Difference between revisions of "Sleepless"
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+ | The '''Sleepless''', also known as '''Dysian Aimians''',{{book ref|twok|54}} are a sapient non-human race from an unknown planet in the [[cosmere]].{{book ref|sa3.5|18}}{{wob ref|14313}} Their bodies are made up of swarms of creatures called "hordelings" that are mentally linked.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}}{{wob ref|1543}} They refer to themselves as "Sleepless"{{wob ref|2113}} because at least some part of the horde is always awake.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Some of the Sleepless can be found on [[Roshar]], and they once lived in the [[Silver Kingdoms|Silver Kingdom]] of [[Aimia]].{{wob ref|9640}} |
== Appearance and Anatomy == |
== Appearance and Anatomy == |
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|[[Kaza]], watching the cook of the ''[[First Dreams]]''{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} |
|[[Kaza]], watching the cook of the ''[[First Dreams]]''{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} |
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}} |
}} |
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− | + | Sleepless have a unique physiology, as their "bodies" are actually composed of thousands{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} of creatures called "hordelings" that are able to function as a single consciousness.{{wob ref|11484}}{{wob ref|1543}} The hordelings are not limited in how they assemble themselves; with practice, a Sleepless can mimic the shape of other creatures, including humans.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Sleepless not on Roshar would not be practiced in imitating the human form, and would look completely different.{{wob ref|14312}}{{wob ref|2902}} Unlike [[Siah Aimian]]s, Dysian Aimians cannot mate with humans.{{wob ref|10842}} |
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=== Hordelings === |
=== Hordelings === |
||
− | Hordelings are usually about the size of a finger,{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} |
+ | Hordelings are usually about the size of a finger,{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} but they can be as large as a fist{{wob ref|11672}} or sometimes as large as a building.{{book ref|sa3|19}} Hordelings on Roshar often resemble native creatures known as [[cremling]]s simply to make them less noticeable to casual observers; they can take other forms.{{wob ref|3346}} The hordelings of each Sleepless are not all identical, and often serve specific purposes.{{wob ref|1543}} For example, because [[Arclo]] tries to pass as a human, many of his hordelings have protrusions on their backs that resemble human parts such as skin or eyeballs; he is also able to speak with a passably human voice.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} However, individual hordelings cannot shapeshift, so the nature of a Sleepless body is usually visible upon close inspection.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Sleepless therefore tend to cover their "skin" when possible, or use the appearance of older skin{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} or tattoos{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} to obscure their true nature. |
=== Adaptation and Regeneration === |
=== Adaptation and Regeneration === |
||
− | Hordelings can be specially bred to enhance specific capabilities of a Sleepless, such as a heightened sense of smell or increased memory capacity, although this process takes some time.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Over the course of many generations, some have managed to breed hordelings that are able to mimic the powers of a [[larkin]].{{wob ref|12658}} There is a limit on both the total mass and number of hordelings a Sleepless can have at any given time,{{wob ref|12043}} but the maximum number would definitely allow a Sleepless to become larger than human-sized.{{wob ref|11672}}{{wob ref|11953}} Because they can continually create new hordelings to replace any that are lost, the personality of a Sleepless can live forever, as long as not too many of the hordelings are destroyed at once.{{wob ref|3885}} |
+ | Hordelings can be specially bred to enhance specific capabilities of a Sleepless, such as a heightened sense of smell or increased memory capacity, although this process takes some time.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} [[Nikli]] notes that it took three hundred years to breed hordelings that could imitate human fingers.{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} Over the course of many generations, some have even managed to breed hordelings that are able to mimic the powers of a [[larkin]].{{wob ref|12658}} There is a limit on both the total mass and number of hordelings a Sleepless can have at any given time,{{wob ref|12043}} but the maximum number would definitely allow a Sleepless to become much larger than human-sized.{{wob ref|11672}}{{wob ref|11953}} Because they can continually create new hordelings to replace any that are lost, the personality of a Sleepless can live forever, as long as not too many of the hordelings are destroyed at once.{{wob ref|3885}} |
==== Reproduction ==== |
==== Reproduction ==== |
||
