Editing Surgebinding

|prereq=Forming a [[Nahel bond]] with a [[spren]] or possessing an [[Honorblade]] or being a [[Fused]]

|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]], [[The Sunlit Man]]

{{spoiler|tsm}}

'''Surgebinding''' is a prime manifestation of [[Investiture]] on [[Roshar]]. Surgebinders can manipulate ten fundamental forces locally known as Surges, with each Surgebinder having access to two of the Surges with overlap between them, by infusing objects or beings with [[Stormlight]].{{wob ref|4515}}{{wob ref|7663}} Each Surgebinder's Surges come in a set combination; for example, it is possible to have the Surges of Progression and Illumination or Progression and Abrasion, but not Progression and Gravitation. It is often considered one of the most powerful Invested Arts in the cosmere,{{au ref|Scadrial}} so much so that [[Rayse]] believes that there would be a war when Shards of other worlds find out about its power.{{book ref|sa4|112}}

A few of the Surges, such as Illumination, are variations on [[Yolish]] Invested Arts.{{wob ref|15144}}

The '''Nahel bond''' is a symbiotic relationship between humans and [[spren]], through which the human gains Surgebinding powers and the spren gains sapience in the [[Physical Realm]].{{book ref|sa2|17}} The spren choose the people they bond with according to the actions and personalities of those people.{{wob ref|6651}} There are ten types of spren that bond with humans—each granting access to two of the ten Surges, with overlap between them—and each of these types are attracted to different attributes in their bondmates.{{book ref|sa2|1}}

* '''Full Lashing''': This ability creates an extremely powerful temporary bond between two objects. To use this ability, the Surgebinder infuses a surface with Stormlight, after which any object or person that comes in contact with the surface will be bound to it. Full Lashing does not necessarily require skin contact; surfaces can be infused by "spraying" the Stormlight onto them.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Most objects would break apart themselves before the bond holding them would.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} The duration of this bond is determined by the amount of Stormlight infused. The bond ends when the Stormlight runs out. Radiants cannot use a full lashing to stick their bodies to something else.{{book ref|sa4|55}} Someone wearing [[Shardplate]] is immune to Lashings, but any objects that they are touching can be affected.{{book ref|sa1|i|9}} Spren (and likely other highly Invested beings) are also immune to full Lashings.{{book ref|sa4|5}} The bond also attracts [[bindspren]].{{book ref|sa2|12}}

* '''Basic Lashing''': This ability alters an object's or being's spiritual gravitational bond to the planet below, instead temporarily linking it to a different direction. It allows the Surgebinder to run up walls, or send objects or people flying off into the air. Lashings only affect gravitational pull and not mass. Different things with different masses will still fall at the same speed as mass does not affect rate at which things fall.{{wob ref|5907}} Lashings can only send something in a particular direction and can not be locked into following an object.{{wob ref|3848}} Lashing can also affect liquids and gases, but this is difficult.{{wob ref|5140}}{{wob ref|16244}} Surgebinders can rotate themselves in the air using wind resistance,{{wob ref|8250}} and can also lessen the force of the wind while flying.{{book ref|sa3|60}} Taking sharp turns while Lashing can cause the Surgebinder to black out.{{wob ref|10357}}{{book ref|sa3|116}} When Lashing multiple objects or beings at a time, it is possible to create a sort of channel around the group, which will keep them close together.{{book ref|sa3|60}} Basic Lashing requires skin contact if the Surgebinder is trying to infuse an external object or being.{{book ref|sa2|85}} Basic Lashing continually consumes the [[Stormlight]] with which the object is infused until the object runs out of Stormlight or the Surgebinder dismisses their Lashing; as such, the length of a Basic Lashing is dependent on the amount of Stormlight used.{{book ref|sa2|41}} However, it can run out faster if the target uses [[Feruchemy]] to increase their weight.{{wob ref|16296}} Advanced users of Basic Lashing can employ partial Lashings — a half-Lashing upward, for example, would make the Surgebinder effectively weightless, while a quarter-Lashing would halve the person's weight.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}} It is also possible to use multiple Basic Lashings simultaneously so that the infused object or being will be pulled toward different directions at once or pulled toward a single direction but stronger than gravity normally would.{{book ref|sa2|52}} It is possible to only Lash part of an object, though this requires skill.{{wob ref|12747}}

