The Coppermind

Awakening

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Awakening
Vivenna by Ari Ibarra.jpg
by Ari Ibarra
Related to Endowment
Prerequisites Breath
Type End-Neutral[1]
World of Origin Nalthis
Universe Cosmere

“BioChroma is the power of life, and so it seeks patterns of life. ”

Awakening is a manifestation of Investiture on Nalthis. It is the art of combining color, BioChromatic Breath ("Breath"), and an Awakening Command in order to animate an object, resulting in one of four types of BioChromatic entities. It was discovered approximately 400 years before the Pahn Kahl rebellion.[3] It has also become a generic term for the concept of using Investiture and Commands to grant objects sentience, regardless of the source of Investiture used, though Breath is still one of the main methods used.[4]

The process of Awakening begins when an Awakener releases some of their stored Breath into an object through the use of a Command. While doing so, the Awakener must almost always be in physical contact with a source of color (e.g. a piece of dyed cloth). If the Command is valid and is correctly visualized in the Awakener's mind, then color is drained from the color source and the target object becomes Awakened. It then proceeds to carry out the Command. If the command is invalid or not visualized properly, the object can still be Awakened but will have no effect.[5] Awakened objects can interact with Connection, Intent, and Identity.

BioChromatic BreathEdit

Each Nalthian is born with one Breath. Any person with Breath can use it for Awakening, though it's harder for a non-Nalthian.[6] Other Investiture can be used to fuel Awakening, though the method on how is hard to figure out.[7][8][9] One may choose to give away one's Breath to another person, increasing that person's number of Breaths.

The more Breath one has, the easier it is to Awaken, and the more types of Awakening can be performed. Some feats of Awakening can only be achieved once a certain Heightening has been reached.

  • At the Sixth Heightening (~3500 Breaths), many Awakening Commands become instinctive.[10]
  • At the Eighth Heightening (~10000 Breaths), the Awakener can override the Commands of objects Awakened by others.[11]
  • At the Ninth Heightening (~20000 Breaths), Awakening inorganic objects becomes possible.[12]
  • Finally, at the Tenth Heightening (~50000 Breaths), the Awakener gains the ability to drain more color from objects to fuel more powerful Awakenings, as well as the ability to issue Commands mentally.[13]

Color as fuelEdit

Awakening an object has the additional cost of draining the color of nearby objects. Color appears to act as a fuel for Awakening. Objects drained of their color usually turn grey, although an Awakener who achieved Perfect Invocation could drain objects more fully, turning them white.[14] If this happens to an object, it cannot be drained from white to grey.[15] While the color change is physical, there is also a Spiritual change happening to the object.[16]

An effective way to prevent an Awakener from using their art is removing all but grey or white objects in their vicinity. Black, although not commonly considered a color, is very effective as a source of fuel for Awakening.[17]

The dyes made from the tropical flower called the Tears of Edgli are very potent and are highly valued by Awakeners.[18] These flowers only grow in the jungles of Hallandren, and is a chief source of the country's wealth.

In most cases, the color of living things cannot be used for Awakening.[2] This is because the living soul interferes with the Awakening process. The color of things taken from living things, on the other hand, may be used.[19] An Awakener can, for example, use spilled blood as a color source.[20]

If the colored object is small or the color drab, the Command will take much more Breath.[2] Colors outside the visible spectrum, like ultraviolet, can be used as fuel for Awakening.[21]

Fire cannot be used to fuel Awakening.[22]

Awakening CommandsEdit

 
by Connor Chamberlain
Vasher using Awakening
For a list of all Commands, see /Command.

