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{{quote
|The Shards are not God, but they are ''pieces'' of God. Ruin, Preservation, Autonomy, Cultivation, Devotion...There are sixteen of them.
| Sixteen people, together, ''killed'' [[Adonalsium]], ripping it apart and dividing its essence between them, becoming the first who Ascended.
| [[Khriss]]{{msh ref|3|2}}
}}
 
 
== Introduction ==
[[File:{{image|Tanavast.jpg|thumb|side=right|width=250px|<center><small>by {{a|botanicaxu}}</small></center> [[Honor]] ]]}}
{{quote
|Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood.
| The Shards are not God, but they are ''pieces'' of God. Ruin, Preservation, Autonomy, Cultivation, Devotion...There are sixteen of them.
| [[KhrissSazed]]{{mshepigraph ref|3mb3|214}}
}}
 
=== Power ===
Each Shard is a piece of the power of creation with a specific motivation, such as to destroy or to preserve. Those fragments each began their existence with equal level of power; however, over time many have diminished, whether through conflict or by the act of Investing a world -- imbuing it with [[Investiture]]. Each Shard has its own Investiture; while a Shard can co-opt the Investiture of another Shard, that Investiture willcan become noticeably red.{{wob ref|8340}}
 
Investing in a world will produce numerous effects, most notably the creation of a magic system tied to the Shard. While a Shard doesn't have complete control over how the magic system functions or what it does, it can manipulate its mechanics to an extent.{{wob ref|6072}}{{wob ref|4242}} Moreover, the presence of a Shard leads to the formation of a [[Perpendicularity]], a well of the Shard's Investiture that pierces all three [[Realmatic Theory|Realm]]s, allowing for the existence of [[worldhopping]].{{book ref|sa3|119}} The Shard's Investiture can also influencemanifest directly in the world in other ways; examples of such influencemanifestations are [[atium]] and [[lerasium]] on [[Scadrial]], the [[Tears of Edgli]] on [[Nalthis]], or the many [[spren]] of [[Roshar]].
 
=== Vessel ===
To function properly, a Shard requires a '''Vessel''' -- a mind to control it, belonging to a sapient creature from the [[Physical Realm]], such as a human.{{wob ref|310}} One doesn't need to be able to use Investiture in order to become a Vessel, but the ability does help.{{wob ref|4062}} What becoming a Vessel requires above all is [[Connection]] to the Shard in question, whether forged artificially or driven by a natural inclination towards the Shard's intent.{{msh ref|5|2}}
 
The act of becoming a Vessel is called '''Ascension''', and causes the Vessel's body to vaporize, allowing their mind to expand.{{wob ref|6072}} From then on, the Vessel and the Shard are intertwined; the Vessel gets to set some general course of how the Shard's power is defined, and feeds off the Shard's power to remain alive, but the Shard's power is the driving force between the two. Over centuries, the Vessel's mind begins to change to fit the Shard's intent more perfectly.{{annotationwob ref|mb3|chapter=587965}}{{wob ref|5485}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}} If the Vessel were to give up the Shard, the Shard's influence on their mind would fade over time.{{wob ref|3009}}
 
A Shard can be killed by Splintering it, breaking its power down further into smaller pieces, called [[splinter]]s; the easiest way to achieve that is by killing the mind.{{msh ref|3|2}} The actual death of a Vessel, however, can take up to hundreds of years.{{wob ref|8144}} If the Shard is taken up before the Vessel dies completely, splintering can be prevented;{{msh ref|3|2}} if not, the power will become wild and dangerous.{{au ref|Selish}} When a Vessel dies, the person's original body rematerializes and falls to the ground as a corpse.{{epigraph ref|mb3|56}}
 
It is possible for a Vessel to be separated from their Shard without dying or Splintering the Shard they held.{{wob ref|120}}{{wob ref|6587}} If this happens, then after the Vessel's death, it is able to resist the pull into the [[Beyond]].{{msh ref|6|8}}
 
== History ==
:''For the histories of individual Shards, see their respective pages.''
{{quote
| I have delved and searched, and have only been able to come up with a single name: Adonalsium. Who, or what, it was, I do not yet know.
| [[Sazed]]{{epigraph ref|mb3|39}}
}}
 
It is unknown what precisely [[Adonalsium]] was, though it has been referred to numerous times as the power of creation, suggesting it to be the progenitor god of the [[cosmere]]. At some point in the distant past, on the planet of [[Yolen]], sixteen people conspired to kill it, and succeeded in an event known as the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]].{{msh ref|3|2}} Some of those people were romantically involved; others were related to each other.{{wob ref|1291}}{{wob ref|2786}} All of them were mortal at some point.{{wob ref|13341}}
 
