Editing Regal

{{lifeform
|image=Stormform singer by Caio Santos.jpg
|sapient=Yes
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|Forms of power, yes, but also forms of obedience. The gods commanded, and we did obey, always. Always.
|[[Jaxlim]]{{book ref|sa2|i|4}}
}}

'''Regals''' are [[singer]]s who bond with [[Voidspren]], granting them a transformation called a '''form of power'''. In the [[Voidbringer]] hierarchy, they are ranked above common singers, and below the [[Fused]].{{book ref|sa3|i|7}} Singers sometimes formally refer to Regals as '''Chosen'''.{{book ref|sa4|102}}

== Mechanics ==
=== Formation and Appearance ===
To become a Regal, a singer has to bond a [[Voidspren]]; a non-sapient variety is used for this purpose.{{book ref|sa3|i|3}} The form is assumed much like any other, by stepping into the storm with the mindset to bond an appropriate spren. Unlike a Fused possession, a form of power can be taken on both in [[highstorm]] and the [[Everstorm]].{{book ref|sa2|i|5}}{{book ref|sa3|i|6}} In some cases, [[Odium]] may force a Regal form upon a singer personally while the latter is in the Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|i|6}}

During the [[False Desolation]], [[Ba-Ado-Mishram]] was able to Connect to all singers on Roshar and grant a large portion of them forms of power as well as Voidlight. This is no longer possible since that Unmade is now imprisoned in a gemstone.{{book ref|sa4|73}}

The forms of power come in many different shapes; their precise number is unknown, though higher than ten.{{wob ref|6285}} Regardless, they can always be recognized by having red eyes, as opposed to typical [[singer]] black.{{book ref|sa3|109}}{{book ref|sa2|11}} Historically, they were associated with [[Voidlight]] and [[Ba-Ado-Mishram]], though neither is necessary for their functioning.{{book ref|sa3|prologue}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|80}}

=== Abilities ===
Unlike ordinary forms, Regals possess powers that are explicitly supernatural, from shooting lightning from one's hands to understanding and speaking every language in the world (as such, a [[kandra]] wouldn't be able to mimic a Regal).{{wob ref|8520}} These powers do not seem to require any sort of external [[Investiture]] input, but at least some are powered by [[Voidlight]].{{book ref|sa2|i|8}}{{book ref|sa3|i|7}}{{book ref|sa4|67}} They are also generally stronger than normal singers or humans, including forms not intended for fighting.{{book ref|sa4|37}} Moreover, in contrast to [[Fused]] possession, taking on a form of power does not strip the host of their personality, though it can alter their way of thinking.{{wob ref|11426}} 

On the other hand, the Regal form can be directly spoken to by [[Odium]], though this seems to only occur if the singer is caught in the [[Everstorm]].{{book ref|sa3|i|11}} Odium is also able to exert a significant amount of control over Regals, in a manner similar to the influence [[Ruin]] has over those with [[Hemalurgic]] spikes.{{wob ref|1047}} Most notably, they tend to become more aggressive{{book ref|sa2|i|8}} and have an exceptionally difficult time hearing ordinary [[Rhythm]]s, instead hearing those related to Odium.{{book ref|sa3|109}}{{book ref|sa3|i|7}}{{book ref|sa4|92}} It is possible that Odium can force Regals to obey him.{{book ref|sa2|i|4}} Despite their ties to Odium, Regals are not immune to effects tied to another Shard, such as being pulled into one of [[Dalinar's visions|Honor's visions]] by the [[Stormfather]].{{book ref|sa3|109}}

== Known Forms of Power ==

Most forms of power are only known through [[listener]] songs; several were recorded in the [[Song of Secrets]], the [[Song of Histories]], and the [[Song of Winds]]. There are more than ten total.{{wob ref|6285}}

{{image|Voidlight by Ari Ibarra.jpg|side=right|width=250px|A singer in stormform}}
=== Stormform ===
{{quote
| Stormform is said to cause<!--
--><br>A tempest of wind and showers</br><!--
-->Beware its powers, beware its powers.<!--
--><br>Though its coming brings the gods their night,</br><!--
-->It obliges a bloodred spren.<!--
--><br>Beware its end, beware its end.</br>
| fourth stanza of the [[Song of Winds]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|22}}
}}