Commands are the focus for Awakening.[23] The Commands used in Awakening are crucial to its success or failure. They must be clearly stated, properly visualized, spoken in a crisp and clear voice without mumbling or slurring[24], and said in the Awakener's native language.[2] If there is strong enough Connection to another language, their native language would not need to be used.[25] Awakening can be performed with sign language.[26]

Many Commands are simple, concrete ideas expressed in phrases of two words or less in the imperative mood, usually consisting of a specific verb and a general subject (e.g. "Grab things"). While more complex Commands can be used, the more complex the Command the more difficult the visualization of the Command becomes. Advanced Commands tend to be jealously guarded by Awakeners.[2]

In Awakening, the exact wording of the Command is important. An Awakener could, for example, give a piece of rope the Command "Hold things" so it will wrap itself around objects, but this will likely result in the rope simply wrapping itself around the Awakener's hand. The Command "Hold things when thrown" is more useful and only slightly more complex.[2]

Incomplete or mumbled Commands will take Breath but create no effect.[27] Sometimes Awakeners will intentionally do this or use Commands designed to have no effect to store their Breaths in an object.[10]

At the Sixth Heightening, Awakeners can use basic Commands instinctively and learn to use new Commands much more easily. At the Eighth Heightening, Awakeners can override others' Commands, though this is exhausting. Awakeners of the Ninth Heightening can Awaken stone and metal with specialized Commands, and can Awaken without touching the object they are Awakening. Vasher comments at one point that Awakeners at the Tenth Heightening can Command without speaking, though it takes a lot of training.[13] Mental Commands do not require verbalization, but many believe they do since it has never worked without one.[28] Those with the Royal Locks have a much easier time learning to Awaken.[29][30]

Basic CommandsEdit

Breath TransferEdit

The first and most important Command is the one that allows any human being to give their Breath to another human being: "My life to yours, my Breath become yours."[31] Unlike most Awakening, this drains color from the user.[32]

This Command transfers all of a person's Breath at once no matter how many there are. An Awakener can also use this Command to store all of their Breath in an object to be retrieved later, or to prevent being sensed by other Awakener's life sense.[33] An Awakener can learn to split off some of their Breaths, Investing them into a place within themselves.[34][35] Doing so would allow them to only transfer a certain number of their available Breaths.

Breath RetrievalEdit

An Awakener can retrieve the Breath from an object they Awakened by touching the object and speaking the Command "Your Breath to mine."[27]

Note that only the Awakener who Awakened the object can retrieve Breath from it, though it is possible to Awaken an object so others can access the Breath.[36] This Command also does not work on anything that the Breath has stuck to too strongly (e.g. corpses). A person who has put their Breaths into an object and died can retrieve them if they have Returned, but not if they are made into a Lifeless.[37] There are also tricks an Awakener can do to use other peoples Breaths or Awaken an object so that others could access its Breaths.[36] If a Awakener has no Identity while Awakening an object, anyone would be able to retrieve the Breaths.[38]

Simple CommandsEdit

Simple Commands are composed of a verb and, often, a subject. These Commands do not take a lot of effort to visualize what you wish to have done. Examples in Warbreaker include:

  • "Untie"
  • "Grab things" "Hold things" (used most often on ropes)
  • "Protect me" (both Vivenna and Vasher are seen using this Command on their cloaks) This command sounds simple, but careful visualization of what you want it to do is important.
  • "Attack and grab Denth!" (while this contains two commands, one can easily see the visualization for both being rather the same, so this is probably a simple Command. On the other hand, Vivenna is of the royal line and so Awakening is said to come easier to her; this Command may have been more complex than it seems)

Advanced CommandsEdit

Advanced Commands are often times whole phrases and require the Awakener to visualize the action that they wish the object to take. The more precise the Command the greater the need for that mental aspect to be clear in their mind.[2]

  • "Upon call, become my fingers and grip that which I must"
  • "Become as my legs and give them strength"
  • "Fight for me, as if you were me"

Other Commands may be simple-sounding but require a greater degree of mental control such as "Fetch keys" or "Find tunnels". Both of these Commands appear simple, but the visualizations required are actually quite complex.[2][39]

The Command given to Lifeless at creation provides for the giving of additional Commands (security phrases) without consuming extra Breath.[40] The Command given to Type Four BioChromatic entities, such as Nightblood, takes on nuance and incredible power, becoming the core personality of the object.[12]

Non-Awakening CommandsEdit

Awakening can be used for more than animating objects and there are different manipulations and manifestations of Breath.[41]

Vasher claims to know Commands that can erase a person's memories, and he even appears to use them once.[42] It is unclear how these Commands work, but it appears that they can only be used on oneself, as Vasher offers to teach them to Denth rather than using it himself, and appears to teach them to Misel after rescuing her from captivity.[10][14]

Additionally, memories can be outsourced to Breaths, though if the Breaths are lost the memories are as well.[43] They can also be used to alert the Awakener of danger.

