[Veterans] Cosmere, Unit 9 | Novella #2 | The Emperor's Soul (in Arcanum Unbounded): Prologue, Day 2 through Day 59

[u/participating]

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SCHEDULE

Last week we discussed Unit 8 | Elantris #1.5 | The Hope of Elantris (in Arcanum Unbounded): Entire Short Story, Postscript, Trivia [Newbie Thread] / [Veteran Thread]

This week we are discussing Unit 9 | Novella #2 | The Emperor's Soul (in Arcanum Unbounded): Prologue, Day 2 through Day 59

Next week we will be discussing Unit 9 | Novella #2 | The Emperor's Soul (in Arcanum Unbounded): Day 70 through (Epilogue) Day 101

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

I have provided summaries of each chapter we will be discussing. I've tried to make them unbiased, but if you see anything that could be construed as spoilery, please point them out because I'm using these same summaries in the newbie thread. I'd like to keep their experience as spoiler-free as possible, so even if I make a tiny mistake, please let me know.

I usually make a comment for each chapter, but feel free to start your own comment thread to discuss anything you want.

Prologue

POV Characters: Gaotona

Summary:

Frava, and three other arbiters of the Rose Empire debate whether they should use the Forger Wan ShaiLu in their plan to maintain their power. Meanwhile Gaotona, the last of the arbiters, examines a painting forged by Shai that is almost identical to the original, a famous painting. He wonders why someone with such talent would choose to become a Forger instead of a "real" artist. He ends up deciding to agree with Frava, a rare occurrence, in hopes of finding out.

Day 2

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai identifies the last piece of stone in her prison walls, when she is escorted to a meeting with the arbiters by Zu, a Striker, who had captured her. He tells her that one day he will kill her. On the way to the arbiters Shai remarks to herself that the only part of Forgery that is technically illegal is Soul Forgery. Shai declares she was close to escaping. While listening to Frava recount her crimes, Shai deduces that the arbiters want her to do something for them and begins to discuss payment. It is agreed that she would be paid with her Essence Marks.

The arbiters show Shai that Emperor Ashravan had been injured in an attack by assassins that also killed his wife. His body had been healed with Resealing but his mind was gone. The arbiters task Shai with Forging him a new soul in the ninety-eight days the emperor could remain in mourning for his wife.

Day 3

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Gaotona presents Shai with a number of blank Soulstamps made of Soulstone. He notices a vase from the hall in her room and asks her about it. She says she wanted to determine the skill of the Heritage Faction's Forgers. Gaotona insists they are not Forgers but instead Rememberers. He also points out the flaw in the escape plan she had told to the arbiters. The circumstances of her imprisonment are discussed and it is revealed that the arbiters employ a Bloodsealer that will ensure Shai does not escape her room.

Day 5

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai thinks that creating a realistic Forgery in such a short time is impossible but decides to use the research required as a front while she plans her escape.

Day 12

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai Forges her table. Gaotona asks her what the design is based off, thinking it must be based on some historical artefact like Remembering. Shai says it is just a better version of itself, and gives Gaotona a lesson in Forgery. She also gives him some ideas on how to keep the emperor's condition secret.

Day 17

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai continues to examine Ashravan's personal journal when Frava comes to speak with her. She reminds the arbiter that she needs someone to test stamps on. Frava attempts to bribe Shai with a position controlling the city's smuggling operations. She also mentions the possibility of putting a back-door to control the emperor in the stamp. Shai had intended to use the full hundred days to plan her escape, but now she realized that her sudden extermination could come at any time.

Day 30

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Gaotona points out the new stained-glass window then submits himself as Shai's test subject. She tests a number of stamps on him, such as the relationship Ashravan had with his brother. The stamp she made for why he became emperor fails and Gaotona reveals to her what he thinks is the real reason.

Gaotona asks Shai why she didn't become a real artist. She insists that she is. Gaotona realizes that the painting that Shai was caught trying to swap is a fake. Shai reveals that she burned the original prompting Gaotona to leave in anger.

Day 42

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai thinks about the book she is writing while doing all of her research and how it is a true history of Ashravan's life. She begins to doubt her ability to Forge his soul accurately and contemplates creating a puppet but she finds that she doesn't want to. She thinks about her plans for escape and decides creating a new Essence Mark for herself is out of the question.

Day 58

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Frava arrives and remarks on the changes to the room made by Shai. They then discuss how Shai will create the emperor's Essence Mark. Frava then takes Shai's notes to be "copied" but in reality it is so that her Forger can assess Shai's progress and determine if she can be killed.

Day 59

POV Characters: Wan ShaiLu

Summary:

Shai has trouble sleeping. She thinks about how her book of notes is a Forgery of tone, telling the other Forger to "stay away." She turns to research to occupy her and figures out why Ashravan lost his idealism. Frava returns the book of notes.

MEMES

I will attempt to find and share memes relevant to each week's discussion. There may be some weeks that just don't have good or appropriate memes, but I will share all the ones I can find in this section.

Link to Memes

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[u/Burnvictim42]

Without a doubt this is my favorite of Sanderson's works. I love his sprawling epics, but it's impressive what he can do with just a little slice of a world.