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|bonded=[[Szeth's highspren]]
 
|bonded=[[Szeth's highspren]]
 
|profession={{cat tag|Assassins|Assassin}} <small>(formerly)</small>, bodyguard
 
|profession={{cat tag|Assassins|Assassin}} <small>(formerly)</small>, bodyguard
|aliases=Assassin in White, Szeth of the Skybreakers, Szeth of Shinovar, One All White{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
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|aliases=Assassin in White, Szeth of the Skybreakers, Szeth of Shinovar
|titles=[[Truthless]] of [[Shinovar]], The Assassin, The Stonewalker
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|titles=[[Truthless]] of [[Shinovar]]
 
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]])</small>
 
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]])</small>
 
|born={{Rosharan date|1138}}{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}
 
|born={{Rosharan date|1138}}{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}
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|world=Roshar
 
|world=Roshar
 
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
 
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|introduced=[[The Way of Kings]]
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|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{update|sa4}}
 
{{update|sa4}}
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{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
 
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
   
Szeth is roughly thirty-five years old at the start of the [[True Desolation]]. Like all [[Shin]], he's short and pale-skinned, with large, round eyes lacking the epicanthic fold that most [[Roshar]]ans possess. Normally, his eyes are dark green, but they change to pale sapphire whenever he summons Jezrien's [[Honorblade]],{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}{{book ref|sa2.5|8}} and glow light grey when he holds Stormlight as a Skybreaker.{{book ref|sa3|117}} His hair is naturally brown,{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} but he shaves his head often, mentioning that he's unable to grow a full head of hair.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
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Szeth is roughly thirty-five years old at the start of the [[True Desolation]]. Like all [[Shin]], he's short and pale-skinned, with large, round eyes lacking the epicanthic fold that most [[Roshar]]ans possess. Normally, his eyes are dark green, but whenever he summons Jezrien's [[Honorblade]], they change to pale sapphire.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}{{book ref|sa2.5|8}} He shaves his head often, mentioning that he's unable to grow a full head of hair.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
   
 
As the Assassin, Szeth always wears white. While this originally stemmed from [[listener]] customs, [[Taravangian]] had him keep the outfit as a symbol.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa1|i|9}} Even after he stops following his [[Oathstone]], he continues to wear white.{{book ref|sa4|16}} Following his death and subsequent revival, his soul was improperly attached to his body, leaving him with a ghostly white afterimage that can be seen by anyone with sufficient [[Investiture]], such as [[Lift]] or the Skybreakers.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}}{{book ref|sa3|90}}{{wob ref|2563}}
 
As the Assassin, Szeth always wears white. While this originally stemmed from [[listener]] customs, [[Taravangian]] had him keep the outfit as a symbol.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa1|i|9}} Even after he stops following his [[Oathstone]], he continues to wear white.{{book ref|sa4|16}} Following his death and subsequent revival, his soul was improperly attached to his body, leaving him with a ghostly white afterimage that can be seen by anyone with sufficient [[Investiture]], such as [[Lift]] or the Skybreakers.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}}{{book ref|sa3|90}}{{wob ref|2563}}
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}}
 
}}
   
Szeth is bound unwaveringly to honor, and loyal to the extent that he will do anything asked by his master, including self-mutilation.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}} However, as a Truthless he's forbidden to take his own life or to give up his Blade.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}} While accomplished at assassination, he's not a willing killer, always facing inner turmoil when taking a life. He hears the screams of his victims when he closes his eyes; his self-loathing eventually sends him spiraling into madness. His resurrection did nothing to help him; he continues to hear the whispers of those he'd killed, which [[Nale]] believes to be trembles from the [[Spiritual Realm]], serving as a constant reminder of his crimes.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
+
Szeth is bound unwaveringly to honor, and loyal to the extent that he will do anything asked by his master, including self-mutilation. However, as a Truthless he's forbidden to take his own life or to give up his Blade. While accomplished at assassination, he's not a willing killer, always facing inner turmoil when taking a life. He hears the screams of his victims when he closes his eyes; his self-loathing eventually sends him spiraling into madness. His resurrection did nothing to help him; he continues to hear the whispers of those he'd killed, which [[Nale]] believes to be trembles from the [[Spiritual Realm]], serving as a constant reminder of his crimes.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
   
