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{{character
|image={{symbol|Nale|e}} Endsheet.png
|abilities={{tag+|Cognitive Shadow}}, {{tag+|skybreaker}}, {{tag+|Shardbearer}}
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Skybreaker]])</small>
|titles={{tag+|herald}}, Herald of Justice, Patron of the [[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]]
|bonded=Unnamed highspren
|aliases=Nalan, Nin, Nin-son-God, Darkness, Nakku, The Illuminator, The Judge
|titles={{tag+|herald}}, Herald of Justice, Patron of the [[Skybreakers]], The Illuminator, The Judge
|world=Roshar
|aliases=Nalan, Nin, Nin-son-God, Darkness, Nakku
|world=Ashyn
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|booksfirst appeared=[[The StormlightWay of ArchiveKings]]
}}
}}{{update|book=sa3}}
{{quote
|Without the law, there is nothing. You will subject yourself to their rules, and accept the dictates of justice. It is all we have, the only sure thing in this world.
| Nale disciplining one of his students{{book ref|sa2|Ii|9}}
}}
 
'''Nale''' is one of the ten [[Herald]]s of [[The Almighty]] on [[Roshar]]. In the Vorin tradition he is referred to as "Nalan". He was associated with the number Nan, the essence Vapor, and the attributes Just and Confident.{{book ref|twok|part=ars}} To the [[Shin]] he is known as "Nin".{{book ref|sa2|88}} He was the Patron of the [[Order of Skybreakers]] of the [[Knights Radiant]]. He was also the last of any of the [[Herald]]s to accept the patronage of their [[Knights Radiant|Order]].{{epigraph ref|sa2|43}}
'''Nale''', also known as '''Nalan'Elin''', '''Nin''', or '''Nakku''', is one of the ten [[Herald]]s of [[The Almighty]] on [[Roshar]], who served as a protector of humanity against the Desolations from 7000 to 4500 Rosharan years before the [[True Desolation]].{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}}{{book ref|sa4|14}}{{book ref|sa4|76}} He's the Herald of Justice and the patron of the [[Order of Skybreakers]], as well as a Skybreaker himself.{{epigraph ref|sa2|43}}{{book ref|sa3|106}}
 
== Appearance and Personality ==
{{image|Herald of Justice.jpg|width=250px|side=left}}
Nale has dark brown skin and a pale, crescent-shaped birthmark on his right cheek. He appears to be the man who killed [[Ym]]{{book ref|sa2|I-2}} and the one who hunted [[Lift]], who referred to him as "Darkness." He wears dark clothing with polished silver buttons which gleam in the streetlight.{{book ref|sa2|I-9}}
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
{{quote
|Justice does not expire.
|Nale{{book ref|sa2|I|2}}
}}
 
{{quote
| The law cannot be moral... But you can be moral as you create laws. Ever must you protect the weakest, those most likely to be taken advantage of. Institute a right of movement, so that a family who feels their lord is unrighteous can leave his area. Then tie a lord’s authority to the people who follow him
| The tall [[Azish]] man with the white mark on his cheek, like a crescent. Black uniform with a double row of silver buttons down the coat’s front, a stiff silver collar poking up from a shirt underneath. His thick gloves had collars of their own that extended halfway back around his forearms.<br>Dead eyes. This was Darkness himself.
| [[Lift]]s thoughts upon recognising Nale.{{book ref|sa2|Isa4|947}}
}}
 
=== Appearance ===
He has some sort of connection or obsession with order and will go to extreme lengths to ensure he doesn't break any laws of the land he is in. He also hunts down new [[surgebinder]]s, believing that they were responsible for the return of the Voidbringers. He tried to kill both [[Lift]] and [[Ym]], but only within the boundaries of the law. Thus, in order to kill [[Ym]], he first found him guilty of a murder he committed in his youth. Similarly, with [[Lift]], he appointed himself a lawman under [[Azir]] law and filled out the paperwork required to execute her for her crimes of thievery. After she was pardoned by the new [[Prime Aqasix]] of [[Azir]], [[Gawx]], Nale was frustrated as he was forced to release her and could not pursue her any longer.
 
