Oathbringer
99. Reachers
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a mythic reference to Nergaoul, a spren known for inciting ferocity in both sides of a conflict, illustrating the complex nature of spren and their influence on mortal and spiritual realms. This sets a tone of deep lore and the ambiguous morality of these beings, emphasizing their often unpredictable and dual-sided nature. The narrative then shifts to Kaladin’s awakening in Shadesmar, where he reflects on his restless sleep filled with worries about his friends and the ongoing battle. His mental state is weighted with guilt and concern, highlighting his emotional burden and the toll of leadership and responsibility.
The story transitions to the depiction of the ship and its unique crew of Reachers, spren with metallic, statue-like appearances that resemble humans. Kaladin observes their behavior, clothing, and the ship’s operation, noting their calm, methodical handling of the vessel. The Reachers’ appearance and demeanor contrast with Kaladin’s own turmoil, and their use of advanced yet peculiar technology, like fireless lamps and gemstones for stormlight, underscores the blend of mysticism and innovation in their world. Kaladin’s curiosity about their technology hints at the broader technological landscape and cultural differences within this universe.
As Kaladin joins Captain Ico and explores the ship’s hold, he contemplates the significance of perfect gemstones that can indefinitely store stormlight—an essential resource for Radiants. The captain’s brief discussion about foreign technology and the dangers of stormlight manipulation reveals the importance of these artifacts and the potential for their misuse. Kaladin’s thoughts drift toward the implications of such technology, recognizing its potential impact on survival and warfare, especially during the Weeping. This moment underscores the importance of understanding and acquiring powerful tools that could change the course of their struggles.
The chapter concludes with a tense exchange as Ico introduces Kaladin to a mysterious fabrial device, which appears to be a device designed to harness stormlight for life or death. Ico’s demonstration with a “soul” of ice and the partial draining of a diamond mark illustrate the dangerous and rare practice of manifesting souls—an act tied to deep magic and forbidden knowledge. The scene emphasizes the peril and complexity of stormlight manipulation, hinting at the broader themes of power, control, and the unknown forces at play in this world. Kaladin’s awareness of these dangerous technologies foreshadows significant challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. What are Reachers, and how are they described in the chapter?
Answer:
Reachers are spren that appear as humanoid figures with strange bronze, metallic skin, resembling living statues. They are found on the upper deck of the ship in Shadesmar, dressed in rugged clothing similar to human attire, and they manage the ship’s rigging and harnesses. Syl mentions that they are lightspren, but their common name is Reachers. Unlike typical spren, they do not carry weapons but have harpoons for defense. Their appearance and behavior highlight their nature as non-human entities that serve specific functions, such as guiding or managing the ship, and their presence emphasizes the unique environment of Shadesmar.2. How does the chapter depict the technological differences between Roshar and the Shadesmar ship?
Answer:
The chapter illustrates notable technological differences, such as the ship’s lighting and stormlight storage. The ship uses oil lamps instead of fire-based lighting, which raises questions about the safety and practicality of fire around wood and cloth. Furthermore, the ship employs unique gemstones—large, flawless ones—that can hold Stormlight indefinitely, unlike the smaller spheres that lose their light after about a week. These perfect gemstones are a form of advanced or foreign technology, possibly imported, and are used in devices called fabrials to harness and store Stormlight. This contrast underscores the differences in technological development and magical integration between Shadesmar and Roshar.3. What is the significance of the ‘perfect gemstones’ mentioned in the chapter, and how might they impact survival during the Weeping?
Answer:
Perfect gemstones are flawless stones capable of holding Stormlight indefinitely without losing their stored power. Their significance lies in their potential to provide a reliable and long-lasting source of Stormlight, which is essential for Radiants and other magic users during the Weeping—a period of intense, prolonged storm activity on Roshar. If such gemstones exist and are accessible, they could be crucial for survival, allowing Radiants to draw upon Stormlight consistently without concern for depletion. The chapter suggests that these stones could be a game-changer in terms of magical resource management and strategic planning during times of crisis.4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the spren and Reachers challenge common assumptions about spren or non-human entities?
