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{{magic
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A '''highstorm''' is a fierce weather system on the planet of [[Roshar]]. They occur once every few days, or at command of the [[Stormfather]], and move from stormward to leeward from the [[Origin]].{{book ref|twok|12}} East of Roshar, the highstorms are incredibly destructive. They progress across the continent, though they weaken gradually as they cross, and are mostly broken by the mountains east of [[Shinovar]].{{book ref|twok|i|4}} On the [[Shattered Plains]] refuse and litter is piled high to be carried away by the highstorm when it arrives, a practice usually frowned upon as the trash may wind up hitting another city, but found acceptable on the [[Shattered Plains]] only because there is literally no other semblance of civilisation nearby for the trash to hit.{{book ref|sa2|49}}
  
  +
|image=The Highstorm by Sakina Minnis.jpg
  +
|related=[[Honor]]
  +
|type=Weather phenomenon
  +
|world=Roshar
  +
|universe=Cosmere
  +
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  +
}}
  +
{{spoiler|sa4}}
  +
{{update|sa4}}
  ⚫
A '''highstorm''' is a fierce weather system on the planet of [[Roshar]]. They occur once every few days, or at the command of [[Stormfather]], and move from stormward to leeward (East to West), starting at the [[Origin]].{{book ref|twok|12}} East of Roshar, the highstorms are incredibly destructive. They progress across the continent, though they weaken gradually as they cross, and are mostly broken by the mountains east of [[Shinovar]].{{book ref|twok|i|4}} This weakness is caused by a combination of being over land instead of water, and infusing spheres with [[Stormlight]].{{wob ref|2839}}
   
 
== Description ==
  
== Description ==
  +
{{image|Highstorm by Noah Bradley.jpg|A stormwall|side=left|width=240px}}
⚫
A highstorm has three general stages. The leading edge, or stormwall, is the most dangerous part of the storm. Immensely powerful winds generate a wall of dust, water, and larger debris.{{book ref|twok|34}} It is shown that it is powerful enough to carry large trees at least 640 kilometres, into the [[Shattered Plains]].{{book ref|sa2|69}} It was also powerful enough to hurl boulders hundreds of metres vertically into the air during [[Kaladin]] and [[Szeth]]s second battle.{{book ref|sa2|86}} The main body of the highstorm carries less debris, although the winds are still strong enough to hurl boulders. The trailing edge of the storm, known as the riddens, consists of light rains mixed with relatively mild gusts of wind. {{book ref|twok|35}} The [[Purelake]] experiences less intense highstorms.{{book ref|twok|i|1}}
  
   
  ⚫
A highstorm has three general stages. The leading edge, or stormwall, is the most dangerous part of the storm. Immensely powerful winds generate a wall of dust, water, and larger debris.{{book ref|twok|34}} It is shown that it is powerful enough to carry large trees long distances into the [[Shattered Plains]].{{book ref|sa2|69}} The main body of the highstorm carries less debris, although the winds are still strong enough to hurl boulders. The trailing edge of the storm, known as the riddens, consists of light rains mixed with relatively mild gusts of wind. {{book ref|twok|35}} On average, a highstorm travels at roughly 370 miles per hour,{{wob ref|10231}} and weakens as it moves across the continent; the [[Purelake]], for example, experiences less intense highstorms than areas to the east.{{book ref|twok|i|1}}
⚫
== Ecology ==
  
−
Highstorms are the single most important force in Roshar's ecology. Some plants, like lavis polyps, enclose themselves against the highstorm's fury; others retract or fold their relatively fragile leaves, vines, or roots away. Stormwater is better for plants than regular water,{{book ref|twok|11}}, providing nutrients that would otherwise be provided by soil swept away by the highstorms. Rosharan fauna has adapted as well; species like [[axehound]]s and [[whitespine]]s are covered in carapaces, and [[chasmfiend]] gemhearts glow when extracted, hinting at a symbiotic relationship with [[spren]] that requires [[Stormlight]], and, thus, highstorms, to function.
  
