Lastclap
| Lastclap | |
|---|---|
| Related to | Shardblades |
| Type | Combat technique |
| World of Origin | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
The lastclap is a combat maneuver used on Roshar to "catch" an opponent's Shardblade between the palms. It is used as a last resort by someone unarmored and unarmed, as they have no other way to fight back. The lastclap can only be performed when the Shardbearer attacks with an overhead swing.
Users
Dalinar Kholin
During a highstorm, Sylphrena warns Kaladin that the "one who hates" is coming. Kaladin, who also has the impression that something is wrong, hurriedly gathers Elhokar, Dalinar, Renarin, and Adolin. As he is escorting them to safety, they notice that all of the Stormlight has been drained from a hallway and a hole has been cut into a wall with a Shardblade.[1] They find Beld's corpse and the Assassin in White appears.[1] Dalinar, Adolin, and Kaladin attack, while Renarin continues on with Elhokar. Adolin is lashed to the ceiling and Kaladin's arm is wounded by Szeth's Shardblade, rendering it useless. Dalinar is trapped and has no weapons or armor, but when Szeth attempts to strike an overhead killing blow, Dalinar brings the palms of his hands together as the blade falls and catches it. This surprises Szeth and allows Kaladin to tackle him.[1]
Zahel
“ Old Dalinar pulled off a lastclap, eh? Good for him. ”
After the fight, Kaladin asks for Zahel's help in fighting a Shardbearer and mentions that Dalinar was able to catch Szeth's Shardblade. Zahel is familiar with the technique and calls it the "lastclap"; he tells Kaladin that it is a "stupid maneuver" that only works when Shardbearers swing straight down with a relatively slow strike.[2] He also says that it usually fails, and then "you're dead."[2] He urges Kaladin to focus on other strategies that work more often, and Kaladin agrees.
Trivia
- The artwork at the top left of the Alethi Codes of War appears to depict someone performing a lastclap, although the aggressor is wielding a normal sword and not a Shardblade.[3]
![[3]](#cite_note-Alethi_Codes_of_War.jpg-3){kind=link}
