it may be a bit of a premature leap to say that Hoid once held a Shard and especially to particularly identify the Shard which he held. It makes for a compelling narrative, but WoB says it is extremely uncommon for a Shard to change hands once it has been taken up. And take into account that we already know of two Shards (Ruin and Preservation) that have changed hands, it makes it even more unlikely that Hoid once held a Shard. I'm not saying you are wrong, just that the scenario you have layed out seems unlikely to me. Like I said, it is a compelling narrative. And one more thought to make this response even longer. Elantris is the earliest (chronologically speaking) canon story we have in the cosmere And Hoid was there in the flesh on Sel. Now, how much time passed between the Shattering and the events of Elantris? Only Brandon, Peter, and maybe a couple of fortunate/unfortunate? souls know.

I believe intent plays an enormous role. Especially on Roshar. To clarify my statements above on this point, I believe that the intent of the (bearer?) of the Thrill is critical to the nature of the Thrill and the effects thereof. Whether Dalinar's original Thrill is originally of Odium or whether Odium corrupted the Thrill created by Honor (or whoever/whatever) is unclear to me. But it seems clear to me, even based on the limited evidence I have presented in the OP, that when the intent of the bearer (of the Thrill) is honorable, then the Thrill is heightened to a stronger and purer form. This is most evident in Dalinar's record. When he feels the Thrill at the Battle of the Tower when fighting for his survival and for the survival of his soldiers (whom he is clearly genuinely concerned for as people not as resources) the description of the effects of the Thrill at least seem to be more vivid and powerful than his previous description of the the Thrill. His intent is critical in reaching this higher level of the Thrill.

Well, if we are going to make this a collaborative effort, then we are all screwed. As pointed out by PM, more than half of the 1000 would be left in the cold. So everyone is going to look at it and say "If I'm going to be screwed, you might be screwed too, so I'll pick one that I know you picked." Unless there are about 550 generous souls in the mix and they all say "We'll kindly all choose the same one together so you 442 blessed souls can each have a power." In that case, dibs on mistborn. I still RULE! (not in the dominion sense, but in the awesome sense).

If all 1000 were huge fans of Mistborn, then I would choose mistborn. Everyone else is going to look at it and say "There's no point in choosing mistborn because it is cool enough that someone will surely choose it." Therefore, nobody is likely to choose it but me and I would therefore RULE! Is a lerasium/anything twinborn really a twinborn since everyone can burn lerasium? Wouldn't you just be a ferring?

If the Thrill is known as "the Thrill" to only the lighteyes, and the only lighteyed fighters that we have had POV's of are shardbearers, then I would expect that we would only hear about "the Thrill" from shardbearers. For example, if you felt cold but did not know the word "cold", you would not talk about feeling "cold". You would describe only the sensations you experience when you are cold. If Kaladin, does experience theThrill, and is not familiar with the concept of "the Thrill" then he would not use that name to describe the sensations he is experiencing.

ICe CreaM!!! Although, Shivertongue would say ice cream was only invented as an enhancement for waffles .

As to Sezth's surgebinding being end-neutral (or negative) in contrast to Kaladin's being end-positive, I see it a little differently. For those of you who are mechanics, you will get this (maybe not agree, but...). So, a car engine has pistons which move in cylinders to compress a fuel/air mixture in preparation for combustion. The pistons have rings surrounding their periphery in order to form a seal (in conjucntion with engine oil). When there is a leak in this seal it is called blow-by. When you have blow=by the engine still functions but power is lost because some of the fuel/air mixture escapes the cylinder. Essentially, less fuel/air to burn pluss less initial compression of air/fuel mixture equals substantial loss of power from that cylinder. My thoughts are that both Kaladin's and Szeth's surgebinding are end-positive, but that Szeth has blow-by. His surgebinding is end-positive to a smaller degree than Kaladin's.

I don't think your second comment is contrary to the Theory, Leuthie. Like I said, I think there are two sides to the Thrill coin. I think both Dalinar and Kaladin have exhibited both sides. In previous discussions on the Thrill, it was frequently postulated (based on the KR comments in Starfalls) that the Thrill can be good or bad. I think the KR were able to harness the Thrill which is why they want everyone who wants to fight to go to Urithuru. So they can learn how to prevent the Thrill from corrupting them. Kaladin appears to have felt something at least akin to the Thrill when he fought out of pain and anger. Dalinar became nauseated when he saw the baseness of his glory in the slaughter of the Parshendi for no practical purpose other than to get gain. But, they both appear to have experienced heightened forms of the Thrll when their motivation for fighting was good and honorable. Your comments make a lot of sense Kmauv. There are some details that need to be addressed though. The Thrill seems (so far) to be an Alethi trait. We know that many came from nations other than Alethela to become KR, but it seems that most came from Alethela. If a side effect, then why is it so strong with a single nation? Also, in its, apparently, most common form, the Thrill smacks a lot of Odium's intent. I am inclined to think it is an investiture of Odium that can and was hi-jacked and heightened by Honor and/or Cultivation (probably Honor).

Galavantes has a good point. On top of which, it takes time to 'heal' the shardplate. It's not a POOF kind of thing.