Nale is dark-skinned, and often described as looking [[Makabak]]i, or more specifically [[Azish]]. The most notable aspect of his appearance is a crescent-shaped mark on his right cheek -- something unique to him among the [[Herald]]s.{{wob ref|8455}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} He's typically dressed in a uniform of an Azish constable -- a black coat with a double row of silver buttons and a stiff silver collar poking up from beneath, as well as gloves with long collars of their own.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} His eyes are mentioned as looking glassy, unfeeling and cold.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa2.5|8}} [[Rosharan]] artwork typically portrays him as bald, and he does indeed shave his hair close to his scalp.{{file ref|Nale.jpg|Nale chapter capstone}}{{file ref|Relief.jpg|Nale relief}}{{book ref|sa4|47}}
When one of his underlings slit [[Gawx]]'s throat he was annoyed with him purely due to the fact that he had not yet first filled out the relevant paperwork to kill the child. The underlings assertion that they are above the law is then rebuffed by Nale, who claims that nobody will ever be above the law and that he will be punished for killing [[Gawx]].{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
 
=== Personality ===
He was seemingly impressed with Szeth's steadfast adherence to his [[Shin]] traditions, despite knowing that his [[Truthless|Truthlessness]] is in error, and so gave Szeth a [[Nightblood|new blade]] and mission.{{book ref|sa2|88}}
 
Nale is obsessed with order and law, and will go to extreme lengths to ensure he doesn't break any laws of the land he's in. This is because he's lost his confidence in his own sense of justice and morality, and as such, he believes that the only way for him to act correctly is to obey a code of conduct created by others.{{book ref|sa3|121}} He is, however, capable of bending the rules to his advantage, such as by appointing himself a lawman to enable him to kill, or pressuring local authorities to change the law.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa2.5|16}} This being said, Nale's still focused on obeying the rules, and will punish even his own underlings for breaking them, regardless of whether doing so is to his advantage.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Perhaps because of this, [[Nightblood]] wouldn't consider him to be evil.{{wob ref|12567}}
<gallery caption="Images of Nale">
 
Hug the Darkness.png | Lift hugs Nale by [[Coppermind: Artists/LittleGreyDragon|LittleGreyDragon]]
In his actions, he seems utterly devoid of mercy, and will execute the maximum penalty available to him without a shred of compassion or leniency, regardless of who his victim is.{{book ref|sa2.5|8}} He respects those who share his own blind obedience, and will target them as recruits for the Skybreakers.{{book ref|sa2|88}} While understanding that people are fallible, he expects higher standards from those he chooses.{{wob ref|3850}} He thinks the world of [[Ishar]], and will do anything the man commands, to the point of self-delusion, in all but most dire of circumstances.{{book ref|sa2.5|19}}
Nale.jpg | Nale's chapter icon by [[Isaac Stewart]]
 
Relief.jpg | Wielding his Honorblade by [[Greg Call]]
Along with his lack of confidence in his own justice and morality, he has also lost confidence in his own decision-making, and believes life cannot be lived by making decisions at every juncture.{{book ref|sa3|120}}
Szeth Nale.jpg | With Szeth and Nightblood by [[User: Botanicaxu]]
 
</gallery>
Most of Nale's current-day behavior is the result of his experiences during the [[Desolation]]s. Back then, he was capable of emotions and compassion; in fact, he was highly aware that law was, by itself, inflexible and immoral, and that it fell on lawmakers to make sure that law protected the weak from the strong.{{book ref|sa4|47}} However, this empathy was tortured out of him on [[Braize]].{{book ref|sa3|121}} Making the matters worse are the [[highspren]], which encourage the unyielding, literalist interpretation of the law in him.{{wob ref|13999}} In his better moments, Nale is aware of what he's lost, and can be horrified by his own behavior, but his current coping patterns quickly reassert themselves.{{book ref|sa2.5|19}}{{book ref|sa3|90}}
 
He considers the singers to have the law of the land, thus he sided with them during the True Desolation, even though it meant turning against humanity.{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
He seems to have some problems correctly perceiving the passage of time, expressing surprise that food he'd left behind decades prior had gone bad.{{book ref|sa3|106}} He is also unfazed by any wounds or pain; he takes an arrow to the face with little more than mild annoyance at being interrupted.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
== Attributes and Abilities ==
{{image|Herald Glyph Nalan.svg|side=right|width=150px|Nalan's [[glyph]]}}
 
=== Herald and Radiant ===
{{for|Herald#Abilities|a more in-depth description of general Heraldic powers}}
 