Following the Shattering, the power that comprised Adonalsium broke into sixteen pieces, each polarized to one particular aspect of it, such as [[Ruin]] or [[Endowment]]. Those pieces, each equal in power,{{wob ref|13482}} became known as the Shards. The sixteen killers of Adonalsium each took up one of the Shards, Ascending and becoming the first Vessels.{{msh ref|3|2}} Following their Ascension, each of the Vessels departed Yolen. Some settled on various planets, henceforth dubbed [[Shardworld]]s; others set no roots.{{wob ref|4441}} At this time they all had an equal amount of power.{{wob ref|13482}}
 
Originally, the Shards made a pact not to interfere with each other; however, only a few Shards kept to it.{{epigraph ref|sa3|39}} The pact was not, it seems, set in stone, as even the Shard of oathkeeping, [[Honor]], felt no qualms about travelling with [[Cultivation]].{{wob ref|10835}}
 
Over the millennia, several Shards have passed away, one way or another. The most common cause of death for them were actions of one specific Shard, [[Odium]], who went on a killing spree, splintering [[Ambition]], [[Devotion]], [[Dominion]] and [[Honor]] before eventually being trapped in the [[Rosharan system]] by the remnants of the latter.{{au ref|Rosharan}} The death of [[Preservation]]'s Vessel, [[Leras]], led to the power being passed handsbetween several timeshands before beingit mergedwas eventually combined with [[Ruin]] intoto form [[Harmony]];.{{wobbook ref|6486mb3|76}}{{msh ref |6|4}} byBy contrast, [[Autonomy]] spread, creating avatars to inhabit numerous Shardworlds, including [[Obrodai]] and [[First of the Sun]].{{wob ref|11432}}
 
At least one of the Vessels regrets taking up a Shard, though which one that would be is unknown.{{wob ref|11900}} There are living descendants of some of them still alive.{{wob ref|13341}}
 
== Known Shards ==
|-
| [[Devotion]]
| [[Aona]] <small>(deceased)</small>
| [[Sel]]
| ''[[Elantris]]''
|-
| [[Dominion]]
| [[Skai]] <small>(deceased)</small>
| [[Sel]]
| ''[[Elantris]]''
|-
| [[Preservation]]
| [[LerasSazed]] <small>(laterformerly [[SazedLeras]]), [[Kelsier]], and [[Vin]])</small>
| [[Scadrial]]
| ''[[Mistborn (series)]]''
|-
| [[Ruin]]
| [[AtiSazed]] <small>(laterformerly [[SazedAti]])</small>
| [[Scadrial]]
| ''[[Mistborn (series)]]''
|-
| [[Honor]]
| [[Tanavast]] <small>(deceased)</small>
| [[Roshar]]
| ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]''
|-
| [[Ambition]]
| [[Uli Da]] <small>(deceased)</small>
| [[Threnody]]
| ''[[Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell]]''
=== Unnamed Shards ===
{{quote
| Some men, as they age, grow wiser. I am not one of those, for wisdom and I have always been at cross-purposes, and I have yet to learn the tongue in which she speaks.
| [[Hoid]] implying the existence of another Shard{{book ref|sa3|68}}
}}
 
There remain six Shards that have not been named, nor referred to explicitelyexplicitly in text. Very little is known about them.
 
WhatThere isexists knowna isShard that therewishes existsonly ato Shardhide withand intentsurvive.{{wob similarref|2788}} toIt's Wisdom,possible that oncethis soughtrefers to hide"wisdom". andThere's survive,also butat hasleast overone timeunknown realizedShard that this isndoesn't theinhabit mostany desirable course of actionplanet.{{wob ref|126844441}}{{wob ref|13231}}Moreover, [[Hoid]]at andleast thisone unknown Shard seemhas tobeen bementioned antagonisticas towardshaving eachbeen othersplintered, thoughalthough this appearsmay refer to beAmbition, awho commonwas threadunnamed inat histhe relationstime withthis allinformation Vesselsappeared.{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{wob ref|132391357}}
 
