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Botanica

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Posts posted by Botanica

  1. WoB stack exchange

    in Cosmere Discussion

    Posted

    On 2017/3/2 at 0:52 PM, Landis963 said:

    Thanks, do you know if there are any others?  I'm trying to find a link between Mraize's tree branch and the fain life of Yolen, but I'm not finding anything more concrete than supposition.  

     

    On 2017/3/2 at 1:03 PM, Extesian said:

    Unfortunately no, I'm not bad at finding things through theoryland but I struggle with Reddit where there could be something. That said I very much doubt that Brandon would give anything on a link to Yolen, that's mostly RAFO-bait from what I've seen, with Liar being non-canon. I think he's generally RAFO'd things about fain life on the occasion they've been asked. What I am surprised about is that there haven't been more questions to him on Mraize's collection as it's one of the best cosmere-fan tidbits in WoR. If you find anything though I'd love to see it.

    I should add though that the best theory I've seen on the branch is that it's a dakhor bone. See here. I'd like it to be fain life but I have my doubts.

    I only found this WoB:

    Quote

    Event: SoS London signing (Oct 19, 2015)

    [02:37:00]

    Questioner: The cosmere treasure room had a white tree branch thing, was that the bone from Sel.

    Brandon: It is not from Sel, it’s from Yolen.

    It only confirmed that it is from Yolen, but nothing more.

    4

  4. 2017-02-17 Boskone 54 - Boston, MA

    in Events and Signings

    Posted

    On 2017/2/22 at 9:50 AM, maxal said:

    I was hoping for a bit more... The idea of a religion names the Passions was interesting to me. It is indeed Navani who mentions it. I'd be curious to learn more about it. Navani seemed to think poorly of it which might be why I wonder about it.

     

    16 hours ago, jofwu said:

    I think most of the Thaylen characters use "Passions" as an exclamation. Yalb and Rysn (and others) make mention of them I believe. Yalb mentions them along with "You win when you need it most". Rysn mentions that she's a bit skeptical of them sometimes. Shallan calls them "pagan superstition". Jasnah dismisses them, using them as an example for how she has no proof for God either. Navani criticizes them indirectly, comparing them to Adolin's pre-duel rituals.

    They obviously originated in Thaylenah. I get the sense that they predate Vorinism there. Vorinism probably came in and painted the Passions as superstitious nonsense. But they're just so deeply rooted in Thaylen culture that Vorinism never rooted them out. It's like this thing that most Thaylen believe on the side, and they don't talk about it in front of Vorin priests who discourage it. Kind of like how African tribal beliefs (about spirits, divination, witchcraft, etc.) seep their way into local versions of Christianity and Islam.

    Thanks for the musings!

    Actually, I once asked about the Thaylen Passions, and here is Brandon's detailed answer:

    Quote

     

    Q: We know that the Passions are a religion or a set of superstitions from Thaylenah. But what are the "Passions" exactly? Are they a group of Gods who represent various kinds of "Passion" worshipped by the Thaylen people? If not, are those "Passions" simply a set of ideals believed by the Thaylen people? Are there any connections between Thaylen Passions and Alethi Thrill?

    A: The Passions could be called a religion, but there are those among the Thaylens (and to a lesser extent, other peoples) who would argue that it's more a philosophy. Or a companion religion. Much like Shinto and/or Confucianism co-exist in some places with Buddhism.
    However, there is not formalized theology, despite various thinkers and gurus expressing their thoughts on the matter. The central idea is that Passion equates to Action, and the cosmic belief that wanting something draws it to you. This idea is reinforced by the spren, obviously.

    Q: "The central idea is that Passion equates to Action, and the cosmic belief that wanting something draws it to you." Ah, so basically some people treat it as a fundamental way of life, and some people just treat it as The Secret?

    A: Yes, you can see it as a Rosharan version of the Law of Attraction, though some people have taken it further into a more religious fundamental.

    [Source]

     

    Hope it helps =)

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    [Edgedancer Spoilers] Bridge building

    in Stormlight Archive

    Posted

    I once asked about the wording in this line, and here is the answer I got from Peter:

    Quote

     

    TherehastobeananswerWhatistheanswerStopTheParshendiOneofthemYestheyarethemissingpiecePushfortheAlethitodestroythemoutrightbeforethisoneobtainstheirpowerItwillformabridge
    Paraphased: There has to be an answer. What is the answer? Stop. The Parshendi. One of them. Yes they are the missing piece. Push for the Alethi to destroy them outright before this one obtains their power. It will form a bridge.

    What does "It will form a bridge." actually mean? Should I take it literally?