Answer:
Kaladin observes that Reachers, despite being spren, are similar to humans in some ways—they wear clothing, read books, and have flesh-colored skin, which is unusual for spren. This challenges the common assumption that spren are purely ethereal or non-human-like beings; instead, some appear more tangible and relatable, blurring the lines between spren and living creatures. Kaladin’s reaction to seeing male Reachers reading books also highlights the complexity and diversity within spren species, suggesting that their roles, appearances, and behaviors may be more varied than traditionally thought, adding depth to the understanding of spren as sentient beings.5. What is the purpose of the fabrial device that Ico shows to Kaladin, and what does it reveal about Ico’s character and the technological exchange between worlds?
Answer:
The fabrial device shown by Ico is used to harness Stormlight, with the small glass bead representing a “soul,” specifically ice from a high, cold place. Ico explains that the device’s purpose is to allow Kaladin to live, implying it is a means of providing life-support or energy through Stormlight. Ico’s calm, matter-of-fact attitude and the way he describes the soul and the device reveal him as pragmatic and knowledgeable about advanced technology, which seems to be a mix of magic and engineering. The exchange of such technology indicates a cross-world trade and adaptation, emphasizing that foreign innovations—like perfect gemstones and fabrials—are highly valued and potentially transformative in the context of Shadesmar and Roshar.
Quotes
1. “Nergaoul was known for driving forces into a battle rage, lending them great ferocity. Curiously, he did this to both sides of a conflict, Voidbringer and human. This seems common of the less self-aware spren.”
This quote highlights the nature of Nergaoul, illustrating how some spren influence conflicts indiscriminately, emphasizing the unpredictable and often destructive nature of certain spren. It sets a tone for understanding spren behavior and their impact on events.
2. “The lighthouse keeper wanted the Stormlight,” Kaladin said. “He kept it in some kind of globe.”
“Foreign technology,” he said. “Dangerous. Draws the wrong spren.””
This exchange underscores the fragility and risks associated with advanced or unfamiliar technology in the world, hinting at the deeper significance of Stormlight and the potential dangers of its misuse or mishandling.
3. “This is a soul,” he said. “Soul of water, but very cold.”
“Ice from a high, high place,” he said. “Ice that has never melted. Ice that has never known warmth.””
This description introduces the concept of preserved or “frozen” souls, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such entities. It also reflects the chapter’s exploration of soul manipulation and the mystical qualities of Stormlight and related substances.
4. “Storms, and Shallan said this was more smooth than some boats she’d been on? Several Reachers passed, calmly managing the large riggings and harnesses that attached to the spren who pulled the craft.”
This quote illustrates the calm professionalism of the Reachers and provides insight into their role and the unique nature of their ship, blending the mystical with the mundane, and highlighting the chapter’s focus on different cultures and technologies.
5. “Kaladin got a distinct sense of coldness from it.”
This concise yet powerful line captures the mystical and tangible qualities of the ice soul, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of the mystical properties of Stormlight and souls, and their profound significance in the narrative.
Quotes
1. “Nergaoul was known for driving forces into a battle rage, lending them great ferocity. Curiously, he did this to both sides of a conflict, Voidbringer and human. This seems common of the less self-aware spren.”
This quote highlights the nature of Nergaoul, illustrating how some spren influence conflicts indiscriminately, emphasizing the unpredictable and often destructive nature of certain spren. It sets a tone for understanding spren behavior and their impact on events.
2. “The lighthouse keeper wanted the Stormlight,” Kaladin said. “He kept it in some kind of globe.”
“Foreign technology,” he said. “Dangerous. Draws the wrong spren.””
This exchange underscores the fragility and risks associated with advanced or unfamiliar technology in the world, hinting at the deeper significance of Stormlight and the potential dangers of its misuse or mishandling.
3. “This is a soul,” he said. “Soul of water, but very cold.”
“Ice from a high, high place,” he said. “Ice that has never melted. Ice that has never known warmth.””
