Difference between revisions of "Soulcasting"

|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]

}}

{{quote

}}

'''Soulcasting''' is a form of [[Surgebinding]] on [[Roshar]] that involves manipulating the [[Surge]] of Transformation to turn one material into another.{{wob ref|10086}} A '''Soulcaster''' may refer to a special kind of [[fabrial]] which allows its user to Soulcast, a person who uses such a device, or a person who is able to Soulcast by means of Surgebinding.{{book ref|sa1|5}}

 

== Mechanics ==

 

In order to perform a Soulcasting, the user needs to send their mind into [[Shadesmar]] to connect with the [[Cognitive Realm|cognitive]] aspect of the object they wish changed. Once connected, they must convince the object to change.{{book ref|sa2|11}} The transformation itself consumes [[Stormlight]] at a rate that can crack the gemstones holding it.{{book ref|sa1|5}}

 

 

Apart from those edge cases, any object can be Soulcast, although what it can be Soulcast into varies. It's much easier to create the [[Ten Essences]] than other materials; for example, fruit juice would be harder to make than blood.{{book ref|sa1|72}} Materials that do not exist naturally, such as plastic, are possible to Soulcast into, provided the closest possible Essence is identified.{{wob ref|10904}} This being said, a major limitation is the knowledge of the end material - while a Surgebinder could Soulcast matter into radioactive particles such as plutonium, modern-day [[Roshar]]ans are unaware of its existence and nature.{{wob ref|3811}}

 

 

By contrast, within a [[highstorm]], a Surgebinder can create almost anything.{{wob ref|12723}}

 

== Soulcasters ==

=== Fabrials ===

In the present day, most of Soulcasting is performed by [[fabrial]]s called Soulcasters. The fabrials are composed of two rings and a bracelet, connected by a set of chains over the back of the hand, holding a trio of gemstones. It seems to be typically worn on the freehand (right hand), although whether this is necessary is uncertain.{{book ref|sa1|5}} Each gemstone corresponds to one of the [[Ten Essences]], allowing for the Soulcaster to transform matter into one of the three. When Soulcasting, the fabrial draws Stormlight from the corresponding gemstone. What Essences the Soulcaster can use is referred to as the Soulcaster's modes.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} This being said, Soulcasters capable of using all three modes are rare, and a vast majority can only utilize one.{{book ref|sa1|5}} Soulcasters with access to the same Essence can work together to Soulcast objects of greater size.{{book ref|sa2|35}}

 

=== Operation ===

 

=== Creation and Spread ===

 

 

== Uses ==

 

=== Food production ===

 

=== Combat ===

In medicine, Soulcasting can be used to treat poisoning by transforming the blood into its pure version.{{book ref|sa1|72}} Soulcast blood can also be used for transfusion for any person, as it corresponds to blood from a human universal donor.{{wob ref|9237}} This being said, Soulcast meat is not human flesh.{{wob ref|8161}}

 

 

== Savants ==

Long-term use of Soulcasting, whether via Surgebinding or a fabrial, can lead to the user becoming a [[savant]], transforming slowly into the essence they frequently transform other objects into.{{wob ref|1557}} The effects of savanthood are much less pronounced for Surgebinders and can take a different path in their manifestation, due to the [[Nahel bond]].{{wob ref|8742}} This process is different from simply having transformed a portion of oneself accidentally.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}}

 

Some Soulcaster ardents on the [[Shattered Plains]] developed crystalline eyes and stone-like skin with cracks.{{book ref|sa2|35}} Another ardent in [[Kholinar]] appears as if there are vines growing under her skin and poking out from her eyes.{{book ref|sa3|81}} [[Kaza]] is slowly becoming smoke in places, to the point where she has a hole in her cheek leaking smoke. Her hair, ears and fingers have also started to transform. The personality of the Soulcaster might also be affected, as Kaza feels drawn to become smoke with the objects she transforms, and begins to lose normal human emotional responses.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}}

 

* [[House Kholin]] maintains a monopoly on all Soulcasters in Alethkar, and charges fees for their use.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

* The [[Azish]] have a few Soulcasters, including one famous for its ability to make bronze.{{book ref|sa3|65}}

* The [[Diagram (group)|Diagram]] has access to at least one Soulcaster able to make things into smoke, as evidenced by the man who gave Szeth his first orders from the Diagram.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}

 

== Trivia ==

* Soulcast blood matches someone's DNA.{{wob ref|8587}}

* An early version of Soulcasting had it available to all orders of Knights Radiant. A Knight could only transform the material corresponding to their Order, but they could transform it into anything. This was eventually changed, as it made Orders feel too similar to one another.{{wob ref|8359}}

 

== Notes ==

{{stormlight}}

[[category: Surgebinding]]