Pathfinder Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 17 minutes ago, CaptainRyan said: 1: No skill whatsoever This was literally the first time Kaladin had ever held a weapon. "No skill" is definitely appropriate. 2: Nearly beating someone trained I doubt Jost was seriously "trained" - he had obviously had a lesson or three but calling him trained is a bit of a stretch imo. Kaladin surprised Jost by getting back up and fighting as opposed to staying down. This, to me, would be akin to someone who is new to something, let's say American Football, being thrown a ball by the quarterback and juking out a seasoned defender. The run, the juke, everything felt right to the new football player because they are discovering something they have a natural talent for. They also make mistakes (Kaladin freezing instead of finishing his opponent) that can be corrected through training with a truly experienced person. 3. Then getting beaten Addressed this in step 2. Simply having talent does not mean one can become a master at [staff fighting/football etc.] without intense training - it merely means you have an advantage. While I do think it is possible that Kaladin's skills are derived from the Nahel bond I would be a bit disappointed if that was the explanation. I like to think that Kaladin has raw, natural talent and through the intense training he did, combined with the benefits of Nahel bond, he was perfected. If he never had a Nahel bond I still think he would be one of the best spearfighters in the army, in the same way Adolin is one of the best duelists in the army without a bond. Way of Kings page 254 Something changed in that moment. Kal felt an energy as he held the weapon, an excitement that washed away his pain. He spun, smashing the staff into one of Jost's hands. Jost let go with that hand, screaming. Kal brought his weapon around and slammed it into the boy's side. Kal had never held a weapon before, never been in a fight any more dangerous than a wrestling match with Tien. But the length of wood felt right in his fingers. He was amazed by how wonderful the moment felt. Jost grunted, stumbling again, and Kal brought his weapon back around, preparing to smash Jost's face. He raised his staff, but then froze. Jost was bleeding from the hand Kal had hit. Just a little, but it was blood. He'd hurt someone.
Stormgate he/him Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 I feel like it was a joint effort. If Kaladin had no desire to touch a sharp object outside the surgery room, he would have been terrible, but he wanted it, and Syl took it and helped him make the desire reality. He still went through the work, it just became easier.
CaptainRyan he/him Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 18 minutes ago, Pathfinder said: Way of Kings page 254 Something changed in that moment. Kal felt an energy as he held the weapon, an excitement that washed away his pain. He spun, smashing the staff into one of Jost's hands. Jost let go with that hand, screaming. Kal brought his weapon around and slammed it into the boy's side. Kal had never held a weapon before, never been in a fight any more dangerous than a wrestling match with Tien. But the length of wood felt right in his fingers. He was amazed by how wonderful the moment felt. Jost grunted, stumbling again, and Kal brought his weapon back around, preparing to smash Jost's face. He raised his staff, but then froze. Jost was bleeding from the hand Kal had hit. Just a little, but it was blood. He'd hurt someone. 1 minute ago, Stormgate said: I feel like it was a joint effort. If Kaladin had no desire to touch a sharp object outside the surgery room, he would have been terrible, but he wanted it, and Syl took it and helped him make the desire reality. He still went through the work, it just became easier. 40 minutes ago, CaptainRyan said: I like to think that Kaladin has raw, natural talent and through the intense training he did, combined with the benefits of Nahel bond, he was perfected. I think we are all saying the same thing at this point but coming at it from different angles. @Pathfinder and @Stormgate feel free to correct me if I am putting words in your mouth.
Pathfinder Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 2 minutes ago, CaptainRyan said: I think we are all saying the same thing at this point but coming at it from different angles. @Pathfinder and @Stormgate feel free to correct me if I am putting words in your mouth. To clarify my perspective, I believe Kaladin had an interest in combat, and was like any other person who had just picked up a staff, but the level of skill he holds is due to the nahel bond. The fledgling bond was in evidence even back then. When Syl left, he was brought down. The wounds aggravated it, but he did state he did not have the same feeling of rightness and natural ability. So I am stating a large part of his talent with the spear is from the nahel bond. 1
CaptainRyan he/him Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 2 minutes ago, Pathfinder said: To clarify my perspective, I believe Kaladin had an interest in combat, and was like any other person who had just picked up a staff, but the level of skill he holds is due to the nahel bond. The fledgling bond was in evidence even back then. When Syl left, he was brought down. The wounds aggravated it, but he did state he did not have the same feeling of rightness and natural ability. So I am stating a large part of his talent with the spear is from the nahel bond. Ok, gotcha. So I think we disagree, to an extent, on how much of Kaladin's skill is based on the bond. I put a lesser emphasis whereas you might put a greater emphasis. Thanks for clearing that up for me!
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