◒

Difference between revisions of "Shard"

From The Coppermind
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Tags: Mobile web edit Mobile edit Advanced mobile edit
(21 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{magic
−
{{update}}
  
  +
|image=The Roshards by jurassicpencil.jpg
−
The '''Shards of [[Adonalsium]]''', or '''Shards''' for short, are pieces of the power of creation itself.{{qa ref|727|45}} They are named after a specific action or ideal, called an [[intent]]. A mind must control a Shard. When a person holds a Shard, they are imbued with its power, but they also become the Shard.{{qa ref|697|21}} Despite this, fans have created the term '''Shardholder''' to refer to the person who holds a Shard (not to be confused with [[Shardbearer]]), but this term is not canonical.
  
  +
|related=[[Adonalsium]], [[Investiture]]
  +
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
  +
}}
  +
{{spoilers|mb7}}
  +
{{update|sa4|mb7}}
  +
:''This page contains information for the Shards of Adonalsium. For information regarding the armaments used on Roshar, see [[Shardblade]] or [[Shardplate]].''
   
  +
{{quote
−
There are sixteen Shards{{epigraph ref|TWoK|11}}, and they are the most powerful known entities in the [[cosmere]]. They are related to many, if not all, magic systems, and for practical purposes, they are gods. All Shards started at an equal power level.{{17s ref|post|42116}}
  
  +
|The Shards are not God, but they are ''pieces'' of God. Ruin, Preservation, Autonomy, Cultivation, Devotion...There are sixteen of them.
  +
|[[Khriss]]{{msh ref|3|2}}
  +
}}
   
  +
The '''Shards of [[Adonalsium]]''', or '''Shards''' for short, are sixteen pieces of the power of creation.{{wob ref|6072}} They are each named after a specific characteristic or ideal that represents the Shard's primary purpose or motivation. A person who has taken up the power of a Shard is the '''Vessel''' of that Shard.{{msh ref|5|2}}
−
Nine Shards have thus far been mentioned in the novels, and an additional one by Brandon. They were either referenced by their Shard's name or its holder. Those known by intent are [[Ruin]], [[Preservation]], [[Honor]], [[Odium]], [[Cultivation]], [[Endowment]], [[Devotion]]{{qa ref|715|9}}, and [[Dominion]]{{17s ref|topic|1175}}. In addition, a person called [[Bavadin]] has been confirmed to hold (or have held) a Shard, though his Shard's intent is currently unknown. The tenth shard that Brandon told us about just "wants to survive". It is unclear what the intent of this Shard is, as it could be Survival but also could be many other things.
  
   
  +
The Shards are the most powerful known entities in the [[cosmere]], and for all intents and purposes, serve as the gods of the cosmere. Most if not all magic systems are related to them.
−
== Introduction ==
  
−
{{quote|Even now, I can barely grasp the scope of all this. The events surrounding the end of the world seem even larger than the Final Empire and the people within it.<br> 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.|the [[Hero of Ages]]{{epigraph ref|mb3|39}}, emphasis added}}
  
−  
−
It is not known what [[Adonalsium]] is, whether it be a person or a great power. Since Shards have been called pieces of the power of creation{{qa ref|727|45}}, it is theorized that Adonalsium is in fact the power of creation. Regardless of its nature, Adonalsium was [[Shattering|Shattered]], and thus the Shards of Adonalsium came into being. [[The Way of Kings]] heavily implies there are sixteen Shards.{{epigraph ref|TWoK|11}}
  
−  
−
These Shards are named after their respective [[intent]], which represents the driving force of the power{{annotation ref|mb3|chapter=58}}--an aspect of creation. However, after the Shattering, the Shards were left with no mind to control the power. For [[Realmatic]] reasons, a mind--Cognitive power--must be attached to the Spiritual power of the Shard. People eventually took up these Shards, like [[Rayse]] and [[Bavadin]], who share some history with whoever wrote [[the Letter]].
  
−  
−
When a person takes up a Shard, the extreme power vaporizes the body, allowing the person's mind to expand.{{qa ref|727|45}} From then on, the person's consciousness feeds on the power of the Shard to remain alive{{annotation ref|mb3|chapter=58}}, but the Shard's intent is the driving force of the power. Over an immense time--centuries, perhaps millennia--a Shardholder’s mind begins to change, slowly molding to the Shard's intent.{{annotation ref|mb3|chapter=57}}{{qa ref|691|17}}
  
   
  +
== Introduction ==
  +
{{image|Tanavast.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Honor]]}}
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
  +
|Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood.
−
|Ati was once a kind and generous man, and you saw what became of him.
  
−
|[[The Letter]], about Ati, the holder of [[Ruin]]{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}}
 +
|[[Sazed]]{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}}
 
}}
  
}}
   
  +
=== Power ===
−
It is not clear who the original Shardholders were, but they all originally were from [[Yolen]]. Over time, Shardholders begin referring to themselves as their Shard's name (though they do remember their original selves{{qa ref|700|5}}). They eventually scattered throughout the cosmere, taking residence on several different [[Shardworld]]s and influencing events on their given planet. Ruin and Preservation made a pact to create life on Scadrial,{{epigraph ref|mb3|53}} and constructed humans in the form which they have seen before{{book ref|mb3|76}}--presumably on the planet where Adonalsium and these Shardholders came from. Judging from humanity on other Shardworlds, the Shards on those worlds probably created humanity there, too. However, the Shardworlds existed before the Shards arrived there{{qa ref|700|3}} so there is a case to be made that humans already were present during the Shards’ arrivals.
  
  +
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 can 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 [[worldhopping]].{{book ref|sa3|119}} The Shard's Investiture can also manifest directly in the world in other ways; examples of such manifestations are [[atium]] and [[lerasium]] on [[Scadrial]], the [[Tears of Edgli]] on [[Nalthis]], or the many [[spren]] of [[Roshar]].
−
Often, a Shardholder's original name is mentioned in some form on their world. Atium is named after Ati, lerasium after Leras, and those condensed essences of their Shards' power. AonDor is derived from Aona, a Shardholder on Sel. It is also suspected that 'Domi', god of the Shu-Korath people, is short for Dominion.{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}
  
   
  +
=== Vessel ===
−
At this point, all known magic in the cosmere is related to a Shard.
  
  +
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}} Currently, there is only one Shard held by a Dragon ([[Cultivation]]).{{wob ref|15149}} 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}} Upon Ascension, a Vessel loses its connection to its former species -- for example, a human who Ascended is no longer considered human.{{wob ref|4709}} However, it is possible for Vessels to reproduce.{{wob ref|6383}}
   
  +
The act of becoming a Vessel is called '''Ascension''', and causes the Vessel's body to vaporize and 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.{{wob ref|7965}}{{wob ref|5485}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}} If a Vessel fights against their Shards intent, they can be left vulnerable.{{book ref|sa4|i|6}} If the Vessel were to give up the Shard, the Shard's influence on their mind would fade over time.{{wob ref|3009}}
−
It appears that the bond between human and Shard is permanent. The only evidence of Shards changing hands after the original Shardholders are when a Shard dies. When that dies, the person's original body rematerializes and falls to the ground as a corpse.{{epigraph ref|mb3|56}}
  
   
  +
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}} A Shard without a Vessel will eventually gain sentience.{{wob ref|5816}} When a Vessel dies, the person's original body materializes and falls to the ground as a corpse.{{epigraph ref|mb3|56}} However, it does not age rapidly, since Shardic immortality is different from other methods like atium compounding.{{wob ref|3870}}
−
Ruin and Preservation were drawn together because they were such perfect opposites{{qa ref|691|9}} (though not all Shards have pairs like those ones do{{qa ref|691|9}}). Direct confrontation between their two powers was excruciatingly painful, and they eventually destroyed each other. It is not clear whether if any two Shards collided, they would both die, or if this was simply an effect of Ruin and Preservation having such opposite intents.
  