ThereWhat existsis aknown Shardis that wishesthere onlyexists toa hideShard andwith survive.{{wobintent ref|2788}}similar It'sto possibleWisdom, that thisonce referssought to "wisdom".hide There'sand alsosurvive, atbut leasthas oneover uknowntime Shardrealized that doesnthis isn't inhabitthe anymost planetdesirable course of action.{{wob ref|444112684}}{{wob Moreover,ref|13231}} at[[Hoid]] leastand one unknownthis Shard hasseem beento mentionedbe asantagonistic havingtowards beeneach splinteredother, althoughthough this may referappears to Ambition,be whoa wascommon unnamedthread atin thehis timerelations thiswith informationall appearedVessels.{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{wob ref|135713239}}
 
When asked about what Vessel he would become, Brandon suggested Ingenuity, implying that it might be another Shard.{{wob ref|10288}}{{wob ref|3299}} Likewise, Prudence was suggested to be a very Shardic name.{{wob ref|13231}} However, thisneither hasIngenuity notnor Prudence have been confirmed as Shards.
 
== UsePowers ofand InvestitureAbilities ==
{{quote
|The power of ancient Adonalsium permeates him. And controls him. [[Odium]] is a force like pressure, gravitation, or the movement of time. These things cannot break their own rules. Nor can he.
| I am convinced from my studies that [Scadrial] itself '''did not exist''' before its Shards, Ruin and Preservation, arrived in the system.
| [[KhrissStormfather]]{{aubook ref|Scadriansa3|16}}
}}
 
Shards possess incredible power -- a single Shard can easily move entire planets and alter people down to the genetic level.{{epigraph ref|mb3|4}} They exist in all three Realms, but unlike other living beings, the vast majority of their power is concentrated in the [[Cognitive Realm|Cognitive]] and [[Spiritual Realm|Spiritual]]. Time matters little to Shards, and they can bend and stretch it as they wish.{{epigraph ref|mb3|17}}
A Shard is a chunk of [[Investiture]] with intent, while held by a [[Vessel]] that vessel is able to guide that power to do incredible things so long as that corresponds with its intent. Here lists some general abilities of all Shards that we currently know. An individual Shard's abilities may vary depending on their intent, but such distinctions are not fully understood at this time.
 
As [[Investiture]] never truly goes away, a Shard has access to a functionally-endless supply of it; however, there is a finite amount that a Vessel can command at any one time. This means that while all Investiture in the cosmere is assigned to one Shard or another, a Shard cannot truly command all of it at once.{{wob ref|8605}} As such, while powerful, Shards are not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent.
Shards are a vast amount of Spiritual energy, and have enormous capabilities, so much power that they have effectively turned the Vessels holding them into gods. Things like moving a planet is easy for them to accomplish.{{epigraph ref|mb3|4}} They exist on a higher level than the Physical Realm, and have expanded Cognitive aspects and perceptions. Time seems to matter little to Shards. Minutes can pass like hours.{{epigraph ref|mb3|17}}
 
A Shard's power can be temporarily diminished, either by assigning it to living creatures (such as people or [[spren]]), or sending it back to the Spiritual Realm (e.g. burning [[atium]]). Moreover, Shards are, as powers, bound to follow higher rules; a deal, once made by a Shard, cannot be broken, and they must absolutely obey the rules that govern them.{{book ref|sa3|16}}
=== Movement ===
Shards are capable of moving themselves to various parts of their world instantaneously (or near instantly).{{book ref|mb3|76}} They can will themselves to other Shardworlds, as noted from Odium's journey to Sel{{epigraph ref|sa1|21}} and Brandon implying that [[Harmony]] could travel to another world, but chooses not to.{{wob ref|5526}} The [[Lord Ruler]] was also capable of moving around worlds when he took up the power at the [[Well of Ascension]], but he also didn't. However, when a Shard invests its power in a world, it is bound to it and will have difficulty leaving the planet or system.{{wob ref|9852}} For example, Ruin and Preservation couldn't leave [[Scadrial]] for they had had a large hand in the creation of the planet and every thing on Scadrial contains some of the Shards' power.{{cite}} In the [[Letters#The Second Letter|Second Letter]], Odium is trapped in his current system.{{wob ref|8560}}
 
Each Shard appears particularly predisposed toward acting in line with their intent; for example, [[Preservation]] finds it nearly impossible to destroy, while it's extremely easy for [[Ruin]] to do so.{{msh ref|2|3}} This is partially influenced by the personality change brought about by the Shard.{{wob ref|6685}} However, whether intentions provide Shards with actual unique powers is unknown.
=== Magic Generation ===
Shards will begin to fuel magic when they settle on a world. Each Shard can do this differently, though much of the system is restricted by the world itself. Because of this, the Shard is able to directly interact with the users of the magic and provide the needed Investiture. Ruin and Preservation's ability to fuel all the Metallic Arts is an example of this.{{wob ref|6072}}
 
