Difference between revisions of "Bloodsealing"
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| − | '''Bloodsealing''' is a manifestation of [[Investiture]] practiced by the '''Bloodsealers''' of [[Dzhamar]] on the planet [[Sel]].{{ |
+ | '''Bloodsealing''' is a manifestation of [[Investiture]] practiced by the '''Bloodsealers''' of [[Dzhamar]] on the planet [[Sel]].{{tes ref|42}} Much like the better known [[Forgery]], Bloodsealing makes use of stamps to create Bloodseals,{{tes ref|76}} runes powered by the Investiture of the [[Dor]] which can create a range of magical effects.{{tes ref|3}} However, there the similarities end. Instead of the organic inks of Forgery, Bloodsealers make use of human blood as the ink in their stamp. |
== Process == |
== Process == |
||
{{quote |
{{quote |
||
|There was no subtlety to what the Bloodsealer did; they didn’t traffic in subtlety. Instead of skill or artistry, they used tricks and blood. However, their craft was effective. |
|There was no subtlety to what the Bloodsealer did; they didn’t traffic in subtlety. Instead of skill or artistry, they used tricks and blood. However, their craft was effective. |
||
| − | |[[Wan ShaiLu]] on Bloodsealing{{ |
+ | |[[Wan ShaiLu]] on Bloodsealing{{tes ref|3}} |
}} |
}} |
||
| − | The specific processes and restrictions of Bloodsealing as well as any limits to its capabilities are so far unknown but a few constants and hints appear. The use of a stamp seems to be required, as well as the blood of a human being.{{ |
+ | The specific processes and restrictions of Bloodsealing as well as any limits to its capabilities are so far unknown but a few constants and hints appear. The use of a stamp seems to be required, as well as the blood of a human being.{{tes ref|3}} The only stamp used to make a Bloodseal so far was made of bone, but it is uncertain if this is a requirement or if the person the bone came from is important. In addition, while human blood has always been used so far, it is also unknown if the blood of an animal will suffice to create a Bloodseal. Another rule is that the blood being used must be fresh, harvested from the person within the past twenty-four hours.{{tes ref|98}} After this time period, the blood grows stale and fresh blood must be used in order to perform additional Bloodsealing. |
| − | From here, evidence of Bloodsealing is based more on hearsay and rumor than actual evidence. There is some talk of the usefulness of a man's hair, nails, and personal effects in Bloodsealing.{{ |
+ | From here, evidence of Bloodsealing is based more on hearsay and rumor than actual evidence. There is some talk of the usefulness of a man's hair, nails, and personal effects in Bloodsealing.{{tes ref|97}} Shai claims that they would not be terribly helpful in Bloodsealing and there is no mention of their function or how they would be put to use. In addition to this, there are indications that the skeletons of specific people may be more useful than others in crafting skeletals, although again how and why are unknown.{{tes ref|3}} |
| − | Bloodsealers have been seen moving in an unnaturally lithe way.{{ |
+ | Bloodsealers have been seen moving in an unnaturally lithe way.{{tes ref|3}} However, it is uncertain if this is a result of their magic or simply the unnerving effect their presence tends to have on others. It should be noted that the pale skin and hair are not a result of being a Bloodsealer, they are simply the characteristics of the [[Dzhamarian]] race.{{tes ref|76}} It is as of yet unknown whether the red eyes are a result of being a Bloodsealer or another Dzhamarian trait. |
=== Speculation === |
=== Speculation === |
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As all Selish Investitures are in actuality branches of one over-arching form-based system,{{qa ref|979|111}}{{qa ref|1019|5}} it seems likely that requirements of one system may be requirements for them all. [[AonDor]] and [[Forgery]], both systems better understood than Bloodsealing, share two such requirements. |
As all Selish Investitures are in actuality branches of one over-arching form-based system,{{qa ref|979|111}}{{qa ref|1019|5}} it seems likely that requirements of one system may be requirements for them all. [[AonDor]] and [[Forgery]], both systems better understood than Bloodsealing, share two such requirements. |