   
  +
It is possible for Vessels to be separated from their Shards without dying or Splintering the Shards they held.{{wob ref|120}}{{wob ref|6587}}{{wob ref|14278}} If this happens, then after the Vessel's death, it is able to resist the pull into the [[Beyond]].{{msh ref|6|8}}
−
It is implied that not all Shards are equal (though they started at an equal level{{17s ref|post|42116}}). Rayse is said to hold the most dangerous of the sixteen, Odium.{{epigraph ref|sa1|19}}{{book ref|TWoK|46}} It is unknown what makes Odium inherently so dangerous, whether it is due to the intent, or because Odium actually has more power than other Shards.
  
   
  +
A mentally ill Vessel can affect the Shard's intent.{{wob ref|13090}}
−
Odium was powerful enough to travel to Sel, kill Aona and Skai, and Splinter their power:
  
   
  +
== History ==
  +
:''For the histories of individual Shards, see their respective pages.''
 
{{quote
  
{{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.
−
|One need only look at the aftermath of his brief visit to Sel to see proof of what I say. In case you have turned a blind eye to that disaster, know that Aona and Skai are both dead, and that which they held has been Splintered. Presumably to prevent anyone from rising up to challenge Rayse.
  
−
|[[The Letter]]{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}
 +
|[[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}}
−
It is unknown if Odium is special in his ability to Splinter a Shard, but regardless, the person who wrote [[the Letter]] is terrified of Odium's power.
  
   
  +
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]].{{wob ref|9507}} 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 [[Cosmere#Planets|planets]], while others set no roots.{{wob ref|4441}} At this time they all had an equal amount of power.{{wob ref|13482}}
−
Odium is not native on Roshar{{qa ref|675|32}} and it's not known yet whether any Shard is native on its Sharldworld.{{qa ref|836|49}}
  
   
  +
Originally, the Shards made an agreement not to interfere with each other,{{epigraph ref|sa3|39}} but they did not make a formal oath{{wob ref|13144}} and many of the Shards chose not to keep to the agreement.{{epigraph ref|sa3|39}} Additionally, [[Honor]] felt he did not break the agreement by traveling with [[Cultivation]],{{wob ref|10835}} suggesting the wording of the agreement may not have been as precise as Shards like Endowment thought.
−
If Brandon were to do a novel where different magic systems collide as the focus of the book, he refers to it as a '''conflux''' book.{{qa ref|692|12}}
  
   
  +
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 between several hands before it was eventually combined with [[Ruin]] to form [[Harmony]].{{book ref|mb3|76}}{{msh ref |6|4}} By contrast, [[Autonomy]] spread, creating avatars to inhabit numerous planets, including [[Obrodai]] and [[First of the Sun]].{{wob ref|11432}}
−
The [[Seventeenth Shard]], however, is not a Shard of Adonalsium, but rather an organization of people who hop between worlds.{{17s ref|topic|6}}
  
   
  +
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}} At least one Shard other than Odium has been forced to leave their planet after its destruction.{{wob ref|12759}}
−
While it is not a requirement for taking up a Shard, it helps to be able to utilise Investiture.{{qa ref|979|56}}
  
   
 
== Known Shards ==
  
== Known Shards ==
  +
−
There are nine known Shards, listed here:
  
  +
There are sixteen original Shards, with fifteen Shards (including Harmony) currently known. Two of the original Shards are currently unknown.
−
{| class="wikitable"
  
  +
−
|+ Shards of Adonalsium
  
  +
While most planets have at most one Shard, [[Sel]] and [[Scadrial]] are both dishardic, hosting two Shards each.{{au ref|Selish}}{{au ref|Scadrian}} [[Roshar]], on the other hand, is the only known example of a world influenced by three Shards.{{au ref|Rosharan}}
  +
  +
=== Original Shards ===
  +
  +
{| class='infobox sortable' align=center
  +
|- class=title
  +
!Shard !! Vessel !! World !! Books !! class=unsortable| References
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Devotion]]
−
! Shard !! Holder !! [[Shardworld|World]] !! Books !! Notes
  
  +
| [[Aona]] <small>(deceased)</small>
  +
| [[Sel]]
  +
| ''[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]], [[The Emperor's Soul]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|783}}{{wob ref|4679}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Dominion]]
−
| [[Ruin]] || [[Sazed]] (originally [[Ati]]) || [[Scadrial]] || [[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]] || {{qa ref|727|19}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Skai]] <small>(deceased)</small>
  +
| [[Sel]]
  +
| ''[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]], [[The Emperor's Soul]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|9990}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Preservation]]
−
| [[Preservation]] || [[Sazed]] (originally [[Leras]]) || Scadrial || [[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]] || {{qa ref|727|19}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Sazed]] <br /><small>(formerly [[Leras]], [[Kelsier]], and [[Vin]])</small>
  +
| [[Scadrial]]
  +
| ''[[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|5599}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Ruin]]
−
| [[Endowment]] || || [[Nalthis]] || [[Warbreaker]] || {{qa ref|428|59}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Sazed]] <br /><small>(formerly [[Ati]])</small>
  +
| [[Scadrial]]
  +
| ''[[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|5599}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Odium]]
−
| [[Devotion]] || [[Aona]] || [[Sel]] || [[Elantris]] || {{qa ref|715|9}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Taravangian]] <br /><small>(formerly [[Rayse]])</small>
  +
| [[Braize]], [[Roshar]]
  +
| ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|7266}}{{wob ref|5984}}{{book ref|sa4|83}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Cultivation]]
−
| [[Dominion]] || [[Skai]] || [[Sel]] || [[Elantris]] || {{17s ref|topic|1175}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Koravellium Avast]]
  +
| [[Roshar]]
  +
| ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|10113}}{{wob ref|5984}}{{file ref|Alethi Glyphs Page 2.jpg}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Honor]]
−
| [[Honor]] || [[Tanavast]] || [[Roshar]] || [[The Stormlight Archive]] || {{qa ref|698|1}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Tanavast]] <small>(deceased)</small>
  +
| [[Roshar]]
  +
| ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|4229}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Endowment]]
−
| [[Odium]] || [[Rayse]] || [[Braize]] || [[The Stormlight Archive]] || {{qa ref|700|7}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Edgli]]
  +
| [[Nalthis]]
  +
| ''[[Warbreaker]]''
  +
|{{wob ref|5943}}{{wob ref|5984}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Autonomy]]
−
| [[Cultivation]] || || [[Roshar]] || [[The Stormlight Archive]] || {{qa ref|692|21}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Bavadin]]
  +
| [[Taldain]]; avatars on<br />[[First of the Sun]], [[Obrodai]], and [[Scadrial]]
  +
| ''[[White Sand]]'', ''[[Sixth of the Dusk]]'', [[Mistborn Era 2]]
  +
|{{wob ref|5599}}{{wob ref|9385}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}}{{book ref|mb7|19}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| [[Ambition]]
−
| [[Bavadin's Shard|Unnamed Shard]] || [[Bavadin]] || [[Taldain]] || [[White Sand]] || {{qa ref|727|19}}{{qa ref|428|106}}
  
