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Difference between revisions of "Shinovar"

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|ethnicity=[[:Category: Shin|Shin]]
  
|ethnicity=[[:Category: Shin|Shin]]
 
|world=Roshar
  
|world=Roshar
  +
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
 
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  +
}}
−
}}{{update|book=sa3}}{{spoilers|book=sa3}}
  
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
−
|The world is changing outside, but the Shin seem determined to remain the same.
+
| The world is changing outside, but the Shin seem determined to remain the same.
−
|[[Vstim]] to o[[Rysn]] about the Shin
 +
| [[Vstim]] to [[Rysn]] about the Shin{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 
}}
  
}}
 
'''Shinovar''' is a nation on the western mainland of [[Roshar]].{{map ref|Roshar}} Due to the [[Misted Mountains|mountains]] separating it from the rest of the continent, Shinovar is distinct both ecologically and culturally from the rest of Roshar. Shinovar natives are known as the '''Shin'''.
  
'''Shinovar''' is a nation on the western mainland of [[Roshar]].{{map ref|Roshar}} Due to the [[Misted Mountains|mountains]] separating it from the rest of the continent, Shinovar is distinct both ecologically and culturally from the rest of Roshar. Shinovar natives are known as the '''Shin'''.
   
 
== Geography and Ecology ==
  
== Geography and Ecology ==
  +
[[File:Jeksonofnone.png|thumb|left|200px|<center><small>by [http://swamp-spirit.tumblr.com/ swamp-spirit]</small></center> [[Jeksonofnone]], a [[chicken]] from Shinovar ]]
⚫
Lying on the western side of continental Roshar, Shinovar is bordered to the east by the [[Misted Mountains]] and to the west by an unnamed mountain range. Multiple rivers flow through Shinovar from the bodies of water to both the north and the south. The Misted Mountains prevent Shinovar from bordering any other nations.{{map ref|Roshar}} The mountains aldo protect Shinovar from the worst of the [[highstorm]]s, so Shinovar experiences far more mild highstorms than the rest of Roshar. Regular storms also occur in Shinovar, particularly during the summer, and it can be difficult to tell the two apart based on strength.{{wob ref|5701}} The highstorm still recharges gems with the same amount of [[stormlight]] despite its lower strength.{{wob ref|11482}} [[Spren]] rarely manifest in Shinovar, though that is unrelated to highstorm strength.{{wob ref|8714}}
 
   
  +
{{quote
−
Shinovar has a vastly different ecology from the rest of the planet, as the flora and fauna there have not the need of adapting to survival in the highstorms. The plant life is described by those from the east as "slow" or "sluggish" compared to the rest of Roshar.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}{{expand}}
  
  +
| The entire landscape had an eerie feel to it, as if it were dead. Nothing moved.
  +
| [[Rysn]]'s opinion of Shinovar{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
  +
}}
  ⚫
Lying on the western side of continental Roshar, Shinovar is bordered to the east by the [[Misted Mountains]] and to the west by an unnamed mountain range. Multiple rivers flow through Shinovar from the bodies of water to both the north and the south. The Misted Mountains prevent Shinovar from bordering any other nations.{{map ref|Roshar}} The mountains also protect Shinovar from the worst of the [[highstorm]]s, so Shinovar experiences far more mild highstorms than the rest of Roshar. Regular storms also occur in Shinovar, particularly during the summer, and it can be difficult to tell the two apart based on strength.{{wob ref|5701}} The highstorm still recharges gems with the same amount of [[Stormlight]] despite its lower strength.{{wob ref|11482}} [[Spren]] rarely manifest in Shinovar, though that is unrelated to highstorm strength.{{wob ref|8714}}
  +
  +
Shinovar has a vastly different ecology from the rest of the planet, as the flora and fauna there have not the need of adapting to survival in the highstorms. Much of the ecology there is based on the plants and animals brought to Roshar by the [[Ashyn]] refugees.{{book ref|sa3|113}} The ground in Shinovar is coated with a layer of soil, making the ground feel springy to outsiders. The entire land is coated with a thick layer of grass that does not move or react to movement. The trees dotting the landscape are straight upward with leaves that do not withdraw into the trunk. {{book ref|sa1|i|4}} Plants that are known to be farmed in Shinovar include wheat,{{book ref|sa3|106}} strawberries,{{book ref|sa|48}} and grapes.{{wob ref|3978}} Animals that live in Shinovar include [[chicken]]s and horses. Horses are both domesticated and wild.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
   