− | Sleepless are able to reproduce, but reproduction for them has a variety of |
+ | Sleepless are able to reproduce, but "reproduction" for them has a variety of connotations. They can breed specific hordelings for specialized purposes over time and can also exchange hordelings if needed in order to improve their genetic diversity. They can even crossbreed with other species such as the [[lancer]].{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} Creating a new Sleepless is a different experience.{{wob ref|13236}} They refer to this as "Separating" and it involves splitting off a subsection of an existing swarm and allowing it to gain independence over time.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}} Newly independent swarms retain the genetic adaptations of their "parent" swarm and are able to fine-tune the evolutions of their hordelings to even greater effect.{{book ref|sa3|19}} |
=== Consciousness === |
=== Consciousness === |
||
In practice, hordelings function as a "hive mind",{{wob ref|1543}} but they are not technically one entity.{{wob ref|11869}} Hordelings have the ability to separate from the main body to act as remote agents while maintaining their mental link with the rest of the horde.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Certain circumstances could lead to a hordeling being split off from the group and forced to act independently.{{wob ref|11869}} For example, a hordeling that is physically too distant from the others can lose contact with the main mind, and this would affect its [[Cognitive Realm|Cognitive]] aspect.{{wob ref|11603}} A [[Hemalurgic]] spike would disconnect a hordeling from the hivemind.{{wob ref|3319}} The Sleepless are not able to split their consciousness between the Cognitive Realm and the [[Physical Realm]].{{wob ref|11869}} They can also form multiple humanoid bodies at once, but it is difficult and risks making the split permanent, creating a new Sleepless. This is made easier if the bodies are not engaged in intelligent tasks at the same time.{{wob ref|14314}} |
In practice, hordelings function as a "hive mind",{{wob ref|1543}} but they are not technically one entity.{{wob ref|11869}} Hordelings have the ability to separate from the main body to act as remote agents while maintaining their mental link with the rest of the horde.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Certain circumstances could lead to a hordeling being split off from the group and forced to act independently.{{wob ref|11869}} For example, a hordeling that is physically too distant from the others can lose contact with the main mind, and this would affect its [[Cognitive Realm|Cognitive]] aspect.{{wob ref|11603}} A [[Hemalurgic]] spike would disconnect a hordeling from the hivemind.{{wob ref|3319}} The Sleepless are not able to split their consciousness between the Cognitive Realm and the [[Physical Realm]].{{wob ref|11869}} They can also form multiple humanoid bodies at once, but it is difficult and risks making the split permanent, creating a new Sleepless. This is made easier if the bodies are not engaged in intelligent tasks at the same time.{{wob ref|14314}} |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | All Sleepless have the abilities granted by their unusual physiology, including shapeshifting, adaptive evolution, and effective immortality. Sleepless have used [[Surgebinding]] in the past and may use it again in the future.{{ref|text=[[Oathbringer#Cover Synopsis|''Oathbringer'' cover synopsis]]}} Arclo is able to easily kill two of [[Nale]]'s [[Skybreaker]] apprentices and tells [[Lift]] that it would not have been possible for them to kill him.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} He notes that Dysian Aimians would have nothing to fear even from someone as powerful as a Herald, and that they know to leave his kind alone.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Sleepless have more resistance to [[Soulcasting]] compared to humans for various reasons.{{wob ref|13201}} They are also fluent in most, if not all, human languages.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} |
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+ | |||
+ | In addition to their ability to mentally link their hordelings, each Sleepless can also directly communicate with other swarms. It is possible to exclude certain swarms from these communications.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}} |
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+ | |||
+ | The Sleepless are exceptionally [[cosmere]]-aware. At least some Sleepless have had the power of [[Worldhopper|Worldhopping]];{{wob ref|12222}} Arclo tells Lift he once traveled to a land she will never visit.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} They have some relationship to the [[shard]] [[Cultivation]] and another unnamed group in the cosmere.{{wob ref|9476}} They are aware that some [[Unkalaki]] are [[Sighted]] and that they guard [[Cultivation's Perpendicularity]].{{book ref|sa3.5|15}} They hold secrets about the power of the [[Dawnshard]]s and the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]], and they have passed this information down to their "younger" members.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} They refer to [[lancer]]yn and [[larkin]] as "Ancient Guardians" and believed that protecting the [[Akinah Dawnshard mural]] was important to the fate of the entire cosmere.