askthepaperclip

Psshhh, Shardlet we have no use for primary sources around here ;-)

You are right, it is gross speculation. It just sounded weird to me to be like "I need to save the regrowth." Same way it would sound weird to say "I need to save the soulcast." I might just be hung up on the sound of the word, though.

"A finite amount of regrowth" doesn't sound quite like the modern fabrials we have seen. Or rather, it doesn't sound like a "regrowth fabrial" would act. My understanding/assumption is that fabrials "run out" and the gemstones crack when they use up all of the stormlight they are infused with. I'm guessing here that the stormlight is what was holding the spren captive, so when it is gone the cracking represents the spren escaping. This is why regular gemstones do not crack when they run out of stormlight. This means as long as you don't try something very powerful that requires more stormlight than you have, all you need to do is reinfuse the gems and you are good to go. I wonder if the box she used was actually a "storage" fabrial that could be used to store surgebinding abilities, almost like a metalmind. This would explain why there was a finite amount; you only can get out what was put in. Like a metal mind, you might only be able to store one type of power in each type of storage fabrial, in this case Regrowth. It is a subtle distinction between a regrowth fabrial and a fabrial that stores regrowth, but I think the latter is more likely.

Well, remember that Brandon is on vacation too! I mean, he brought his wife with him, so I think that counts as vacation... I'm sure he will post it some time this week.

hahahaha I forgot to mention that about meeting Brandon's wife Emily! Yes, that was awesome! Oh also, when Darnam offered to make Brandon a Seon, Brandon requested Aon Ene, but then found out that Ene was the one I made for myself, so he asked for Rao instead. ....I guess I made a "clever" choice.... (sorry, couldn't resist)

Robot Aztec: The only RAFO I heard was the one that I put in the transcription. The only things I didn't transcribe were the really generic questions like " How do you write so many books?" and "What was it like to finish the Wheel of Time?" unless they had a tidbit that was new/interesting like the one about Dalinar above. There signing was only about 40 minutes, and there really were not many questions unfortunately. Windrunner: Do you know when the other pins are planning to be released? Is it going to be a one per book kind of thing? I really want an Edgedancer one

Here you go, Natans!

Transcription is up! Kurkistan: I thought about it, but figured I would take a stab at it first

