World Guide Lore: Natural World

[RedBlue]

I’ve pulled out some tidbits from the World Guide about Rosharan nature that people here may find interesting.

I think this is all new, or at least newly-clarified, but the novels are really big and I can’t remember every detail.

• The Rhythm of Peace marks the progress of time. It has cycles which sync with the Rosharan year and its lunar orbits. Singers can determine the current date and time by attuning Peace.
• Shalebark is referred to as a plant by Rosharans, but it’s actually an animal with a thick, rocky shell.
• The Reshi believe the Tai-na (island greatshells) are sapient ‘due to the Tai-na’s bonds with remarkable spren.’ No clue what these spren are. Also unclear whether the Reshi are correct about that sapience. [EDIT: the book clarifies elsewhere that the Tai-na are sapient.]
• There are domesticated pasture animals called gumfrem that are raised for their gemhearts. I assume this is the backbone of the gem industry.
• Emotion spren are rare in crowds, even if people are feeling strong emotions.
• The Nightwatcher is not influenced by people’s perception of her. Unclear why she’s different.

Generally, I have many unanswered questions about natural history on Roshar. The World Guide is full of terms like ‘developed,’ ‘adapted’ and ‘evolved’ with reference to Rosharan plants and animals. This seems somewhat at odds with it being an Adonalsium creation. How much of this is natural, and how much was designed? Did Adonalsium create the physical geography, and leave life to do whatever? Was Roshar seeded with simple or advanced life from another planet? It’s unclear.

Related to the above point: Rosharan fauna with shells are referred to as ‘crustaceans.’ It’s unclear whether this means they simply share characteristics we associate with crustaceans, or if they are actually true crustaceans (ie share a common ancestor with ‘normal’ crustaceans).

If there’s a detail you find interesting that I missed, feel free to add it.

Edited July 28, 2025 by RedBlue