−
Buildings made of clay and earth seem to be common in Shinovar, as they remind [[Szeth]] of his home in the [[Valley of Truth]]. This is motivated by the Shin's beliefs that stone is sacred and cannot be used as a building material.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} The weakened highstorms likely make this form of building viable when it would not be in other parts of Roshar. Shinovar contains an [[oathgate]] somewhere inside the country, though its exact location is not known.{{file ref|Oathgate Locations.jpg|Oathgate Locations}}
 +
Buildings made of clay and earth seem to be common in Shinovar, as they remind [[Szeth]] of his home in the [[Valley of Truth]]. This is motivated by the Shin's beliefs that stone is sacred and cannot be used as a building material.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} The weakened highstorms likely make this form of building viable when it would not be in other parts of Roshar. Shinovar contains an [[Oathgate]] somewhere inside the country, though its exact location is not known.{{file ref|Oathgate Locations.jpg|Oathgate Locations}}
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
−
When humans first arrived on Roshar from [[Ashyn]], the [[singer]]s gave them the land of Shinavar to settle in. Because it is sheltered from highstorms, humans were able to grow the plants and animals they had brought with them there.Humans, however, decided to expand frm the land they were given.{{book ref|sa3|113}} During the [[Silver Kingdoms]], Shinovar was known as [[Shin Kak Nish]].{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}} [[Nohadon]] claims to have been in a war near the Shin border.{{book ref|sa3|103}} Shinovar seems to have been less isolationist then, as they had a working [[oathgate]] and Shin people among the [[Knights Radiant]].
+
When humans first arrived on Roshar from [[Ashyn]], the [[singer]]s gave them the land of Shinovar to settle in. Because it is sheltered from highstorms, humans were able to grow the plants and animals they had brought with them there. Humans, however, decided to expand from the land they were given.{{book ref|sa3|113}} During the [[Silver Kingdoms]], Shinovar was known as [[Shin Kak Nish]].{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}} [[Nohadon]] claims to have been in a war near the Shin border.{{book ref|sa3|103}} Shinovar seems to have been less isolationist then, as they had a working [[Oathgate]] and Shin people among the [[Knights Radiant]].
   
−
After the [[Last Desolation]], the Shin took control of the [[honorblade]]s and brought them to Shinovar. [[Nale]] came back and retrieved his at some point without informing the Shin leaders.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Members of the Shin use and train with the honorblades and [[surge]]s.{{wob ref|5090}} During the [[Era of Solitude]], the Shin tried multiple times to conquer all of Roshar, but they did not succeed any time.{{book ref|sa3|2}} They used cavalry, a fighting technique unfamiliar to the rest of the continent.{{book ref|sa3|75}} [[Shubreth-son-Mashalan]] was likely a leader during one of the invasions.{{book ref|sa3|19}}
 +
After the [[Last Desolation]], the Shin took control of the [[Honorblade]]s and brought them to Shinovar.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Because of this history, they consider themselves the only ones who remember the truth about Rosharan history, though what they remember might not be entirely accurate.{{wob ref|5964}} [[Nale]] came back and retrieved his at some point without informing the Shin leaders.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Members of the Shin use and train with the Honorblades and [[surge]]s.{{wob ref|5090}} During the [[Era of Solitude]], the Shin tried multiple times to conquer all of Roshar, but they did not succeed any time.{{book ref|sa3|2}} They used Honorblades, Surges,{{wob ref|12700}} and cavalry, a fighting technique unfamiliar to the rest of the continent.{{book ref|sa3|75}} [[Shubreth-son-Mashalan]] was likely a leader during one of the invasions.{{book ref|sa3|19}} Approximately seven years before the [[True Desolation]], [[Szeth]] announced that the [[Voidbringers]] were returning.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} He was told by the Shin leaders that this was false, given [[Jezrien]]'s Honorblade, and made [[Truthless]].{{book ref|sa2|33}} He was traded to [[Vstim]], a [[Thaylen]] merchant who often traded successfully with the Shin, and exiled from Shinovar.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
   
