Difference between revisions of "Spheres"

'''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{{book ref|sa1|3}} and fuel for [[Surgebinding]]s.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Like all gemstones, spheres naturally leak any Stormlight they have absorbed, over a period of about a week.{{book ref|sa1|17}} This has led to the practice of leaving spheres out during highstorms so they can be recharged. Rosharans use the terms '''infused''' and '''dun''' to differentiate between spheres that hold Stormlight at the moment, and ones that have gone dark. They were first devised as an alternative to large open flames, as Roshar's atmosphere has a high oxygen content, making flames behave somewhat differently. {{bookau ref|au|Rosharan System}}

Neither the full breathbreadth nor depth of the usefulness of Stormlight in Shadesmar is currently known, but it appears to be even more valuable there than it is in the Physical Realm. While it can serve as a regular currency, exchanged for items as mundane as clothes and as exotic as a painting from [[Nalthis]]' [[Court of Gods]],{{book ref|sa3|102}} it can also help spren change appearance{{book ref|sa3|103}}, though perhaps most importantly, it can aid in manifesting souls{{book ref|sa3|99}} -- a skill that seems invaluable for the survival in Shadesmar.