Riftwise

I always thought (once the translation was available) that the number of prongs had to do with the Stormlight pattern cast and the power of the gem.  Certain patterns grant certain powers.  In this case, each gem uses a different pattern to detect a certain emotion.  Put all ten fabrials together to get a mood bracelet.  I have no idea if the double eye pattern the fabrials are arranged in is significant though.

I imagine this glimpse from Kaladin's POV as he is learning to  "RIDE THE STORMS" again!

I have thought about this off and on since first reading WoK.  On my current re-read I ran across them again and did a search here in the forum but found no reference to any theories on them.  I also looked in the Wiki, but did not find any hints to indicate some have found ways to access hidden power in them.

Is it possible that glyphwards are just missing some component that would release a more perceptible effect?  We know that glyphwards are prayers to the Almighty, but never see a manifestation of that power.  

We read of glyphs on the Honorblades and Shardblades, on weapons the Parshendi have access to, and on the Knights Radiant shardplate.  It is my theory that glyphs were a way to access or focus Stormlight in the past and has since been lost.  My hope is that in Words of Radiance we will see this lost art regained.  Though I know there are plenty of books to come where this could be covered.

In truth, part of this came to mind because Shallan mentioned in her interview with Jasnah that her glyphwards are regarded as quite impressive and the fact that she can now infuse, or at least access stormlight.  Perhaps Shallan will find a way to use them together to create new alternatives to fabrials.  

Any thoughts, ideas, or holes where this just can't be possible?  

Thanks FingerstyleFunk! That makes perfect sense. Now back to waiting for the reveal...

Oh, I just got all excited rereading chapter 5 "Ideals"

 

 

I can see it playing out that neither Kal or Amaram will say anything to Dalinar in the beginning to acknowledge any history/connection between them.

 

Kal will refer to Amaram as Brightlord instead of sir to Dalinar, or to Amaram within hearing distance of Dalinar, making Dalinar suspicious, leading him to investigate and discover that Kal's slave brand is from Amarams district.   

  

The waiting to find out is a killer.

I am wondering why nobody (in world) has thought to find out where Kaladin was made a slave.  He doesn't hide his slave brands, does he?  Maybe it is impolite to look?  

Although, we never read specifically which glyphpair it is.  Maybe Amaram had him branded under another district.  You would think Kaladin would notice what the glyphpair was.  Tvlakv knew he was from Amaram.

I realize that Dalinar and Adolin may not be able to read glyphpairs, but Navani would and clerks in Dalinar's household could.  He is around them by virtue of being around Dalinar.  They must have looked at the brands.  Someone should make a connection between Kaladin being made a slave in Amaram's district and the fact that Amaram is a House friend.  Then they should wonder if there could be bad blood between them!   

Here's the quote from Chapter 47 "Stormblessings" on the knife throw:

 

 

Subsquad three drew off the honor guard. Subsquad two distracted the lighteyes. He didn’t see Kaladin approaching from a third direction. The man dropped with a knife to the eye; his face was unprotected. He screamed as he clattered to the ground, still alive.

This doesn't rule out a use of a surge, but a good knife thrower could do it too.
 

Taravangian also knows a lot about the Shin.  From his conversion with Szeth in Chapter 71:

 

 

“Truthless,” the king mused. “I would say that you know much truth. More than your countrymen, now.”

 

“Your words are like the hundred doves.”

“Easy to release, difficult to keep,” Taravangian said, speaking the words in Shin.

Szeth looked up sharply. This man spoke the Shin language and knew his people’s proverbs?

Perhaps what he learned from the Shin influenced the hospitals he built and the "secret" work that he does.


Although, after re-reading the chapter, Taravangian says this: 

 

 

“We do not know why some speak when others do not,” Taravangian said.

“But the dying see something. It began seven years ago, about the time when King Gavilar was investigating the Shattered Plains for the first time.” His eyes grew distant. “It is coming, and these people see it. On that bridge between life and the endless ocean of death, they view something. Their words might save us.”

“You are a monster.”

Szeth doesn't seem to have a reaction that indicates he has a deeper understanding of the death quotes.

It occurs to me that maybe the Shin sailor was just observant of their work with the other "patients".