Difference between revisions of "Spheres"
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== Appearance == |
== Appearance == |
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| − | Each sphere is made of a tiny gemstone encased in a glass bead, usually flattened on one side to keep the sphere from rolling away when set down.{{book ref|sa1|27}} The |
+ | Each sphere is made of a tiny gemstone encased in a glass bead, usually flattened on one side to keep the sphere from rolling away when set down.{{book ref|sa1|27}} The gemstone can belong to any one of the ten [[Polestone]]s,{{book ref|twok|8}} and can come in one of three different sizes. The glass bead is always a uniform size, little larger than a person's thumb nail.{{book ref|sa1|3}} |
=== Dimensions === |
=== Dimensions === |
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Exact measurements for the glass beads or their embedded gemstones are not available, but they can be deduced from a Reddit post by [[Peter Ahlstrom]] where he confirms the weight of each denomination, in carats.{{cite}} The following table lists the mass and diameter of each denomination, assuming a uniform round cut. |
Exact measurements for the glass beads or their embedded gemstones are not available, but they can be deduced from a Reddit post by [[Peter Ahlstrom]] where he confirms the weight of each denomination, in carats.{{cite}} The following table lists the mass and diameter of each denomination, assuming a uniform round cut. |
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| − | {| class="infobox" style="margin: auto;" |
+ | {| class="infobox" style="margin: auto; align: center;" |
|+ Sphere measurements |
|+ Sphere measurements |
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! '''Denomination''' |
! '''Denomination''' |
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| − | ! '''Mass''' |
+ | ! '''Mass''' |
| + | (carats, ct) |
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| − | ! '''Mass''' · <abbr title="milligrams">mg</abbr> |
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| + | ! '''Mass''' |
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| − | ! '''Diameter''' · <abbr title="millimeters">mm</abbr> |
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| + | (milligrams, mg) |
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| + | ! '''Diameter''' |
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| + | (millimeters, mm) |
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{{row| Chip | 0.1 | 20 | 3 }} |
{{row| Chip | 0.1 | 20 | 3 }} |
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{{row| Mark | 0.5 | 100 | 5 }} |
{{row| Mark | 0.5 | 100 | 5 }} |
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TODO: Sources |
TODO: Sources |
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| − | + | * https://www.gemsociety.org/article/standard-gem-sizes-chart/ |
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| − | + | * https://www.diamondnexus.com/product-education-mm-to-catat-weight-conversion.html |
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== Currency == |
== Currency == |
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| − | The monetary value of each sphere is a direct consequence of causes both mundane (the size of the sphere's gemstone) and arcane (the [[Soulcasting]] properties of each gem type). The gem size defines the denomination of the sphere. From smallest to largest, these are chip, mark, and broam. The gem type is applied as a qualifier to the denomination (e.g. diamond chip, or emerald broam) to form the |
+ | The monetary value of each sphere is a direct consequence of causes both mundane (the size of the sphere's gemstone) and arcane (the [[Soulcasting]] properties of each gem type). The gem size defines the denomination of the sphere. From smallest to largest, these are chip, mark, and broam. The gem type is applied as a qualifier to the denomination (e.g. diamond chip, or emerald broam) to form the thirty different monetary units of Roshar. |
One property of Rosharan spheres that does not affect their value is whether they are infused or dun.{{book ref|twok|17}} However, since the glow from the Stormlight is the easiest way to prove that a sphere is not a counterfeit, people are sometimes suspicious of dun spheres and those who try to spend them. Merchants with access to the proper equipment may inspect the gem quality of dun spheres to ensure their authenticity, or call for a moneylender.{{book ref|twok|3}} Moneylenders serve an additional purpose in Rosharan societies, and that is to offer infused spheres in exchange for dun ones, since an established moneylender usually has access to secure baskets they can safely recharge spheres in. They can extend this service to people interested in recharging their own spheres safely, though this comes with a small convenience fee.{{book ref|twok|11}} |
