The world of Scadrial is measured by power, and power in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn is more than just having an army; it is about how well a group can use the world’s hidden magic. Some people are born with the lucky ability to burn metals for strength, while others have spent centuries learning how to store their own energy.
This list looks at which groups are the weakest and which ones have the most terrifying potential. Here is a simple ranking of the races in the Mistborn series, specifically humans, based on their magic and their impact on history.
5. Khlenni Were Dominant Culture Before Ascension of the Lord Ruler
Alendi (Mistborn) / Credits: Hinumay via Coppermind
The Khlenni were the most successful and advanced people on the planet before the Lord Ruler took over. During the classical era on Scadrial, this race lived in a time of peace and was known for building beautiful cities and having a very organized government. After the Ascension of Rashek, it was unclear what happened to their kingdom.
They did not possess magic like some other groups, although their power stemmed from their extensive knowledge and their ability to lead others. Even today, their history is highly regarded because they were the original masters of the world’s culture and politics.
While they lacked the flashy magic of later eras, there is something impressive about a group that conquered the world through pure skill and strategy.
4. Skaa Are The Oppressed Underclass with Dormant Potential
Vin Venture in Mistborn: The Final Empire / Credits: Tor Books
In the Mistborn series, the skaa are the oppressed lower class. They were treated as slaves for hundreds of years and had almost no rights or freedom. Some skaa have hidden Allomantic powers, showing they still carry dormant magical potential. Some of the most well-known skaa are Kelsier and Vin, who are both half-skaa.
Most skaa do not have Allomancy, but some are born with it. When skaa do have powers, they can become Mistings or even Mistborn, which makes them just as dangerous as noble Allomancers.
Their biggest strength, though, is their sheer numbers since they form the vast majority of the population. This is what makes their rebellions feel so meaningful as they prove that control is not absolute.
3. Southern Scadrians Are Technologically Advanced Humans
Iyatil (Mistborn) / Credits: Marie Seeberger via Coppermind
Southern Scadrians are humans who live far from the mainlands of the Final Empire. They do not rely on natural Allomancy or Feruchemy like other groups. Instead, they created medallions that granted the power of Feruchemical Heat, a new technology that enabled them to survive the cold.
What makes them a very powerful race is that they don’t need lucky bloodlines to be strong; they can build what they need. Indeed, their strength comes from knowledge and invention. Their technology-based abilities feel more useful than Allomancy, as they stem from human effort and creativity.
2. Nobles Are The Ruling Elite Group with Genetic Allomancy
Straff Venture (Mistborn) / Credits: Oliver Specht via Coppermind
The Nobles are the elite class during the Final Empire under the Lord Ruler. Many of them are born with the ability to burn metals for power, which grants them strong faculties such as enhanced senses, emotional control, and powerful combat skills.
Since they handle politics and money, they obviously hold most of the power in society. They are a powerful race through their bloodline, which gives them both natural magical abilities and control over the entire empire.
The Nobles are a clear example of how dangerous it is when power is tied strictly to birthright and genetics. Sure, their magic is incredible, but what gives them the edge is the belief that they were fundamentally better than others, which kept them in charge for years.
1. Terris Are Ancient Feruchemists and World-Keepers
Credits: Ari Ibarra via Coppermind
Credits: Gar Leyva via Coppermind
Credits: Nevena Jevtic via Coppermind
The Terris people are an ancient race known for their ability to practice Feruchemy, which allows them to store their own strength, health, and memories. They are often called world-keepers because they were once trusted to preserve knowledge and balance in the world.
A full Feruchemist can save up abilities and release them all at once, making them extremely powerful and dangerous. Although the Lord Ruler later controlled them, their deep wisdom and special connection to the world’s magic make them a force that could never truly be broken.
Terrismen’s true power often comes from patience and knowledge rather than just raw force, built over time, and can be very overwhelming when they finally unleash it.
RaceDescriptionKhlenniDominant culture before the Lord Ruler took overSkaaOppressed lower class but carries dormant potentialSouthern ScadriansTechnologically advanced humansNoblesRuling class with genetic AllomancyTerrisAncient Feruchemists and world-keepers
Here is a quick FAQ guide for you:
How many Mistborn novels are there?
There are currently 7 published Mistborn books and one novella.
Is Brandon Sanderson working on the Ghostbloods trilogy?
The Ghostbloods books are currently on hold as he is focused on writing the script for the Mistborn movie.
What studio is producing the Mistborn film?
Sanderson teamed up with Apple TV for the project.
Which human race from Mistborn is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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