   
  +
There is natural cyclical variation in the height of highstorms. At times it barely reaches Urithiru in the mountains, and at other times it is taller than the tower. {{book ref|sa4|71}}{{book ref|sa4|102}}
−
Sentient species are also affected by the highstorms; the [[Parshendi]] use the highstorms to bond [[spren]].
  
   
  +
When a highstorm and the [[Everstorm]] hits a location at the same time, the combined power of the storms can cause even greater destruction than normal, destroying the land below them with enough force to send boulders flying hundreds of feet up in the air.{{book ref|sa2|86}}
⚫
Many cities have protection against the storms. [[Kholinar]] has its windblades{{book ref|twok|60}}—large stone formations that divert the highstorm's force— and [[Sesemalex Dar]] has troughs that prevent the city from flooding.{{book ref|twok|55}} Many curses are related to the highstorms, and the Shin reverence for stone may be at least partly due to the mountain range that protects Shinovar from the brunt of the highstorm's power.
  
  +
  +
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 ==
  
== Causes ==
  +
{{image|Nature Blushing by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Many plants flourish only in the short period after the highstorm}}
  +
 
[[Stormwarden]]s try to predict when highstorms occur,{{book ref|twok|44}} and have become somewhat accurate, though not always.{{book ref|twok|18}} The Stormwardens have negative connotations since predicting the future is forbidden under [[Vorin]] doctrine.
  
[[Stormwarden]]s try to predict when highstorms occur,{{book ref|twok|44}} and have become somewhat accurate, though not always.{{book ref|twok|18}} The Stormwardens have negative connotations since predicting the future is forbidden under [[Vorin]] doctrine.
   
 
Vorin mythology claims that each storm is born in the east at the Origin before traveling west across Roshar, but modern Stormwardens believe there exists a single highstorm that travels around the planet, with the length between storms decided by the speed it travels during that time of year.{{book ref|sa2|87}}
  
Vorin mythology claims that each storm is born in the east at the Origin before traveling west across Roshar, but modern Stormwardens believe there exists a single highstorm that travels around the planet, with the length between storms decided by the speed it travels during that time of year.{{book ref|sa2|87}}
   
−
== Magical properties ==
 +
== 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. The east side of hills is more barren since it directly faces the blow of a highstorm. Contrarily, life flourishes on the west side of hills or landscapes such as valleys, where they are shielded from the powerful winds.
−
It has been stated by [[Zahel]] that the highstorms are [[Investiture| Invested]].{{book ref|sa2|I|6}} As previously stated, during a highstorm Parshendi become able to bond with spren. This is done through a ritual that involves the [[Stormfather|Rider of Storms]], who appears at a certain point during the storm.
  
  +
  +
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.
  +
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}}
  +
  +
== Cultural Significance ==
  +
{{image|Eshonai by Casey Fallon.jpg|A [[singer]] transforming in a highstorm|side=right|width=300px}}
  +
  ⚫
People on Roshar live in cities and settlements that are protected from highstorms by natural or manmade structures. [[Kholinar]] has its windblades{{book ref|twok|60}}—large stone formations that divert the highstorm's force— and [[Sesemalex Dar]] has troughs that prevent the city from flooding.{{book ref|twok|55}} These structures are often city-wide and become an integral part of the city's culture.
  +
  +
Humans depend on highstorms not just for water, but also for the [[Stormlight]] that they use in their [[fabrial]]s, the crem that they use as building material, and the regular weather patterns from which they base their calendars.
  +
  +
Other aspects of civilization are also affected by the highstorms. For example, sanitation regulations have been developed to prevent the trash of one town from being blown by the strong winds towards the next town. These regulations, however, do not apply on the [[Shattered Plains]] due to its isolated location, and so the refuse and litter of the [[Alethi]] warcamps there are piled high to be carried away during each highstorm.{{book ref|sa2|49}}
  +
  +
Many curse words and insults are related to the highstorms, but they are also a target of reverence. The Stormfather is venerated by many. Some folklore traditions equate the Stormfather with the Herald [[Jezerezeh]]. Criminals have been known to be punished by being strung up outside during a highstorm in order to be "judged" by the Stormfather, who supposedly would let them live if they deserved it.{{book ref|sa1|34}}
  +
  ⚫
== Magic ==
  +
{{image|Abovethestorm.png|[[Kaladin]] floating over a highstorm|side=left|width=300px}}
  +
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}} The Investiture provided by the storm only functions when it is "whole", and it cannot split pieces off to reach into sheltered places, such as inside buildings.{{book ref|sa4|71}} 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.
  +
  +
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}}
  +
  +
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}}
   
