Kandra
Blood-bound shapeshifters who served the Lord Ruler before reclaiming their own destiny.
The Kandra are a unique species of shapeshifters native to Scadrial, originally created by the Lord Ruler as servants designed to mimic humans perfectly. Unlike simple constructs, they possess their own distinct consciousness and culture, though for centuries they were bound by the First Contract to serve the Lord Ruler and his designated masters—not all humanity—and could refuse certain orders, such as killing other Kandra. They play a pivotal role in the espionage of the Final Empire, often acting as spies and assassins for the Lord Ruler, rather than general economic laborers.
Background
The turning point in Kandra history occurred when TenSoon discovered that their contract was a real magical construct enforced by Hemalurgy, not an unbreakable law of nature. His revelations came from his own investigation and speaking with Sazed, not from interactions with the crew of the Mistborn rebellion as a whole. This sparked a crisis of identity for the species; some struggled to adapt to freedom after millennia of obedience, while others eagerly embraced their autonomy, seeking to build a new society independent of human control.
Did You Know?
- Kandra can mimic any physical form they touch, including the internal organs and bone structure of other species.
- They are capable of surviving without food for extended periods but will eventually starve if denied blood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Kandra eat to survive?
Survival depends on consuming a mixture of human blood and ash, which fuels their shapeshifting capabilities.
How does the Kandra shapeshifting ability work?
Their primary power allows them to physically transform into any individual they have observed with sufficient detail.
Are the Kandra loyal servants forever?
Although initially bound by an ancient pact to serve humanity under the Final Empire, many eventually break free from this obligation after the empire falls.
What role do they play in the Final Empire?
They function primarily as elite spies and bodyguards within the Final Empire before eventually seeking their own independence.
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