 
As a [[Skybreaker]], Szeth develops a far greater suspicion of his superiors; he starts questioning his orders, and even argues with those above him if he believes they are wrong.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} He slowly learns to make his own decisions, although still seems to yearn for someone to follow, as evidenced by his newfound dedication to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|119}} His [[Szeth's highspren|highspren]] believes he needs to learn to rely on himself instead of Dalinar more.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} He's exceedingly serious, and unless severely agitated, highly respectful to others. He also seems deaf to jokes or sarcasm, often finding what others say to be incredibly profound, even when it's nonsensical or silly.{{book ref|sa3|120}}
During this era, he is deeply devoted to Stone Shamanism, seeing it as the only thing of worth he had left in his life. He comes to question his faith's teachings often during his time as Truthless, but tries to silence any such thoughts, considering them dangerous.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
 
 
As a [[Skybreaker]], Szeth develops a far greater suspicion of his superiors; he starts questioning his orders, and even argues with those above him if he believes they are wrong.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} He slowly learns to make his own decisions, although still seems to yearn for someone to follow, as evidenced by his newfound dedication to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|119}} His [[Szeth's highspren|highspren]] believes he needs to learn to rely on himself more instead of Dalinar.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} He's exceedingly serious, and unless severely agitated, highly respectful to others. He also seems deaf to jokes or sarcasm, often finding what others say to be incredibly profound, even when it's nonsensical or silly.{{book ref|sa3|120}}
 
 
He finds the idea of eternal damnation far more comforting than the obliteration of the soul.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
 
   
 
== Attributes and Abilities ==
 
== Attributes and Abilities ==
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{{image|Teamfight by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=350px|First attempt to assassinate [[Dalinar]], foiled by [[Kaladin]]}}
 
{{image|Teamfight by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=350px|First attempt to assassinate [[Dalinar]], foiled by [[Kaladin]]}}
   
Szeth's new master gave him a list of high-ranking targets, all of whom were to be eliminated with the flashy display of skill seen over five years ago in [[Kholinar]]. Szeth carved a bloody path across the continent, slaying, among many others, a [[Selay]] [[gerontarch]] and two [[Azir|Azish]] Primes.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} His second-to-last kill was King [[Hanavanar]] of Jah Keved, whom he killed on {{rosharan date|1173|9|1|4}} along with his two Shardbearer guards and many others who were present.{{book ref|sa1|i|9}}{{wob ref|7832}} This led directly to the Veden civil war.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
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Szeth's new master gave him a list of high-ranking targets, all of whom were to be eliminated with the flashy display of skill seen over five years ago in [[Kholinar]]. Szeth carved a bloody path across the continent, slaying, among many others, two [[Azir|Azish]] Primes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} His second-to-last kill was King [[Hanavanar]] of Jah Keved, whom he killed on {{rosharan date|1173|9|1|4}} along with his two Shardbearer guards and many others who were present.{{book ref|sa1|i|9}}{{wob ref|7832}} This led directly to the Veden civil war.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
   
 
King [[Taravangian]], the last name on Szeth's hit list, turned out to be his secret employer. When Szeth arrived in [[Kharbranth]], Taravangian revealed a portion of his schemes, showcasing his "hospitals" in which people were slowly killed in order to draw out [[Death Rattle]]s.{{book ref|sa1|71}} Upon showing this to Szeth, he ordered him to kill [[Dalinar Kholin]].
 