A singer bonded to a stormspren is granted stormform,{{book ref|sa4|86}} a form of power that is commonly used for frontline soldiers and a fearsome foe on the battlefield. This form was the first used by the listeners, allowing them to call the Everstorm into the Physical Realm{{book ref|sa2|84}} and freeing the other singers from their captivity.{{book ref|sa3|17}} With the return of the Everstorms, stormforms are often used as elite troops, capable of reinforcing standard soldiers or serving in special units that carry out important tasks, such as the company that seized the Sibling's crystal pillar in Urithiru.{{book ref|sa4|38}}

'''Appearance'''

Instead of the bulky external carapace armor granted by warform, a singer in stormform is protected by a more subtle armor that is nearly as effective.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}} The singer's skin is covered in rows of durable protective ridges that poke out through the skin, which stretches tightly in some places. Stormforms also have hairstrands are often absent in more martial forms,{{book ref|sa3|i|8}} more prominent physical differences between the sexes than other forms,{{book ref|sa2|83}} and barbed carapace on the backs of their hands.{{book ref|sa4|43}} Their face is protected by a carapace mask beneath the stormform's skin{{book ref|sa3|i|3}} with ridges on the nose and cheeks, capable of deflecting a blade away from the face without causing too much damage.{{book ref|sa4|95}} The ridged carapace breaks the skin above the cheeks and along the sides of the head,{{book ref|sa2|78}} with a carapace gorget at the neck.{{book ref|sa4|43}} The spiking armor plates{{book ref|sa2|i|11}} present under their skin elsewhere on their bodies{{book ref|sa3|i|3}} makes grappling with them difficult, jabbing attackers and preventing them from getting a decent hold.{{book ref|sa4|43}} A stormform often has flashes of energy appear around them, such as sometimes flashing across their eyes{{book ref|sa4|31}} or tiny nearly invisible lines of lighting flaring from their hands when they form a fist quickly.{{book ref|sa2|i|8}} When they are preparing to summon their lightning their skin begins to crackle with energy.{{book ref|sa4|43}} As they fight they cause flashes of light, {{book ref|sa2|80}} sometimes emanating from their weapons when they connect with enemies.{{book ref|sa2|81}}

'''Abilities and Weaknesses'''

Despite looking comparatively lithe,{{book ref|sa2|i|11}} a stormform Regal is in fact significantly stronger than a warform singer,{{book ref|sa2|i|8}} and even other forms of power.{{book ref|sa4|38}} They are able to leap across the chasms of the [[Shattered Plains]] without a running start{{book ref|sa2|i|8}} and posses a grip strength that allows them to easily hold the chasm walls when climbing them.{{book ref|sa3|i|3}} 

The most overt power that stormform grants a singer is the ability to create and manipulate a red lightning in a variety of useful ways. Stormforms are capable of unleashing grand bolts of lightning that electrocute and burn their enemies, cooking them alive in their armor.{{book ref|sa2|81}} It is also capable of doing great damage to fortifications, with bolts used to destroy stone structures.{{book ref|sa4|42}} It takes a moment for a stormform to summon a bolt of lightning{{book ref|sa2|83}}{{book ref|sa4|103}} and those nearby can sense the power building,{{book ref|sa4|103}} as the stormform's skin begins to crackle with the red lightning.{{book ref|sa4|43}} This ability to throw lightning is most deadly in close range. The lightning itself is difficult to control and moves unpredictably,  sometimes moving the wrong direction or channeling directly into the ground.{{book ref|sa2|81}} The flash of lightning is blindingly bright and creates a loud clap of thunder that is sometimes used as a signal and intimidates enemies. {{book ref|sa4|111}} This thunderclap can be permanently deafening in close quarters, but as it is quieter than normal thunder, those shielded from the noise usually suffer no permanent hearing loss.{{book ref|sa4|43}} When a stormform is killed, if their power has not been expended it can escape from their corpse and kill those nearby, particularly those standing in puddles.{{book ref|sa2|82}}

Stormform Regals are also capable of directly channeling the lightning into another person directly through physical contact, sending constant jolts of power through them,{{book ref|sa4|43}} which creates an immensely painful burning sensation in the victim.{{book ref|sa4|103}} Their opponents are unable to withstand the power of this attack without Stormlight healing to aid them.{{book ref|sa4|43}} Unleashing lightning into a person still generates a great deal of heat, burning through clothes, with the shock causing the victim's hair to stand on end.{{book ref|sa4|103}} Even when they are not intending to do harm, touching a stormform may cause the feeling of a little jolt of power.{{book ref|sa4|41}} Stormforms have also experimented with their powers in less directly martial ways. They have discovered that they can rewrite the polarity of a magnet with their lightning{{book ref|sa4|89}} and use it to ignite the contents of pressurized vessels.{{book ref|sa4|97}}

