Pattern

This page or section contains spoilers for Words of Radiance!

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.

“I know that you have forgotten much of what once was. Those lies attracted me. But you cannot continue like this; you must admit the truth about me. About what I can do, and what we have done. Mmm... More, you must know yourself. And remember. You wish to help. You wish to prepare for the Everstorm, the spren of the unnatural one. You must become something. I did not come to you merely to teach you tricks of light.”

—Pattern to Shallan Davar on remembering the difficult truths of her past

Pattern is a spren on Roshar. He normally manifests as a complex geometric design slightly raised off a surface or object. His bond to Shallan Davar grants him sentience in the Physical Realm and allows her to use the Surges associated with the Order of Lightweavers, Illumination and Transformation.

Appearance and Personality

Pattern most often takes the shape of a complex and constantly shifting geometric pattern slightly raised off a surface or object. On occasion he can also manifest as a floating three-dimensional mass of twisting lines. Pattern is unable to turn completely invisible like honorspren but he can blend in with the surface he currently inhabits such that only people who are looking for him will notice his presence.

Pattern is particularly fond of concepts that involve creating falsehoods from truths such as metaphors, flattery, denial, and illusions.

History

“My memory is weak. I was dumb so long, nearly dead. Mmm. I could not speak.”

—Pattern

Pattern began the bonding process with Shallan when she was just a child, but after her mother died she pushed Pattern away and chose to forget him, forcing him to withdraw to the Cognitive Realm. It was not until years later, after Shallan took an apprenticeship with Jasnah Kholin that their bond was reestablished. She drew him back fully into the physical realm while sailing towards the Shattered Plains by sketching him in her notepad.

Pattern had a low level of intelligence when first back in the physical realm, Shallan even referring to him at one point as almost imbecilic. He quickly progressed, however, learning to speak, express complex thoughts, and even to recognize abstract human concepts such as sarcasm, idioms, and metaphors.

Abilities and Attributes

As his name implies, Pattern has the ability to recognize and decipher complex patterns and codes. He often aids Shallan in her various pursuits by opening locks, breaking codes, translating languages, and mimicking voices. When Shallan attempts to Soulcast, such as changing a stick into fire, Pattern serves as translator for the object she is trying to convince to change. When Lightweaving, Shallan can anchor her illusions to Pattern, allowing them to move and draw Stormlight even when they are not in close proximity to her.

Nahel Bond

The bond Pattern and Shallan share grants him sentience in the physical realm and gives her access to the surges of soulcasting and illumination. Like other orders of the Knights Radiant Shallan had to verbally or mentally state the First Ideal to initially form the bond but after that point the bond is strengthened by her admitting certain deep truths about herself. She has not yet stated enough truths to be a full Radiant but their bond has strengthened enough for Pattern to become a Shardblade when needed.

Notes

This article is still missing information. Please help The Coppermind by expanding it.