Editing Soulcasting

{{magic
|image=Jasnah Soulcasting.jpg
|related=[[Surgebinding]], [[Fabrial]]s
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|I need you to change.
|Shallan{{book ref|sa2|7}}
}}

'''Soulcasting''' is a form of [[Surgebinding]] on [[Roshar]] that involves manipulating the [[Surge]] of Transformation to turn one material into another.{{wob ref|10086}} A '''Soulcaster''' may refer to a special kind of [[fabrial]] which allows its user to Soulcast, a person who uses such a device, or a person who is able to Soulcast by means of Surgebinding.{{book ref|sa1|5}}

== Mechanics ==
{{image|Stubborn Obstacle by Xabi gazte.jpg|side=left|width=200px|[[Shallan]] attemping to Soulcast a stick}}

Soulcasting is the manifestation of the Surge of Transformation, normally available only to the Orders of [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweavers]] and [[Elsecallers]]. It allows the user to transform any material into any other material, with possible exception of gemstones and Shards.{{book ref|sa1|72}} This is performed by altering the object's [[Spiritual Realm|spiritual]] nature.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} Under most circumstances, Soulcasting is mass-conservative.{{wob ref|1139}} A Soulcast object is generally room temperature, although fire may be an exception to this.{{wob ref|14595}}

In order to perform a Soulcasting, the user needs to send their mind into [[Shadesmar]] to connect with the [[Cognitive Realm|cognitive]] aspect of the object they wish changed. Once connected, they must convince the object to change.{{book ref|sa2|11}} The transformation itself consumes [[Stormlight]] at a rate that can crack the gemstones holding it.{{book ref|sa1|5}} 

The target of Soulcasting can be an inanimate item or a person, although a person will present greater difficulty, due to the innate [[Investiture]] they hold.{{book ref|sa1|36}}{{wob ref|2675}} Highly-Invested people, like [[Knights Radiant]] or [[Allomancy|Mistborn]], and natural Investiture blockers, like [[aluminium]] or [[Shardplate]], will resist Soulcasting.{{wob ref|2675}}{{wob ref|9599}} Likewise, Soulcasting cannot create materials that are naturally Invested, such as [[God Metal]]s.{{wob ref|2661}} Aluminium, however, can be created via Soulcasting, although it cannot be turned into anything else.{{wob ref|8306}} A metalmind that is Soulcast into a different type of metal, will retain its [[Feruchemical]] charge, however, the [[Investiture]] will no longer be accessible.{{wob ref|9681}} It is said to be impossible to create gemstones (i.e. polestones) with a soulcaster, although it is possible to create non-polestone crystals like quartz.{{book ref|sa1|33}} 

Apart from those edge cases, any object can be Soulcast, although what it can be Soulcast into varies. It's much easier to create the [[Ten Essences]] than other materials; for example, fruit juice would be harder to make than blood.{{book ref|sa1|72}} Materials that do not exist naturally, such as plastic, are possible to Soulcast into, provided the closest possible Essence is identified.{{wob ref|10904}} This being said, a major limitation is the knowledge of the end material - while a Surgebinder could Soulcast matter into radioactive particles such as plutonium, modern-day [[Roshar]]ans are unaware of its existence and nature.{{wob ref|3811}}

Moreover, when Soulcasting, both Surgebinders and fabrial users are limited by the types of gems available to them.{{wob ref|2784}} While the chemical composition of the gemstone is important, its color is paramount, with every color of a gemstone corresponding to one of the [[Ten Essences]].{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} A gemstone that has been bleached of color - for example, by [[Awakening]] - would work very poorly, or not work at all.{{wob ref|4080}}

By contrast, within a [[highstorm]], a Surgebinder can create almost anything.{{wob ref|12723}}

== Soulcasters ==
{{image|Soulcaster by María Gómez Egea.jpg|side=right|width=300px|A Soulcaster fabrial}}
=== Fabrials ===
In the present day, most of Soulcasting is performed by [[fabrial]]s called Soulcasters. The fabrials are composed of two rings and a bracelet, connected by a set of chains over the back of the hand, holding a trio of gemstones. It seems to be typically worn on the freehand (right hand), although whether this is necessary is uncertain.{{book ref|sa1|5}} Each gemstone corresponds to one of the [[Ten Essences]], allowing for the Soulcaster to transform matter into one of the three. When Soulcasting, the fabrial draws Stormlight from the corresponding gemstone. What Essences the Soulcaster can use is referred to as the Soulcaster's modes.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} This being said, Soulcasters capable of using all three modes are rare, and a vast majority can only utilize one.{{book ref|sa1|5}} Soulcasters with access to the same Essence can work together to Soulcast objects of greater size.{{book ref|sa2|35}}

