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On the Rosharan subastral of the [[Cognitive Realm]], highstorms manifest in a non-violent manner, in contrast to its form in the Physical Realm. Instead of powerful winds and rain, the sky would simply light up{{book ref|sa3|97}}, the clouds shimmering with a mother-of-pearl iridescence.{{book ref|sa3|101}}
=== Centerbeat ===
{{quote
|There was no lightning, no wind, no rain. The silence was unnatural.
|[[Kaladin]]'s experience in the highstorm{{book ref|sa1|35}}
}}
Some unlucky travelers who have been caught in a highstorm have spoken of a moment that occurs within the heart of the storm when the winds suddenly die away and everything becomes still for a brief moment, defying explanation. Termed the "centerbeat" by multiple cultures, scholars seem to lack scientific evidence of its existence.{{book ref|sa3.5|11}}{{book ref|sa4|42}} [[Kaladin]] experiences an unnatural stillness in the middle of the highstorm when he first sees the [[Stormfather]].{{book ref|sa1|35}} He experiences a similar sensation when he is stuck in the chasms of the Shattered Plains with [[Shallan]].{{book ref|sa2|74}}
== Causes ==
== Ecology ==
Highstorms are the single most important force in Roshar's ecology, and life on the planet has adapted to them. Some plants, like lavis polyps, enclose themselves against the highstorm's fury; others retract or fold their relatively fragile leaves, vines, or roots away.
Another effect of a highstorm is the [[crem]] in the storm water. This substance is deposited onto the land, accumulating over the millennia, even prior to the [[Shattering]]
Stormwardens have discovered that Stormwater is better for plants on Roshar than regular water, with crem providing nutrients that would otherwise be provided by soil swept away by the highstorms.{{book ref|sa1|11}} Many plants have outer coverings infused with highstorm [[crem]], forming protective shells.{{wob ref|169}}
Rosharan fauna has adapted as well; many species like [[axehound]]s, [[whitespine]]s, and [[greatshell]]s are covered in protective carapace. They also have [[gemheart]]s that glow with [[Stormlight]], enabling their symbiotic relationship with [[spren]].
For Roshar's native sentient species, the [[singer]]s, highstorms are crucial part of their life cycle. Entering a highstorm allows them to bond a spren, changing their body into one of the dozens of specialized forms. In the past, this was done simply by entering the storm with a specific mindset; in the current day, the singers trap a spren in a gemstone beforehand and await the storm with it at the ready.{{book ref|sa2|i|5}}
▲Another effect of a highstorm is the [[crem]] in the storm water. This substance is deposited onto the land, accumulating over the millennia, even prior to the [[Shattering]],{{wob ref|8491}} It is currently unknown where crem comes from, but it partly contains minerals that are useful for plant life.
== Cultural Significance ==
== Magic ==
{{image|Abovethestorm.png|[[Kaladin]] floating over a highstorm|side=left|width=300px}}
Highstorms are highly [[Investiture|Invested]],{{book ref|sa2|
The storms are a physical manifestation of the [[Stormfather]], who has a degree of control over them and can send one at will.{{book ref|sa2|83}}{{book ref|sa3|28}} The [[Highstorm#Centerbeat|center of the storm]] is unnaturally dark and quiet.{{book ref|sa1|35}} In the center, the Investiture of the Stormfather is at its most potent, and the large amount of power can warp time and create bridges between [[Realmatic theory|realms]].{{book ref|sa4|i|1}} The [[Spiritual Realm]] can be accessed via the highstorm through the Cognitive Realm.{{book ref|sa3|97}} The relationship between the highstorm and [[Honor's Perpendicularity]] is unclear.{{book ref|sa3|64}}{{wob ref|1525} The center of the storm is where the Stormfather can reveal himself to humans other than his [[Bondsmith]].{{book ref|sa3|28}} [[Honorspren]] also have a connection to the highstorms, as they can always predict their arrival{{book ref|sa3|20}} and the Stormfather can also speak directly to [[honorspren]] in the center of the storm.{{book ref|sa4|i|1}}
▲Highstorms are highly [[Investiture|Invested]],{{book ref|sa2|I|6}} and are the primary source of Investiture on Roshar. Gemstones are infused with [[Stormlight]] when left outside during a highstorm.{{book ref|sa1|11}} This magical source of illumination and power is used to Invest [[fabrial]]s and fuel [[Surgebinding]]. If they are within about a hundred feet of a highstorm,{{book ref|sa3|60}} Surgebinders can gain Stormlight directly from the storm, instead of using gemstones as an intermediary.{{book ref|sa2|86}} The strength of the storm is not tied directly to the amount of Stormlight Invested into gemstones.{{wob ref|11482}} Highstorms predate the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]],{{wob ref|12266}} though they have been significantly altered from their original form by certain events,{{wob ref|8624}} likely the Shattering itself, as well as both the arrival and [[Splinter]]ing of Honor.
Because of the strong winds, [[windspren]] are especially numerous during storms. [[Rainspren]] sometimes appear during the light rains of the riddens. More recently, [[stormspren]] have also started appearing.{{book ref|sa2|I|6}} There have been sightings of [[Stormstrider|gigantic glowing spren]] striding through the land during highstorms.{{wob ref|10906}}{{book ref|sa2|74}} They have been described as sleek, moving on spindly legs.{{book ref|sa3|19}}▼
▲Because of the strong winds, [[windspren]] are especially numerous during storms. [[Rainspren]] sometimes appear during the light rains of the riddens. More recently, [[stormspren]] have also started appearing.{{book ref|sa2|I|6}}
In the [[Cognitive Realm]], sapient spren appear to act more energetically during highstorms, and it has been speculated that they get their sustenance from it.{{book ref|sa3|101}}
== See Also ==
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