Editing Hoid

{{character
|image=Worldsinger by Ari Ibarra.jpg
|groups={{tag|Worldsingers}}, [[Worldbringers]]{{book ref|tress|24}}
|abilities=[[Yolish Lightweaving]], {{tag+|Mistborn}}, {{tag+|Awakener}}, {{tag+|Lightweaver}} <small>([[Surgebinder]])</small>, {{tag+|Elantrian}}, {{tag+|worldhopping}}, [[Dawnshard]] <small>(formerly)</small>, [[#Attributes and Abilities|others]]
|bonded=[[Design]],{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} unnamed [[seon]]{{book ref|sa4|78}}
|aliases=Wit, Cephandrius, [[#Known Aliases|others]]
|world=Yolen
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|first appeared=[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]]
}}
{{notice|style=background-color: #F55;
|b=What did I ''tell'' you about spoiling the ending of stories!
|Hoid has made his presence known all across the [[cosmere]], and so this page contains '''extensive spoilers'''.
}}
{{theory}}
{{update|sa4|tsm}}
{{spoilers|tsm}}
{{quote
|And while I am your friend, please understand that our goals do not completely align. You must not trust yourself with me. If I have to watch this world crumble and burn to get what I need, I will do so. With tears, yes, but I would let it happen.
|Hoid to [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa2|67}}
}}
'''Hoid''' is a [[Worldhopper]] and [[Dawnshard]]{{book ref|tsm|21}} that travels the cosmere, originally born on the planet [[Yolen]] before the [[Shattering]].{{book ref|tsm|10}} He was one of the major figures in the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]], but avoided taking a up a [[Shard]] himself,{{book ref|sa4|99}} instead choosing to wander the cosmere pursing his unknown goals, often in the guise of a fool{{book ref|Sa1|12}} or storyteller.{{book ref|warbreaker|32}} He may be guided at times by a mysterious sense about where he should go, but not what he is to accomplish there.{{wob ref|2567}} One of his major goals is the defeat of Rayse, the original Vessel of the Shard Odium.{{epigraph ref|sa1|28}} While Hoid has generally avoided direct involvement in the major events of the cosmere, he is oftentimes present in the periphery, influencing in large ways and small the people who will go on to alter the course of history, as well as occasionally taking on an apprentice to train at his side.{{book ref|tsm|34}} Hoid has been present for events such as the restoration of the city of [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]] on [[Sel]],{{book ref|elantris|58}} the [[Catacendre]] of [[Scadrial]],{{book ref|mb3|27}} and the [[True Desolation]] of [[Roshar]].{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} Along the way he has gained access to a prodigious number of powerful [[Invested Art]]s and arcana, including [[Surgebinding]],{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} [[AonDor]],{{book ref|tress|64}} Awakening,{{book ref|sa2|59}} and [[Allomancy]],{{wob ref|4877}} among others.

== Appearance & Personality ==
{{image|Wit by Randy Bishop.jpg|side=left|height=300px}}

{{for|/Gallery|more images}}

=== Appearance ===
Hoid's appearance varies dramatically from book to book. He's often in disguise, which makes his true appearance difficult to ascertain. Couple this with the fact that he can Lightweave his appearance in order to look however he wants, it makes it nearly impossible to know for sure what he looks like. To the best of our knowledge, his face is lined,{{book ref|twok|54}} hawk-like and arrow shaped. Hoid is tall and thin{{book ref|twok|12}} and also has a sharp nose and jaw with delicate eyebrows.{{book ref|twok|54}} He tends to cock his head to one side{{book ref|twok|57}} and has keen blue eyes.{{book ref|twok|12}} Hoid's hair is white, though he was not born with that color{{wob ref|15174}} and he occasionally dyes it.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} There is a particular reason for his hair being white.{{wob ref|9236}}

When he is on [[Roshar]] during the [[War of Reckoning]] and [[True Desolation]], serving as King [[Elhokar Kholin]]'s, and later Queen [[Jasnah Kholin]]'s Wit, Hoid has the appearance of an Alethi man in his mid-30s{{wob ref|1705}} with deep onyx hair. He wears a stiff black coat and carries a long thin sword at his waist.{{book ref|sa1|12}} This blade is not magically Invested but has personal value to Hoid.{{wob ref|2505}} It is a symbol of office for the King/Queen's Wit, though Hoid himself is not a skilled swordfighter.{{wob ref|896}}

=== Personality ===
Hoid's true personality, while also usually disguised, is more easily seen as he occasionally drops whatever part he is playing. One of his overall most noticeable traits is his sharp wit and intelligence. The characters he plays often have a penchant for jokes and mockery but when he removes the facade his personality often seems mysterious and grave.{{book ref|twok|epilogue}}{{book ref|twok|57}} If he was asked about whether he called himself a good man personality-wise, Hoid would reply with a "No".{{wob ref|1704}} Hoid is not always serious when he should be, due to how much normal human interaction bores him.{{wob ref|14988}}

Hoid cannot directly physically harm people; this is an involuntary trait that is the result of changes to his spirit made during his time as a [[Dawnshard]].{{wob ref|8687}}{{wob ref|14300}} [[Lunamor]] says he cannot hurt man because it is forbidden by other gods.{{book ref|sa2|46}} He also tells a young [[Shallan Davar]], "You needn't fear me. I'm terribly ineffective at hurting people. I blame my upbringing."{{book ref|sa2|45}} Hoid apologizes to [[Kelsier]] after beating him in a fight, stating he doesn't have the inclination to do real harm to him.{{msh ref|2|1}} This aversion causes him to be nauseated when thinking about physically harming someone, and is sometimes bad enough to incapacitate him. However, this only extends to physical trauma- Hoid has no issues with mentally hurting someone or through inaction.{{wob ref|2010}} Hoid also has issues with harming himself physically, such as when he has to manipulate another man into punching him when he wants a tooth knocked out, rather than just doing it himself.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{wob ref|8498}} If he had the capacity to, he would be willing to kill to achieve his goals, he would also let even those he cares about perish if it meant the furtherance of his goals.{{book ref|sa2|67}}{{wob ref|2248}}

Hoid is a very kind person to those he takes a liking to, doing his best to emotionally console them and give them the will to keep going. This can be seen in the various times he has told [[Kaladin]] stories in order to comfort him and teach him a lesson that he believes he needs to learn.{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} He has done the same to Shallan, most notably when he met her as a child traumatized by her experiences and the abuses she went through during the [[Middlefest Fair]]. Here, he consoles her and gave her motivation to keep moving forward.{{book ref|sa2|45}} He did the same later, when speaking with her in [[Kholinar]].{{book ref|sa3|82}} He occasionally uses [[Allomancy]] to help Soothe people.{{book ref|sa2|45}}{{wob ref|6933}} 

While he is very comforting to those he likes, and can sometimes be open about some parts of his past; he does make sure that they never come to trust him too much, and that they understand what kind of person he is.{{book ref|sa2|67}}{{book ref|sa3|68}}

On the other end, he finds great joy in tormenting those he hates, such as [[Ruthar]], [[Rayse]], or Kelsier.{{book ref|sa4|50}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa4|115}}{{msh ref|2|1}} This is likely a large part in his enjoyment of playing the role of court jesters like the King's Wit or the Imperial Fool. This behavior of his tends to rub many people the wrong way, making him despised by many people he interacts with.{{msh ref|2|1}}{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} He sometimes bickers even with those he likes, such as [[Design]], though this takes the form of an exasperated fondness rather than bitter mockery.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{book ref|yumi}}

He deeply enjoys storytelling, and has learned many stories over his long life. The stories he tells often have a personal or thematic relevance to those he is telling them to.{{book ref|wb|32}}{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{book ref|sa3|82}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Though sometimes, he simply tells stories for the sake of telling them, as he feels that as stories exist, they must be told.{{book ref|wb|32}}{{book ref|yumi}}{{book ref|tress}} As a storyteller, he deeply hates when people spoil his stories.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} He also enjoys pontificating on the nature of art and storytelling to whoever would listen.{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{book ref|ws|epilogue}}{{book ref|yumi}} He also enjoys asking people questions of philosophy and ideology, and would do so even with complete strangers. He uses these questions in order to use the answers of others as a jumping off point to share his own philosophy on the subject in question.{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}

Another thing he finds joy in is getting away with things.{{wob ref|1745}}

For unknown reasons, he was willing to turn down the immense power of a [[Shard]] when it was offered to him.{{epigraph ref|sa3|38}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}} This is likely connected to his self-professed distrust of the [[Vessel]]s to make their own decisions.{{book ref|tress|56}}

He has a very negative outlook on himself, often believing that he has no answers for others or even any answers at all,{{book ref|sa1|57}} believes that he should never be trusted due to what he is willing to do to achieve his goals,{{book ref|sa2|67}}{{book ref|sa3|68}} he thinks himself arrogant and regrets many of his actions and inactions throughout his life,{{book ref|tress|56}}{{book ref|sa1|57}} and he does not consider himself a good man.{{wob ref|1704}} He even considers a Dawnshard itself to have become completely worthless in his wearing of it.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

==== Philosophy ====
He believes that the main thing that people value in creation is not the creation itself, but the novelty, timeliness, and originality of it. Observing that if two people make the same discovery independently, the one who reveals their discovery first is the one given credit and lauded for their innovation, while the second is considered a forger. That if two artists create similar works of comparable pulchritude independent of each other, one would be lauded and the other would be bemoaned as derivative. He claims that if it was truly a matter of the aesthetic beauty of a work, it would not matter which came first. From this, he claims that the idea that what is valued most is creative ability, wisdom, and invention to be nothing more than a lie that humanity tells itself. He admits that it is a rather cynical viewpoint, but holds to it regardless.{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}

He feels that art and aesthetic beauty is not some eternal idea outside of humanity, but rather that it inherently relies upon and is defined by humanity. That art produced with low audience expectations can gain much love and loyal following from those given more then they expect; but conversely, an artist held in very high esteem can have their works torn apart and considered a failure for falling even slightly short from expectations. Aesthetic beauty is given definition through audience expectation and interpretation, it relies deeply upon audience participation, and therefore is not eternal and independent. He claims that this aspect of art makes it fundamentally unfair. He furthers this idea to say that the concept of expectation defining value extends to all parts of life, such as in financial gains.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}

He believes that all great art is necessarily hated by some due to the variety in human tastes. To make it so nobody would hate a work of art, one must remove everything that makes it special, therefore making it so that it is loved by nobody. Being hated is not proof that art is great, but not being hated is proof that it is not.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} He believes that art is about emotion, examination and going places people have never gone before to discover and investigate new things; it is from this definition of art, and his recognition of the subjective nature of aesthetic taste, that he argues that all great art is necessarily hated by somebody.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} When questioning himself on how many people need to love a work of art to outweigh the hate it inevitably inspires, and balance out the risk. Thus, if even one person loves a work, no matter how many people hate it, it is worthwhile.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}

He believes that stories don't live until they are imagined in someone's mind, and that everyone's experience of the story is individual and unique. He believes that the meaning of a story is up to the audience themselves to decide; that it is not meant to tell them how to think, but instead to give them questions to think upon.{{book ref|sa1|57}} He thinks that the interpretations people have of stories are based upon what they themselves are looking for, as are the answers they find in them.{{book ref|sa1|57}} His belief in how stories take on life in the minds of an audience is likely a reason for his feeling of obligation to tell the stories that he learns to whoever will listen.{{book ref|wb|32}}

