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Hello everyone, I am Nightstar The Bright. I really enjoy reading Brandon Sanderson’s books, sometime after I read them all I began editing the Coppermind.
Hello everyone, I am Nightstar The Bright. I really enjoy reading Brandon Sanderson’s books, sometime after I read them all I began editing the Coppermind.


Notable pages I created or heavily edited.
Notable pages I reworked
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* [[Court of Gods]]
* [[Court of Gods]]
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! The following text is a collection of the information about the Alethi military !
! The following text is a collection of the information about Alethkar!
Alethi is used widely throughout the eastern world to make the underscript of a book. Also, lots of Alethi epics, which are famous even outside Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}} Curly dark hair is northern Alethkar.{{book ref|sa2|40}} Alethi women like to wear their hair in intricate braids.{{book ref|sa2|47}}


== Military ==
==== Slavery ====
Slavery is common in Alethkar, although there are many laws surrounding it. These laws binding slavers and slaves are Vorin in origin, and as such apply to all the major Vorin realms. Every slave receives a brand on their forehead, appropriately named a slaves's brand. These brands are made up of two glyphs, and they indicate, among other things, where a slave was branded. Only lighteyes can brand someone a slave.{{book ref|sa1|2}}
{| class="infobox side" style="width: 22em; float:right; font-size: 88%;"
!colspan='3' style="text-align:center; background:#cce" |'''Chain of command'''
|-
! Unit
! Soldiers
! Typical Commander
|-
| subsquad
| 6–8
| sergeant
|-
| squad
| ~25
| squadleader
|-
| platoon
| ~50
| captain/captainlord
|-
| company
| ~100
| companylord
|-
| battalion
| ~1000
| battalionlord
|-
| division
| ~2000
| general
|-
| army
| —
| highprince
|-
|colspan='3' | <small>In companies made solely of lighteyes, the rank "lieutenant" is used as the equivalent of sergeant.</small>
|}


Every man has a slave debt, which he can theoretically pay off to earn back his freedom. It is suspected by some people to be a shum however, intended to keep the slaves docile. This is due to the amount of the slave debt being an enormous amount, far more then a slave is sold for. Additionally, it is common for masters to find ways to cheat a slave out of their wages, charging them for housing etc. A master can also always set a man free, or the man can try and escape.{{book ref|sa1|2}}
The modern Alethi military is one of the strongest armed forces on Roshar with well over 100,000 troops{{book ref|sa1|6}} and over thirty [[Shardbearer]]s.{{book ref|sa2|5}} The army employs most of its troops as spearmen and archers, as well as a very small amount of cavalry due to the rarity of horses on Roshar;{{book ref|sa1|6}} only the officers wield swords because, according to Vorin traditions, the sword is regarded as a lighteyed's weapon.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Soldiers are usually trained in one or two additional Skills, i.e. horse grooms.{{book ref|twok|28}} Under most circumstances, military service is voluntary, though the leaders of the army has the right of conscription for darkeyes that do not provide an essential function to a community (e.g. a town's only surgeon) when they feel there is need for additional troops.{{book ref|sa1|44}} It is extremely rare for a darkeyed soldier to rise higher than the rank of squadleader.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Lighteyed officers that have the command of a branch of the army are usually referred by their duties (e.g. cavalrylord, infantrylord).{{book ref|sa1|26}}
Slaves themselves...


Slavers...
Despite Alethkar being a monarchy, the king has very little actual say in how the military is run and does not directly command any force other than the 250-strong King's Guard. The troops are sworn to and led by their individual highprinces.{{book ref|sa2|5}} In that sense, Alethkar army is not truly a unified army, but a loose coalition between ten smaller armies. Indeed, even in wartime, there is constant in-fighting between the highprinces' armies,{{book ref|sa1|47}} and cooperation between the highprinces themselves is seen as a weakness;{{book ref|sa1|54}} this is bolstered by the tenets of Vorinism that say the purpose of life is to prepare in order to join the Heralds in the fight to regain the [[Tranquiline Halls]] and Alethi belief that everything is a competition in life.{{book ref|sa1|15}}


A slaver must provide the reason someone was sold into slavery when he sells the slave, it is illegal to lie. Every man has a slave debt, but he can theoretically pay it off and earn back his freedom. It is suspected by some people to be a shum however, intended to keep the slaves docile because it is an enormous amount, far more then a slave is sold for. Many masters find ways to cheat a slave out of their wages, charging them for housing etc. A master can also always set a man free, or the man can try and escape. People don't like slavers, and so they often choose other slavers as company. According to Vorin rules, every slave has to be paid a small wage, half of what a non slave would receive. {{book ref|sa1|4}} Slave carts, roughly 10 men per. Masters are free to give beatings. Stealing may make someone a slave (Chulls). Although it could also be a death sentence (stealing horses) Many Alethi slaves are sold to the remote, small and independent cities on the coast of the unclaimed hills. The rules binding slavers and slaves are Vorin in origin, and as such apply to all the major Vorin realms. Brands are burned into the skin. Brands are made up of a glyphpair; the highlord's district where the person is originally branded.{{book ref|sa1|2}} Each slaver has a ledger containing information on the slaves, such as how much they've paid of their slave debt, it isn't uncommon to lie though. Prices range from roughly 1,5 emerald broams for a weak or bad slave{{book ref|sa1|6}} to three emerald browns for a good one, although the average is two broams.{{book ref|sa1|69}}
Because of the immense size of the army and the difficulty of travel, compounded by the poor supply line infrastructure of Alethkar,{{wob ref|3824}} [[Soulcasting]] plays a vital role in supplying the army with wood, metal, food, and many other necessities, as well as being used in building fortifications. The king controls most of the Soulcaster ardents; in fact, manipulating the highprinces with his Soulcasters is one of the ways that the king maintains a control over them.{{book ref|sa1|15}}