There are limitations on what a person can alter about themselves with Breaths.[44]

It is possible to make tablets with "Awakened predictive Connection circuits", which manifests as a list of suggested words when typing.[45] However these suggestions are not always relevant.[46] Locks can be made that will read a person's Intent and choose not to open.[47]

BioChromatic hostsEdit

 
by Matthew Johnson
A Returned, a Lifeless and a sentient Awakened object

An Awakened object, or BioChromatic entities, acts as a host for the BioChromatic Breath used to Awaken it. Some types of objects more readily accept Breaths than others, making them easier to Awaken. Receptivity to Breath depends on the object's shape, its history, and the material it is made of.

Generally, Awakening inorganic objects that have never been part of a living thing is very difficult, requiring extremely large amounts of Breath. Organic objects, especially those shaped like living things, are much easier to Awaken.[2] It is unknown whether inorganic objects shaped like living things are easier to Awaken (for example, a bronze statue compared with a bronze sword). It is functionally impossible to Awaken liquids.[48]

On the other hand, closer proximity to a living form makes it harder to retrieve Breaths from an Awakened host.[49] For example, one generally can no longer recover the Breaths one used on a corpse.[2] If the host is cut or broken, it will not die, and will try to continue its purpose. The level of damage will determine how well it can continue. The Breaths are also recoverable, but there could be some loss of Breaths, depending on how the host is destroyed.[50]

There are places that use Awakened objects as a source of energy and industry.[51]

Vasher categorizes BioChromatic entities into four Types.[2] At some point Vasher had to change the system. He refers to spren as Type One Invested entities and describes them as power that came alive on its own. He adds that what he used to consider Type I are now considered Type II. It's not clear if other adjustments are made to his system.[52]

Organic objectsEdit

The process generally thought of as Awakening creates Type III BioChromatic entities, a BioChromatic manifestation in an organic host far removed from being alive. Examples include Awakened ropes, cloth, or skeletal remains.

These are between the two extremes of inorganic objects and dead bodies. Therefore, these have the advantage of requiring less Breath (still more than corpses, often over one hundred) to Awaken than inorganic objects while at the same time allowing for Breath recovery. They have the strength to easily strangle people. The more it resembled living beings, the easier it is to be Awakened, so a skilled Awakener would prepare human-shaped and organic clothes for Awakening purposes.[27] An Awakener who is not a human and has a different shape would have an easier time Awakening something that is similar to them in shape (such as a canine making cloth into the shape of a canine).[53] When Awakened, it tends to mimic living things, forming muscle-like structures or shape of hand.[54]

Awakened objects see similar to Steel Inquisitors do via Iron and Steel lines.[55] Awakened objects can identify the Intent of people, and can choose not to perform actions based on that.[47]

They are understandably the most common type of BioChromatic host entities created.[2] However, other types of BioChromatc hosts are generally more powerful.

Dead bodiesEdit

When a Nalthian dies, there is a small chance that their corpse will Awaken in an apparently spontaneous manner as a sentient host called a Returned, also known as a Type I BioChromatic entity.[2] The Breath given to a Returned comes directly from the Shard Endowment through a process that is not yet clear.[56]

Most of the time, however, dead bodies only Awaken during the process of creating Lifeless. These creatures are made via complex Commands that reanimate a dead person or animal. These Commands are guarded closely by those who know them.

