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The first book Mistborn Era 3 will open with a bank robbery. A coinshot bank robber will be flying over the city with a sack of money under one arm, raining bills down on the people below. The actual first line of narration will be: "Cash fell from the sky."

Quick rundown on a subtheory to a post I'm hoping to make later - using Illumination and Progression, Truthwatchers can reshape life, and possibly mutate things. One of the possible uses for their powers - besides possibly using Illumination and Progression to see the progression of things - is to use Illumination to plot a course for something to grow, and then using Progression to cause them to grow along that path. One of the Fused - which only have access to a single surge - was able to grow blades, etc, from their bodies, which are not normally part of Singer anatomy in that way, as their carapace is not typically a bladed weapon. But that morphology could in theory develop, and so they made those parts of themselves grow that way, implying that that Fused might have the surge of Progression and used it to grow their blade Lightweavers use Illumination and Transformation to transform people into the ideal they could be (which is also slightly horrifying if they can also make you change into the darkest version of yourself if that is what they see you as, so maybe Shallan's dad was changed by her). So if Illumination and Transformation can transform someone's soul according to what the Lightweaver convinces them they can be, what could Illumination paired with Progression do? Progression allows for seeds to sprout and grow, not only healing things. They are also paired strongly with Cultivation, which is about shaping growth. So Progression as affecting somethings age or living state isn't impossible With this idea, I propose a Truthwatcher can use their abilities to see how something could progress, change how it will progress, and then help it along that line, so long as it isn't too far from what they could be. Lets end this off with a crazy theory then: the Truthwatchers might have been responsible for allowing humans and Singers to interbreed, or changed some Singers into Horneaters, possibly in secret to save them. I'm not saying they did, only that it is a possibility. Either way, I think Truthwatchers can use their powers to shape life.

Spoilers All Series, but I am POSITIVE I know the fate of Roshar

Sophie wanted me to draw/post this. She wouldn't admit it, but she hopes it will make Xinoehp more attracted to her. Those cartoonishly big eyes can be quite endearing... @xinoehp512

Let's start with some basic facts and my assumptions about the third magic system on Roshar: Fabrials are part of the third magic system (WoB) There is more to Cultivation's magic than Old Magic (WoB) and the green mist surrounding Cultivation and Nightwatcher seems to be Cultivationlight (WoB) Given that there are 30 magic systems on Roshar, I assume Cultivation's magic is also part of the third magic system Lift's boon seems to be the ability to use Cultivation's magic (WoB). There are also off-screen users of the same magic – I think the most reasonable candidate are the Sleepless, which are kind of Cultivation's agents (WoB) For Lift, food is the focus allowing her access to external Investiture (like metal on Scadrial, WoB). The exact type of accessed Investiture is a RAFO (WoB), but I assume this is Cultivationlight. If so, it can power Surgebinding (just like Stormlight can power fabrials) Given their short descriptions in Poem of Ista and their connection to Aimia (WoB), the Dawnshards seem vital for Surge fabrial creation I think the relation between Dawnshards and Surge fabrials is somehow similar to Honorblades and Shardblades/Shardplates (Surgebinding fabrial-like items) I assume that the analogy between Surge fabrials and Sharblades goes even further – the spren in these fabrials (unlike in modern fabrials) don't seem to be bound in the gemstones, but form the metal (godmetal) parts of the fabrial (Soulcaster chains, Oathgate keyhole). Or example, breaking the gemstones doesn't destroy the Soulcaster, but breaking the chains does. Gemstones are there to power and control the device (the latter also provides some analogy with bonding a dead Shardblade) What potential effects might Cultivation's magic provide? Here is the list of possible candidates I came up with – as you might suspect, they're generally very spren/fabrial–oriented: Wyndle believes that Lift exists partially in Cognitive Realm and this is supported by the fact that her shadow behaves abnormally with respect to the sun (WoB). It allows her to interact with spren in untypical ways (e.g. touch them). This is possibly the effect of Cultivationlight in her body If the magic system is inspired by the Dawnshards, imprisoning spren might be a part of it (an effect similar to what Timbre does to the Voidspren in Venli's gemheart). Lift even says this to Wyndle: It seems like a friendly teasing, but this might be foreshadowing hidden in plain sight Fixing broken Surge fabrials. Just like Stormlight is used for Shardplate regeneration, Cultivationlight might potentially be used to regrow fabrials (e.g. a broken Soulcaster) Continuing with the regrowth theme, I think Cultivationlight might be the key to reviving deadeyes Changing fabrial settings. Oathgates are currently tied to Urithiru route only, but it seems possible that they once provided transport between each other. Some Soulcasters provide many modes, but most are locked in one (safety measure?). I think Cultivation's magic might be the solution here, allowing its users to change fabrial's behavior I have absolutely no idea how Cultivation's magic can be obtained by humans (except by Nightwatcher's boon), but I believe there are multiple reasons why Adolin would be the perfect candidate for the first guy to achieve it: Killing Sadeas. At first it seems like an unnecessary plot with little to no payoff. But it proves that Adolin has the right mindset – he is ready to make a hard decision that would benefit all in the future (something that Cultivation would probably called “pruning” instead of murder). Such actions directly violate the First Ideal, but I don't think Cultivation's magic would have this type of restrictions. It would allow her agents to operate outside the bounds of Honor's oaths. Just look at Arclo killing two Skybreakers that followed him – it's not technically necessary (he admits it's barely self-defense), but, given their mission to eliminate Radiants, it saves lives in the long run Accepting necessary evil is something Shallan struggles with and Adolin could really help her with this. Kaladin could use some help as well It could potentially help him revive Maya Dalinar is a Surgebinder and Renarin is a quasi-Voidbinder – it would fit if Adolin had access to the third magic system (beyond fabrials, obviously). Also Dalinar can repair items with Tension/Adhesion and Renarin can heal people – it would be really interesting if Adolin could revive spren and fix fabrials Dalinar has access to huge amounts of Stormlight and Navani has the necessary knowledge, but Adolin might provide the catalyst to reboot Urithiru and wake the Sibling up

Update #6 just dropped! No new plot information, but it looks like we can be cautiously optimistic about a 2020 release!!