As a [[Herald]] of the [[Almighty]], Nale is immortal. When he dies, he returns to [[Braize]] to be tortured. He can return to [[Roshar]] when he wishes to stop the pain, although this causes another [[Desolation]]. He also has access to an [[Honorblade]], and is one of two Heralds to have recovered his after [[Aharietiam]], along with [[Ishar]].{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa4|111}} The Honorblade makes him a [[Surgebinder]], granting him powers over the [[Surge]]s of [[Division]] and [[Gravitation]].{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
Apart from his powers as a Herald, Nale has formed a [[Nahel bond]] with a [[highspren]], making him a Skybreaker. He's the only Skybreaker in centuries to have reached the Fifth Ideal. His bond also gives him access to a living [[Shardblade]], giving him two Blades in total.{{book ref|sa3|90}}{{book ref|sa3|106}} His double bond -- with the Honorblade and the [[spren]] -- slightly enhances his powers.{{wob ref|5618}}
 
While he has access to Surgebinding during the entire [[Era of Solitude]], he seems to avoid using it in the presence of others, likely to keep a low profile.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} This changes after he joins the [[singer]]s, and he seems to have no issues using Gravitation in combat.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
{{image|Skybreakers Purelake.jpeg|side=left|width=250px|Nale and his [[Skybreakers]]}}
 
=== Lawman ===
{{quote
|The law cannot be moral, but '''you''' can be moral as you create laws. Ever must you protect the weakest, those most likely to be taken advantage of.
|Nale{{book ref|sa4|47}}
}}
 
Nale appears to be well-versed in Rosharan law and legal systems. He can seamlessly operate in various states, especially throughout Western Roshar, and use their laws to his advantage.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Moreover, Nale appears to be the Heralds' expert in lawkeeping and lawmaking. In the ancient times, he was the one to teach Rosharans about establishing a fair and just legal code. Some of his rules are still in effect on Roshar, most notably the Right of Travel, which he prescribed to prevent the abuses of the weak.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
=== Resources ===
Nale is the head of the Order of Skybreakers, with many of its members sworn to follow him directly as their Third Ideal. This provides him with a small but powerful force willing to obey his every command. The Skybreakers seem to execute his commands unquestioningly, even when he turns against mankind.{{book ref|sa3|117}} Some of them have sworn the Fourth Ideal, while others are merely squires, though all seem well-trained.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
 
Apart from the Skybreakers, Nale seems to have vast resources and connections. He has access to various rare items and creatures: he acquired a [[larkin]], has a [[fabrial]] able to bring people back from the dead, and was even in possession of [[Nightblood]] for a while, having obtained it through unknown means.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} He keeps caches of food and supplies throughout the continent, though many of them are poorly-maintained.{{book ref|sa3|106}}
 
He is well-connected in Western Roshar. He can track the [[Edgedancer]] [[Lift]] over vast distances and easily get his hands on the attire of local lawkeepers, as well as necessary paperwork for him to join them.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} He's also fostered good relationships with most local governments, enough so that they're willing to grant him authority after he reveals himself and the Skybreakers to them.{{book ref|sa3|92}} It's unknown how well he's embedded himself in the structures of Eastern Roshar, although he has acquired the authority to act as a lawkeeper in [[Alethkar]] from King [[Gavilar Kholin]].{{book ref|sa4|77}}
 
== History ==
{{image|Nale by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=250px}}
[[File:Hug the Darkness.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Lift]] hugging Nale in the [[Everstorm]] by [[Coppermind: Artists/LittleGreyDragon|LittleGreyDragon]]]]
=== The Desolations ===
At an unspecified time before the beginning of the Stormlight Archive, [[Nalan]] had met with [[Honor|The Almighty]] and agreed to take part in the [[Oathpact]]. 99 [[desolation]]s later{{book ref|sa1|45}} he, along with 8 other [[Herald]]s, abandoned their oaths, instead leaving their [[Honorblade]]s at their meeting place after [[Aharietiam]].{{book ref|sa1|prelude}}
{{quote
|There is no person we would welcome more eagerly into this pact than you. You are the single most honorable man I have ever had the privilege of opposing.
|[[Jezrien]] to Nale{{book ref|sa4|47}}
}}
 
