Difference between revisions of "Midnight Essence"

It is associated with Re-Shephir, as the substance she uses to make her [[Spren]].{{book ref|sa3|29}} The ancient [[Knights Radiant|Radiants]] considered them one of the [[Ten Deaths]].{{book ref|twoksa1|19}} [[Dalinar Kholin]] experienced them in one of his visions, while [[Shallan Davar]], [[Adolin Kholin]], and members of [[Bridge Four]] had to deal with them while fighting Re-Shephir in Urithiru.{{book ref|sa3|29}}

Midnight Essence is said to be synonymous with Midnight Aether by [[Ulaam]].{{book ref|Tress|28}}. It is a black, viscous, bubbling liquid that imitates a nearby creature.{{book ref|Tress|28}} All Midnight Essence created exhibits some form of mind, and Midnight Essence may be an example of concentrated investitureInvestiture granting sentience.{{wob ref|2253}}. However, even [[Hoid]] cannot determine whether Midnight Essence is truly alive.{{book ref|Tress|58}} Midnight Essence can be controlled through a [[Luhel Bond]], giving the bonder the ability to manipulate the Essence's movement and actions, and, if enough control is exerted, dissipate it at will.{{book ref|Tress|31}}. The Luhel Bond involves a form of trade with the sentient midnightMidnight essenceEssence, relinquishing something it wants (water in the case of Lumarian Essence) in exchange for control over the entity.{{book ref|Tress|62}}. The summoned essence responds to the bonder's [[Intention]] and thus can be controlled or bonded without visible or audible communication.{{book ref|tress|58}}

Midnight Essence is smooth, slick, black, and reflective.{{book ref|twoksa1|19}} Due to its ability of mimicry, it can appear in a variety of shapes. The Midnight Essence creatures created by Re-Shephir in Urithiru were humanoid, mimicking the appearance of people in the tower.{{book ref|sa3|29}} However, they can also change shape at will, being able to squeeze themselves into a hole and wriggle away to escape pursuit. Some Midnight Essence creatures on Lumar exhibit these same characteristics, with [[Tress]]'s Midnight Essence mimicing a nearby rat, and sliding underneath a gap between a door and the ship deck with ease, despite being far larger than said gap.{{book ref|Tress|31}}

Some Midnight Essence creatures, however, appear in shapes unrelated to mimicry. In Dalinar's vision, they had six extremely thin legs that were bent at the sides with clawed paws. Their bodies seem almost fluid, with long and flexible necks and sharp teeth that appeared like knives.{{book ref|sa1|19}} They also give off a putrid smell. Additionally, the Midnight Essence creatures found in the [[Midnight Sea]] look like large sea serpents, though it is unclear whether this is a result of them mimicingmimicking some form of deep ocean life, or if they are manipulated to appear this way, similar to the creatures from Dalinar's vision.{{book ref|Tress|58}}

The Midnight Essence in Dalinar's vision had no eyes. It hunted by smell, and made a soft wheezing whispering sound when hunting for a scent.{{book ref|twoksa1|19}} Its body was soft, and gave a little when it was struck. When the skin was pierced, the Midnight Essence bled smoke. If the Essence was damaged enough, its entire body would deflate with a hissing sound, leaving behind a skin that looked like a sack of black silk. The Midnight Essence's mouth was a weak point on its body.

Midnight Essence can be fairly clever as well, wary when facing a skilled or determined opponent.{{book ref|twoksa1|19}} However, this may be a result of manipulation through the weilderwielder of the Luhel Bond.