Unodus

The mountains themselves are granite (hence the granite kingdom), which is why they don't erode. Being next to the coast, though- waves created by the storm would wash up huge amounts of sand at a constant rate along the coast- which would gradually be blown across the mountains by the highstorm. Any loose sand left on the mountain is simply blown away at the next highstorm, which filters out any other heavier composites of the sand leaving only the clay-like crem behind. Another point that supports this is the weeping. No highstorm to push the sand from the coast, no crem. Does that clear things up? (I am curious as to why you think its safe to assume crem is deposited there though, am I missing something?)

darn, nevermind- then x.x That kind of wording still leaves the possibility that a shard "was" there, though- right?

It could be the elusive survival shard which Brandon hinted towards (Which admittedly, I only just learned from here- http://www.17thshard.com/forum/topic/35916-shadows-for-silence-theory-the-evil-forests-of-hell-and-shades/ ) I know that topic argued the shard was for SoS, but it could equally be for SotD too, based on the "surviving" theme- and the fact that the shard tried desperately to keep the birds source of investure hidden. I think it's more plausible that the survival shard is in SotD than SoS, although I guess it's possible that it's the same shard (given the stories could be 100 of years apart, and I imagine that kind of shard would move around to avoid danger)

Another point worth making, Surgebinding (including shards & soulcasting) isn't even the only magic system on Roshar. Sounds like you got some catching up to do :V

Consider this- all highstorms go from east to west, right? That means all highstorms go over the unclaimed hills before the rest of Roshar. http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/stormlightarchive/images/3/34/Map_roshar.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130609204511 If we assume the soil there contains traces of clay (or something similar), we could conclude that because those hills take the brunt of the highstorm as it crashes along the coast- the soil and sand there is picked up and carried with the storm and blown across the rest of the continent. The process churns the carried soil within the storm like whipping cream- leaving behind the composition of crem, which dissolves into the water and falls with the rain. That's why there isn't any crem in Shinovar, since it is the furthest away from the hills. If this is true, perhaps that is why highstorm rain is so fertile (besides being divine, etc)- because the water carries soil from the unclaimed hills, which act as fertilizer :V Anything wrong with that possibility?

[Will insert RP later] Action 1 Who? Lucy, in her capacity as House Lady What? Upgrading the wheat farm When? Second action Why? Because I like wheat :V

Ok, done :V Hope the action is alright with you, Lark- I can edit it if you had something else in mind, though.

As Finn and the girl went up the stairs, Kherstor burst out of the inn without another word and pelted down the street- drawing his revolver and homing on the direction the gunshot came from. Turning the corner, he found a row of houses with a small crowd giving a wide berth to two figures eclipsing the red sun setting behind them. Squinting, Kherstor recognized the Lawkeeper who was with the girl earlier, except now he was off his horse and bleeding heavily. The other was another ruffian, presumably one from earlier, holding himself with recognizable arrogance. Burning Chromium had no affect, so he had to a feruchemist of some sort. Strange, a feruchemist working for Jon the Mistborn? Something wasn't right here... The feruchemist was pacing back and forth, like a boxer pushing for an advantage. Restlessness... A Steelrunner? Both had a gun, but neither were firing- were both out of ammunition, perhaps? No, neither wanted to alert the local area and cause another street riot, putting them both in the center of another shootout- the steelrunner would use the enhanced speed to outmaneuver the Lawkeeper while he was bleeding out. Feeling reckless, Kherstor charged at the pair. A Steelrunner would be able to duck away from bullets at lightning speed, making shooting useless- and fisticuffs against a Steelrunner was near impossible with their lightning fast hooks. There were obvious weakness's to Feruchemy, one was stalling until their metalmind was drained- which Kherstor couldn't do because there was no way the Lawkeeper would be able to stand that long with that open scar- or separating the feruchemist from their metalminds- yet without knowing where those were, tearing them off the steelrunner would be difficult- or outmaneuvering the feruchemist in a way they didn't expect, which in itself was probably the most difficult. Kherstor needed to surprise the Steelrunner. Still sprinting at top speed, Kherstor threw himself headfirst into the air and braced for impact. The Steelrunner, who was focusing on the Lawkeeper, only got a glimpse of Kherstor as he soared towards him like a missile The two collided each other with an audible crack, and crashed to the ground in a heap. Kherstor was the first to recover, and in one fluid movement- thwacked the pommel of the gun at the pressure point of the Steelrunners head, knocking him unconscious instantly. Standing up shakily, Kherstor grasped his throbbing forehead- and turned to the Lawkeeper he had saved. "Hi! Good to meet you again, see you're still alive- etc. You see, this was all one big initiation..." The Lawkeeper had collapsed from blood loss and was lying on the floor. damnation. "Don't worry buddy, the Inn isn't too far from here-we're going to get you some help, you'll see." Kherstor said as he pulled the man to his feet and put one of his arms over his shoulder to help him walk. Fortunately, the Lawkeeper was animated enough to walk the distance. "You'll love this inn, yknow- it's great! It's got beer, and tables, and places to sleep, even people playing cards! Your friend, the girl, my partner is looking after her- don't worry, she couldn't be in safer hands. We reckon she was the target for the attack, my partner and I happen to be looking for the guy who was probably behind it- so we're seeing she is well protected. Don't suppose you'd know anything about the attack?" When there was no response, Kherstor filled in the silence for him, "Of course not, you Lawkeepers never keep track of the bigger fishes. Never seen a Terris Lawkeeper, mind- don't worry though, this is all part of my elaborate initiation test. Not for you of course, unless you want to. No response? Probably a good idea, gotta think over important decisions like that, huh? Oh look, we're here." Kherstor kicked open the door, dragging the limping Lawkeeper- who was now leaning entirely on Khurstor- into the inn. "We got a wounded here!" Kherstor shouted, "Bullet grazed him, but left a nasty cut- he's bleeding out, needs clean bandages." As people rushed over to take over nursing, Kherstor sneaked up to the bar. "I need a drink" He told the bartender, "My head feels like a Koloss had been playing tennis with it", and gratefully accepted a tankard of something very alcoholic.

