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Microkinesis

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Microkinesis
Prerequisites Unknown
World of Origin Yolen
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.

Microkinesis is a manifestation of Investiture originating on Yolen.[1]

Magic

Microkinesis grants the power to manipulate the forces that bind axi together.[1] Axi are thought to be the smallest units of matter in the cosmere,[2] although there may be particles that are even smaller.[3] A practitioner of microkinesis is able to see individual axi and interact with them;[4] only Odium and presumably other Shards are able to perceive matter at this level.[2] This power can be "explosive" and incredibly dangerous.[1] It is not known how the power is granted or accessed, or what races or individuals can use it.

According to Khriss, microkinesis is a sort of "cousin" to the Surge of Cohesion, as both can manipulate a force known as the strong axial interconnection that holds all matter together.[2] Microkinesis has more sheer power than Cohesion, as Honor placed limits on Cohesion in order to avoid replicating an unknown event on Yolen. However, microkinesis does not grant the same Connection to the shaped material that Cohesion does. It is not clear whether or not microkinesis can also manipulate the axial force related to the Surge of Tension known as soft axial interconnection.[1]

History

Microkinesis is one of the oldest magics in the cosmere, as it is known to predate the Shattering of Adonalsium.[3] Its origins and any wielders are unknown; the only time it is known to have been used is was during some unspecified "mistakes" on Yolen that were presumably disastrous; the original Shardholders were very cautious regarding the danger of microkinesis, as Honor took its power into account while creating Surgebinding.[1]

Trivia

  • Microkinesis was one of the first magic systems that Brandon designed for the cosmere[4] and it is discussed in Dragonsteel Prime. However, it was far too powerful in its original form.[5] Various aspects of the magic have therefore not been canonized, but its existence has always remained canon,[6][4] and will presumably feature in the rewritten Dragonsteel novels.
  • Axi are analogous to atoms,[3] and microkinesis was inspired by fundamental forces, including the strong and weak interactions between subatomic particles. However, Brandon intentionally used invented terms for these concepts in the cosmere in order to give himself more latitude in the mechanics of the magic.[7]
  • Brandon has not decided if microkinesis or another canonical magic system will be able to split axi into smaller particles.[8][5] Another aspect of microkinesis that has not been canonized is the ability to manipulate spiritwebs.[9]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e Rhythm of War Ars Arcanum#
  2. ↑ a b c Rhythm of War chapter 97#
  3. ↑ a b c Skyward Pre-Release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-22#
  4. ↑ a b c Stormlight Three Update #4
    — Arcanum - 2016-10-19#
  5. ↑ a b Leipzig Book Fair
    — Arcanum - 2017-03-24#
  6. ↑ TWG Posts
    — Arcanum - 2007-02-12#
  7. ↑ Steelheart Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-14#
  8. ↑ Orem Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-03-16#
  9. ↑ Shadows of Self Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-12#
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