{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | Of the twenty-four known Sleepless on Roshar, twenty accept the authority of [[Yelamaiszin]], the First swarm, including Yelamaiszin himself. They vote on important matters using the rapid communication provided by their hive minds.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}} [[Arclomedarian]] does not accept their authority, although he is not considered one of the "true traitors" and is still liked.{{wob ref|14310}} It is unknown if the other three dissident Sleepless are in this category, though all four of the Sleepless who do not accept Yelamaiszin's authority (including Arclo) are still alive.{{wob ref|14310}} The Sleepless defend life, although they are willing to kill in order to preserve it. Nikli states that the Sleepless have chosen to do this after seeing the destruction of worlds and have vowed to never let it happen again.{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} Paradoxically, while the Sleepless tend to like the Knights Radiant, with Yelamaiszin even stating a personal admiration for Dalinar, they worry that the Radiants' insistence on making honorable choices is highly dangerous.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}} Despite a willingness to kill in order to protect the [[Dawnshard]] from outside knowledge, the Sleepless are also open to reason. Rysn managed to convince them to spare the crew of the ''[[Wandersail (1174 ship)|Wandersail]]'' in exchange for her help in safeguarding it.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} |
||
== History == |
== History == |
||
+ | === Origins === |
||
⚫ | |||
+ | Sleepless, or Dysian Aimians, existed on other planets in the [[cosmere]]{{wob ref|11778}} and are known to have traveled between them.{{wob ref|12222}} [[Hoid]] was the only person known to use the term "Dysian," and the source of the term is unknown.{{book ref|twok|54}} All known Sleepless on Roshar descended from a single swarm currently named [[Yelamaiszin]].{{book ref|sa2.5|6}} |
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⚫ | Although not native to Roshar, the Sleepless lived in Aimia prior to the [[Scouring of Aimia]], which has been characterized by [[Hessi]] as "total destruction".{{epigraph ref|sa3|113}}{{wob ref|14313}} They coexisted with the [[Siah Aimian]]s, but were not related to them.{{wob ref|5479}} Despite the fact that they survived, the destruction of their home on Aimia seems to have caused the Sleepless a great deal of emotional pain.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} |
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− | Dysian Aimians exist on other planets in the [[cosmere]]{{wob ref|11778}} and have traveled between them in the past.{{wob ref|12222}} Unlike Rosharan Sleepless, they cannot imitate the human form. They also look completely different.{{wob ref|14312}} By the time of the [[True Desolation]], there are twenty-four Sleepless.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}}{{wob ref|1784}}{{book ref|sa1|i|5}} As both Siah Aimians and Dysian Aimians are immortal, the remaining individuals seem to be aware of each other.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} [[Hoid]] is the only person known to use the term "Dysian," and the source of the term is unknown.{{book ref|twok|54}} |
||
=== Heraldic Epochs === |
=== Heraldic Epochs === |
||
− | The Sleepless |
+ | The Sleepless had a long history with the [[Herald]]s and [[Knights Radiant]].{{ref|text=[[The Way of Kings#Cover Synopsis|''The Way of Kings'' cover synopsis]]}} Some Sleepless were once able to use the power of [[Surgebinding]].{{ref|text=[[Oathbringer#Cover Synopsis|''Oathbringer'' cover synopsis]]}} At least some of the Sleepless, including Arclo,{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} were allies of the Heralds and Knights Radiant during the [[Heraldic Epochs]]. Arclo tells [[Lift]] that others of his kind are particularly interested in Radiants.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} At least one Dysian Aimian may have fought during [[Aharietiam]], as [[Dalinar Kholin]] notices a heap of burned, strange cremlings in one of [[Dalinar's visions|his visions]];{{book ref|sa3|42}} it is not clear which side they fought on. |
=== Modern Roshar === |
=== Modern Roshar === |
||
+ | By the time of the [[True Desolation]], there were twenty-four Sleepless on Roshar.{{book ref|sa3.5|6}}{{wob ref|1784}}{{book ref|sa1|i|5}} As both Siah Aimians and Sleepless were immortal, the remaining individuals seemed to be aware of each other.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} |
||
⚫ | The Sleepless |
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⚫ | The Sleepless were able to monitor events on Roshar using their hordelings, and they were particularly interested in Dalinar, [[Kaladin]], [[Shallan]], [[Szeth]], [[Navani]], [[Eshonai]], and [[Venli]], believing them to be crucial to the future of Roshar.{{ref|text=[[The Way of Kings#Cover Synopsis|''The Way of Kings'' cover synopsis]]}}{{ref|text=[[Words of Radiance#Cover Synopsis|''Words of Radiance'' cover synopsis]]}}{{ref|text=[[Oathbringer#Cover Synopsis|''Oathbringer'' cover synopsis]]}}{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} Arclo believed that [[Lift]] should also be included in that group, and that the other Sleepless should not ignore her.{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} Arclo was also aware that the [[Stump]] is a Radiant{{book ref|sa2.5|16}} and that [[Nale]] was alive, referring to him as a "madman".{{book ref|sa2.5|18}} |