==== Vorin legal code of citizenship ====
Recently, in an effort to truly unify the kingdom, [[Dalinar Kholin]] has been appointed as the [[Highprince of War]] by the king. This title was used in Alethkar before being fragmented into ten princedoms when each highprince was given the ultimate authority over one aspect of the governing of the kingdom. On paper, this gives Kholin authority over all war-related activities.{{book ref|sa1|69}}
Incredibly complex. People who provide an essential function to their settlement, as well as their apprentices, are given special privileges.{{book ref|sa1|37}}


A lighteyes of sufficient rank can arrest someone, but then they have to fight an inquest.{{book ref|sa1|37}} There are a small number of nahns, the lowest ones, where you don’t need to fight an inquest.{{book ref|sa2|44}} The tradition of the trial by sword was banned by Queen Jasnah Kholin.
The Alethi military is currently one of the major military forces fighting against the Fused Invasion, most notably during the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]] and the Emuli Campaign.{{book ref|sa3|115}}{{book ref|sa4|19}}{{book ref|sa4|112}} Although many more battles and skirmishes were fought between the two armies between {{rosharan date|1173}} and {{rosharan date|1175}}.{{cite}} They also led the Evacuation of Hearthstone in early {{rosharan date|1175}}.{{book ref|sa4|1}} They are currently centered around and stationed in Urithiru.{{book ref|sa4|116}}


=== Uniforms ===
== Economy ==
=== Currency ===
Higher ranking officers are distinguished by knots on a cord across the epaulette, with the amount of knots and their colour signifying their military rank, and their rank in the Alethi caste system.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa1|67}} White knots indicate a citizen officer, that is a sergeant or squadleader;{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|46}} red knots indicate an officer of seventh dahn;{{book ref|sa1|46}} and gold knots indicate second or third dahn;{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa1|46}} It can also distinguish between low captain,{{book ref|sa1|67}} captain,{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|83}}{{book ref|sa3|117}} captainlord,{{book ref|sa3|63}} lieutenant,{{book ref|sa3|i|14}} sergeant,{{book ref|sa3|6}} and battalionlord.{{book ref|sa4|40}} Soldiers without authority bear no knots.{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|67}}{{book ref|sa4|23}}
As with many other nations on Roshar, their economy was based upon [[Spheres|glass spheres with cut polestones in their center]], known simply as spheres. In the mint, they check sphere weights in order to see if they fell into the proper categories.{{book ref|sa4|16}} The value of polestones, and thus the worth of sphere denominations in their economy, is based around the value of the substances a polestone can transmute another substance into.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}}


=== State Income ===
Exact uniform varies between armies, usually coloured to signify the banner they fight under.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa3|116}} Some men choose to further personalize their uniforms with embrodiery or colourful scarfs.{{book ref|sa2|44}} Uniforms are always worn with an undershirt alongside the uniform itself.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
Taxation is levied upon darkeyes and landless lighteyes over rights to live on the territory of wealthier lighteyes.{{book ref|sa3|106}} If a citylord fails to pay his taxes to the highlord, people are sent to collect it from him, often violently.{{book ref|sa3|26}}{{book ref|sa3|106}} The highlord answers to the highprince;{{book ref|sa3|116}} and highprinces themselves are taxed by the king for the right to use soulcasters, which were an important resource in waging prolonged, large-scale conflicts. This is the primary form of taxation levied upon the highprinces by the king.{{book ref|sa1|15}}


=== Armaments ===
=== Labour and professions ===
Darkeyed soldiers are primarily trained in spears and axes,{{book ref|sa1|26}} with swords being used only by higher-ranking lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Axes, however, are a nonstandard weapon usually only given to squadleaders and above.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some soldiers use halberds, although how common they are is unclear.{{book ref|sa4|77}}

Foot soldiers were typically armored with steel breastplates, while archers were clothed with leather vests.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Ordinary foot soldiers have minimal armor, typically not wearing arm or leg guards.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Darkeyes in the armies of Brightlords tend to be dressed in leather armor.{{book ref|sa4|108}} Wealthier lighteyed soldiers wear far finer suits of armor, indicative of their status.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Armor is often marked with a rank insignia that indicated the dahn and military position that a person is a part of.{{book ref|sa1|27}}

The Kholinar Wall Guard wears steel breastplates and helms.{{book ref|sa3|82}}

=== Wages ===
Wages are based upon ones military rank and caste.{{book ref|sa3|2}} The average darkeyed soldier is payed five clearmarks a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Military slaves are paid less than half that of a darkeyed soldier, around one clearmark a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa1|4}}

=== Shards ===
According to official records, Alethkar possesses more [[Shardblade]]s than any other nation on Roshar, with only [[Jah Keved]] coming anywhere close.{{book ref|sa1|23}} These Shards are used effectively in combat to overwhelm non-Shardbearer armies.{{book ref|sa1|26}}

During the War of Reckoning, their Shardblades were used in order to cut through chasmfiend chrysalises in order to harvest gemhearts.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

=== Knights Radiant ===
Following the start of the True Desolation, a notably large amount of their army is made up of [[Knights Radiant]], primarily those of the [[Order of Windrunners]] and the [[Order of Edgedancers]], with a smaller but still notable number in the [[Order of Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa4|3}}{{book ref|sa4|20}} They are used effectively as a means of transport and combat against the Fused and [[Regal]]s.{{book ref|sa4|9}}{{cite}}
{{image|Sadeas bridges.jpg|side=right|width=300px}}

=== Bridge Crews ===
{{for|Bridge crew}}

Bridge Crews were a very important part of the army during the War of Reckoning, serving as an expendable workforce that carried bridges to help soldiers cross over the large chasms between plateaus. They also acted as canon fodder for Parshendi bowmen, as to direct attention away from more trained and valued soldiers.{{book ref|sa1|32}} Due to this, bridgemen had a very high mortality rate, with around half a crew dying per run.{{book ref|sa1|9}}

