Allomantic

Allomantic refers to a magic system in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. It describes the ability of certain individuals to gain temporary powers by ingesting and then burning specific metals. Each metal grants a distinct effect, and the duration and strength of the power depend on the metal and the user. Allomancers can typically burn only one metal at a time, though some can access more than one metal in a life, and a rare few can become Mistborn, capable of burning multiple metals.

Within the system, practitioners are categorized by the metals they can burn. A common distinction is between Mistings, who can use a single metal, and Mistborn, who can burn many or all metals. The powers range from physical augmentation and enhanced senses to manipulating external metals, influencing emotions, or altering perceptions of time and space. The exact effects are defined by the metal burned and, in some cases, by the user’s training and intent.

Some well-known metals and their broad categories include pewter for increased physical strength, tin for heightened senses, iron and steel for pulling and pushing on metal objects, and copper and bronze for hiding one’s use of allomancy or detecting others who burn metals. Other metals introduce more advanced or esoteric effects, such as time manipulation or visions of possible pasts and futures, which are encountered in later installments of the series.

Allomancy plays a central role in the world-building of Mistborn, shaping political power structures, military tactics, and personal storylines. The system is elaborated across the books, with new metals and combinations expanding the range of possible abilities.