== Attributes and Abilities ==
{{theory}}
{{image|Wit-Fool by taratjah.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Creating illusions}}

Hoid does not yet have the abilities of every planet he's visited.{{wob ref|2853}} Some of his powers predate the [[Shattering]], but none of them are gained through [[Hemalurgy]].{{wob ref|6658}} Hoid is concerned about opening himself up to the influence of Shards, so he only gains access to manifestations of Investiture through more conventional, but more difficult ways.{{wob ref|656}} Hoid has access to multiple Invested Arts, but not an incredibly large number.{{wob ref|1044}} He is likely the most powerful non-Shard entity in the cosmere,{{wob ref|7323}} although a few of the older dragons and [[aether]]s might rival him.{{wob ref|15226}}

After [[Odium]] stole some of his memories, Hoid instituted protection protocols to defend himself if something or someone tried to interact with his soul.{{book ref|Yumi|part=anotherepilogue}} This causes his body to be frozen in time, while his mind remains unaffected.{{book ref|Yumi|5}} In this state, he is still able to make [[Connection]]s with others, and may even see and hear from those he is Connected with.{{book ref|Yumi|6}} The physical stasis was not what Hoid intended to happen and it will last until the person stops trying to interact with his soul.{{book ref|Yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

There are only a few things in the cosmere that are capable of hurting him, one of which is likely [[Nightblood]], and he stays far away from all of them.{{wob ref|11671}} Hoid also has an unknown [[seon]].{{book ref|sa4|78}}{{book ref|sa4|115}}

=== Illusions ===
{{quote
|I see. You do not yet understand the nature of lies. I had that trouble myself, long ago. The Shards here are very strict. You will have to see the truth, child, before you can expand upon it. Just as a man should know the law before he breaks it.
|Hoid on Lightweaving to Shallan{{book ref|sa2|45}}
}}
Hoid has access to an Invested Art known as [[Yolish Lightweaving|Lightweaving]] that originates from Yolen prior to the Shattering of Adonalsium.{{wob ref|8909}} Lightweaving allows for the creation of optical and auditory illusions.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} This Lightweaving is much less restrictive than the later [[Illumination|Rosharan variant]],{{book ref|sa2|45}} and does not require a spren or Stormlight to function.{{wob ref|8909}} Hoid sometimes makes use of this ability in his disguises{{wob ref|5775}} although he has several ways of changing how he looks{{wob ref|5024}} including practical effects.{{epigraph ref|sa3|35}} He may also make use of it in some of his storytelling,{{wob ref|8329}} such as the pictures of [[Derethil]] and the ''[[Wandersail]]'' that Kaladin sees in the smoke when Hoid is telling him a story.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

Hoid's Yolish Lightweaving does not always seem to function perfectly on Roshar;{{wob ref|9346}} in fact, he needs help from Shallan to fully craft an illusion.{{book ref|sa3|82}} His power is somehow limited, and he has trouble making some aspects of it work, even after multiple attempts.{{wob ref|9346}} It is uncertain why this occurs and whether or not this issue is unique to Roshar. Hoid's bonding of a Cryptic will provide abilities that supplement his own Lightweaving{{wob ref|8473}} and allows him to overcome his issues crafting illusions, although further impacts or resonances between the two are unknown.{{wob ref|8664}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Hoid's access to Yolish Lightweaving does allow him to guide another Lightweaver's power, although this is not something he would be able to do with just any Invested Art.{{wob ref|9346}}

=== Worldhopping ===
Hoid travels between various planets within the cosmere by making use of [[perpendicularity|perpendicularities]],{{wob ref|1472}} places usually created by the presence of a Shard on a planet where the sheer power of Investiture causes the borders between the realms to be weakened.{{au ref|drominad}} A knowledgeable person such as Hoid is able to transition from the Physical Realm to the Cognitive Realm.{{wob ref|1472}} Hoid can then travel to a different world's subastral, as the distances between worlds in the Cognitive Realm are much smaller than in the Physical Realm.{{wob ref|4132}} Hoid is very proficient at traveling in the Cognitive Realm.{{wob ref|5981}} He can easily travel to any world that has an active [[perpendicularity]], even those worlds where the perpendicularities are dangerous to pass through such as the [[Well of Ascension]].{{msh ref|2|1}} Hoid is known to be aware of perpendicularities on Scadrial,{{msh ref|2|1}} Sel,{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}} and Roshar,{{book ref|sa2|46}} and likely knows of Nalthis's perpendicularity as well.{{book ref|wb|32}}{{wob ref|9501}} While Hoid typically makes use of natural perpendicularities in his travels, later in life he may also have access to an ability that essentially allows him to generate his own personal perpendicularity, much like the [[Surge]] of Transportation.{{wob ref|9294}} Following the invention of space travel, he also makes use of spaceships to travel between planets.{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

=== Dawnshard ===
{{quote
|Other men . . . other men, as they age, merely grow stranger. I fear that I am one of those. I am the bones of a foreign species left drying on the plain that was once, long ago, a sea. A curiosity, perhaps a reminder, that all has not always been as it is now.
|Hoid on his age{{book ref|sa3|68}}
}}
Hoid held the [[Dawnshard]] with an intent diametrically opposed to the concepts of harm and violence for a long period of time.{{book ref|tsm|21}}{{wob ref|14300}} His time holding it caused changes to his spiritweb in a similar manner to [[savant]]ism. These changes meant that long-term, Hoid found himself unable to inflict harm on himself or any others,{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa2|45}} as well as unable to eat meat he believes was naturally produced (i.e., he could eat meat he believes was made in a lab or by magic).{{wob ref|14954}} His Dawnshard is in some way connected to the [[First Gem]],{{wob ref|14355}} his eponymous topaz. There were other side effects of the Dawnshard. Hoid held it for so long that not only is he ageless,{{wob ref|4031}}{{wob ref|10439}}{{wob ref|14300}} it has become essentially impossible for him to die.{{book ref|tsm|34}} While other people who have held this Dawnshard have gained the ability to Skip and teleport from planet to planet, Hoid has not for most of his life had access to this ability, and it is uncertain if he ever gained it.{{wob ref|15620}}

==== Time-Dilation ====
In addition to his agelessness, Hoid has not actually experienced all those years,{{wob ref|6585}} instead making use of some time-dilation technique that may render him somehow unconscious or unaware.{{wob ref|4083}} However, Hoid does not have the ability to travel backwards in time.{{wob ref|37}}

=== Healing Factor ===
{{quote
|I'd be surprised if that little knife of yours poses me any real threat, Kholin.
|Hoid to Jasnah on her Shardblade{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}
}}
Hoid has access to some sort of healing factor that is capable of repairing both the body and the [[spiritweb|soul]].{{wob ref|5606}} He is able to regenerate any damaged body parts at will, including his head. He can also heal from being stabbed [[Hemalurgy|hemalurgically]].{{wob ref|6435}} Hoid is able to repress his healing factor in some way, preventing instantaneous healing, an ability that he makes use of in some of his disguises.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} This healing factor makes it very difficult to kill Hoid,{{wob ref|4780}} although he is still at least somewhat vulnerable.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} The name of the manifestation of Investiture responsible for Hoid's healing is unknown, but it is ancient,{{wob ref|8498}} likely originating from some Pre-Shattering source. It is uncertain whether or not this healing factor is at all related to Hoid's apparent agelessness, which is known to originate from a remnant of a weapon built to kill Adonalsium.{{wob ref|10439}} Hoid is unafraid of Shardblades for multiple reasons, probably including his healing factor.{{wob ref|13207}}

=== Fortune ===
{{sidequote
|I have discovered a place that I must be, though to be honest I'm not exactly sure why I need to be there. This doesn't always work as well as I'd like it to.
|Hoid to Dalinar{{book ref|sa2|67}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
Hoid has access to an ability that allows him to make use of the Spiritual attribute of [[Fortune]],{{wob ref|2567}} which grants him a limited amount of foresight.{{wob ref|10011}} Hoid's Fortune ability gives him an innate knowledge of where and when he needs to be.{{wob ref|10011}} While this ability may grant him knowledge of what he is to do,{{wob ref|2567}}{{wob ref|738}} usually Hoid does not know why his ability has brought him to a specific place.{{wob ref|2567}} Hoid's Fortune ability is not infallible; occasionally it directs him to go somewhere, but either nothing notable is happening or he is unable to discover the reason why he has been led there.{{wob ref|5821}} Hoid's fortune ability has let him know about instant noodles,{{wob ref|2753}} although he has had prior experience with them on Taldain.{{wob ref|8164}}

=== Connection ===
Hoid has access to some manifestation of Investiture that allows him to manipulate the Spiritual attribute of [[Connection]]. The full extent of this ability is unknown, but its primary known use is to help Hoid speak the various languages of the worlds of the cosmere that he visits. The ability allows him to Connect to whatever land he is in, temporarily altering his Spiritual aspect to believe that he was raised in that place, allowing him to speak as a native.{{wob ref|3759}} While Hoid has learned naturally how to speak some foreign languages,{{wob ref|9012}} and is decent with languages, he desires to pass as a local oftentimes, which requires something beyond natural learning.{{wob ref|223}} Generally he makes use of his Connection ability to communicate in foreign languages.{{wob ref|9012}} This ability is not without fault though, as when Hoid speaks naturally it will fill in local idioms and phrases on its own, but if Hoid is careless and focuses on a specific word or phrase the ability may fail and he will say the word verbatim in his own tongue{{wob ref|3759}} or it may be said in an odd way.{{wob ref|3583}} Hoid is an expert in using his Connection ability, but even he sometimes makes mistakes. This is the reason he occasionally slips up and may say words that confuse others,{{wob ref|8185}} such as "coin"{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} and "bunny"{{book ref|sa2|59}} on Roshar. As Hoid has demonstrated the ability to fluently speak foreign languages before the knowledge of unsealed metalminds became widespread,{{book ref|elantris|58}} it is unlikely that he is making use of Feruchemical [[duralumin]] to manipulate Connection.

==== Visions ====
Hoid, via unknown means, is able to enter and exit certain [[visions]], as well as bring those he is bonded with, like Design.{{book ref|sa4|80}} While doing so, he creates a large, pure white bubble of light, which can shelter those who have been brought into the vision naturally. While in the vision, Hoid is able to create whatever objects he wants. Hoid is only able to do this for roughly twenty minutes before being detected.