There's a common theory that Kaladin or some of our current Radiants will take the place of some of the Heralds, and I wanted to share my thoughts on why I am very much against this idea, and I really hope that Brandon goes a different path. 1. The Oathpact simply bound the Fused to Braize, and didn't have any real affect on Odium, except maybe tangentially (his army and some of his investiture being imprisoned on a different world). Odium is bound by Honor and Cultivation. So at the most, reforming the Oathpact would imprison the Fused on Braize again. Additionally, Brandon says that what binds Odium is greater than the Oathpact in the first one. In the second, he says that only the Heralds and Honor were part of the Oathpact, not Odium. In the third, the Oathpact is not a direct result of Odium not being able to leave the system. But it's a little part of it. Because the Fused Do take some of his investiture, and he wouldn't want to leave that behind. And as long as they are bound to Braize, the Fused can't fulfill the purpose that he made them for. So he's hindered in his goals. 2. Even if this were a solution, it's not an effective one. The Oathpact is a failure. The Heralds can break. Relying on a broken system to work, or rather, attempting the same thing over again with the expectation of a different result is the definition of insanity. Renewing the Oathpact would only restart the cycle of Desolations, which, at their peak, caused the deaths of 90% of the population or more. 3. Per the Stormfather, the Fused no longer return to Braize, but float around in the Everstorm waiting to be reborn. A new Oathpact wouldn't bind them to Braize if they never return there in the first place. 4. Renewing the Oathpact would not only merely restart the cycle of Desolations, but (assuming the current crop of Radiants start out fresh and strong), the people of Roshar would simply forget about Odium and the Heralds again. So when someone does break, they'll be back in the same situation. And the Radiants' sacrifice would be for nothing. 5. With Honor dead, and Jezrien dead, we don't know if the Oathpact even could be renewed, even if it were a good idea. 6. I really don't like the idea of the first uber-arc ending in failure. It's a bad way to end the series, a very big cliffhanger. I don't think Brandon would do that, since it's going to be extra-long between books 5 and 6. Brandon has said that the two series will have their own distinct arcs, that will tie in to the bigger story, and has called Arc 2 a sequel to Arc 1. Ending an arc on a cliffhanger is just a bad idea to me. Having to renew the Oathpact (somehow) means that the humans are desperate and losing, and need some way of recovering. In my opinion, the first arc is the battle for Roshar the planet. The fight against the Fused and Odium's "earthly" forces. Then the second arc is going to be the battle against Odium directly, to bind him in a way where he's harmless, or eliminate him as a threat, or something (I don't know lol, sorry) and will involve more of the greater Roshar system, the Heralds, the Shards, and who knows what else. Space for more thoughts as needed

YKYASW you see this in the Computer Science room and get really excited.

Mraizes chicken is Thaidakar.

Well, hello again. I'm honestly glad the game got a restart, since a combination of stresses meant I wasn't able to get on for the last game, at all, which then promptly ended (oops) - my final exam is this afternoon, after which I'm free, and can be much more active. 4 seats in the Council... that would have to be quite a large Elim team - even though the early game favours the Elims, that will change quite quickly as players figure out who to trust, and they only need to correctly trust 4 people. 3 months ago Thranduil took Phellom aside after the meeting. "There is much of import you must tell Elrond. You must make sure that Elrond hears of this news if he hasn't already. The spiders in the Mirkwood have increased their activity recently, Orthanc has gone silent, there has increased activity around Minas Morgul and Osgiliath, and there are reports of the Nazgul roaming once again. Can you repeat all that to Elrond?" Phellom nodded. He only had to remember four things. Spiders, Ringwraiths, Orthanc... Wait, what was the last thing again? The mild panic must have shown on Phellom's face must have been visible, because Thranduil sighed. "I shall write it down. Just make sure you don't lose the letter, alright?" Sure. Just deliver a letter. That couldn't be too difficult. "Excuse me Mr Elrond, sir, I have a letter here for you from Thranduil. He is, er, very keen that you know of a number of threats that have been observed around Middle-Earth. Ummm... Just in case, you know, you hadn't heard at you already, not because you're bad at getting news or anything." Phellom rummaged around his pack and pulled out an extremely dilapidated letter. The page, once pristine, was now encrusted in dirt. There was strips down the middle of the page nearly tearing it in three, and there were watermarks on one side. Elrond blinked a couple times. "Um, sorry for the quality, sir. There was a bear of some kind - I think it wanted to go after the supplies in my pack and it tore at the letter in the process, as well as my spare pair of clothes. And then, later, as I was crossing a ford to get here, well, my pack slipped and a lot of my gear ended up soaking wet - I managed to grab the letter before it was completly submerged, though. It's still mostly readable, though, I think. I mean, if you squint really hard at it." Elrond, seemingly lost for words, quietly slipped the parchment from Phellom's hands. It took him several messages to decipher the very brief message, at the end of which he turned back to Phellom. "I thank you for bringing me this news. Much of it I have heard already, from sources who have seen it themselves, but it is still pleasing to hear of the Mirkwood Elves vigil against these threats, and that we can trust on them as an ally." He paused a moment, as if this next part came only reluctantly. "We are holding a council to discuss the cause of these matters this time tomorrow, and how we should respond. As the representative of the Mirkwood Elves, you may join this meeting as their representative." "Yes, uh, Mister Elrond, sir. I look forward to it. Wait, I mean, I am pleased that you would, um, honour me with such a seat in this council, and will make sure I attend this most important occasion." Well, Phellom thought as they left. That could have gone worse. Probably not much worse, but it could have gone worse.