−
AFter the [[Everstorm]] hit the first time, the Shin sent warnings to other countries, including [[Tashikk]], to prepare them.{{book ref|sa2.5|14}} [[Dalinar]] sent word to them through a Thaylen merchant asking them to cooperate with his planned coalition.{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Shin were considered particularly important allies to gain because they controlled the easternmost oathgate on continental Roshar.{{book ref|sa3|39}} When they received his message, the Shin declined to join, sending back only a congratulations to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|24}} Well the Shin did not join the coalition, they also did not join [[Odium]] and were considered uncommitted by the end of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 +
After the [[Everstorm]] hit the first time, the Shin sent warnings to other countries, including [[Tashikk]], to prepare them.{{book ref|sa2.5|14}} [[Dalinar]] sent word to them through a Thaylen merchant asking them to cooperate with his planned coalition.{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Shin were considered particularly important allies to gain because they controlled the westernmost Oathgate on continental Roshar.{{book ref|sa3|39}} When they received his message, the Shin declined to join, sending back only a congratulations to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|24}} While the Shin did not join the coalition, they also did not join [[Odium]] and were considered uncommitted by the end of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|122}}
   
 
== Politics ==
  
== Politics ==
−
The way Shinovar is governed does not seem to be well known outside of Shinovar, even to other monarchs like [[Taravangian]].{{book ref|sa3|24}} They have multiple leaders who [[Szeth]] viewws as corrupt for falsely making him [[Truthless]].{{book ref|sa3|121}} Other countries tend to view them as barbarians. When it comes to foreign policy, the Shin tend to be isolationist, declining to join Dalinar's coalition of countries when the Everstorm hit.{{book ref|sa3|24}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} Tihs policy is due to their xenophobic nature.{{wob ref|10455}}
+
The way Shinovar is governed does not seem to be well known outside of Shinovar, even to other monarchs like [[Taravangian]].{{book ref|sa3|24}} They have multiple leaders who [[Szeth]] views as corrupt for falsely making him [[Truthless]].{{book ref|sa3|121}} Other countries tend to view them as barbarians. When it comes to foreign policy, the Shin tend to be isolationist, declining to join Dalinar's coalition of countries when the Everstorm hit.{{book ref|sa3|24}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} This policy is due to their xenophobic nature.{{wob ref|10455}} The Shin leaders are involved in making someone Truthless.{{book ref|sa2|88}}{{book ref|sa3|121}} As the Stone Shamans are also involved in monitoring the Truthless, it is possible they are part of the Shin leadership.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
   
 
== Culture ==
  
== Culture ==
 
=== Peoples ===
  
=== Peoples ===
−
The Shin, natives of Shinovar, have round faces and are one of few ethnicities on Roshar whose eyes lack [[wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]]s. These features give them a wide-eyed look that, to outsiders, makes them appear to resemble young children.{{wob ref|4079}} The Shin also have lighter skin than other parts of Roshar ans are often describeed as pale.{{book ref|sa1|19}} Their distinctive features are the result of them being xenophobic and not intermixing with other races very much.{{wob ref|10455}}
 +
The Shin, natives of Shinovar, have round faces and are one of few ethnicities on Roshar whose eyes lack [[wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]]s. These features give them a wide-eyed look that, to outsiders, makes them appear to resemble young children.{{wob ref|4079}} The Shin also have lighter skin than people in other parts of Roshar and are often described as pale.{{book ref|sa1|19}} The average Shin is shorter than the average [[Alethi]].{{wob ref|6411}} Their distinctive features are the result of them being xenophobic and not intermixing with other races very much.{{wob ref|10455}}
  +
  +
The Shin have a distinct naming scheme, seemingly unique to their culture. A person is identified first by their given name, then as either son or daughter, and finally their parent -- father for men, possibly mother for women.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}{{book ref|sa1|5}} As such, a Shin would have a name like [[Thresh-son-Esan]] (Thresh, son of Esan) or [[Ali-daughter-Hasweth]] (Ali, daughter of Hasweth). In extraordinary circumstances, one can use the name of their grandparent instead, so as to avoid dishonoring their parent. One example of such a case is [[Szeth]]-son-son-[[Vallano]], meaning "Szeth, son of the son of Vallano".{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} The same pattern is applied to the names of [[Herald]]s in the Shin culture, with [[Honor]] being considered their parent -- [[Nale]] is known as Nin-son-God.{{book ref|sa2|88}}
   
