Command
| Command | |
|---|---|
| Related to | Awakening, BioChromatic Breath |
| Type | focus |
| World of Origin | Nalthis |
| Universe | Cosmere |
Commands are the focus for Awakening.Template:Annotation ref A command must be clearly spoken in the Awakener's native language and clearly visualized in their mind to function. Incomplete or mumbled Commands will take Breath but create no effect[1]. Intentionally replicating this or using Commands designed to have no effect allows Awakeners to 'store' their Breaths[2].
Commands tend to be simple phrases, such as 'hold things' or grab things'[3], however more complex phrases can still work for experienced Awakeners, such as 'upon call, become my fingers and grip'[4], and the length of a phrase is not always indicative of its complexity. A certain amount of knowledge of these phrases is required to Awaken successfully. Vasher claims to know Commands that can erase a person's memories, and he even appears to use them once[2][5]. It is unclear how these Commands work, as all known Awakening invests a lifeless object or corpse.
The Command given to Lifeless at creation provides for the giving of additional Commands without consuming extra Breath[4]. The Command given to Type Four Biochromatic entities, such as Nightblood, takes on nuance and incredible power, becoming the core personality of the object[6].
Heightenings
According to the Ars Arcanum, 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 have the ability to Awaken stone and metal with specialized Commands, and to Awaken with Command alone, 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[7].