    Peter

    This is a metaphorical bridge. Basically, the Diagram says it would be super dangerous for their plans if one of the Parshendi formed a Radiant spren bond and became a Radiant. They would be able to bridge the gap between the cultures and throw a wrench into the sequence of events that the Diagram thinks needs to take place.

     

    The answer is almost one year old, and I hope it still works...

    19

  7. [WoB] The God Beyond and the Beyond

    in Cosmere Discussion

    Posted

    The concept of the God Beyond has been bugging me for some time, and I finally got a sharable answer from Brandon via Reddit message: 

    Quote

     

    The God Beyond means, basically, the God who lives in the Beyond. The Beyond is a term for the place where souls go after death--in Secret History, it's the place they stretch and get drawn too. So the God Beyond would reference a God who is beyond our understanding, beyond the places even the Shards can see. In the Beyond.

    It is only a theory in the cosmere. Nobody has proof of a God Beyond. But it would be monotheistic God, instead of the way god sometimes refers to the Parshendi Gods or even Honor/Cultivation, which implies more of a pantheon of very strong beings. 

     

    I think this clarifies the relatinship between the God Beyond and the Beyond. A problem solved!

    11

  8. 2016-11-29 [Arcanum Unbounded] Old Firehouse Books - Fort Collins, CO

    in Events and Signings

    Posted

    10 hours ago, PallonianFire said:

    Q: What kind of spren is Ivory?

    A: Inkspren

    This is a bit unexpected but makes sense. Beind an inkspren, but called "Ivory". I once asked about his name, and Peter told me that this name does mean white (The choice of it is intentional.), which is an interesting contrast. The Rosharans get ivory from certain kinds of creatures' tusks and spurs, like on a whitespine.

    0

  13. Lucca Comics and Game Festival (Italy)

    in Events and Signings

    Posted

    SirSavien1 on Reddit posted their question about Syl:

    Quote

    I asked about how Syl was invented, I don't even know if this is already known information, I'm not that knowledgeable in cosmere lore. He said that originally he thought about the idea of wind coming alive, which remained. Initially he wanted to have only four wind spren, one for each cardinal direction, and Syl was supposed to be the wind of East. Then things changed, but this was the initial concept.

     

    2

  14. ENTIRE COSMERE OPTIONED FOR MOVIES

    in General Brandon Discussion

    Posted

    This is really amazing news (for the sake of Brandon himself and the whole fandom), though I'm also worried and skeptical like most of you here. I always imagine that SA would work well as a TV series or animated/graphic novel series. (Man, I'm so dying to see it animated...) Film adaption just sounds kind of meh, unless it is handled with great care.

    However, I know some guys from Chinese DMG who are in charge of Brandon's book/film franchise. I can feel their passion and they are actually very into cosmere. Perhaps we can trust them a bit more =) (It's a pity that I missed the chance to work with them.)

    1

  15. 2016-10-22 La Dimension Fantastique - Paris, France

    in Events and Signings

    Posted

    On 2016/10/23 at 10:08 PM, Botanica said:

    Question: When writing Stormlight, did you get any inspirations from the Chinese Confucian system? The Azish government really reminds me of that.

    Brandon: So... Yes. Um... Chinese. 新年快乐? This is my only Chinese. [It means] Happy new year. So yes. Living in Korea for several years, I became very interested in the Confucian system. When I returned back from Korea, I studied in college about Chinese history and I found it fascinating. So the Azish are partially inspired by the Chinese Confucian system.

    Question: Also a weird question, has Hoid ever had a romantic interest?

    Brandon: Hoid has had romantic interest in the past.

    Question: Do you have any further plans about Moash? Will he have more screen time in Stormlight 3?

    Brandon: I have big plans for Moash, and he will actually have viewpoints in Stormlight 3. So good question!

    Question: So WoR mentions a particularly bright star known as the Tear (a reference to a tear shed by somebody named Reya) is that "star" actually one of the other planets in the greater roshar system, if so is it Ashyn or Braize?

    Brandon: RAFO.

    Here are the subtitled videos:

    问题1-2.mp4

    问题3&4.mp4

    3

  17. 2016-10-22 La Dimension Fantastique - Paris, France

    in Events and Signings

    Posted · Edited by Botanica

    This is what I got from the signing via a friend (Thank him for that!):

    Question: When writing Stormlight, did you get any inspirations from the Chinese Confucian system? The Azish government really reminds me of that.

    Brandon: So... Yes. Um... Chinese. 新年快乐? This is my only Chinese. [It means] Happy new year. So yes. Living in Korea for several years, I became very interested in the Confucian system. When I returned back from Korea, I studied in college about Chinese history and I found it fascinating. So the Azish are partially inspired by the Chinese Confucian system.

    Question: Also a weird question, has Hoid ever had a romantic interest?

    Brandon: Hoid has had romantic interest in the past.

