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{{image|Stubborn Obstacle by Xabi gazte.jpg|side=left|width=200px|[[Shallan]] attemping to Soulcast a stick}}
Soulcasting is the manifestation of the Surge of Transformation, normally available only to the Orders of [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweavers]] and [[Elsecallers]]. It allows the user to transform any material into any other material, with possible exception of gemstones and Shards.{{book ref|sa1|72}} This is performed by altering the object's [[Spiritual Realm|spiritual]] nature.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} Under most circumstances, Soulcasting is mass-conservative.{{wob ref|1139}} A Soulcast object is generally room temperature, although fire may be an exception to this.{{wob ref|14595}}
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}}
The target of Soulcasting can be an inanimate item or a person, although a person will present greater difficulty, due to the innate [[Investiture]] they hold.{{book ref|sa1|36}}{{wob ref|2675}} Highly-
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}}
== Soulcasters ==
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=== 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 ===
Supposedly, operating a Soulcaster is extremely simple - one needs only to press their hand against the item that should be Soulcast, and tap the appropriate gemstone with a finger.{{book ref|sa1|42}} However, the actual mechanics appear to be more complicated. Much like a Surgebinder, a fabrial user's mind is drawn into [[Shadesmar]], where they must negotiate with the object they wish to transform. Different strategies work better on different essences. For example, stone is stubborn, and should be coerced with freedom and movement, while air is easier to order with discipline.{{book ref|sa3|120}} The person's will is reinforced by some other entity, attracted to the user's request for aid -- possibly the fabrial itself.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} Humming is said to make the process easier, and Soulcasters can be seen chanting during their work.{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa2|35}}
=== Creation and Spread ===
Soulcasters were created before the modern age of humans on Roshar, and their fabrication and origin is largely unknown until the occupation of Urithiru.{{book ref|sa1|39}} In the West, it's believed that Soulcasters originally came from the island of [[Akinah]] in the land of [[Aimia]].{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} [[Vorin]] teachings claim that they came from the [[Honor|Almighty]], through the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa1|42}} Current artifabrians don't understand and can't replicate Soulcasters because they somehow function without trapped spren. However, the presence that can be felt by its user is similar to what occurs with the [[Oathgate spren]].{{wob ref|9533}}
During the occupation of Urithiru by [[Raboniel]]'s forces, Navani discovers that Soulcasters are spren manifesting in the Physical Realm as a device, similar to Shardblades.{{book ref|sa4|46}} In [[Shadesmar]] Soulcaster fabrials manifest as a small, unresponsive spren hovering with their eyes closed.{{book ref|sa4|9}}
Where the Soulcasters can be found is uneven. Nations like [[Alethkar]] possess numerous ones, capable of creating materials such as grain or stone. Other states, like [[Azir]], have very few, while places like [[Liafor]] have only one.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} Countries such as [[Iri]], [[Rira (country)|Rira]] and [[Kharbranth]] have none whatsoever.{{book ref|sa3|19}}
* 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}}
* Pattern has claimed that Shallan used
* The [[Sleepless]] indicate that Soulcasters are "practically useless" to their kind. The reason for this is unclear.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}}
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