* '''Reverse Lashing''': By combining the Surges of Gravitation and Adhesion, a Windrunner can create a bubble around a surface that imitates its spiritual link to the ground beneath it. In effect, this makes the infused object pull other objects towards itself. It is much harder for Reverse Lashing to affect objects touching the ground, where their link to the planet is the strongest; objects falling or in flight are the easiest to influence. Other objects can be affected, but the Stormlight and skill required are much more substantial. This ability is believed to be a specialized version of Basic Lashing.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} Reverse Lashing requires a command and constant skin contact for it to work, though it consumes comparatively little Stormlight.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa4|49}} A Reverse Lashing can be powerful enough to bend the path of bullets, or tear the head of a [[Fused]] from its body.{{wob ref|3523}}{{book ref|sa4|106}} Objects infused with a Reverse Lashing do not glow with Stormlight, becoming darker instead along with other things in their vicinity, possibly by pulling light into the object.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

* '''Decay''': Using the Surge of Division, the Surgebinder can touch an object and cause it to burn, turn to dust, or decay in other ways. The Surgebinder can exercise significant control, such as to burn a pattern into a piece of wood. It can also be used on humans.{{book ref|sa3|107}} This splits the molecular bonds of the object the Surge is used on, but not the axi themselves.{{wob ref|3308}} It is likely to have the ability to ignite objects.{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}} Decay can be used to create types of sculptures, such as adding color when burning objects or grayscaling them.{{wob ref|12226}}

* '''Slicking''': This ability allows the Surgebinder to make their body frictionless. The Surgebinder can choose which parts of the body are affected and which parts are not; for example, the bottom of the feet can be infused so that the Surgebinder glides over any surface without losing momentum until the ability is suspended.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Wind friction can also be affected. However, slicking doesn't reduce the force of direct collisions.{{book ref|sa2.5|1}} People experienced in its use often move as though they were ice-skating on the ground.{{book ref|sa3|120}} Slicking can also be used to escape any grasp, or slip through tight openings.{{book ref|sa3|120}}{{book ref|sa3|117}} It can also be applied to objects, making it so that only the Surgebinder can grip the object without it slipping.{{book ref|sa3|120}} Dead Shardplate would interfere with this.{{wob ref|13540}}

* '''Regrowth''': This ability heals the damage done to the body and the soul of a person instantly and without any scarring. The flesh, muscle, or bones can be completely regrown rapidly. The body can be refreshed and rid of fatigue.{{book ref|sa1|19}} The Surgebinder can even reverse death with Regrowth; a body that has bled out or a soul that has been severed with a Shardblade can be healed with Regrowth and continue to function as if it has never been damaged.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, once the soul leaves the body and reaches the afterlife, it is impossible for the Surgebinder to revive the person.{{book ref|sa2|88}} This ability may also fail to heal injuries that are too old.{{book ref|sa3|Interlude|13}} Regrowth is inferior to normal Radiant healing.{{wob ref|14448}} Surgebinders can stack Regrowth with their Radiant healing to heal much faster than normal.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

{{for|Yolish Lightweaving|more information about the original Yolish variant of this ability}}

* '''Lightweaving''': This ability creates visual and auditory illusions. The illusion is based upon not just what the Surgebinder imagines, but also desires to create, requiring both a mental picturing of and a Spiritual connection to the intended creation.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} Once the creation is shaped, the Surgebinder breathes out a cloud of [[Stormlight]] to form the illusion.{{book ref|sa2|7}} The illusion can be created anywhere, but requires a constant source of Stormlight, so the Surgebinder — or a being the Surgebinder is Spiritually linked to — needs to keep in proximity to it. Because the illusion automatically feeds off the Surgebinder, the glowing effect common to the Surgebinders as the Stormlight leaks out of their bodies does not happen, as excess Stormlight is instead fed to the illusion.{{book ref|sa2|60}} Unless the Surgebinder intentionally dissolves the apparition, it will stay active until they run out of Stormlight or leave its proximity. It will even stay active while the Surgebinder is unconscious.{{book ref|sa4|4}} Attaching a Lightweaving to a being they are bonded with will cause their Stormlight to drain faster.{{book ref|sa2|63}} It's possible for the Surgebinder to attach the illusion to themselves, as well as a being they are Spiritually linked to such as the [[spren]] that forms the [[Nahel bond]], so that the illusion automatically follows their movements. This way, an illusion of a disguise can mimic facial expressions or adapt to the clothing or the accessories they are wearing.{{book ref|sa2|60}} Experienced practitioners of this art can also attach the illusion to an object that is infused with Stormlight, such as a [[sphere]].{{book ref|sa3|51}} The illusory image has no substance to it, and if an object physically passes through the illusion, the image fuzzes to Stormlight until the object withdraws.{{book ref|sa2|42}} Light itself does not pass through the illusion; if the Surgebinder wants to see through it, they must put in viewing holes. The amount of Stormlight the illusion requires depends on the complexity of it.{{book ref|sa2|54}} Lightweaving can manipulate all forms of electromagnetic radiation, including lasers.{{wob ref|11554}} Lightweaving would be affected by aphantasia.{{wob ref|14331}}

