Windrunners
They protect the weak, leading from the front with wind and gravity.
The Windrunners are the living embodiment of Roshar's shield, an order defined not by conquest but by the unyielding vow to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Masters of Adhesion and Gravitation, they command the very air, turning gravity into a weapon or a cradle as the situation demands. While ancient texts once referred to them as 'Skybreakers,' their modern identity is forged in the grit of the Shattered Plains: they are the bridgebearers who fly, the spearmen who catch falling soldiers, and the leaders who stand at the front lines when all others retreat. Their path is one of heavy responsibility, where every Lashing cast is a promise kept.
- Order
- Windrunners
- Surges
- Adhesion and Gravitation
- Spren Type
- Honorspren
- First Modern Member
- Kaladin Stormblessed
- Notable Members
- Lift, Sigzil (former), Teft, Moash (defected)
- Status
- Revived
Lore & Background
The Windrunners were once a revered order of knights who served as the shield of Roshar during the ancient Desolations. Their philosophy centered on the protection of those unable to defend themselves, a duty that often required them to stand alone against overwhelming odds. The bond between a Windrunner and their Honorspren is unique; these spren are drawn to ideals of honor and leadership, often appearing as small, glowing figures or mist-like companions that grow more solid as the knight progresses through their Ideals.
Historically, the order faced a schism known as the Recreance, where many Radiants abandoned their oaths, leading to the collapse of society and the eventual return of the Voidbringers. The Windrunners were among those who fell, their legacy tarnished by betrayal until the events of the current timeline. The revival of the order began with Kaladin, a former slave who climbed the spiritual ladder of his own making, proving that the old ideals could still hold power in a broken world.
The code of the Windrunner is not merely a set of rules but a path of self-discovery and sacrifice. As they ascend through their five Ideals, they gain new abilities, from the basic Lashing to the ability to create bridges of wind or bind entire armies with gravity. Their journey is often fraught with internal conflict, as the weight of leadership and the burden of protecting others can be a heavy price to pay for a single soul.
In Their Own Story
The highstorm screamed against the tower walls, a living wall of rain and wind that threatened to peel the stone from its foundations. Inside, Kaladin stood on the precipice of the balcony, his eyes shut tight as he listened not with ears, but with his soul. He felt the pull of the storm, a familiar rhythm in the chaos. With a sharp exhale, he raised a hand; the air didn't just move—it solidified, shimmering into a translucent bridge of pure force that arced over the chasm.
Below, the enemy horde surged forward, their war cries swallowed by the gale's roar. "Hold the line!" Kaladin roared, his voice cutting through the thunder like a blade. In a heartbeat, he reversed his gravity, Lashing himself upward until he was soaring above the fray, a blue-and-white streak against the grey sky. Beside him, Syl pulsed with brilliant light, her form shifting between a wispy cloud and a solid, glowing woman, her eyes wide with fierce pride as she danced in the updraft.
Reader's Guide
The Windrunners are a faction of the Knights Radiant dedicated to the protection of the innocent and the upholding of justice. Their primary goal is to serve as a shield against the forces of darkness, using their mastery of gravity and adhesion to control the battlefield and defend their allies. Members of this order are expected to lead by example, often placing themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of others.
The faction includes notable figures such as Kaladin Stormblessed, who has become a symbol of hope for many, and Teft, a seasoned soldier who provides wisdom and guidance. Other members include Sigzil, who brings a unique perspective from his time with the Parshendi, and Lift, whose connection to the order is still developing. The Windrunners are known for their distinctive armor, which often features blue and white colors, and their ability to fly using Lashings.
In the ongoing conflict against the Voidbringers, the Windrunners play a crucial role as defenders of the Alethi warcamps and the people of Roshar. They are tasked with holding the line against overwhelming odds, often serving as the first responders in times of crisis. Their presence on the battlefield is a morale booster for allies and a source of fear for enemies, as they can manipulate the very forces of nature to their advantage.
Did You Know?
- Honorspren are notoriously difficult to bond; they demand their human partners demonstrate genuine leadership and self-sacrifice before even speaking a single Ideal.
- Kaladin was the first person in over four thousand years to fully revive the Windrunner order, shattering a cycle of betrayal that began with the Recreance.
- While 'Skybreaker' is now the name of a separate order dedicated to justice through law, it was historically the title used for Windrunners before the Desolation-era schism.
- Windrunner Lashings can be applied creatively beyond flight; they have been used to bind enemy armies in mid-air, create wind-bridges for civilians, and even anchor falling towers.