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Difference between revisions of "Highstorm"
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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}}
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}} 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}} At some point during the main part of the storm, gemstones left outside (usually in baskets secured to the undersides of roofs) are infused with [[Stormlight]].{{book ref|twok|11}} The [[Purelake]] experiences less intense highstorms.{{book ref|twok|i|1}}
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.
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