Ryshadium

Ryshadium
Type	Horse
World of Origin	Roshar

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Ryshadium are a subspecies or breed of horse on Roshar. They are genetically distinct from other horses though they are still capable of mating with them. The Ryshadium likely descended from horses that were brought to Roshar when humans first arrived. They are often referred to as "the third shard" in addition to a Shardblade and Shardplate.

Appearance

Ryshadium are larger than other breeds of horse. It is noted that Dalinar's Ryshadium Gallant is two hands taller than an ordinary horse. Ryshadium have been seen to have multiple coat colors including black and white. Additionally they can have both light or dark eyes which have rectangular pupils. Unlike ordinary horses Ryshadium have stone hooves and thus do not require shoes. This is likely an adaptation they have developed for life on Roshar.

Abilities

Ryshadium are significantly stronger than other warhorses. They can carry a shardbearer in full plate demonstrating their enhanced strength and endurance. They are also faster than other horse breeds. They are strong enough to withstand a shardbearer jumping into their saddle without any injury to themselves an action that would break most ordinary horses backs. Ryshadium also have a higher level of sentience than other animals (a benefit of their spren bond), nearing sapience.

Behavior

Ryshadium exhibit many behaviors that are unique to the breed. They posses a certain level of sentience. It is unclear the exact degree of sentience they posses however there are multiple times throughout the series when a Ryshadium appears to understand its rider.

In battle Ryshadium will hold their ground even in circumstances when other horses would flee, either through training or their natural abilities. It is indicated that Ryshadium are difficult to train, when Dalinar laments this fact in The Way of Kings. This is likely due to the fact that they cannot be ridden unless they choose a rider first.

The intelligence and understanding of the Ryshadium can be seen in their relationships with their riders. Riders often carry on conversations with Ryshadium and the horses will seemingly answer either through body language or sounds such as snorts.

Choosing a Rider

Ryshadium are known for choosing and obeying only a particular rider. Dalinar describes the experience of having a Ryshadium accept him as a rider as “indescribable”. It is indicated that one must be “worthy” to be chosen by a Ryshadium, what the measure of worthiness is however remains unclear.

Riders often communicate with their Ryshadium as if the horses have full or partial understanding of what their riders are saying. Furthermore, they do respond with body language and sounds indicating that this is true. While Ryshadium are useful in battle Shardbearers will sometimes fight unmounted so that they do not endanger their Ryshadium in close attacks. Ryshadium are loyal to their riders, and will risk their lives to find and aid them. This is demonstrated when Dalinar's Ryshadium Gallant runs to look for him during the battle at the tower.

Though Ryshadium choose their rider they will allow others to ride them as they are needed, in one instance Ryshadium were used to carry three wounded men from the battlefield.

Known Riders

• Dalinar with Gallant
• Adolin with Sureblood
• Hatham with unnamed Ryshadium
• Kalanor with unnamed Ryshadium

Spren Bond

In the Rosharan essay by Khriss it is stated that there is a symbiotic relationship between spren and Ryshadium. Some of the benefits to Ryshadium are clear(strength, self awareness), it is unclear what the spren receive from the Ryshadium. Ryshadium are – like humans – a non-native species to Roshar that has developed a spren bond.

Theories and speculation

It has been theorized that musicspren bond the Ryshadium, as they have been seen around the Ryshadium even when there is no music playing.

Trivia

• Ryshadium is a word also used in the Alcatraz series; Radrian Blackburn asks Leavenworth Smedry how to bypass the Sentinel's Glass of Ryshadium during the torture.

Quotes

“They pick their rider, son. We fixate on Shards, but any man -- courageous or coward -- can bond a Blade. Not so here, on this ground. Only the worthy win here . . .”

—Dalinar to Adolin

Notes

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