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Greetings, travelers, and welcome to another episode of the hottest show in the Cosmere, Argent Bothers Random Employees of Dragonsteel Entertainment until He Gets Answers: Karen Edition! This month we are talking Rosharan spheres - the currency that makes absolutely no sense, but I've been obsessing over forever! Those of you who have been hanging out on Discord may be aware that I've been working on updating the Spheres article (which, depending on when you read this, may or may not be updated). Kind of in the middle of my work Peter randomly dropped in Reddit and canonized the weight of the gems inside the broams - 2 carats (details in this thread), which would make marks 0.5 carats, and chips 0.1 carats. Invigorated by this, I redoubled my efforts on the article, only to grow being frustrated by what I felt was a mix of contradicting information, missing information, and misleading information. Ultimately I decided to email Karen (Ahlstrom), who maintains Dragonsteel's internal Wiki, and see if she can help me figure some things out, and boy, did she deliver! Before I spill the beans, a few quick disclaimers. A lot of this information appears to coming from Brandon's early notes, which means that: Canonicity is a little lower than that of your modern day WoB Some things may change in the future Some things have been changed since these notes. Book lore trumps early notes lore. All this being said, let's get to the good stuff! Karen first emailed me the following table, in response to my attempt to figure out whether all ten Polestones are used in spheres (because of an offhanded remark by Shallan in The Way of Kings where she uses "spheres of all nine colors and all three sizes" for illumination): So that's good! It's not a 100% confirmation that all ten Polestones are used in spheres, but the fact that Brandon, at least early on, considered amethysts and garnets to both glow a light red color, combined with the absence of a light green gemstone, could easily explain Shallan's comment and kind of verify what many of us thought made sense - that all the Polestones have a corresponding sphere, even if not all of them are mentioned explicitly. However, as I worked on integrating this information into my page, Karen one-upped herself and dropped this bombshell (which I've translated into a table, from her original list-like email): Look at that! Every sphere type, put into one of five price buckets, all named (though, admittedly, the names are kind of meh, so I wouldn't be surprised if Brandon either drops them completely in the future, or at least renames them; this is all early notes stuff, after all). For context, we only knew four of those before (diamonds, garnets, amethysts, and emeralds). Remember how Gaz has a bit of a gambling problem? And how his debt is 80 ruby broams? We never knew quite how much that was, but now - woah, that's a lot of money, Gaz, you've got issues! With darkeyed soldiers earning five clearmarks (equivalent to 25 diamond chips) per day, those 80 ruby broams (16,000 diamond chips) are 640-days worth of a soldier's salary! That's more than a year! So that's awesome, and I've been really excited to not only hunt down obscure references to sphere amounts (like how, in one of her flashbacks, Shallan wants to buy some candied fruit, and it costs one diamond chip, and she hands the merchant lady an emerald mark, 250 times more than what the fruit is worth!), but there's a little more I can share with you. In addition to all the values (mind you, this is all coming from a different part of Brandon's notes), it looks like Brandon may have changed the colors of some of the gemstones, because we now have this: The colors are just what I picked from the Wikipedia page on X11 color names. So it looks like garnet and amethyst may have changed from their (I assume) original light red to pale and deep purple respectively. Which makes fits with some small details from the books, such as how the Dustbringers were distrusted because their eyes reminded people of the Voidbringers; if amethysts, rubies, and garnets all glowed red, this distrust probably wouldn't be reserved just for the Dustbringers. But there you have it! I'll leave you with another reminder that a lot of this can, theoretically, change in the future, so don't you go betting 80 ruby broams on all this being final - because we now know that this is a lot of money! A few firemarks though? That wouldn't be the end of the world Cheers! P.S. If you want the... less curated version of this, here are Peter's Reddit comments in Arcanum, and here are Karen's.

When you're talking with a girl on Google Hangouts, and your little brother asks if you have her phone number, and when you reply in the affirmative he proceeds to ask if you've given her a handkerchief.

You know you're a Mormon Sanderfan when you wonder if Kaladin ever said: And I, Kaladin, being young, nevertheless was large in stature.

You know you're a Sanderfan when your flashlight runs out of battery suddenly and you wonder who around you is a Radiant.

I got a 5 on AP Bio, 4 in English, and one miracle- a 5 in AP Calc. After failing it for part of the year and feeling awful about the test, I literally have no idea how I pulled it off.