=== CommunicationIndividual Powers ===
[[File:{{image|Marsh Ruin.png|thumb|side=right|width=250px|<center><small>by {{a|eyeronis}}</small></center> [[Ruin]] commanding a [[Steel Inquisitor]]]]}}
Some Shards have the ability to touch the minds of people. This ability has many restrictions and much may depend on the intent of each Shard.
[[Ruin]] can whisper into the minds of humans, especially spiked humans to whom he could manifest and speak to directly. Preservation can see into the minds of humans and even influence them a small amount, like causing them to leave an earring off. However, that influence is very weak and can easily be overcome by a person's own will.{{cite}}
 
==== Future SightMovement === =
Shards are capable of appearing in various parts of their own Invested worlds instantaneously.{{book ref|mb3|76}} They can also travel to other planets by willing themselves to do so.{{epigraph ref|sa1|21}}{{wob ref|5526}} However, when a Shard Invests its power in a world, it's bound to it and will have difficulty leaving the system it's in.{{wob ref|9852}} Shards can also trap each other in systems, though the precise mechanics of that are unknown.{{book ref|sa3|57}}
Shards can see into the future, though this is difficult to do. [[Honor]] describes seeing the future like "It's as if the future is a shattering window. The further you look, the more pieces that window breaks into."{{book ref|twok|75}} Some Shards are better at seeing into the future--Honor says Cultivation is better at future sight than Honor.{{book ref|twok|75}} Preservation saw into the future and created the [[Terris Prophecies]].{{wob ref|5309}} Most of the time, temporal abilities are related to the pure essence of a Shard (see [[atium]]) or to a Splinter (like Returned do).{{wob ref|4645}} Since [[Wyrn]] can see into the future through some method, it is theorized he may hold a Splinter or be a [[Sliver]], but he may also have this power via [[seon]] or [[skaze]].
 
==== Cognitive ConstructsCommunication ====
Shards have several ways of communicating with people. Some Shards can speak directly into the minds of others, while others can listen.{{book ref|mb3|48}} A Shard can also communicate with a person directly through dreams or visions, and even take on a physical form -- a puppet of sorts, serving as a Physical outlet for communication.{{book ref|sa3|57}}{{book ref|sa3|114}} While the use of visions and speaking directly into a mind are limited to a single person, a puppet can be seen by many people.{{book ref|sa3|115}}
Shards can develop complex constructs with their power. Preservation made the mists Snap Allomancers long after his mind had withered away.{{wob ref|4445}} Honor created a visual journal which [[Dalinar]] saw during [[highstorm]]s.{{book ref|twok|75}} That visual journal was propagated by the [[Stormfather]]. Honor also created many [[Spren]] out of Investiture and was even able to alter and increase the mind of the [[Stormfather]]. Entities like the Mist spirit and the Stormfather are often called [[Cognitive Shadow]]s, bits of mind with power doing tasks created for them.
 
A Shard can also communicate directly with [[Cognitive Shadow]]s, and is capable of bilocation -- being present in several places at once -- within its sphere of influence.{{msh ref|1|1}}
=== Avatars ===
Shards are able to create avatars, personas that can act independently from them.{{wob ref|13220}} Avatars can have any gender or race and some don't have human appearances.{{wob ref|3974}} Avatars are considered to be Shards of Adonalsium, in a way.{{wob ref|8606}} Many different avatars can exist on a Shardworld{{wob ref|3974}} and they can have varying amounts of origins of Investiture.{{wob ref|8606}} Shards can create avatars on [[Shardworld]]s without physically visiting them.{{wob ref|9385}} Avatars can also form without a direct and conscious decision on the Shard's part, but they will always be aware of it happening.{{wob ref|13220}} Avatars can be instilled with certain traits when created.{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}} Known avatars include [[Patji (being)|Patji]] and the [[Sand Lord]].{{wob ref|8902}}{{wob ref|5876}}
 