  +
| [[Uli Da]] <small>(deceased)</small>
  +
| [[Threnody]]
  +
| ''[[Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell]]''
  +
|{{au ref|threnodite}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|40}}{{wob ref|8398}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Invention]]
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
|{{epigraph ref|sa4|24}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Mercy]]
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
|{{epigraph ref|sa4|25}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Valor]]
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
|{{epigraph ref|sa4|25}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Whimsy]]
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
| ''Unknown''
  +
|{{epigraph ref|sa4|25}}
 
|}
  
|}
−
It is likely that this is a complete list of all the Shards for the published [[Shardworld]]s. Some worlds have more Shards than others.{{qa ref|428|59}}
  
   
  +
=== Hybrid Shards ===
−
Ruin and Preservation are the only Shards on [[Scadrial]] at the moment.{{qa ref|727|19}} By the time of the Hero of Ages spoiler thread (before the Way of Kings release), Brandon mentioned that there were four Shards other than Ruin and Preservation that have been seen:
  
   
  +
Several of the known Shards are dead in the current time, with [[Ambition]], [[Honor]], [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] all being [[Splinter]]ed,{{au ref|Rosharan}} with the remnants of [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] having been combined together in the [[Cognitive Realm]] as [[the Dor]].{{au ref|Sel}} [[Ruin]] and [[Preservation]], on the other hand, have blended together into [[Harmony]], albeit they remain somewhat separate within this unified construct.{{wob ref|6486}}
−
{{quote
  
−
|You've interacted with two directly.<br>
  
−
One is a tough call. You've never met the Shard itself, but you've seen its power.<br>
 
−
The other one you have not met directly, but have seen its influence.
  
−
|Brandon Sanderson{{qa ref|727|31}}
  
−
}}
  
   
−
Endowment was confirmed to be the Voice from [[Warbreaker]],{{qa ref|428|59}} which Lightsong interacts with. [[Raoden]] interacts with a second voice when he jumps into the [[Shardpool]] in [[Elantris]] (presumably Aona's). Before the release of [[The Way of Kings]] it was not clear what the other two Shards were. However, Hoid was not a Shardholder on that list.{{qa ref|691|12}}
  
   
  +
{| class='infobox sortable' align=center
−
With the Way of Kings, [[the Letter]] demystifies the other two unaccounted for Shards: we had not directly met Skai's Shard, but his power on the planet of [[Sel]] has been seen (and, presumably, his related magic, with the [[Dakhor]]). And [[Odium]] traveled to Sel, killing Aona and Skai, so by default his influence is pervasive on Sel.{{epigraph ref|sa1|22}} So, all the Shards on Scadrial, Sel, and Nalthis are accounted for.
 
  +
|- class=title
−  
  +
!Shard !! Vessel !! World !! Books !! Notes !! class=unsortable| References
−
There are three Shards on Roshar{{qa ref|691|13}} and they are confirmed to be Honor, Odium, and Cultivation.{{qa ref|692|21}} Honor and Cultivation arrived at the same time on Roshar,{{17s ref|post|42213}}, prior to Odium's appearance.{{qa ref|836|49}}
  
  +
|-
−  
  +
| [[Harmony]]
−
Therefore, for all Shardworlds that have been seen, all Shards are known.
  
  +
| [[Sazed]]
−  
  +
| [[Scadrial]]
−
The intent of one unknown Shard has been described, but not explicitly named:
  
  +
| ''[[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]]''
  +
| Conjoining of [[Ruin]] and [[Preservation]]
  +
|{{book ref|mb3|82}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Dor]]
  +
| ''None''
  +
| [[Sel]]
  +
| ''[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]], [[The Emperor's Soul]], [[Mistborn Era 2]]''
  +
| Combination of the splintered [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]]
  +
| {{au ref|Sel}}{{wob ref|2787}}{{wob ref|1533}}
  +
|}
   
  +
=== Unnamed Shards ===
 
{{quote
  
{{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.
−
|There is one [Shard] who just wants to hide + survive.
  
  +
|[[Hoid]] possibly implying the existence of another Shard{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{wob ref|13239}}
−
|Brandon Sanderson{{17s ref|post|46099}}
  
 
}}
  
}}
   
  +
There remain two Shards that have not been named, nor referred to explicitly in text.
−
There is also a shard that doesn't inhabit any planet.{{qa ref|1079|1|There is a shard that isn't on a planet|date=Mar 5th, 2014}}
  
   
  +
One of these two Shards has an intent similar to Wisdom or Prudence.{{wob ref|12684}}{{wob ref|13231}} [[Hoid]] and this Shard may be antagonistic towards each other,{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{wob ref|13239}} though this appears to be something of a common thread in his relations with the original Vessels.{{epigraph ref|sa1|23}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}}{{book ref|sa2|55}} There is a Shard that "[[Survival Shard|just wants to hide and survive]],"{{wob ref|2788}} though it has realized over time that that may not be the most desirable course of action; this may be the "wisdom" Shard.{{wob ref|12684}}{{wob ref|13231}}
−
Still, that leaves eight additional Shards whose direct influence have not been seen, and the only reference to any of them is that Bavadin is a Shardholder.{{qa ref|700|7}} The last seven Shards are unknown.
  
   
  +
At one point, there was an unknown Shard that does not inhabit a planet.{{wob ref|4441}} Since then, however, the Shards [[Ambition]], [[Invention]], [[Mercy]], [[Valor]], and [[Whimsy]] have been revealed; it is unclear if any of them are this Shard. Similarly, at one point there was at least one unknown Shard that had been Splintered by Odium,{{wob ref|1357}} though the Splintered Shard Ambition has been revealed since then.
−
== Forms and Subdivisions ==
  
  +
  +
== Powers and Abilities ==
 
{{quote
  
{{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.
−
|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.
  
  +
|[[Stormfather]]{{book ref|sa3|16}}
−
<br /><br />
  
−
Though we discussed it after the fact, we couldn't decide what that was. How could we possibly have known?<br /><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.|Sazed{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}}
  
 
}}
  
}}
   
  +
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]]. Shards do not appear in the Cognitive Realm like other entities (such as a bead on Roshar).{{wob ref|14026}} Time matters little to Shards, and they can bend and stretch it as they wish.{{epigraph ref|mb3|17}}
−
A Shard's power can take many different forms, related to the three [[Realmatic Theory|realm]]s: the Physical, the Cognitive, and the Spiritual.{{qa ref|428|10}} 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}}
  
   
  +
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, nor omnipotent.{{book ref|sa4|54}}
−
In its Physical form, it can appear as a solid, and does one specific thing.{{qa ref|727|45}} 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.
  
   
  +
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}} Breaking such deals will leave holes in them that another Shard can exploit to kill them.{{book ref|sa4|99}}{{book ref|sa4|112}}
−
In its liquid form, it is most potent.{{qa ref|727|45}} 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 [[Shardpool]]. Ruin's is located below the [[Pits of Hathsin]].{{17s ref|topic|614}} Raoden encounters a Shardpool, where [[hoed]] can go to relieve their pain.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} That pool is theorized to be Aona's Shardpool.
  
   
  +
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.
−
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.{{qa ref|727|45}} The black smoke that was found in the chamber before the Well of Ascension was Ruin's corresponding "mist".{{epigraph ref|mb3|14}} Based on [[Realmatic Theory]], it is known that the spiritual power is tied to the afterlife in the corresponding world and is the area in which shardblades are stored, so it is reasonable to conclude the gaseous form of Shards are somehow tied to this plane of existence.
  
   
  +
=== Individual Powers ===
−
There are further subdivisions of Shards: Slivers and Splinters.
  
