Editing Szeth

{{character
|image=Szeth.jpg
|parents=[[Neturo]]
|siblings= Sister
|ancestors=Vallano
|abilities={{tag+|skybreaker}}, {{tag+|Shardbearer}}
|bonded=[[Szeth's highspren]]
|profession={{cat tag|Assassins|Assassin}} <small>(formerly)</small>, bodyguard
|aliases=Assassin in White, Szeth of the Skybreakers, Szeth of Shinovar
|titles=[[Truthless]] of [[Shinovar]]
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]])</small>
|born={{Rosharan date|1138}}{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}
|'birthplace=[[Valley of Truth]]
|residence=Urithiru
|ethnicity=Shin
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|I was Truthless. I simply followed orders. Tell me. Do you think that absolves a man?
|Szeth to [[Taravangian]]{{book ref|sa4|113}}
}}
'''Szeth{{nosnippet|-son-Honor}}''', formerly '''Szeth-son-son-Vallano''' or '''Szeth-son-Neturo''', [[Truthless]] of [[Shinovar]], is a [[Shin]] man from [[Roshar]]. He is the infamous '''Assassin in White''' and is responsible for the death of [[Gavilar Kholin]], which starts the [[War of Reckoning]].{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} As the Assassin, he wields [[Jezrien]]'s [[Honorblade]]; eventually, he loses it and is gifted [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}

Szeth is currently a [[Skybreaker]] of the Third Ideal and serves [[Dalinar Kholin]]. He intends to return to Shinovar and bring justice to the ones who exiled him for his Fourth Skybreaker Ideal quest.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

== Appearance and Personality ==
{{image|Szeth by Jessi Ochse.jpg|side=right|width=350px}}
=== Appearance ===
{{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 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}}

=== Personality ===
{{quote
|I am not good at being a person. It is … a failing of mine.
|Szeth{{book ref|sa3|120}}
}}

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}}

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 ==
Szeth is an exceptionally skilled combatant; when ordered to fight, he becomes a nigh-on unstoppable killing machine. He's proficient with a sword, as well as the martial art of [[kammar]]. He combines both of those skills with his [[Surgebinding]] abilities to a deadly effect.{{book ref|sa1|i|9}} In one-on-one combat, he can hold his own, and even defeat, a master swordsman.{{book ref|sa2|85}} He's fearless when attacking even people in [[Shardplate]] and wielding [[Shardblade]]s, trusting his greater, [[Stormlight]]-augmented agility to carry him through the battle unharmed.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} He also shows great cunning, resourcefulness and determination, which serve him well both in and out of combat.{{book ref|sa3|98}}

{{image|The Assassin in White by Ari Ibarra.jpg|width=250px|side=right|Drawing [[Nightblood]]}}
=== Surgebinding ===
{{quote
|Szeth of the Skybreakers had, fortunately, trained with all ten Surges.
|Szeth{{book ref|sa3|120}}
}}

Szeth knows how to use all of the [[Surge]]s, having practiced them with the Shin's eight [[Honorblade]]s.{{book ref|sa3|120}} As his family was given to the Honorblades,{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} he was the bearer of [[Jezrien]]'s Honorblade. It grants him the powers of a [[Windrunner]] and thus the Surges of [[Gravitation]] and [[Adhesion]].{{book ref|sa3|87}} Over the years, he has become a master of it, easily controlling all three [[Lashing]]s. However, he is unaccustomed to fighting other Windrunners, leveling the playing field somewhat when his opponent can also take to the skies.{{book ref|sa2|85}}
<!--The exact wording in the book is "given to the Honorblades". Please don't edit this.-->

The training has also included basic information about all Radiant orders; Szeth is familiar with their names, their powers, and their capabilities, as well as strategies to counter all of them.{{book ref|sa3|120}} This training gave him an assortment of other, non-supernatural skills, such as ice-skating.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

At the present, Szeth no longer has Jezrien's Honorblade, and has since become a [[Skybreaker]] of the Third Ideal. This gives him access to the Surges of Gravitation and [[Division]]. While he has been using the former extensively, thanks to his prior experience, he's yet to use the latter, although he already has access to it.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Although he has bonded a spren at this point and it should be able to manifest as a Shardblade, it has yet to do so, and in fact rarely shows itself to him at all.{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} He will gain his Shardplate upon the completion of his Fourth Ideal crusade.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}}

=== Nightblood ===
{{for|Nightblood}}

After losing Jezrien's Honorblade, Szeth was gifted [[Nightblood]] by [[Nale]].{{book ref|sa2|88}} While Szeth cannot dismiss Nightblood the way he could a regular Shardblade, he is even more dangerous with Nightblood. Lacking [[Breath]], he has to feed it Stormlight to survive the act of using it, which means he cannot draw it very frequently.{{book ref|sa3|98}}

Unlike Shardblades, Nightblood is capable of erasing [[Fused]] from existence completely, preventing them from resurrecting in the next [[Everstorm]].{{book ref|sa3|117}}{{wob ref|10440}} Other unique capabilities include denting an Honorblade, collapsing an open [[perpendicularity]], and destroying [[Connection]]s made by [[Bondsmith]]s.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

== History ==
=== Early Life ({{Rosharan date|1138}} - {{Rosharan date|1166}}) ===
{{quote
|I knew a voice like yours once, sword-nimi. ... A single one, in my mind, when I was young. I hope things go better this time.
|Szeth to [[Nightblood]]{{book ref|sa3|92}}
}}
Szeth was born in the year {{rosharan date|1138}} in the [[Valley of Truth]] in Shinovar to [[Neturo-son-Vallano]] and an unknown mother.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}

