Half-shard
| Half-shard | |
|---|---|
| Fabrial type | Augmenter |
| Gem | Any Polestone |
| World of Origin | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
A Half-shard is a type of augmenter fabrial developed by Veden Artifabrians late during the War of Reckoning.[1]
They are the only known objects able to block a Shardblade apart from Shardplate, other Shardblades, metalminds and aluminum. Despite not granting any of the other benefits of Shardplate, such as enhanced strength and agility,[1] they represent a significant breakthrough in fabrial science. Their bulky size and shape often leads to their users being hampered in ways Shardbearers are not.[2] While inspired by Shardplate, half-shards work according to a different design principle.[3]
Their design consists of a diamond-shaped metal plate with an infused gem attached to its back to increase its durability.[2]
Half-shards were used by King Hanavanar of Jah Keved in his failed attempt to kill Szeth.[2]
When Dalinar travels to Azimir, Navani sends along detailed schematics of the new half-shards provided by Taravangian in an effort to generate good will with the Viziers.[4]
Design[edit]
Half-shards are diamond-shaped kite shields, large enough to cover a person's entire side.[5] The back of the shield contains a steel box with a gemstone inside of it.[5]
It is currently unknown which spren is used in the creation of Half-shards, but Taravangian says in his conversation with Dalinar Kholin that the spren entrapped in the Half-shard could have graced a Knights Radiant. However, he may have been lying or trying to mislead Dalinar Kholin.[5]