Each Bridge Crew was made up of 35-40 men, which were lead by a Bridge sergeant, who reports directly to the Brightlord in charge of the crews.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|17}} Each crew has an internal leader elected amongst themselves known as the bridge leader, who has no official authority outside of that which his crewmembers choose to give him.{{book ref|sa1|14}} Members of bridge crews were typically payed five clearmarks a week, given on the third day of every week.{{book ref|sa1|11}}{{book ref|sa1|14}}{{book ref|sa1|27}}

The bridges used by Torol Sadeas's army are typically eight feet wide and two feet thick, with supports on both sides extending its width to sixteen feet. They are also thirty feet long, and allowed one to set up 8 men per column and 5 men per row.{{file ref|Sadeas_bridges.jpg|Bridge Run Interior Art}}

While not on bridge runs, they are typically used as cheap manpower to perform undesirable duties at war camps, such as chasm or latrine duty.{{book ref|sa1|27}}

Not all highprinces made use of bridge crews, with Dalinar notably refusing to make direct use of them. He instead makes use of bridges on wheels, pulled by chulls. Due to being heavier and pulled by chulls instead of people, movement is significantly slower, but Dalinar makes use of it regardless as it results in a major reduction of casualties during plateau runs.{{book ref|sa1|26}}

Officers wear something called an officer’s coat, which is long and meant to be unbuttoned.{{book ref|sa4|27}} During the True Desolation, warfare began to change. There are far fewer large scale formations, those are far to easy to disrupt. Instead men spend their time in protected warcamps, occasionally making a sudden surge to claim ground and shove away the enemy. During this time battles changed from decisive engagements to several month long fights.{{book ref|sa4|43}} The Alethi quickly adapted to warfare against the [[Fused]] and [[Regal]]s. When there is an abundance of Shanay-Im the humans lock their shields together into a canopy, protecting from lances and spears, aside from that the humans have learned to use water to render the stormforms power unusable.{{book ref|sa4|42}} Kings guard: blue and gold. Also from the Kholin army. The old campaign conundrums: did one choose the best position to weather storms, or did one seize the high ground. Most men choose the former. Alethi uniforms are traditionally made up of a long, approximately waistlength,{{book ref|sa1|22}} coat with buttons up the side.{{book ref|sa1|18}} The Alethi military is over a hundred fifty thousand troops strong.{{book ref|sa1|22}} High ranking Brightlords may also have a shieldbearer.{{book ref|sa1|24}}

{{sidequote|All wars are games. The greatest kind, with the pieces lost real lives, the prizes captured making for real wealth! This is the life for which men exist. To fight, to kill, to win.|The [[Sadees|Sunmaker]], who shaped modern Alethi militarism{{book ref|sa1|24}}|side=right|size =300px}}

{{sidequote|There hasn’t been peace since the Tranquiline Halls, Man’s life on Roshar is conflict.|a quotation from [[The Arguments]]{{book ref|sa1|24}}|side=right|size =300px}}
The Alethi army adapted to the [[listener]] strategies by increasing the flexibility of their armies, making them able to respond quickly to the uncanny way the listeners fought. Low ranking men in the armies are often susceptible to bribes. Soldiers can pay their brightlord’s scribes to send a message via spanreed, although this is considered extremely expensive, with even a terse note costing roughly a week’s wages for a common spearman, which translates to about forty clearmarks. Army surgeons wear white, and the apprentices are almost all men who have some incapacitation, preventing them from fighting. Most common spearmen in the Alethi military wear specifically designed skirts, and don’t wear trousers. They also wear the colors of their highprince. Stealing from the dead is strictly prohibited, although this doesn’t stop some soldiers from doing it. If regular soldiers killed a noteworthy target, usually an important brightlord, they can send for their captainlord, who will confirm the kill, to earn a reward.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Soldiers wear breastplates, steel caps and chainmail.{{book ref|sa2|2}} A shardbearer will almost never give up his shards, the only time he might is when he is to weak to use them.{{book ref|sa1|52}} The soldiers in more professional and organised armies wear steel armour, such as breastplates and helmets.{{book ref|sa1|55}}{{book ref|sa1|57}} In these armies archers generally wear leather vests, while foot soldiers wear steel breastplates.{{book ref|sa1|57}} Officers in the Kholin army wear uniforms that are coloured a darker shade of blue.{{book ref|sa1|68}} Generally, a man in the personal guard of a lighteyes earns thrice as much as the wage of a standard spearman, so about 15 clearmarks each day.{{book ref|sa1|73}} Kholin officer uniforms are comprised of a blue waistcoat and a double breasted blue longcoat, with a white lining and silver buttons. These are supposed to hang open. Uniforms generally have a patch to indicate the duty and unit of the wearer.{{book ref|sa2|2}} A proper salute is moving a hand to your breast.{{Book ref|sa2|75}}


Slaves and parshmen. Most Alethi towns have no surgeon, they do the best with local men who learn most of what they know from superstition or working on the occasional wounded Chull.{{book ref|sa1|37}}


Akanny in the Sadeas Princedom served as a major source of agriculture throughout Alethkar, being the source of a signifigant portion of the nation's lavis and tallew.{{book ref|sa3|10}} Other towns and cities throughout Alethkar are important centures for the production of hog leather and meat, whilst others still harvested [[gumfrems]] for their gemhearts, which were used in the soulcasting of meat.{{book ref|sa3|10}} Merchants of 1 and 2st nahn. (Footnote-like in other Vorin kingdoms). Many people go to the tavern: a days work and then an evening at the tavern for fun.{{book ref|sa2|46}}


== Military ==
=== The Market ===
Alethkar has some form of open market,{{book ref|sa4|18}} though the amount of openness in the economy, that is the amount of government regulation in the market, is unclear.
=== Enlistment ===
Any man, lighteyed or darkeyed, can volunteer to join the military. Most of the volunteers are boys, their head full of ideas about glory and Shards. When needed, conscription can also used to gain more men.{{book ref|sa1|44}}