** Interactions with Yolish Lightweaving: Rosharan Lightweaving is much more restrictive than the earlier [[Yolish Lightweaving|Yolish variant]],{{book ref|sa2|45}} as it requires a spren and Stormlight to function.{{wob ref|8909}} Yolish Lightweaving, however, seems to function imperfectly in the current day,{{wob ref|9346}} and its users may need help from Rosharan Lightweavers to fully craft an illusion.{{book ref|sa3|82}} A Yolish Lightweaver is able to guide a Rosharan Lightweaver's power.{{wob ref|9346}} Gaining Rosharan Lightweaving allows for some supplemental ability with Yolish Lightweaving,{{wob ref|8473}} and could allow Yolish Lightweavers to overcome their difficulties, although further impacts or [[resonance]]s between the two are unknown.{{wob ref|8664}}{{wob ref|8473}}

The Surge of Transformation can be manipulated to change an object into one of the ten essences.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} The two orders of Knights Radiant with access to this Surge are the Elsecallers and the Lightweavers. The brand of Fused with access are the ''[[Fused#Fannahn-im|fannahn-im]]'', or Altered Ones. Using this Surge, Surgebinders are able to enter the Cogntive Realm, but are unable to bring others with them, or return on their own.{{book ref|sa4|22}} The Surge of Transformation may potentially allow someone to [[Unmade|unmake]] a spren, although other abilities may be involved in this.{{book ref|sa4|42}}

* '''Soulcasting''': This ability transforms any material into one of the Surgebinder's choice. To [[Soulcast]], the Surgebinder shifts their perception to see into the [[Cognitive Realm]], and communicates with the Cognitive aspect of the object they want to transform. This is normally done through direct contact with an object, however, it can be performed from a distance. Elsecallers are more skilled at doing this, though it is not impossible for a Lightweaver to be able to Soulcast from afar.{{wob ref|13399}} Not every object is inclined to change, depending on how the object is seen by the sentient species and how it sees itself, so the Surgebinder may need to negotiate with it.{{book ref|sa4|26}} Once the object is convinced into changing, the Surgebinder infuses it with [[Stormlight]], and the transformation process takes place instantaneously.{{book ref|sa2|7}} It is technically possible for the Surgebinder to transform anything into anything else, but transforming something into the pure form of an Essence is the easiest to accomplish, while transforming the object into something unfamiliar is a lot harder.{{book ref|sa1|72}} It is possible to transfer a Soulcasting from one material to another, like a disease, without the Soulcaster directly Soulcasting them.{{book ref|sa3|119}} It is unknown if objects can transfer a Soulcasting into a different material than what they turned into or if they can only transfer a Soulcasting to the same type of object they are. The target of Soulcasting can be both an inanimate item and a person, although a person will present greater difficulty, due to the innate [[Investiture]] they hold.{{book ref|sa1|36}}{{wob ref|2675}} Soulcasting is much easier to do while in the Cognitive Realm.{{book ref|sa4|93}}

Also called the Surge of Strong Axial Interconnection,{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} the Surge of Cohesion can be manipulated to alter objects at a molecular level.{{wob ref|6061}} The two orders of Knights Radiant with access to this Surge are the Willshapers and the Stonewards. The brand of Fused with access are the ''[[Fused#Makay-im|makay-im]]'', or Deepest Ones. This allows the user to alter the shape of solid objects, but not human flesh, with Surgebinders able to grab matter and stretch it, altering the object as though it was soft clay. Cohesion is highly resisted by [[Investiture]], and even a small amount of [[Stormlight]] in an object would prevent it from working.{{wob ref|9422}}

* '''Stoneshaping''': This ability manipulates the forces that bind [[axi]] together.{{book ref|sa4|part=ars}} It is considered a cousin to [[microkinesis]], an Invested Art from [[Yolen]] that also manipulated axi, though Honor placed strict limits on Stoneshaping to prevent it from enabling the level of destruction possible with microkinesis. While in use, a Surgebinder can mold stone (or other materials) as if it were clay without the use of heat.{{book ref|sa4|83}} Stone is able to sense the Intent of the Surgebinder and their past, and even show out or explain events from the past via Stoneshaping.{{book ref|sa4|67}}{{book ref|sa4|83}} Though stone tends to be the most difficult to Soulcast, it will easily obey through Cohesion.

Also called the Surge of Soft Axial Interconnection, the Surge of Tension can be manipulated to alter the stiffness of an object;{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} for example, taking something flexible and making it rigid.{{wob ref|7843}} The two orders of Knights Radiant with access to this Surge are the Stonewards and the Bondsmiths. Much like Cohesion, Tension is highly resisted by [[Investiture]].{{wob ref|9422}}

* [[Ki]] (bonded to [[Winnow (Roshar)|Winnow]])

* [[Sigzil]] (bonded to [[Auxiliary]])