ChickenBonanza

Savantism, how do I see it?

Constant input of power damages the soul, and increases the strength of the ability causing that input of power. Like working a muscle so much that it negatively impacts those around it. Or the roots of a tree growing through concrete, consequently cracking it with that growth (and to a greater extent than that growth).

Yes, cracks in the soul allow for Investiture to more easily enter, we see that in Nahel Bonds and Snapping, but I do not think spiritual damage is what causes a power’s increased strength inherently.

Imagine a Pewterarm. He goes and becomes a Savant. That influx of power warps the soul, making his Pewter burning stronger and more efficient, but damaging other spiritual aspects as a consequence. Most likely to be aspects related to Pewter’s function, as we see in Tin Savantism. Such as balance, sense of pain, and strength.