Īs a young boy, Tien often spent time with his brother Kaladin. The whereabouts of Tien's spren are unknown. This information is passed on to Shallan, from Mraize. Through their spying on the group, the Ghostbloods are aware that there was at least one manifested Radiant within Amaram's army, who had been killed. The Skybreakers knew Tien was bonded to a Cryptic while he served in Amaram's army, and believed him to be the only Surgebinder within Amaram's forces. Tien attracted a Cryptic due to his hiding belief that he was not a good person, as he knew people saw him as a burst of sunshine and he didn't want them to see differently. Tien's perception of someone could also cause slight alterations to their mood. As a Lightweaver, he could access the Surges of Illumination and Transformation, had enhanced mnemonic abilities and experienced color and light differently to those around him. Attributes and Abilities īefore he died, Tien bonded a Cryptic and swore at least the first oath. Tien was seen as a burst of sunshine by those around him, particularly Kaladin, and did not want people to see him differently, implying some self-esteem issues. He shares similar traits with Shallan Davar, a fellow Lightweaver, both of whom are artistically talented and work to raise the spirits of those around them.

He is an optimist and tries to please those around him as well as brighten their day. Tien is an excitable person and always seems to find beauty in things that others would consider mundane. Ral finds his apprentice frustrating as Tien is easily distracted and will work on his own projects instead of those set by his master. Due to his aversion with blood, Tien is unable to apprentice to his father and instead works for Ral, the town carpenter. Some of the rocks in Tien’s collection show off hidden strata if doused with water or change color under certain lights. Tien has a fixation with rocks, of which he owns a large catalogued collection. Despite Roshone's treatment of his family and the towns ostracism, Tien liked living in Hearthstone and had not considered moving away before being conscripted. This has led to him being mocked on occasion by the other children in Hearthstone. Due to his size and childlike features, Tien is often mistaken for being younger than his actual age. He has a slight build and round cheeks that are often flushed. He has a mix of unruly brown and black hair, and is small for his age.

Tor rhythm of war