  +
{{image|Marsh Ruin.png|side=right|width=250px|[[Ruin]] commanding a [[Steel Inquisitor]]}}
   
−
=== [[Sliver]] ===
 +
==== Movement ====
  +
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 is in.{{wob ref|9852}} Shards can also trap each other in systems, though the precise mechanics of that are unknown.{{book ref|sa3|57}}
−
A Sliver is a human intelligence who has held the power and released it.{{qa ref|699|7}} There is a certain threshold of power where one would be considered a Sliver of Adonalsium. Every person on [[Scadrial]] has a bit of the power of Preservation, but they are not technically Slivers. Though there is some grey area in what it means to be a Sliver, individuals who have directly held the power of a Shard are usually termed Slivers.{{qa ref|680|26}}
  
   
  +
==== Communication ====
−
The [[Lord Ruler]] held a bit of Preservation at the [[Well of Ascension]] and letting 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.{{qa ref|680|26}}
  
  +
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}}
   
  +
A Shard can also communicate directly with [[Cognitive Shadow]]s.{{msh ref|1|1}}
−
=== [[Splinter]] ===
  
−
It is unknown what the exact definition of a Splinter is, but the term seems to refer to a specific kind of fragment of a Shard's power. Unlike Slivers, a Splinter has never been human.{{qa ref|699|8}} Lerasium and atium, despite being condensed essences of their Shards, are not Splinters. One distinguishing factor of a Splinter is that they often have an [[intent]], separate from their Shards'. {{ref|name=orullian}}
  
   
  +
==== Mind Capacity====
−
The divine Breath that [[Returned]] hold (a Splinter of [[Endowment]]{{qa ref|680|13}}) and the Aon within a Seon (a Splinter of [[Devotion]]) are the only confirmed Splinters. Splinters also appear in ''[[The Way of Kings]]'', but not ''[[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]]''.{{qa ref|699|8}}
 
  +
Upon Ascension, the [[Vessel]]'s mind will be greatly expanded, allowing a far greater capacity to think than a mortal could.{{book ref|sa4|114}} A Shard is capable of bilocation -- being present in several places at once -- within its sphere of influence.{{msh ref|1|1}} As moments can pass like years to a Shard, they can also appear to think far faster than normal minds. Fundamental understanding of the cosmere, to the point of [[axi]] and anti-axi, also comes as a result.{{book ref|sa4|65}} They seem to possess flawless memory, with no obvious upper limit, as [[Sazed]] is able to absorb the tremendous amount of knowledge in his [[metalmind]]s.
   
  +
However, contrary to what many believes, Shards are neither omniscient nor omnipresent.{{book ref|sa4|54}} They can only appear at limited places at once, and can be distracted, deceived or surprised. It is also possible to block a Shard's senses away from a certain area.{{ref|text=Metal can block the sight of [[Ruin]]}} They are incapable of breaking a formal contract, at least not without seriously wounding themselves.{{book ref|sa4|112}}
−
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 holder of [[Honor]], Honor is Splintered.{{qa ref|755|27}}
  
   
−
== Powers ==
 +
==== Creating Sapience ====
  +
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}}
−
Here lists some general abilities of all Shards. More powers may be discovered as more books are published.
  
−
Also, it is possible an individual Shard's abilities may vary depending on their intent, but such distinctions are not known at this time.
  
   
  +
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 planet.{{wob ref|3974}}{{wob ref|9385}} 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}} Some avatars are self-aware, while others are not, although the parent Shard will always be aware. Though some would call these avatars Splinters, it is not clear whether they truly fit the definition.{{wob ref|13323}}{{wob ref|13339}}
−
Shards hold a vast amount of Spiritual energy, and have enormous capabilities, so much power that they have effectively become gods. 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}}
  
   
  +
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 can will 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 [[Sazed]] could travel to another world, but chooses not to.{{qa ref|691|16}}
  
   
  +
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}}
−
Shards can fuel magic, as evidenced by Ruin and Preservation's ability to fuel all the Metallic Arts.{{qa ref|727|45}} Ruin could manipulate the contents of Feruchemical metalminds. Ruin and Preservation can both whisper into the minds of humans.
  
   
  +
==== Magic Generation ====
−
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]].{{qa ref|727|9}} Most of the time, temporal abilities are related to the pure essence of a Shard (see [[atium]]) or to a Splinter (like Returned do).{{qa ref|590|46}} 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]].
  
  +
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 planet inhabited by a Shard, 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.
−
Shards can develop complex constructs with their power. Preservation made the mists Snap Allomancers long after his mind had withered away.{{qa ref|428|10}} Honor created a visual journal which [[Dalinar]] now sees during [[highstorm]]s.{{book ref|twok|75}}
  
   
  +
Shards are capable of tampering with Investiture that does not belong to them.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}
−
Aspects of Shards' power regenerate over time. The Well of Ascension reformed every 1024 years{{qa ref|691|3}} 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.
  
   
−
=== Weaknesses ===
 +
==== Future Sight ====
  +
{{theory}}
−
One of the largest weaknesses a Shard has is that its holder 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.{{qa ref|675|12}}
  
  +
{{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.
  +
|[[Honor]]{{book ref|sa1|75}}
  +
}}
   
  +
Shards can perceive the future, although it can be difficult for them. Some are better at it than others, with [[Cultivation]] and [[Preservation]] being noted as particularly excelling.{{book ref|sa1|75}}{{wob ref|5309}} Like all seers, Shards can be wrong about both what they see and how they interpret it, although as a general rule they see further than non-Shards.{{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}}
−
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 end of ''[[The Hero of Ages]]'', Sazed can more easily influence events where the mists are located{{qa ref|727|8}}, which implies that there is a limit to his Shards' powers.
  
   
  +
Both [[Preservation]] and [[Honor]] describe seeing the future as not one set path, but a tangled web of linked possibilities, as well as the circumstances necessary to bring them about, with some being more likely than others. As a result, predicting the future is not a straightforward process, and is not equally useful to all seers. Upon Ascension to [[Odium]], [[Taravangian]] realized that there are possibilities of future that Rayse had not seen, implying the future sight ability may be related to the Vessel as well.{{book ref|sa4|114}}
−
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.{{qa ref|723|13}} Brandon has also stated, however, that Shardic mind reading in this case has to do with humans having more Preservation than Ruin.{{qa ref|708|3}} 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.
  
   
  +
It is theorized that a Shard's intent may be tied to its proficiency with future sight. 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, would not have "seeing ahead" as part of their nature.
−
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 Sazed is also blind to metal{{qa ref|727|80}}
  
   
  +
== Forms and Subdivisions ==
−
Honor states to [[Dalinar]] that a champion may bind [[Odium]], but it is unknown what he meant.{{book ref|TWoK|75}}
  
  +
{{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 '''[[God Metal]]'''. Examples of God Metals are [[atium]], [[lerasium]], [[raysium]], and the alloy of [[Honor]] and [[Cultivation]] that forms [[Shardblade]]s. God Metals typically have properties within the [[Metallic Arts]], regardless of what Shard they're aligned with.{{wob ref|6072}}
−
== Relationship with Magic Systems ==
  
   
  +
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]].
−
{{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]]{{qa ref|727|45}}}}
  
   
  +
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}}
−
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]], by name, appears to be related to [[Devotion]]. [[Awakening]] is of [[Endowment]]. It is thought that [[Surgebinding]] is of [[Honor]], but this is not confirmed. 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.
  