Nale was born on [[Ashyn]], either before or during the great calamity that befell it and forced the human population to leave around 7000 years before the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa4|14}}{{book ref|sa4|76}} Like most others who would eventually become [[Herald]]s, he travelled to [[Roshar]] to settle there.{{wob ref|11945}} He was either a king, scholar, or general before becoming a Herald.{{book ref|sa3|38}}
Nale was present during the feast to celebrate the signing of a treaty with the [[Parshendi]].{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa2|prologue}} He was seen by [[Szeth]] on his way out of the feasting hall, speaking with the heir [[Elhokar Kholin]] and another man.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Afterwards he left the feasting hall, walking along the corridor with his shorter companion, possibly [[Kelek]], who mentions being worried about "Ash" ([[Shalash]]). [[Jasnah]] questions him about the feast, and he coldly tells her it is over before moving on.{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}
 
Sometime afterwards, when the [[Desolation]]s began, Nale joined the [[Oathpact]], becoming a Herald of the [[Almighty]].{{book ref|sa1|prelude}} It appears that, at the time, he and [[Jezrien]] were enemies, though the precise nature of the confict between them is unknown. Eventually, Nale was proven right, while Jezrien turned out wrong. Impressed with Nale's integrity, Jezrien approached Nale about his participation in the Oathpact, to which Nale graciously agreed.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
Some time later, Nalan succeeded in hunting down and killing [[Ym]]. He did this in accordance with the law, claiming to be executing the cobbler on the charge of a minor crime he had committed many decades prior, while he was actually specifically targeting [[Surgebinder|certain individuals]] in order to stop what he thought would be the return of the [[desolation]]s.{{book ref|sa2|I|2}}{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
 
When the [[Surgebinder]]s began appearing, Nale was initially reluctant to take them under his patronage, even though the nascent [[Skybreakers]] named him their master. Following some sort of the disturbance in the toparchy of [[Revv]], however, he agreed to do so, becoming the last Herald to formally accept his [[Knights Radiant]].{{epigraph ref|sa2|43}} He eventually ended up bonding a [[highspren]] and joining his own Radiant Order, becoming the only Herald to have done so.{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{wob ref|12600}} It unclear whether his highspren followed him to [[Braize]] or was left in [[Shadesmar]].{{wob ref|15649}}
After [[Ym]], Nalan next focused his efforts on [[Lift]]. He had tracked her down for some time until finally cornering her in the Royal Palace in [[Azimir]], at a time when [[Lift]] had snuck in using the viziers' debates as a cover. He went to great lengths to act only in accordance with the local law, having filled out all relevant paperwork in order to act as a magistrate and execute her for her thievery. He managed to catch [[Lift]] with the help of several men acting under his command until she is helped by one of the viziers, who remarked that his intent to kill a child thief was rather extreme.
 
Some time after bonding his highspren, Nale instituted the [[Right of Travel]], which is still present in Rosharan laws as of the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{book ref|sa2|83}}
In his capture of [[Lift]], Nale is shown to be a very capable individual, bursting into the room she was in order to have her "escape" into a side-chamber where his associate was waiting. He then uses a [[Larkin]] to siphon all of the [[stormlight]] from [[Lift]], rendering her powerless, and only moves through the palace with her after his men take out the [[sphere]]s from their wall braziers (making sure they replace them afterwards). When [[Gawx]] is made the new Prime of [[Azir]] and pardons [[Lift]], Nale lets her go without a hint of dissatisfaction or annoyance, which she finds odd due to the great lengths he took to track her down.{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
 
Like all other Heralds besides [[Taln]], in time Nale grew too exhausted to keep participating in the Oathpact. He and the others left their [[Honorblade]]s behind and abandoned the Oathpact in an event later known as [[Aharietiam]], around 4500 years before the [[True Desolation]].{{book ref|sa1|prelude}}{{book ref|sa4|47}} Unlike the others, with the exception of [[Ishar]], Nale eventually recovered his Blade.{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa4|111}}
During the events of the Stormlight Archive, Nalan revived [[Szeth]] after his confrontation with Kaladin above the Shattered Plains. Nalan recruited Szeth into the [[Skybreakers]], as well as giving Szeth a new sword, one that is understood to be the Awakened Nalthian blade [[Nightblood]].{{epigraph ref|sa2|42}}
 
{{image|Nale by Egilde Art.jpg|side=left|width=250px}}
Nale later went to [[Yeddaw]] to track down a potential Radiant in the city, [[Stump|the Stump]]{{book ref|sa2.5|18}}. He was accompanied by two Skybreakers-in-training and Szeth. He succeeds in finding her, but is confronted by Lift about the return of the Voidbringers and abandons his plan to attempt to stop the formation of the Knights Radiant{{book ref|sa2.5|19}}.
 