King [[Taravangian]], the last name on Szeth's hit list, turned out to be his secret employer. When Szeth arrived in [[Kharbranth]], Taravangian revealed a portion of his schemes, showcasing his "hospitals" in which people were slowly killed in order to draw out [[Death Rattle]]s.{{book ref|sa1|71}} Upon showing this to Szeth, he ordered him to kill [[Dalinar Kholin]].
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}}
 
}}
   
Szeth attacked Dalinar during the climax of the [[Battle of Narak]] on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}.{{book ref|sa2|79}} Dalinar was able to temporarily hold his own before being lashed to the sky, to eventually fall to his death after the Stormlight sustaining the lashing ran out. However, before that could happen, Kaladin, having recently sworn the Third Ideal of the Windrunners, swooped in and caught him, then safely returned him to the ground. Kaladin and Szeth then battled above the colliding [[highstorm]] and [[Everstorm]]. During the battle Szeth came to the realization that Kaladin was truly a Radiant, and so Szeth himself was never Truthless. Unable to accept his actions, Szeth unbonded his Honorblade and fell through the highstorm to his death.{{book ref|sa2|85}}{{book ref|sa2|88}}
+
Szeth attacked Dalinar during the climax of the [[Battle of Narak]]. Dalinar was able to temporarily hold his own before being lashed to the sky, to eventually fall to his death after the Stormlight sustaining the lashing ran out. However, before that could happen, Kaladin, having recently sworn the Third Ideal of the Windrunners, swooped in and caught him, then safely returned him to the ground. Kaladin and Szeth then battled above the colliding [[highstorm]] and [[Everstorm]]. During the battle Szeth came to the realization that Kaladin was truly a Radiant, and so Szeth himself was never Truthless. Unable to accept his actions, Szeth unbonded his Honorblade and fell through the highstorm to his death.{{book ref|sa2|85}}{{book ref|sa2|88}}
   
 
Moments after his death, Szeth was revived by [[Nale]], who used a fabrial to heal his body before his spirit departed.{{book ref|sa3|90}} Though Szeth was initially outraged at being returned to life, Nale promised to give him a new purpose and gifted him with [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
 
Moments after his death, Szeth was revived by [[Nale]], who used a fabrial to heal his body before his spirit departed.{{book ref|sa3|90}} Though Szeth was initially outraged at being returned to life, Nale promised to give him a new purpose and gifted him with [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
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|The Third Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
|The Third Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
}}
 
}}
At first, Dalinar was nothing but a target to him, as Taravangian ordered him to assassinate him.{{book ref|sa1|71}}
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At first, Dalinar was nothing to a target to him, as Taravangian ordered him to assassinate him.{{book ref|sa1|71}}
   
Since the Battle of Thaylen Field, he has completely devoted himself to following the orders of Dalinar Kholin, and became his bodyguard.{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} He has since followed the man around as much as he was allowed to, travelling with him to Emul and accompanying him on the battlefield.{{book ref|sa4|27}}{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}{{book ref|sa4|66}}{{expand}} The reason he devoted himself to Dalinar was due to his reputation, and how he lived up to that reputation; the reputation was far more important than the man himself, in his eyes.{{wob ref|8753}}
+
Since the Battle of Thaylen Field, he has completely devoted himself to following the orders of Dalinar Kholin, and became his bodyguard.{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} He has since followed the man around as much as he was allowed to, travelling with him to Emul and accompanying him on the battlefield.{{book ref|sa4|27}}{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}{{book ref|sa4|66}}{{expand}}
   
 
=== Nale ===
 
=== Nale ===
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Nale was his master during his time in the Order of Skybreakers, and was the man who resurrected him and gave him Nightblood after he died in the Battle of Narak.{{book ref|sa2|88}} At first, he was outraged at Nale for bringing him back to life after he intentionally let himself die.{{book ref|sa2|88}} During his time following him, he continuously tried to convince him of the coming of the True Desolation, but was unable to get it through to him.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} He respected him enough that even upon Nightblood's urging that he was evil and must be killed, he refused to draw his blade on him.{{book ref|sa3|106}} He followed him due to the fact that he thought that he had too, but began questioning it after Nale declared his intentions to join on the side of the Fused.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Questioning his loyalty, he turned to Nightblood again, who convinced him he always had a choice; this led him to swearing loyalty to Dalinar Kholin, turning against his previous master.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{book ref|sa3|117}}
 
