Herald
The Heralds are servants of the Almighty worshiped in Vorinism. There are ten Heralds, and each is associated with one of the Ten Essences.
The Heralds wield the Honorblades, which are more powerful than Shardblades and will disappear (instead of materialize) when the wielder dies.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
The appearance of the Heralds is known to announce the coming of a Desolation. Between Desolations, the Heralds are trapped in an unknown place, apparently being tortured and/or fighting to keep the next from coming. If a Herald dies during a Desolation, they are sent back to this place, and if they survive, they are also supposed to go back.
The term Herald refers to the method by which they foretell the Desolations: by speaking through the dying people of Roshar. This perpetual experience of death is also part of what makes the period between Desolations so torturous for them.
Heralds are not Slivers.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Known Heralds
There are ten Heralds, but only the names of a few are given. The names often switch between the Herald's real name and the name developed through Vorinism.
Also known as Jezerezeh in Vorinism, as well as the Stormfather. He is associated with the number Jes, the essence Zephyr (Wind), and the attributes Protecting and Leading.
Jezrien is the leader of the Heralds, and was once a king. He looks to be about thirty years old, with neatly trimmed black hair and beard. His manner is regal.
He is the Herald that suggests they lie and tell the people that they have won the final Desolation.
Also known as Nalan or Nale in Vorinism, Nin is the Herald of Justice. He is associated with the number Nan, the essence Vapor, and the attributes Just and Confident.
Also known as Chanaranach or Chana in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Chach, the essence Spark, and the attributes Brave and Obedient.
Also known as Vedeledev in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Vev, the essence Lucentia (Light), and the attributes Loving and Healing.
Pailiah is the Vorin name of this Herald. She is associated with the number Palah, the essence pulp, and the attributes Learned and Giving.
Shalash is the Vorin name of this Herald. She is associated with the number Shash, the essence Blood, and the attributes Creativity and Honesty.
Her statue is missing from King Gavilar's collection.
Also known as Battah in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Betab, the essence Tallow, and the attributes Wisdom and Care.
Also known as Kelek in Vorinism. He is associated with the number Kak, the essence Foil, and the attributes Resolute and Builder.
Kalak the last Herald to reach the meeting place of the other Heralds, and is told by Jezrien that the Oathpact has been ended.
Also known as Talenelat in Vorinism. He has the nickname Taln. He is associated with the number Tanat, the essence Talus, and the attributes Dependable and Resourceful.
In battle, Talenel is known for choosing "seemingly hopeless fights" and then winning them, though often at the cost of his own life. He is abandoned by the other Heralds when they dissolve the Oathpact, for he died during the battle while all the others survive.
At the end of The Way of Kings, Talenel shows up in Kholinar, beaten and battered, and announces that he has failed and a new Desolation is coming.
Also known as Ishi in Vorinism. He is associated with the number Ishi, the essence Sinew, and the attributes Pious and Guiding.
Ishar is the Herald who suggests that so long as one Herald is bound to the Oathpact, it will be enough to hold.