So, the event was pretty awesome! Keep an eye on the interwebs for a picture of Brandon, Darnam, his friend, and I, all sporting the Seons we made! (Thanks to Darnam for the idea and providing all the materials) Brandon asked that we wait until the end of the signing so he could get a picture with us so he could tweet it! We also got Windrunner pins, which I didn't even know was a thing!! Very cool! So here are all the interesting questions from the signing. I was able to get my phone placed on the table right at the beginning, so we got the whole thing. First off, many props to all the people who have transcribed in the past. I never realized what a pain in the butt it is! (although with 3 authors at the table, I think this was even more noisy than usual) I added my comments in brackets, and added emphasis in bold. Q: Would a conventional science fiction society be able to travel between worlds via FTL? A: Yes, they definitely could. In fact, built into the system is...you will see space travel. In fact I have several of them plotted, I just can't write them yet. It is going to be really fun. One of my very first ideas for the Cosmere was this spaceship going between, and actually, Sixth of the Dusk, which is coming out, the _____ Anthology one, is Cosmere and they mention space travel in it, so..." [interesting! This will be our first in-world reference to space travel, yes?] Q: Are we going to see any other compounders like Miles Dagouter, but with other abilities? A: Yes, I plan to do more, just to show off what different compounding can achieve, so you will see some more like that. you will some other really interesting interactions with the magic system. Q: Who is your favorite character you have written: It is like picking between your children, blah blah, Perrin, blah blah. Picking between my own, I would probably say Dalinar. I started writing a story about Dalinar when I was 15, and then I finally got to write his book years later, so yeah. [This is the first time I have heard him say Dalinar!] Q: Are you ever going to do a big story about Adonalsium and take it out of the shadows? A: Yes, um, the series called Dragonsteel itself is that, and then at then end of all of this, there will be kind of a climactic one. So eventually yes, it is just a little ways off. [OOO this is the first I have heard of a final "Cosmere wrap up" book!] Q: If Adonalsium were to shatter in a parallel universe, would it divide into the same 16 intents? [That's mine!!] A: Um...it...Adonalsium could have been shattered in other ways. Follow up Q: Was there a force determining which way it shattered? A: Yes! [oooOOOoooOOOo!!! I got super excited and did a little happy dance, so if we already knew this, please don't spoil my fun...lol! So...that is big, right? We now know that Adonalsium was shattered with "intent" (ba dum KSHH!), not randomly! And, that it could have been shattered into different intents! Cool stuff ] Q: Would you please draw Aon Aon with the chasm line, so we know where the hell the chasm lines are? [That's Darnam's!] A: I always imagined it right there. [Hopefully Darnam can upload an image of the drawing!] Um, and so if you finished it...but the strictures of the first book, I didn't quite know what I was doing yet, and I was trying to match a map that didn't quite match what I had in my head. I could do it so much better now. But, the problem is, it is kinda down here at the bottom of this,but where I described it....if you don't mind me putting in this....[he drew Aon Rao with the chasm line) I described it right there in the book, and it needs to be up more. Q: In the past, with Alendi, when the mist spirit stabbed Fedik, was that Hemalurgic theft? [Darnam snuck in a question at the end!] A: Heh heh heh heh heh [VERY evil cackle!] ...interesting question! RAFO!!! Also, I think we can put to rest any worries that we annoy Brandon with all our questions. 90% of the interactions at the signing went like this: Brandon: Hi! Person: OMG You are the best! B: Thank you so much! Do you have any questions for me? P: Um...no, not really! B: *Sounding sad* Oh...ok... So ask away and make Brandon happy!!!

Lol no, he didn't unfortunately! He and Emily had fancy dinner plans It actually wasn't as bad as I expected. There was only 1 cosmere questioned asked/answered during the official Q&A, which was actually asked by Darnam's friend! (for which he was thrown a Steelhunt code from the stage!): Q: Does time flow at the same speed on all of your Shardworlds? A: Yes, the Cosmere's time flows, unless it is being manipulated by an outside force, at the same speed. I was able to get my phone placed next to Brandon for the signing, but they were pushing people through pretty fast, so I don't know how many good questions were asked. I am about to listen to and transcribe the signing, and will post the results in a new thread. I know that my question did get answered, and I think it was a doozy, but you will have to wait to hear it with the rest of the signing report... . EDIT: OMG Christopher Paolini is loud! He was sitting two chairs down from Brandon and is frequently drowning him out on the recording, even though the phone was RIGHT in front of Brandon!

So, the tickets all say "Brian Sanderson".....epic fail!

Seems like an awfully long way to come for an event that doesn't seem to be his style...what was the inspiration for it? Good chance to reach a new audience?

From Brandon's new blog post: Sadface. The "premium" tickets have sold out, and apparently only a few hours before I tried to get one...grrr. Not sure how many premium tickets they were offering, but it looks like it could be a pretty popular event. Looks like we will only get one, maybe two questions each, if we get any. Hopefully (and I feel horrible for saying this), there will be individual lines for the 3 authors and most people are coming for the Eragon guy. Ugh...I feel so torn between being thrilling that Brandon is hitting the big time and being sad that that means he has less time for us . Aaand I'm pretty sure that makes me a terrible person. Due to this, we should definitely try to get a recording device on the table. Unfortunately, that probably means we need the consent of all three authors if they are at the same table. Still, worth a try. Darnam, if you are too squeamish, I have no problem claiming authority I don't have. I'll call myself president of the fan club if that's what it takes! Darnam: I think you should go with Aon Daa, to use against the security guys trying to hurry us along! Plus it is easy to draw...lol Windy: Thanks for the story! I figured it was something like that. I honestly have only done one read of the Mistborn books, and man that stuff is complicated! Kurkistan: No, they weren't all bad! Just a little esoteric for my tastes. Although it is funny that the Aonic healing one is the one I was originally referring to. (yes, I know that is not Scadrial...I'm not THAT bad!)