Lifeless, defined as Mindless Manifestations in a Deceased Host, or Type II BioChromatic entities, are non-sentient reanimated human or animal remains. They have a functioning brain, and are able to interpret old Commands and have new Commands given.[2]

Type II entities are cheap to make, even with awkward Commands (used to cost 50 Breaths before the Manywar). This is due to the Law of BioChromatic Parallelism. However, Breath sticks so firmly to the construct that it is impossible to remove afterwards. Once a Lifeless is created, it will obey any instructions given to it that include a pre-determined Command Phrase (similar to a password).[2] Human Lifeless are able to understand more abstract instructions than animal Lifeless. However, the skill of the Awakener who Awakens the Lifeless also affects its ability.[23] Any Lifeless will retain a level of skill that it had in life. For example, a soldier's corpse would make a better soldier Lifeless than that of a farmer's.[57]

The Lifeless can function for a long time if cared and repaired. Lifeless can withstand wounds, but too much damage will eventually cause the Lifeless to cease activity, which means that Lifeless bodies need to be maintained and repaired (e.g. by sewing its wounds shut) when needed, otherwise they are going to need a new Breath.[57] One innovation in Lifeless maintenance is the use of ichor-alcohol, a substance discovered by Yesteel that could act as blood for Lifeless and that greatly prolongs their viability.

Lifeless created from bones encased in stone have the advantage of being extremely resilient and not needing ichor-alcohol.[13] It is also possible to make stone Lifeless by transforming a dead body to stone (e.g. via Soulcasting) before Awakening it.[58]

The discovery of how to create Lifeless with just a single Breath eventually led to the Lifeless armies of the Manywar.[59] One example of a single-Breath Lifeless Command is Awaken to my Breath, serve my needs, live at my Command and my word.[40]

Metal and stoneEdit

Type IV BioChromatic entities are sentient objects made by Awakening inorganic materials like metal and stone. This requires at least the Ninth Heightening.[12] Breath can still be stored in metal without the Ninth Heightening, but cannot be Awakened.[60] Type IV BioChromatic entities gain at least some level of sentience, however this might just be a side effect from putting a large amount of Breath into on object.[61][12]

Nightblood, a sentient Awakened sword, is a known object of this type. It was created by Shashara with the help of her husband Talaxin, using a thousand Breaths and the Command "Destroy evil".[12] Nightblood is incapable of determining morality[62] and has a rigid way of thinking similar to a Spren on Roshar.[63] The large number of Breaths it contains also grants it incredible destructive power. The threat of more weapons like Nightblood being created eventually caused Talaxin to kill Shashara to prevent the knowledge of this form of Awakening from becoming public.[64]

The Sorceress keeps an army of animated metal soldiers that she has Awakened through unknown means.[65] They are semi-self-aware and rely on their initial programming, but they can follow orders after being Awakened.[66]

Stone is presumed to be similarly difficult to Awaken. However, Lifeless can be made by enclosing bones in stone, making near indestructible warriors. Talaxin used this technique to create the legendary Kalad's Phantoms.[13] Dead bodies Soulcast into stone are also easier to Awaken due to them once being alive.[58]

Burning metals containing BioChromatic Breath has no effect on the Allomancy, although if the Breath belongs to the Allomancer it will be regained.[67]

TechnologyEdit

Fort's TabletsEdit

Awakened technology is possible through the process of Awakening circuitry; the only known example of such technology is Fort's Tablet, which is an Awakened device that provides a dual function to Fort. On the back, it allows him to tap letters and bring down a list of common words. These letters and words are then displayed on the front of the tablet for the reader or person(s) he is communicating with to see and read. The board is able to anticipate his needs, giving him likely suggestions-working with supernatural speed. In turn, the tablet is also able to hear and understand audible words from those near Fort, and will then display them for Fort to be able to read. It has the ability to differentiate between voices and will place a symbol before each voice, allowing Fort to differentiate between speakers. This process of communication is accomplished via Awakened predictive Connection circuits. Further utilizing Connection, the device will only work for Fort, as he mentions when he warns Tress not to attempt to steal it. Fort's tablet operates on a solar battery, which requires it to be left out in the sun at least once a week to charge, or it will cease to function.[45] The tablet also has security protocols, although they are off by default. The Sorceress hacked Fort's tablets to spy on the Crow's Song.[68]

Fort's second tablet, received from Tress as a part of her boon in trade with Xisis, is an improvement upon the original device. It can change between different fonts. It also offers more real-time-like communication, accomplished by allowing the text to disappear at the top of the board as he taps, allowing for longer sentences and fewer pauses, as he does not have to wait for the old text to disappear. Additionally, Fort's new tablet is advanced enough to allow for video conferencing.[69]

Komashi machinesEdit

The father machine and its prototype, created by scholars on Komashi to extract hion from the hijo, was described by Hoid as having been Awakened with Commands.[70] The father machine was Awakened using something other than Nalthian Breath, but the exact method is unknown.[4]

Known AwakenersEdit

For more information, see :Category:Awakeners.