{{image|Hoid by Katie Payne.jpg|side=left|width=300px}}

=== Metallic Arts ===
Hoid has also gained access to Allomancy,{{wob ref|4877}} by burning a bead of lerasium stolen from the Well of Ascension.{{msh ref|2|1}}{{wob ref|1515}}{{wob ref|12210}} This grants him power equivalent to that of the ancient Allomancers.{{epigraph ref|mb3|22}} It is uncertain how practiced he is with these powers, but he does make use of emotional Allomancy{{wob ref|6933}} on at least one occasion.{{book ref|sa2|45}} He also has access to [[atium]].{{wob ref|465}} It is unknown whether or not Hoid has access to [[Feruchemy]].{{wob ref|466}} However, he does have access to some unkeyed metalminds,{{wob ref|1571}} which would not be useful to him without Feruchemical abilities or unsealed metalminds. The particular attributes that are stored in these metalminds are unknown. Hoid does not make use of Hemalurgy, to gain access to the Metallic Arts or any other manifestation of Investiture, as he is concerned about opening himself up to the influence of Shards.{{wob ref|656}} He does, however, own many Hemalurgic spikes.{{wob ref|15271}}{{wob ref|16280}}

=== Awakening ===
{{quote
|Perfect pitch makes this all so much easier than it once was....
|Hoid to Kaladin on making music{{book ref|sa2|59}}
}}
As a Yolish man, Hoid was not himself born with any [[BioChromatic Breath]].{{wob ref|3212}} However at some point Hoid has gained access to enough BioChromatic Breath to bring him to at least the Second Heightening.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa2|59}} This means Hoid has at least two hundred Breaths, which grant him the ability to recognize unsupressed Breath auras and judge about how much breath another Awakener has, as well as perfect pitch.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} That is not to say that Hoid may not have reached a higher Heightening, just that the second Heightening is his minimum power level.{{wob ref|4655}} Hoid's level of skill with [[Awakening]] is still unknown, as he has only made use of it on one known occasion, when he Awakened a doll, causing it to walk.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} This makes it difficult to ascertain his knowledge of Commands or complex Awakenings. Hoid's level of control over Investiture does allow him to suppress his Breath aura, making it difficult to be noticed by others. However, there are various methods of detecting Investiture that could circumvent this suppression.{{wob ref|3437}} Hoid's perfect pitch does aid him in tuning instruments and making music.{{book ref|sa2|59}} Additionally, holding Breath has allowed Hoid to outsource centuries of his memories to said Breath.{{wob ref|16273}} After [[Odium]]'s destruction of some of these Breaths in order to wipe his short-term memory, his level of Breath was reduced to just under the Second Heightening, resulting in a loss of perfect pitch.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}

=== Surgebinder ===
{{image|Hoid and Design by Elisgardor.jpg|side=right|width=350px|Hoid with [[Design]]}}
{{quote
|It's either go with me now or wait it out and get captured. I honestly don't even know if you've the mind to listen. But if you do, know this: I will give you truths. And I know some juicy ones.
|Hoid to his [[Cryptic]], Design{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}
}}
Hoid has bonded the [[Cryptic]] [[Design]], which grants him access to Surgebinding.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{wob ref|10746}} While the enhanced reflexes and healing permitted by Stormlight will likely be less useful to Hoid, the [[Nahel bond]] allows him to access the surges of [[Illumination]] and [[Transformation]].{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} This allows Hoid to [[Soulcast]], transforming one type of matter to another by persuading its Cognitive aspect as well as Lightweaving, which grants him the ability to create visual and auditory illusions. This Rosharan Lightweaving seems to have a compounding effect with his Yolish Lightweaving, and allows him to circumvent the problems that he has experienced with his own illusions.{{book ref|sa4|80}} Although Hoid's Ideals are unknown, he has admitted some truths.{{wob ref|16289}} This may eventually grant him a [[Shardblade]] and [[Shardplate]], and he likely has access to at least a Shardblade from their bond.{{book ref|Yumi|32}}

Out of all of the orders of the [[Knights Radiant]], [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]] was his first choice, as Lightweaving matches him very well and he's quite familiar and experienced with it. Having full access to Lightweaving is a fulfillment of a long, long quest for him.{{wob ref|10755}}

=== Elantrian ===
{{quote
|It was constructed of Aons. Which I could now draw. 
The mechanics might bore you. The results, though, were spectacular.|Hoid's narration, ''[[Tress of the Emerald Sea]]''{{book ref|Tress|64}}
}}
Hoid became an [[Elantrian]] through winning a bet he made with [[Riina]], a member of The [[Ire]].{{book ref|Tress|64}} Despite his short time with the power, Hoid showed a notable aptitude for the manipulation of [[Aon]]s, being able to edit a complex [[AonDor]] "curse" placed on [[Charlie]] by Riina, who herself is a highly experienced wielder of AonDor.{{book ref|Tress|64}}{{book ref|Tress|epilogue}} Additionally, Hoid was shown to have spent significant time coveting this specific Invested art.{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}}{{book ref|Tress|64}}

His knowledge of AonDor is strong enough that he is able to hack the system in order to use it off of [[Sel]].{{book ref|tress|64}}{{wob ref|5633}}{{book ref|mb7|54}}

=== Storytelling Method ===
<!-- Kind of speculation as we only see it used once -->
Hoid tells stories with smoke{{book ref|wok|57}} and sand.{{book ref|wb|32}}

==== Sand ====
On Nalthis, [[Lightsong]] calls Hoid to tell the story of [[Hallandren]] history to him and [[Siri]]. As he told the story, he dropped sands, dusts, and small objects, mixing them together to produce various effects.

He began by trailing sand out of his hand, then he added a powdery black sand, when both trails mixed it became a white sand. He began to scatter fern leaves and then threw the handful up with blue and deep red dust making it seem like a minor explosion. He sprinkled silver glitter in front of him, then trailed powdery brown dirt. Black dust, and then [[Tears of Edgli|flower petals]]. He then sent out a spray of half a dozen colors from both hands. Then bright yellow dust from one hand and black from the other. Torn writing on paper, followed by metal bits, black charcoal dust from both hands, he crumbled clay, sprinkled golden dust around, bits of grass and earth, a white powder and then a spray of water that turned into mist.
<!--
He also taught me this method, though it's noncanonical to you, it has small stones, small sticks, purple, green, and orange dust, grey ash, a steel strike to make sparks and matches for small fire.
-->

==== Smoke ====
While telling stories with smoke he uses a flute, blowing the smoke, it may be [[Yolish Lightweaving]] that causes patterns and images to appear in smoke.

On Roshar, the chasms echoed the music allowing him to speak and play, without the music ever seeming to stop. It is unclear how the flute could be used without chasms or canyons. <!-- maybe he lightweaves sound, or the sound of the wind? was the smoke colored? -->

== History ==
=== Origins ===
{{sidequote
|Other men . . . other men, as they age, merely grow stranger. I fear that I am one of those. I am the bones of a foreign species left drying on the plain that was once, long ago, a sea. A curiosity, perhaps a reminder, that all has not always been as it is now.
|Hoid on his age{{book ref|sa3|68}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}

The individual who would later become known as Hoid was born on [[Yolen]] sometime prior to the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]].{{book ref|tsm|10}}{{book ref|tsm|39}}{{wob ref|3212}}{{wob ref|8343}} He was born naturally and his parents were married.{{wob ref|2610}}{{msh ref|2|1}} From an early age he developed a fascination with the topic of whether life existed on other planets and often listened to local philosophers debate the topic.{{book ref|tsm|10}} 

Later on as an adult Hoid ended up holding a [[Dawnshard]], for reasons unknown this Dawnshard was associated with topaz and thus earned him one of his oldest aliases as well as the title 'Bearer of the First Gem'.{{wob ref|6065}}{{wob ref|14355}}{{wob ref|5301}} Holding this Dawnshard had a profound effect on Hoid as it permanently altered his [[spiritweb]], stopped him from aging and caused him to be unable to harm others.{{wob ref|14300}}{{wob ref|11070}}{{wob ref|10439}} Around the same time, for reasons also unknown, Hoid's hair changed from its natural colour to pure white{{wob ref|15174}}{{wob ref|10631}} and he also gained access to numerous systems of Investiture that predated the [[Shattering]], notable among these was [[Yolish Lightweaving]] which he would continue to use throughout his life.{{wob ref|8498}}{{wob ref|10852}} 

Whilst a Dawnshard Hoid travelled throughout Yolen and met various [[Sho Del]] and [[Dragon (cosmere)|dragons]], as well as this he was known to get in trouble due to his ability to Lightweave.{{wob ref|10852}} During this period Hoid also had served a 'master' of some form who would later die,{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|60}} it is from them that he would later take the name of Hoid.{{wob ref|5882}}

{{image|Shattering by Connor Chamberlain.jpg|A depiction of the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]]|side=left|width=350px}}

Eventually Hoid met and befriended [[Frost]] who was his elder by a small amount.{{wob ref|945}}{{wob ref|11305}}{{wob ref|2870}} Shortly afterwards Hoid assumed the identity of '''Cephandrius Maxtori'''{{wob ref|5882}} and under this alias became acquainted with the sixteen original vessels,{{wob ref|11305}}{{wob ref|12654}}{{wob ref|11070}} thus granting him a level of insight as to each of their personalities. Hoid became drinking buddies with [[Tanavast]]{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} and upon meeting him considered [[Ati]] to be one of the nicest people he ever met.{{Epigraph ref|sa1|18}} Notably during this time he met and became good friends with [[Rayse]].{{wob ref|2101}} He also developed an interest in the [[Endowment]] Shard during this period of his life.{{wob ref|5300}}

For reasons unknown the idea of killing [[Adonalsium]] emerged, whilst reluctant to help with this idea Hoid did believe it to be necessary.{{wob ref|8718}} Hoid was present during the events of the Shattering, although he did not directly participate in events as they played out,{{wob ref|10773}}{{wob ref|10868}}{{wob ref|11858}} despite this however the Dawnshards, of which he was one, were used in order to kill Adonalsium.{{book ref|dawnshard|19}} Immediately upon the Shattering taking place the original sixteen [[Shards]] were created, Hoid was offered one of these but refused it,{{wob ref|3337}}{{wob ref|4175}}{{book ref|sa4|99}} due to his refusal someone else became a vessel in his place.{{wob ref|12132}} In the ensuing discussion Hoid did imply, but not promise, that he would not interfere with the other Shards or their activities in the future. This implication would be broken many times in the ensuing years.{{msh ref|2|1}}

Like with the rest of the Cosmere the Shattering had a large impact on himself, one such change was that of Investiture which has behaved 'oddly' around him ever since,{{wob ref|3212}} as well as this his Lightweaving then suddenly had issues functioning as it had before.{{wob ref|11587}} As well as this Hoid lost someone very dear to himself due to the event,{{wob ref|13276}} and also left the encounter holding a grudge against Rayse and [[Bavadin]].{{wob ref|10630}} In the years following the Shattering Hoid eventually gave up his Dawnshard and left Yolen, going on to explore the wider [[Cosmere]].{{wob ref|14300}}

=== The Desolations ===
At some point after the Shattering, Hoid visited Roshar and mingled with the original inhabitants of the world, even dancing with the ancient [[singer]]s. He grew to be close with one singer known as [[Vatwha]].{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}

He knew the Heralds, and they recognize him by the name Midius. He was the one that taught them how they could use Investiture to enhance their memories.{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{epigraph ref|sa4|84}} Whether he knew them before or after the [[Oathpact]], or the exact nature of their relationship, is unclear.