||
| − | Both manifestations of Investiture have a core symbol important in using the Investiture that is in the shape of the native land of that Investiture. For AonDor, this symbol is in the shape of [[Arelon]]{{book ref|elantris|46}} and in Forgery it is in the shape of [[MaiPon]].{{ |
+ | Both manifestations of Investiture have a core symbol important in using the Investiture that is in the shape of the native land of that Investiture. For AonDor, this symbol is in the shape of [[Arelon]]{{book ref|elantris|46}} and in Forgery it is in the shape of [[MaiPon]].{{tes ref|30}} Therefore, it would seem logical to hypothesize that when crafting a Bloodseal a symbolic representation of the shape of Dzhamar, homeland of the Bloodsealers, may be necessary. |
In addition to the symbols, both AonDor and Forgery have another connection to the land. The effectiveness of their Investitures diminish the further the practitioner is from the homeland of that Investiture.{{book ref|elantris|19}}{{qa ref|949|7}} It appears likely, especially given that Bloodsealing does not appear to be known outside the Rose Empire, that this is also a requirement for Bloodsealing. |
In addition to the symbols, both AonDor and Forgery have another connection to the land. The effectiveness of their Investitures diminish the further the practitioner is from the homeland of that Investiture.{{book ref|elantris|19}}{{qa ref|949|7}} It appears likely, especially given that Bloodsealing does not appear to be known outside the Rose Empire, that this is also a requirement for Bloodsealing. |
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== Uses == |
== Uses == |
||
=== Wards === |
=== Wards === |
||
| − | One of the primary uses of Bloodsealing is to craft wards used to imprison a specific person.{{ |
+ | One of the primary uses of Bloodsealing is to craft wards used to imprison a specific person.{{tes ref|3}} The rune this process requires looks very similar to an eye. When inked with someone's blood, and placed on a door, the symbol begins to glow with a red light. The person whose blood was used also feels a brief sharp pain. If that person leaves the room in which they are imprisoned or attempts to alter the rune on the door, the Bloodsealer that placed it will know. As time goes on, the Bloodseal will begin to fail.{{tes ref|98}} The rune's glow will fade,{{tes ref|17}} pulse, and then eventually vanish altogether if it is not renewed.{{tes ref|98}} |
| − | Another, perhaps unintentional impact of a ward created by Bloodsealing is to render an object unForgeable.{{ |
+ | Another, perhaps unintentional impact of a ward created by Bloodsealing is to render an object unForgeable.{{tes ref|76}} Just as [[ralkalest]] is incapable of being Forged, a Soulstamp will not take on any object with a Bloodseal upon it. Whether this also works the other way is unknown, but seems probable. |
=== Skeletals === |
=== Skeletals === |
||
''Main article: [[Skeletal]]s'' |
''Main article: [[Skeletal]]s'' |
||
| − | The other known tools of a Bloodsealer are skeletals. These creatures are human skeletons{{ |
+ | The other known tools of a Bloodsealer are skeletals. These creatures are human skeletons{{tes ref|3}} that have been reanimated by a Bloodseal on their forehead.{{tes ref|98}} The specifics for creating these creatures, as well as where the blood used in their Bloodseals comes from, are unknown. Skeletals have the ability to track a person if they are given blood that was taken within the past twenty-four hours. The skeleton of the skeletal must be intact and if it is damaged it will cease to function. Repairs can be made to the skeleton with wooden replacement bones. Skeletals are as feared as they are deadly.{{tes ref|3}}{{tes ref|98}} |
== Culture == |
== Culture == |
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{{quote |
{{quote |
||
|There are . . . times when one must accept the aid of darkness in order to contain a greater darkness. |
|There are . . . times when one must accept the aid of darkness in order to contain a greater darkness. |
||
| − | |[[Gaotona]] on Bloodsealing{{ |
+ | |[[Gaotona]] on Bloodsealing{{tes ref|3}} |
