Difference between revisions of "Compounding"
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== Mechanics ==
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When a [[Metalborn]] has Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities in the same metal,
▲When a [[Metalborn]] has Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities in the same metal, he may store an attribute inside of a [[metalmind]] and then Allomantically burn the power. This gives a supercharged burst of the Feruchemical attribute, rather than the typical Allomantic ability.{{book ref|aol|11}} For example, a [[Twinborn]] with both abilities in [[iron]] can store weight briefly in a metalmind and then burn the metalmind to draw out an order of magnitude more weight than was originally stored (instead of receiving the usual Pulling ability associated with the Allomantic burning of iron). Both [[Sazed]]{{book ref|tfe|epilogue}} and [[Waxillium Ladrian]]{{book ref|aol|11}} suggest that the Feruchemical power withdrawn is multiplied tenfold, but it is unclear how accurate this number is.
To understand the mechanics for this ability, one must first understand the differences between Allomancy and Feruchemy. Allomancy is considered an end-positive system, meaning power is drawn from an outside source--in this case, from [[Preservation]].{{epigraph ref|mb3|32}} Feruchemy is an end-neutral system, with the power for the magic being drawn directly from the magic user--the amount of [[Investiture]] drawn out of a metalmind is equal to, and limited by, the amount of Investiture that was stored in the first place. In both cases, the type of metal acts as a focus, determining the form in which the magic manifests.{{cite}} When Compounding is performed, the nature of the Investiture already stored in the metalmind determines the form taken by the magic--thus Feruchemical attributes are released.{{cite}} However, because the Allomancy is fueled by Preservation, the amount of Investiture released is amplified. It is as if a previously hand-powered device were hooked up to an electrical cord to provide greater power output.{{wob ref|851}}
== Uses ==
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The [[Lord Ruler]] used this ability extensively, as he was both [[Allomancy#Mistborn|Mistborn]] and a full [[Feruchemist]], so he could Compound in every metal. He would age briefly to store youth in [[atium]] and then burn it to effectively live forever.{{book ref|tfe|epilogue}} He used gold Compounding to heal very rapidly, leading to rumors that he survived flaying and decapitation. [[Miles Dagouter]] also used gold Compounding to heal himself incredibly fast with an effectively limitless supply of health--hence his nickname, Miles Hundredlives.{{book ref|aol|11}} [[Marsh]] is able to Compound atium due to abilities granted by his [[Hemalurgic]] spikes. Using the bag of atium taken from [[KanPaar]], Marsh has remained alive by performing the same age trick as the Lord Ruler.{{qa ref|727|3}}
== Limitations and Dangers==
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While the exponential use of Compounding is immensely powerful, it isn't without limitation. In some cases, the need to withdraw Feruchemical attributes may outpace even the ability to produce them using Compounding. For example, a gold Compounder with limited reserves may in some cases be unable to Compound health at the rate in which he needs to withdraw it. Likewise, the Lord Ruler could not have used Compounding to become immortal, because the rate at which one must withdraw youth increases with age. At some point his need to withdraw youth would outpace his ability to store and Compound it.
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