I'm on a road trip and there's something about every ten minutes that reminds me of Sanderson. Fleet street (cute street name under any circumstances) Bridgeman Lane - I am not kidding; it was hilarious A chicken coop A stick Honestly it's amazing how many things you can connect to Sanderson if you try hard enough

Hi everyone! Super excited to be here. I love Brandon Sanderson's work and, so far, I've read The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages, Warbreaker, Elantris, and The Way of Kings. He's probably my favorite author of all time, haha.

Butt then broke 4th wall, stating that Niteshado was in fact on the wrong page, and is a moron.

When you step outside and the grass doesn't retract and you're like "The Shin are strange."

Teft

You know that you're a Sanderfan when you go to a school dance and start reading a book at a table.

Then the narrators weren't sure if @Niteshado was looking at the right page.

I fail to see how a Hemalurgic beaver is ridiculous. I can see very practical ways it could be important for day-to-day life.

She intentionally avoids looking at things in one scene because she knows they have depictions of the Heralds, and she knows that if she sees it she'll have to destroy it. It's not a choice.

Stupid question: if you spiked a beaver, would it be able to understand how to use its powers, and in that case, could you create a terrifying Fullborn beaver overlord?

First off acknowledgement to @hwilesfor planting this idea in my head months ago. During a discussion about Kelsier earlier today on discord with @Spoolofwhool and @Blightsong, I mentioned an idea I picked up from Hwiles about how Kelsier regained a body. There's been numerous discussions on this, all most revolving around spiking Kelsier's Cognitive Aspect to a random body/Kandra and him taking over. I believe something different, and Spool and Blight helped flesh it out some. First, we need to look at the last half of this WoB from Boskone. So, when a worldhopper is physically in the Cognitive Realm, they do not in fact have a body. They are comprised wholely of investiture, but retain their connection to the Physical realm. That connection is the only difference between a worldhopper in the Cognitive Realm, and a Cognitive Shadow like Kelsier. So what if, instead of a spike into a body, which couldn't house the entirety of Kelsier's Cognitive aspect, the spike only contains someone's connection to the Physical Realm? From this WoB, we know that hemalurgy is possible in the Cognitive. (thanks @Overstorm) so a spike can be taken into the Cognitive Realm and used. If a spike were to steal the physical connection of a person, and then placed into Kel, he would then be composed of investiture in the Cognitive Realm and have a connection to the Physical Realm, just like every worldhopper. At this point, all he needs to do is go to a perpendicularity, and transition into the Physical Realm, the same as we've seen worldhoppers do before. When he steps through, his body should form from background investiture, or whatever mechanism works for your average worldhopper. Kelsier's body may not be his original, but it's 100% his own.

I like writing, and parodies of songs are a specific thing that I enjoy writing sometimes. Yesterday and on Monday, I worked on writing a Stormlight Archive parody for the song from Mulan "I'll Make a Man Out Of You", and then sang it, so, enjoy! I'll Make a Crew Out of You Let's get down to business To defeat the Parsh. Did they send me dun spheres When I asked for light? You're the saddest bunch I ever met But you can bet before we're through Misters, I'll make a bridge-crew out of you. Tranquil as a sphere But a storm within. Once you find your center You are sure to win. You're not a spineless, pale pathetic lot But still you haven't got a clue. Somehow I'll make a bridge-crew out of you. I'm never gonna catch my breath Say goodbye to those who knew me Boy, was I a fool at work for skipping runs This guy's got them scared to death Hope he doesn't see right through me Now I really wish that I knew how to swim BE A CREW We must be swift as those swordy fellows BE A CREW With all the force of a great highstorm BE A CREW With all the strength of a chasmfiend Mysterious as the dark sides of the moons Time is racing toward us 'til the Parsh arrive. Heed my every order And you might survive. You're unsuited for the Thrill of war So I think it's time to fight Somehow I made a bridge-crew out of you BE A CREW We must be swift as those swordy fellows BE A CREW With all the force of a great highstorm BE A CREW With all the strength of a chasmfiend Mysterious as the dark sides of the moons BE A CREW We must be swift as those swordy fellows BE A CREW With all the force of a great highstorm BE A CREW With all the strength of a chasmfiend Mysterious as the dark sides of the moons Hoo-ah! And me singing the song: Ill_Make_a_Crew_Out_of_You.wav (a version with me playing piano accompaniment to this will be uploaded as soon as I'm done learning the accompaniment)

'Twas a shame that the greatest author would be the one to snuff the others out... -Apollyon

All series spoilers

I did that at a dance once! It was a Halloween dance, so I dressed up in a colorful suit and left it unbuttoned, with a loose tie and the top button of my shirt undone, and with ruffled hair. I then proceeded to put a paperback copy of The Way of Kings in my pocket, go to the dance, and sit down next to the door and read. In fact, the only reason that I went to that dance was for that specific costume.