    Question: Do you have any further plans about Moash? Will he have more screen time in Stormlight 3?

    Brandon: I have big plans for Moash, and he will actually have viewpoints in Stormlight 3. So good question!

    Question: So WoR mentions a particularly bright star known as the Tear (a reference to a tear shed by somebody named Reya) is that "star" actually one of the other planets in the greater roshar system, if so is it Ashyn or Braize?

    Brandon: RAFO.

    (The first two questions are from me. The last question is from @WeiryWriter. Also thanks for the updates above!)

     

    Side note: I'm really excited about reading Moash's PoVs in Stormlight 3!

    4
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    Human Races on Roshar: A Brief Guide (Ver.1.0)

    in Stormlight Archive

    Posted · Edited by Botanica

    INTRODUCTION

    So, there’re basically thirteen races (or at least thirteen races so far, if you divide those cultures into more parts) on Roshar: the Alethi, the Vedens, the Unkalaki (aka the Horneaters), the Herdazians, the Thaylens, the Natan, the Makabaki, the Selay, the Iriali, the Shin, the Reshi, the Listeners and the Aimians.

    peoples_of_roshar_by_botanicaxu-d873vjz.jpg

    Note: Here I used one of my old art created by the Chibi Maker to visualize the descriptions, though there’re still some minor inaccuracies. I really wanted to do a complete graphic chart, but it is still far off.

    Brandon's comment on this:

    Quote

    Well, it's close in a lot of ways. The Makabaki should be darker, and the Pashendi even darker than that. The Shin are a little TOO white in that, as would be the average Veden. (Though there are some Veden as pale as in that shot.) The others are pretty colose. [source]

     

    A LIST OF HUMAN RACES

     

    Quote

    One big reversal is when readers realize that most of the main characters probably don’t look like them. Most readers don’t make that connection for quite a while… I like the idea that as you read you assume that the offbeat Szeth is “the other” and Kaladin looks like you, when in reality Kaladin is an Asian-Middle Eastern mix, while Szeth is caucasian. Of course, if you read it in Taiwan, then the characters really look like you and Szeth is the oddball… [source]

     

    1. The Alethi (People of Alethkar)
    1) Common features: tall stature, tan skin, black hair, lighteyes and darkeyes
    2) Inspiration from Earth: Asian-Hawaiian people (You can imagine them as east-Indian people.) [source], Asian-Arab people [source] Kaladin is an Asian-Middle Eastern mix. [source]
    3) Brandon's choice: Dave Bautista for Dalinar [source], Alex Landi for Adolin [source]

    Quote

    Alethkar natives other than the Shin have the epicanthic fold, but the Alethi wouldn't look strictly Asian to you--they'd look like a race that you can't define, as we don't have them on earth. I use half-Asian/half-arab or half-asian/half-Polynesian models as my guide some of the time, but Alethi are going to have a tanner skin than some of those. [source]

    How about the Iriali and Alethi mix we have going on with Adolin and Renarin:

    Quote

    They're gong to have lighter skin, but skin tone isn't something Alethi pay much attention to. Hair and eye color is what draws their attention. Dalinar and Kaladin will be darker than Adolin and Renarin, though none of them would look Caucasian to us. Of course, Caucasians have varied skin tone as well, so it's hard to say specifically what they'd look like. (As a note, Renarin/Adolin are a Riran/Alethi mix--not exactly Iriali/Alethi, as there's some slightly different genetics going on there.) [source]

     

    2. The Vedens (People of Jah Keved)
    1) Common features: fair skin, red hair, lighteyes and darkeyes
    2) Inspiration from Earth: Asian-Caucasian people (supposedly more Asian-like) [source], red-haired Uyghur people [source], Shallan is a half-Irish, half-Japanese mix [source]

    Quote

    Vedens aren’t all redheads–that’s going to depend on region, and even have a lot of variance within regions. (Alethi skin tone will be similar in its variety, depending. Vedens in general tend to be lighter.) [source]

    Here’s another image I noticed a while back that feels very like what I’d imagined.

    Spoiler

    EC66D591-D332-4E1D-A760-F699B22003D6.thumb.png.4aaccc33acc88f25520ad8671e7df40f.png

    [source: Photographer Explores The Beautiful Diversity Of Redheads Of Color]

     

    3. The Unkalaki (People of the Horneater Peaks)
    1) Common features: light tan skin (or just fair skin like the Vedens) (supposedly lighter than the Alethi), red hair, strong back molars to break shells and claws (result of Parshendi hybrids) [source]

    Quote

    Some Horneaters might look Caucasian to you--but then, most will not. They'll seem like something alien, and not all of them have light skin; they tend to walk a spectrum between pale and coppery. [source]