=== Foreign Trade ===
It is seen as a citylord’s duty to handpick men to conscript into the army. There are limitations to this system however, a citylord isn’t allowed to conscript someone who provides an essential service to the community, such as a surgeon. Recruits may bring two changes of clothing and three stoneweights of other possessions with them.{{book ref|sa1|44}}
Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Keved for cheap.{{book ref|sa3|66}} As of the True Desolation, Fen Rnamdi held administration over trade and supply, as one of the stipulations in the coalition of monarchs.{{book ref|sa3|96}}


== Architecture ==
Each enlistment lasts four years, after which a soldier can choose to enlist for another four years. Upon completion of his time in the army, he will receive a war bonus, equal to one tenth of his total wages. If a darkeyed soldier manages to distinguish himself and rise to a high rank, he could also rise in nahn.{{book ref|sa1|44}}
Streets run east to west and doorways face away from the Origin bcs highstorms.{{book ref|sa2|46}}
=== Infrastructure ===
Alethkar has poor transport infrastructure, making travel and resource movement between distant cities slow and cumbersome.{{cite}} This increases the important of soulcasters to their economy and military.{{cite}}


The aquisition of Oathgates after the Battle of Narak greatly assisted in trade across the continent.{{book ref|sa3|96}} Many lighteyes have gardens in front of their mansions. During the year 1167 oil lamps were considered by many to be provincial.{{book ref|sa1|37}} Many mansions also have a crypt.{{book ref|sa1|41}} Every city has a little huddle of buildings for caravaneers and the likes. Also large stormbunkers to house armies or multiple caravans.{{book ref|sa3|45}} many small villages have a central cistern to catch rain water and filter out the crem. Buildings are built up against one another for protection. Also, rounded roofs repel te wind better. Some flats/large buildings as well that can hold a dozen families. Classical style: pillars in the front.{{book ref|sa2|40}}
=== Command structure ===
==== Ranks ====


==== Leadership ====
==== Dining etiquette ====
For the Alethi, being a leader is essentially the same as being a general.{{book ref|sa4|27}}
Lighteyes meals generally have a cup of water for dipping one’s fingers and clean white napkins beside them.{{book ref|sa1|37}}


=== The True Desolation ({{rosharan date|1173}} - ) ===
=== Equipment ===
{{for|True Desolation}}
==== Armor ====


Sometimes Open fronted helms. Also, plate armour made to resemble Shardplate. Poleaxes. Shortbows. {{book ref|sa3|3}} Some people put bird plumes on their helmet.{{book ref|sa3|11}}
==== Uniforms ====
When it rains soldiers may choose to wear a stormcoat over their uniform, and there are often umbrellas ready for officers.{{book ref|sa2|81}}


Also, meeting with listeners. Urithiru and warcamps, highprinces appointed (Roion and Aladar as judge). Battles and retreat to Jah Keved and Herdaz There, he fought against the [[Voidbringers]] as they encroached northward into [[Alethkar]]. He attempted to rally the rest of the troops in the country, but they were forced back towards [[Herdaz]].{{book ref|sa3|58}} Alethi aid other countries (Aladar). a little more about the siege of Kholinar, with more emphasis on other cities and settlements. More about Jasnah’s crowning. He (Dalinar) instructed the officer to make it known that [[Ialai]] had killed herself and told him that they could begin a full occupation of the warcamps.{{book ref|sa4|10}} Planning before thaylen field. More on Karanak. Expedition to Emul: war and stripping Ruthar, trial by sword forbidden. Also more on the battle of Narak.
Messenger women often wear travelling dresses of a particular fashion. These dresses have the front and back slit open, all the way to the waist, to allow for greater mobility.{{book ref|sa2|76}} They also wear something called a runner’s sash.{{book ref|sa2|81}}
==== Weaponry ====


Shortspears and longspears.{{book ref|sa2|81}} maces.{{book ref|sa2|6}} War axes and polearms.{{book ref|sa3|11}} shortsword and longsword.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
=== Tactics ===
The Alethi have a wide range of tactics. A popular tactic is the hammer and anvil tactic.{{book ref|sa3|3}} The Alethi are also practiced at executing a fake rout, often leading to an ambush.{{book ref|sa4|41}}


Each highprince has his own martial philosophy, and their army has it’s own strength, with the [[Kholin princedom|Kholin]] army having the best heavy infantry, the [[Roion princedom|Roion]] army the best archers and the [[Sadeas princedom|Sadeas]] army the fastest bridges.{{book ref|sa1|24}} Cavalry to fight shardbearers and lighteyed heavy infantry. Wooden mobile scouting towers in the camps. Canopy from shields to protect from arrows. Middle is heavy infantry, then to the sides mobile, lightly armoured but fast, archer units is new tactics. Infantry will try to reach the sides but the heavy infantry will beat their central block. Standard spearmen blocks engage enemies as much as to position them as to do harm. {{book ref|sa3|26}} also light infantry as fast harrying forces due to lack of horses. Despite their access to many soulcasters, small armies often have only one, to be used in emergencies only, this means that they still need to run supply trains. Some officers take their children with them to war, although never to the battlefield. Instead they usually stay at the town that serves as the army’s long-term command post.{{book ref|sa3|52}} In recent years the Alethi also began to make use of smaller more mobile teams, which have their own tactics.{{book ref|sa3|66}} Shardbearers can cause immense damage, and one suddenly hitting the rear of your army could destroy insanely much.{{book ref|sa3|71}} There is a known symbol for a truce.{{book ref|sa3|76}} The Alethi, like the other Rosharan militaries, have become incredibly dependent on spanreeds for communication. They use them to gather information about enemy movements and to spread commands.{{book ref|sa4|41}} The Alethi are excellent soldiers, each individual is far better then any given Azish or Veden soldier. The Alethi infantry blocks are extremely mobile, far more so then infantry blocks from other militaries.{{book ref|sa4|47}}