   
  +
=== Slivers ===
−
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.{{qa ref|691|25}}{{qa ref|1038|5|}} However, Shards did not ''create'' magic systems. Ruin and Preservation did not create the Metallic Arts.{{qa ref|727|5}} Rather, magic is a natural function of the world, a Shard's intent, [[Realmatic]] interactions, and sometimes genetics.{{qa ref|727|45}}
  
  +
{{for|Sliver}}
   
  +
A Sliver is a person who has held the power of a Shard, and then released it.{{wob ref|4540}} This "stretches" a person's [[spiritweb]], noticeably altering them. There is some grey area as to how much power one needs to have to be considered a Sliver; however, a person who directly handled Shardic power is the most straightforward example. The [[Lord Ruler]] and [[Kelsier]] would both be considered Slivers, while [[Elantrian]]s and [[Returned]] would not.{{wob ref|4499}}
−
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.{{qa ref|622|107}} 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).
  
   
  +
=== Splinters ===
−
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.{{ref|text=[[User: Chaos2651|Chaos]]'s meeting with Brandon insists it is so.}}{{clarify|need better than 'Eric says so}} 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.
  
  +
{{for|Splinter}}
   
  +
A Splinter is a fragment of a Shard's power, similar to how a Shard is a fragment of Adonalsium's power. Unlike Slivers or [[Cognitive Shadow]]s, Splinters don't generally have a Physical component.{{wob ref|4541}} They often have a mind of their own, separate and distinct from that of their parent Shard.{{wob ref|10089}} They can form in two distinct ways: either by the Shard being splintered (killed), or by the Shard directly splitting off splinters of itself.{{wob ref|4129}}{{book ref|sa3|108}} Under certain circumstances, a Shard may be split and each resulting piece would gain an aspect of the original Shard's Intent.{{wob ref|15990}}
−
== Theories and Speculation ==
  
−
{{theory}}
  
   
  +
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}} It is possible to create a new Shard from splinters of multiple other Shards, though it is much more difficult than it sounds.{{wob ref|14145}}
−
=== Shardic Sentience ===
  
   
  +
== Champion ==
−
It has been theorized that a Shard's power creates sentience.{{17s ref|topic|549}}{{17s ref|topic|636}} 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.
  
  +
It is possible for a Shard to name a "champion" when making a deal with another Shard. Becoming a champion in this way is a formal event and requires some kind of contractual agreement.{{book ref|sa4|112}}{{wob ref|15676}} Honor encourages [[Dalinar Kholin]] to try to get Odium to agree to a contest of champions;{{book ref|sa1|75}} Odium eventually agrees and attempts to name Dalinar as his champion, though Dalinar declines.{{book ref|sa3|119}} Shards outside of the [[Rosharan system]] have also had champions.{{wob ref|5286}} The Heralds are similar to champions,{{wob ref|9548}} and the conflicts between [[Marsh]] and [[Elend]] and between Marsh and [[Vin]] are an echo of this system.{{wob ref|15676}}
−  
−
=== Shardholder of Endowment ===
  
−
Endowment's Shardholder is currently unknown, but since the Tears of Edgli are related to color and Awakening, it's been proposed that Endowment's original name was Edgli.{{qa ref|691|7}}
  
−  
−
It is also theorized that Endowment's Shardholder is female.
  
−  
−
=== Speculated Splinters ===
  
−  
−
Since Aona and Skai's Shards have been Splintered, it commonly espoused that Skaze, is a Splinter of Dominion.
  
−  
−
Syl, and Honorspren generally, are also thought to be Splinters.
  
−  
−
=== 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 holder and ultimately gaining victory.)
  
−  
−
The idea is simple: a Shard's ability to see into the future is determined by the Shard's intent. 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.
  
−  
−
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 ==
  
== See Also ==
 
* [[Adonalsium]]
  
* [[Adonalsium]]
−
* [[Shardworld]]
  
−
* [[Intent]]
  
 
* [[Realmatic Theory]]
  
* [[Realmatic Theory]]
−
* [[Chronology]]
  
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
 
<references>
  
<references>
−  
−
{{17s ref|topic|6|text=Welcome to 17th Shard|date=N/A}}
  
−
{{17s ref|topic|549|text=Shardic Sentience|date=16 May 2011}}
  
−
{{17s ref|topic|614|text=Ancient Q&A, Question 15|date=2010-05}}
  
−
{{17s ref|topic|636|text=Power generates sentience|date=01 July 2011}}
  
−
{{17s ref|topic|1175|text=Another shard revealed|date=14 November 2011}}
  
−
{{17s ref|post|42116|All shards started equal?|date=26 September 2012}}
  
−
{{17s ref|post|42213|Did Cultivation come to Roshar with Honor?|date=26 September 2012}}
  
−
{{17s ref|post|46099|Clues in signed things|date=09 December 2012}}
  
−  
−
{{qa ref|428|10|Of the people that were sick for the 16 days in comparison to just the 1 day, it is mentioned that they would be able to burn more precious metals (atium). Could it also be possible they are/were Mistborn - with the ability to burn all 16 metals?|date=Jul, 2009}}
  
−
{{qa ref|428|59|Could you tell us the numbers per book?|date=Jul, 2009}}
  
−
{{qa ref|428|106|What planet is Elantris is set on?|date=Jul, 2009}}
  
−
{{qa ref|590|46|How did Wyrn see into the future?|date=Jan 10th, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|622|107|How is Allomancy of Preservation?|date=Aug 31st, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|675|12|When Odium slays the Shardbearers, why doesn't he absorb the enemy Shards?|date=Dec 15th, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|675|32|Can you give me a hint about Odium?|date=Dec 15th, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|680|13|If a returned gives away his/her breath they die right?|date=Jan 18th, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|680|26|Also, would the Elantrians and the Lerasium-mistings be considered Slivers?|date=Jan 18th, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|3|Why did the Well of Ascension refill every thousand years?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|7|Is Edgli Endowment's real name?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|9|Are all Shards paired?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|12|Does Hoid hold a Shard?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|13|How many Shards have existed on Roshar?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|16|Can Sazed worldhop?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|17|Will Sazed go mad?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|691|25|If Endowment went to Scadrial, would more magic's appear?|date=May, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|1038|5| Any world with at least two Shards will result in a similar phenomenon.|date= Oct 5th, 2013}}
  
−
{{qa ref|692|12|Will you ever write a book or series where different magic systems come into the same world?|date=Oct 15th, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|692|21|Is Cultvation a Shard on Roshar?|date=Oct 15th, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|697|21|Barring (Honor), did we see any Shards (like Sazed) in (TWoK)?|date=Dec, 2010}}
  
−
{{qa ref|698|1|Honor was held by Tanavast first?|date=2011-03-21}}
  
−
{{qa ref|699|7|Is a Sliver someone who has held a Shard temporarily?|date=Mar 19th, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|699|8|How is a Splinter different from a Sliver?|date=Mar 19th, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|700|3|Who names the planets?|date=May 31st, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|700|5|Do (Shards) still remember their original names?|date=May 31st, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|700|7|Does Bavadin hold a Shard?|date=May 31st, 2011}}
  
−
{{qa ref|708|3|How was Sazed/Harmony able to communicate with Waxillium near the end of the book?|date=Jan, 2012}}
  
−
{{qa ref|715|9|Aona's shard is Devotion?|date=2012-03-05}}
  
−
{{qa ref|723|13|How does Harmony hear Wax's thoughts?|date=04 Jun 2012|<!-- http://redd.it/uk7ga -->}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|8|Do the Metallic Arts still exist after Sazed's ascension?|date=2008-10-15}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|5|Is Hemalurgy dead?|date=2008-10-15}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|9|How were the Terris Prophecies created in the first place?|date=2008-10-15}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|19|Is Scadrial the name of the Mistborn world?|date=2008-10-16}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|31|Have we met these (Shards)?|date=2008-10-17}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|45|Allomancy is fueled by Preservation's body?|date=2008-10-17}}
  
−
{{qa ref|727|80|Is Sazed effected by the metal blindess, or can he see thing written in metal?|date=2008-10-20}}
  
−
{{qa ref|755|27|Was Honor splintered?|date=Apr 17th, 2012}}
  
−
{{qa ref|836|49|None are native but Honor and Cultivation were there long before Odium showed up|date=Sep 22nd, 2012}}
  
−
{{qa ref|979|56|One does not have to be somewhat magical, so to speak, but it does help.|date=15 April 2013}}
  
−  
−
{{url ref|name=orullian
  
−
|url=http://orullian.com/writing/brandonsanderson_interview.html
  
−
|text=Do Splinters have their own Intent, in addition to the Shards'?
  