The thief win does end the game, yes. As for the Shardbearer question, just don’t lie about having one if you don’t. >> I will correct you, and ramifications will be vaguely unpleasant.

When you read someone else's questions for Brandon and realize that you aren’t the nerd everyone thinks you are.

I prefer to keep my world building to myself for a variety of reasons, but I would like to know if anyone has any feedback on this, as this is something I only recently refined from a previous version. This is my take on undead. In my setting there are different species and organisations which all have different takes on things, and some know more than others in some areas while knowing less on another topic, as well as on any given topic some know a lot in one area of that topic and less in another. Those who are very knowledgeable however all agree on certain things. One of them is the undead. There are four main classifications which fit into a grid, and each has several sub classifications. Without giving in setting terms, the grid consists of the following: physical - construct physical - sentient non-physical - sentient non-physical - construct (Again, this is not using the in setting terms, though this is an accurate description of the properties of each type) To give a brief explanation of each type: Physical constructs are zombies, skeletons, etc., which are formerly living bodies that some power or technology is controlling. Many don't consider these to be undead because the last thread of life - something the others all have - is missing. These are governed by simple spells and can't adapt to a changing situation, and usually are bound to a single location, which powers them and which they are compelled to protect or perform some function nearby. They can in theory turn someone that dies nearby into more of themselves, but usually that requires very specific conditions, and most beings are immune to that. Either way they would still have to interact with a corpse to do so. There are a few subtypes depending on the nature of the power animating them, which can include fire and lightning flowing through them. Most of those subclassifications are shared with some of the other undead types, but this group has the most diversity. Physical sentients are self aware, and are the same people they were before, only their bodies are not alive. It is a terrible existence but some still cling to it. They have a small sliver of life which some power or technology keeps attached to their bodies, and that same power also animates their bodies, and can "fill in" any missing parts, as their bodies no longer repair themselves, but will continue to function, with more damage resulting in more filling in by that which animates them. Usually, due to the nature of their bodies, they have strange physical powers, and might still have the powers they had in life, though either way their main feature is the ability to control the force that animates them to a certain extent. As mentioned above, they can have subclassifications such as fire and lightning, and so their powers typically involve being able to direct those things and using them in strange ways. If they originally had a power which was related to - again, for example - fire and lightning, they have even greater control of their new powers than others. They all fear having their small thread of life lost while their bodies retain the power animating them, as that would result in their bodies possibly becoming constructs if this was done deliberately by someone who knows how, though it is difficult and many are immune to this. Non-physical sentients are also self aware, and also the same people as before, but they don't have their original bodies. Instead the last small thread is bound in a body made of the power that animates them. They typically don't have the same physical powers as the physical sentients, but either way they can also be powerful, though often bound to an item or object which sustains their abilities much like the physical constructs. Their powers usually are more mental. They worry about being turned into the next type, though some actually want this to happen. Non-physical constructions are technically the same people they were before, but are actually like the grit that forms a pearl, buried deep inside power that still thinks it is them but is now dominated by a drive. Often these are the result of a sorcerer who wishes to live forever and doesn't want to risk becoming a non-physical sentient due to the difficulty in doing so with so little power. Despite being non-physical, their power is enough that they can take physical form, often can shape shift, and are monstrous to behold, with powerful abilities and minds bent by the power they use, their only weakness being they are bound to an object that sustains them. This can be a city. Some are not willingly made this way, but are instead captured non-physical sentient which who were not immune and were transformed and bound, though if the shell can be destroyed the non-physical sentient can in theory either escape or finally die. Often they are driven to become more powerful if formed from a sorcerer who wanted to become this, though the power they absorb usually bends their minds further, and those who were turned into these unwillingly are usually subservient to some sorcerer or other non-physical construct which changed them. That's it - does anyone have any questions? :-P

The writeup is edited in! Also, enclosed below in a spoiler in case you’re lazy enough not to scroll up six posts.

I don't think you can revive a spren without bonding them so unless his bond to Maya (or her bond to Adolin) is broken as soon as she's revived we'll have another Edgedancer. Having Radiants in the same family or group tends to happen because a bonded individual attracts the attention of spren to those around them. The First Ideal isn't defined by what Teft told Kaladin either, that's just one interpretation. A couple of Radiant Orders would actually approve of Adolin's killing of Sadeas. Given how fabrials tie into Roshar's third system I could see it being something that only requires knowledge and materials rather than an Initiation: (Mistborn details in the spoiler box)

This theory is terrifyingly plausible sounding. If I were an author I would want to make my readers grow to love the world itself and then show them how it died. I always thought would be extra horrifying if we had gotten to know Alderaan before it was destroyed... Even the fact that the Herald's viewpoints are saved for books 5-10 makes sense! They were refugees and their viewpoints would fit into a post-apocalypse story nicely, as a comparison. You win Most Horrifying Theory. Now someone please disprove it quickly, for my sanity...