TriviaEdit

  • In the Warbreaker GraphicAudio, Vasher uses the Command "My Breath to give for life to live" (instead of the usual Breath transfer Command, "My life to yours, my Breath become yours") to avoid accidentally giving away his divine Breath. Brandon believes GraphicAudio got that from his team and that it is the canonical version of the Command, but was unsure and said he would have the check with Isaac Stewart and Peter Ahlstrom.[71]

NotesEdit

  1. ↑ Words of Radiance Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-22#
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Warbreaker chapter 46#
  3. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 32#
  4. ↑ a b Shardcast Interview
    — Arcanum - 2023-07-30#
  5. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 35#
  6. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded signing Chicago
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-06#
  7. ↑ General Reddit 2019
    — Arcanum - 2019-04-25#
  8. ↑ Goodreads: Ask the Author Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2014-08-13#
  9. ↑ Calamity release party
    — Arcanum - 2016-02-16#
  10. ↑ a b c Warbreaker chapter 49#
  11. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 8#
  12. ↑ a b c d e Warbreaker chapter 51#
  13. ↑ a b c d Warbreaker chapter 58#
  14. ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 57#
  15. ↑ Skyward San Francisco signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-08#
  16. ↑ DragonCon 2019
    — Arcanum - 2019-08-29#
  17. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-07-20#
  18. ↑ Words of Radiance Philadelphia signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-21#
  19. ↑ DragonCon 2012
    — Arcanum - 2012-09-04#
  20. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 56#
  21. ↑ JordanCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-04-22#
  22. ↑ Dragonmount Zoom Call
    — Arcanum - 2020-12-10#
  23. ↑ a b Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-10-19#
  24. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 20#
  25. ↑ OdysseyCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-08#
  26. ↑ YouTube Livestream 32
    — Arcanum - 2021-06-03#
  27. ↑ a b c Warbreaker prologue#
  28. ↑ Skyward Pre-Release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-30#
  29. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 43#
  30. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2011-02-22#
  31. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 10#
  32. ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2013
    — Arcanum - 2013-04-15#
  33. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-11-16#
  34. ↑ Goodreads Fantasy Book Discussion Warbreaker Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2010-01-18#
  35. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2011-07-25#
  36. ↑ a b Teen Author Boot Camp
    — Arcanum - 2015-04-11#
  37. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-07-30#
  38. ↑ RoW Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2020-11-17#
  39. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-07-13#
  40. ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 21#
  41. ↑ Ad Astra 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-05-05#
  42. ↑ Firefight Atlanta signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-01-24#
  43. ↑ Rhythm of War epilogue#
  44. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-06-08#
  45. ↑ a b Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 15#
  46. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 23#
  47. ↑ a b The Lost Metal chapter 40#
  48. ↑ Prague Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-26#
  49. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-12-09#
  50. ↑ Barnes and Noble Book Club Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  51. ↑ Tor.com Q&A with Brandon Sanderson
    — Arcanum - 2011-01-10#
  52. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 15#
  53. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-08-23#
  54. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 5#
  55. ↑ JordanCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-23#
  56. ↑ Barnes and Noble Book Club Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  57. ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 33#
  58. ↑ a b Tor.com The Way of Kings Re-Read Interview
    — Arcanum - 2014-06-10#
  59. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 26#
  60. ↑ Chris King interview
    — Arcanum - 2013-09-24#
  61. ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 40#
  62. ↑ Steelheart Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-05#
  63. ↑ Amsterdam signing, 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-05-31#
  64. ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-11-16#
  65. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 63#
  66. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 64#
  67. ↑ Warsaw signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-03-18#
  68. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 60#
  69. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 62#
  70. ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 39#
  71. ↑ White Sand vol.1 release party
    — Arcanum - 2016-06-28#
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