    2) Inspiration from Earth: Asian-Caucasian people, [source] Mongolian people, Polynesian people, Russian people [source]

    Quote

    Rock and his culture started Mongolian long, long ago. (98-99 era, when I first wrote him.) As Roshar in general (and the Alethi in specific) became more Asian in look and less Semitic (though they are still a mash-up) I decided to push Rock’s people in the direction of a human/parsh hybrid strain. This also was part of moving Rock himself from Yolen to Roshar, following after Dalinar and some other characters, who came earlier during the original Dragonsteel/Stormlight split in the early 2000s. These changes drove the Horneaters away from Mongolian influences, though I can’t say specifically where the Polynesian/Russian mashup came from. I liked how it read, and felt the linguistics supported the accent. These changes, of course, had a domino effect that resulted in the Veden people gaining their occasional red hair and fair skin from Horneater relation, which means Shallan is part parshman–though the relation is distant at this point. [source]

     

    4. The Herdazians (People of Herdaz)
    1) Common features: deep tan skin (supposedly darker than the Alethi), dark crystalline fingernails (result of Parshendi hybrids)
    2) Inspiration from Earth: Hispanic people [source], indigenous Bolivian [source]

     

    5. The Thaylens (People of Thaylenah)
    1) Common features: long white eyebrows
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown

     

    6. The Natan (People of the former Natanatan)
    1) Common features: pale bluish skin, wide nose, wool-like white hair [WoK Ch.36] (result of Aimian hybrids) [source]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown

     

    7. The Makabaki (People of all the Makabak)
    1) Common features: dark brown skin (or just dark skin), black hair [WoK Ch.14]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown
    Notable races: the Azish, the Tashikki, the Emuli and the Tukari (People of Azir, Tashikk, Emul and Tukar)

     

    8. The Selay (People of the former Sela Tales)
    1) Common features: skin ripples [WoK Ch.52]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown
    Notable race: the Purelaker (People of the Purelake)
    1) Common features: leathery skin, dark hair, long limbs [WoR I-3]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown
    Notable race: the Babath (People of Babatharnam)
    1) Common features: [women] patterns of veins beneath the skin [WoK Ch. 46] (result of Aimian hybrids) [source]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown

     

    9. The Iriali (People of Iri and perhaps Rira)
    1) Common features: yellow eyes, golden skin often painted various colors and patterns, golden hair with metallic sheen [WoK Ch.18, WoR I-2]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown

    Note: There are small differences between the Iriali and the Riran. [source]

     

    10. The Shin (People of Shinovar) - The only race without epicanthic folds
    1) Common features: short stature, pale skin, large round eyes, men tending to be bald, no epicanthic folds (but still hardly resemble the Caucasians on Earth)
    2) Inspiration from Earth: unknown

    Quote

    Normal eyes on Roshar are those with an epicanthic fold. The Shin do not have this. Note, however, that they wouldn't look "Western European." Roshar races are fairly far off from what we imagine as Earth ones. The people most likely to look Western European to you would be those from Mistborn. [source]

     

    Quote

    Shin would look the closest to Caucasian to you, but again, they're not an Earth ethnicity. So you might not be able to place them either. [source]

     

    11. The Reshi (People of the Reshi Isles)
    1) Common features: tan skin, straight black hair, rounded features [WoR I-9]
    2) Inspiration from Earth: Hispanic people (or at least for Lift) [source], indigenous Bolivian [source]

    Quote

    Lift was partially developed out of me wanting to build a character who was awesome but was so different from what everyone would think of. ‘Cause you say knight and they think of white dude in armor and I wanted something very different from that. And that’s where she came from. It also came partially from my wife reading a lot of fantasy and complaining and she’s like “You know the asians show up in fantasy, asian culture inspires a lot. European culture of course does. You see a lot of these things but where are the hispanics?” Yeah there’s one. So she challenged me to put a hispanic culture in my books because I had never done it before and so Lift is an outgrowth of that, so are the Herdazians. They are meant to be sort of in the same way that the Alethi are inspired by Korean culture, mashed up with this sort of concept of medieval knights. Shallan is based a little off of Western American/Europe culture. The Herdazians are launching off some of the original hispanic concepts. So the thing is, you want every culture to be new and original but you are working from somewhere. And the problem is we all work from the same stories for so long that is part of the reason why fantasy is starting to feel so stale. [source]

     

    About the Kharbranthians: The city-state is culturally diverse, so you can find different races there.

     

    Last update: Jun 3rd, 2019 (by Botanica)
    Original post: [x]

    41

  22. Kaladin´s name

    in Stormlight Archive

    Posted · Edited by Botanica

    If anyone could find the source and provided the link! I've been keeping following Brandon's activities on Reddit these recent months but didn't remember seeing anything like this! I hope it is canon =)

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