==== EndlessCreating investitureSapience ====
Shards can use their power to create complex '''constructs''', capable of continuing their function past the Shard's death. Examples of such constructs are the snapping mists of [[Preservation]],{{wob ref|4445}} and the vision journal of [[Honor]].{{book ref|sa1|75}} Shards can also create sapient beings from their power -- this is most commonly seen on [[Roshar]], with its overabundance of [[spren]]. Many of them, like the [[Stormfather]], [[Nightwatcher]], and [[honorspren]] were created by local Shards.{{book ref|sa3|108}}{{book ref|sa3|114}}
Investiture never goes away and always returns; a Vessel wielding a Shard has access to an endless supply of Investiture. However, there is a finite amount that a Vessel can wield at one time. Occasionally a Shard's power is condensed into a different form in the physical realm. Investiture can appear in one of three states: a gas or mist like substance, a liquid, or a solid. [[Stormlight]] and the mists on [[Scadrial]] are examples of Investiture manifesting as a gas. The Well of Ascension is [[Preservation]]'s power, condensed as a liquid. Some Aspects of Shards' power regenerate over time. The Well of Ascension reformed every 1024 years{{wob ref|5511}} rather than vanishing forever. Atium also regenerates, though when atium was burned away, Ruin was not able to use it. It isn't known whether all of a Shard's power would regenerate eventually.
 
Shards can also create '''avatars''', personas that can act independently of them.{{wob ref|13220}} Avatars can be of any gender, race, and species, regardless of the original Vessel creating them, and can be formed at a considerable distance from the main body of the Shard, with many different avatars able to exist on a single [[Shardworld]].{{wob ref|3974}}{{wob ref|9385}}{{wob ref|3974}} Though a Shard can create them directly, avatars can also form without a conscious decision on the Shard's part, though the Shard is still aware of what is happening.{{wob ref|13220}} When created directly, however, they can be instilled with specific traits.{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}}
=== Weaknesses ===
One of the largest weaknesses a Shard has is that its Vessel is shaped to its intent. Ruin and Preservation could not create by themselves, as it was against their Shards' intent to do so alone. Odium refuses to take additional Shards simply because doing so would change his personality.{{wob ref|6685}}
 
Avatars are, in a way, considered to be Shards in their own right.{{wob ref|8606}} Known ones include [[Patji (being)|Patji]] and the [[Sand Lord]], both of [[Autonomy]].{{wob ref|8902}}{{wob ref|5876}} It is difficult but possible for someone to become a Vessel of an avatar.{{wob ref|13323}}
Shards, though their minds are significantly expanded, are not omniscient, omnipresent nor omnipotent. Even after Ruin was free from his prison, he couldn't influence everything. After the [[catacendre]], Harmony can more easily influence events where the mists are located,{{wob ref|5308}} which implies that there is a limit to his Shards' powers.
 
Shardic power is also directly related to sentience and sapience. The close presence of a particular Shard, such as [[Cultivation]], can lead to some beings developing higher levels of sapience.{{wob ref|2792}} Shardic power can also grant sentience directly -- [[Scadrian]]s are sapient due to Preservation's power within them, and [[Nightblood]]'s sapience is partially derived from his large quantity of [[Breath]]s. [[Splinter]]s can also become sapient.{{wob ref|1799}} Even the raw power of a Shard, if left alone and without a Vessel, will eventually begin to form a rudimentary mind.{{au ref|Selish}}
Ruin could not read minds, but this is not a limitation to all Shards. Ruin is invasive, it can insert thoughts, but that power can't hear the reaction. Preservation listens and protects, and as such can hear what is inside people's minds, but cannot insert thoughts.{{wob ref|4156}} Brandon has also stated, however, that Shardic mind reading in this case has to do with humans having more Preservation than Ruin.{{wob ref|4139}} It is possible a Shard could only read a mind when the Shard has given its power to make sentience (as Preservation did with humans on Scadrial). If that were true, then if Odium did not give humans sentience on Roshar, Odium would also not be able to read minds, similar to Ruin.
 
==== Magic Generation ====
Preservation and Ruin are blind to metal, the [[focus]] of the [[Metallic Arts]]. It is not clear if other Shards are blind to an aspect of their respective focus, but Brandon has stated that Harmony is also blind to metal.{{wob ref|6149}}
When a Shard Invests a world, it will begin to fuel the local magic system. Each Shard can do this differently, though much of the system is dictated by the planet itself. Because of this connection to the magic, a Shard is able to directly interact with its users and provide Investiture when necessary, without the need for intermediaries.{{wob ref|6072}}
 