 
=== Class Structure ===
  
=== Class Structure ===
  +
The Shin have an extremely strict social structure based on profession. High on the social ladder in Shinovar are the farmers, who add to the land by growing plants and are as such considered holy. Each farmer is given the title '''he who adds''' and is referred to as such by other Shin. Farmers spend their days either working their fields or exercising their power to oversee negotiations, during which they wear fine, multicolored robes that tie in the front. The robes seem designed for horseback riding, as the robes reach almost to the ground from horseback. Farmers are able to own and trade warriors by way of stones similar to [[Oathstone]]s.{{wob ref|9754}} Because of their holy nature, outsiders are not allowed to visit farming villages or farmland.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
−
The Shin live a relatively peaceful life, and by nature are a very humble people. Because of this, soldiers are considered relatively low on their social ladder, with Farmers being lavished like princes near the top.
  
   
  +
Traders and merchants are lower in status than farmers, and are required to be supervised by the latter during certain transactions, as when trading with foreigners. They wear colorful capes to signify their status, and they may also ride on horseback.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
⚫
Warriors are all considered extremely poorly in Shin culture. To a Shin, since warriors exist only to destroy, they are far below the farmers and craftsmen who live to create, and even merchants, who trade in other's goods. All warriors are required to obey totally the person who holds their oathstone, voluntarily subjecting themselves into a state not unlike slavery. While a Shin warrior is able to distinguish his oathstone, it does not appear to be remarkable in any other way--their subjugation appears to be entirely voluntary. As a rule, Shin warriors cannot be given to outsiders, and the rules regarding the trading of oathstones inside Shinovar are unknown. What is known, however, is that any person who picks up a weapon is required to take an oathstone and live the rest of their life as a warrior.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
  
   
  +
{{sidequote
⚫
Only the [[Truthless]] are considered lower than warriors in the Shin culture. At present, there is only one Shin Truthless, and there are not likely to be more in the foreseeable future. Truthless are exiled from Shinovar, and required to live the life of a Shin warrior outside of Shinovar. They are required to have a master, but are not allowed to seek or avoid a particular master, freely sharing information about their servitude to any who asks (assuming that a current master has not given contradictory orders). The precise nature of the offense that makes one Truthless is unknown.
  
  +
|Here, warriors are the lowliest of men—kind of like slaves.
  +
|[[Vstim]] to [[Rysn]] on Shin culture
  +
|side=right|size=300px|
  +
}}
  ⚫
Warriors are all viewed extremely poorly in Shin culture. To a Shin, since warriors exist only to destroy, they are far below the farmers and craftsmen who live to create, and even merchants, who trade in other's goods. All warriors are required to obey totally the person who holds their stone, voluntarily subjecting themselves into a state not unlike slavery. While a Shin warrior is able to distinguish his stone, it does not appear to be remarkable in any other way--their subjugation appears to be entirely voluntary. As a rule, Shin warriors cannot be given to outsiders, and the rules regarding the trading of warriors inside Shinovar are unknown. What is known, however, is that any person who picks up a weapon is required to take an stone and live the rest of their life as a warrior. Warriors are recognizable by the simple brown clothing they wear.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
  +
  ⚫
Only the [[Truthless]] are considered lower than warriors in the Shin culture. At present, there is only one Shin Truthless, and there are not likely to be more in the foreseeable future. Truthless are exiled from Shinovar, and required to live the life of a Shin warrior outside of Shinovar. They are required to have a master, but are not allowed to seek or avoid a particular master, freely sharing information about their servitude to any who asks (assuming that a current master has not given contradictory orders). The precise nature of the offense that makes one Truthless is unknown.
   
 
=== Religion ===
  
=== Religion ===
  +
{{for|Stone Shamanism}}
⚫
The Shin follow [[Stone Shamanism]]. They believe stone to be sacred and that their soul is given to the stones upon their death, where they continue to exist.{{book ref|twok|i|6}} They consider walking upon stones to be a heresy, and derogatorily refer to those who do as Stonewalkers. Similarly mining in stone is considered to be a heresy. Because of this, metal is very valuable in Shin territory, with the Shin preferring [[Soulcast]] metal above mined metal because of the inherent blasphemy in obtaining it. Shin won't trade for fabrials apparently for religious reasons.{{book ref|twok|i|4}} They called the period of darkest night between the first two moons the "hateful hour" and believed it was the only time their gods didn't keep watch over them.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
  