Nale was his master during his time in the Order of Skybreakers, and was the man who resurrected him and gave him Nightblood after he died in the Battle of Narak.{{book ref|sa2|88}} At first, he was outraged at Nale for bringing him back to life after he intentionally let himself die.{{book ref|sa2|88}} During his time following him, he continuously tried to convince him of the coming of the True Desolation, but was unable to get it through to him.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} He respected him enough that even upon Nightblood's urging that he was evil and must be killed, he refused to draw his blade on him.{{book ref|sa3|106}} He followed him due to the fact that he thought that he had too, but began questioning it after Nale declared his intentions to join on the side of the Fused.{{book ref|sa3|106}} Questioning his loyalty, he turned to Nightblood again, who convinced him he always had a choice; this led him to swearing loyalty to Dalinar Kholin, turning against his previous master.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{book ref|sa3|117}}
   
Nale was watching Szeth since the assassination of Gavilar Kholin in {{rosharan date|1167}}, and was greatly impressed by his unflinching loyalty to the orders of whoever held his oathstone.{{book ref|sa4|77}} It was his respect for his loyalty that he brought him back to life and gave him Nightblood.{{book ref|sa2|88}} He was comfortable enough with Szeth, and trusted him enough, to reveal to him the true history of the world in private.{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa3|121}} Nale disapproves of him making the code that he followed for his Third Ideal being a man instead of a rigid code, but accepted his oath regardless.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Following their departure, they became enemies due to being on two opposing sides in the war.
+
Nale was watching Szeth since the assassination of Gavilar Kholin in {{rosharan date|1167}}, and was greatly impressed by his unflinching loyalty to the orders of whoever held his oathstone.{{book ref|sa4|77}} It was his respect for his loyalty that he brought him back to life and have him Nightblood.{{book ref|sa2|88}} He was comfortable enough with Szeth, and trusted him enough, to reveal to him the true history of the world in private.{{book ref|sa3|106}}{{book ref|sa3|121}} Nale disapproves of him making the code that he followed for his Third Ideal being a man instead of a rigid code, but accepted his oath regardless.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Following their departure, they became enemies due to being on two opposing sides in the war.
   
 
=== Navani Kholin ===
 
=== Navani Kholin ===
Navani Kholin deeply despises him for killing her former husband, Gavilar Kholin. She wants him executed for his crimes, and does not trust that he has truly found a better way by swearing himself to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa4|16}} Szeth does not blame her for her feelings, admitting that what he did was wrong.{{book ref|sa4|16}}{{cite}}{{expand}}
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Navani Kholin deeply despises him for killing her former husband, Gavilar Kholin. She wants him executed for his crimes, and does not trust that he was truly found a better way by swearing himself to Dalinar.{{book ref|sa4|16}} Szeth does not blame her for her feelings, admitting that what he did was wrong.{{book ref|sa4|16}}{{cite}}{{expand}}
   
 
=== Neturo-son-Vallano ===
 
=== Neturo-son-Vallano ===
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* Brandon considers Nightblood and Szeth to be one of the more terrifying pairings in the [[cosmere]].{{wob ref|4328}}
 
* Brandon considers Nightblood and Szeth to be one of the more terrifying pairings in the [[cosmere]].{{wob ref|4328}}
 
* In ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' and ''[[Words of Radiance]]'', every chapter written exclusively from Szeth's point of view begins with the phrase "Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar..." In ''[[Oathbringer]]'', the phrase is dropped for "Szeth of Shinovar" and then "Szeth of the Skybreakers". In ''[[Rhythm of War]]'', this is changed to "Szeth-son-Honor".
 
* In ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' and ''[[Words of Radiance]]'', every chapter written exclusively from Szeth's point of view begins with the phrase "Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar..." In ''[[Oathbringer]]'', the phrase is dropped for "Szeth of Shinovar" and then "Szeth of the Skybreakers". In ''[[Rhythm of War]]'', this is changed to "Szeth-son-Honor".
*In ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, was known as Jeksonsonvallano, Truthless of Shinavar, or Jek.
 
   
 
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