Dalinar Kholin, with the king’s authority, released a proclamation, first in private to the highprinces and then to the public,{{book ref|sa2|4}} stating that all gemhearts won in battle now belonged to the king and the wealth will be apportioned at the Crown's discretion. This proclamation was made to refocus the Highprinces' attention on the war and not on gaining wealth. Hatham was the only highprince to comment on this proclamation publicly, denouncing Elhokar's decision.{{book ref|sa2|5}}
While highstorms are a problem, good planning prevents an army from needing to be out during a storm, except in some rare cases. If a campaign takes longer then anticipated, the army can split and retreat back to a number of towns for shelter.{{book ref|sa3|19}} The Weeping is a common time for military campaigns.{{book ref|sa2|79}} Sieges are rare in Alethkar, and often last only a short time. This is due to soulcasters, which make it impossible to starve a city out. Instead, the Alethi break down the walls quickly, seize the high ground to pound the city for a while or simply attack, attempting to scale and conquer the walls.{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa3|11}}


Some time later king Elhokar suffers an assassination attempt in the form of a sabotaged railing, luckily his guards can pull him up before he falls. Another while later the [[Szeth|assassin in white]] returns, he ostensibly attempts to assassinate Elhokar, although he actually means to kill the king’s uncle, Dalinar. This attempt is thwarted however, and the king calls a meeting of Alethkar’s elite. [[Shallan Davar]], betrothed of Adolin Kholin, brings news to this meeting, telling the members of [[house Kholin]] about Jasnah Kholin’s death. A couple of weeks later Adolin meets with [[Eshonai]], the listener general, to discuss a listener surrender. She is cold to him however, and denies his every attempt at making peace.{{book ref|sa2|51}}
==== Formations ====
The Alethi make use of a wide variety of formations. They generally fight in a shield wall.{{book ref|sa1|65}} However, they also have many other formations. One such formation is called ‘pincer pattern’. This formation looks, as the name suggests, like a pincer, the formation is meant to distract and then destroy an enemy target. The troops at the side generally distract the target while the troops in the middle go for the kill. Pincer pattern is meant to be used by a large number of men, like a full squad.{{book ref|sa1|47}}


Troubled by the [[glyph]]s scratched on his walls and wanting to end the War of Reckoning Dalinar Kholin soon began to gather allies for an expedition onto the Plains.{{book ref|sa2|50}} Weeks, and much preparation, later he sets of, taking his entire army with him. Three of the highprinces join him [[Roion]], [[Sebarial]] and [[Aladar]].
Another formation is called the trident formation, this is a small-squad battlefield formation used by spearmen. The men, or man, in the middle hold(s) the target’s attention while those on the outside attack from the flanks.{{book ref|sa2|32}}
==== Shardbearer tactics ====


As the four armies neared the center of the Shattered Plains they discovered that the listeners had changed forms. Close to the center they held a war council and decided to assault the listener forces. This battle, called the Battle of Narak, occured on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}} and saw the deaths of many Alethi, including highprince [[Roion]]. The Alethi forces were victorious, but ultimately unable to prevent the summoning of the Everstorm. During this same time there was an assassination attempt on the life of king Elhokar by the [[diagram]], but this plan was foiled when [[Kaladin]] swore the third [[Immortal words|ideal]]. The Everstorm caused the start of the True Desolation.{{article ref|Words of Radiance/Timeline|Words of Radiance timeline}}
Nets, ropes. Destroy the plate and then kill them with arrows. Shardbearers generally duel with eachother, without interference, or at least, until your lighteyes is losing.{{book ref|sa3|11}}


The Everstorm caused the Parshmen to become whole again, and Parshmen across the world, including those in Alethkar, broke free, fleeing from their owners. These Parshmen, now singers, along with the unexpected Everstorm, wreaked havoc among the Alethi. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed by the storm, although the singers generally left their towns peacefully. The Alethi armies weathered the storm and the singers well, be it in Urithiru or the warcamps.
==== Soulcasters and supplies ====


A short time after the first Everstorm Dalinar issued a command, all highprinces were to abandon the warcamps and move to Urithiru, although many highprinces disobeyed this order, staying in the warcamps. After highprince Torol Sadeas arrived at the tower he was murdered by Adolin Kholin. Following his murder, rulership of the Sadeas Princedom was passed to Meridas Amaram by [[Ialai Sadeas]], as the heir to the position was too young to fill it.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa3|26}} At the same time Dalinar appointed highprince Aladar as highprince of Information and [[Roion's son]] as the new Roion Highprince.{{book ref|sa3|2}}
==== Communication on the battlefield ====
On the battlefield, runners are used to give orders.{{book ref|sa1|65}} Many leaders give speeches to their troops, these speeches are then recorded by a number of scribes, who are always women, and repeated to the rest of the army.{{book ref|sa2|81}} When it is dark stormlight may also be used to give certain signals, such as the signal to attack.{{book ref|sa2|81}}


War banners are used to mark divisions, battalions and companies. This makes a battlefield easily surveyable for someone who understands the system.{{book ref|sa4|27}} Most highranking brightlord have their own personal glyphpair, which, like the name suggests, is usually made up of two glyphs.{{book ref|sa1|28}} These glyphpairs are often painted on war banners, which ensures that particular brightlords are easy to find on a battlefield.{{book ref|sa1|67}}


When the sound of battle is loud enough, a squadleader may decide to give his commands by banging his spear against his shield in a certain rhythm, with particular rhythms meaning particular commands.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some troops, like a lighteyes’ personal guard, are trained to recognise certain arm gestures, which mean certain commands, such as to retreat.{{book ref|sa1|13}}{{book ref|sa1|28}}


Situation in Alethkar. Coalition. Kholinar. Thaylen field. Hearthstone. Karanak.
==== Warcamps ====
How a warcamp is organised and run depends greatly on the highprince. Some camps are organised and patrolled while others are chaotic and almost lawless.{{book ref|sa2|5}} Proper Alethi warcamps are arranged neatly, with the barracks, which are placed in rows, arranged into radials, with a meeting ground and a mess hall at the center of each battalion.{{book ref|sa1|26}}


Meanwhile, the Alethkar homelands were besieged by the newly awakened [[singer]] forces led by the [[Fused]], culminating in the [[Siege of Kholinar|siege]] and eventual fall of [[Kholinar]].{{book ref|sa3|85}}
=== Training ===
The way soldiers are trained depends on the Princedom they’re from. In some princedoms it is seen as the squadleader’s or sergeant’s task to train new recruits.{{book ref|sa2|52}} The Alethi do make use of a number of drills to practice large scale formations and movements however.