RobotAztec: Interesting thought, but air resistance is a different mechanism than friction; otherwise I think we would have seen the effects when Lift goes "awesome." I think the pressure surge would actually be more likely to create the effect you are describing. Kurkistan: Yes, I saw your question, and was editing my previous post to comment on it earlier today, but got interrupted. Unfortunately, I don't want to ask any questions I don't fully understand (lest I fail to ask a good followup) and most of the time I have no idea what you are talking about . I don't know the back story behind Windy's handle, but "Bad at Scadrial" sums me up pretty well...lol

Darnam, I have a pretty smart phone, so I will volunteer to be phoneless for the signing if a device is needed! I also sent Peter and Isaac an email offering to buy Brandon a smoothie and hotdog at Papaya King down the street after the event if he is willing to chat with some 17th Sharders for a few minutes...I will let you know if I hear anything! :-D

Argent: 1) interesting, but I don't see what it gains us 2) I'm pretty sure the answer is no, he would have to choose to do so (but scadrial is not my specialty) 3) interesting, but I would rephrase as "do all surgebinders absorb stormlight via inhalation, or are there other mechanisms? If so, are they tied to the body foci?" 4) didn't read yet 5) didn't read yet 6) I thought this was confirmed as female? 7) I think this was asked, and he didn't want to speculate 8) I think this was asked, and he has to learn them 9/10) how about this instead: if Adonalsium shattered in a parallel universe, would it necessarily divide into the same 16 intents? If not, was there something that determined which intents were formed? Can you give us an example of an intent that could have been formed, but wasn't? Satsuoni: I like your roshar question! I was just re reading the storm judgement chapter the other day, and noted the fact that it looked like the stormlight came all at once (right after the big face smiled), which I never suspected before. Is that where your question comes from? Also, I wonder how that would work...it wouldn't be all at once everywhere, since the storm moves. My guess is it would be a band in the storm; like the stormwall, but probably in the middle of the storm. When that band passes over you, boom, stormlight. Question is, what would that mean? Darnam: In the past, signings have taken place in a different room, so the premium ticket might not get you a better spot in the signing line. I look forward to maybe meeting you! I will be wearing a blue "Tower Guard" shirt :-) Masuri: Excellent question! (I think it's what Brandon would say, and nothing more...lol)

I am going to go! For some reason I thought it was during the week...now that I know it is on Saturday, I am in!!! Bring on the questions! I will do my best to ask as many as I can, and will try to record as much as I can. Not sure how close I will get...not sure if I am going to get an "premium" ticket or not. I have been to author events at the 92nd St Y before, and they are usually very strict about keeping the signing line moving, with professional security to make sure you aren't taking time asking questions. I might email Peter to see if there will be an opportunity to chat with Brandon afterwards. Here is my first question: Why did Nohadon make a distinction between Soulcasters and Surgebinders?

I get that modern people might be merely confused, but what about Nohadon? Why would Nohadon make this distinction? I also recall several early quotes from Brandon talking about how the world of the SA had, among others, a "fundamental forces" magic system and a "transformation" magic system. Up to now we have assumed that Soulcasting is either fabrial based or surgebinding based. I wouldn't describe either of these as a "transformation based" magic system. I see a few possibilities for what is going on: 1) There is an as-of-yet unrevealed magic system that is "transformation" based. I suppose it is possible that either Jasnah or Shallan is actually using this system, and not surgebinding. Maybe the cryptics are involved in this system in some way? They certainly don't act like any other spren we have seen. Maybe this is the unknown system that is eluded to in the Ars Arcanum? 2) As Shardlet suggested, this is all a big misunderstanding and can be explained by ignorance/confusion/impreciseness on the part of our sources. 3) We just uncovered a massive world-building edit that Brandon tried to slip by us. I think this is actually the most likely. My guess is he indeed started out with Soulcasting as its own magic system, then later decided that it was redundant or too complicated and just incorporated it into Surgebinding and Fabrial Science. I think a good question for Brandon at the next signing would be "Why did Nohadon make a distinction between Surgebinders and Soulcasters?" If he says RAFO, then we know number 1 is probably true. He will probably straight up say it is number 2 is true. If he laughs and blushes, we know number 3 is true.