||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | The Sleepless appear to be guarding several secrets from humans, including something that Dalinar seeks but "must not know".{{ref|text=[[Oathbringer#Cover Synopsis|''Oathbringer'' cover synopsis]]}} An unnamed Sleepless learned of [[Vazrmeb]]'s plan to sail the ship ''[[First Dreams]]'' to [[Akinah]] in Aimia; she posed as a [[Reshi]] cook and joined the crew, later poisoning everyone else on board to protect the island.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} She refused to divulge any of Akinah's secrets to [[Kaza]] even as she was dying, telling her that doing so could result in the "ends of worlds".{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} |
||
⚫ | The |
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⚫ | The Sleepless were forced into conflict with humans again due to Radiant interest in the city of Akinah. Although they had managed to dissuade early patrols of Windrunners from surveying the island using specialized [[larkin]] hybrid hordelings, their vehemence in protecting the island only attracted more attention to it.{{book ref|sa3.5|2}} |
||
⚫ | After Queen Navani commissioned Rysn's ship, the Wandersail, to investigate the oddities, the Sleepless were forced into steadily more aggressive confrontations with the ship's crew. These engagements resulted in the unmasking of one of their agents, [[Nikliasorm]], fatally compromising the security of their entire operation.{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} |
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⚫ | After Queen Navani commissioned Rysn's ship, the ''[[Wandersail (1174 ship)|Wandersail]]'', to investigate the oddities, the Sleepless were forced into steadily more aggressive confrontations with the ship's crew. These engagements resulted in the unmasking of one of their agents, [[Nikliasorm]], fatally compromising the security of their entire operation.{{book ref|sa3.5|18}} |
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⚫ | Of the twenty |
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− | |||
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⚫ | All |
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− | == Notable |
+ | == Notable Sleepless == |
− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Arclomedarian]] |
+ | * [[Yelamaiszin]], first and oldest of the swarms on Roshar |
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⚫ | |||
− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Alalhawithador]], third oldest and angriest of the swarms |
− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Nikliasorm]], twenty-fourth and youngest swarm on Roshar |
− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Zyardil]] |
⚫ | |||
− | * [[Zyardil]] |
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=== Confirmed sightings === |
=== Confirmed sightings === |
Revision as of 18:20, 12 November 2020
Sleepless | |
---|---|
Sapient | yes |
World of Origin | Roshar |
Universe | Cosmere |
The Sleepless, also known as Dysian Aimians,[1] are a sapient non-human race from an unknown planet in the cosmere.[2][3] Their bodies are made up of swarms of creatures called "hordelings" that are mentally linked.[4][5] They refer to themselves as "Sleepless"[6] because at least some part of the horde is always awake.[4] Some of the Sleepless can be found on Roshar, and they once lived in the Silver Kingdom of Aimia.[7]
Appearance and Anatomy
“The cook began to hum. Pieces of her broke off. She crumbled to a pile of chittering little cremlings that moved out of her clothing, leaving it in a heap. ”
Sleepless have a unique physiology, as their "bodies" are actually composed of thousands[4] of creatures called "hordelings" that are able to function as a single consciousness.[9][5] The hordelings are not limited in how they assemble themselves; with practice, a Sleepless can mimic the shape of other creatures, including humans.[4] Sleepless not on Roshar would not be practiced in imitating the human form, and would look completely different.[10][11] Unlike Siah Aimians, Dysian Aimians cannot mate with humans.[12]
Hordelings
Hordelings are usually about the size of a finger,[4] but they can be as large as a fist[13] or sometimes as large as a building.[14] Hordelings on Roshar often resemble native creatures known as cremlings simply to make them less noticeable to casual observers; they can take other forms.[15] The hordelings of each Sleepless are not all identical, and often serve specific purposes.[5] For example, because Arclo tries to pass as a human, many of his hordelings have protrusions on their backs that resemble human parts such as skin or eyeballs; he is also able to speak with a passably human voice.[4] However, individual hordelings cannot shapeshift, so the nature of a Sleepless body is usually visible upon close inspection.[4] Sleepless therefore tend to cover their "skin" when possible, or use the appearance of older skin[4] or tattoos[8] to obscure their true nature.