}} |
}} |
||
| − | As a whole, Bloodsealing seems to be a controversial art in the Rose Empire. It is only known to be practiced in Dzhamar, who have not been mentioned to have any issues with its use. The [[Grand]]s, ruling class of the empire, seem to have a certain distaste for the Investiture, but have displayed their willingness to make use of it over [[Forgery]].{{ |
+ | As a whole, Bloodsealing seems to be a controversial art in the Rose Empire. It is only known to be practiced in Dzhamar, who have not been mentioned to have any issues with its use. The [[Grand]]s, ruling class of the empire, seem to have a certain distaste for the Investiture, but have displayed their willingness to make use of it over [[Forgery]].{{tes ref|3}} Both the [[MaiPon]] and the [[Mulla'dil]] or [[Striker]]s have a strong and lasting hatred for Bloodsealers and their magic. MaiPon see it as twisted and unnatural.{{tes ref|3}}{{tes ref|76}} The mountainous homeland of the Strikers borders Dzhamar, so there is also a lasting enmity between the two peoples.{{tes ref|42}} For their part, the Bloodsealers also fear and hate the Forgers of MaiPon.{{tes ref|76}} |
=== Teod and Beyond === |
=== Teod and Beyond === |
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| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
== Cosmere Connections == |
== Cosmere Connections == |
||
=== Relationship to Forgery === |
=== Relationship to Forgery === |
||
| − | Like all forms of Investiture on Sel, Bloodsealing uses patterns and shapes to draw upon the power of the Dor.{{qa ref|1019|5}} However, Bloodsealing and Forgery bear a striking resemblance to one another in method. While the creation of magical seals is something they have in common,{{ |
+ | Like all forms of Investiture on Sel, Bloodsealing uses patterns and shapes to draw upon the power of the Dor.{{qa ref|1019|5}} However, Bloodsealing and Forgery bear a striking resemblance to one another in method. While the creation of magical seals is something they have in common,{{tes ref|3}}{{tes ref|12}} what the two systems seem capable of is vastly different. The whole idea behind a Forgery is to build a plausible lie,{{tes ref|30}} in order to make both the Cognitive aspect of an object{{tes ref|12}} as well as other people{{tes ref|3}} believe an untruth. However, this idea has nothing to do with the two previously outlined contexts in which we have seen Bloodsealing used. Skeletals in particular, being walking skeletons devoid of any muscle or flesh,{{tes ref|98}} seem to very directly contradict the plausibility requirement necessary for a successful Forgery. These two systems at first glance appear very like one another but upon closer analysis they are still distinct, albeit closely related systems.{{17s ref|post|67401}} |
=== Similarities to Awakening === |
=== Similarities to Awakening === |
||
| − | There are several notable similarities between Bloodsealing and the [[Investiture]] of [[Awakening]] on [[Nalthis]]. The most overt comparisons can be drawn between [[skeletal]]s and the Type II BioChromatic entities known as [[Lifeless]]. Both involve the reanimation of corpses to serve the living.{{ |
+ | There are several notable similarities between Bloodsealing and the [[Investiture]] of [[Awakening]] on [[Nalthis]]. The most overt comparisons can be drawn between [[skeletal]]s and the Type II BioChromatic entities known as [[Lifeless]]. Both involve the reanimation of corpses to serve the living.{{tes ref|3}}{{book ref|warbreaker|46}} Both Investitures cease to function if the the body they work on is heavily damaged.{{tes ref|98}}{{book ref|warbreaker|33}} In Awakening this twisted resurrection is fueled by [[BioChromatic Breath]]{{book ref|warbreaker|21}} instead of the Dor, but there is no denying that they are similar. It is however important to note, that while it is possible to reanimate a skeleton with Breath, it requires much more Breath and it would be much simpler to simply Awaken a full corpse rather than simply a skeleton.{{book ref|warbreaker|46}} |
