Kharbranth

Type

city

Style

blocky mud/daub construction, carved stone at apex

First appears

Book 1 · Ch. 4

Books

2

Kharbranth is a small but influential city-state built into a cliffside, renowned for its Palanaeum, one of the greatest libraries on Roshar, and its famed hospitals. In The Way of Kings it serves as the setting where Shallan Davar seeks wardship under Jasnah Kholin, all while appearing to be the harmless domain of its seemingly kindly king, Taravangian. As the series progresses, Kharbranth's true significance emerges: it was the original power base from which Taravangian orchestrated the Diagram's schemes, eventually seizing the throne of Jah Keved and becoming a major player in the war against Odium. By Rhythm of War, Kharbranth is remembered chiefly as the humble starting point of a king whose ambitions reshaped the world.