−
|site=Peter Orullian's blog
  
−
|date=31 Oct 2010
  
−
}}
  
−  
 
</references>
  
</references>
  +
{{partial}}
−
{{complete|reviewed=yes|exemplary=y}}
  
 
{{cosmere}}
  
{{cosmere}}
 
[[category: Cosmere|*]]
  
[[category: Cosmere|*]]
 
[[category: magic]]
  
[[category: magic]]
 
[[category: Shards| ]]
  
[[category: Shards| ]]
  +
[[es:Esquirla]]
−
[[category: notable articles]]
  

Revision as of 18:36, 15 January 2023

Shard
The Roshards by jurassicpencil.jpg
by mushimallo
Related to Adonalsium, Investiture
Universe Cosmere
This page or section contains spoilers for The Lost Metal!
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.
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Rhythm of War and The Lost Metal!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.
This page contains information for the Shards of Adonalsium. For information regarding the armaments used on Roshar, see Shardblade or Shardplate.

“The Shards are not God, but they are pieces of God. Ruin, Preservation, Autonomy, Cultivation, Devotion...There are sixteen of them. ”

The Shards of Adonalsium, or Shards for short, are sixteen pieces of the power of creation.[2] They are each named after a specific characteristic or ideal that represents the Shard's primary purpose or motivation. A person who has taken up the power of a Shard is the Vessel of that Shard.[3]

The Shards are the most powerful known entities in the cosmere, and for all intents and purposes, serve as the gods of the cosmere. Most if not all magic systems are related to them.

Introduction

by botanicaxu
Honor

“Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood. ”

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 can become noticeably red.[5]

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.[2][6] Moreover, the presence of a Shard leads to the formation of a Perpendicularity, a well of the Shard's Investiture that pierces all three Realms, allowing for worldhopping.[7] The Shard's Investiture can also manifest directly in the world in other ways; examples of such manifestations 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.[8] Currently, there is only one Shard held by a Dragon (Cultivation).[9] One doesn't need to be able to use Investiture in order to become a Vessel, but the ability does help.[10] 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.[3] Upon Ascension, a Vessel loses its connection to its former species -- for example, a human who Ascended is no longer considered human.[11] However, it is possible for Vessels to reproduce.[12]

The act of becoming a Vessel is called Ascension, and causes the Vessel's body to vaporize and mind to expand.[2] 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.[13][14][15] If a Vessel fights against their Shards intent, they can be left vulnerable.[16] If the Vessel were to give up the Shard, the Shard's influence on their mind would fade over time.[17]

A Shard can be killed by Splintering it, breaking its power down further into smaller pieces, called splinters; the easiest way to achieve that is by killing the mind.[1] The actual death of a Vessel, however, can take up to hundreds of years.[18] If the Shard is taken up before the Vessel dies completely, splintering can be prevented;[1] if not, the power will become wild and dangerous.[19] A Shard without a Vessel will eventually gain sentience.[20] When a Vessel dies, the person's original body materializes and falls to the ground as a corpse.[21] However, it does not age rapidly, since Shardic immortality is different from other methods like atium compounding.[22]

It is possible for Vessels to be separated from their Shards without dying or Splintering the Shards they held.[23][24][25] If this happens, then after the Vessel's death, it is able to resist the pull into the Beyond.[26]

A mentally ill Vessel can affect the Shard's intent.[27]

History

For the histories of individual Shards, see their respective pages.

“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. ”

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.[1] Some of those people were romantically involved; others were related to each other.[29][30] All of them were mortal at some point.[31]

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.[32] Those pieces, each equal in power,[33] became known as the Shards. The sixteen killers of Adonalsium each took up one of the Shards, Ascending and becoming the first Vessels.[1] Following their Ascension, each of the Vessels departed Yolen. Some settled on various planets, while others set no roots.[34] At this time they all had an equal amount of power.[33]

Originally, the Shards made an agreement not to interfere with each other,[35] but they did not make a formal oath[36] and many of the Shards chose not to keep to the agreement.[35] Additionally, Honor felt he did not break the agreement by traveling with Cultivation,[37] suggesting the wording of the agreement may not have been as precise as Shards like Endowment thought.

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.[38] The death of Preservation's Vessel, Leras, led to the power being passed between several hands before it was eventually combined with Ruin to form Harmony.[39][40] By contrast, Autonomy spread, creating avatars to inhabit numerous planets, including Obrodai and First of the Sun.[41]

At least one of the Vessels regrets taking up a Shard, though which one that would be is unknown.[42] There are living descendants of some of them still alive.[31] At least one Shard other than Odium has been forced to leave their planet after its destruction.[43]

Known Shards

There are sixteen original Shards, with fifteen Shards (including Harmony) currently known. Two of the original Shards are currently unknown.

While most planets have at most one Shard, Sel and Scadrial are both dishardic, hosting two Shards each.[19][44] Roshar, on the other hand, is the only known example of a world influenced by three Shards.[38]

Original Shards

Shard Vessel World Books References
Devotion Aona (deceased) Sel Elantris, The Emperor's Soul [45][46][47][48]
Dominion Skai (deceased) Sel Elantris, The Emperor's Soul [49][47][48]
Preservation Sazed
(formerly Leras, Kelsier, and Vin) 		Scadrial Mistborn [50][48]
Ruin Sazed
(formerly Ati) 		Scadrial Mistborn [50][48]
Odium Taravangian
(formerly Rayse) 		Braize, Roshar The Stormlight Archive [51][48][52]
Cultivation Koravellium Avast Roshar The Stormlight Archive [53][48][54]
Honor Tanavast (deceased) Roshar The Stormlight Archive [55][48]
Endowment Edgli Nalthis Warbreaker [56][48]
Autonomy Bavadin Taldain; avatars on
First of the Sun, Obrodai, and Scadrial 		White Sand, Sixth of the Dusk, Mistborn Era 2 [50][57][58][59]
Ambition Uli Da (deceased) Threnody Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell [60][61][62]
Invention Unknown Unknown Unknown [63]
Mercy Unknown Unknown Unknown [64]
Valor Unknown Unknown Unknown [64]
Whimsy Unknown Unknown Unknown [64]

Hybrid Shards

Several of the known Shards are dead in the current time, with Ambition, Honor, Devotion and Dominion all being Splintered,[38] with the remnants of Devotion and Dominion having been combined together in the Cognitive Realm as the Dor.[65] Ruin and Preservation, on the other hand, have blended together into Harmony, albeit they remain somewhat separate within this unified construct.[66]


Shard Vessel World Books Notes References
Harmony Sazed Scadrial Mistborn Conjoining of Ruin and Preservation [67]
The Dor None Sel Elantris, The Emperor's Soul, Mistborn Era 2 Combination of the splintered Devotion and Dominion [65][68][69]

Unnamed Shards

“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 possibly implying the existence of another Shard[70][71]

There remain two Shards that have not been named, nor referred to explicitly in text.