While not all magic systems in the cosmere are directly tied to a Shard, Shardic presence greatly influences the shape a magic system takes. On a [[Shardworld]], magic forms as a result of the interactions between a Shard's power, [[Realmatic]]s, the world's natural inclinations and, in some cases, even genetics.{{wob ref|6072}} For this reason, the exact function magic performs will not always be related to the Shard's nature -- for example, [[Surgebinding]], despite being powered by [[Honor]], is capable of manipulating [[Division]], which controls separating things. However, how the magic is ''obtained'' is tied to the Shard.{{wob ref|4032}} [[Hemalurgy]] demands that a person be destroyed, in line with the intent of Ruin, while Surgebinding demands forging bonds.
Honor states to [[Dalinar]] that a champion may bind [[Odium]], but it is unknown what he meant.{{book ref|sa1|75}}
 
==== Futuresight ====
== Forms and Subdivisions ==
{{theory}}
{{quote
|It's as if the future is a shattering window. The further you look, the more pieces that window breaks into. The near future can be anticipated, but the distant future… I can only guess.
| Ruin's consciousness was trapped by the Well of Ascension, kept mostly impotent. That night, when we discovered the Well for the first time, we found something we didn't understand. A black smoke, clogging one of the rooms.<br />
|[[Honor]]{{book ref|sa1|75}}
Though we discussed it after the fact, we couldn't decide what that was. How could we possibly have known?<br />
The body of a god—or, rather, the power of a god, since the two are really the same thing. Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood.|multiline=y
| Sazed{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}}
}}
 
Shards can perceive the future, although it can be difficult for them. Some are better at it than others, with [[Cultivation]] and [[Preservation]] in particular being noted as particularly excelling.{{book ref|sa1|75}}{{wob ref|5309}} Like all seers, Shards utilize [[Fortune]] to see ahead; and, like all seers, they can be wrong about both what they see and how they interpret it.{{book ref|sa3|122}} Shardic power can also be utilized by others to perceive the future as they do: examples of this are [[atium]], as well as the visions of the [[Returned]].{{wob ref|4645}}
A Shard's power can take many different forms, related to the three [[Realmatic Theory|realm]]s: the Physical, the Cognitive, and the Spiritual.{{wob ref|4445}} All are extensions of the Shard's power, and in ''[[The Hero of Ages]]'', sometimes referred to as the body of the Shard.{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}}
 
A Shard's intent may be tied to its proficiency with futuresight. Preservation, as a Shard dedicated to keeping things existing, and Cultivation, a Shard dedicated to growing something in a desired form, would hold a natural interest in predicting what the future will hold which may make them more proficient with this ability. By contrast, a Shard like Ruin, which is interested only in destroying things, and Honor, about holding to one's oaths no matter what, would not have "seeing ahead" as part of their nature.
In its Physical form, it can appear as a solid, and does one specific thing.{{wob ref|6072}} On Scadrial, a Shards' Physical essence was a metal, and these [[god metals]] each performed a specific effect within the Metallic Arts. Yet, as evidenced by the god metal atium, the physical essence of a Shard can be used by magic systems created by other shards. For example, Atium, Ruin's "body", could be burned by a mistborn or atium misting, both of whom use magic created by or based on Preservation.
 
== Forms and Subdivisions ==
In its liquid form, it is most potent.{{wob ref|6072}} The [[Well of Ascension]] is one such pool of a Shard's power, and as it was formed from Preservation's own mind, the liquid essence of a Shard is said to be related to the Cognitive aspect. Many Shards have such a [[Perpendicularity]]. Ruin's is located below the [[Pits of Hathsin]].{{wob ref|5525}} [[Raoden]] encounters a Perpendicularity, where [[Hoed]] can go to relieve their pain.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} That Perpendicularity is theorized to be Aona's.{{cite}}
{{image|Cultivation and the Nightwatcher 1.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Cultivation]] with her daughter-[[spren]], the [[Nightwatcher]]}}
{{quote
|I'm still a [[spren]]. I’m a little piece of God.
|[[Syl]]{{book ref|sa3|91}}
}}
 
The raw Investiture of a Shard can take distinct forms and states. As a solid, the Investiture is metallic, and is thus sometimes referred to as a '''godmetal'''. Examples of godmetals are [[atium]], [[lerasium]] and the alloy of [[Honor]] and [[Cultivation]] that forms [[Shardblade]]s. Godmetals typically have properties within the [[Metallic Arts]], regardless of what Shard they're aligned with.{{wob ref|6072}}
 
Shardic power is the most potent as a liquid.{{wob ref|6072}} It typically coalesces in one place on a planet, forming a '''[[perpendicularity]]'''. A perpendicularity represents a tremendous amount of power, enough so to pierce all three Realms, allowing people to slide between them.{{au ref|Drominad}} Examples of such perpendicularities are the [[Well of Ascension]], the [[Pits of Hathsin]], or the [[Devotion's Perpendicularity|Lake]].
It is not clear what the gaseous form of Shards (the Spiritual power) do in general, but the mists--the power of Preservation--are able to fuel Allomancy as if working as a metal.{{wob ref|6072}} The black smoke that was found in the chamber before the Well of Ascension was Ruin's corresponding "mist".{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}} [[Stormlight]] powers the surges and the fabrials.
 