Even apart from the mode limitation, Soulcasting fabrials are far more limited than Surgebinders, with far less variety in what they can create within the confines of the Ten Essences.{{wob ref|3824}} This being said, their capacities remain somewhat broad -- for example, any liquid that is water-soluble can be Soulcast with a Soulcaster attuned to the Essence of Blood.{{book ref|sa3|109}}

=== Operation ===
Supposedly, operating a Soulcaster is extremely simple - one needs only to press their hand against the item that should be Soulcast, and tap the appropriate gemstone with a finger.{{book ref|sa1|42}} However, the actual mechanics appear to be more complicated. Much like a Surgebinder, a fabrial user's mind is drawn into [[Shadesmar]], where they must negotiate with the object they wish to transform. Different strategies work better on different essences. For example, stone is stubborn, and should be coerced with freedom and movement, while air is easier to order with discipline.{{book ref|sa3|120}} The person's will is reinforced by some other entity, attracted to the user's request for aid -- possibly the fabrial itself.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} Humming is said to make the process easier, and Soulcasters can be seen chanting during their work.{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa2|35}}

=== Creation and Spread ===
Soulcasters were created before the modern age of humans on Roshar, and their fabrication and origin is largely unknown until the occupation of Urithiru.{{book ref|sa1|39}} In the West, it's believed that Soulcasters originally came from the island of [[Akinah]] in the land of [[Aimia]].{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} [[Vorin]] teachings claim that they came from the [[Honor Almighty]], through the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa1|42}} Current artifabrians don't understand and can't replicate Soulcasters because they somehow function without trapped spren. However, the presence that can be felt by its user is similar to what occurs with the [[Oathgate spren]].{{wob ref|9533}}

During the occupation of Urithiru by [[Raboniel]]'s forces, Navani discovers that Soulcasters are spren manifesting in the Physical Realm as a device, similar to Shardblades.{{book ref|sa4|46}} In [[Shadesmar]] Soulcaster fabrials manifest as a small, unresponsive spren hovering with their eyes closed.{{book ref|sa4|9}}

Nations where the Soulcasters can be found is unevenly dispersed. Nations like [[Alethkar]] possess numerous Soulcasters, capable of creating materials such as grain or stone. Other states, like [[Azir]], have very few, while places like [[Liafor]] have only one.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} Countries such as [[Iri]], [[Rira (country)|Rira]] and [[Kharbranth]] have none whatsoever.{{book ref|sa3|19}}

== Uses == 
=== Religious significance ===
Soulcasters are extremely valuable for their various applications. [[Vorinism]] considers them to be holy, despite the betrayal of the [[Knights Radiant]] from whom they supposedly originated, because of how useful they are.{{wob ref|3817}} Their power to transform is closely tied to the Vorin belief in how the [[Almighty]] created Roshar.{{book ref|sa1|7}} In the Vorin countries, the use of Soulcasters is restricted to the [[ardent]]s and performed in extreme secrecy, either under the cover of night or with curtains set up to hide the happenings within.{{book ref|sa1|5}}{{book ref|sa2|35}} High-ranking [[lighteyes]] are often Soulcast into stone after death, so that they may be preserved forever.{{book ref|sa2|2}} Such funerals are the only times where Soulcasting is performed publicly.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

=== Food production ===
The most important function of Soulcasters is food production -- fittingly, most Soulcasters to have survived to the present day are capable of producing either grain or flesh.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} The existence of Soulcasters enables the existence of large armies that the Rosharan logistics would not normally allow for, as any material around, such as rocks or waste, can be Soulcast into food so long the fabrials can replenish Stormlight. Even static settlements, such as [[Kholinar]] or the [[Shattered Plains]] warcamps, depend on Soulcasting to provide some of their food.{{wob ref|3824}} As the gemstones break with use, farming for emeralds -- used for Soulcasting grain -- is a crucial element of Rosharan economy, with animals such as [[gumfrem]]s and [[chasmfiend]]s being either domesticated or hunted for their emerald [[gemheart]]s rather than their own meat.{{book ref|sa3|10}}{{book ref|sa1|13}}

=== Combat ===
In close-range combat, Soulcasters can kill their opponent by Soulcasting their body into anything else, though normally, this is strictly forbidden to fabrial users. It appears that [[Elsecallers]] are capable of doing so at a considerable distance, without the need for physical contact.{{book ref|sa1|36}} Similarly, it appears those who come into contact with a person Soulcast by an Elsecaller can likewise become transformed into the same material.{{book ref|sa3|119}}

