Highstorm

A highstorm is a fierce weather system that traverses the entire continent of Roshar from east to west, starting at the Origin. A highstorm can last for hours, and the brutality of these storms has shaped much of the ecosystem of Roshar, with the most eastern of lands having the hardiest of creatures and plants. While highstorms have meteorological significance, they also provide Stormlight, an energy which can be stored within gemstones and power a range of devices and magical abilities.
==Description==
Highstorms are the fiercest in the stormlands of the east, but gradually subside as they progress westward toward more timid lands. Purelakers, located in the center of the continent, experience weakened storms; Shinovar in the west is spared completely due to the added protection of the Misted Mountains.
The life of a highstorm can be broken down into two stages. The first stage is the most dangerous part of a highstorm: the stormwall. A massive wave of water, reaching several hundred feet in height, casts dirt and debris high into the air; occasional gusts can pick up and toss large objects (such as boulders), hurling them hundreds of feet, as highstorms at this phase move at about 370 miles per hour.JordanCon 2018, Atlanta, GA, 4/20/18 As the storm passes by, it gradually grows weaker. The trailing end, or second stage, called the riddens, is simply a light, quiet rainfall. It is possible to walk out into a highstorm about an hour before the riddens, as the lightning has subsided and the winds are manageable.
A fascinating aspect of highstorms comes at some point during the stormwall: gemstones left outside are infused with Stormlight, bringing them out of their dun state. The time that they keep their light depends on the cut and the size. Average gems stay lit for the span of about a week (or until the next highstorm). Larger gemstones can hold their light about a week longer.
Highstorms are more or less regular in their coming. In general, they frequent Roshar every few days, with the exception of four weeks at the end of the year known as the Weeping and at the Weeping's calendar opposite, known as the Midpeace, whereby highstorms are more prominent.JordanCon 2018, Atlanta, GA, 4/20/18
Highstorms are the ultimate expression of nature's power: wild, untamed, sent to remind humankind of its insignificance. However, they don't seem hateful.
It is unknown what happens in the middle of a highstorm, as most beings hide from the storm with no way to look out, and anyone caught in the highstorm suffers from the brutal winds and rain, or is sheltered too much to notice anything aside from the sound of the storm itself. Kaladin, however, believed to see something glowing in the highstorm, an enormous figure of inhuman shape striding the storm, followed by another shape, alien and sleek.
==Effects==
Highstorms have myriad effects on Roshar. They allow gemstones to be infused with Stormlight, which "fuels" most magical abilities and fabrials.
The weathering winds leave behind crumbling cliffs and jagged edges in rock formations; unprepared or ill-placed towns and cities can be decimated by a single storm. However, the seemingly desolate landscape comes to life during the riddens; the time immediately following a highstorm is when plants and animals come out of hiding to soak up the water and precious nutrients left behind by the storm. This gives an interesting insight into Roshar's plant life and creatures, which have adapted in order to not only withstand, but also thrive on the effects of the highstorm.
Though the chances of survival are minute, it is possible to weather a highstorm beneath impromptu shelters. Those who seek to use highstorms as punishment (allowing the Almighty to judge their fate) bank on the unlikelihood of their victim's survival. Caravans that are forced to weather a highstorm in the open chain their wagons to nearby boulders and use them for protection. Settlements have more permanent solutions. The city of Kholinar is built inside a large stone formation known as the windblades, while the town of Hearthstone uses the breakwall for protection.
People cannot sleep during a highstorm.
==Predictability==
Stormwardens study highstorms and try to predict their coming. Their service is valued by highprinces and common merchants; a list of highstorm dates can be purchased from a roving stormwarden even in the most remote locations.
Riino checks a small device taken from his pocket and indicates that a coming highstorm is only two minutes off.
==Notes==
According to Brandon, people often see strange things during highstorms.Oathbringer release party, Provo, UT, 11/13/17
Also according to Brandon, highstorms pre-date the Shattering.Book signing, San Francisco, CA, 11/15/17
Azure said one didn't need to worry about highstorms in Shadesmar.
Additionally according to Brandon, rainbows will occasionally come after a highstorm but not always.Starsight Release Party, Orem, UT, 11/26/19
==Trivia==
Additionally according to Brandon, the highstorms came from tidal pools.YouTube Livestream 1, 1/11/20
Again according to Brandon, highstorms were sort of mini-based on the Spot of Jupiter. But they move around; it's a massive hurricane that moves around the planet.Spot of JupiterForbidden Planet Interview, 11/18/20
==Q&A with Brandon==
Q. What would it take to drain the highstorm of Investiture? Are there enough gemstones/Radiants on the planet to accomplish this? What would be the consequences if this happened?
A. That is a RAFO! Nice question, though.Rhythm of War Preview Q&As, 7/28/20
==References==
Category:Culture
Category:Highstorms