=== AttributesEra andof AbilitiesSolitude ===
==== Living in Hiding ====
[[File:Herald Glyph Nalan.svg|thumb|right|150px|Nalan's Symbol<br><small>by [[Isaac Stewart]]</small>]]
At the end of the [[False Desolation]] and shortly before the [[Recreance]], Nale and [[Kalak]] were both present at the capture of [[Ba-Ado-Mishram]], and thus witnessed the mental damage done to the singers.{{book ref|sa4|24}} While Kalak came to regret this event happening, Nale's opinion on it is unknown.{{epigraph ref|sa4|96}}
; Surgebinding
It is confirmed by [[Lift]] that he is still capable of using his Surgebinding abilities, which she refers to as him "also being awesome".{{book ref|sa2|I|9}} As the patron of the [[Order of Skybreakers]] Nale has access to the [[Surge]]s of [[surgebinding#gravitation|Gravitation]] and [[surgebinding#division|Division]], but chooses not to use his abilities blatantly in the presence of others, likely in order to keep a low profile.{{cite}}
 
At some point, possibly after the [[Recreance]], Nale began working to prevent another Desolation from happening. Eventually, likely following the advice of Ishar, he came to understand this as eliminating every nascent [[Surgebinder]] other than the prospective Skybreakers, whose bonds he had the capacity to permit and deny.{{book ref|sa3|106}} By the time of the reunification of [[Alethkar]], he was still doing it, forming a methodology that agreed with his own sentiments: he would track down Surgebinders who had committed some kind of a crime, no matter how minor, and execute them under the pretense of punishment.{{book ref|sa2|i|2}} Many [[spren]] were aware of what he was doing, but were largley indifferent to it, seeing it as spren willing to bond getting what was coming to them.{{wob ref|15264}}
; Nahel Bond
Nale confides in Szeth that He may be the only Herald to have eventually joined his own order. As such His actions are guided by the law he chose to follow.{{book ref|sa3|106}}
 
==== The Assassination of Gavilar Kholin ====
; Swordsmanship
{{quote
Nale recovered his Honorblade from the Shin at some point, allowing him use of both his spren as a [[Shardblade]], and his [[Honorblade]] granted by [[The Almighty]].{{book ref|sa3|106}}
|Tonight I found reason to have [Gavilar] killed, but it will take me months of planning to achieve the proper legality.
|Nale{{book ref|sa4|77}}
}}
 
At some point, Nale got in contact with the [[Alethi]] king [[Gavilar Kholin]], possibly through [[Kalak]] and his [[Sons of Honor]], which the king was a part of. While Nale participated in Gavilar's secret project, he didn't seem to have much patience for it. Regardless, he visited the man the night of his [[Assassination of Gavilar|assassination]] in {{Rosharan date|1167|9|missing-date=?}}.{{book ref|sa4|prologue}}
; Skybreakers
Nale is head of the Order of Skybreakers with several of the members swearing to follow Nale's law directly. This provides him with a small but powerful fighting force.{{book ref|sa3|117}}
 
A few hours before the feast began, Nale stumbled upon [[Venli]] and [[Ulim]] skulking around the [[Kholinar Palace]], and immediately recognized the latter. Silencing the [[Voidspren]], he began questioning Venli about the number of returning Voidspren; however, she managed to trick him into believing that it was his own actions that had prompted a new Return. Incensed, and thinking that Gavilar's project caused the Voidspren to come back, Nale decided to try and prevent further catastrophe. He explained to Venli that there was a loophole in the treaty that would allow the listeners to attack the Alethi if they believed there was a conspiracy against them. He also pointed her towards [[Szeth]] and pardoned her for sneaking into off-limits section of the palace before leaving in a huff.{{book ref|sa4|77}}
; Resources
 
Nale is one of the more resourceful characters shown in the series. He has been able to acquire a [[Larkin]] and is capable of tracking [[Lift]] over most of a continent{{book ref|sa2|I|9}} as well as track where [[Szeth]] fell after his fight with [[Kaladin]] and in doing so resuscitated him with precision, making sure he had died fully but not spent enough time dead to be incapable of revival. He uses a type of [[Fabrial]] to revive [[Szeth]]. In addition to being the patron of the order of Skybreakers, Nale is only Herald known to join his order and possess a shardblade. He also was in possession of [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
During the feast, Nale, once more accompanied by [[Kalak]], met with Gavilar to discuss the king's progress. When the Queen [[Navani Kholin]] walked into the room to question Gavilar's absence from the feast, Nale took it as an opportunity to take his leave, dragging Kalak along with him, perhaps still furious with what Venli had told him.{{book ref|sa4|prologue}} The same night, the two of them briefly spoke with [[Elhokar Kholin]],{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} then left the feasting hall and stumbled on [[Jasnah Kholin]], whom Nale treated rather coldly before moving on.{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}
 