Interesting. I had figured it would be a survivor-type role with gravy, but this puts it more in SK territory. Something to watch out for. I could see the thief win con sneaking up on us and ending the game if we aren't careful. You are pretty much right. I wasn't drawing conclusions about the individual chances of either Araris or El being elims, just that they almost definitely aren't both elims. Which, I feel is still a useful takeaway. "It is sadly a well-documented fact that the best way for Alethi nobility to get to know each other is by plotting to kill each other," Lord Ekard commented dryly. Very good, join the dark side Anyways, I am voting/poking/stabbing/whateverit'scallednow Butt Ad Venture (@Butt Ad Venture) at least until they elaborate upon their vote a bit more.

There was one with a black hat. (GoWibble.) Aranmir would have placed the Quest on his own shoulders, without hesitation, and offered his broken blade to the Ringbearer, but Lord Elberond had made it clear that he expected them to nominate others they felt would be of aid in the task. He had fought in battles for Gondor, and he had wandered long and lonely paths in the Wilds. If there was a Quest that needed to succeed, it was this one. Lord Elberond's words had made that clear. But Aranmir would respect Lord Elberond's counsel, though he longed to lend his sword to the Quest. The one with the black hat. He would do.

This is partially theory and partially meme: In Era 4, there will be more Fullborn, whether natural or artificial or hemalurgic (yes, I am drawing that distinction.) They will be the Cosmere equivalents of Kryptonians. Basically seen as essentially gods, and taking positions as heroes or tyrants. I also think there might be a way for them to travel unaided in space via some method of tricking momentum with time-bubbles, but I'm not willing to die on that hill.

Latest Update: Stormlight 4 & 5 outlining: 100 % !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Stormfather was created by Adonalsium. He is a natural and integral part of Roshar's ecology, not just for precipitation but also distributing crem, which doesn't just provide nutrition but also deposits itself to ensure that the continent continues to exist since Roshar doesn't have plate tectonics. He also distributed a form of Stormlight even before the arrival of Honor. Since The Stormfather considers both The Nightwatcher and The Sibling as his siblings and counterparts, it seems highly likely that they were created by Adonalsium too.

You want ridiculous?! I'll give you ridiculous! (quoting myself from a previous post)

Then everybody was sent to jail for disorderly conduct.

I like the idea and it is probably on point, that, the two surges combine and change the way different orders use their both surges.. shallan using illumination to transform and guess vice versa will also be possible.. it is beautifully articulated.. And truthwatchers - illuminating the progression of something or someone.. very cultivationy again..

Hoid is like a priest of Adonalsium, and potentially it's Cognitive Shadow was imprinted on him in much the same way as the Mists or The Stormfather were/are Cognitive Shadows of Preservation and Honor respectively. He has lost his God, and is looking for some true spark of Divinity ever since. Nightblood uses an Endowment-Ruin copied version of Voidish Division (the way Nightblood destroys the spirit of something has similarities to how Amaram is consumed by Yelig-nar). That to the Nightwatcher Life is change. So when Lift asked her to not change, to the Nightwatcher it meant anathema - how can something live and also not change? So her solution was to make her like a Cognitive Shadow, but one that never died, and is still alive. This is what makes Lift something that should not exist naturally.

The case was called Fake Pineapple v. Astral. It reached the Supreme Court.

Shen/Rylain He is conspicuously absent from the back half of OB, which some people think is because he went off looking for the surviving Listeners. If he just pops up on pg 12 of SA4 saying "hey how about that battle of Thaylen Field, oh wait none of you remember me there cause I'm different wahhh" I'll be pretty salty. and Shallan's brothers They have all this great characterization in WoR, and finally show back up in OB. If they are just around in the background from now on that would be sad. They need to get some screen-time, maybe become squires to Shallan or part of her burgeoning intelligence organization. and Jenet (the horse lady from WoR) Sanderson has mentioned leaving Rashadians as a future plot point, and Jenet is given some good characterization in WoR as well. I'm hoping we see her again as a key side character. and Azure If she is nothing but a glorified easter egg, and doesn't show up in any meaningful way, then I'll be sad. I don't think that SA is necessarily the place for her and Vasher to have it out (it's not their books), but she had a lot of screen time to not show up again. and last, Cusicesh Cool world-building element, but kinda weird if it doesn't pop up again.

“Call upon the mods beyond to lock the thread!” The fake pineapple cried out. See what I did there? Eh? Eh? *aggressive elbow nudging*

That Jeffery Epstein killed himself. I'm sorry, when I first read the title, I thought it said "What is your Wildest Conspiracy Theory". I think Dalinar or Sazed will become the new Adonalsium. Probably Dalinar, as I think the "Unite Them" refers to the Shards, not the Alethi or Rosharans or Honor's Shards in particular. I think Odium will find a way to kill Cultivation before the end, shattering her. Dalinar will become Unity, and he will take up the pieces of Cultivation, Uniting them with Honor (Unity) to create something more powerful than Sayzed's Harmony, because his two pieces are not diametrically opposed. Maybe he would be called "Community". Binding and Growth combined. Odium is going to be facing two Shards who have collected two Shards each, and so he will be scared. I think Series two will be Odium finally deciding that if he is to beat them, he needs to combine shards. I'm guessing the one that makes the most sense for him to take would be Ambition, since he already shattered that one. He just needs to take its shards. Odium and Ambition = Destruction? Judgement? That will be the end of the second series. The Third Mistborn will be a cosmic crossover, so I'm thinking Sayzed and Dalinar will try to figure out a way to separate Dominion and Devotion, and each will get one. Dalinar will get Dominion, Sazed will get Devotion. Dalinar will have Dominion, Cultivation, and Honor/Unity, and will become Authority. Sazed will have Preservation, Ruin and Devotion, and will become Creation. Then its up to the other Shards at that point. They'll all likely oppose Odium, but some may actually oppose Sazed and Dalinar. And as an addendum to my original thought, in the end, at the final scene, Dalinar is mortally wounded, Sazed is dying, Odium is shattering, all the other Shards are shattered, and Kelsior will walk up and snag them all and become Adonalsium.