=== Other uses ===
Soulcasting is useful in engineering and construction. Many items or buildings on Roshar are first constructed out of light and easy-to-shape materials, such as wood or wax, and then Soulcast into more durable substances.{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa3|4}} Conversely, luxury items and objects can be made by Soulcasting a common, simple substance into something more lavish or complex.{{book ref|sa1|8}} Soulcasting also alleviates the need for proper plumbing, as waste can be disposed of by Soulcasting it into another, more useful material.{{book ref|sa3|16}} 

In medicine, Soulcasting can be used to treat poisoning by transforming the blood into its pure version.{{book ref|sa1|72}} Soulcast blood can also be used for transfusion for any person, as it corresponds to blood from a human universal donor.{{wob ref|9237}} This being said, Soulcast meat is not human flesh.{{wob ref|8161}}

Soulcasting can also be used to obtain materials that are difficult to mine, such as metals. [[Shinovar]] only purchases iron created through Soulcasting, due to their perception of stone as sacred, and therefore mining as sacrilegious.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} It's also possible that the only way to obtain [[aluminium]] natively on Roshar is through soulcasting, as there are a few soulcasters capable of creating aluminum.{{book ref|sa2|48}}{{wob ref|8183}}{{book ref|sa3.5|7}}

== Savants ==
{{image|Kaza Botanicaxu.jpg|side=right|width=200px|[[Kaza]], a smoke Soulcasting [[savant]]}}

Long-term use of Soulcasting, whether via Surgebinding or a fabrial, can lead to the user becoming a [[savant]], transforming slowly into the essence they frequently transform other objects into.{{wob ref|1557}} The effects of savanthood are much less pronounced for Surgebinders and can take a different path in their manifestation, due to the [[Nahel bond]].{{wob ref|8742}} This process is different from simply having transformed a portion of oneself accidentally.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} 

Some Soulcaster ardents on the [[Shattered Plains]] developed crystalline eyes and stone-like skin with cracks.{{book ref|sa2|35}} Another ardent in [[Kholinar]] appears as if there are vines growing under her skin and poking out from her eyes.{{book ref|sa3|81}} [[Kaza]] is slowly becoming smoke in places, to the point where she has a hole in her cheek leaking smoke. Her hair, ears and fingers have also started to transform. The personality of the Soulcaster might also be affected, as Kaza feels drawn to become smoke with the objects she transforms, and begins to lose normal human emotional responses.{{book ref|sa3|i|4}}

Oddly, some savants seem to resemble Nahel spren; for example, the ardent who Soulcast the corpse of Gavilar Kholin had cracks in their stone skin, which glowed like those of a [[Peakspren|peakspren]].{{book ref|sa3|105}}

==Known Fabrial Soulcasters==
* [[House Davar]]'s [[Davar Soulcaster|broken Soulcaster]].
* Highmarshall [[Azure]]'s captured Soulcaster (likely controlled by the [[Fused]] now). 
* [[Liafor]]an royal Soulcaster (used by Kaza, a runaway from the royal family).{{book ref|sa3|i|4}} 
* [[Jasnah's Soulcaster]] (fake).
* [[House Kholin]] maintains a monopoly on all Soulcasters in Alethkar, and charges fees for their use.{{book ref|sa1|15}}
* The [[Azish]] have a few Soulcasters, including one famous for its ability to make bronze.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
* The [[Diagram (group)|Diagram]] has access to at least one Soulcaster able to make things into smoke, as evidenced by the man who gave Szeth his first orders from the Diagram.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
* Ardent [[Rushu]] is given a smoke creating Soulcaster by [[Navani]] in preparation for the expedition to [[Aimia]], expecting that their objective would be hidden underground.{{book ref|sa3.5|15}}
* Eight Soulcasters were recovered from Aimia. Five were given to Thaylenah (2 for food, 1 for metal, 1 for smoke, and 1 for wood) and  three of uncertain type were given to Alethkar (it is unclear if the smoke soulcaster is the Liaforan fabrial).{{book ref|sa3.5|Epilogue}}

== Trivia ==
* Soulcast blood matches someone's DNA.{{wob ref|8587}}
* An early version of Soulcasting had it available to all orders of Knights Radiant. A Knight could only transform the material corresponding to their Order, but they could transform it into anything. This was eventually changed, as it made Orders feel too similar to one another.{{wob ref|8359}}
* Pattern has claimed that Shallan used "the power of transformation" to change a group of bandits into good people. It is unclear if this is some form of Soulcasting or if Cryptics simply have a different understanding of the Surges.{{book ref|sa2|20}}
* The [[Sleepless]] indicate that Soulcasters are "practically useless" to their kind. The reason for this is unclear.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}}

== Notes ==
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[[category: Surgebinding]]