  +
  ⚫
The Shin follow [[Stone Shamanism]]. They believe stone to be sacred and that their soul is given to the stones upon their death, where they continue to exist.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} They consider walking upon stones to be a heresy, and derogatorily refer to those who do as Stonewalkers. The stones of [[Urithiru]] are the one exception to this, as Urithiru is a holy site.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} Similarly, mining in stone is considered to be a heresy. Because of this, metal is very valuable in Shin territory, with the Shin preferring [[Soulcast]] metal above mined metal because of the inherent blasphemy in obtaining the latter. Shin won't trade for fabrials apparently for religious reasons.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} They called the period of darkest night between the first two moons the "hateful hour" and believed it was the only time their gods didn't keep watch over them.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} Farm villages and farmland are considered holy, with outsiders not being allowed to visit them.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
   
 
=== Economy ===
  
=== Economy ===
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
−
|Never try to cheat the Shin. Be forthright, tell them the truth, and—if anything—undervalue your goods. They will love you for it. And they’ll pay you for it too.
 +
| Never try to cheat the Shin. Be forthright, tell them the truth, and—if anything—undervalue your goods. They will love you for it. And they’ll pay you for it too.
−
|[[Vstim]]'s lesson to [[Rysn]]{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 +
| [[Vstim]]'s lesson to [[Rysn]]{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
When it comes to trading, and as a result of their humble nature, haggling with the Shin usually involves both parties devaluing their wares to the other, until an agreement can be reached. The Shin value and reward honesty in negotiations. This unique attitude towards trading means it can be difficult for merchants to understand how to get a good deal from them. [[Vstim]] is one of the few [[Thaylen]] merchants to understand them, so he often gets good deals. Shin are known for raising and trading [[chicken]]s, a species unique to this region of Roshar. They also commonly trade horses, cloth, and dried meats.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} They are also famous for their horses, and many varieties of fruit, such as strawberries, can only grow in the soil of Shinovar.{{book ref|sa1|48}} In exchange, the Shin want metal, particularly [[Soulcast]] metal that does not require mining stones to get.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 +
When it comes to trading, and as a result of their humble nature, haggling with the Shin usually involves both parties devaluing their wares to the other, until an agreement can be reached. The Shin value and reward honesty in negotiations. This unique attitude towards trading means it can be difficult for merchants to understand how to get a good deal from them. [[Vstim]] is one of the few [[Thaylen]] merchants to understand them, so he often gets good deals. Shin are known for raising and trading [[chicken]]s, an animal unique to this region of Roshar. They also commonly trade horses, cloth, and dried meats.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} They are famed for their horses, and many varieties of fruit, such as strawberries, can only grow in the soil of Shinovar.{{book ref|sa1|48}} In exchange, the Shin want metal, particularly [[Soulcast]] metal that does not require mining stones to get.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
   
 
=== Language ===
  
=== Language ===
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
−
|Tan balo ken tala,
 +
| Tan balo ken tala,
−
|A presumably Shin greeting [[Vstim]] gives [[Thresh|Thresh-son-Esan]]{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 +
| A presumably Shin greeting [[Vstim]] gives [[Thresh|Thresh-son-Esan]]{{book ref|sa1|i|4}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
The Shin have their own language.{{wob ref|1874}} The Shin language is part of the dawnate family derived long ago from the [[dawnchant]]. It shares grammar with other languages in the dawnate family, like [[parshendi]] and [[Horneater]], but the vocabulary is vastly different because of how long ago the languages diverged.{{wob ref|3977}} Unlike languages spoken in the east, the Shin have multiple words for different kinds of [[chicken]]s.{{wob ref|1415}} The Shin language does not lend itself to simplifying words as well as the [[Vorin]] language family.{{wob ref|3978}}
 +
The Shin have their own language, which is part of the Dawnate family derived long ago from the [[Dawnchant]]. It shares grammar with other languages in the Dawnate family, like [[listener]] and [[Horneater]], but the vocabulary is vastly different because of how long ago the languages diverged.{{wob ref|3977}} Unlike languages spoken in the east, the Shin have multiple words for different kinds of [[chicken]]s.{{wob ref|1415}} The Shin language does not lend itself to simplifying words as well as the [[Vorin]] language family.{{wob ref|3978}}
   