One property of Rosharan spheres that does not affect their value is whether they are infused or dun.{{book ref|twok|17}} However, since the glow from the Stormlight is the easiest way to prove that a sphere is not a counterfeit, people are sometimes suspicious of dun spheres and those who try to spend them. Merchants with access to the proper equipment may inspect the gem quality of dun spheres to ensure their authenticity, or call for a moneylender.{{book ref|twok|3}} Moneylenders serve an additional purpose in Rosharan societies, and that is to offer infused spheres in exchange for dun ones, since an established moneylender usually has access to secure baskets they can safely recharge spheres in. They can extend this service to people interested in recharging their own spheres safely, though this comes with a small convenience fee.{{book ref|twok|11}} |
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=== Value === |
=== Value === |
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| − | The economic value of each sphere is determined by the type and size of |
+ | The economic value of each sphere is determined by the type and size of its gemstone. |
The gem size defines the three denominations of spheres (chip, mark, and broam), and therefore a fixed exchange rate between the different denominations of spheres of the same type. Within the same gem type, each broam is equivalent to four marks,{{17s ref|post|18839|Peter says five chips per mark, four marks per broam, and that others are of equal value|date=10 November 2011}} and each mark is equivalent to five chips{{book ref|sa1|3}} - making a broam equal to twenty chips. |
The gem size defines the three denominations of spheres (chip, mark, and broam), and therefore a fixed exchange rate between the different denominations of spheres of the same type. Within the same gem type, each broam is equivalent to four marks,{{17s ref|post|18839|Peter says five chips per mark, four marks per broam, and that others are of equal value|date=10 November 2011}} and each mark is equivalent to five chips{{book ref|sa1|3}} - making a broam equal to twenty chips. |
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| − | The gem type |
+ | The gem type is a little more complicated. The value of each type of sphere - and, therefore, the relative value of all types - is intrinsically tied to how valuable the given gem is in Soulcasting. This makes emeralds -- which can be used to Soulcast grain -- the most expensive kind of sphere,{{book ref|twok|3}} while diamonds are the cheapest. The rest of the sphere types, however, don't all have unique values; instead, they fall within one of three tiers: '''prime pair''', '''middle weight''', and '''less weight'''. Combined with the emerald and diamond spheres, this establishes a system with five distinct value tiers. The table below outlines the five tiers, lists the sphere types within each tier, and provides their monetary value expressed in '''diamond chips''', the smallest denomination of the least valued gemstone. |
{| class="infobox" style="margin: auto;" |
{| class="infobox" style="margin: auto;" |
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| − | {| class="infobox" style="margin: auto;" |
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| − | |+ Sphere values |
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| − | {{row| Gem type | Chips | Marks | Broams |pre=! width=25% style="font-weight: bold;" {{!}} }} |
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| − | {{row| Diamond | 1 | 5 | 20 }} |
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| − | {{row| Garnet | 5{{book ref|twok|17}} | 25 | 100 }} |
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| − | {{row| Sapphire | 25{{book ref|twok|27}} | 125 | 500 }} |
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| − | {{row| Emerald | 50 | 250{{book ref|sa2|43}} | 1000 }} |
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| − | |} |
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| − | |||
| − | The existence of several other spheres is confirmed, but their exact monetary values are currently unknown. They are: ruby chips{{book ref|sa3|i|13}}, ruby marks{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|59}}{{book ref|sa2|21}}{{book ref|sa2|68}}{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}{{book ref|sa3|21}}{{book ref|sa3|78}}, ruby broams,{{book ref|sa1|39}}{{book ref|sa2|24}}{{book ref|sa3|7}} zircon chips{{book ref|sa1|55}}, amethyst broams,{{book ref|sa2|9}} topaz chips{{book ref|sa1|63}}{{book ref|sa1|i|7}}, and topaz marks.{{book ref|sa1|30}} |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