After Elhokar was killed by [[Moash]] during the siege, and [[Adolin Kholin]] refused to take the throne after the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], [[Jasnah Kholin]] became Queen.{{book ref|sa3|84}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} The current heir to the throne is Elhokar's son, [[Gavinor]] -- however, he's still a child and a regency in his name was deemed too unstable and dangerous during the time of the [[True Desolation]].
==== Drills ====
The Alethi have a large number of drills to practice certain formations, movements and fighting in general.{{book ref|sa1|28}}


On {{Rosharan date|1174|2|10|5}}{{ref|name=timeline}}, the Alethi and Thaylen armies defended [[Thaylen City]] against the incursion of the [[Fused]] army.{{book ref|sa3|111}}{{book ref|sa3|112}} This battle was motivated by the Alethi wishing to protect their Thaylen allies, and in order to secure the Thaylen [[Oathgate]]; They wished to secure the Oathgate due to the strategic advantage it granted them.{{cite}}{{expand}}
The ‘close order’ drill is a an essential exercise to an army’s performance, although few outside the military appreciate its importance. There is also a drill called the ‘extended order’ drill, sometimes called the ‘extended combat’ drill, this drill focuses on practicing formations and movements used on the battlefield.{{book ref|sa1|28}}


By the time of the Battle of Thaylen Field, most of Alethkar was under Fused hegemony.{{book ref|sa3|120}} One of the major military centers in the occupation was the capital city of the [[Vamah princedom]], [[Revolar]]. Between 40,000 and 50,000 Singers were stationed there.{{book ref|sa3|31}}
==== Shardbearer training ====
The Alethi military also relies on trained [[Shardwielding|Shardbearers]] to aid their regular soldiers. Due to their militaristic society, and the large amount of Shards they have, the Alethi have become excellent at training Shardbearers.


A year after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Dalinar had managed to retake the southwestern corner of Alethkar which touches the Tarat Sea. Dalinar considered launching a major offensive into Alethkar but was convinced by the [[Dieno|Mink]] that it would be wiser to attempt to retake Emul.{{book ref|sa4|17}}
In most cases, lighteyed boys of appropriate rank around the age of ten are chosen by an ardent swordmaster for training.{{book ref|sa2|16}} These boys typically already have at least some training with the sword. The swordmaster teaches them the ten [[Stances|Shardblade Stances]] and familiarity with their plate.{{book ref|sa2|44}} They train with Blades in two ways. If the trainee has no Blade of his own, they can make use of wooden practice swords that approximate the balance and weight of a real Blade. They may also borrow one of the King's Blades.{{book ref|sa2|16}} This tradition is one of the reasons the Alethi have the best trained Shardbearers on Roshar. Whenever a Shardbearer is killed or dies, there is always someone prepared to bond their Blade and use it right away. A swordmaster also coaches their student on how to control the Blade with their mind, commanding it to remain in place so it can be loaned to others.{{book ref|sa2|35}}


In {{rosharan date|1175|3}}, an attempt was mounted by the coalition to evacuate the city of Hearthstone. After a battle with Fused occupiers, most notably [[Lezian]], all but fifteen occupants of Hearthstone were successfully evacuated via the ''[[Fourth Bridge]]'', and brought to Urithiru.{{book ref|sa4|6}} During the battle, Brightlord Roshone was killed by [[Vyre]], leading to the position of citylady eventually being passed on to Laral.{{book ref|sa4|6}}{{book ref|sa4|18}}
==== Punishments ====
The Alethi military also has a large number of punishments. Regular punishments, usually given by a squadleader, include menial duties and corporal punishment.{{book ref|sa3|91}}{{book ref|sa1|62}} A highprince can also choose to execute someone, or even leave them to the stormfather’s judgment, which includes tying them up and leaving them outside during a highstorm.{{book ref|sa1|34}} Officers can put people in a stockade.{{book ref|sa3|2}}


<!--
=== Fortifications ===
==== Expedition to Emul ({{rosharan date|1175}}) ====
Many holdings, to let armies rest and wait.{{book ref|sa3|19}}
-->
==== Shardbearers ====
Ballistas, nets, both on top of the walls which are cut down and nets that can be fired at shardbearers.{{book ref|sa3|11}}{{book ref|sa3|71}} ropes, catapults.{{book ref|sa3|11}} also Polemen to push shardbearers off.{{book ref|sa3|71}}
==== Artillery ====
Ballistas and catapults. Women ofcourse. {{book ref|sa3|11}}

Latest revision as of 21:27, 1 July 2024

Hello everyone, I am Nightstar The Bright. I really enjoy reading Brandon Sanderson’s books, sometime after I read them all I began editing the Coppermind.

Notable pages I reworked

! The following text is a collection of the information about Alethkar! Alethi is used widely throughout the eastern world to make the underscript of a book. Also, lots of Alethi epics, which are famous even outside Alethkar.[1] Curly dark hair is northern Alethkar.[2] Alethi women like to wear their hair in intricate braids.[3]

SlaveryEdit

Slavery is common in Alethkar, although there are many laws surrounding it. These laws binding slavers and slaves are Vorin in origin, and as such apply to all the major Vorin realms. Every slave receives a brand on their forehead, appropriately named a slaves's brand. These brands are made up of two glyphs, and they indicate, among other things, where a slave was branded. Only lighteyes can brand someone a slave.[4]

Every man has a slave debt, which he can theoretically pay off to earn back his freedom. It is suspected by some people to be a shum however, intended to keep the slaves docile. This is due to the amount of the slave debt being an enormous amount, far more then a slave is sold for. Additionally, it is common for masters to find ways to cheat a slave out of their wages, charging them for housing etc. A master can also always set a man free, or the man can try and escape.[4]

Slaves themselves...