Hoid came to be worshipped by the [[Unkalaki]] as ''Lunu'anaki'', the god of travel and mischief who cannot hurt man.{{book ref|sa2|46}} 

Hoid founded the [[Worldsingers]], and has the rank of Master Worldsinger, and at some point in the early Sixth Epoch, he took [[Senne Khald]] as his apprentice, and assigned her with the task of writing a treatise on all the Radiant Orders.{{wob ref|15843}}{{wob ref|16437}}

He has been to Aimia at some point.{{wob ref|12780}}

Hoid attempted to bond a Nahel spren at some point before the Recreance, possibly during a Desolation, but presumably failed.{{wob ref|15694}}

=== Crisis in the Diem ===
Hoid traveled to [[Taldain]], though for what reasons are unknown. He was there when the [[Taishin]] were deciding whether or not to disband the [[Diem]].{{wob ref|5776}} Hoid later got onto the boat [[Khriss]] took to return to [[Darkside]], where he sang a song to the passengers about the meaning of art.{{book ref|ws|18|review=yes}}

=== The Restoration of Elantris and Theft of the Moon Scepter ===
{{quote
|There is beauty in every disaster, friend, if you are clever enough to find it.
|Hoid to a skaze{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}}
}}
Hoid traveled to [[Sel]], likely making use of [[Devotion's Perpendicularity]] in [[Arelon]]. Hoid spoke to the [[skaze]], and seems to have made some sort of agreement with them hinging on his desire to become an Elantrian with the restoration of [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]].{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}} Hoid disguised himself as a beggar, wrapped in bandages. He helped [[Sarene]] smuggle weapons into Elantris.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} Following the restoration of the city by Raoden, Hoid traveled to the Pool to meet a skaze. He removed his bandages, hoping to find himself transformed into an Elantrian, but the transformation had not occurred. The skaze ridiculed Hoid for his failure, but Hoid expressed his joy that secrets still remained unknown to him and then entered the Perpendicularity and transitioned to the [[Cognitive Realm]].{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}}

Hoid returned to Sel several years later, and found himself a position in the court of Emperor [[Ashravan]] in the [[Rose Empire]] as the Royal Fool. He allied himself with the [[Forger]] [[Shai]] in her attempt to steal the [[Moon Scepter]], an artifact that allows for the translation of the various symbols of Selish Investiture. He arranged for her to be caught after she'd left the Gallery with the Scepter, later using her duplicate to steal the scepter for himself. Hoid stole the Moon Scepter in order to help him translate between various symbols and gain access to the magics on Sel.{{wob ref|12146}}

At some point, he and Shai ran into each other once again, after Shai devoted herself towards finding him again to take her revenge.{{tes ref|epilogue}}{{book ref|mb7|20}}

=== The Collapse of the Final Empire and Catacendre ===
Hoid arrived on [[Scadrial]], likely through Ruin's perpendicularity in the Pits of Hathsin. He took up the guise of an informant, pretending to have bad eyesight in order to make himself less threatening to people seeking information from him.{{book ref|mb1|19}} At some point he became known to both [[Dockson]] and [[Ashweather Cett]].{{book ref|mb1|19}}{{book ref|mb3| 27}} [[Kelsier]], pretending to be a nobleman, contacted Hoid in {{date|1022|fe}}, requesting information on House Renoux. Hoid (closed shop, smoking tobacco) met with Kelsier on the streets of Luthadel and told him that House Renoux was buying large amounts of weapons and armor from various noble houses and that Lord Renoux was considering a marriage between Valette and Elend Venture. He also claimed that Renoux was rumored to have some sort of leverage on Venture and that he knew [[Shan Elariel]] to be a [[Soother]]. At some point following this, he left Scadrial to attend to other business, again likely via the Pits.{{wob ref|1552}}

{{image|Drifter.png|side=right|width=250px|[[Kelsier]] and Hoid's meeting at the [[Well of Ascension]]}}

Around a year later, in {{date|1023|fe}}, Hoid returned to Scadrial, traveling through Scadrial's subastral, riding on the back of a [[Cognitive Shadow]] to the Well of Ascension, Preservation's Perpendicularity.{{msh ref|2|1}} He was using an oar coated with a strange glowing substance connected to the substance drunk by members of the [[Ire]].{{wob ref|200}} He encountered the Shadow of Kelsier, who asked for help returning to the Physical Realm. Hoid told him that there was nothing to be done, but he challenged Kelsier to an insult battle, with the prize being the true answer to one question. Kelsier instead threatened Hoid. Hoid attempted to enter the pool, but Kelsier attacked him. Hoid easily overpowered Kelsier and caused him serious pain, but not permanent injury. Hoid then transitioned through the Well and stole a bead of [[lerasium]] from the adjacent room. He later consumed the lerasium and became a [[Allomancy|Mistborn]].{{wob ref|12210}} When Kelsier spoke of the incident to Preservation, Preservation spoke briefly on Hoid, calling him Cephandrius. Later, Kelsier told [[Khriss]] and [[Nazh]] about his meeting with Hoid, and they seemed distressed to know that he had arrived and stolen a bead of lerasium.{{msh ref|3|2}}

Hoid then traveled to the [[Terris Dominance]] to figure out [[Feruchemy]],{{msh ref|2|2}}{{wob ref|1552}}{{wob ref|12754}} and then became wrapped up in matters he did not anticipate. This may refer to him becoming involved after the [[Inquisitor]] attack on [[Tathingdwen]] and the slaughter of the [[Synod]]. Hoid took up the guise of a Terris leader{{wob ref|1552}} and led the Terris refugees to the Central Dominance.{{book ref|mb2|56}}

A year later, in {{date|1025|fe}}, Hoid was in [[Fadrex City]], again acting as an informant, and Ashweather Cett suggested Vin speak to him.{{book ref|mb3|27}} Just before Vin arrived, Kelsier's Cognitive Shadow noticed Hoid from within the Cognitive Realm.{{msh ref|6|1}} Kelsier tried to touch Hoid's soul, but was rebuffed by a shock that numbed his hand. At that moment, Vin arrived intending to meet with Hoid,{{book ref|mb3|27}} but Kelsier attempted to warn her away.{{msh ref|6|1}} Since he was in the Cognitive Realm, he couldn't communicate with her directly, but she did sense that something was off about Hoid{{wob ref|5760}} and instead chose not to speak to him.

He has travelled to Scadrial several times between the Catacendre and the True Desolation, but actively hid from [[Harmony]]. During these visits he accomplished much, but what exactly he was doing is currently unknown.{{epigraph ref|sa3|56}}{{epigraph ref|sa4|21}}

=== The Pahn Kahl Rebellion ===
Several centuries later,{{wob ref|14099}} around [[Hallandren]] year 327,{{file ref|T-Telir.png|Map of T'Telir}} Hoid traveled to [[Nalthis]] and took the role of a master storyteller. [[Lightsong]] summoned him to the [[Court of the Gods]], where he recounted the story of [[Vo]], explained the origin of the Hallandren God Kings, and answered Lightsong and [[Siri]]'s questions.{{book ref|wb|32}} He likely achieved perfect pitch while on this world by obtaining additional Breaths.{{book ref|wb|52}}{{book ref|sa2|59}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} At some later point, [[Vivenna]] also met Hoid; she later described him as one of the only people on Nalthis that is cosmere-aware.

Hoid spent a lot of time gambling on Nalthis, and was fairly renowned. He would arrange things so that he could never lose, and then bet everything on himself. However, someone else managed to arrange it so that he couldn't ''win'', either, resulting in a tie and the loss of his winnings.{{book ref|sa4|99}}

[[Vasher]] once met Hoid when he was using the alias "Dust", several years before Vasher's activities on Roshar.{{book ref|sa4|15}}

=== Obrodai ===
Hoid visited [[Obrodai]] at some point prior to the True Desolation. A female avatar was created by [[Autonomy]] and instilled with a great dislike of Hoid in order to prevent him from returning there.{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}}

=== Prelude to the True Desolation ===
{{quote
|I've come to your land to chase an old acquaintance, but I end up spending most of my time hiding from him instead.
|Hoid to [[Kaladin]].{{book ref|sa1|57}}
}}
According to [[Cord]], when her grandmother served as watcher of the [[Cultivation's Perpendicularity|pool]], Hoid warned the [[Unkalaki]] about the [[Sleepless|Gods Who Sleep Not]].{{book ref|sa3.5|15}}

[[Rock]] also described an encounter with him in the [[Horneater Oceans]].{{book ref|sa2|46}}{{wob ref|7156}} 
 
{{image|Wit by ShiroXIX.png|side=right|width=200px|Insulting the [[lighteyes]]}}
In a departure from his ''modus operandi'', Hoid played a more conspicuous role in the events on [[Roshar]], as his goal was to become a Radiant.{{wob ref|13563}} He has been to Threnody at some point before this visit to Roshar.{{wob ref|7135}}

At some point, [[Sigzil]] became his apprentice.{{book ref|sa1|57}} As master and apprentice, they traveled all across Roshar, including to [[Babatharnam]]. He had to pay to have Sigzil freed from prison on three separate occasions.{{book ref|sa1|46}} This relationship essentially ended after Sigzil attempted (and failed) to kill somebody and wound up punished via being made into a slave and bridgeman.{{book ref|sa1|40}}
{{sidequote
|Keep cutting away at those thorns, strong one, and make a path for the light.
|Hoid to Shallan{{book ref|sa2|45}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}

In {{rosharan date|1170|5}} during the [[Middlefest Fair]] in [[Jah Keved]], [[Shallan Davar]] met Hoid disguised as a messenger, and he spoke with her.{{book ref|sa2|45}} Seeing that she was emotionally distressed, he used emotional Allomancy in order to soothe her, and encouraged her to keep on pushing forward despite her struggles.{{book ref|sa2|45}}{{wob ref|6933}} This meeting would leave a deep impression upon Shallan, and she would remember him for years after the event.{{book ref|sa2|55}} 

He met [[Lift]] at some point after her blessing by the [[Nightwatcher]] in {{Rosharan date|1170}}, but before her heist on the [[Bronze Palace]] in {{rosharan date|1173}}.{{wob ref|5016}}{{book ref|sa2.5|12}} She was fond of him, and they parted ways when he jumped into the mouth of a [[greatshell]].{{book ref|sa2.5|12}}{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}

[[Ishikk]] was hired by three men from the [[Seventeenth Shard]] to search for Hoid in the [[Purelake]], though all four failed to find him.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} He searched for five months, though came up with no results.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} 

==== The War of Reckoning ====
Only a few months before the greatshell hunt on {{rosharan date|1173|8|7|3}},{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{wob ref|7833}} he became the King's Wit, [[Elhokar Kholin]]'s court jester. As the king lived at the [[Shattered Plains]] in order to better lead his people during the [[War of Reckoning]], Wit spent most of his time at the plains. He was aware of Sigzil being held in slavery at the plains, but still avoided interacting with him, though not necessarily out of a lack of care.{{book ref|sa1|57}} 

Through his role as Wit, he kept his eyes upon and influenced [[Dalinar Kholin]], going so far as to ask him if he has ever heard the term "Adonalsium", as he believed that he was involved in secret societies such as the [[Sons of Honor]], and thought that [[Gavilar Kholin]] confided in him; his suspicions were proven wrong.{{book ref|twok|54}}{{wob ref|7682}}