I looked around for a while but did not see anyone put this idea forward except in tangent posts. There were only two of those that I found. In fact, a lot of people have posted saying explicitly that Kaladin does not feel the Thrill as support for the point they are making. I've tossed around a few ideas before, but this is my <trumpet fanfare> First Theory! So, first off, obviously, Kaladin is never declared to expressly feel "the Thrill". However, we must remember that this is from Kaladin's POV and if he has never heard of the concept/phenomenon/term "the Thrill", then he would not think in terms of "the Thrill". So, as a foundational assumption, the Thrill is not a wide-spread phenomenon particularly among darkeyes. If lighteyes aren't overly keen on talking about it with one another (as appears to be the case), they sure as heck aren't going to discuss it with many darkeyes. "Get on with it!", you shout. Ok, I will. Let's describe what we know about the Thrill. All citations in this post are from the US hardcover edition. All these descriptions of the Thrill are given to us by Dalinar. pg. 298, paragraph 2 - "pain evaporating" pg. 299, paragraph 6 - "everything seemed to become clearer, crisper. His muscles moved easily; he breathed more deeply. He came alive." [emphasis original] pg. 380, paragraphs 3 and 5- "[the Thrill is] sweet." - "The Thrill consumed Dalinar, giving him strength focus, and power. The glory of the battle grew grand." pg. 415, paragraph 7 - "the Thrill--the enjoyment and longing for war" pg. 777, paragraphs 1 and 4 - "the Thrill pulsing within him" (Isomere should like this one) - "The Thrill excited him, strengthened him". pg. 780, paragraph 5 - "he felt...displeasure at the Thrill. Surely these Parshendi...deserved respect, not glee, as they were slaughtered." pg. 781, paragraph 2 - "He felt strong again, passion for battle returning to him". pg. 785, paragraph 3 - "He nearly choked on it, the joy, the pleasure, the desire." pg. 900, paragraphs 2 and 3 - "the Thrill bubbled within. It was power. Strength greater than Shardplate. Vitality greater than youth. Skill greater than a lifetime of practice. A fever of power." - "This was life. This was control." Alright. There are other references, but these describe what the Thrill feels like to Dalinar. He clearly feels it intensly when it comes on him. We must remember that he is a warrior beyond compare, even among the Alethi, the Blackthorn. Yoda would likely say "the Thrill is strong with this one." And I think he would be right. I suspect that the Thrill is heightened in its effect with Dalinar, as compared to other Alethi, judging by some of his descriptions. That being said, now on to Kaladin. Remember him? This is a theory about Kaladin. We have much less battle screen-time with Kaladin than we do with Dalinar. So, not surprisingly, we have less description about how Kaladin feels during battle. Let's go back about 7 years to when Kaladin first hefts a quarterstaff <wavy line fade-out to page 254, paragraph near the bottom>. - "Kal growled in anger and pain, snatching the quarterstaff from the ground and leaping at Jost...Something changed in that moment. Kal felt an energy as he held the weapon, an excitement that washed away his pain...the length of wood felt right in his fingers. He was amazed by how wonderful the moment felt." While the above quote may adequately be described as an adrenaline rush, it has a familiar ring to it. pg. 668, 3rd paragraph from the bottom - "He was like water running down a hill, flowing, always moving. Spearheads flashed in the air around him...Not one hit him. He could not be stopped, not when he felt like this. When he had the energy of defending the fallen, the power of standing to protect one of his men." It goes on to mention an odd breeze that enveloped him where there had been no breeze before. Now, we begin to enter into complications with Syl muddying the waters here since I believe that some of the effects may be resulting from her (especially the breeze). However, there is no indication of consumption of stormlight at this point, so I think any external benefit to Kaladin is minimal. I think it is more Syl being attracted to Kaladin and exulting in his honorable actions. pg. 932, 1st paragraph after the dots - "For the first time in many, many months Kaladin felt fully awake and alive. The beauty of the spear, whistling in the air. The unity of body and mind, hands and feet reacting instantly, faster than thoughts could be formed. The clarity and familiarity of old spear forms...His weapon was an extension of himself...with stormlight making and ecstatic pulse within him, he felt a rhythm to the battle." A few paragraphs further - "Killing. Slaughtering. blood flew in the air and the dying groaned at his feet...They were the enemy. Yet the sheer glory of what he did seemed at odds with the desolation he caused. He was protecting. He was saving. Yet he was killing. How could something so terrible be so beautiful at the same time?" Okay, in the last quote, Kaladin is in full stormlight mode. There will be an effect of the stormilight on the things he feels, I presume. But, the similarities in Dalinar's and Kaladin's feelings are clear. Now, there has been much theorizing on whether the Thrill is bad or good. I think there is a Good Thrill and a Bad Thrill. Kaladin's flashback scene would be Bad Thrill (anger is the driving force), the other two are Good Thrill (defending and protecting is the driving force). Most of Dalinar's thrill is Bad Thrill (conquest is the driving force). At the conclusion of the Battle of the Tower, Dalinar's Thrill is the Good Thrill (driven by the need to save his soldiers and to live). I think it is notable that this Thrill appears to be the most powerful Thrill he describes in the book. So, I know this post is massive, but there is my argument that Kaladin feels the Thrill. What do you guys think?

The Foundation books are excellent. The robot books are also great. But be careful, there are a couple of parts which are on par with Warbreaker for sexuality and even go a bit farther (this is only in the Lige Bailey and Daneel Ollivaw robot books). It made me sad because I like the stories. The other robot books are clean and are very philosophically rich with the three laws. Edit: Peter's comment makes me feel like an idiot. You were asking about "Asimov's Science Fiction" not "Asimov's science fiction". I thought you were talking about his books not the magazine.

So, my given name has a pretty lame meaning. It means "descent". woo! As to my online name, I lurked a bit after I stumbled upon Coppermind and saw that Demoux and Galladon turned up in WoK and Hoid was in all the books. I was hooked from there on the Cosmere. In any case, about a month ago I decided to post a comment on one of the Tor WoK chapter rereads. I had seen a Q&A where Brandon referred to us Cosmerites as "sharders". I figured I was not well-versed enough to call my self a sharder yet. So, I decided to go with Shardlet as in like little sharder or, a baby sharder, if you will.