The comparison with Lifeless raises two interesting possibilities. If the two are analogous it is possible that bodies other than humans can be reanimated with Bloodsealing, as such a thing is possible with Awakening.{{book ref|warbreaker|21}} The other possibility is that the comparison offers an insight into how a skeletal is created. Lifeless are returned to life and given a Command, which is a combination of a spoken order and a Cognitive concept of what the Awakened object is to do.{{book ref|warbreaker|46}} If skeletals need a similar Cognitive concept, it would appear the Bloodseal on the forehead serves this same function. |
The comparison with Lifeless raises two interesting possibilities. If the two are analogous it is possible that bodies other than humans can be reanimated with Bloodsealing, as such a thing is possible with Awakening.{{book ref|warbreaker|21}} The other possibility is that the comparison offers an insight into how a skeletal is created. Lifeless are returned to life and given a Command, which is a combination of a spoken order and a Cognitive concept of what the Awakened object is to do.{{book ref|warbreaker|46}} If skeletals need a similar Cognitive concept, it would appear the Bloodseal on the forehead serves this same function. |
||
| − | Bloodsealing's other notable similarity to Awakening is based on a lie that Shai tells. She tells the strikers that the Bloodsealer guarding her has been stealing bits of hair and fingernail from them to use in some ritual.{{ |
+ | Bloodsealing's other notable similarity to Awakening is based on a lie that Shai tells. She tells the strikers that the Bloodsealer guarding her has been stealing bits of hair and fingernail from them to use in some ritual.{{tes ref|97}} While she claims that the Bloodsealer would be able to do little with only those bits, the possibility remains that those pieces too can be used in Bloodsealing in some manner. If this is true, then there exists another notable parallel with Awakening. As per the law of Biochromatic Parallelism, the number of Breaths required to Awaken things is reduced when an object being Awakened is made closer to the form of life,{{book ref|warbreaker|46}} often by using blood, nails, or hair.{{book ref|warbreaker|prologue}}{{annotation ref|warbreaker|prologue}} If there is any truth to Shai's lie, this is another fascinating parallel between the two Investitures. |
== Known Bloodsealers == |
== Known Bloodsealers == |
||
| − | *[[Weedfingers]] - Unnamed Bloodsealer that used the Investiture to imprison [[Wan ShaiLu]] while she worked on the [[Essence Mark]] of Emperor [[Ashravan]]{{ |
+ | *[[Weedfingers]] - Unnamed Bloodsealer that used the Investiture to imprison [[Wan ShaiLu]] while she worked on the [[Essence Mark]] of Emperor [[Ashravan]]{{tes ref|3}} and later attempts to capture her during her escape.{{tes ref|98}} |
== Notes == |
== Notes == |
||
Revision as of 15:08, 31 August 2016
| Bloodsealing | |
|---|---|
| Related to | The Dor |
| World of Origin | Sel |
Bloodsealing is a manifestation of Investiture practiced by the Bloodsealers of Dzhamar on the planet Sel.[1] Much like the better known Forgery, Bloodsealing makes use of stamps to create Bloodseals,[2] runes powered by the Investiture of the Dor which can create a range of magical effects.[3] However, there the similarities end. Instead of the organic inks of Forgery, Bloodsealers make use of human blood as the ink in their stamp.
Process
“There was no subtlety to what the Bloodsealer did; they didn’t traffic in subtlety. Instead of skill or artistry, they used tricks and blood. However, their craft was effective. ”
—Wan ShaiLu on Bloodsealing[3]
The specific processes and restrictions of Bloodsealing as well as any limits to its capabilities are so far unknown but a few constants and hints appear. The use of a stamp seems to be required, as well as the blood of a human being.[3] The only stamp used to make a Bloodseal so far was made of bone, but it is uncertain if this is a requirement or if the person the bone came from is important. In addition, while human blood has always been used so far, it is also unknown if the blood of an animal will suffice to create a Bloodseal. Another rule is that the blood being used must be fresh, harvested from the person within the past twenty-four hours.[4] After this time period, the blood grows stale and fresh blood must be used in order to perform additional Bloodsealing.