Adaptation and Regeneration
Hordelings can be specially bred to enhance specific capabilities of a Sleepless, such as a heightened sense of smell or increased memory capacity, although this process takes some time.[4] Nikli notes that it took three hundred years to breed hordelings that could imitate human fingers.[2] Over the course of many generations, some have even managed to breed hordelings that are able to mimic the powers of a larkin.[16] There is a limit on both the total mass and number of hordelings a Sleepless can have at any given time,[17] but the maximum number would definitely allow a Sleepless to become much larger than human-sized.[13][18] Because they can continually create new hordelings to replace any that are lost, the personality of a Sleepless can live forever, as long as not too many of the hordelings are destroyed at once.[19]
Reproduction
Sleepless are able to reproduce, but "reproduction" for them has a variety of connotations. They can breed specific hordelings for specialized purposes over time and can also exchange hordelings if needed in order to improve their genetic diversity. They can even crossbreed with other species such as the lancer.[20] Creating a new Sleepless is a different experience.[21] They refer to this as "Separating" and it involves splitting off a subsection of an existing swarm and allowing it to gain independence over time.[22] Newly independent swarms retain the genetic adaptations of their "parent" swarm and are able to fine-tune the evolutions of their hordelings to even greater effect.[14]
Consciousness
In practice, hordelings function as a "hive mind",[5] but they are not technically one entity.[23] Hordelings have the ability to separate from the main body to act as remote agents while maintaining their mental link with the rest of the horde.[4] Certain circumstances could lead to a hordeling being split off from the group and forced to act independently.[23] For example, a hordeling that is physically too distant from the others can lose contact with the main mind, and this would affect its Cognitive aspect.[24] A Hemalurgic spike would disconnect a hordeling from the hivemind.[25] The Sleepless are not able to split their consciousness between the Cognitive Realm and the Physical Realm.[23] They can also form multiple humanoid bodies at once, but it is difficult and risks making the split permanent, creating a new Sleepless. This is made easier if the bodies are not engaged in intelligent tasks at the same time.[26]
Attributes and Abilities
“Beneath that skin was not blood or muscle. It was hundreds of cremlings, pulling together to form a counterfeit man. ”
—Lift, on Arclo[4]
All Sleepless have the abilities granted by their unusual physiology, including shapeshifting, adaptive evolution, and effective immortality. Sleepless have used Surgebinding in the past and may use it again in the future.[27] Arclo is able to easily kill two of Nale's Skybreaker apprentices and tells Lift that it would not have been possible for them to kill him.[4] He notes that Dysian Aimians would have nothing to fear even from someone as powerful as a Herald, and that they know to leave his kind alone.[4] Sleepless have more resistance to Soulcasting compared to humans for various reasons.[28] They are also fluent in most, if not all, human languages.[20]
In addition to their ability to mentally link their hordelings, each Sleepless can also directly communicate with other swarms. It is possible to exclude certain swarms from these communications.[22]
The Sleepless are exceptionally cosmere-aware. At least some Sleepless have had the power of Worldhopping;[29] Arclo tells Lift he once traveled to a land she will never visit.[4] They have some relationship to the shard Cultivation and another unnamed group in the cosmere.[30] They are aware that some Unkalaki are Sighted and that they guard Cultivation's Perpendicularity.[31] They hold secrets about the power of the Dawnshards and the Shattering of Adonalsium, and they have passed this information down to their "younger" members.[20] They refer to lanceryn and larkin as "Ancient Guardians" and believed that protecting the Akinah Dawnshard mural was important to the fate of the entire cosmere.[2]
Social Structure and Purpose
“Arclomedarian is dangerous, Nikli sent. I can see this. But it is not as dangerous as the true traitors. ”
—Nikli, on Arclo[22]
