Difference between revisions of "Surgebinding"

'''Surgebinding''' is a prime manifestation of [[Investiture]] on [[Roshar]]. The SurgebinderSurgebinders can manipulate ten fundamental forces locally known as [[Surge]]s, with each Surgebinder having access to two of the Surges with overlap between them, by infusing objects or beings with [[Stormlight]].{{wob ref|4515}}{{wob ref|7663}} Each Surgebinder's Surges come in a set combination, for example, it is possible to have the Surges of Progression and Illumination or Progression and Abrasion, but not Progression and Gravitation.

Surgebinding requires constant Stormlight as a fuel source, which the Surgebinder can draw by breathing in.{{book ref|sa2|59}} While it is possible to draw the Stormlight from any source infused with it, including directly from the [[highstorm]]s themselves, the common practice is to use [[spheres|gemstone]]s that have already been infused by the highstorms. Human bodies are imperfect containers for the Stormlight, so the Stormlight leaves the Surgebinder's body over time, giving himthe Surgebinder a glowing effect with luminescent white vapor rising from the skin. Breathing out accelerates this leaving, but Stormlight substitutes for oxygen so the Surgebinder does not need to breathe.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} The more Stormlight the Surgebinder holds, the faster it leaks out of the body.{{book ref|sa2|2}} If holding a small amount of Stormlight, Surgebinders are able to breathbreathe in and suppress the glowing effect.{{book ref|sa3|21}} While doing this, they are able to talk without puffing out Stormlight.{{book ref|sa3|25}}

* '''Slicking''': This ability allows the Surgebinder to make their body frictionless. The Surgebinder can choose which parts of the body are affected and which parts are not. For example, the bottom of the feet can be infused so that the Surgebinder glides over any surface without losing momentum until the ability is suspended.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Wind friction can also be affected. However, this would not reduce the force of direct collisions.{{book ref|sa2.5|1}} It was described as having some resemblance to ice skating.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

* '''Regrowth''': This ability heals the damage done to the body and the soul of a person instantly and without any scarring. The flesh, muscle, or bones can be completely regrown rapidly. The body can be refreshed and rid of fatigue.{{book ref|sa1|19}} The Surgebinder can even reverse death with Regrowth; a body that has bled out or a soul that has been severed with a Shardblade can be healed with Regrowth and continue to function as if it has never been damaged.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, once the soul leaves the body and reaches the afterlife, it is impossible for the Surgebinder to revive the person.{{book ref|sa2|88}} This ability may also fail to heal injuries that are too old.{{book ref|sa3|Interlude|13}}

* '''Elsecalling''': This ability allows the Surgebinder to travel in between Realms. Doing this creates a miniature [[perpendicularity]].{{wob ref|1525}} A circular wall of Stormlight can be seen briefly at the target location before the Surgebinder arrives.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} The Surgebinder can also bring other beings and objects with them while Elsecallingtransporting themselves.{{epigraph ref|sa2|53}} This allows many Surgebinders with Transportation the ability to [[worldhop]].{{wob ref|655}} It is much harder to leave the Cognitive Realm than it is to enter it. and theThe Surgebinder needs to find a point where the Physical and Cognitive Realm touch to leave.{{wob ref|5758}}{{book ref|sa3|33}}

Also called the Surge of Strong Axial Interconnection,{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} the Surge of Cohesion can be manipulated to alter objects at a molecular level.{{17s ref|post|107583}}{{wob ref|6061}} This allows the user to alter the shape of solid objects. The two orders of Knights Radiant with access to this surge are the Willshapers and the Stonewards.

Also called the Surge of Soft Axial Interconnection, the Surge of Tension can be manipulated to alter the stiffness of an object,{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} such as taking something flexible and making it rigid.{{wob ref|7843}} The two orders of Knights Radiant with access to this surgeSurge are the Stonewards and the Bondsmiths.

For Bondsmiths, the use of this surge is different from the [[Stonewards]]. While [[Stonewards]] use this ability to shape stone in battle, Bondsmiths use it to repair inanimate objects as a complement to the surgeSurge of [[Adhesion]]. {{book ref|sa3|59}}

<references />