From here, evidence of Bloodsealing is based more on hearsay and rumor than actual evidence. There is some talk of the usefulness of a man's hair, nails, and personal effects in Bloodsealing.[5] Shai claims that they would not be terribly helpful in Bloodsealing and there is no mention of their function or how they would be put to use. In addition to this, there are indications that the skeletons of specific people may be more useful than others in crafting skeletals, although again how and why are unknown.[3]
Bloodsealers have been seen moving in an unnaturally lithe way.[3] However, it is uncertain if this is a result of their magic or simply the unnerving effect their presence tends to have on others. It should be noted that the pale skin and hair are not a result of being a Bloodsealer, they are simply the characteristics of the Dzhamarian race.[2] It is as of yet unknown whether the red eyes are a result of being a Bloodsealer or another Dzhamarian trait.
Speculation
As all Selish Investitures are in actuality branches of one over-arching form-based system,[6][7] it seems likely that requirements of one system may be requirements for them all. AonDor and Forgery, both systems better understood than Bloodsealing, share two such requirements.
Both manifestations of Investiture have a core symbol important in using the Investiture that is in the shape of the native land of that Investiture. For AonDor, this symbol is in the shape of Arelon[8] and in Forgery it is in the shape of MaiPon.[9] Therefore, it would seem logical to hypothesize that when crafting a Bloodseal a symbolic representation of the shape of Dzhamar, homeland of the Bloodsealers, may be necessary.
In addition to the symbols, both AonDor and Forgery have another connection to the land. The effectiveness of their Investitures diminish the further the practitioner is from the homeland of that Investiture.[10][11] It appears likely, especially given that Bloodsealing does not appear to be known outside the Rose Empire, that this is also a requirement for Bloodsealing.
Uses
Wards
One of the primary uses of Bloodsealing is to craft wards used to imprison a specific person.[3] The rune this process requires looks very similar to an eye. When inked with someone's blood, and placed on a door, the symbol begins to glow with a red light. The person whose blood was used also feels a brief sharp pain. If that person leaves the room in which they are imprisoned or attempts to alter the rune on the door, the Bloodsealer that placed it will know. As time goes on, the Bloodseal will begin to fail.[4] The rune's glow will fade,[12] pulse, and then eventually vanish altogether if it is not renewed.[4]
Another, perhaps unintentional impact of a ward created by Bloodsealing is to render an object unForgeable.[2] Just as ralkalest is incapable of being Forged, a Soulstamp will not take on any object with a Bloodseal upon it. Whether this also works the other way is unknown, but seems probable.
Skeletals
Main article: Skeletals
The other known tools of a Bloodsealer are skeletals. These creatures are human skeletons[3] that have been reanimated by a Bloodseal on their forehead.[4] The specifics for creating these creatures, as well as where the blood used in their Bloodseals comes from, are unknown. Skeletals have the ability to track a person if they are given blood that was taken within the past twenty-four hours. The skeleton of the skeletal must be intact and if it is damaged it will cease to function. Repairs can be made to the skeleton with wooden replacement bones. Skeletals are as feared as they are deadly.[3][4]
Culture
Within the Rose Empire
“There are . . . times when one must accept the aid of darkness in order to contain a greater darkness. ”
As a whole, Bloodsealing seems to be a controversial art in the Rose Empire. It is only known to be practiced in Dzhamar, who have not been mentioned to have any issues with its use. The Grands, ruling class of the empire, seem to have a certain distaste for the Investiture, but have displayed their willingness to make use of it over Forgery.[3] Both the MaiPon and the Mulla'dil or Strikers have a strong and lasting hatred for Bloodsealers and their magic. MaiPon see it as twisted and unnatural.[3][2] The mountainous homeland of the Strikers borders Dzhamar, so there is also a lasting enmity between the two peoples.[1] For their part, the Bloodsealers also fear and hate the Forgers of MaiPon.[2]
Teod and Beyond
On a global scale, as of the Late Era of Sel, Bloodsealing appears to be relatively unknown beyond the borders of the Rose Empire. It is uncertain what if any attitudes there is towards Bloodsealing in Teod or the nations of Opelon. It is possible that this is due to the diminishing returns on power often associated with moving beyond the borders of an Investiture's homeland.[11]