The bond with Wyndle allows her to surgebind. Based on what we have seen from Kaladin, there are many advantages to holding stormlight besides surgebinding (faster healing, better reflexes, holding your breath, etc). Maybe instead of "never be hungry" she asked to never hurt. "OK, then you can heal yourself with stormlight generated from food." This might actually fit with the duality of the Nightwatcher: Boon: you can heal yourself with stormlight; Curse: you can only do it with food (a precious resource for a street urchin). Starvin' unfair, that is!

Here here. Nothing more awkward than a discussion where one party is significantly more emotional/aggressive than the others. Trolling makes baby Jesus cry, folks. Hugs all around? Hugs.

To be fair, Nohadon also distinguishes between individuals being "Surgebinders" and being "Soulcasters." Does this mean Shallan/Jasnah is not a Surgebinder? At first, I was going to use this as a point against what Gloom is saying. But now that I think about it, he might have something. If I recall, Brandon also distinguished between Surgebinding and Soulcasting in the promotional stuff during the lead up to the release of TWoK. Now, this could be referring to Soulcasting via fabrial, but since we have confirmation that all surgebinding effects can be replicated by fabrials, it seems unlikely to call out Soulcaster fabrial users distinctly from others. Is it possible that there is an entire magic system that has been in front of our noses this entire time that we have ignored?!

Something said above triggered a vague prototheory in my head, that I don't have time to flesh out: What if the stormlight is the thing holding odium/desolations at bay? Is it possible that surgebinding consumes stormlight, thus eroding that barrier? If the KR realized this, that could be why they disbanded. I realize there are several holes in this. Eg, at the end of the desolation, that barrier would have been almost non-existent. But maybe this will inspire someone to a better idea :-) I kinda like the idea that the trapped heralds are the thing holding the desolation back, and that is what Taln meant when he said he failed. However, the problem with this is that we would be starting out the desolation with broken down heralds...probably not worth too much. Something to think about: they are heralds, but it is not clear what they are heralding. A Herald is usually something that comes before. What if they are supposed to fight their way out damnation to herald the coming desolation BEFORE it arrives, to prepare us? All by himself, Taln was maybe too weak to do so, and thus only escaped as the desolation was beginning, thus his failure. That would also explain why Hoid would say he arrived too late.

I think Meg was referring to the statement that Szeth is not a surge binder. This is news to me as well. He does not have a nahel bond, and is certainly not a windrunner, but I don't think we have confirmation that what he is doing is not surge binding. (Apologies to the "szeth is a void binder" crowd) I think the argument still holds that darkness is not interested in szeth because something is different about his surgebinding, just not that it is because he is not surgebinding.

Ah, excellent explanation! Yes, I remember that quote now. It is still a little too esoteric for my theorizing tastes, but carry on! :-D

Wow, just want to interject and say that this is a particularly nerdy thread, even for 17thShard...congrats everyone! :-D Now for an actual comment: I don't quite understand what we are talking about here...is there some reason why healing mechanisms need to work the same way across shard worlds? Or is this a just for giggles "who would win in a fight" sort of discussion? For my money, I think trying to draw too many connections between stormlight and the metallic arts is a fool's errand. Of course, I suppose so is all our wild theorizing, which is why we are here! :-P