Seems fine to me, I'll start writing a follow up asap :3

This is mentioned in the coppermind, let me find the exact quote.... "With the lack of information on Cultivation, speculation runs rampant of what her influence may be. With Honor dead and Splintered, as well as Odium's influence in the Voidbringers, it is possible Cultivation or one of her servants is the Nightwatcher, and that she is responsible for the Old Magic. As the Nightwatcher is referred to as both male[6] and female,[7] its gender cannot be used to prove a connection to Cultivation. Further support for this connection is found in Interlude 9 of Words of Radiance Lift. Windle specifically refers to her going to the old magic and receiving his mother's blessing. In chapter 3 of Words of Radiance, the dichotomy of spren is discussed. Honor is connected to spren of emotion. Cultivation is connected to spren that represent forces. The conclusion can be made that the Night Mother is the Cognitive Realm manifestation of Cultivation." http://coppermind.net/wiki/Cultivation Does that help? .3.;

Wouldn't the hair just be a darker red? :V

Who: Lucy Uethorn, as House Lady What: Making a contract with Quiver (see below) Where: Luthadel/Farmstead when: Generation 3, Turn 1, Action 3 Why: To buy a farm cheaper than retail price Transfer of Ownership I, Lucy Uethorn, authorize a transfer of ownership for 3 units of wealth to Lord Tyren Queade, head of House Queade, in exchange for the Houses Farm. This letter has been witnessed and signed by one of the Obligator's of our Lord Rulers Steel Ministry. Lucy read over the letter, insuring there were no inconsistencies between the two letters. This would be the first time either of the two houses had made an exchange over property, and it would be preferable if nothing was amiss. Satisfied, she folded the letter and handed it back to the messenger Tyren had sent and sent him on his way. Picking up her glass of wine, she retired to her quarters. Being House Lady hadn't turned out quite how she had expected- she had been raised, trained by her father, to be ready for the inevitable war that never came. If The Lord Ruler hadn't intervened, the whole empire would have fallen apart as each nobles army retaliated until every allegiance was dragged into the conflict. Instead, her fathers preparations resolved nothing- and she squandered her time playing a noble lady and drinking, while privately longing for resolution for what her father had prepared so long for. And still, attacks were being reported. Lucy had no doubt who the culprit was- like her father had drilled into her, House Erikell was the only apparent explanation. Without proof though, no action would be taken against the house- and this time throwing a party wouldn't create any. Lucy forcefully downed the rest of her wine, not caring about for the appeals she had in the morning- and filled another glass. She was ready to do anything for her houses welfare- but when the time came to draw swords, she'd be ready. In the mean time, she had business to attend to. Most of which involved drinking.