{{image|Hug the Darkness.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Lift]] hugging Nale in the [[Everstorm]]}}
 
==== Hunting Surgebinders ====
Following the feast, Nale continued his trail of murder, killing the [[Truthwatcher]] [[Ym]] for a forty-year-old crime.{{book ref|sa2|i|2}}{{wob ref|2507}} Afterwards, he focused his efforts on the [[Edgedancer]] [[Lift]], tracking her down all the way to the royal palace of [[Azimir]]. While he managed to catch her, and fill out the proper paperwork to have her killed, [[Gawx]] died in the process and Lift managed to heal the boy. This led to Gawx being pronounced the new [[Prime Aqasix]] and pardoning Lift, which in turn forced Nale to relent, as he had no excuse to kill her anymore.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
 
Nale briefly returned East for the [[Battle of Narak]], where he caught and revived recently-killed [[Szeth]] in {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}.{{book ref|sa2|79}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} He proceeded to recruit the [[Shin]] and gave him [[Nightblood]], which he had acquired at an unknown point in the past.{{book ref|sa2|88}} Afterwards, he took Szeth with him back West on another hunt, this time to [[Yeddaw]], to track down yet another budding Surgebinder.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}} In {{rosharan date|1174|1|1|missing-date=y}} he successfully found the Truthwatcher [[Arshqqam]], but before he could kill her, Lift confronted him just as the [[Everstorm]] was approaching. The combination of the storm and Lift's words managed to get through to Nale as he realized that his plan had failed, and that he had killed for nothing.{{book ref|sa2.5|19}}
 
=== True Desolation ===
==== Joining the Singers ====
Following the Everstorm, Nale had a minor breakdown, leaving for parts unknown for several weeks before coming back for Szeth, dropping him off at the Skybreaker training grounds, then leaving again to seek Ishar's guidance.{{book ref|sa3|90}} Whatever Ishar had told him worked well enough to calm Nale down, enough so that he was back to his confident self when he returned months later.{{book ref|sa3|98}}
 
He took all the Skybreakers with him south, to [[Marat]]. There, he told them the truth of Aharietiam and the origins of the Desolations.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Afterwards, they went further, to [[Thaylen City]], though only Nale and Szeth were present during the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]] in {{rosharan date|1174|2|7|missing-date=y}}.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{wob ref|7832}} As they watched, Nale informed Szeth that he intended for the Skybreakers to follow the singers, as they were the original owners of Roshar.{{book ref|sa3|116}} However, he did not participate in the battle.{{book ref|sa3|120}}
 
Initially, Nale attempted to convince Szeth to do the same.{{book ref|sa3|117}} When the Shin chose to follow [[Dalinar Kholin]] instead, Nale had no hard feelings about it, and promised to return later to teach Szeth the [[Surge]] of [[Division]]. He then departed, though it's uncertain where to.{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
{{image|Nale by Esther Schrader.jpg|side=left|width=250px}}
 
==== The Emuli Frontline ====
{{quote
|How are you a Bondsmith? You should not exist, Blackthorn. Your cause is not righteous. You should be denied the true Surges of Honor.
|Nale to [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa4|47}}
}}
 
A year into the [[True Desolation]], in early {{rosharan date|1175}}, Nale and his Skybreakers were sent to [[Emul]] to fight on the side of the [[Voidbringers]]. During one particular battle, he approached the army leader, Dalinar, and tried to persuade him to submit to the law of the singers; however, before he could go too far into his speech, [[Cord]] shot him in the face, to which he barely responded. After pulling the arrow out and healing his face, he descended to the deck of the floating platform the others were on.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
Nale approached Dalinar, incredulous that the man such as him would be made a [[Bondsmith]]. He tried to amend this and launched himself at Dalinar, but before he could attack, Dalinar, prompted by [[Stormfather]], used his abilities on the Herald, and saw a number of visions from Nale's memory. Starting from Nale abandoning the [[Oathpact]], they went back in time, showing Nale fighting dark forces while protecting a small child, Nale establishing the [[Vorin]] Right of Travel, Nale kneeling before a [[highspren]], and endless fighting he partook in. Last was the vision of Nale agreeing to join the Oathpact with [[Jezrien]].{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
When the visions ended, Nale, shocked at what had happened, backed away from Dalinar, revealing a line connecting the two -- the manifestation of the [[Oathpact]]. Tearing the line, Nale quickly leaped out of the platform and fled, clearly terrified by Dalinar's feat.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
== Relationships ==
=== Dalinar Kholin ===
; Jezrien
He hassees apparentlyDalinar keptKholin inas somebeing contactundeserving withof thebeing [[Jezrien|olda king]]Bondsmith, as he seems to mentionsees his currentcause stateas to the viziers of [[Azir]]unrighteous.{{book ref|sa2|Isa4|947}}
 