Of the twenty-four known Sleepless on Roshar, twenty accept the authority of Yelamaiszin, the First swarm, including Yelamaiszin himself. They vote on important matters using the rapid communication provided by their hive minds.[22] Arclomedarian does not accept their authority, although he is not considered one of the "true traitors" and is still liked.[32] It is unknown if the other three dissident Sleepless are in this category, though all four of the Sleepless who do not accept Yelamaiszin's authority (including Arclo) are still alive.[32] The Sleepless defend life, although they are willing to kill in order to preserve it. Nikli states that the Sleepless have chosen to do this after seeing the destruction of worlds and have vowed to never let it happen again.[2] Paradoxically, while the Sleepless tend to like the Knights Radiant, with Yelamaiszin even stating a personal admiration for Dalinar, they worry that the Radiants' insistence on making honorable choices is highly dangerous.[22] Despite a willingness to kill in order to protect the Dawnshard from outside knowledge, the Sleepless are also open to reason. Rysn managed to convince them to spare the crew of the Wandersail in exchange for her help in safeguarding it.[20]
History
Origins
Sleepless, or Dysian Aimians, existed on other planets in the cosmere[33] and are known to have traveled between them.[29] Hoid was the only person known to use the term "Dysian," and the source of the term is unknown.[1] All known Sleepless on Roshar descended from a single swarm currently named Yelamaiszin.[34]
Although not native to Roshar, the Sleepless lived in Aimia prior to the Scouring of Aimia, which has been characterized by Hessi as "total destruction".[35][3] They coexisted with the Siah Aimians, but were not related to them.[36] Despite the fact that they survived, the destruction of their home on Aimia seems to have caused the Sleepless a great deal of emotional pain.[37]
Heraldic Epochs
The Sleepless had a long history with the Heralds and Knights Radiant.[38] Some Sleepless were once able to use the power of Surgebinding.[27] At least some of the Sleepless, including Arclo,[4] were allies of the Heralds and Knights Radiant during the Heraldic Epochs. Arclo tells Lift that others of his kind are particularly interested in Radiants.[4] At least one Dysian Aimian may have fought during Aharietiam, as Dalinar Kholin notices a heap of burned, strange cremlings in one of his visions;[39] it is not clear which side they fought on.
Modern Roshar
By the time of the True Desolation, there were twenty-four Sleepless on Roshar.[22][40][41] As both Siah Aimians and Sleepless were immortal, the remaining individuals seemed to be aware of each other.[4]
The Sleepless were able to monitor events on Roshar using their hordelings, and they were particularly interested in Dalinar, Kaladin, Shallan, Szeth, Navani, Eshonai, and Venli, believing them to be crucial to the future of Roshar.[38][42][27][2] Arclo believed that Lift should also be included in that group, and that the other Sleepless should not ignore her.[4] Arclo was also aware that the Stump is a Radiant[43] and that Nale was alive, referring to him as a "madman".[4]
The Sleepless appear to be guarding several secrets from humans, including something that Dalinar seeks but "must not know".[27] An unnamed Sleepless learned of Vazrmeb's plan to sail the ship First Dreams to Akinah in Aimia; she posed as a Reshi cook and joined the crew, later poisoning everyone else on board to protect the island.[8] She refused to divulge any of Akinah's secrets to Kaza even as she was dying, telling her that doing so could result in the "ends of worlds".[8]
The Sleepless were forced into conflict with humans again due to Radiant interest in the city of Akinah. Although they had managed to dissuade early patrols of Windrunners from surveying the island using specialized larkin hybrid hordelings, their vehemence in protecting the island only attracted more attention to it.[44]
After Queen Navani commissioned Rysn's ship, the Wandersail, to investigate the oddities, the Sleepless were forced into steadily more aggressive confrontations with the ship's crew. These engagements resulted in the unmasking of one of their agents, Nikliasorm, fatally compromising the security of their entire operation.[2]
Despite these events the Dawnshard maintains anonymity thanks to Rysn's careful planning. She has agreed to keep the Dawnshard hidden and train the Sleepless to better pass as human.
Notable Sleepless
- Arclomedarian
- Yelamaiszin, first and oldest of the swarms on Roshar
- Alalhawithador, third oldest and angriest of the swarms
- Nikliasorm, twenty-fourth and youngest swarm on Roshar
- Zyardil
- The cook of the First Dreams[8] was an unidentified Sleepless
Confirmed sightings
Brandon Sanderson has indicated that conspicuous appearances of cremlings may indicate the presence of a Dysian Aimian;[45] some such sightings have been directly confirmed by him.