One of these two Shards has an intent similar to Wisdom or Prudence.[72][73] Hoid and this Shard may be antagonistic towards each other,[70][71] though this appears to be something of a common thread in his relations with the original Vessels.[74][75][76] There is a Shard that "just wants to hide and survive,"[77] though it has realized over time that that may not be the most desirable course of action; this may be the "wisdom" Shard.[72][73]

At one point, there was an unknown Shard that does not inhabit a planet.[34] Since then, however, the Shards Ambition, Invention, Mercy, Valor, and Whimsy have been revealed; it is unclear if any of them are this Shard. Similarly, at one point there was at least one unknown Shard that had been Splintered by Odium,[78] though the Splintered Shard Ambition has been revealed since then.

Powers and Abilities

“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. ”

Shards possess incredible power -- a single Shard can easily move entire planets and alter people down to the genetic level.[80] They exist in all three Realms, but unlike other living beings, the vast majority of their power is concentrated in the Cognitive and Spiritual. Shards do not appear in the Cognitive Realm like other entities (such as a bead on Roshar).[81] Time matters little to Shards, and they can bend and stretch it as they wish.[82]

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.[83] As such, while powerful, Shards are not omniscient, omnipresent, nor omnipotent.[84]

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.[79] Breaking such deals will leave holes in them that another Shard can exploit to kill them.[85][86]

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.[87] This is partially influenced by the personality change brought about by the Shard.[88] However, whether intentions provide Shards with actual unique powers is unknown.

Individual Powers

by eyeronis
Ruin commanding a Steel Inquisitor

Movement

Shards are capable of appearing in various parts of their own Invested worlds instantaneously.[39] They can also travel to other planets by willing themselves to do so.[89][90] However, when a Shard Invests its power in a world, it's bound to it and will have difficulty leaving the system it is in.[91] Shards can also trap each other in systems, though the precise mechanics of that are unknown.[92]

Communication

Shards have several ways of communicating with people. Some Shards can speak directly into the minds of others, while others can listen.[93] 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.[92][94] 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.[95]

A Shard can also communicate directly with Cognitive Shadows.[96]

Mind Capacity

Upon Ascension, the Vessel's mind will be greatly expanded, allowing a far greater capacity to think than a mortal could.[97] A Shard is capable of bilocation -- being present in several places at once -- within its sphere of influence.[96] As moments can pass like years to a Shard, they can also appear to think far faster than normal minds. Fundamental understanding of the cosmere, to the point of axi and anti-axi, also comes as a result.[98] They seem to possess flawless memory, with no obvious upper limit, as Sazed is able to absorb the tremendous amount of knowledge in his metalminds.

However, contrary to what many believes, Shards are neither omniscient nor omnipresent.[84] They can only appear at limited places at once, and can be distracted, deceived or surprised. It is also possible to block a Shard's senses away from a certain area.[99] They are incapable of breaking a formal contract, at least not without seriously wounding themselves.[86]

Creating Sapience

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,[100] and the vision journal of Honor.[101] 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.[102][94]

Shards can also create avatars, personas that can act independently of them.[103] 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 planet.[104][57] 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.[103] When created directly, however, they can be instilled with specific traits.[58] Some avatars are self-aware, while others are not, although the parent Shard will always be aware. Though some would call these avatars Splinters, it is not clear whether they truly fit the definition.[105][106]

Avatars are, in a way, considered to be Shards in their own right.[107] Known ones include Patji and the Sand Lord, both of Autonomy.[108][109] It is difficult but possible for someone to become a Vessel of an avatar.[105]

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.[110] Shardic power can also grant sentience directly -- Scadrians are sapient due to Preservation's power within them, and Nightblood's sapience is partially derived from his large quantity of Breaths. Splinters can also become sapient.[111] Even the raw power of a Shard, if left alone and without a Vessel, will eventually begin to form a rudimentary mind.[19]

Magic Generation

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.[2]

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 planet inhabited by a Shard, magic forms as a result of the interactions between a Shard's power, Realmatics, the world's natural inclinations and, in some cases, even genetics.[2] 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.[112] Hemalurgy demands that a person be destroyed, in line with the intent of Ruin, while Surgebinding demands forging bonds.

Shards are capable of tampering with Investiture that does not belong to them.[113]

Future Sight

This page or section deals with theories or speculation.
Please read carefully and note that this is not necessarily canonical.

“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. ”

Shards can perceive the future, although it can be difficult for them. Some are better at it than others, with Cultivation and Preservation being noted as particularly excelling.[101][114] Like all seers, Shards can be wrong about both what they see and how they interpret it, although as a general rule they see further than non-Shards.[115] 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.[116]

Both Preservation and Honor describe seeing the future as not one set path, but a tangled web of linked possibilities, as well as the circumstances necessary to bring them about, with some being more likely than others. As a result, predicting the future is not a straightforward process, and is not equally useful to all seers. Upon Ascension to Odium, Taravangian realized that there are possibilities of future that Rayse had not seen, implying the future sight ability may be related to the Vessel as well.[97]

It is theorized that a Shard's intent may be tied to its proficiency with future sight. 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, would not have "seeing ahead" as part of their nature.

Forms and Subdivisions

by Kyle Pearson
Cultivation with her daughter-spren, the Nightwatcher

“I'm still a spren. I’m a little piece of God. ”

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 God Metal. Examples of God Metals are atium, lerasium, raysium, and the alloy of Honor and Cultivation that forms Shardblades. God Metals typically have properties within the Metallic Arts, regardless of what Shard they're aligned with.[2]

Shardic power is the most potent as a liquid.[2] 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.[118] Examples of such perpendicularities are the Well of Ascension, the Pits of Hathsin, or the Lake.

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.[2]

Slivers

For more information, see Sliver.

A Sliver is a person who has held the power of a Shard, and then released it.[119] This "stretches" a person's spiritweb, noticeably altering them. There is some grey area as to how much power one needs to have to be considered a Sliver; however, a person who directly handled Shardic power is the most straightforward example. The Lord Ruler and Kelsier would both be considered Slivers, while Elantrians and Returned would not.[120]

Splinters

For more information, see Splinter.

A Splinter is a fragment of a Shard's power, similar to how a Shard is a fragment of Adonalsium's power. Unlike Slivers or Cognitive Shadows, Splinters don't generally have a Physical component.[121] They often have a mind of their own, separate and distinct from that of their parent Shard.[122] They can form in two distinct ways: either by the Shard being splintered (killed), or by the Shard directly splitting off splinters of itself.[123][102] Under certain circumstances, a Shard may be split and each resulting piece would gain an aspect of the original Shard's Intent.[124]

Splinters can be comprised of the Investiture of one or more Shards.[125] Examples of splinters include the divine Breath of the Returned,[126] Aons within seons, and spren.[127] It is possible to create a new Shard from splinters of multiple other Shards, though it is much more difficult than it sounds.[128]

Champion

It is possible for a Shard to name a "champion" when making a deal with another Shard. Becoming a champion in this way is a formal event and requires some kind of contractual agreement.[86][129] Honor encourages Dalinar Kholin to try to get Odium to agree to a contest of champions;[101] Odium eventually agrees and attempts to name Dalinar as his champion, though Dalinar declines.[7] Shards outside of the Rosharan system have also had champions.[130] The Heralds are similar to champions,[131] and the conflicts between Marsh and Elend and between Marsh and Vin are an echo of this system.[129]