Cosmere Connections
Relationship to Forgery
Like all forms of Investiture on Sel, Bloodsealing uses patterns and shapes to draw upon the power of the Dor.[7] However, Bloodsealing and Forgery bear a striking resemblance to one another in method. While the creation of magical seals is something they have in common,[3][13] what the two systems seem capable of is vastly different. The whole idea behind a Forgery is to build a plausible lie,[9] in order to make both the Cognitive aspect of an object[13] as well as other people[3] believe an untruth. However, this idea has nothing to do with the two previously outlined contexts in which we have seen Bloodsealing used. Skeletals in particular, being walking skeletons devoid of any muscle or flesh,[4] seem to very directly contradict the plausibility requirement necessary for a successful Forgery. These two systems at first glance appear very like one another but upon closer analysis they are still distinct, albeit closely related systems.[14]
Similarities to Awakening
There are several notable similarities between Bloodsealing and the Investiture of Awakening on Nalthis. The most overt comparisons can be drawn between skeletals and the Type II BioChromatic entities known as Lifeless. Both involve the reanimation of corpses to serve the living.[3][15] Both Investitures cease to function if the the body they work on is heavily damaged.[4][16] In Awakening this twisted resurrection is fueled by BioChromatic Breath[17] instead of the Dor, but there is no denying that they are similar. It is however important to note, that while it is possible to reanimate a skeleton with Breath, it requires much more Breath and it would be much simpler to simply Awaken a full corpse rather than simply a skeleton.[15]
The comparison with Lifeless raises two interesting possibilities. If the two are analogous it is possible that bodies other than humans can be reanimated with Bloodsealing, as such a thing is possible with Awakening.[17] The other possibility is that the comparison offers an insight into how a skeletal is created. Lifeless are returned to life and given a Command, which is a combination of a spoken order and a Cognitive concept of what the Awakened object is to do.[15] If skeletals need a similar Cognitive concept, it would appear the Bloodseal on the forehead serves this same function.
Bloodsealing's other notable similarity to Awakening is based on a lie that Shai tells. She tells the strikers that the Bloodsealer guarding her has been stealing bits of hair and fingernail from them to use in some ritual.[5] While she claims that the Bloodsealer would be able to do little with only those bits, the possibility remains that those pieces too can be used in Bloodsealing in some manner. If this is true, then there exists another notable parallel with Awakening. As per the law of Biochromatic Parallelism, the number of Breaths required to Awaken things is reduced when an object being Awakened is made closer to the form of life,[15] often by using blood, nails, or hair.[18]Template:Annotation ref If there is any truth to Shai's lie, this is another fascinating parallel between the two Investitures.
Known Bloodsealers
- Weedfingers - Unnamed Bloodsealer that used the Investiture to imprison Wan ShaiLu while she worked on the Essence Mark of Emperor Ashravan[3] and later attempts to capture her during her escape.[4]
Notes
- ↑ a b The Emperor's Soul - Day 42#
- ↑ a b c d e The Emperor's Soul - Day 76#
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o The Emperor's Soul - Day 3#
- ↑ a b c d e f g h The Emperor's Soul - Day 98#
- ↑ a b The Emperor's Soul - Day 97#
- ↑ {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-979-111" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ a b {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-1019-5" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Elantris chapter 46#
- ↑ a b The Emperor's Soul - Day 30#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 19#
- ↑ a b {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-949-7" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ The Emperor's Soul - Day 17#
- ↑ a b The Emperor's Soul - Day 12#
- ↑ {{{3}}}
— 17th Shard forums - {{{date}}}# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "17s-post-67401" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ a b c d Warbreaker chapter 46#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 33#
- ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 21#
- ↑ Warbreaker prologue#