Surgebinding Powers

Lore & Background

Jasnah Kholin discovers the power to Soulcast after first encountering the realm of Shadesmar during an Alethi peace treaty conference. This discovery occurs just before she witnesses Szeth assassinate King Gavilar Kholin. Later, Kaladin is seen using Stormlight, a moment that proves his ability as a Radiant to Szeth. Upon seeing this, Szeth flees because he had been banished from his kingdom for claiming the Radiants were returning; Kaladin's use of Stormlight confirms Szeth was right all along. The text also notes that Eshonai enters a highstorm which transforms her into Stormform, a state described as assuming the 'voidbringer' form given by Odium, turning her eyes red and making her adopt an aggressive personality. Shallan befriends a spren she names Pattern and begins to manifest her own abilities while traveling by ship to the Shattered Plains.

In Their Own Story

The source describes a confrontation where Kaladin, Dalinar, and Adolin fight the Assassin in White (Szeth) but are outmatched. During this battle, Szeth attempts to kill his target, Dalinar, but fails. The turning point occurs when Szeth witnesses Kaladin using Stormlight. This sight causes Szeth to flee immediately. His reaction is rooted in his past: he was banished from his kingdom for claiming that the Radiants were coming back, and Kaladin's ability proves that claim true. In a separate event, Jasnah Kholin first encounters Shadesmar at a peace treaty conference with the Parshendi, where she discovers her Soulcasting power. Later, Shallan Davar befriends a spren named Pattern and begins to manifest her own abilities while traveling by ship to the Shattered Plains. The text also details Eshonai entering a highstorm that turns her into Stormform, causing her inner voice to scream at her to stop as she takes over the city of Narak.

Reader's Guide

The source mentions that Kaladin begins training to 'master the powers of a Windrunner' and explores his bond with his Honorspren, Syl. It notes that Jasnah discovers she can Soulcast. It states that Eshonai transforms into Stormform, which makes her eyes red and gives her an aggressive personality. The text mentions that Szeth claims Kaladin must have stolen an Honorblade because he believes the Radiants are back, but this is Szeth's deduction rather than a factual explanation of the power system.

Did You Know?

• Jasnah Kholin discovers the power to Soulcast after first encountering Shadesmar during the Alethi peace treaty conference.
• Kaladin using Stormlight proves to Szeth that the Radiants are returning, causing Szeth to flee.
• Shallan befriends a spren she names Pattern and begins to manifest her own abilities.
• Eshonai transforms into Stormform by entering a highstorm, turning her eyes red and giving her an aggressive personality.
• Szeth deduces that Kaladin must have stolen an Honorblade, but this is not stated as fact in the source.