 
== Notable Shin ==
  
== Notable Shin ==
Line 63: Line 81:
 
* [[Ali|Ali-daughter-Hasweth]]
  
* [[Ali|Ali-daughter-Hasweth]]
 
* [[Shubreth|Shubreth-son-Mashalan]]
  
* [[Shubreth|Shubreth-son-Mashalan]]
  +
  +
== Trivia ==
  +
* The Shin people are the only Rosharans that would look Caucasian.{{wob ref|2985}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
 
<references>
  
<references>
 
</references>
  
</references>
−
{{partial}}
 +
{{complete}}
 
{{Stormlight}}
  
{{Stormlight}}

Revision as of 22:53, 26 January 2020

Shinovar
Locator Shinovar.png
by User: Otto didact
Ethnicity Shin
World Roshar
Universe Cosmere

“ The world is changing outside, but the Shin seem determined to remain the same. ”

— Vstim to Rysn about the Shin[1]

Shinovar is a nation on the western mainland of Roshar.[2] Due to the mountains separating it from the rest of the continent, Shinovar is distinct both ecologically and culturally from the rest of Roshar. Shinovar natives are known as the Shin.

Geography and Ecology

by swamp-spirit
Jeksonofnone, a chicken from Shinovar

“ The entire landscape had an eerie feel to it, as if it were dead. Nothing moved. ”

— Rysn's opinion of Shinovar[1]

Lying on the western side of continental Roshar, Shinovar is bordered to the east by the Misted Mountains and to the west by an unnamed mountain range. Multiple rivers flow through Shinovar from the bodies of water to both the north and the south. The Misted Mountains prevent Shinovar from bordering any other nations.[2] The mountains also protect Shinovar from the worst of the highstorms, so Shinovar experiences far more mild highstorms than the rest of Roshar. Regular storms also occur in Shinovar, particularly during the summer, and it can be difficult to tell the two apart based on strength.[3] The highstorm still recharges gems with the same amount of Stormlight despite its lower strength.[4] Spren rarely manifest in Shinovar, though that is unrelated to highstorm strength.[5]

Shinovar has a vastly different ecology from the rest of the planet, as the flora and fauna there have not the need of adapting to survival in the highstorms. Much of the ecology there is based on the plants and animals brought to Roshar by the Ashyn refugees.[6] The ground in Shinovar is coated with a layer of soil, making the ground feel springy to outsiders. The entire land is coated with a thick layer of grass that does not move or react to movement. The trees dotting the landscape are straight upward with leaves that do not withdraw into the trunk. [1] Plants that are known to be farmed in Shinovar include wheat,[7] strawberries,[8] and grapes.[9] Animals that live in Shinovar include chickens and horses. Horses are both domesticated and wild.[10]

Buildings made of clay and earth seem to be common in Shinovar, as they remind Szeth of his home in the Valley of Truth. This is motivated by the Shin's beliefs that stone is sacred and cannot be used as a building material.[10] The weakened highstorms likely make this form of building viable when it would not be in other parts of Roshar. Shinovar contains an Oathgate somewhere inside the country, though its exact location is not known.[11]

History

When humans first arrived on Roshar from Ashyn, the singers gave them the land of Shinovar to settle in. Because it is sheltered from highstorms, humans were able to grow the plants and animals they had brought with them there. Humans, however, decided to expand from the land they were given.[6] During the Silver Kingdoms, Shinovar was known as Shin Kak Nish.[12] Nohadon claims to have been in a war near the Shin border.[13] Shinovar seems to have been less isolationist then, as they had a working Oathgate and Shin people among the Knights Radiant.

After the Last Desolation, the Shin took control of the Honorblades and brought them to Shinovar.[7] Because of this history, they consider themselves the only ones who remember the truth about Rosharan history, though what they remember might not be entirely accurate.[14] Nale came back and retrieved his at some point without informing the Shin leaders.[7] Members of the Shin use and train with the Honorblades and surges.[15] During the Era of Solitude, the Shin tried multiple times to conquer all of Roshar, but they did not succeed any time.[16] They used Honorblades, Surges,[17] and cavalry, a fighting technique unfamiliar to the rest of the continent.[18] Shubreth-son-Mashalan was likely a leader during one of the invasions.[19] Approximately seven years before the True Desolation, Szeth announced that the Voidbringers were returning.[20] He was told by the Shin leaders that this was false, given Jezrien's Honorblade, and made Truthless.[21] He was traded to Vstim, a Thaylen merchant who often traded successfully with the Shin, and exiled from Shinovar.[1]