Lady Uethorn looked over her fathers desk, and tried to unscramble the mess of letters that were littered around the room. Her father, Retleh, had never been a tidy person- not that that mattered much to a house lord, when servants would travel in his wake to ensure everything was proper. Perhaps that was why in his private study, where only he were allowed to enter in case their were agents of other houses dotted among the staff, that Retlehs true nature was evident. Now that Lucy was head of the house though, the study along with the mess was hers- and all the issues that came with it. She was not intimidated by the challenge that lay ahead of her, though- she reveled in it. For all of her life, Retleh knew he wouldn't have the chance to have another heir- so she was trained to face the duties of her house years before she took the reigns. Now, practice was over. Now, she could finally make a difference. She did so hate cleaning, though. She set down to work anyway. Action 3 Who? Lucy, as House Lady What? Upgrading Tailor When? Third action Why? Profit

I will know, speak, and act from my own highest truth

Retleh Turukseed mulled over his wine as he looked over the view from his keep. It was one of those rare moments of the day where there were a gap in clouds- and the city was enveloped with harsh light. He could sense he was approaching the end of his time as a House Lord, and perhaps this may be one of the last times he'd be able to appreciate the view. In his other hand, an assortment of letters from a variety of houses about the house assaults and what should be done about them. Unfortunately, he doubt he would live long enough to see the end of the matter- and that his only daughter would have to finish where he left off. All he could do was prepare his house for the worst, and enjoy the view.Suddenly, the moment was over- and a dark ash cloud passed over the sun once more, and ash begun to fall. Retleh, just as quickly, turned his back and walked away. There was always more work to be done. Action 1: Who: Retleh Uethorn What: Upgrading Dyeworks Where: Luthadel When: Generation 2, Turn 4, Action 3 Why: More Dye=More wealth

(Thanks Haelbarde ^-^) So, phatt- care to explain why you didn't attend the games, even after we discussed privately that it was your only chance to genuinely prove your innocence? Not only that, but there was another attack during the games- so I assume it was a house that didn't attend the games (atleast, a house that didn't invest most of their mistborn). House Erikell and Vinid didn't attend the games despite the evidence against them, and despite saying they would attend. I say that this, added to huge amount of evidence against them, is a clear indicator that Erikell & Vinid are the guillty houses. Does anyone actually believe otherwise? If not, I believe its about time to decide what should be done with them.

It was the night before the games were to begin. Retleh fussed over the dark bold green suit he had made for such a formal occasion, and rehearsed his opening speech for the hundredth time. Why did he leave it all to the last minute? He had gotten so caught up in trying to solve Lord Erikells assault, he had left scarce little time to prepare his own mistborn properly for the event- it would be a miracle if any of his own mistborn could even compete with some of the others houses at the events he had prepared. The fact that some houses hadn't complied despite the invitation and the warnings was frustrating to say the least- but unavoidable, hopefully enough would attend so that the games could achieve their true purpose. If not, well, at the very least he could enjoy the games while he could- it wasn't every day the empire gathered for House Uethorn, there was even rumor that the Lord Ruler would be making attendance. The Lord Ruler! Even if the games achieved nothing, the thought of having the silver of affinity attend the games would be an honor beyond words- although, it was a vain hope. The Lord Ruler hadn't attended events in the past, so why should this one be different? Still, mysteries and competitions aside- Retleh couldn't help but feel he should be worried about something. Tired, he turned to return to his private quarters to rest- it was going to be a long day tomorrow. Action 2 Who? Retleh, in his capacity as House Lord What? Trying for an Heir When? Soon :B Why? To bring more potential heirs to the family sorry for using such a lazy public action x.x

What about the five islands which form a cross in the north east? Anything significant about them? o.o

Looking at the map you've made, there's a ring of islands in the south east that I don't believe you've mentioned (or maybe you have, and I haven't seen it x.x) Is there anything significant about them? Kinda looks like the place you would go to catch a certain legendary pokemon... :3

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that just yet, my apologies- you will just have to take my word for it, although if your curiosity persists you may always ask me privately. You see, if I were to show my research- the guilty houses could simply exchange appropriately so that only one house takes the fall, or find some other way to rat out of my equation. I assure you though, the answer will be obvious regardless- no tampering can undo the emphasis on the house missing mistborn if all the houses comply, in fact once you see the results I believe everyone can easily do the math themselves." "I see no motive for abduction that couldn't have been acted out in the privacy of your own keep- when all the houses gather, no one would think of moving out of place in fear of bringing the entire empire on their head. If you have evidence that suggests your mistborn are at risk, then I am all ears- the purpose of the games is to help catch the criminals, not create them. Rest assured, if anyone were to commit such a dastardly deed- then I shall pursue them vigorously as if they were my own. I hope that is enough to assure you of your safety."