  +
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}}
−
Gemstones are infused with [[Stormlight]] when left outside during a highstorm.{{book ref|twok|11}} This magical source of illumination and power is used to Invest [[fabrial]]s and [[Surgebinding]].
  
   
 
== See Also ==
  
== See Also ==
 
* [[Weeping]]s
  
* [[Weeping]]s
  +
* [[Everstorm]]
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==

Revision as of 22:09, 13 January 2021

Highstorm
The Highstorm by Sakina Minnis.jpg
by Sakina Minnis
Related to Honor
Type Weather phenomenon
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere
This page or section contains spoilers for Rhythm of War!
This information has the ability to potentially ruin elements of the plot for the reader. Proceed with caution if you have not read this book.
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Rhythm of War!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

A highstorm is a fierce weather system on the planet of Roshar. They occur once every few days, or at the command of Stormfather, and move from stormward to leeward (East to West), starting at the Origin.[1] East of Roshar, the highstorms are incredibly destructive. They progress across the continent, though they weaken gradually as they cross, and are mostly broken by the mountains east of Shinovar.[2] This weakness is caused by a combination of being over land instead of water, and infusing spheres with Stormlight.[3]

Description

by Noah Bradley
A stormwall

A highstorm has three general stages. The leading edge, or stormwall, is the most dangerous part of the storm. Immensely powerful winds generate a wall of dust, water, and larger debris.[4] It is shown that it is powerful enough to carry large trees long distances into the Shattered Plains.[5] The main body of the highstorm carries less debris, although the winds are still strong enough to hurl boulders. The trailing edge of the storm, known as the riddens, consists of light rains mixed with relatively mild gusts of wind. [6] On average, a highstorm travels at roughly 370 miles per hour,[7] and weakens as it moves across the continent; the Purelake, for example, experiences less intense highstorms than areas to the east.[8]

There is natural cyclical variation in the height of highstorms. At times it barely reaches Urithiru in the mountains, and at other times it is taller than the tower. [9][10]

When a highstorm and the Everstorm hits a location at the same time, the combined power of the storms can cause even greater destruction than normal, destroying the land below them with enough force to send boulders flying hundreds of feet up in the air.[11]

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[12], the clouds shimmering with a mother-of-pearl iridescence.[13]

Centerbeat

“There was no lightning, no wind, no rain. The silence was unnatural. ”

—Kaladin's experience in the highstorm[6]

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.[14][15] Kaladin experiences an unnatural stillness in the middle of the highstorm when he first sees the Stormfather.[6] He experiences a similar sensation when he is stuck in the chasms of the Shattered Plains with Shallan.[16]

Causes

by Marie Seeberger
Many plants flourish only in the short period after the highstorm

Stormwardens try to predict when highstorms occur,[17] and have become somewhat accurate, though not always.[18] The Stormwardens have negative connotations since predicting the future is forbidden under Vorin doctrine.

Vorin mythology claims that each storm is born in the east at the Origin before traveling west across Roshar, but modern Stormwardens believe there exists a single highstorm that travels around the planet, with the length between storms decided by the speed it travels during that time of year.[19]

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. The east side of hills is more barren since it directly faces the blow of a highstorm. Contrarily, life flourishes on the west side of hills or landscapes such as valleys, where they are shielded from the powerful winds.

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.[20] It is currently unknown where crem comes from, but it partly contains minerals that are useful for plant life. 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.[21] Many plants have outer coverings infused with highstorm crem, forming protective shells.[22]

Rosharan fauna has adapted as well; many species like axehounds, whitespines, and greatshells are covered in protective carapace. They also have gemhearts that glow with Stormlight, enabling their symbiotic relationship with spren.