As a gas, the Shardic power can take on a number of different functions. Examples of Investiture in gaseous forms include [[Breath]], [[Stormlight]], and Preservation's mists. All can serve as fuel for magic. In both [[Awakening]] and [[Surgebinding]], gaseous Investiture is, in fact, the primary source of magic, but even in systems that use other substances, like [[Allomancy]], gaseous Investiture can serve the same purpose.{{wob ref|6072}}
There are further subdivisions of Shards: Slivers and Splinters.
 
=== SliverSlivers ===
{{for|Sliver}}
 
A Sliver is a human intelligenceperson who has held the power of a Shard, and then released it.{{wob ref|4540}} ThereThis is"stretches" a certainperson's threshold[[spiritweb]], ofnoticeably poweraltering wherethem. oneThere wouldis besome consideredgrey aarea Sliveras ofto Adonalsium.how Everymuch personpower onone [[Scadrial]]needs hasto ahave bitto ofbe theconsidered powera ofSliver; Preservationhowever, buta theyperson arewho notdirectly technicallyhandled Slivers.Shardic Though therepower is somethe greymost areastraightforward inexample. whatThe it[[Lord meansRuler]] toand be[[Kelsier]] awould Sliver,both individualsbe whoconsidered haveSlivers, directlywhile held[[Elantrian]]s theand power[[Returned]] ofwould a Shard are usually termed Sliversnot.{{wob ref|4499}}
 
=== Splinters ===
The [[Lord Ruler]] held a bit of Preservation at the [[Well of Ascension]] and let it go. This altered him, and that residue of a Shard inside him was what scholars would term a Sliver. After Vin gave up [[Preservation]], she was considered a Sliver, as was Kelsier by the end of the [[Mistborn trilogy]]. Elantrians are not slivers.{{wob ref|4499}}
 
=== Splinter ===
[[File:Fuzz by Matthew Johnson.jpeg|thumb|right|250px|<center><small>by {{a|Matthew Johnson}}</small></center> [[Preservation]] splintering]]
{{for|Splinter}}
 
ItA Splinter is unknowna what the exact definitionfragment of a SplinterShard's ispower, but the term seemssimilar to refer tohow a specificShard kindis ofa fragment of a ShardAdonalsium's power. Unlike Slivers of [[Cognitive Shadow]]s, aSplinters Splinterdon't hasgenerally neverhave a beenPhysical humancomponent.{{wob ref|4541}} LerasiumThey andoften atiumhave a mind of their own, despiteseparate beingand condenseddistinct essencesfrom that of their Shards,parent areShard.{{wob notref|10089}} Splinters.They Onecan distinguishingform factorin oftwo adistinct Splinterways: iseither thatby theythe oftenShard havebeing ansplintered intent(killed), separateor fromby theirthe Shards'Shard directly splitting off splinters of itself.{{wob ref|100894129}}{{book ref|sa3|108}}
 
The divine Breath that [[Returned]] hold (a Splinter of [[Endowment]]){{wob ref|4486}}, the Aon within a seon (a Splinter of [[Devotion]]) and [[Spren]] on Roshar (Splinters of [[Honor]]){{wob ref|3017}} are examples of Splinters. Splinters did not appear in ''[[Mistborn (series)#Era 1|Mistborn Era 1]]''.{{wob ref|4541}}
 
It is not clear how Splinters are formed, though it appears a Shard can actively create one. Endowment seems to be able to form them at will for Returned. [[Odium]] traveled to Sel and Splintered [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]].{{article ref|The Letter}} Since [[Odium]] killed [[Tanavast]],{{book ref|twok|75}} the Vessel of [[Honor]], Honor is Splintered.{{wob ref|9810}}
 