"On my houses honor, I swear no action will be taken against you or your house unless you can't produce the amount of Mistborn I know you started with- and if I lie may the Lord Ruler strike me down where I stand. Any "plan" to imprison your house without due evidence is frankly not true. Every mistborn has to attend otherwise the operation would be rendered useless- if one of the guilty houses didn't attend, they could outsource their remaining mistborn to hide his fellows losses. Given the intense scrutiny you are under, I would highly recommend you reconsider this decision- since this is the only chance you have to prove your innocence. Anything else is obviously an effort to conceal your guilt."

Lord Uethorn stood alongside Lord Tekiel as the two houses proclaimed their innocence "How convenient, it just so happens I know a way to resolve this matter and prove who the culprit really is. You see, I've been doing research on how many mistborn each house should have- based how closely related they are to the original 9. We know three mistborn have died- so if you're as innocent as you say, the simplest way of proving it would be to send all your mistborn to the games so we will know it wasn't your mistborn who were lost in the attack. The offending houses on the other hand, will be forced to send less mistborn since they've lost some of their original few- thus proclaiming their guilt." Lord Uethorn then turned to address the lords spectating the accusation, "To all those who would call my actions nonsense or trivial, heed my words now. The attack on Tekiels keep will be a historical monument in the legacy of the final empire- it is the first time that allomancy has been used for a crime instead of conquest. Among our ranks as we speak, is a criminal who would abuse our Lord Rulers divine gift- and that I will not stand for. As a house who has invested in policing Luthadel, the idea that one of our own would betray another disgusts me- and I will do everything in my power to bring the offending houses to justice. The only way we can identify the culprits is through how many mistborn they currently have in their possession, so any house who does not send every single mistborn under their control will be treated with scrutiny. It goes without saying that the punishment I will push for is public execution and the surrender of all the houses MP and Mistborn. However, if the offending houses do come clean right now- we can organize a less strict sentence. Any questions?"

I'll follow your lead, Eowyn :V

Retleh looked out the window of his keep and clung to his face again for the third time that day. All around, houses were rallying defenses- preparing counterplots and strategies, paranoia was rampant The one assault on Tekiels keep had everyone on edge, no one was taking any chances- but to what end? This wasn't an empire any more, it was an arms race. It was surely only a matter of time before the prospect of war echoed across the nobles, should this martial curtain go unchecked. What would his father had done? Somehow, smoking didn't seem to be a long term viable solution this time. There was only one solution- if the culprit was not found, then someone would have to ease the tension between the houses before tempers flared again. If the houses who usually hosted such events were too busy rallying their own forces, then that left only one option- taking matters into his own hands. For hours, Retleh racked his brain for ideas that would help vent the excitement to sustainable amounts. Competitions were a great way of doing so, but what to compete? Properties, wealth, feats of strength? There wasn't much that would make particularly good contests. Perhaps since the root of the dilemma was caused by allomancy, it would be appropriate to compete over that- there were certainly lots of possible games for houses to compete over, and every house had mistborn. By associating the image of mistborn with competition and games, it would help divert houses association with savage Allomatic attacks- hopefully diluting public paranoia. Inspired, Retleh leaped to his desk and begun scribbling orders to servants, invitations to all the houses, even summonings to his own loyal mistborn to explain his idea. The Royal Allomatic Games- a test of cunning, courage, and allomancy. Consisting of simple allomatic sports- long distance pewter running, steelpushing hurdles, Zinc & Brass emotion duels, the possibilities were endless. All the houses gather with all their mistborn to see which was allomatically the greatest. Retleh cared little for sport, but if it meant stopping wars- then it would be worth every clip. Hands shaking, Retleh handed handfuls of sealed letters to his most trusted servants. "Deliver these as if your lives depend on it! The fate of the final empire can be changed through those papers!" The servants eyed him nervously, but asked no questions- leaving him to his work. First Action: House Uethorn is Hosting the Royal Allomatic Games, for the Honor of The Lord Ruler and for all of the Nobles to Attend Where? Across the city, starting from Keep Uethorn Why? Tensions between houses have begun to rise due to recent events. In an effort to try rectify this before another attack, Uethorn is hosting competitive Allomatic sports to try relieve paranoia. The games would also be a great way to show off a houses assets (or feign meekness), to try discourage future attacks.

Why do you say that? I can't see anything that makes the write up look like it involved two houses