He also told [[Kaladin]] the story of [[Derethil]] and the ''[[Wandersail]]'' on {{rosharan date|1173|9|3|1}}.{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{wob ref|7833}} During the course of the story, Hoid uses a special, ancient flute called a [[Trailman's flute]]. It is also likely that he used his [[Yolish Lightweaving]] to cause the smoke from the fire to take the form of various elements from his story. He told the story in order to teach Kaladin to take responsibility. As he sent him off, he gave him his Trailman's flute, and asked him to take care of Sigzil.{{book ref|sa1|57}} 

Hoid was in [[Kholinar]] when [[Taln]] arrived to herald the coming of the [[Desolation]] on {{rosharan date|1173|9|7|5}}. Before his arrival, he was discussing with a few guards the nature of [[Virtuosity|creativity]], [[Invention|invention]], and wisdom, and the deep importance in novelty and timeliness in all three. When he arrived, he apologized to his old friend, remarking that he was already too late.{{book ref|twok|epilogue}}

{{image|You by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=left|width=250px|[[Shallan]] hugging Wit}}

Later, Hoid acted as the carriage driver for [[Adolin]] when he is visiting [[Shallan]] at [[Shattered Plains|Sebarial's warcamp]]. He speaks to [[Kaladin]] about his flute and mentions that he wants an interesting story from him. When [[Shallan]] recognizes him she happily hugs him for his advice from three and a half years prior when he encouraged her at her worst and told her to keep seeking the light.{{book ref|sa2|55}}

Hoid, acting as Wit, visits [[Kaladin]] while he is in prison on {{rosharan date|1173|10|5|3}}, seven days into his imprisonment. He tells Kaladin the story of a man named Fleet who raced a highstorm across one end of [[Roshar]] to the other. Fleet wins, but dies of exhaustion at the end, and his spirit goes on to race the wind forever.{{book ref|sa2|59}}

=== The True Desolation ===
{{image|Wit-Fool by taratjah.jpg|side=right|height=300px|Hoid, in his Wit persona}}
After the start of the True Desolation circa {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}},{{article ref|Words of Radiance/Timeline|Words of Radiance timeline}} on the day that the Everstorm was projected to hit [[Shinovar]] on {{rosharan date|1174|1|1|4}}, he monologued to a Sleepless Hordling about the nature of art. After he finished his monologue, he met with [[Jasnah Kholin]] as she exited the Cognitive Realm, offering to travel with her.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}{{wob ref|1523}}

==== Siege of Kholinar ====
Hoid next appeared as Wit in Alethkar, discussing the nature of power with Shallan. Prior to that, while telling the story of Mishim in Alethkar, Hoid sees something next to his pack, which startles him. After the story, Shallan looks into Hoid's pack and sees a small, sealed black jar. The side of the jar pointing at Shallan was white. This might be a jar of sand from [[Taldain]]'s Dayside, with the sand turning white showing Hoid a Surgebinder is near. This may be important, but not much is known about it. During Hoid's conversation with Shallan, he says that he knew of a group like the Cult of Moments, describing them as equally foolish and dangerous. It is unclear at the moment which group he may be referring to.

He later helps her get into the Cult of Moments, finding Shallan at her darkest moment, when she discovered the food she has been giving to the poor is just making things worse.{{expand}}

[[Shalash]], upon seeing sketches of [[Talenel]] and herself, wondered aloud why Midius, another name for Hoid, was giving away drawings of them.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

==== Bonding of Design ====
Shortly after the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]] circa {{Rosharan date|1174|2|10|5}},{{ref|name=timeline}} Hoid was in [[Kholinar]] insulting a [[Thaylen]] man in an attempt to elicit a reaction. Upon realizing that the man couldn't understand Alethi, Hoid decided that repeating it all in Thaylen would be boring, so he cut in front of the man. The man hit Hoid, knocking loose a tooth which Hoid discarded upon leaving the area. While in the city, he noticed Vatwha, recognizing her as an old acquaintance. Despite this old camaraderie, the Fused were trained to watch for him - most likely to capture him and deliver him to [[Odium]].{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}

While walking through the city he found a child around the corpse of her mother, and used [[Awakening]] to lure her away from the body, leaving her in the care of a family in the city. He then headed to the palace where he finds a [[Cryptic]], the spren [[Elhokar]] was about to bond before he died. This Spren was [[Design]], and he bonded to her, becoming a Surgebinder of the [[Order of Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{wob ref|15354}}

During an unknown point in the year between his bonding of Design and the expedition in [[Emul]] and Singer occupation of Urithiru, he and [[Jasnah]] began a romantic relationship.{{book ref|sa4|17}}{{wob ref|14288}}{{book ref|sa4|99}}

==== Campaign in Emul ====
He and Jasnah both went to the expedition in Emul in {{Rosharan date|1175}}.{{book ref|sa4|17}} During their expedition, [[Ruthar]] angered them both greatly, and Jasnah sent him to insult the highprince. After doing so, Ruthar challenged him to combat, but he chose Jasnah as his champion. She easily stabbed him through the throat, but had Renarin heal him.{{book ref|sa4|50}}

He later noticed that a Sleepless was spying upon him and Jasnah.{{book ref|sa4|64}}

When Kaladin was stuck in a vision by Odium, he and Design appeared to him in order to tell him the story of the Dog and the Dragon, in order to try and cheer him up and point him in the right direction.{{book ref|sa4|80}}

==== Writing the Contract and the Ascension of Taravangian ====
He and Jasnah worked together in order to write up a contract for the contest of champions with Odium.{{book ref|sa4|99}}

Some time after Taravangian took up Odium on {{rosharan date|1174|4|10|4}}, Hoid was visited by the new Vessel while he was telling stories at the Shattered Plains. Taravangian's demeanor revealed what happened to Hoid, who, terrified by the idea of Odium having a new Vessel, began to leave. Realizing that he was found out, Odium rammed into him with energy in order to lock him in place, trying to find a way to harm him without breaking the Shardic oath he was still held to. While searching, he discovered that Hoid kept his short-term memories stored in his Breaths. He destroyed these, erasing part of his memory, in order to redo the interaction. In this second interaction, Taravangian was able to interact with Hoid while successfully convincing the man that he was still Rayse. Hoid left this second conversation believing that everything had gone according to plan.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} However, afterwards he became aware of the fact that his memories were stolen and instituted protection protocols to defend himself if something or someone tried to interact with his soul.{{book ref|Yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

The destruction of his Breaths led him to falling below the Second Heightening, and losing his Perfect Pitch.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}

==== Sigzil and the Dawnshard ====
{{quote
|I was wrong. I did the best with the situation I had, hoping it would prevent calamity. I ruined your life, and I was wrong. I’m sorry.
|Hoid to Sigzil{{book ref|tsm|10}}
}}
At some point, Hoid asked his apprentice Sigzil to briefly take up the same Dawnshard that gave Hoid his immortality,{{book ref|tsm|20}} an action that he believed would be necessary to avert calamity.{{book ref|tsm|10}} Hoid passed the Dawnshard to Sigzil, who was changed in some ways that were similar to Hoid, acquiring the ability to Skip to any planet in the cosmere, as well as his own inability to do violence.{{book ref|tsm|21}} This action would ultimately cause Sigzil to nearly kill his spren [[Auxiliary]] when the Dawnshard drew upon the Investiture that made up the spren in an attempt to defend itself.{{book ref|tsm|20}} This action ruined Sigzil's life, and forced him to remain on the move outrunning the [[Night Brigade]] in their quest to capture him.{{book ref|tsm|10}} Hoid regained possession of that Dawnshard again as well, meaning Sigzil was ultimately running from the Night Brigade to prevent them from finding Hoid. However, Hoid had come to feel sorrowful for his actions there, and felt like though his motivations were noble, the outcomes were ultimately not worth it and he was wrong to have done what he did.

==== The Letters ====
{{image|Hoid and Frost by Jenny Slife.jpg|side=right|height=250px|With Frost}}
At some point, he wrote a letter to [[Frost]]. He wrote about how he was being hunted by the Seventeenth Shard and has set a false trail for them to follow, referencing the three figures sent by the Seventeenth Shard that were searching for him.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} He came across as not at all worried about them, and in fact seemed mildly amused. He also asked Frost for his support in stopping Rayse, but was dismissed since Odium was trapped in the [[Rosharan system]].{{epigraph ref|sa2|69}}

He attempted to contact various Shards about Rayse and his worries that he would eventually escape. The figures he contacted were [[Endowment]], [[Autonomy]], and [[Harmony]]. The first two responded with aggressive dismissal, but Harmony was very receptive to his contact and responded curiosity and a desire for further contact.{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{wob ref|8401}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}}

Due to him being more receptive towards his advances, he contacted Harmony again, and requested that he try to contact other Shards concerning the growing threat of Rayse's escape from the Rosharan System, a request he fulfilled. This contact resulted in a variety of different responses, which, as with his own attempts, resulted mostly in dismissal.{{epigraph ref|sa4|22}}

=== Post-Catacendric Scadrial ===
{{quote
|Oh, my lord, I know it, I do. I own the place, technically. Now, regarding those coins for old Hoid, my good lord...
|Hoid to Wax{{book ref|mb6|11}}
}}
In {{date|342|fa}}, following his actions on Roshar,{{ref|group=fn|text=The events between {{date|342|fa}} and {{date|348|fa}} take place after [[Wind and Truth]] and before [[Stormlight 6]]; in the 10-15 Rosharan year (11-16 Scadrian years) period between the two books.}} Hoid returned to Scadrial to attend the [[Yomen-Ostlin wedding dinner|wedding]] of Lord [[Joshin Yomen]] and Lady [[Mi'chelle Ostlin]],{{wob ref|918}}{{wob ref|4698}} two friends of his that he had made at some unknown point in the past.{{wob ref|3546}} He did so via finding some way to bypass the strong Connection binding him to Roshar after becoming a Surgebinder{{book ref|yumi|21}}{{wob ref|15879}}{{wob ref|15986}}
 
Rather than coming to Scadrial in response to some important event, Hoid initially came merely to congratulate his friends.{{wob ref|3546}} He came dressed all in black, appearing as a scruffy looking beggar and spoke to the couple soon after they arrived at the dinner.{{book ref|mb4|4}} It is unknown if he was present for the subsequent Vanisher attack. Hoid may have left the planet briefly afterwards, but something on Scadrial had caught his attention and he was back several months later.{{wob ref|6162}} Hoid became employed as [[Waxillium Ladrian]]'s new carriage driver.{{book ref|mb5|7}} By that point he had become friendly with Wayne, who liked him but did not know anything about Hoid's true identity.{{wob ref|4376}} When Wax headed to the precinct station to question [[Rian]], Hoid drove the carriage and Wayne rode up front with him.{{book ref|mb5|7}} During the carriage ride, Hoid eavesdropped on Wax's conversation with [[Harmony]] about Bleeder's plans to disrupt the [[Elendel Basin]].{{wob ref|5317}}

Hoid's actions after this point are unclear. Hoid somehow obtained a coin-like [[Feruchemy#Unsealed_Metalminds|unsealed metalmind]] containing a memory of [[Kelsier]] aiding the [[Southern Peoples of Scadrial|southern Scadrians]] in surviving the aftereffects of the Catacendre.{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}} He also spent some time in [[New Seran]] and following [[Nazh]]'s theft of [[Nicki Savage]]'s map of New Seran, Hoid asked her if she wanted to hear a story, an offer that she declined.{{file ref|New_Ascendancy_broadsheet.jpg|''The New Ascendancy'' broadsheet}}{{wob ref|1702}} He has also somehow come to the conclusion that he is the true owner of [[Kelesina Shores]]' mansion there,{{wob ref|8899}} for somewhat legitimate but unknown reasons.{{wob ref|8392}} He was apparently a regular intruder on the mansion grounds, to the irritation of the guards.{{book ref|mb6|11}} During this time, Hoid took the appearance of a beggar with long, unkempt fingernails and a ragged shirt. Hoid appeared blind with milky white eyes.

