Difference between revisions of "Shardblade"

Shardbearers often lead formations themselves, cutting a hole in enemy ranks with their overwhelming force.{{book ref|sa1|68}} This creates a gap that well-trained men can exploit, which can allow for an army to overcome superior numbers. The usefulness of this tactic is twofold. Few regular men can put up an effective resistance against a Shardbearer, allowing them to lead a spectacularly effective charge, and also this tactic putsalso places the Shardbearers at the front of the regular soldiers, often giving them a boost in morale as well.{{book ref|sa1|56}} Shardbearers willmay also sometimes be used in defensive fights to bolster the gaps in their own lines, moving quickly between weak places to give soldiers a chance to recover and return to their formation.{{book ref|sa1|67}} When a Shardbearer has Plate and Blade, they can also easily cut their way behind enemy lines, where they can wreak havoc with impunity and cause confusion that their own soldiers can then exploit.{{book ref|sa1|65}} Unlike fighting in a duel, the most effective way to combat large groups of soldiers is to maintain momentum and keep the Shardblade in constant motion, always cutting.{{book ref|sa1|56}} Practiced Shardbearers will use their control over their bond with their Shardblade to make use of it unexpectedly. They may throw their Shardblades in a more ranged attack than an enemy is used to and then dismiss it once the damage is done so that they can summon it back to their hands.{{book ref|sa2|35}} Another uncommon tactic is unexpectedly dismissing the Blade, which can surprise an enemy who is preparing to dodge the Blade or parry it.{{book ref|sa1|i|9}} This works particularly well when the Shardbearer is wearing Plate.

While there are only three known ways to heal from a Shardblade wound on [[Roshar]], it seems likely that other magic systems would also allow for that same healing. On [[Scadrial]], [[Gold#Feruchemical Use|goldminds]] of [[Feruchemy]] could be used to heal Shardblade damage.{{wob ref|4111}} The [[BioChromatic Breath|Divinedivine Breath]], the Breath of the [[Returned]] of [[Nalthis]], able to heal any typical wound or illness,{{wob ref|6724}} is also a possible solution for repairing the damage. On [[Sel]], the [[Aon]] [[Aon#Ien|Ien]], used for healing,{{book ref|elantris|19}} could potentially heal a Shardblade wound as well.