=== Jezrien ===
; Skybreakers
{{quote
Like [[Shalash]] Nale has a number of minions to help him in tracking down his quarries, however unlike her these appear to be genuine surgebinders which are being trained to become [[Skybreakers]]. They wear uniforms similar to his but of a lesser quality. He goes to great lengths to explain his motives to them, ensuring that one of them understands he should have only acted within the confines of the law with relation to [[Gawx]].{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
|Praise Yaezir. Herald of Kings. May he lead in wisdom. If he ever stops drooling.
|Nale on [[Jezrien]]{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
}}
 
Nale and Jezrien once strongly opposed one another on an unclear issue, considering one another enemies.{{book ref|sa4|47}} Jezrien eventually came to consider Nale correct, and offered him to join in a pact, and considered him a very honorable man.{{book ref|sa4|47}} Nale considered working alongside Jezrien to be an honor.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
These trainees are disciplined, capable of taking care for a [[Larkin]] well, know how to keep a "dark" perimeter around [[Lift]] at all times{{book ref|sa2|I|9}} and are trusted with their own investigations into the surgebinder Nale was seeking in [[Yeddaw]].{{book ref|Edgedancer|9}} They have also been showing possessing their own [[Shardblade|shardblades]]{{book ref|sa2|I|9}} and using the surge of [[Surgebinding#Gravitation|Gravitation]] to quickly track down [[Arclo|their suspect]]{{book ref|Edgedancer|16}}, suggesting they have formed a [[Nahel bond]], though they were not skilled enough to survive their encounter.{{book ref|Edgedancer|18}}
; Szeth
Nale mentions that [[Szeth]] is perhaps the most deserving of any men who had ever joined the [[Order of Skybreakers]]. He is deeply impressed by his adherence to his Oath and had watched him on his path for at least a considerable part of his time as [[Truthless]]. He is impressed enough by him to not only revive him from death but also entrust him with [[Nightblood]] and the judgment of the [[Shin]] and the [[Stone Shamanism|Stone Shamans]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
 
Over time, his respect for Jezrien eroded, and he came consider him to be little more than a drooling idiot.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa4|47}}
When Szeth openly challenges and questions Nale during their meeting in [[Yeddaw]] Nale was shown to be indifferent to his attitude besides pointing out it would lead Szeth to inactivity, which may mean he has a higher opinion of him compared to the other skybreakers.{{book ref|Edgedancer|9}}
 
=== QuotesIshar ===
Nale greatly respects [[Ishar]] and his opinions, believing the Herald of Luck to be the only one who hasn't succumbed to madness. It was likely at Ishar's suggestion that Nale began his crusade against [[Surgebinder]]s, and when the [[Everstorm]] comes, Nale goes to Ishar for comfort and advice.{{book ref|sa3|106}} His respect extends somewhat to the [[Bondsmith]]s, as he has extremely high standards for what makes one worthy of the bond -- standards Ishar meets, but Dalinar doesn't.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
 
=== Other Heralds ===
{{quote
|You're worried about everything. (...) Shut up.
|"It was <i>forty</i> years ago," [[Ym]] whispered.<br>"Justice does not expire."<br>The man shoved the [[Shardblade]] through [[Ym]]s chest.<br>Experience ended.
|Nale to [[Kalak]]{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}
| Nale killing [[Ym]], a nascent [[surgebinder]], and his thoughts on doing so, for a crime committed in his youth.{{book ref|sa2|I|2}}
}}
{{image|Ending the Oathpact by Katie Payne.jpg|side=right|height=250px|With the other [[Herald]]s when they abandoned their [[Honorblade]]s}}
 