This lightning power is not limitless though, subsequent blasts of lightning are often weaker{{book ref|sa4|103}} than the first and after their Voidlight has been expended, it is slow to renew and its absence may leave the stormform feeling limp.{{book ref|sa4|95}} Another weakness of stormform is ironically water, which makes their ability to throw bolts of lightning even less reliable.{{book ref|sa4|42}} If a stormform is sufficiently drenched in water their power will be ruined and unable to renew properly until they are dry, slipping away from the stormform every time it starts to return.{{book ref|sa4|117}} Their lightning may also be counteracted by intentionally placing lightning rods to draw the bolts of power themselves to protect soldiers fighting stormform Regals.{{book ref|sa4|41}} Their powers may also be fully dampened by a [[suppression fabrial]], which causes their lightning to vanish.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

Another ability granted by stormform is some immunity to the effects of the storms,{{book ref|sa2|i|11}} allowing them to move through the winds and darknesss of a storm with relative ease,{{book ref|sa2|81}} although they are not immune to the dangers the storms present.{{book ref|sa3|i|6}} According to legend they were able to control and summon the storms themselves,{{book ref|sa2|i|1}} it is uncertain if this refers to the power to summon the Everstorm from Shadesmar. Prior to its arrival in the Physical Realm, a stormform Regal was capable of summoning a small portion of the Everstorm themselves.{{book ref|sa2|i|11}}  They could cause a small tempest of wind, lightning and dark mist to appear briefly between their hands, although it is unknown if they maintain this power following the arrival of the Everstorm. It is uncertain whether summoning the Everstorm was a task only the stormforms could complete or whether they were simply chosen as the form best suited for the task.

{{image|Folio - Envoyform Fashion.jpg|side=right|width=250px|A singer in envoyform}}

=== Envoyform ===

While not described in any known listener songs, envoyforms are an important non-combatant form of power available to the singers,{{book ref|sa4|11}} often employed by the Fused as Voices{{book ref|sa4|11}} or interpreters.{{book ref|sa3|115}}

'''Appearance'''

A singer in envoyform is extremely tall{{book ref|sa3|i|7}} but not particularly muscular,{{book ref|sa3|i|6}} with long arms and legs.{{book ref|sa4|31}} Envoyform Regals stand above tall [[Alethi]] humans,{{book ref|sa3|109}} common singers,{{book ref|sa4|11}} and even some forms of power such as stormform,{{book ref|sa3|i|7}} though still shorter than some brands of Fused.{{book ref|sa4|31}} The form grants no carapace armor,{{book ref|sa4|11}} but much in the way of decoration, inspiring awe among common singers and fear in humans that see an envoyform.{{book ref|sa4|56}}

An envoyform's body is not extensively covered in carapace, and the carapace that is present on their body is primarily ornamental and fragile.{{book ref|sa4|11}} It is present in places such as along the cheeks and in ridges on the back of an envoyform's hands. This light carapace is not as useful for insulating an envoyform from the wind or the cold as the more extensive carapace of other forms.{{book ref|sa4|102}} An envoyform also possesses long hairstrands and more pronounced sexual characteristics, such as small breasts for femalen singers.{{book ref|sa3|i|6}} An envoyform Voice is often dressed in striking fashions designed to augment their forms and skin patterns as well as inspire more attention in a crowded room.{{file ref|Folio_-_Envoyform_Fashion.jpg|Folio: Envoyform Fashion}}

'''Abilities'''

Envoyform grants a host of supernatural abilities primarily related to translation and interpretation.{{book ref|sa4|11}} The most notable power is the ability to speak, read, and understand any language, whether human or singer.{{book ref|sa3|i|7}} The ability presumably involves some manipulation of the power of [[Connection]]. After hearing several sentences in an unknown language, an envoyform feels as though the words blur in their mind before shifting into something understandable and they gain the ability to speak and understand that language.{{book ref|sa3|i|6}} While this power is capable of allowing a envoyform to understand the meaning of a name, it cannot give them any context or additional information beyond that.{{book ref|sa4|14}} There are also times that this translation power may fail.{{book ref|sa4|53}} Odium himself may prevent an envoyform from interpreting certain conversations or songs, leaving envoyforms with a feeling that they can almost understand but that their powers shy back from comprehending,{{book ref|sa4|14}} and there are other times it seems to fail an envoyform.{{book ref|sa4|41}} In order to properly interpret the meaning of writing, an envoyform must first know that the symbols they look at are writing before their translation powers activate.{{book ref|sa4|74}}