=== Shardic Sentience ===
A Shard's power can create sentience if left around people.{{wob ref|9708}} Preservation put a fragment of himself into the people on Scadrial, granting them sentience, and the large quantity of Breaths (presumably fragments of Endowment) in [[Nightblood]] are a factor in his sentience. Splinters can also gain sentience.{{wob ref|1799}}
 
== Relationship with Magic Systems ==
[[File:Cultivation and the Nightwatcher 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|<center><small>by {{a|Kyle Pearson}}</small></center> [[Cultivation]] with her daughter-[[spren]], [[Nightwatcher]] ]]
{{quote
| The powers of Ruin and Preservation are Shards of Adonalsium, pieces of the power of creation itself. Allomancy, Hemalurgy, Feruchemy are manifestations of this power in mortal form, the ability to touch the powers of creation and use them. These metallic powers are how people's physical forms interpret the use of the Shard, though it's not the only possible way they could be interpreted or used. It's what the genetics and Realmatic interactions of Scadrial allow for, and has to do with the Spiritual, the Cognitive, and the Physical Realms.
| [[Brandon]]{{wob ref|6072}}
}}
 
All magic systems that are currently known are related to Shards. [[Allomancy]] is of Preservation, [[Hemalurgy]] is of Ruin, and [[Feruchemy]] is the balance between the two Shards. [[AonDor]] is of [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]]. [[Awakening]] is of [[Endowment]]. [[Surgebinding]] is of [[Honor]] and [[Cultivation]]. The only magic that may not be related to a Shard are [[Hoid]]'s ability to move from planet to planet, but the mechanics of his powers are not clear.
 
The types of magics that exist on a world depends on which Shards are present. If Endowment were to move to Scadrial, additional combinations of magics may form.{{wob ref|5535}}{{wob ref|3005}} However, Shards did not ''create'' magic systems. Ruin and Preservation did not create the Metallic Arts.{{wob ref|5269}} Rather, magic is a natural function of the world, a Shard's intent, [[Realmatic]] interactions, and sometimes genetics.{{wob ref|6072}}
 
Though magics are related to a Shard, that does not mean that the effect of a magic is in line with a Shard's intent. For example, Allomancy does things like Pushing and Pulling that don't bring to mind "Preserving" things. Rather, a Shard's intent determines ''how'' the magic is obtained, not its effect.{{wob ref|4032}} In Hemalurgy, the method of gaining magic is spiking and it is inherently destruction, but the ''effect'' of the magic actually enhances something else. (This is the more exact, confirmed statement of [[17s-topic:369|the Principle of Intent]] theory).
 
Magic systems have a [[focus]]. Metals are the focus for the Metallic Arts, Aons are the focus for AonDor, and the Commands are the focus for Awakening.{{annotation ref|wb|chapter=21}} The focus seems to be related to Shards themselves, as Ruin and Preservation could not perceive metal. It is not known what determines a focus for a given Shard, or if all Shards are blind to their focus in some way.
 
== Theories and Speculation ==
{{theory}}
=== Shardic Future Sight ===
A remarkably simple theory explains why some Shards are better at seeing into the future than others. Cultivation is better at seeing into the future than Honor, and when compared to Preservation, Ruin was remarkably bad at seeing into the future. (After all, if Ruin figured out the Terris Prophecies, he could have simply killed Vin after the events of [[The Well of Ascension]], thus defeating Preservation's plot for a new Vessel and ultimately gaining victory.)
 
The idea is simple: a Shard's ability to see into the future is determined by the Shard's intent.{{wob ref|2713}} Ruin is intent that has an immediate effect--Ruin wants to destroy ''now'', not later. Since Ruin is preoccupied with the present, he is particularly bad at seeing into the future. Preservation, on the other hand, is about protection. Protection is a long term thing, so Preservation is more looking into the future, so he is good at seeing into the future. It’s probably for similar reasons why Cultivation is skilled at seeing into the future.
 
Splinters can be comprised of the Investiture of one or more Shards.{{wob ref|6454}} Examples of splinters include the divine [[Breath]] of the [[Returned]],{{wob ref|4486}} [[Aon]]s within [[seon]]s, and [[spren]].{{wob ref|3017}}
There was significant debate whether Odium could see into the future. People agreed that Odium is more proficient than Ruin at the very least, because having hatred for something would mean that Odium would stop at nothing to exact his goals, even if he had to wait an extremely long period of time. However, Odium is probably not as good as Cultivation or Preservation in this regard, but this still means Odium is much more dangerous than Ruin.
 
== See Also ==
[[category: magic]]
[[category: Shards| ]]
[[category: notable articles]]
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