This description introduces the concept of preserved or “frozen” souls, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such entities. It also reflects the chapter’s exploration of soul manipulation and the mystical qualities of Stormlight and related substances.
4. “Storms, and Shallan said this was more smooth than some boats she’d been on? Several Reachers passed, calmly managing the large riggings and harnesses that attached to the spren who pulled the craft.”
This quote illustrates the calm professionalism of the Reachers and provides insight into their role and the unique nature of their ship, blending the mystical with the mundane, and highlighting the chapter’s focus on different cultures and technologies.
5. “Kaladin got a distinct sense of coldness from it.”
This concise yet powerful line captures the mystical and tangible qualities of the ice soul, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of the mystical properties of Stormlight and souls, and their profound significance in the narrative.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. What are Reachers, and how are they described in the chapter?
Answer:
Reachers are spren that appear as humanoid figures with strange bronze, metallic skin, resembling living statues. They are found on the upper deck of the ship in Shadesmar, dressed in rugged clothing similar to human attire, and they manage the ship’s rigging and harnesses. Syl mentions that they are lightspren, but their common name is Reachers. Unlike typical spren, they do not carry weapons but have harpoons for defense. Their appearance and behavior highlight their nature as non-human entities that serve specific functions, such as guiding or managing the ship, and their presence emphasizes the unique environment of Shadesmar.
2. How does the chapter depict the technological differences between Roshar and the Shadesmar ship?
Answer:
The chapter illustrates notable technological differences, such as the ship’s lighting and stormlight storage. The ship uses oil lamps instead of fire-based lighting, which raises questions about the safety and practicality of fire around wood and cloth. Furthermore, the ship employs unique gemstones—large, flawless ones—that can hold Stormlight indefinitely, unlike the smaller spheres that lose their light after about a week. These perfect gemstones are a form of advanced or foreign technology, possibly imported, and are used in devices called fabrials to harness and store Stormlight. This contrast underscores the differences in technological development and magical integration between Shadesmar and Roshar.
3. What is the significance of the ‘perfect gemstones’ mentioned in the chapter, and how might they impact survival during the Weeping?
Answer:
Perfect gemstones are flawless stones capable of holding Stormlight indefinitely without losing their stored power. Their significance lies in their potential to provide a reliable and long-lasting source of Stormlight, which is essential for Radiants and other magic users during the Weeping—a period of intense, prolonged storm activity on Roshar. If such gemstones exist and are accessible, they could be crucial for survival, allowing Radiants to draw upon Stormlight consistently without concern for depletion. The chapter suggests that these stones could be a game-changer in terms of magical resource management and strategic planning during times of crisis.
4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the spren and Reachers challenge common assumptions about spren or non-human entities?
Answer:
Kaladin observes that Reachers, despite being spren, are similar to humans in some ways—they wear clothing, read books, and have flesh-colored skin, which is unusual for spren. This challenges the common assumption that spren are purely ethereal or non-human-like beings; instead, some appear more tangible and relatable, blurring the lines between spren and living creatures. Kaladin’s reaction to seeing male Reachers reading books also highlights the complexity and diversity within spren species, suggesting that their roles, appearances, and behaviors may be more varied than traditionally thought, adding depth to the understanding of spren as sentient beings.
5. What is the purpose of the fabrial device that Ico shows to Kaladin, and what does it reveal about Ico’s character and the technological exchange between worlds?
Answer:
The fabrial device shown by Ico is used to harness Stormlight, with the small glass bead representing a “soul,” specifically ice from a high, cold place. Ico explains that the device’s purpose is to allow Kaladin to live, implying it is a means of providing life-support or energy through Stormlight. Ico’s calm, matter-of-fact attitude and the way he describes the soul and the device reveal him as pragmatic and knowledgeable about advanced technology, which seems to be a mix of magic and engineering. The exchange of such technology indicates a cross-world trade and adaptation, emphasizing that foreign innovations—like perfect gemstones and fabrials—are highly valued and potentially transformative in the context of Shadesmar and Roshar.
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