When Waxillium Ladrian walked up the path to Kelesina's mansion to attend a [[Kelesina Shores' party|party]] with [[Steris Harms]], Hoid climbed out of the bushes, startling Wax, although Wax did not recognise Hoid as his carriage driver through his disguise.{{book ref|mb6|11}} Wanting to reveal Kelsier's resurrection and identity as the Sovereign,{{wob ref|1727}} Hoid looked for an opportunity to pass on the unsealed metalmind. He asked Wax for a few clips.{{book ref|mb6|11}} Steris noticed Hoid's cologne and asked him if he was wearing cologne. Hoid was startled by her observation and claimed that he had been drinking perfume, as it had quite a kick. Steris told him that that was unhealthy and Wax advised Hoid that he should leave the private grounds. Hoid agreed but claimed that it was his property and again asked for coins. Wax gave him a banknote and told him again to leave the grounds. Hoid claimed it was far too much and that he wished to give Waxillium change. As Wax walked away, Hoid threw the coin at Wax's head, who caught it in midair. A groundsman then noticed Hoid and tried to chase him off. Hoid laughed and escaped back into the bushes again.

{{quote
|Carriage for you, sir?
|Hoid to Wax in the middle of the ocean{{Book ref|mb7|72}}
}}
Hoid later became involved in the sting operation that Marasi ran in [[Bilming]] in {{date|348|fa}}. He had a silent interaction with [[Wan ShaiLu|Moonlight]] from different trucks. Moonlight commented that she couldn't tell whether she was watching Hoid or if Hoid was watching her, but then resolved that they were both just keeping an eye on the same third parties.{{book ref|mb7|20}} After Wax arrived in Bilming, and gave chase to [[Dumad]] he casually appeared in a sleek black car to give Wax a ride.{{book ref|mb7|25}} In Bilming, he traded his harmonica with Wayne for a rat named [[Sir Squeekins]].{{book ref|mb7|21}} Since this event, he has been taking good care of Sir Squeekins.{{wob ref|15925}} He also showed up to rescue Wax from the ocean in a small boat after the explosion of the [[Pewternaut]] A16.{{book ref|mb7|72}}

<!--
=== Mistborn Era 3 ===
--->
=== Bet with the Sorceress of Lumar ===
Hoid would later go on to visit the planet of [[Lumar]],{{book ref|tress|4}}{{ref|group=fn|text=It can be assumed that this takes place after the events of other Cosmere books due to the references to and appearence of very advanced technology, relative to what has been seen before. Examples include computers,{{book ref|tress|64}}{{book ref|tress|60}} monitoring systems,{{book ref|tress|60}} extremely advanced Nalthian tech such as Awakened predictive circuits,{{book ref|tress|15}} spaceships,{{book ref|tress|60}} and rockets.{{book ref|tress|64}} Along with the release of the Kandra across the cosmere;{{book ref|tress|42}} and awareness of Marsh spreading across the Cosmere,{{book ref|tress|53}} which began late into the anteverdant era of Scadrial.{{book ref|mb7|part=ars}} However, it is not known when it takes place relative to [[Yumi and the Nightmare Painter]], [[The Sunlit Man]], or [[Sixth of the Dusk]], and the placement of this section is non-canonical until further confirmation of its chronological placement.}} a relative backwater in the cosmere.{{book ref|tress|42}} 

At some point he informed his friend, the [[kandra]] [[Ulaam]], of his intentions to visit the planet via letter.{{book ref|tress|22}} Still hoping to gain access to AonDor, he met with [[Riina]], who was living on the planet in the guise the Sorceress of the Midnight Sea.{{book ref|tress|22}} While visiting her island, Hoid agreed to a bet with her. Riina would be allowed to place him under a curse, and in exchange, if he could successfully break it, he would be granted admission to the Elantrians and the ability to use AonDor. The curse placed on him stripped him of his sense of humor, sense of style, sense of decorum, sense of purpose, intelligence, and sense of self.{{book ref|tress|15}} In order to break the curse, he would need to return to the central room of the Sorceress' ship on her island.{{book ref|tress|64}} As a part of the curse, he was also forbidden from telling anyone any information about his curse, how he had been given it, or how it could be broken. Riina finished her casting by sending Hoid far away from the Midnight Sea. During his time here, he likely came into possession of some Midnight spores.{{book ref|tress|28}}

{{sidequote
|I once ate an entire watermelon in one sitting. And it gave me diarrhea.
|Hoid to [[Tress]] while under the effects of [[Riina]]'s curse{{book ref|tress|24}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
While under the effects of this curse, Hoid's behavior bore little resemblance to his normal personality. He dressed quite oddly, trying at times to wear every shade of orange he could find,{{book ref|tress|31}} or his red-sequined briefs.{{book ref|tress|57}} He spent time doing things like inventing the card game Kings, in which you hold your cards backwards and can see everyone's hand but your own, an invention that lost him many of his possessions. Bad jokes and nonsensical ideas filled basically all his time, and he was only very rarely able to think clearly enough to communicate anything meaningful or work to accomplish his goals. He was left with some dim awareness of his situation though, a cruel decision on the part of Riina who wanted him aware enough to be horrified by his situation. Any attempt to share information about his curse would only start him stuttering and send him back to his normal befuddled state.{{book ref|tress|24}}

Hoid spent a long time at sea, wandering without apparent progress at breaking his curse. Ulaam eventually arrived on the planet and found Hoid, but was uninterested in working too hard to free him from his curse, preferring to simply stick close and wait for the problem to resolve itself.{{book ref|tress|24}} The two of them spent at least a year traveling together in this way.{{book ref|tress|42}} Eventually Hoid would become the cabin boy of the ''[[Whistlebow]]''.{{book ref|tress|13}} He came into contact with [[Charlie]], son of the duke of [[Diggen's Point]] and returned there to give [[Tress]] a ceramic cup and Charlie's first letter to her.{{book ref|tress|4}}
Later, he was traded for by [[Fort]] for a large sum on the orders of Captain [[Crow]] who was interested in Hoid once she had heard that he had been cursed by the Sorceress.{{book ref|tress|23}} Hoid settled onto a routine onto the ''[[Crow's Song]]'', working as a cabin boy there as well,{{book ref|tress|15}} and kept fed despite his near-uselessness by Fort.{{book ref|tress|37}} Ulaam continued as his companion, and the two were suffered by the crew despite their oddities, due in part to Ulaam's skill with medicine.{{book ref|tress|18}} During his time on the ''Crow's Song'', Hoid gave midnight spores to [[Weev]], the ship's [[sprouter]], believing them to be licorice.{{book ref|tress|28}}

Another of his shipmates, Tress, became interested in Hoid's past after Ulaam explained to her that Hoid had been cursed,{{book ref|tress|22}} and approached him on the deck of the ship to try to obtain information about the Sorcess despite his curse.{{book ref|tress|24}} Hoid was unable to say much of note, but he dimly realized she was trying to help him and was able to offer some cryptic clues, asking Tress to bring him to her planet so he could save her,{{book ref|tress|24}} meaning the map of Lumar present on the Sorceress's ship.{{book ref|tress|62}} He also told her to look for a grouping of six stars,{{book ref|tress|24}} a carving under her bed, which would lead her to Weev's secret supply of midnight aether.{{book ref|tress|24}} After Tress recovered the midnight aether, Ulaam confronted Hoid, asking if he had given the aether to her. Ulaam and Tress continued to press Hoid for information and he was able to tell them to look for a person that is not a person and could talk when they should not, which they realized referred to Charlie in his guise of Huck the rat.{{book ref|tress|28}}

{{image|BattleOfWits.jpg|side=right|width=350px|Hoid's duel with the Sorceress.}}

As the ''Crow's Song'' continued its journey into the Crimson Sea, Hoid continued to stymie Tress's attempts to wheedle more information out of him, unable to point at words on a sheet of paper that might be relevant to his curse. However, Tress realized that he she could glean information from his silences though, as he stopped speaking when the subject turned to the matter of his curse. This allowed him to indicate to her where Riina's island might be found on a map.{{book ref|tress|42}} As they traveled closer to the [[Midnight Sea]], Huck convinced the addled Hoid to dump much of the ship's food and water overboard, in an unsuccessful attempt to force the crew to return the to [[Emerald Sea]].{{book ref|tress|56}}

Later when the ''Crow's Song'' reached the Sorceress's island, the ship's crew carried Hoid into the Sorceress's ship to save Tress and Huck,{{book ref|tress|63}} who had realized that bringing Hoid to the center of the Sorceress's power would break the curse, and hopefully allow him to defeat her.{{book ref|tress|62}} When Hoid entered the tower, the terms of the bet were fulfilled and he was restored to his sense and transformed into an Elantrian. Hoid arrived just in time to use AonDor to throw up a shield and prevent Riina from cursing Tress. In the brief confrontation that followed, Riina judged that she was not confident enough that she could defeat Hoid to risk a direct confrontation with him, instead choosing to flee the planet and let Hoid, Tress, and Charlie go free. While Hoid was unable to directly remove the curse on Charlie, he was able to tweak the parameters so that Charlie could break the curse himself once he returned to Diggen's Point with Tress.{{book ref|tress|64}} Hoid may have lingered with them for some time giving Charlie some pointers on storytelling and music.{{book ref|tress|epilogue}}

Hoid would later share his adventure with Tress and Charlie as a story to an unknown audience, potentially made up of people from the planet [[First of the Sun]].{{book ref|tress|24}}{{book ref|tress|60}} It is unknown exactly when he tells this story relative to the events, but it is known to be within years or decades, but less than centuries.{{wob ref|15442}}

=== Meeting with Sigzil on Canticle ===
When Hoid's apprentice Sigzil arrived on [[Canticle]], Sigzil's spren [[Auxiliary]] used some Investiture they had acquired to temporarily reinforce Sigzil's Connection to Hoid, allowing Hoid to appear before Sigzil as an illusion.{{book ref|tsm|10}} Sigzil remained angry with Hoid for the betrayal, feeling as if he had been tricked and used by Wit when he was asked to take up the Dawnshard, and forced into his life of fleeing the Night Brigade. He confronted Hoid in anger for this and his betrayal in the warcamps. Hoid responded by explaining to Sigzil that he had taken him on as an apprentice due to his hunger for answers to all his questions. Hoid reminded Sigzil that while that it was a good instinct, it's important to realize that the questions are more important than the answers themselves sometimes. As the Connection faded, Hoid apologized sincerely to Sigzil for his mistake, and for ruining his life.