Given more time and practice holding this form, its abilities grow even grander, allowing an envoyform to intuit instructions from merely a hum,{{book ref|sa4|11}} or a simple gesture,{{book ref|sa4|41}} a talent particularly useful when serving a Fused master. This makes serving as the Voice of an important Fused one possible position for an envoyform singer, because of its ability to speak the ancient Fused language.{{book ref|sa4|11}} Additionally, as many Fused do not bother to learn modern languages, envoyforms are necessary as interpreters, allowing Fused to communicate their will to common singers.{{book ref|sa3|115}} They are also useful as propagandists, such as when Venli is used by Odium to help craft a foundation myth for the common singers of the Voidbringer forces.{{book ref|sa3|i|7}} This form is somewhat fragile{{book ref|sa3|109}} and not as physically powerful or athletic as other forms of power,{{book ref|sa4|37}} but in it, an envoyform Regal is incredibly nimble{{book ref|sa3|109}} and remains noticeably stronger than the average human.{{book ref|sa4|37}}

=== Decayform ===
{{quote
|Decayform destroys the souls of dreams. / A form of gods to avoid, it seems. / Seek not its touch, nor beckon its screams, deny it. / Watch where you walk, your toes to tread. / O'er hill or rocky riverbed / Hold dear to fears that fill your head, defy it.
|27th stanza of the [[Song of Secrets]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|24}}
}}
Nothing is known of decayform beyond its mentions in the songs of the listeners. There are no known singers bearing this form in the True Desolation as of yet.

It is not attained using [[decayspren]], as they are not Voidspren.{{epigraph ref|sa2|24}}

=== Direform ===
Direform is a form of power that has a crest of spikes on its head and neck.{{book ref|sa4|60}}  The abilities of this form are unknown. During the singer occupation of [[Urithiru]], some Regals serving as the head jailer{{book ref|sa4|60}} or guards in the Tower{{book ref|sa4|102}} are in direform.

=== Nightform ===
{{quote
|Nightform predicting what will be, / The form of shadows, mind to foresee. / As the gods did leave, the nightform whispered. / A new storm will come, someday to break. / A new storm a new world to make. / A new storm a new path to take, the nightform listens.
|17th stanza of the [[Song of Secrets]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|23}}
}}

Little is known of nightform beyond its mentions in the songs of the listeners. The [[Song of Secrets]] implies that nightform Regals have precognitive abilities, perhaps related to [[Fortune]] or the Spiritual Realm.{{epigraph ref|sa2|23}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|34}} The songs indicate that at some point in the past the nightforms may have seen visions of the [[Everstorm]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|23}} and the contest of champions.{{epigraph ref|sa2|34}} During the singer occupation of Urithiru [[Lezian]] posted nightform Regals to guard [[Lirin]] and [[Hesina]] in [[Urithiru]], likely at [[Raboniel]]'s suggestion.{{book ref|sa4|83}}

=== Relayform ===
Relayform is a form of power with a sleek appearance that is often taken by scouts.{{book ref|sa4|92}} There are no other known details about this form's abilities. During the occuptation of Urithiru, some Regals in relayform served [[Raboniel]], scouting the Tower and delivering reports to Venli, Raboniel's Voice.{{book ref|sa4|53}}

=== Smokeform ===
{{quote
|Smokeform for hiding and slipping between men. / A form of power, like human Surges. / Bring it 'round again. / Though crafted of gods, / It was by Unmade hand. / Leaves its force to be but one of foe or friend.
|127th stanza of the [[Song of Histories]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|25}}
}}

{{quote
|Smokeform for hiding and slipping 'tween men. / A form of power&mdash;like Surges of spren / Do we dare to wear this form again? It spies. / Crafted of gods, this form we fear. / By Unmade touch its curse to bear, / Formed from shadow&mdash;and death is near. It lies.
|51st stanza of the [[Song of Secrets]]{{epigraph ref|sa2|31}}
}}

Nothing is known of smokeform beyond its mentions in the songs of the listeners, which imply that this form may grant some sort of ability to hide or move nimbly.{{epigraph ref|sa2|25}} There are no known singers bearing this form in the True Desolation as of yet.

=== Unknown ===
[[Axindweth]] suggests to [[Venli]] that there is an unknown form which grants healing.{{book ref|sa4|52}}

== See Also ==
*[[Singer]]
*[[Fused]]
*[[Voidbringer]]

==Notes==
<references />
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