After the Everstorm hit the first time, the Shin sent warnings to other countries, including Tashikk, to prepare them.[22] Dalinar sent word to them through a Thaylen merchant asking them to cooperate with his planned coalition.[23] The Shin were considered particularly important allies to gain because they controlled the westernmost Oathgate on continental Roshar.[24] When they received his message, the Shin declined to join, sending back only a congratulations to Dalinar.[25] While the Shin did not join the coalition, they also did not join Odium and were considered uncommitted by the end of the Battle of Thaylen Field.[26]

Politics

The way Shinovar is governed does not seem to be well known outside of Shinovar, even to other monarchs like Taravangian.[25] They have multiple leaders who Szeth views as corrupt for falsely making him Truthless.[27] Other countries tend to view them as barbarians. When it comes to foreign policy, the Shin tend to be isolationist, declining to join Dalinar's coalition of countries when the Everstorm hit.[25][26] This policy is due to their xenophobic nature.[28] The Shin leaders are involved in making someone Truthless.[29][27] As the Stone Shamans are also involved in monitoring the Truthless, it is possible they are part of the Shin leadership.[10]

Culture

Peoples

The Shin, natives of Shinovar, have round faces and are one of few ethnicities on Roshar whose eyes lack epicanthic folds. These features give them a wide-eyed look that, to outsiders, makes them appear to resemble young children.[30] The Shin also have lighter skin than people in other parts of Roshar and are often described as pale.[31] The average Shin is shorter than the average Alethi.[32] Their distinctive features are the result of them being xenophobic and not intermixing with other races very much.[28]

The Shin have a distinct naming scheme, seemingly unique to their culture. A person is identified first by their given name, then as either son or daughter, and finally their parent -- father for men, possibly mother for women.[10][33] As such, a Shin would have a name like Thresh-son-Esan (Thresh, son of Esan) or Ali-daughter-Hasweth (Ali, daughter of Hasweth). In extraordinary circumstances, one can use the name of their grandparent instead, so as to avoid dishonoring their parent. One example of such a case is Szeth-son-son-Vallano, meaning "Szeth, son of the son of Vallano".[10] The same pattern is applied to the names of Heralds in the Shin culture, with Honor being considered their parent -- Nale is known as Nin-son-God.[29]

Class Structure

The Shin have an extremely strict social structure based on profession. High on the social ladder in Shinovar are the farmers, who add to the land by growing plants and are as such considered holy. Each farmer is given the title he who adds and is referred to as such by other Shin. Farmers spend their days either working their fields or exercising their power to oversee negotiations, during which they wear fine, multicolored robes that tie in the front. The robes seem designed for horseback riding, as the robes reach almost to the ground from horseback. Farmers are able to own and trade warriors by way of stones similar to Oathstones.[34] Because of their holy nature, outsiders are not allowed to visit farming villages or farmland.[1]

Traders and merchants are lower in status than farmers, and are required to be supervised by the latter during certain transactions, as when trading with foreigners. They wear colorful capes to signify their status, and they may also ride on horseback.[1]

“Here, warriors are the lowliest of men—kind of like slaves.”

—Vstim to Rysn on Shin culture

Warriors are all viewed extremely poorly in Shin culture. To a Shin, since warriors exist only to destroy, they are far below the farmers and craftsmen who live to create, and even merchants, who trade in other's goods. All warriors are required to obey totally the person who holds their stone, voluntarily subjecting themselves into a state not unlike slavery. While a Shin warrior is able to distinguish his stone, it does not appear to be remarkable in any other way--their subjugation appears to be entirely voluntary. As a rule, Shin warriors cannot be given to outsiders, and the rules regarding the trading of warriors inside Shinovar are unknown. What is known, however, is that any person who picks up a weapon is required to take an stone and live the rest of their life as a warrior. Warriors are recognizable by the simple brown clothing they wear.[1]

Only the Truthless are considered lower than warriors in the Shin culture. At present, there is only one Shin Truthless, and there are not likely to be more in the foreseeable future. Truthless are exiled from Shinovar, and required to live the life of a Shin warrior outside of Shinovar. They are required to have a master, but are not allowed to seek or avoid a particular master, freely sharing information about their servitude to any who asks (assuming that a current master has not given contradictory orders). The precise nature of the offense that makes one Truthless is unknown.