By contrast, Nale's respect for other Heralds seems to have eroded with time. He and [[Kalak]] traveled together a couple of times, most notably during the capture of [[Ba-Ado-Mishram]] and the [[Assassination of Gavilar]].{{book ref|sa4|24}}{{book ref|sa4|prologue}} He has little patience for the man and his worries, and Kalak's perpetual paranoia and fear annoys him. He doesn't seem to keep in touch with the other Heralds; he doesn't care when Kalak mentions [[Shalash]], and never once sympathises with [[Taln]], despite betraying him.{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}{{book ref|sa4|77}}
 
=== Szeth ===
Nale is very impressed with [[Szeth]], calling him one of the people most deserving of joining the [[Skybreaker]]s. He's been watching Szeth for a considerable period of time while the latter was [[Truthless]], having followed him since shortly prior to the [[assassination of Gavilar]] Kholin.{{book ref|sa4|77}} He greatly respects Szeth's obedience to the [[Oathstone]], enough so to revive him from death and entrust him with [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
 
Even after recruiting Szeth, Nale seems to take a special interest in him above other candidates. He seems comfortable telling Szeth his life story and speaking to him in private about the true history of the world.{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa3|121}} He's also fairly indifferent and accepting of Szeth's opinions, despite them disagreeing with his own.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} Even when Szeth decides to side with the people opposing [[singer]]s -- and, by extension, against Nale -- the Herald respects it and remains friendly, even promising to teach him further.{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
{{image|Lift Nale.jpg|side=right|width=250px|Lift hugging Nale in Yeddaw}}
=== Lift ===
Nale has been hunting [[Lift]] relentlessly for a while by the time she arrives in [[Azimir]] and attempts to rob the [[Bronze Palace]], enough so for her to recognize him right away. She nicknames him Darkness, and is initially terrified of him, though when his plans to kill her fail, he departs easily enough.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
 
Afterwards, Lift takes to hunting him herself, trying to stop him from killing more [[Surgebinder]]s, which eventually leads to the two having a confrontation in [[Yeddaw]]. Nale is initially rather glad that she came to be judged, and has every intention of killing her. However, she manages to talk him down and point out to him that a Desolation is starting again, which seems to temporarily return him to his senses. She even hugs him, although he departs shortly after.{{book ref|sa2.5|19}}
 
=== Ulim ===
{{quote
|We are not friends. You persist only because I cannot destroy spren.
|Nale to [[Ulim]]{{book ref|sa4|77}}
}}
 
Nale and [[Ulim]] are familiar with each other, and have interacted in the past enough so for Nale to recognize the [[Voidspren]] on sight. Nale despises him; he brushes away Ulim's attempts at small talk and tells him that if he had the capacity to kill Voidspren, Ulim would already be dead. In turn, despite being immune to anything Nale could throw at him, Ulim is terrified of him, and immediately falls silent when commanded. After realizing how badly time has ravaged his mind, Ulim notes that the Herald's condition is similar to that of the [[Fused]], and revels in [[Venli]] tricking him.{{book ref|sa4|77}}
 
== Culture ==
{{image|Nale.jpg|side=right|width=150px}}
{{quote
|Nin-son-God, Nale, Nakku, Nalan—this man had a hundred different names and was revered across all Roshar.
|[[Szeth]]{{book ref|sa3|98}}
}}
 
As a [[Herald]], Nale is significant in a number of Rosharan cultures. In [[Vorinism]], he's called '''Nalan''', and is associated with the number 2 (or Nan), the [[Ten Essences|Essence]] of Vapor, and the attributes Just and Confident.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}} People often swear by Nalan's hand, or say "Nalan send..." to express hope.{{book ref|sa2|44}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} More crudely, an expression "Nale's nuts" is sometimes used.{{book ref|sa4|7}} On the whole, however, he does not feature in [[Vorin]] sayings particularly often; certainly less so than [[Kalak]].
 
In [[Shinovar]], he's revered as '''Nin-son-God''', and believed to be a founder of humanity.{{book ref|sa3|98}} The [[Azish]] know him as '''Nakku the Judge'''.{{book ref|sa3|53}} He's also ascribed the title of the Illuminator,{{book ref|sa2|88}} and is said to wield the [[Sword of Retribution]].{{book ref|sa1|18}} He is mentioned as having a hundred other names across the world, among them the Herald of Justice.{{book ref|sa3|98}}
 
== Notes ==
<references />
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