Difference between revisions of "Heightening"

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|world=Nalthis
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[Warbreaker]], [[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
'''Heightening''' is a term used to refer to the different levels of power an [[Awakener]] may attain. By obtaining more [[Breath]]s, an Awakener can increase their level of Heightening, gaining more power and abilities.
The Fifth Heightening grants Agelessness; an Awakener's resistance to aging and disease reaches its maximum strength.{{book ref|wb|32}} These persons are immune to most toxins (including the effects of alcohol) and most physical ailments (such as headaches, diseases, and organ failure).{{book ref|wb|35}} The person no longer ages and becomes functionally immortal.{{book ref|wb|part=ars}}
 
Note: [[Returned]] achieve the Fifth Heightening by virtue of their [[Divinedivine Breath]]. They do not actually receive two thousand Breaths when they Return, but instead receive a single, powerful Breath, which brings with it the powers of the first five Heightenings.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}}
 
== Sixth Heightening ==
The Eighth Heightening grants Command Breaking, the ability to instinctively override Commands in other Invested objects, including [[Lifeless]].{{book ref|wb|58}} This requires concentration and leaves the Awakener exhausted. Since some of [[Lightsong]]'s priests can break commands, it is obvious that the eighth heightening is not required in the process, but most likely grants a significant increase in the ability.
 
Note: The only known people ever to reach the Eighth Heightening and above are the Hallandren God Kings, Vasher, and Shashara, although [[Xisis]] is known to have the tenth heightening.{{book ref|tress|52}}
 
== Ninth Heightening ==
The Tenth Heightening grants Color Distortion, the natural and intrinsic ability to bend light around white objects within their BioChroma, creating colors from them as if from a prism.{{book ref|wb|15}} It is unclear if these colors can be used to fuel Awakening.
 
The Tenth Heightening also grants Perfect Invocation, the ability to draw more color from the objects Awakeners use to fuel their art. This leaves objects drained to white, rather than grey.{{book ref|wb|58}} Combined with the Color Distortion, an Awakener can create quite a stunning view. White objects cannot be be drained to grey.{{wob ref|11713}}
 
A third ability granted is the ability to give commands mentally, called Mental Command, although this is said to be difficult to learn. This is the ability that allowed the God Kings of Hallandren to pass on their breaths after their tongues were removed.{{book ref|wb|58}}