Religion

For more information, see Stone Shamanism.

The Shin follow Stone Shamanism. They believe stone to be sacred and that their soul is given to the stones upon their death, where they continue to exist.[10] They consider walking upon stones to be a heresy, and derogatorily refer to those who do as Stonewalkers. The stones of Urithiru are the one exception to this, as Urithiru is a holy site.[20] Similarly, mining in stone is considered to be a heresy. Because of this, metal is very valuable in Shin territory, with the Shin preferring Soulcast metal above mined metal because of the inherent blasphemy in obtaining the latter. Shin won't trade for fabrials apparently for religious reasons.[1] They called the period of darkest night between the first two moons the "hateful hour" and believed it was the only time their gods didn't keep watch over them.[10] Farm villages and farmland are considered holy, with outsiders not being allowed to visit them.[1]

Economy

“ Never try to cheat the Shin. Be forthright, tell them the truth, and—if anything—undervalue your goods. They will love you for it. And they’ll pay you for it too. ”

— Vstim's lesson to Rysn[1]

When it comes to trading, and as a result of their humble nature, haggling with the Shin usually involves both parties devaluing their wares to the other, until an agreement can be reached. The Shin value and reward honesty in negotiations. This unique attitude towards trading means it can be difficult for merchants to understand how to get a good deal from them. Vstim is one of the few Thaylen merchants to understand them, so he often gets good deals. Shin are known for raising and trading chickens, an animal unique to this region of Roshar. They also commonly trade horses, cloth, and dried meats.[1] They are famed for their horses, and many varieties of fruit, such as strawberries, can only grow in the soil of Shinovar.[35] In exchange, the Shin want metal, particularly Soulcast metal that does not require mining stones to get.[1]

Language

“ Tan balo ken tala, ”

— A presumably Shin greeting Vstim gives Thresh-son-Esan[1]

The Shin have their own language, which is part of the Dawnate family derived long ago from the Dawnchant. It shares grammar with other languages in the Dawnate family, like listener and Horneater, but the vocabulary is vastly different because of how long ago the languages diverged.[36] Unlike languages spoken in the east, the Shin have multiple words for different kinds of chickens.[37] The Shin language does not lend itself to simplifying words as well as the Vorin language family.[9]

Notable Shin

For more people from Shinovar, see :Category: Shin.

Trivia

  • The Shin people are the only Rosharans that would look Caucasian.[38]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m The Way of Kings interlude I-4#
  2. ↑ a b Map of Roshar
  3. ↑ Shadows of Self San Diego signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-08#
  4. ↑ Skyward pre-release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-29#
  5. ↑ Oathbringer London signing
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-28#
  6. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 113#
  7. ↑ a b c Oathbringer chapter 106#
  8. ↑ The Stormlight Archive chapter 48#
  9. ↑ a b General Reddit 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-29#
  10. ↑ a b c d e f g The Way of Kings interlude I-6#
  11. ↑ Oathgate Locations
  12. ↑ Map of Silver Kingdoms
  13. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 103#
  14. ↑ Words of Radiance Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-08#
  15. ↑ Salt Lake City ComicCon 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-09-21#
  16. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 2#
  17. ↑ Stuttgart signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-05-17#
  18. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 75#
  19. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 19#
  20. ↑ a b Words of Radiance interlude I-10#
  21. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 33#
  22. ↑ Edgedancer chapter 14#
  23. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 12#
  24. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 39#
  25. ↑ a b c Oathbringer chapter 24#
  26. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 122#
  27. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 121#
  28. ↑ a b Idaho Falls signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-07-21#
  29. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 88#
  30. ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2013
    — Arcanum - 2013-04-15#
  31. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 19#
  32. ↑ Ben McSweeney AMA
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-06#
  33. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 5#
  34. ↑ Words of Radiance release party
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-03#
  35. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 48#
  36. ↑ /r/Stormlight_Archive
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-29#
  37. ↑ Words of Radiance Portland signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-07#
  38. ↑ Steelheart Portland signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-08#
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