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Siah Aimian

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Siah Aimian
Native to Aimia
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere

Siah Aimians are a non-human race of beings that originated in the Silver Kingdom of Aimia on Roshar.[1]

Characteristics

The only known Siah Aimian is Axies the Collector. Based on his description and viewpoint, Siah Aimians look nearly human but usually have pale white (nearly blue) skin, deep blue nails and "crystalline" blue eyes.[2][3] However, it is possible that this is not their "true" form as they are able to sculpt their bodies at will; Axies uses this ability to temporarily suppress his sense of smell and to heal from both a hangover and some physical bruising.[3] Siah Aimians can also create intricate tattoo-like markings on their skin; Axies uses this ability to take notes that cannot be stolen.[3]

Axies also notes that humans may notice him because he casts a shadow in the wrong direction (towards light).[3] This stems from a connection to the Cognitive Realm.[4] Rysn, perhaps influenced by local legends, refers to this as a "Voidbringer shadow".[2]

Brandon has characterized Siah Aimians as "extremely long-lived".[5] Although the specifics of their magical abilities have not been revealed, they are functionally immortal.[5][6] Axies is flippant about being beaten, robbed, imprisoned, and tied upside down to part of a Tai-na. He sees pain and blackouts as minor inconveniences and does not appear to have any fear of permanent injury or death.[2][3]

Likely due to their long life, Siah appear to be able to speak multiple languages of Roshar, although they may have an unusual accent.[2]

History

Siah Aimians and Dysian Aimians (also known as Sleepless) both lived in Aimia prior to the Scouring of Aimia, which has been characterized by Hessi as "total destruction".[7] The two races are not related.[8] Although Axies thinks it has not been long since the Scouring, he later considers "a few centuries" to be a relatively short amount of time. Little is known about the current state of Aimia.

Both races of Aimians still reside on Roshar and have been seen in various parts of the continent.[1]

Axies refers to his bad luck that is a result of the "Curse of Kind", but it is not clear what the curse is or whether it affects all Siah.[3]

Relationship to other races

Humans

At some point in history, Siah Aimians and humans created hybrid offspring,[9] possibly reflected in the blue skin of the people of Natanatan[10] or the prominent blue veins of the women of Babatharnam.[11]

Most cultures on Roshar are still aware of Aimians through legends and limited interaction, but the reaction to them varies from curiosity and unease to outright disgust. Rysn believes that Aimians are bad luck, Kylrm believes they bring curses onto people, and Nlent believes they can remove their limbs and skin because they are evil in human form.[2]

Sleepless

The past and present relationship between the two races of Aimians has not been explored. Both races are functionally immortal; although the timeline of Aimia is not well-defined, it is likely that most individuals coexisted on Aimia for many thousands of years before the Scouring. A Sleepless named Arclo refers to his ability to imitate Siah and mentions Axies in a familiar manner.[12] After the Scouring, some of the Sleepless continue to protect secrets in the Aimian capital of Akinah,[13] but it is not known if Siah Aimians are involved.

While in Kasitor, Axies notes that "Aimians—even Siah Aimians—were rare" at the time, implying that Siah Aimians historically outnumbered Sleepless on the Rosharan mainland.[3]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b Arcanum Unbounded release party
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-22#
  2. ↑ a b c d e Words of Radiance interlude I-3#
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g The Way of Kings interlude I-5#
  4. ↑ Teen Author Boot Camp
    — Arcanum - 2015-04-11#
  5. ↑ a b /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-08-28#
  6. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-01#
  7. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 113 epigraph#
  8. ↑ Shadows of Self Boston signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-14#
  9. ↑ #SandersonChat Twitter Q&A with Audible.com
    — Arcanum - 2016-02-04#
  10. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 36#
  11. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 46#
  12. ↑ Edgedancer chapter 18#
  13. ↑ Oathbringer interlude I-4#
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