Bloodfalcon

Yeah, thanks, much appreciated.

I think we'd be making a pretty big mistake by assuming there is any standard model for any of the Shardblades. Didn't Brandon say there were 3 kinds of Shardblades? I don't think he meant small, medium, and large, hahaha. The descriptions of each major character's blade is different by far. Some are barbed, Dalinar's had a hook at the end, some are different colors (Adolin's), so I think that allocating blades to certain classes based on physical characteristics is going to take us down a pretty horrid path. If they are all unique and recognizable, they are physically different than one another. It seems to me like Szeth's blade is just thin, though the feeling here is that we think it to be short for some reason. Can something be both long and short at the same time? I doubt he was measuring shortness with the blade standing on it's side That's not to say the "Szeth's blade is for peoples" theory can't be true, but it seems based on length, which is described as long here. Unless the long was I personal view and the small was meaning he considers all other blades to be just crazy long. But to the point of the thread: I like the theory of Jez being a traitor for some reason, but as a fan, I'd like it to be a rilly rilly good reason that is unclear for another few books at least.

Like. Upvote.

I agree, Gloom. Although, there are theories that this entire process is done through considerable teamwork by Honor and Cultivation. In addition, I don't think there is anything crazy in the theory that those family bonds could be a huge factor in this. Consider Mistborn, Elantris, and Warbreaker all having bloodlines be tied to magic systems. And they don't necessarily have to be of the same Order either, as evidenced by Shallash being the daughter of Jezrien. Jeez, there is just so much we don't know. Can't wait for WoR.

I don't think I worded what I was saying correctly before. My point was that all of these scenarios are not necessarily "before" they are chosen. You are looking at it in an assumed context from the start when it could easily be a matter of perspective. For example: Shallan did all those awesome things, but if Morsk's theory is correct, Shallan would already have been considered by the Nightwatcher. Who is to say which caused the powers when that event precedes all of her accomplishments. Also, you described a pampered murderer as being naturally awesome, and the a surgeons apprentice as well. I too think they are awesome, but I don't think those descriptions have would play a roll in the universe considering them candidates for powers. Also, I'm not trying ot convince you of anything really, other than to be open to the possibility of other theories than your own being entertaining. I like these forums a lot, but there is a tendency for users on here to theorize themselves into a state that refuses to consider other options. I don't care about Morsk's feelings so much as I care about those people not being disappointed when their assumptions are incorrect, and they have a sour view of the story because it is something they previously considered "lame".

I have a hard time agreeing that in a story that has any plot at all, it is more entertaining that "awesome people" just randomly become powerful than it is for certain people to be chosen by evaluation of a God to take up the mantle of protector of the people. In Mistborn they were chosen and guided to certain fates, and it has been stated that Vin was really not chosen for any unique reason as much as it just working out. Stormlight Archive so far does not establish that all of these people were awesome before anything, so right now you are making a fairly large assumption to fuel your assumptions. (The latter assumptions being that they would necessarily be "tools" for the Nightwatcher, and that that in itself wouldn't be "awesome")

Considering a popular theory here is that the Nightwatcher is basically Cultivation, I don't see how it becomes coincidence when people who interact with the Nightwatcher gain abilities. Remember, we are talking about magic powers here that are directly associated with the Gods on this planet.

I don't know about a combination, but I was imagining ways to make things invisible and wondering if there was a certain combination required, and decided it might be possible for two individual surges to do this on their own. Light: depending on the meaning of this surge you might be able to control and direct it to make the light that bounces from an object stop short of someone's eyes (could be used to conceal things at certain distances, which I like the concept of). Gravity: A bit more conceptual in terms of my own understanding, but IIRC, an object can have such high gravitational force that it literally pulls light back into itself and light is unable to escape it. That could make it so gravity can manipulate the invisibility of things, or even just slow the rate at which things are seen... like how we see the image of the sun from 7ish seconds late (that is a property of distance, but I'm describing the effect, not the cause.) Just some thoughts that seem a little more relevant here

Alright, but if we are too careful to put "Confirmed" on there, I think there should be a tag for something suspected but that also provides some major evidence. There won't be, but I'll have you know that is my stance on this awesome chart

I think that's a cool theory Morsk.