There are a few problems with this. First, as has been mentioned, He cannot hurt ANYBODY. That includes voidbringers. Secondly, as far as I know, Hoid does not have a method by which to "pop into shadesmar" at will. At least not before the end of Oathbringer. In SH and Elantris he uses a perpendicularity to transfer between realms. Third and most importantly, It would not align with his goals. Hoid has gone to great lengths to avoid odium's attention. Just coming to Roshar in the first place was a huge risk. He hates Rayse and would love to end his plans, but if it gets in the way of his goals, he will not take action.

Some of the loremasters still knew of Imladris in Minas Tirith, but walking in the house of Elberond was still a strange thing for the captain from Gondor. After all, he had been chasing a dream, all things concerned, except the dream had come three nights in a row until he could recount the voice that had told him to seek out Imladris, even as he lay awake on his bedroll. The roads, however, had been in ill-repair; his horse had been slain by bandits, and he had needed to fight his way through danger and perils uncounted, until at last, he had arrived at the Last Homely House, where Lord Elberond Half-elven, whose name was still spoken of with respect by some within the city of the fountain and the white tree, held sway. The dream had told him to seek counsel in Imladris; that there would be signs. A shattered sword - and indeed, as Aranmir entered the council room, he left his sheathed sword in the keeping of the door-warden, though he hesitated for a long moment. The blade had served him well on the long road, only to finally shatter on meeting an orcish blade as he swept on upwards through routes in disrepair, encountering only the occasional traveler and Ranger. Eventually, he left the sword with a brief admonishment to the door-ward to guard it well. No blade had better served a master, and in stopping the downrushing sweep of the orcish blade, it had saved his life. Aranmir was wont to think such service was ill-rewarded by casting the sword aside. The dream had spoken of a broken blade. And then, there was the matter of the halflings...

Elrond smiled, breathing in the fresh morning air. Fall was deep upon them, and he’d selected a chamber which was more a courtyard than anything else, full of red and yellow leaves which waved above and scattered the ground in a carpet of autumn below. At last, when everyone had gathered, he rose to address the council. “You have come here for your own reasons, your own troubles, and we shall hear those today: but they are all tied up in one matter, you may find, and so there we will begin.” So he spoke of the Ring, of its creation and how Sauron had used it to great effect and terrible power, until the Last Alliance had defeated him, and the Ring was taken by Isildur and then lost. “Its tale from there is best told by others,” he said. “And I would hear all your tales, of why you have come: I know that the Shadow is encroaching everywhere, yet perhaps we may hear a common thread if each tale is told.” He gestured to Astranwir, and sat to listen. The wizard looked old and tired, and his face was grimmer than Elrond could recall ever seeing him. “My news is long and hard,” he began. “But I can begin with the Ring. Saruman was always the one who studied the Rings most closely, not I, and he oft said that the Ring was lost forever and could never be reclaimed by the Enemy. And we trusted him, yet he has betrayed us and become Sauron’s tool. How long, I do not know, but I feared as soon as I learned of his treachery that the Ring could indeed be found again.” Astranwir continued on to recount the tale of his encounter with Saruman and subsequent escape, which he’d confided to Elrond earlier. The faces around the council grew yet more grave, for if one of the Wise was lost, who else might fall to Shadow? Phellom shifted uncomfortably in his seat. This was... bad. Saruman’s tower was close to Mirkwood, and his betrayal would put all in danger. He wished, more than anything, that someone else had been sent. He wasn’t prepared to deal with this! He’d barely even delivered Thranduil’s letter. What was he supposed to do about Sauron? Robin Smallburrow frowned. This was a mighty gathering and all, he could tell, but too many words were flying over his head to keep track of. Who even was this “Saroomann” that everyone was talking about? Robin had certainly never heard of him. Aidenn leaned forward, enraptured. Had Saruman been corrupted by the Ring without even finding it? Was its lure so strong? Perhaps Sauron could enhance it somehow... He scribbled down notes furiously. If Saruman had been corrupted, the Ring could do even more than he’d thought. Although from Astranwir’s telling, Saruman had been twisted, not corrupted entirely - he had reasoning nominally against Sauron, simply warped beyond recognition. Fascinating. He resolved to corner Astranwir later to ask. He glanced for a moment at Elrond’s hands, clearly empty of any ring. If only he could convince Elrond to let him see it, even for a moment, it could tell him so much! Elrond clearly had one, Imladris couldn’t be explained without it. But what did it do? What were its powers? Did it affect psyches like the One Ring did except in the opposite direction? He sighed and continued writing. Striker had no idea what was going on. Gwendolyn glanced at the leaves scattered over the floor, wrinkling her nose. They were nearly perfect - Imladris did have a way of ordering itself better than the world, at least - but if she could just move the color patterns a little... She pushed with her feet the few nearest her, so at least the area in her reach would be satisfactory. Then she forced her eyes up. Elrond had asked her to be here, and she was here for the Grey Havens. For home. She would pay attention even if she had to bite her lip bloody to do so. She couldn’t help looking at Aranmir and Striker, though. She hadn’t seen Men since she came here, she thought. Odd, they looked so very rumpled compared to the elves. And the halfling, too - she’d never seen one of his kind even in the wilds. Her attention was caught by the wind picking up for a moment, rustling the leaves with a dry sound that she immediately hated. She clapped her hands over her ears, blocking out as much as she could, dropping her notebook in the process. She flinched, but wouldn’t remove her hands until she was sure the breeze was gone. Then she noticed that everyone was staring at her. She stammered something incomprehensible and dove to pick us her notebook again and put it in its proper place. “Gwendolyn,” said Elrond, for what she realized had been the second or third time. “Bring forth the Ring.” “What stories are left to tell?” Elrond asked, when the day had progressed into the mid afternoon. “Speak, and let the council hear your concerns. Then we will decide the fate of this Ring and who shall bear it, together.” MR38 has begun, again! GM PMs to the Corrupted will be sent out immediately; if you do not receive one you may assume you’re village and I’ll send you confirmation in a couple hours. Updated Rules: 1. Ties now result in a coin flip to determine who is elected, rather than electing everyone tied. 2. The Corrupted no longer have a group Soothe. 3. The Corrupted now must win four seats in the Council, not three. The total number of seven seats remains unchanged. 4. You may not vote on yourself. Note that the player list has changed. Player List