If left outside during a [[highstorm]], the gemstone inside of a sphere is infused with [[Stormlight]]. Over time, usually around a week,{{book ref|sa3|99}} all of the Stormlight will escape leaving the sphere dun, so it ceases to glow.{{book ref|twok|44}} The amount of light a sphere gives off varies with the denomination: chips barely have any glow at all, marks glow almost as bright as a candle, and broams glow with the light of several candles.{{book ref|twok|3}} |
If left outside during a [[highstorm]], the gemstone inside of a sphere is infused with [[Stormlight]]. Over time, usually around a week,{{book ref|sa3|99}} all of the Stormlight will escape leaving the sphere dun, so it ceases to glow.{{book ref|twok|44}} The amount of light a sphere gives off varies with the denomination: chips barely have any glow at all, marks glow almost as bright as a candle, and broams glow with the light of several candles.{{book ref|twok|3}} |
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Revision as of 22:53, 3 July 2018
| Spheres | |
|---|---|
 by User: Sheep | |
| Type | Currency |
| World | Roshar |
| Books | The Stormlight Archive |
Spheres are the primary currency in most nations on Roshar. Each one consists of a gemstone encased in a glass bead. Gemstones, including the ones in spheres, can temporarily hold Investiture in the form of Stormlight, offering both a source of light[1] and fuel for fabrials[citation needed] and Surgebindings.[citation needed] Like all gemstones, spheres naturally leak any Stormlight they have absorbed, over several days[2] - with larger denominations taking slightly longer.[citation needed] This has led to the practice of leaving spheres out in baskets and cages during highstorms so they can be recharged. The Rosharan terms for spheres full and empty of Stormlight are infused and dun respectively.
Appearance
Each sphere is made of a tiny gemstone encased in a glass bead, usually flattened on one side to keep the sphere from rolling away when set down.[3] The gemstone can belong to any one of the ten Polestones,[4] and can come in one of three different sizes. The glass bead is always a uniform size, little larger than a person's thumb nail.[1]
Dimensions
Exact measurements for the glass beads or their embedded gemstones are not available, but they can be deduced from a Reddit post by Peter Ahlstrom where he confirms the weight of each denomination, in carats.[citation needed] The following table lists the mass and diameter of each denomination, assuming a uniform round cut.
| Denomination | Mass
(carats, ct) |
Mass
(milligrams, mg) |
Diameter
(millimeters, mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | 0.1 | 20 | 3 |
| Mark | 0.5 | 100 | 5 |
| Broam | 2 | 400 | 8 |
TODO: Sources
- https://www.gemsociety.org/article/standard-gem-sizes-chart/
- https://www.diamondnexus.com/product-education-mm-to-catat-weight-conversion.html
Currency
The monetary value of each sphere is a direct consequence of causes both mundane (the size of the sphere's gemstone) and arcane (the Soulcasting properties of each gem type). The gem size defines the denomination of the sphere. From smallest to largest, these are chip, mark, and broam. The gem type is applied as a qualifier to the denomination (e.g. diamond chip, or emerald broam) to form the thirty different monetary units of Roshar.
One property of Rosharan spheres that does not affect their value is whether they are infused or dun.[5] However, since the glow from the Stormlight is the easiest way to prove that a sphere is not a counterfeit, people are sometimes suspicious of dun spheres and those who try to spend them. Merchants with access to the proper equipment may inspect the gem quality of dun spheres to ensure their authenticity, or call for a moneylender.[1] Moneylenders serve an additional purpose in Rosharan societies, and that is to offer infused spheres in exchange for dun ones, since an established moneylender usually has access to secure baskets they can safely recharge spheres in. They can extend this service to people interested in recharging their own spheres safely, though this comes with a small convenience fee.[6]
For details about using spheres as a currency in Shadesmar, see Shadesmar Currency.
Value
The economic value of each sphere is determined by the type and size of its gemstone.
The gem size defines the three denominations of spheres (chip, mark, and broam), and therefore a fixed exchange rate between the different denominations of spheres of the same type. Within the same gem type, each broam is equivalent to four marks,[7] and each mark is equivalent to five chips[1] - making a broam equal to twenty chips.