The narrators call upon the great @Archer to repair the Fourth Wall. Again.

I don't seek Rock as a Bondsmith, I think it'll be Rlain and someone we don't expect because there has to be a reason Rlain hasn't got a spren when everyone around him, including non-bridge member are squires or knights. I would love to see a Rock and Lift conversation, maybe he can make different pancakes

You can tell your a Sanderson fan when you’re subconsciously trying to Push off a coin on the sidewalk.

Don't forget she has the compulsion of destroying any image/imagary of herself, regardless of her current objective. That, so far seems to be the extent of her madness that we've seen, but madness can take many forms. She's literally self-destructive and seems to resent her previous self and worship of her as a Herald, wheras Jezrien seemed to find it bitterly amusing.

Death grabbed the spike and dissapeared. He teleported beside his daughter's bed. Her poor little body had been plugged up to the IV for weeks, and her precious locks had given way to her beautiful bald head a few weeks ago, but she remained his little angel. Dhe had barely any energy in her to move, even to stay awake most days. Her tiny little arms were wrapped around the Vin doll he gave her the day she was born. The day her mother died. As he reached out to stroke her cheek he became Lopen again, his bony fingers covered by flesh again. A solitary tear rolled down his cheek as her eyes fluttered open. "Daddy?" she quietly moaned. "Yes sweetie. Daddy's here." As he said this he completely forgot why he left to fight the Alleyverse's stupid battles, why he left this lovely creature's side. "Daddy... am I going to die?" "No honey, don't worry, daddy's here. Daddy will protect you, like I always have." "You have. Thanks daddy." "No problem kiddo. Say... you know how you always wanted to be like Vin?" "Yes?' she yawned. "Well here's your earring," he said, putting the spike through her ear. Nothing happened. He started sobbing. "Daddy... do you see an angel?" "No, no I don't. What's he saying?" The desperate agony in his voice was barely noticeable, but how could he deny it in such a moment? "He's saying... He's saying he was a close friend of yours. A mento." "A mentor maybe?" "Yes, a mento. He says he can help me, and... ooh. He's funny. He called you a sly old dog." "Did he now? Funny man." Lopen smiled, the tears becoming joyous, and a smile changing the composition of his entire face. "He's making me feel better much better. Ooo. I... I... I don't feel tired anymore daddy." "You don't?" he chuckle cried. "That's good. Here, have some chocolate." She snatched it from his hand. This was the hungriest she'd been in months. Thank you @Voidus Lopen mentally called out.

I don't think they're looking for the Cryptic, just because the Fused have access to Cryptics in Shadesmar and don't seem particularly interested in them.

I'm about 600-700 words into the prologue and am gonna call it a night. Hopefully I can get it done over the weekend.

Can you elaborate on this idea? I do not see where you get it from that WoB. In fact, the WoB says that the physical body is indeed transported to the Cognitive Realm, not that it ceases to exist. The end of the statement is the method of transmission - Investiture creates the portal that you can use to transfer into and out of the Cognitive Realm. As to the idea of 'connection to the Physical Realm,' Preservation does speak of the idea in Secret History: Note that Preservation does not refer to capital-C Connection here; other places, the term is capitalized, since it is referring to the Spiritual Realm substance. We learn of three kinds of Connection in Secret History: person to person, person to world, and person to God. Kelsier still has Connection to Scadrial; it's why he's not able to travel very far. But that's not what Preservation is referring to. Kelsier's physical body still exists, or as much remains after it was digested, but it is no longer a part of Kelsier. Which is why he can't use the Perpendicularity: he does not have a body in the Cognitive Realm. I don't think this is a Spiritual property that you can spike out of someone's soul; I think it's just that you need a body to move your body between Realms, and Kelsier does not have a body anywhere. Brandon expressly RAFOs that possibility. Spren are different in the Cognitive Realm, but that's not necessarily where you would be able to spike them. I think he's saying there are places in the Physical Realm where spren manifest more tangibly. Not Roshar as a whole, but it would be specific places on Roshar where spren could be drawn into the Physical Realm to a greater degree.

Elder gods obviously. Praise Nyarlothotep, Herald of the elders.

New member here, relatively new to the Cosmere. So far I've read the original Mistborn trilogy (which I loved), The Alloy of Law, and I'm currently on Shadows of Self. My plan from here is to finish Wax and Wayne and then probably move to Elantris, then Warbreaker, and then finally delve into the Stormlight Archive (can't wait for this). Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and really look forward to contributing!

ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is important. If you DO NOT have a Bug-a-salt gun, you NEED one. It looks like a nerf gun, plastic, pump shotgun style toy looking thing. But...IT SHOOTS A PINCH OF SALT EACH SHOT. This thing is for killing flies, and ive never..had..so..much..fun....... yes, you get a touch of salt here and there. but it kills flies dead, and its too much fun. Im more annoyed that it works so rusting well, and i have no more flies to shoot.

Hope you’re appetite returns. Thankfully I have an hour or two to regain mine.

This is something that the Coppermind (basically the Cosmere Wikipedia) is great at answering: https://coppermind.net/wiki/Investiture

Two Kandra attempted to have a baby is NOT a sight I wanna see.

I think that Gavilar's source of black spheres is under the palace and that's what they're looking for.

Go to the first post of this thread and click on the quote-link.

I used to think SA was dumb. *cue gasps*

When the red-white-and-blue clothing you decide to wear for the 4th of July is your Reckoners T-shirt:

While reading Calamity for the millionth time I grew confused at something. Why hadn't anyone discovered that Calamity was surrounded by a glass satellite? I know that technology had been crazily reduced but a telescope is common and had been around for years before. So if anyone had a telescope it would be Knighthawk or one of the other businesses. I feel like they would have been a tool for the privileged but why wouldn't they think to look at Calamity, the thing dominating their skies? Let me know what you think! Thanks and Good Worldhopping

When there's a quote on your wall that says "Believe in children--there is faith in their eyes, love in their touch, kindness in their gestures. Thrill with them in life's big and small moments...hold them close." and you find it ominous.

Relevant meme:

Here's a piece about Shadesmar. A little rough, the ending got botched when rendered but it sounds weird so I guess it fits

I wonder who are the "we" in that statement... A crazy thought, but could it be that Odium is referring to Adonalsium there? The one thing the Shattering of Adonalsium could have served is to destroy unity...

Just came here and logged in because I felt the need to vent/squee somewhere. I'm at work after spending all afternoon and night reading this book (hadn't read Part 1 to avoid spoilers...) and here are my opinions: - WoR>OB=WoK - I know Brandon always says that these books are five books into one, but for some reason I felt the divide being starker in this one. Like, each part was more independent from the others (save part 5) that in the other 2 books. Having said that, the HSQ was through the roof with this one (I remember having read like 15% and feeling amazed at EVERYTHING that had happened so far!), and I think some of the backslash towards this book will come from the resolution of many of the mysteries that could be expected to be solved until later. Also, as a Kaladin fangirl I actually missed a grand finale for him... that part actually went to Dalinar with the Ascencion (and it was glorious) Things I liked: - Kaladin's parents being alive AND meeting him (and the little brother awww). - Renarin's interactions with Bridge 4 were great. - I was totally dumbfounded by some of the twists, aka Elhokar's death, Renarin's true spren and Dalinar's backstory/being Odium's champion. - Hoid helping Shallan keep herself together was really nice. - I find myself liking Adolin more now than before. Same Elhokar (obviously). - Shadesmar's adventure! Especially Syl trying to hide herself from the rest, and the spren/human interactions. - The letters were great. - But the prize to best epigraphs (to me) were the Radiant's Confessional. I mean, some of those recordings were so... normal. Like something anyone would say (some of them preferably in a reality show confessional ) Things I didn't like - The resolution to the love triangle. - Moash. I mean, I liked his arc but seeing the perspective of an human who willingly went to the parshs like that, and more someone we knew, was quite disturbing to say the least. - How Szeth was reintroduced. It seemed too sudden, maybe interludes would have been better. - Amaram. That storyline should have endedin WoR. Things I realized until here: - Vivenna. Storms, how could I miss it?????????? Wonder what she'll do when she finds them (which is now easier by being both in the same place and knowing he tought Adolin and Kaladin). - Renarin's spren being the son of the simpathetic Unmade. Questions left to answer: - How exactly the people from Irri were convinced to join. - Why the Aimia islands are so protected - How many scholars are actually portly old men (lol) - More information about the voidspren (we've met four so far... what about the other 5?) Something that seemed odd to me is how this attempt to discredit Dalinar included the reason of the Recreance as just one of the ways of attack. I would have expected something that important to be more relevant than that, it would seem it had the same weight in the narrative as the Highking fiasco and "we saw him with Odium as therefore they're working together!!!". Even when Kaladin discovers it... he doesn't even stop to think about it. Hopefully more is forthcoming.

They're going to lose in the next book. Calling it now. You can't keep winning this kind of battle forever.