Slavers...

A slaver must provide the reason someone was sold into slavery when he sells the slave, it is illegal to lie. Every man has a slave debt, but he can theoretically pay it off and earn back his freedom. It is suspected by some people to be a shum however, intended to keep the slaves docile because it is an enormous amount, far more then a slave is sold for. Many masters find ways to cheat a slave out of their wages, charging them for housing etc. A master can also always set a man free, or the man can try and escape. People don't like slavers, and so they often choose other slavers as company. According to Vorin rules, every slave has to be paid a small wage, half of what a non slave would receive. [5] Slave carts, roughly 10 men per. Masters are free to give beatings. Stealing may make someone a slave (Chulls). Although it could also be a death sentence (stealing horses) Many Alethi slaves are sold to the remote, small and independent cities on the coast of the unclaimed hills. The rules binding slavers and slaves are Vorin in origin, and as such apply to all the major Vorin realms. Brands are burned into the skin. Brands are made up of a glyphpair; the highlord's district where the person is originally branded.[4] Each slaver has a ledger containing information on the slaves, such as how much they've paid of their slave debt, it isn't uncommon to lie though. Prices range from roughly 1,5 emerald broams for a weak or bad slave[6] to three emerald browns for a good one, although the average is two broams.[7]

Vorin legal code of citizenshipEdit

Incredibly complex. People who provide an essential function to their settlement, as well as their apprentices, are given special privileges.[8]

A lighteyes of sufficient rank can arrest someone, but then they have to fight an inquest.[8] There are a small number of nahns, the lowest ones, where you don’t need to fight an inquest.[9] The tradition of the trial by sword was banned by Queen Jasnah Kholin.

EconomyEdit

CurrencyEdit

As with many other nations on Roshar, their economy was based upon glass spheres with cut polestones in their center, known simply as spheres. In the mint, they check sphere weights in order to see if they fell into the proper categories.[10] The value of polestones, and thus the worth of sphere denominations in their economy, is based around the value of the substances a polestone can transmute another substance into.[11]

State IncomeEdit

Taxation is levied upon darkeyes and landless lighteyes over rights to live on the territory of wealthier lighteyes.[12] If a citylord fails to pay his taxes to the highlord, people are sent to collect it from him, often violently.[13][12] The highlord answers to the highprince;[14] and highprinces themselves are taxed by the king for the right to use soulcasters, which were an important resource in waging prolonged, large-scale conflicts. This is the primary form of taxation levied upon the highprinces by the king.[15]

Labour and professionsEdit

Slaves and parshmen. Most Alethi towns have no surgeon, they do the best with local men who learn most of what they know from superstition or working on the occasional wounded Chull.[8]

Akanny in the Sadeas Princedom served as a major source of agriculture throughout Alethkar, being the source of a signifigant portion of the nation's lavis and tallew.[16] Other towns and cities throughout Alethkar are important centures for the production of hog leather and meat, whilst others still harvested gumfrems for their gemhearts, which were used in the soulcasting of meat.[16] Merchants of 1 and 2st nahn. (Footnote-like in other Vorin kingdoms). Many people go to the tavern: a days work and then an evening at the tavern for fun.[17]

The MarketEdit

Alethkar has some form of open market,[18] though the amount of openness in the economy, that is the amount of government regulation in the market, is unclear.

Foreign TradeEdit

Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Keved for cheap.[19] As of the True Desolation, Fen Rnamdi held administration over trade and supply, as one of the stipulations in the coalition of monarchs.[20]

ArchitectureEdit

Streets run east to west and doorways face away from the Origin bcs highstorms.[17]

InfrastructureEdit

Alethkar has poor transport infrastructure, making travel and resource movement between distant cities slow and cumbersome.[citation needed] This increases the important of soulcasters to their economy and military.[citation needed]

The aquisition of Oathgates after the Battle of Narak greatly assisted in trade across the continent.[20] Many lighteyes have gardens in front of their mansions. During the year 1167 oil lamps were considered by many to be provincial.[8] Many mansions also have a crypt.[21] Every city has a little huddle of buildings for caravaneers and the likes. Also large stormbunkers to house armies or multiple caravans.[22] many small villages have a central cistern to catch rain water and filter out the crem. Buildings are built up against one another for protection. Also, rounded roofs repel te wind better. Some flats/large buildings as well that can hold a dozen families. Classical style: pillars in the front.[2]

Dining etiquetteEdit

Lighteyes meals generally have a cup of water for dipping one’s fingers and clean white napkins beside them.[8]

The True Desolation (1173 - )Edit


Also, meeting with listeners. Urithiru and warcamps, highprinces appointed (Roion and Aladar as judge). Battles and retreat to Jah Keved and Herdaz There, he fought against the Voidbringers as they encroached northward into Alethkar. He attempted to rally the rest of the troops in the country, but they were forced back towards Herdaz.[23] Alethi aid other countries (Aladar). a little more about the siege of Kholinar, with more emphasis on other cities and settlements. More about Jasnah’s crowning. He (Dalinar) instructed the officer to make it known that Ialai had killed herself and told him that they could begin a full occupation of the warcamps.[24] Planning before thaylen field. More on Karanak. Expedition to Emul: war and stripping Ruthar, trial by sword forbidden. Also more on the battle of Narak.