The gem type is a little more complicated. The value of each type of sphere - and, therefore, the relative value of all types - is intrinsically tied to how valuable the given gem is in Soulcasting. This makes emeralds -- which can be used to Soulcast grain -- the most expensive kind of sphere,[1] while diamonds are the cheapest. The rest of the sphere types, however, don't all have unique values; instead, they fall within one of three tiers: prime pair, middle weight, and less weight. Combined with the emerald and diamond spheres, this establishes a system with five distinct value tiers. The table below outlines the five tiers, lists the sphere types within each tier, and provides their monetary value expressed in diamond chips, the smallest denomination of the least valued gemstone.
| Tier | Value (chip) | Value (mark) | Value (broam) | Spheres |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | 1 | 5 | 20 | Diamond |
| Less weight | 5 | 25 | 100 | Garnet, heliodor, topaz |
| Middle weight | 10 | 50 | 200 | Ruby, smokestone, zircon |
| Prime pair | 25 | 125 | 500 | Amethyst, sapphire |
| Highest | 50 | 250 | 1000 | Emerald |
Light
If left outside during a highstorm, the gemstone inside of a sphere is infused with Stormlight. Over time, usually around a week,[2] all of the Stormlight will escape leaving the sphere dun, so it ceases to glow.[8] The amount of light a sphere gives off varies with the denomination: chips barely have any glow at all, marks glow almost as bright as a candle, and broams glow with the light of several candles.[1]
Due to this property of gemstones, infused spheres are often used as a source of light, since the light is renewable and more consistent than candles and lanterns.[9] Though the light given off by a gemstone is reputed to be steady and calm, this is only in comparison to the even more flickering candlelight; Kaladin observes that the Stormlight inside of a gemstone is actually shifting like a chaotic blowing storm.[10]
Although spheres are generally a superior source of light, many people, especially those less well-off or living in poorer districts, still use candles or lanterns. Using candles and lanterns is often cheaper than using spheres, since a sphere's dual status as currency makes it liable to be stolen. This problem does not exist for wealthy or noble lighteyes who may use all-sphere lighting either as a practical matter or to show off their wealth. For example, the entirety of Kharbranth's royal treasury is stored in the Palanaeum to be used as a source of light for the visitors and staff.[11]
| Color | Deep | Light |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Sapphire | Zircon |
| Red | Ruby | Amethyst & Garnet |
| Yellow | Topaz | Heliodor |
| Green | Emerald | -- |
| Grayscale | Smokestone | Diamond |
| Gem type | Color |
|---|---|
| Sapphire | Deep blue |
| Smokestone | Deep gray |
| Ruby | Deep red |
| Diamond | Light gray |
| Emerald | Deep green |
| Garnet | Light red |
| Zircon | Light blue |
| Amethyst | Light red |
| Topaz | Deep yellow |
| Heliodor | Light yellow |
Spheres as Investiture
A newly discovered usage of spheres is as a source of Stormlight for Surgebinders, such as the members of the newly reforming Knights Radiant and Honorblade wielders like Szeth. Surgebinders draw their powers from Stormlight; in the absence of a highstorm, Surgebinders must find other sources of Stormlight. Due to the ubiquity and inconspicuousness of spheres, they are an excellent source for power for Surgebinders to draw upon. Surgebinders make it a priority to keep a stockpile of infused spheres available to them at all times, whether it be carrying a pouch of spheres on their person, having subordinates or accomplices carry them, or using spheres found in the environment.
Fabrials
Magitech, whoo!
Surgebinders
Magi, whoo!
Shadesmar Currency
Whoo!
Informal Names
Spheres are normally described by their gemstone and denomination. However, instead of the gemstone, spheres are sometimes referred to by color. For example, a ruby mark may be referred to as a "firemark" while a diamond chip may be referred to as a "clearchip." Below is the list of known alternate names.
| Gem type | Chips | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Clearchip[12] | Clearmark[6] |
| Garnet | Bloodchip[citation needed] | Bloodmark[5] |
| Ruby | Firechip[citation needed] | Firemark[1] |
| Sapphire | Skychip[13] | Skymark[4] |
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e f g The Way of Kings chapter 3#
- ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 99#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 27#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 8#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 17#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 11#
- ↑ Peter says five chips per mark, four marks per broam, and that others are of equal value
— 17th Shard forums - 10 November 2011# - ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 44#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 23#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 22#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 33#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 43#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 55#