Editing Intention

{{Magic
|related=[[Realmatic Theory]]
|type=Spiritual property
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
}}
{{spoiler|sa3.5|sa4}}
{{update|sa4}}
''This page contains information about the Spiritual concept of Intention. For information regarding Shardic intent, the primary motivation or ideal of a Shard of Adonalsium, see [[Shard]].''

{{quote
|I ''will'' go if you release me, but only if you do it by Intent.
|[[Odium]] to [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa3|57}}
}}

'''Intention''' is a Spiritual concept in the [[cosmere]] referring to a being's express will or purpose. Intention plays a vitally important role in the workings of most manifestations of [[Investiture]] in the cosmere.{{book ref|elantris|part=ars}}{{wob ref|850}}

== Nature ==
The precise nature of Intention, and how it functions and is used, is currently unclear. When Intent is exercised, one's mind reaches out into and interacts with the [[Spiritual Realm]], allowing for one's intentions to have influence in the Spiritual Realm.{{wob ref|77}} This influence can range from the power involved in chaining a [[Shard]] to a simple [[Aon]]'s effectiveness.

Intention plays an important, esoteric role in the underlying framework of the cosmere's magic. Within the context of specific magic systems it is often involved in specific ways, though the extent and importance of these functions varies.

== Role ==
In general, while use of magic can often be learned without guidance, and even be performed subconsciously, many applications can be learned significantly faster and with greater ease when the magic user receives instruction and is able to perform the magic intentionally within the bounds of its nature.{{wob ref|850}}

Intention is involved to some degree in the following contexts:

; Selish Magic
: Intent plays a particularly notable role on [[Sel]], where the copious manifestations of Investiture are accessed in ways that are distinctly tied to human culture.{{au ref|sel}} The precise shapes and movements associated with these magic systems must be composed with the intention of accessing the [[Dor]] for a specific purpose.{{wob ref|77}} For example, experiments performed by [[Khriss]] suggest that an [[Elantrian]] must know the required shape of an [[Aon]] and draw it willingly in order for the magic to manifest.{{book ref|elantris|part=ars}} For the creation of [[soulstamp]]s, a [[Forger]] must not only have proper Intent themselves, but also understand the intent behind the thing being stamped.{{tes ref|12}}

; BioChromatic Breath
: While the exact wording of a [[Command]] in [[Awakening]] is important, one must also exercise Intent through careful visualization of what the Awakener intends to happen.{{book ref|wb|46}}{{wob ref|850}} Without explicitly willing the expressed ideas to take place, merely pronouncing the words of the Command will not allow for a successful Awakening.{{wob ref|3661}} Notably, the Command used for [[Breath]] transfer, ''"My life to yours, my Breath become yours,"'' cannot be forced; in order for one person to give their Breath to another they must willingly speak the Command phrase.{{book ref|wb|prologue}}

; Allomancy and Feruchemy
: With [[Allomancy]] and [[Feruchemy]], the role of Intent is less significant than in many other systems. The specific application of Investiture is shaped by the metal used rather than by the user's will. However, Intention does allow for faster learning and greater skill with the magic.{{wob ref|850}} More complex uses, such as [[Compounding]] or tapping specific Investiture from a metalmind, also require some measure of intentionality.{{wob ref|850}}{{wob ref|1902}}

; Hemalurgy
: While [[Hemalurgy]] can be performed anywhere in the cosmere and by anyone, Intent is required to some degree during the placement of the Hemalurgic spike.{{wob ref|3214}} It is unclear whether this means the person must only know generally what they are doing, or if they must have specific knowledge as to what the spike will do, where it must be placed, or why.

; On Roshar
: The remnants of [[Honor]]'s power could be used to release and expel [[Odium]] from [[Roshar]], if the wielder of the power did so with Intent.{{book ref|sa3|57}} Prior to the [[Recreance]] some believed that the [[Sibling]] had withdrawn from humans by intent, though there is some evidence that this was not the case.{{epigraph ref|sa3|68}} In order to access the powers granted by an [[Honorblade]], one must do so intentionally. It is possible to hold an Honorblade and not have access to its powers if they are unknown.{{wob ref|1875}}

== Notes ==
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{{complete|[[User:Jofwu|Jofwu]] ([[User talk:Jofwu|talk]]) 06:52, 11 June 2018 (MST)}}
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