Theory on Herald powers

[Chalke219]

I was thinking about the powers Nale uses against Kaladin which aren't connected to the oathpact 

I think their status as cognitive shadows means they're more susceptible to the effects of perception

 

Because most of Roshar see the Heralds as such incredible and heroic warriors, and have done for thousands of years, I think this has had a direct influence on their battle prowess and increasing their natural skills beyond what would be achievable by pure experience 

 

This could also have interesting permutations for other cognitive shadows who have been around for extended periods of time 

[alder24]

13 hours ago, Chalke219 said:

I was thinking about the powers Nale uses against Kaladin which aren't connected to the oathpact 

I think their status as cognitive shadows means they're more susceptible to the effects of perception

 

Because most of Roshar see the Heralds as such incredible and heroic warriors, and have done for thousands of years, I think this has had a direct influence on their battle prowess and increasing their natural skills beyond what would be achievable by pure experience 

 

This could also have interesting permutations for other cognitive shadows who have been around for extended periods of time 

I think this is just because they are highly invested and investiture enhances them. Returned has a similar set of skills, they are faster and stronger than normal people and they got those abilities even without living for such a long time.

[SwordNimiForPresident the sword/that sword]

It seems an awful lot like Feruchemy to me. Nale and Ishar both seemed to use speed at some point, and Kalak said that Hoid told him he could store his memories in Investiture. I'm fairly confident Taln also used speed and possibly strength when he killed all the Fused at Azir.

It definitely makes the Heralds far more powerful than I thought they were in earlier books.