=== Frozen on Komashi ===
{{image|The Noodle Pupil by Aliya Chen.jpg|width=300px|side=right|Hoid frozen due to his protection measures (left)}}

At some point after Sigzil's overthrowing of the [[Cinder King]],{{ref|group=fn|text=It has been confirmed that the events of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter take place after the events of The Sunlit Man by an unclear margin of time.{{wob ref|16524}}}} Hoid went with [[Design]] to [[Komashi]] and was almost instantly frozen in place, unable to move. This was due to the protection measures that he instituted to prevent other entities from interfering with his Investiture after recovering from [[Odium]]'s destruction of his breaths.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} It activated as, immediately upon his arrival, the [[father machine]] attempted to absorb his Investiture to power itself.{{book ref|Yumi|part=anotherepilogue}} Seeing his state, Design spraypainted him copper and used him as a coatrack in her new noodle shop, the [[Noodle Pupil]]. At some point following his stasis, he formed a Connection with [[Nikaro|Painter]], [[Yumi]], and [[Liyun]] allowing him to tell what they were doing, feeling, and thinking, along with many others on the planet, though he felt it with them particularly acutely, and knew it had something to do with him.{{book ref|yumi|5}}{{book ref|yumi|39}}

After the father machine was destroyed by Yumi, and the attempts to absorb his Investiture thus halted, he was freed from his stasis. He planned with Design to disguise themselves as astronauts and steal a ship, allowing them to travel to the nearby [[Iron Seven Waystation]].{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}} 

He kept in contact with Nikaro, Yumi, and Masaka, via letters and inquiries, allowing him to keep up with their lives and how society coped with the loss of the [[shroud]].{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}} He would eventually tell the story of [[Yumi]] and [[Nikaro|Painter]] to an unknown audience on Roshar, with permission from those involved.{{book ref|yumi|1}}{{book ref|yumi|6}}{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}{{wob ref|15496}}

It is possible that Hoid had been to Komashi at some point before the activation of the father machine, as he had some implied familiarity with some elements of [[Torio|Torish]] culture.{{book ref|yumi|2}}

== Relationships ==
Due to his nature as a worldhopper, Hoid has met most of the main characters in the cosmere, as well as a large quantity of side characters.

=== The Shards ===
Hoid's relationships with the various [[Vessel]]s are varied<!--wow that was a lot of v's-->, to say the least, ranging from hate and terror to respect and cameraderie.

; Ati
: He considers Ati to once have been a kind and generous man before his Ascension, though he thinks very differently of what he became.{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}}

; Bavadin
: Hoid has a long-standing grudge against [[Bavadin]] for unknown reasons.{{epigraph ref|sa1|23}}{{wob ref|10630}} She has instilled in many of her avatars, including the one on [[Obrodai]], a deep dislike of him;{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}} however, he and Bavadin herself had a relationship at some point.{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}

; Edgli
: Hoid and [[Edgli]] mutually detest each other. However, their conversations are far more polite than Hoid's relations with Bavadin or Rayse.{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}}

; Koravellium Avast
: Hoid, while not ''enemies'' with [[Koravellium]], has never really gotten along with her. However, he recognizes the fact that she poses a threat to Odium, and respects that.{{book ref|sa2|55}}

; Rayse
: Hoid was once friends with [[Rayse]],{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{wob ref|2101}} though considered him to have always been a very loathsome, crafty, and dangerous individual.{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}} He is now terrified of the Shard, and takes many precautions against him. However, he is not above taunting the Shard, as he feels him to be the most detestable person he has ever met, albeit preferably from a position of superiority. Prior to Rayse's death, Hoid had not met the Shard in person for more than a thousand years.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}} 

; Sazed
: [[Sazed]] has a benevolent feeling towards Hoid.{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}} However, the latter has nevertheless hidden from the Shard whenever he visits [[Scadrial]],{{epigraph ref|sa3|56}} a decision of which Sazed disapproves and questions,{{epigraph ref|sa3|57}} but by which he is also fascinated.{{epigraph ref|sa4|21}} He wishes to work with Hoid to keep Odium contained, as he is highly disturbed by the wound upon the Spiritual Realm where Ambition was Splintered. They disagree on whether it is the Vessel or the power that is more dangerous, with Sazed believing that the Investiture will make any Vessel of Odium the same as their predecessor, but they agree that it would be the combination of a Vessel's craftiness and the power's Intent that would be most fearsome--coincidentally, a very good description of Taravangian.

; Tanavast
: Hoid was acquainted with [[Tanavast]] before the Shattering. Tanavast did like Hoid enough to buy him drinks once.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}

; Taravangian
: Prior to [[Taravangian]]'s Ascension, Hoid had never notably interacted with him. However, after the occupation of [[Urithiru]], when going to challenge Rayse, he realized that a new Vessel had Ascended, and was completely terrified, as Rayse was controlled by the power, but a new Vessel might have more control. However, Taravangian destroyed the Breaths holding his short-term memory, so he did not believe anything to be amiss.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}

; Valor 
: Valor appears rather fond of Hoid, and believes it has been too long since their last conversation as of Harmony's letter.{{epigraph ref|sa4|25}} The exact nature of their relationship, and his feelings concerning her, are currently unknown.

=== Cosmere-Wide ===
; Khrissalla
: Hoid thinks well of Khriss.{{wob ref|1707}} Although it is unknown how much information she has shared with him, she knows far more about the cosmere than he, as she pursues the knowledge for the sake of scholarship, while he uses it to sound smart and achieve his goals.{{wob ref|5320}} If he were to ask her about something that she knew, though, and she perceived that he was asking for a morally good reason, she would tell him.{{wob ref|180}}

; The Seventeenth Shard
: Hoid is quite dismissive of the [[Seventeenth Shard]]. Although they fear that his actions will exacerbate Shardic conflict due to their non-interventionist policy, he easily evades those whom they assign to pursue him.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}{{wob ref|7910}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}}

; Frost
: Hoid and [[Frost]] know each other well, having worked together in the past, and have a method of communicating with one another besides the [[Silverlight Mercantile]] interplanetary postal service. Despite this, they are completely opposed on the courses of action that would be best for the cosmere. Frost, as a member of the Seventeenth Shard,{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}} believes that the best course of action is to let events play out as they will, especially in regard to [[Odium]]'s growing power and ambition. However, as Hoid is a worldhopper and Frost is not, the former believes that he has a more informed stance, and plans to take more active action against the Shard.{{epigraph ref|sa2|60}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}}{{wob ref|4214}}

; The Ghostbloods
: Hoid has a very different opinion of the Ghostbloods than he does of their leader, viewing them as generally not a threat.{{book ref|sa4|64}}{{wob ref|12011}}

; Wan ShaiLu
: It is unclear how he feels about Wan ShaiLu, despite him betraying her without hesitation in order to get his hands on the Moon Scepter.{{tes ref|2}}{{ref|name=tes-del}}
: Wan ShaiLu, on the other hand, despises him for his betrayal.{{tes ref|2}} After escaping from the Rose Empire, she began to hunt after him to enact her revenge, an act that she eventually succeeded at.{{book ref|mb7|20}}{{wob ref|9631}} Their current relationship is unclear, but she does wonder to herself if she was keeping watch over him, or he over her, but she knows that they are in reality just keeping watch over the same third parties.{{book ref|mb7|20}}

; Nightblood
: Hoid is terrified of [[Nightblood]] and tries to stay very far away from it, as he believes that it has a chance of killing him.{{wob ref|11671}}{{wob ref|8588}}

; Riina
: He has a very hostile relationship with Riina, with her having cursed him to tastelessness and unintelligence.{{expand}}{{cite}}

; Ulaam
{{quote
|Hoid has too many issues to count. I wouldn’t trouble yourself with his situation. He’s nearly as deft at untying knots as he is at creating them.
|Ulaam to [[Tress]] on Hoid{{book ref|tress|22}}
}}
: He has a relatively amiable relationship with Ulaam, with the two considering each other friends. Though Ulaam does enjoy insulting and humiliating him, even recording what he said during his curse from Riina in order to embarrass him for years, and also has sent records to their mutual friends.{{book ref|tress|18}}{{expand}}{{cite}}

=== Roshar ===
In his position as King's, and later, Queen's Wit, Hoid has had opportunities to interact with many notable Rosharans, and has taken full advantage of such chances.

; Design
: Hoid has a fondly exasperated view towards [[Design]]. Though, as a pair who share a [[Nahel bond]], they are extremely close, he is consistently frustrated by her habit of spoiling stories that he's telling, as he sees it.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}} 

: Despite this amicable relationship, they are not the best for each other, exacerbate certain features of one another in a way that isn't good for either of them.{{wob ref|15354}}

{{image|Jasnah and Wit by Jessica Liu.jpg|side=right|width=250px|With [[Jasnah]]}}

; Jasnah
: Hoid is romantically involved with [[Jasnah]].{{book ref|sa4|99}}{{book ref|sa4|17}} He also has immense respect for her, both due to her sheer intelligence and the fact that, when all else fails, she is, above all, paranoid. Jasnah notes that he seems to think such things as kissing her safehand would spark passion in her, though it is her view that mental stimulation is far superior.

; Kaladin
: Hoid feels paternally to [[Kaladin]]. In such situations as when Kaladin is terrified at the discovery of his Radiant powers,{{book ref|sa1|57}} languishing in prison,{{book ref|sa2|59}} or trapped in a vision concocted by Odium and [[Moash]] in order to try and break him,{{book ref|sa4|80}} Hoid is always there with a story to bring him back from the brink, and at one point gave Kaladin his [[Trailman's flute]].

; Senne Khald 
: Hoid took Senne Khald as his apprentice in the Sixth Epoch. Though his exact relationship with her is unclear.{{wob ref|16437}}

; Shallan Davar
: Hoid feels similarly to [[Shallan]] as he does to Kaladin. Visiting her in times of need, such as when her father is growing more and more abusive or when she's sitting in a dark building in [[Kholinar]], racked with guilt about [[Grund]]'s death, he guides her to a path of self-forgiveness.