Week 2, Day 5: The Arbiter Lawmaker’s home is much like the other palaces the gods occupy – Isolated, opulent, and entirely too big to be a home to just one person. You wonder what that says about the peoples’ opinions of the gods, but cut that line of thought off fairly quickly. It’s probably not at all flattering. There is one surprise waiting for you as you get out of the carriage, though – Lawmaker herself awaits you outside her palace. It’s a surprisingly human action, though it is somewhat muted by the presence of her attendants, and by the fine cloth and dye of her dress. Even the grey, which would normally seem so passive, feels vibrant. She seems to be more of a contrast to the other female gods, her clothes highlighting her form, unlike Firesoul’s, but not particularly drawing attention to it, as Fatespinner’s does. “Songbearer,” she says, with a small smile. “It’s good to see you again, this time outside of the Council.” “Thank you for agreeing to see me,” you say. “I know you must be rather busy…” “Oh, not so much,” she says. “Most of my work these days happens on the Council day itself, rather than during the week. It was more hectic when I first assumed this role, and when there were less gods, certainly, but things have settled since then. Please, come in,” she says. You follow her inside the building, passing the same sort of finely woven tapestries and precise paintings that can be found in any of the palaces of the gods. Your thoughts stumble over themselves as you consider it. When did this kind of casual display of wealth become dull and mundane to you? It’s not as though you truly know any other kind, you suppose. She and her priests guide you to a comfortable sitting room, and Lawmaker takes a seat on one of the recliners, though she doesn’t recline but sits facing you. You sink into a plush armchair, sinking down into it a little. Now that you’re sitting down, facing each other, you realise something strange. Lawmaker seems younger to you now than she did before, when organising the Council. Perhaps it’s the larger chair, or her posture being more defensive than the expansive one she took as the head of the Council. You aren’t truly sure. “Now, before we talk on anything, I should clarify that I will not hear anything about proposals other than to clarify anything about the process,” Lawmaker says. “You might have been able to tell, but I try to maintain as neutral a position as possible within the Council.” “I must admit, I was going to ask for your opinion, but I’ll refrain from doing so, then,” you nod, a little disappointed but understanding of her position. It makes perfect sense to keep the person in charge of ordering the gods around to be – as far as is possible – without an opinion. “Thank you,” she replies, with a smile. “I am glad to hear that someone seems to understand why. Some of the other gods I’ve known have been a little… well, you get the idea.” You can’t help but chuckle a little at this, feeling you know all too well who she might refer to. “I suppose I do, yes,” you say. “I assume then that the formal air is also put on for the Council, to seem more… distant?” “Somewhat,” she explains. “It’s part for that reason, and part because my High priest has impressed it into me. I was the first of the new gods, you see,” she adds. “I was informed that I had to act in a certain manner, to show I was worthy of worship. I like to think I’m rather good at wearing that mask.” “Ironic, really,” you say. “For someone with the title of ‘honest’, showing different faces in private to public.” She waves away your comment. “They’re all true, just different aspects. A drab and a Returned see the same cloth, but in different ways, no? And simply because ‘The Trials of Warbreaker the Peaceful’ is performed by actors does not make it any less a true story, even without Warbreaker himself alive to act it, does it?” She offers you a wry smile. “I like to think I was an actor, sometimes, in my old life. Or perhaps that I was never given the opportunity, but could have been one of some renown if things had worked out, and the world lost something when I died.” “You have the acting down, certainly,” he says. “It seems to me that you even go so far as to change your posture to suit your role. Or appearance.” “Yes…” she nods, though she seems to take a moment to respond. Most curious. “I think the appearance is quite important. It primes certain thoughts and reactions in the people you speak to, gives them expectations for you to fulfil.” “I think… it seems like more than that,” you say, watching her reaction. She stiffens, and then looks around briefly to ensure you are alone. “Yes… Yes, that’s true.” She laughs a little. “Well… I’d heard you were very insightful, and it seems that’s right.” “Then… I’ve read that Returned have the ability to change their appearances,” you say. “Is that the case here?” She nods, a little