For Roshar's native sentient species, the singers, 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.[23]

Cultural Significance

by Casey Fallon
A singer transforming in a highstorm

People on Roshar live in cities and settlements that are protected from highstorms by natural or manmade structures. Kholinar has its windblades[24]—large stone formations that divert the highstorm's force— and Sesemalex Dar has troughs that prevent the city from flooding.[25] These structures are often city-wide and become an integral part of the city's culture.

Humans depend on highstorms not just for water, but also for the Stormlight that they use in their fabrials, the crem that they use as building material, and the regular weather patterns from which they base their calendars.

Other aspects of civilization are also affected by the highstorms. For example, sanitation regulations have been developed to prevent the trash of one town from being blown by the strong winds towards the next town. These regulations, however, do not apply on the Shattered Plains due to its isolated location, and so the refuse and litter of the Alethi warcamps there are piled high to be carried away during each highstorm.[26]

Many curse words and insults are related to the highstorms, but they are also a target of reverence. The Stormfather is venerated by many. Some folklore traditions equate the Stormfather with the Herald Jezerezeh. Criminals have been known to be punished by being strung up outside during a highstorm in order to be "judged" by the Stormfather, who supposedly would let them live if they deserved it.[4]

Magic

by Ashley Coad
Kaladin floating over a highstorm

Highstorms are highly Invested,[27] and are the primary source of Investiture on Roshar. Gemstones are infused with Stormlight when left outside during a highstorm.[21] This magical source of illumination and power is used to Invest fabrials and fuel Surgebinding. If they are within about a hundred feet of a highstorm,[28] The Investiture provided by the storm only functions when it is "whole", and it cannot split pieces off to reach into sheltered places, such as inside buildings.[9] Surgebinders can gain Stormlight directly from the storm, instead of using gemstones as an intermediary.[11] The strength of the storm is not tied directly to the amount of Stormlight Invested into gemstones.[29] Highstorms predate the Shattering of Adonalsium,[30] though they have been significantly altered from their original form by certain events,[31] likely the Shattering itself, as well as both the arrival and Splintering of Honor.

The storms are a physical manifestation of the Stormfather, who has a degree of control over them and can send one at will.[32][33] The center of the storm is unnaturally dark and quiet.[6] 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 realms.[34] The Spiritual Realm can be accessed via the highstorm through the Cognitive Realm.[12] The relationship between the highstorm and Honor's Perpendicularity is unclear.[35]{{wob ref|1525} The center of the storm is where the Stormfather can reveal himself to humans other than his Bondsmith.[33] Honorspren also have a connection to the highstorms, as they can always predict their arrival[36] and the Stormfather can also speak directly to honorspren in the center of the storm.[34]

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.[37] There have been sightings of gigantic glowing spren striding through the land during highstorms.[38][16] They have been described as sleek, moving on spindly legs.[39]

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.[13]

See Also

Notes

  1. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 12#
  2. ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-4#
  3. ↑ Words of Radiance Lexington signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-18#
  4. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 34#
  5. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 69#
  6. ↑ a b c d The Way of Kings chapter 35#
  7. ↑ JordanCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2009-04-21#
  8. ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-1#
  9. ↑ a b Rhythm of War chapter 71#
  10. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 102#
  11. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 86#
  12. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 97#
  13. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 101#
  14. ↑ Dawnshard chapter 11#
  15. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 42#
  16. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 74#
  17. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 44#
  18. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 18#
  19. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 87#
  20. ↑ Oathbringer Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-21#
  21. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 11#
  22. ↑ JordanCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-23#
  23. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-5#
  24. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 60#
  25. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 55#
  26. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 49#
  27. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-6#
  28. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 60#
  29. ↑ Skyward pre-release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-29#
  30. ↑ Idaho Falls signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-12-29#
  31. ↑ Oathbringer San Francisco signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-15#
  32. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 83#
  33. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 28#
  34. ↑ a b Rhythm of War interlude I-1#
  35. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 64#
  36. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 20#
  37. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-6#
  38. ↑ Legion Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2018-09-19#
  39. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 19#
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