; Sigzil
: Hoid's relationship with [[Sigzil]] seems similar to that of Jasnah and Shallan. When in Azir, Hoid found Sigzil to be in some sort of trouble, and, after rescuing him, took the young [[Azish]] man under his wing and began teaching him as a [[Worldsinger]].{{book ref|sa1|57}} The two traveled [[Roshar]] together, at one point ending up in [[Babatharnam]], where Hoid had to pay for Sigzil to be freed three separate times, though Sigzil suspected that they mainly arrested him because Hoid had a lot of money.{{book ref|sa2|46}} Hoid graduated him as a full Worldsinger in {{rosharan date|1173|9}}.{{book ref|sa1|57}}
: Hoid feels shame for how he effected Sigzil by giving him the Dawnshard, and for abandoning him to slavery.{{book ref|tsm|10}} 
: For a while, Sigzil believed that Hoid thought him dead, but was filled with rage upon learning that he knew he was alive all through his slavery at the Shattered Plains.{{book ref|tsm|10}} He is further angered by the burden placed upon him by Hoid giving him the Dawnshard.{{book ref|tsm|10}}

; Torol Sadeas
:Hoid dislikes Sadeas, insulting him at any chance he gets. Though at first he tries to get Sadeas to attempt to kill him in order to remove the man as a threat, he makes fun of Sadeas after his death just for the fun of it.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{cite}}

=== Scadrial ===
; Kelsier
: [[Kelsier]] and Hoid mutually detest one another. Hoid considers him extremely dangerous, though he doesn't think much of his organization.{{book ref|sa4|64}}{{wob ref|12011}} However, this doesn't stop him from taking action against the Cognitive Shadow, such as when he gives [[Wax]] a [[coppermind]] containing knowledge that Kelsier would have preferred to have stayed hidden.{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}}

; Wax
: He seems to think positively of Wax, acting as his coachman and helping him on multiple occasions, such as giving him a coppermind containing information on Kelsier,{{book ref|mb6|11}}{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}} and saving him from the ocean after the destruction of the [[Pewternaut]].{{book ref|mb7|72}}

; Wayne
: He has a rather cordial relationship with Wayne, although he finds him bizarre. He once tried to convince Wayne to stop being so hard on himself and accept that he is a good person.{{book ref|mb7|21}} Wayne also likes Hoid, and enjoys talking with him, though he doesn't know his true identity.{{book ref|mb5|7}}{{wob ref|4376}}

: While relatively cordial, Hoid does seem to get annoyed by his kleptomania. Even though he wanted his harmonica back, he did ultimately accept Wayne's trade of it for a rat.{{book ref|mb7|21}}

; Joshin Yomen and Lady Mi'chelle Ostlin
: He is good friends with Joshin Yomen and Lady Mi'chelle Ostlin, with their wedding being a big part of why he returned to Scadrial, wanting to come to congratulate his friends.{{wob ref|918}}{{wob ref|3546}}{{book ref|mb4|4}}

=== Lumar ===
; Tress 
: He holds enough respect for Tress and her adventure that he sees her as very mature and talented for her age,{{book ref|tress|epilogue}} and he remembered her adventure and told the tale years to decades after they parted.{{book ref|tress|epilogue}}{{wob ref|15442}} Though he still felt that she didn't have the right to give him commands, but ultimately obliged due to her being his captain.{{book ref|tress|64}} He has kept tabs on her and the rest of the crew of the ''Crow's Song'' for several years after his curse was broken.{{book ref|tress|epilogue}}

: Tress knew Hoid as a cabin boy on Diggen's Point, and a member of the ''Crow's Song''. Though, for much of their relationship, she held little respect for him due to the effects of the curse Riina put on him.{{book ref|tress|22}}{{book ref|tress|23}} She eventually came to see him as a means to an end for finding Charlie.{{book ref|tress|22}} Her opinion on him greatly changed after he saved her from Riina after his curse was broken, though she still viewed him as a member of her crew and thus under her command.{{book ref|tress|64}}

== Known Aliases ==
{{columns|
* Hoid
* Roamer{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
* Dust{{book ref|sa2|81}}
* The King's/Queen's Wit{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}
* Imperial Fool of the [[Rose Empire]]{{ref|name=tes-del}}
* Topaz{{wob ref|8609}}
* Drifter{{msh ref|2|1}}
* Wanderer{{epigraph ref|sa4|20}}
* Lunu'anaki{{book ref|sa2|46}}
* Cephandrius Maxtori{{wob ref|5882}}{{wob ref|3985}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{msh ref|2|1}}{{book ref|sa4|112}} 
* Midius{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{epigraph ref|sa4|84}}
* Bearer of the First Gem{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}
* Whitehair{{book ref|sa2.5|12}}
* Hoed{{book ref|Elantris|part=postscript}}
}}

== Speculation ==
=== Worldsingers & Worldbringers ===
The names of the [[Worldsingers]], a group of storytellers on Roshar, and the Conclave of [[Worldbringers]], the leading body of the original [[Terris]] religion, are strikingly similar. Brandon has stated that this is not a coincidence.{{wob ref|3656}} Some believe that Hoid is a common root to both of these organizations, one of which, the Worldbringers, was very [[Realmatic Theory|Realmatically]] aware.{{wob ref|1253}} In addition to this he is known to be a founder of the Worldsingers and a member of the Worldbringers.{{wob ref|15843}}{{book ref|tress|24}}

== Quotes ==
=== Warbreaker ===
{{quote
|I only tell stories, Your Grace. They may be truths, they may be fictions. All I know is that the stories themselves exist and that I must tell them.
|Hoid to [[Siri]] on the truth of his stories{{book ref|wb|32}}
}}

{{quote
|I learned it many, many years ago from a man who didn't know who he was, Your Majesty. It was a distant place where two lands meet and gods have died.
|Hoid to Siri on where he learned his particular method of storytelling.{{book ref|wb|32}}
}}

=== The Way of Kings ===
{{quote
|The foolishness of men who care, Dalinar, and the brilliance of those who do not. The second depend on the first&mdash;but also exploit the first&mdash;while the first misunderstand the second, hoping that the second are more like the first. And all of their games steal our time. Second by second.
| Hoid to Dalinar{{book ref|twok|54}}
}}

{{quote
|Nonsense. Balderdash. Figgldygrak. Isn't it odd that gibberish words are often the sounds of other words, cut up and dismembered, then stitched into something like them&mdash;yet wholly unlike them at the same time?<br>
I wonder if you could do that to a man. Pull him apart, emotion by emotion, bit by bit, bloody chunk by bloody chunk. Then combine them back together into something else, like a Dysian [[Aimian]]. If you do put a man together like that, Dalinar, be sure to name him Gibberish, after me. Or perhaps Gibletish.
|Hoid to Dalinar (after namedropping Adonalsium){{book ref|twok|54}}
}}

{{quote
|I've abandoned my real name. But when next we meet, I'll think of a clever one for you to call me. Until then, Wit will suffice&mdash;or if you must, you may call me Hoid.
|Hoid to Dalinar{{book ref|twok|54}}
}}

{{quote
|I began life as a thought, a concept, words on a page. That was another thing I stole. Myself. Another time, I was named for a rock."<br>
"A pretty one, I hope."<br>
"A beautiful one," the man said. "And one that became completely worthless for my wearing it.
|Hoid to [[Kaladin]]{{book ref|twok|57}}
}}

{{quote
|What you saw belongs to you. A story doesn't live until it is imagined in someone's mind."<br>
"What does the story mean, then?"<br>
"It means what you want it to mean. The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon. Too often, we forget that.
|Hoid to Kaladin on stories{{book ref|twok|57}}
}}

{{quote
|People see in stories what they're looking for, my young friend. I have no answers for you. Most days, I feel I never have had any answers. I've come to your land to chase an old acquaintance, but I end up spending most of my time hiding from him instead.
|Hoid to Kaladin{{book ref|twok|57}}
}}

{{quote
|Can you feel it? Something just changed. I believe that's the sound the world makes when it pisses itself
|Hoid to the [[Kholinar]] city guards{{book ref|twok|epilogue}}
}}

{{quote
|What is it we value? Innovation. Originality. Novelty. But most importantly...timeliness. I fear you may be too late, my confused, unfortunate, friend.
|Hoid to [[Taln]]{{book ref|twok|epilogue}}
}}

=== Words of Radiance ===
{{quote
|You must not trust yourself with me. If I have to watch this world crumble and burn to get what I need, I will do so. With tears, yes, but I would let it happen.
|Hoid (as Wit) to Dalinar{{book ref|wor|67}}
}}

=== Oathbringer ===
{{quote
|Accept the pain, but do not accept that you deserved it.
|Hoid (as Wit) to Shallan{{book ref|ob|82}}
}}

== Trivia ==
* The character of Hoid existed before the concept of Adonalsium was developed. He first appeared in a short story Brandon wrote long ago, going by the name Kamp.{{wob ref|7600}} He was on a planet trying to figure out how the magical system of the area worked.{{wob ref|1191}}
* Brandon has stated that Cephandrius is only a few decades off from his real name.{{wob ref|5882}}
* Brandon has stated that Hoid is one of his favorite characters, alongside [[Dalinar]], by the virtue of being one of the oldest.{{wob ref|5246}}
* Brandon may eventually write a parallel novel to the Mistborn series that chronicles what Hoid was up to behind the scenes.{{wob ref|1220}}
* Hoid loves bacon.{{wob ref|3098}}
* Hoid's parents were married, or at least he is not illegitimate.{{msh ref|2|1}}
* His favorite type of spren is a [[Cryptic]].{{wob ref|8135}}
* He has a good opinion of [[Khriss]], and they have met at least once.{{wob ref|1707}}
* Hoid has had a romantic interest in the past.{{wob ref|1753}} In fact, there were several.{{wob ref|9465}}
* He is the happiest when "getting away with something". When asked in what published book that was, Brandon responded with ''[[The Bands of Mourning]]''.{{wob ref|1745}}
* Prior to the events of ''Words of Radiance'', Hoid had not been hugged in "a long time."{{wob ref|3169}}
* He has dressed in drag before, "multiple times."{{wob ref|11824}}
* Hoid's quest may be "To make that which once was."{{wob ref|9218}}
* In 2018, Brandon did a reading of an uncanonical scene he had written several years prior, called "The Traveler." In it, two men, likely Hoid and Frost, have a conversation shortly after the deaths of [[Leras]] and [[Ati]]. A recording and a transcription of the reading can be found [[wob:9518|here]].
* Hoid is unimpressed with the [[Ghostbloods]].{{wob ref|12011}}
* Hoid loathes the [[Set]], and the members who know of him loathe him in return.{{wob ref|12632}}
* Hoid does not pay taxes.{{wob ref|13322}}
* Hoid was at least acquainted with [[Tanavast]] before the Shattering.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}
* Hoid fears The Beyond.{{wob ref|14725}}
* Hoid's favorite color is black.{{wob ref|14774}}
* Though he once (extremely accurately) said to Shallan that he began life as words on a page, this was not in fact a break of the fourth wall.{{wob ref|3334}}
* Hoid, under the name Topaz, was Brandon's first [[wikipedia:Dungeons & Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]] character.{{wob ref|15048}}
* Brandon does not believe he would aid Hoid's cause if he was in the cosmere.{{wob ref|15118}}
* Hoid likes milkshakes.{{wob ref|15329}}
* Hoid is interested in having a nose that can't smell cheese.{{book ref|tress|53}}
* Hoid has spoken with the [[Nightwatcher]].{{wob ref|12264}}
* For several books, Hoid's best friend was somebody named Bat'Chor. This may no longer be the case as of Mistborn Era 2.{{wob ref|15731}}
* Hoid is a fan of ramen.{{wob ref|15535}} and co-owned a restaurant called the [[Noodle Pupil]] on [[Komashi]] with [[Design]]{{book ref|yumi|5}} before Design gave it away to [[Yumi]] and [[Nikaro]].{{book ref|yumi|part=anotherepilogue}}

== Notes ==
;Footnotes
<references group=fn />
;References
<references>
{{bws ref|date=2014-03-31|name=tes-del|the-emperors-soul-deleted-prologue-imperial-fool|Deleted prologue from ''The Emperor's Soul''}}
{{bws ref|date=2017-10-27|name=timeline|oathbringers-timeline|text=Oathbringer's Timeline}}

</references>
{{partial}}
{{cosmere}}
[[Category: Viewpoint characters]]
[[es:Hoid]]