Difference between revisions of "Hemalurgy"

Hemalurgy is the transfer of attributes, such as [[Allomancy]], [[Feruchemy]], or innate human strength via [[Spiritweb]] theft and splicing. In the [[Physical Realm]], a metallic spike is inserted into a bind point, such as the heart, in order to Hemalurgically charge it. The spike, now containing a fragment of stolen Spiritweb, is then ripped out and embedded in the recipient, stapling the ability directly into their spiritual DNA (sDNA). This causes wear and tear on the Spiritweb, creating "holes" through which Ruin or a sufficiently powerful [[zinc|Rioter]] or [[brass|Soother]] can whisper to or even control a Hemalurgical subject. Hemalurgy is named for a quirk in bind point placement: due to the interaction between the [[Spiritual Realm|Spiritual]] and Physical Realms, the spike must come in contact with moving blood in order to remove or add an attribute. Intent is important, but the way Hemalurgy interacts with the [[Cognitive Realm]], if it does so at all, is unknown.

However, this is contradicted by a quote from [[Harmony]], in ''The Hero of Ages'':

Hemalurgy can be used anywhere in the [[Cosmere]]{{qa ref|691|27|Can Hemalurgy be used to steal magic attributes from any Shardworld?|date=may 2010}}, as long there is an intent to create a Hemalurgic spike. Hemalurgy can also steal attributes from other forms of Investiture.{{citeqa ref|977|120|Hemalurgy crosses magic systems|date=23 September 2012}} Hemalurgy can be used on animals.{{qa ref|727|64}}

* [[Steel Inquisitor]] are former humans with nine to eleven spikes, each charged with an Allomantic or Feruchemical power. Their characteristic eye-spikes give them enough Allomantic [[Iron]]/[[Steel]] to "see" in lieu of eyes. A linchpin spike, placed in the lower back, is required to hold their fraying spiritwebs together; removal results in death. An Inquisitor's tattoos signify the initial Allomantic ability they had as a human. The Steel Ministry prefers Seekers, [[bronze]] [[mistings]], as their natural ability stacks with Allomantic bronze given by the spikes and results in Seekers strong enough to pierce Copperclouds.

* [[Koloss]], are brutish monstrous beings, are created with four spikes, each charged with human strength. They lose their intelligence, but gain immense strength. They continue to grow until they die. After the [[Final Ascension]] Harmony changed them into a breeding race.{{qa ref|1097|8|Koloss reproduce naturally|date=6 December 2014}}

* Chimaeras -- an uncanonical name for them{{17s ref|post|340620}} -- arewere creatures created by [[Paalm]] to stall [[Waxillium Ladrian]] areand were created with a single spike, charged with an unknown attribute. They arewere quadrupedal, with long fingers. The joints at the elbows and knees bendbent the wrong way. Their eyes arewere pure black, and their faces arewere twisted from human features into features more resembling canines. Their skulls arewere thicker than those of normal humans. ThisThe spike iswas made from a [[Trellium|metal]] not known to Harmony.{{book ref|mb5|21}}{{qa ref|1160|43}}

Another important aspect of Hemalurgy is spike location. The spike must be placed in certain locations on the human body in order to steal a power or attribute, and then placed in another point on the recipient to tap into their [[Spiritweb]]. Most commonly attributes are stolen through the heart. If a spike is placed in the wrong location it can have unforeseen effects, such as killing the recipient or possibly not granting any power at all.

If an Allomancer attemptsattempted to burn a [[Hemalurgic]] spike, the Allomancer's spiritual DNA willwould be spliced to that of the person's contained in the spike. The consequences of this are as of yet unknown.{{qa ref|590|26}}