- Hoid delivers a monologue to a hordeling while waiting for Jasnah to Elsecall after her time in Shadesmar.[46][47]
- Kaladin notices a deep purple hordeling on one of Tvlakv's carts.[48][49]
Unconfirmed sightings
- Shallan sketches a cremling in the gardens at her family manor.[50]
- Mraize shoots a cremling on a tree while meeting with Shallan.[51]
- Kaladin and Syl see a brightly colored cremling in a jail cell.[52]
- Kaladin and Syl see an iridescent cremling on the Shattered Plains.[53]
- Dalinar comes across a cremling while looking for Talenel in the warcamps.[54]
- Kaladin notices a strange cremling on a table in a stormshelter in Kholinar.[55]
Trivia
- The blurbs on the back covers of the Stormlight Archive books are written from an in-universe perspective and are authored by Dysian Aimians;[56] the author of the blurb on The Way of Kings has not otherwise appeared in the books.[57]
- The Sleepless were inspired by the Tines in A Fire Upon the Deep, but can spread their members farther apart.[5][58]
- The Sleepless will play a major role in Mistborn Era 4.[59]
- A hordeling could gain or lose something via Hemalurgy, but that would cause it to disconnect from the main hive mind.[25]
- The Sleepless on Roshar are the only ones capable of imitating humans.[10]
Notes
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 54#
- ↑ a b c d e f Dawnshard chapter 18#
- ↑ a b Dawnshard Annotations Reddit Q&A
— Arcanum - 2020-11-06# - ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Edgedancer chapter 18#
- ↑ a b c d e Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-06# - ↑ General Signed Books 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-11-22# - ↑ Arcanum Unbounded release party
— Arcanum - 2016-11-22# - ↑ a b c d e Oathbringer interlude I-4#
- ↑ Skyward Pre-Release AMA
— Arcanum - 2018-10-29# - ↑ a b Dawnshard Annotations Reddit Q&A
— Arcanum - 2020-11-06# - ↑ Shadows of Self Nottingham UK signing
— Arcanum - 2015-10-22# - ↑ Legion Release Party
— Arcanum - 2018-09-19# - ↑ a b Skyward release party
— Arcanum - 2018-11-06# - ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 19#
- ↑ Leipzig Book Fair
— Arcanum - 2017-03-24# - ↑ FanX Spring 2019
— Arcanum - 2019-04-19# - ↑ Skyward Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-16# - ↑ Skyward Denver signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-15# - ↑ Stormlight Three Update #5
— Arcanum - 2016-11-29# - ↑ a b c d Dawnshard chapter 19#
- ↑ Prague Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-10-26# - ↑ a b c d e f Dawnshard chapter 6#
- ↑ a b c Skyward Seattle signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-10# - ↑ Skyward San Diego signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-07# - ↑ a b Leipzig Book Fair
— Arcanum - 2017-03-24# - ↑ Dawnshard Annotations Reddit Q&A
— Arcanum - 2020-11-06# - ↑ a b c d Oathbringer cover synopsis
- ↑ Prague Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-10-26# - ↑ a b Idaho Falls signing
— Arcanum - 2018-12-29# - ↑ General Signed Books 2018
— Arcanum - 2018-04-17# - ↑ Dawnshard chapter 15#
- ↑ a b Dawnshard Annotations Reddit Q&A
— Arcanum - 2020-11-06# - ↑ Skyward release party
— Arcanum - 2018-11-06# - ↑ Edgedancer chapter 6#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 113 epigraph#
- ↑ Shadows of Self Boston signing
— Arcanum - 2015-10-14# - ↑ Edgedancer chapter 9#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings cover synopsis
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 42#
- ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Seattle signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-01# - ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-5#
- ↑ Words of Radiance cover synopsis
- ↑ Edgedancer chapter 16#
- ↑ Dawnshard chapter 2#
- ↑ Starsight Release Party
— Arcanum - 2019-11-26# - ↑ Words of Radiance epilogue#
- ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-06# - ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 4#
- ↑ Supanova 2017 - Sydney
— Arcanum - 2017-06-16# - ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 27#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 43#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 64#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 68#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 50#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 77#
- ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-06# - ↑ Orem Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-03-16# - ↑ Emerald City Comic Con 2018
— Arcanum - 2018-03-01# - ↑ Leipzig Book Fair
— Arcanum - 2017-03-24#