Dalinar Kholin, with the king’s authority, released a proclamation, first in private to the highprinces and then to the public,[25] stating that all gemhearts won in battle now belonged to the king and the wealth will be apportioned at the Crown's discretion. This proclamation was made to refocus the Highprinces' attention on the war and not on gaining wealth. Hatham was the only highprince to comment on this proclamation publicly, denouncing Elhokar's decision.[26]

Some time later king Elhokar suffers an assassination attempt in the form of a sabotaged railing, luckily his guards can pull him up before he falls. Another while later the assassin in white returns, he ostensibly attempts to assassinate Elhokar, although he actually means to kill the king’s uncle, Dalinar. This attempt is thwarted however, and the king calls a meeting of Alethkar’s elite. Shallan Davar, betrothed of Adolin Kholin, brings news to this meeting, telling the members of house Kholin about Jasnah Kholin’s death. A couple of weeks later Adolin meets with Eshonai, the listener general, to discuss a listener surrender. She is cold to him however, and denies his every attempt at making peace.[27]

Troubled by the glyphs scratched on his walls and wanting to end the War of Reckoning Dalinar Kholin soon began to gather allies for an expedition onto the Plains.[28] Weeks, and much preparation, later he sets of, taking his entire army with him. Three of the highprinces join him Roion, Sebarial and Aladar.

As the four armies neared the center of the Shattered Plains they discovered that the listeners had changed forms. Close to the center they held a war council and decided to assault the listener forces. This battle, called the Battle of Narak, occured on Ishishach 1173 and saw the deaths of many Alethi, including highprince Roion. The Alethi forces were victorious, but ultimately unable to prevent the summoning of the Everstorm. During this same time there was an assassination attempt on the life of king Elhokar by the diagram, but this plan was foiled when Kaladin swore the third ideal. The Everstorm caused the start of the True Desolation.[29]

The Everstorm caused the Parshmen to become whole again, and Parshmen across the world, including those in Alethkar, broke free, fleeing from their owners. These Parshmen, now singers, along with the unexpected Everstorm, wreaked havoc among the Alethi. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed by the storm, although the singers generally left their towns peacefully. The Alethi armies weathered the storm and the singers well, be it in Urithiru or the warcamps.

A short time after the first Everstorm Dalinar issued a command, all highprinces were to abandon the warcamps and move to Urithiru, although many highprinces disobeyed this order, staying in the warcamps. After highprince Torol Sadeas arrived at the tower he was murdered by Adolin Kholin. Following his murder, rulership of the Sadeas Princedom was passed to Meridas Amaram by Ialai Sadeas, as the heir to the position was too young to fill it.[30][13] At the same time Dalinar appointed highprince Aladar as highprince of Information and Roion's son as the new Roion Highprince.[31]


Situation in Alethkar. Coalition. Kholinar. Thaylen field. Hearthstone. Karanak.

Meanwhile, the Alethkar homelands were besieged by the newly awakened singer forces led by the Fused, culminating in the siege and eventual fall of Kholinar.[32]

After Elhokar was killed by Moash during the siege, and Adolin Kholin refused to take the throne after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Jasnah Kholin became Queen.[33][34] The current heir to the throne is Elhokar's son, Gavinor -- however, he's still a child and a regency in his name was deemed too unstable and dangerous during the time of the True Desolation.

On Nanishah 1174[35], the Alethi and Thaylen armies defended Thaylen City against the incursion of the Fused army.[36][37] This battle was motivated by the Alethi wishing to protect their Thaylen allies, and in order to secure the Thaylen Oathgate; They wished to secure the Oathgate due to the strategic advantage it granted them.[citation needed][expand]

By the time of the Battle of Thaylen Field, most of Alethkar was under Fused hegemony.[38] One of the major military centers in the occupation was the capital city of the Vamah princedom, Revolar. Between 40,000 and 50,000 Singers were stationed there.[39]

A year after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Dalinar had managed to retake the southwestern corner of Alethkar which touches the Tarat Sea. Dalinar considered launching a major offensive into Alethkar but was convinced by the Mink that it would be wiser to attempt to retake Emul.[40]

In Chach 1175, an attempt was mounted by the coalition to evacuate the city of Hearthstone. After a battle with Fused occupiers, most notably Lezian, all but fifteen occupants of Hearthstone were successfully evacuated via the Fourth Bridge, and brought to Urithiru.[41] During the battle, Brightlord Roshone was killed by Vyre, leading to the position of citylady eventually being passed on to Laral.[41][18]


  1. Oathbringer interlude I-2#
  2. a b Words of Radiance chapter 40#
  3. Words of Radiance chapter 47#
  4. a b c The Way of Kings chapter 2#
  5. The Way of Kings chapter 4#
  6. The Way of Kings chapter 6#
  7. The Way of Kings chapter 69#
  8. a b c d e The Way of Kings chapter 37#
  9. Words of Radiance chapter 44#
  10. Rhythm of War chapter 16#
  11. Oathbringer Ars Arcanum#
  12. a b Oathbringer chapter 106#
  13. a b Oathbringer chapter 26#
  14. Oathbringer chapter 116#
  15. The Way of Kings chapter 15#
  16. a b Oathbringer chapter 10#
  17. a b Words of Radiance chapter 46#
  18. a b Rhythm of War chapter 18#
  19. Oathbringer chapter 66#
  20. a b Oathbringer chapter 96#
  21. The Way of Kings chapter 41#
  22. Oathbringer chapter 45#
  23. Oathbringer chapter 58#
  24. Rhythm of War chapter 10#
  25. Words of Radiance chapter 4#
  26. Words of Radiance chapter 5#
  27. Words of Radiance chapter 51#
  28. Words of Radiance chapter 50#
  29. Words of Radiance timeline#
  30. Words of Radiance chapter 89#
  31. Oathbringer chapter 2#
  32. Oathbringer chapter 85#
  33. Oathbringer chapter 84#
  34. Oathbringer chapter 122#
  35. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named timeline
  36. Oathbringer chapter 111#
  37. Oathbringer chapter 112#
  38. Oathbringer chapter 120#
  39. Oathbringer chapter 31#
  40. Rhythm of War chapter 17#
  41. a b Rhythm of War chapter 6#