See Also

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e Mistborn: Secret History part 3 chapter 2#
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h Hero of Ages Q&A - Time Waster's Guide
    — Arcanum - 2008-10-15#
  3. ↑ a b Mistborn: Secret History part 5 chapter 2#
  4. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 14 epigraph#
  5. ↑ Oathbringer San Francisco signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-15#
  6. ↑ General Twitter 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-11-14#
  7. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 119#
  8. ↑ Bands of Mourning release party
    — Arcanum - 2016-01-25#
  9. ↑ Mini-Con 2021
    — Arcanum - 2021-11-22#
  10. ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2013
    — Arcanum - 2013-04-15#
  11. ↑ Kraków signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-03-21#
  12. ↑ Shadows of Self Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-12#
  13. ↑ The Hero of Ages Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2010-01-26#
  14. ↑ Alloy of Law 17th Shard Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2011-11-05#
  15. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 18 epigraph#
  16. ↑ Rhythm of War interlude I-6#
  17. ↑ Steelheart Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-05#
  18. ↑ Oathbringer release party
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-13#
  19. ↑ a b c Arcanum Unbounded - The Selish System#
  20. ↑ Words of Radiance San Diego signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-04#
  21. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 56 epigraph#
  22. ↑ Stormlight Three Update #5
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-21#
  23. ↑ Firefight Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-02-20#
  24. ↑ Calamity Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-02-22#
  25. ↑ YouTube Livestream 20
    — Arcanum - 2020-10-15#
  26. ↑ Mistborn: Secret History part 6 chapter 8#
  27. ↑ ICon 2019
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-17#
  28. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 39 epigraph#
  29. ↑ Firefight Seattle UBooks signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-01-06#
  30. ↑ Rithmatist Albuquerque signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-05-22#
  31. ↑ a b Starsight Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2019-11-26#
  32. ↑ JordanCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-04-21#
  33. ↑ a b Starsight Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2019-11-26#
  34. ↑ a b Words of Radiance Los Angeles signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-05#
  35. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 39 epigraph#
  36. ↑ Tel Aviv Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-18#
  37. ↑ Legion Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2018-09-19#
  38. ↑ a b c Arcanum Unbounded - The Rosharan System#
  39. ↑ a b The Hero of Ages chapter 76#
  40. ↑ Mistborn: Secret History part 6 chapter 4#
  41. ↑ Skyward Pre-Release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-27#
  42. ↑ Skyward Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-10#
  43. ↑ Bonn Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-05-15#
  44. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded - The Scadrian System#
  45. ↑ General Twitter 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-02-19#
  46. ↑ A Memory of Light Signing Milford
    — Arcanum - 2013-02-16#
  47. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 22 epigraph#
  48. ↑ a b c d e f g h Barnes and Noble Book Club Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  49. ↑ Alloy of Law Seattle Signing
    — Arcanum - 2011-11-11#
  50. ↑ a b c Hero of Ages Q&A - Time Waster's Guide
    — Arcanum - 2008-10-15#
  51. ↑ Oslo signing, 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-05-30#
  52. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 83#
  53. ↑ 17th Shard Interview
    — Arcanum - 2010-10-03#
  54. ↑ Alethi Glyphs Page 2.jpg
  55. ↑ General Twitter 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-03-21#
  56. ↑ Barnes and Noble Book Club Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  57. ↑ a b /r/Cosmere
    — Arcanum - 2018-03-18#
  58. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 50 epigraph#
  59. ↑ The Lost Metal chapter 19#
  60. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded - The Threnodite System#
  61. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 40 epigraph#
  62. ↑ Oathbringer Houston signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-18#
  63. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 24 epigraph#
  64. ↑ a b c Rhythm of War chapter 25 epigraph#
  65. ↑ a b Arcanum Unbounded - The Selish System#
  66. ↑ Alloy of Law Milton Keynes signing
    — Arcanum - 2011-11-21#
  67. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 82#
  68. ↑ General Signed Books 2012
    — Arcanum - 2012-12-08#
  69. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-06#
  70. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 68#
  71. ↑ a b Prague Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-26#
  72. ↑ a b Stuttgart signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-05-17#
  73. ↑ a b Prague Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-26#
  74. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 23 epigraph#
  75. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 41 epigraph#
  76. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 55#
  77. ↑ General Signed Books 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-11-08#
  78. ↑ Idaho Falls signing 2014
    — Arcanum - 2014-11-29#
  79. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 16#
  80. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 4 epigraph#
  81. ↑ General Reddit 2020
    — Arcanum - 2020-07-31#
  82. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 17 epigraph#
  83. ↑ Oathbringer London signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-28#
  84. ↑ a b Rhythm of War chapter 54#
  85. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 99#
  86. ↑ a b c Rhythm of War chapter 112#
  87. ↑ Mistborn: Secret History part 2 chapter 3#
  88. ↑ West Jordan signing
    — Arcanum - 2011-12-15#
  89. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 21 epigraph#
  90. ↑ Ancient 17S Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2010-05-01#
  91. ↑ Phoenix Comicon 2013
    — Arcanum - 2013-05-24#
  92. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 57#
  93. ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 48#
  94. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 114#
  95. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 115#
  96. ↑ a b Mistborn: Secret History part 1 chapter 1#
  97. ↑ a b Rhythm of War chapter 114#
  98. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 65#
  99. ↑ Metal can block the sight of Ruin
  100. ↑ Barnes and Noble Book Club Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  101. ↑ a b c d The Way of Kings chapter 75#
  102. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 108#
  103. ↑ a b Prague Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-10-26#
  104. ↑ General Reddit 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-28#
  105. ↑ a b Starsight Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2019-11-26#
  106. ↑ Starsight Release Party
    — Arcanum - 2019-11-26#
  107. ↑ Oathbringer signing London
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-28#
  108. ↑ Orem signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-12-21#
  109. ↑ Shadows of Self release party
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-05#
  110. ↑ Shadows of Self Denver signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-06#
  111. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-01#
  112. ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-08-31#
  113. ↑ Rhythm of War epilogue#
  114. ↑ Hero of Ages Q&A - Time Waster's Guide
    — Arcanum - 2008-10-15#
  115. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 122#
  116. ↑ Tor.com Q&A with Brandon Sanderson
    — Arcanum - 2011-01-10#
  117. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 91#
  118. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded - The Drominad System#
  119. ↑ Vericon 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-03-19#
  120. ↑ Goodreads Fantasy Book Discussion Warbreaker Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2010-01-18#
  121. ↑ Vericon 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-03-19#
  122. ↑ West Jordan signing
    — Arcanum - 2011-08-04#
  123. ↑ /r/Stormlight_Archive
    — Arcanum - 2013-03-11#
  124. ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 5
    — Arcanum - 2022-12-02#
  125. ↑ Writing for Charity Conference
    — Arcanum - 2012-03-17#
  126. ↑ Goodreads Fantasy Book Discussion Warbreaker Q&A
    — Arcanum - 2010-01-18#
  127. ↑ Steelheart Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-05#
  128. ↑ General Reddit 2020
    — Arcanum - 2020-09-30#
  129. ↑ a b YouTube Spoiler Stream 4
    — Arcanum - 2022-06-16#
  130. ↑ Shadows of Self London UK signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-19#
  131. ↑ JordanCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-04-22#
This article is still missing information. Please help The Coppermind by expanding it.
Retrieved from "https://coppermind.net/wiki/Shard?&oldid=176259"