bludvein

The problem with the shardplate being a fabrial is the same as its always been. If it was just an advanced fabrial, then why did only the KR have them? I doubt they were hoarding technology during a desolation. We also have the glowing glyphs and the summoning/de-summoning of the helm as further proof they aren't fabrials. We can be relatively sure the Plate is a product of the KR's power in some way, even if its not the body of a spren/s(and hence not repulsive to Syl). Also, the Stormfather tells Dalinar that he will be a Radiant with no Shards. Not just without a blade. Make of that what you will.

Never heard this song before, but it goes well too. Though I picture this as more during when Kaladin trains himself in the chasms to "fly" personally. Upvote for you! I added links to Bad Apple in the OP btw.

I was listening to some random soundtracks while rereading WoR, and by coincidence Touhou's "Bad Apple" was playing in the background during the fight scene with Szeth and Kaladin. Its somehow epic and sad at the same time, and the lyrics could apply to either Szeth or even Kaladin(though mostly Szeth). Did any of you have any songs you think would go with a particular scene? EDIT: Links to Bad Apple for people who aren't familiar with it. English version Original(Japanese)

Let me just start by saying this is the relationship that I think will happen, not the one I hope will happen. I think Kaladin is being shipped with Shallan from the start, despite making an irritating love triangle. They are the 2 biggest viewpoint characters, they have both have been through hell, and they both seem to find the other attractive. Adolin just drew the short straw. Shallan likes him, but she wouldn't be courting him if she didn't need the Kholin name to help out her family. Now that she is a Radiant and can openly soulcast, she isn't in quite as tight a spot. All the obstacles between Kaladin and Shallan just scream foreshadowing. She is also keeping a ton of secrets from Adolin, but she practically spilled her guts to Kaladin(while he did the same to her). Adolin is crushing on a pretty idealized version of her. I kind of hope I'm wrong though, cause I am not Shallan's biggest fan, and this would actually make me feel sorry for Adolin. The one time he actually likes a girl and he can't get her. Stabbing Sadeas in the eye actually managed to get me to like the guy.

The "half-shards" work on a different principles than shardplate, and nobody has any clue how shardplate works(despite boasting), just like shardblades. If they were possible to manufacture, everybody in Dalinar's vision would've worn it, not just the Radiants. It may interfere because its "dead". The plate in the flashback glows, and Dalinar describes it as looking different than modern day plate. Sort of like Kaladin's shardblade, hmm? Also, it makes no sense for it to block only lashings, but allow other types of surgebindings. We saw knights in plate using their abilities from inside their armor with no interference.

Kal still has 2 more oaths to speak though, and he has the blade. On a seperate note, I was skimming some of my favorite parts of the book, and im pretty sure we got confirmation that shardplate comes from the bond too. The Stormfather tells Dalinar that he would be a radiant with no shards. So 1 of the last 2 windrunner oaths is bound to give Kal plate, although I have no idea what the other oath will do. Might be a flat stormlight efficiency/retention buff like the 2nd ideal, but that seems a bit crude for a higher level ideal.

As if the black trailing "stormlight" wasn't enough clue. If they really are Skybreakers, their code has been massively perverted courtesy of Nalan/Darkness.

My favorite part is where Adolin is just like "I've had enough of your rust" to Sadeas and stabs him the eye. I really didn't care for his character up to that point, but afterwards he earned some respect from me. Lopen being Lopen was awesome. Glad to see he will play a larger part in the future. I don't care for Shallan's character, but the book was still interesting. I'm curious to see if shardplate will be formed the same way as the blade is.