Is Ym only "suspected" b/c it is not yet WoB? It is pretty obvious that is where he belongs. It fits in every way.

I think there are plenty of mechanics that could work around this without seeming ridiculous. Just a theory, but we really do know so little about where these powers come from that it doesn't dissuade me when two have the same somehow.

Oh, I thought all of our main characters were becoming Heralds. What made me consider this originally was something Brandon said about having 10 books with 10 different characters flashbacks, and Taln was one of them. Just assumed immediately we'd be seeing the history of our Heralds. Maybe one or two have such shared histories that it opens up one book for a non-Herald, or a villain or something, I don't know. I could see there being 10 Heralds and each has control of one Order's power, which they can somehow distribute (not sure if that system would work while they were dead or would need to be handed down in some form). After all, one of the KR's in Dalinar's vision told him he might want to apply to be a KR, or something along this line. So I don't think KR are naturally in possession of these powers, but I could see Heralds having them (Spren bonds are as natural as anything in my opinion).

I'm just playin', Gloom. A psychiatrist would call me an "enabler." I like to encourage people to run with ideas and actions whether or not they are valid or productive, hahaha. Encourage fun! Theorize all the things!

I don't think it's a stupid idea. I think it sounds fun and his character is deep enough to excuse what some people would consider a "cheap" change in a plot line if it is the only occurrence. I don't think it is likely, but it is fun to consider. If you do end up finding that Honorblade reference, let me know!

Thanks, I can lay that suspicion to rest

Maybe. It is the chapter art for the non-Szeth interludes. Was curious as to whether that was because those interludes are meant to somehow display those connections or it was a general piece of art like you suggested, Morsk.

Has it been noted that the art for the Interlude-1 looks to be a version of the KR Order mapping? The 10 circles arranged in that format. Has anyone found significance in that chapter that relates to the Order mapping? For example, there is a circle connecting 8 of the 10 Orders, but the middle two are left out due to their being drawn toward the center. In addition, those lines appear to put emphasis on the relationship between opposite Orders. They could be very personal relationships similar to the "Jezrien is Shallash's father" connection.

Yeah, I'm torn. The Blade is so convenient, but the Plate is so dummy-proof! Lack of sword skill would probably lead me to choose Plate.

On the Shallan topic, I was similarly confused, but there is a line where she is counting her heartbeats like someone summoning a Shardblade would, and I think Brandon confirmed it somewhere but I could use some backup.

I think that is a reasonable assumption considering what we know. I thought I remembered a similar quote about the Parshendi having not many Shardearers, but it really is an unusual quote. Wasn't the number of Parshendi in general pretty mysterious throughout the book? I'm not sure how anyone could know how many Shardbearers they would have. Hell, there are a few humans with Shardblades that have stayed incognito. My suspicious mind would like to think we have a surprise coming here soon concerning the amount of Shards in their possession, but realistically I would agree with those numbers. As far as the Shattered Plains are concerned, I don't feel like we'll see more than another 2 or 3 around there. Side note: when I type the word "Shardbearer" I can't help thinking about the possibility of a Shard-bear. Huge, vicious creature with Shardplate for skin and mini shardblades for teeth. Of course, that might mean the Shard-bear has to summon all of his teeth. So they may typically go around gumming everything...

Isaac created them and can't read them?! Wow, I'm not qualified to be looking into this.

Oh, totally skipped Honorblades in my mind. Point, Shardlet.

I'm new here, but I still would love to do a 17thshard raid MAK#1635

I was just looking at these sword symbols and a search lead me here. What would be the hilts of each of these sword symbols looks remarkably similar to the symbols that represent the Orders of KR. Is it possible that they actually are sword hilts and each Order has Shardblades corresponding to their Order? I don't think it is so far fetched.