uncertain. “…Yes. I suppose there’s no point denying it, if you know it can be done.” Something changes, though you aren’t sure what as it happens. It’s only when it’s complete that you can tell – Lawbreaker is a bit shorter in her seat, her face less hard, her eyes softer. If this is her true appearance, you’d guess her ‘age’ to be that of someone barely an adult, though admittedly it’s difficult with the bodies that the Returned have. “I learned of it from one of the last Returned still around before the current cohort. I use it to make myself seem older, more authoritative. If I looked more like this…” she gestures to herself, “I don’t think the others would be as responsive.” “A further irony then,” you say, unable to stop yourself from grinning at this. “The oldest returned is, in fact, the youngest in appearance.” She sighs, a frustrated sigh. “Please don’t tease me, I’m well aware of that. And don’t tell anyone,” she adds. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” you reply, with a softer smile. “But I appreciate you sharing it.” “What can I say?” she shrugs, sitting back against the recliner. “You’ve impressed me.” You nod. “Thank you. There was something else I came here to ask though, not related to the Council.” The young woman – the young god – nods. “Well, I’m not sure how much I can help with that, but I’ll try.” “My Priests apprehended a thief last night,” you say, and she sits up at this, looking at you curiously. “My High Priest will be interrogating them, but I’m not sure what to do with them afterwards.” “Hmm… Transgressions against the gods usually lead with the prisoner being sent to the God King’s dungeons, in the palace. And often carry a death penalty,” she adds. “I don’t know how much you’ll get from them though. You don’t get people randomly deciding to steal from Returned, even with how much wealth is in our mansions…” “So you think they wanted something specific?” you ask. “Perhaps,” she says. “Or someone wanted something specific. Like I say, you don’t just steal from Returned. Why do something riskier like that, which carries a higher penalty, when you could just steal from a mansion in the wealthy part of town?” she shakes her head. “Whatever it is, I doubt it’s riches he’s after.” You return home shortly after, thinking on Lawmaker’s words – and her apparent attitude towards being the eldest of Returned. Before Hera leaves for the temporary dungeon your Priest set up, you ask her to gather books on education within T’Telir and the wider kingdom. You aren’t surprised by what you find during your reading – education is the providence of the rich and somewhat-rich, a pursuit only enjoyed by those who do not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Any education that the merchant classes get is usually numerical or business-related, whereas the poor get by with poor numeracy and almost no literacy, as they are deemed to need neither for their jobs. Any knowledge they pick up is either from their work or from their family or peers, and is usually incomplete or incidental. While there are some people who act as tutors, usually as a method to supplement their income to support their own research, the bulk of education, both teaching and learning, is done by the Priesthood. Their education is more rounded than most, though still focusing mostly on the Iridescent Tones. The other subjects they learn about tend to be about governance and politics, as well as any knowledge deemed useful for any god they might eventually serve. Any priests that train to serve you, for example, will study some form of music, whereas ones that serve Quickfell might study engineering or trade skills. It would be a very long-term strategy to improve the education of the city, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be worthwhile. You imagine it would be very simple to get Brightweave to agree to this idea, with his library, and if you planned it correctly, perhaps it would be possible to get Coinspender to agree as well. You might never live to see the fruits of this labour, but you’ve never considered that you were doing this for yourself. You aren’t planning on building a legacy for yourself, but for the city. You hope to be around for at least a little while longer yet though, if only to ensure that it begins correctly. A secret discovered slightly earlier than expected due to a very good Wits roll there :P. Slightly shorter chapter this time, as there wasn't too much to say on the education action other than 'this was done, and this is the situation as it stands'. The next chapter will be on the 24th. Free Time What will you do tomorrow? Select two. [X] Visit Quickfell the Digilent [Charm] [X] Visit Fatespinner the Fortunate [Charm] [X] Visit Brightweave the Creative [Charm] [X] Visit Kindsmile the Cordial [Charm] [X] Visit an Area of the City [X] You may suggest others that are not on this list Results:

regarding book tour sales, i'm a bit puzzled by its impact on sales; if I go to a release tour, it's because i already know the author and i already want to buy the book. sure, i may let myself be persuaded to buy a hardcover instead of a paperback, but that's it. if i'm enough of a fan to go through the hassle of attending a release party, then it's likely i'm paying the hardcover already. I know i think different from most people, but i have a hard time picturing someone going to a release party for a book he doesn't want to buy and buying it. or someone not buying a book he wants to buy because there is no release party. especially when it's a sequel; if you liked book 1, then you want to read book 2. if you didn't, then you won't read book 2 no matter what. buying hardcover instead of paperback, or instead of ebook, i can totally picture, and perhaps it's the greatest profit for release parties.

Hoid. Right now he reads too much like what fanfic authors call a self-insert character. Hopefully he'll get more characterization in future Stormlight books, he seems more invested (no pun intended) on Roshar. His story better be epic to have gotten him where he is, and while I wouldn't mind an ignoble end or "living long enough see yourself become the villain" end (I'd actually like this one) or failing whatever his mission is. He's been given far too much importance for his conclusion (whatever it might be) to be inconsequential, I'd be very unsatisfied if that happens.

He also provided aluminium so that soulcaster can be used and Kholinar does not starve..

Highprince Sebarial, Upon further correspondence with the agents planted in our midst—the Ghostbloods who we have identified—their close-lipped silenced and stiff denials only serve to confirm my suspicion that it was they who tried to assassinate you. The Highprince of Investigation agrees with me, and adds that after our raids in which we were able to capture a Ghostblood spy, the camps have had an undercurrent of activity, and the organisation appears ready to make a counter-strike. It is apparent that some of the men around us will not hesitate to knife us in our sleep, and so the only thing we may do is stab them first. That said, the increased security around your warcamp is impressive, and reassures me that the next strike will not come near you. I can only hope it does not fall on me. Keep up your spirits, and tell your troops to be vigilant for absent or suspicious-looking men these next few days. Our continual cohesion in these times is imperative. Elhokar, King of Alethkar Mraize looked around the small circle of men and women huddled inside the stone-walked tavern. His voice was silky and soft, yet carried an undercurrent of pure rage within its low whisper. “Alright,” he said, fighting to keep his rage down. “Which one of you thought it would be a good idea to go out and cut a hole in a Highprince’s wall? You’re all capable Shardwielders, which is why you have the Shards to begin with, so you know the consequences of doing something like this! You know a stunt like this would attract attention! Why? Why would you expose our entire network?” He swept his gaze from side to side. The members looked startled, as Mraize rarely had trouble keeping control of himself, but not afraid—just as they had been trained. Their eyes stared back into his, and one of them replied. “None of us carved that hole.” “It was in the shape of three diamonds,” Mraize hissed. “How could that not be your doing?” “The same three diamonds which we are never to carve into anything important or permanent or official?” “I…” Maize faltered. “Are you saying we’re being framed for this?” “What else could it be?” another Shardwielder sighed. “We’ve already told you that we’re blameless in this, and you’d perhaps literally chew our heads off if we lied; that’s the only other option. Either the king wants a scapegoat for something he ordered himself, or else a third party wants us both weakened to the point of death.” “This is true,” Mraize conceded. “Which is why it will become essential that we kill the king without delay. He is the head directing Alethkar’s efforts against us, and his death will cut that head off, leaving the body, as large as it may be, to writhe.” Mraize felt his voice grow in power. He had to be right about this. “Your new task is to get yourself into his court, convince your way through or slaughter the other guards, and kill him. We cannot afford to let this drag on any longer, or we will all be found separately and killed. And finally, find that Shardbearer who actually cut the hole. I want his Blade!” Three crashes of mugs slamming against the table in agreement greeted Mraize’s ears, and five seconds later the tavern was deserted, the only sign of previous habitation the faint beer flecks on the table and the hushed, echoing whispers of a conspiracy gone wrong. Day 1 has begun! It will end in about 47 hours at 9 PM EST (-4:00 UTC) on Tuesday 12 November. All role PMs should be sent out! Thank you to Devotary and Snip. A brief reminder that one-on-one PMs are closed, unless you have a Spanreed and use it during the Night turn. There will be a lynch today, with no vote minimum to kill. Ties will result in a random death. The updated rules may be found here. Good luck to all! Player List:

Because he can't harm others + a shard can squash him like a bug.

A publishing company has to release so many books a year, and has to release them at certain times. And they only have so many slots per year. At any point in time, they're working with many, many authors to get their books out there. If an author can't hit the deadline, but other authors can, then the authors that make the deadline get put in that year's line up. It's not fair to the authors who got their books in on time to have another author come in and take a publishing slot, even if it's Brandon. That said, it's Brandon, so they'd definitely give him priority. But there's no guarantee after Jan 1 that he'd be done by Jan 8. He could say Jan 8, and then he's not actually done until late February, in which case the publishing company has lost its chance to put another author in the slot slated for Brandon's book. Having a hard Jan 1 deadline helps make sure the publishing company is still releasing books and the authors are taken care of.

The amount of Alleymemes that are about me is getting worryingly high... also, lol

I agree. Otherwise I end up worrying it will go the opposite extreme of George R.R. Martin, where instead of adding gravity to the characters, it just removes attachment to them because they will randomly die.

I'd prefer to keep characters alive if possible. I'm not a fan of death as a plot device just because.

Hmm, it would probably have to be 3-to-1... I think it can be done - each Bondsmith godspren gets one intelligent, one intermediate (for a lack of a better word) and one mindless Unmade: Stormfather Ba-Ado-Mishram - she provides Voidlight and Forms of Power. Highstorms provide Stormlight and allow Singers to change forms. She prepares a False Desolation, Stormfather prepares people for the oncoming Desolation Chemoarish, I guess? Judging by her name, she quite destructive, as are Highstorms Nergaoul - both represent fury, in a way. Both are extremely important in Dalinar's life Nighwatcher Sja-anat, obviously Re-Shephir - both want to understand humans Moelach - future sight Sibling Yelig-nar - grants access to Surges and requires a gemstone - qualities shared by fabrials. Also, he destroys libraries and gemstone library in Urithiru was created to avoid this Dai-Gonarthis - probably takes part in the destruction of Aimia, which was a source of Surge fabrials. Knowledge about both is mostly lost Ashertmarn - grows on a working fabrial (Oathgate)

I rather like this number

Shifting perceptions is more of Lightweaver thing. Truthwatchers seem to take the world as is and try to improve it. Their patron is a scholar. I think that illumination for them is more of a form of perception. Perhaps the progression shows them how their perceptions could be changed. Like a sketching tool.

I will be there... in spirit.

To add to what Gilphon said, he also cheered up Kaladin, Wandersail, remember?

This is from Ym's interlude, i find it of some relevance here, seeing as the topic is about if Adonalsium let himself be shattered....