As a younger man, Szeth was a highly-regarded member of the [[Shin]] society.{{wob ref|4040}} He carried water and did other tasks on his father's sheep farm. He lived near the coast, and his sister and mother still live in the area.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} At some point, his family was given to the Honorblades,{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} and he started his training with them, familiarizing himself with all ten of the [[Surge]]s. Among others, the training included ice-skating exercises to mimic [[Abrasion]].{{book ref|sa3|98}}{{book ref|sa3|120}} At some point, however, he began hearing a voice in his head, possibly that of a [[spren]].{{book ref|sa3|92}} Perhaps as a result of this, he began saying that the [[Voidbringers]] were returning to Roshar.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} The Shin leaders, however, told him that his claims were false and, in the year {{rosharan date|1166}} at the age of 27, named him Truthless.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} By this point, he was already the bearer of Jezrien's Honorblade.{{ref|group=fn|text=Szeth calls it "''his'' blade" and relates that he flew with it through the skies of Shinovar,{{cite}} implying that he held it before leaving.}}{{wob ref|5089}}

After being made a slave and given an Oathstone, Szeth was traded to the Thaylen merchant [[Vstim]].{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} From then on, whoever owned his Oathstone owned Szeth, and Szeth was obliged by his honor to do as the owner commanded; with the exception of killing himself or giving up the Honorblade.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}} Just after being exiled from [[Shinovar]], Szeth visited [[Urithiru]] for the first time.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}}

=== Assassin in White ({{Rosharan date|1166}} - {{Rosharan date|1173}}) ===
{{image|Szeth and Gavilar by ThomasW.jpg|side=left|width=200px|Facing off against [[Gavilar Kholin]]}}
{{sidequote
|I am Truthless. I do as my master requires and I require no explanation.
|Szeth, regarding his oath.{{book ref|sa2|I|14}}
}}

==== Killing King Gavilar ====
{{for|Assassination of Gavilar}}

Two years after his banishment, Szeth was purchased by an assassin named [[Liss]].{{book ref|sa2|prologue}} She believed that Szeth was the best servant she ever had and told [[Jasnah]] that she wanted to show him off to her. However, she later found that Szeth was too good of a servant, so she sold him to slavers in [[Kholinar]]. A few weeks later, Szeth was purchased by [[Klade]], a member of the [[listener]] ruling council, in {{rosharan date|1167}}.{{book ref|sa3|prologue}} Klade knew of him from [[Venli]], who in turn learned of him from Nale.{{book ref|sa4|77}} When Klade pressured him, Szeth told him about his Shardblade and the abilities it brought.{{book ref|sa3|prologue}} As a result, in {{rosharan date|1167|10}}, [[the Five]] ordered him to murder king [[Gavilar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] during the treaty-signing celebration. They stipulated that the killing had to be done with live witnesses, and while wearing white.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

As Szeth attacked, he was fooled into believing Gavilar was a bodyguard, and decided to chase after the escaping target, instead of fighting a protracted battle. However, soon after he realized the "target" was simply a decoy, since Gavilar would be much safer fighting with his own Shardblade and Plate instead of fleeing for his life. Doubling back, Szeth returned to kill Gavilar, and a fierce battle commenced. Gavilar almost succeeded in killing Szeth with a Shardplate-enhanced punch, but ultimately failed and fell to his death onto a piece of wooden debris, which impaled him in an area where the Shardplate had been broken.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

Before dying, Gavilar had two last requests: to tell his brother to "find the most important words a man could say," and to protect a mysterious [[black sphere]] that shone [[anti-Voidlight|dark light]]. Szeth honored both requests, scrawling a message to [[Dalinar]] into the wood with Gavilar's own hand and blood.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Eventually he also hid away the black orb somewhere in [[Jah Keved]].{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}

His clothes on the night of the killing led to the general public dubbing him the Assassin in White.{{book ref|sa1|8}}

==== Laying Low ====
After Gavilar's death, the listeners threw away Szeth's Oathstone as they fled [[Kholinar]]. Since the Alethi believed that Szeth had fled with the Parshendi, they did not attempt to track him down and instead initiated the [[Vengeance Pact]], waging war on the [[Shattered Plains]]. Meanwhile the stone, and as a result Szeth, was eventually picked up by [[Avado]], a travelling merchant.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}}

Avado took Szeth with him to [[Jah Keved]] in fear of possible Alethi retribution against strange foreigners in the wake of their king's assassination. He did not keep his slave for long, however; over the course of the next five years, the Oathstone changed possession many times before landing in the hands of [[Took]], a transient worker. Took was robbed and killed after a night of drinking in [[Ironsway]], a town in the [[Bavland]], and Szeth's Oathstone is taken by [[Makkek]], a small-time criminal.{{book ref|sa1|i|3}} With Szeth under his control, Makkek set out to gain wealth, first by killing his fellow robbers and then by establishing a gambling den in [[Bornwater]].{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} 

On one of Makkek's missions, this time to eliminate a rival who had opened his own gambling place, Szeth infiltrated the local lord's mansion where his target, [[Gavashaw]], resided. After entering Gavashaw's rooms, he met a mysterious stranger who knew of Szeth and his role in Gavilar's death, as well as his powers. After a short confrontation, the man revealed that both Makek and Gavashaw had been killed, and that Szeth's Oathstone was now in the hands of a new master. Thus, Szeth began to unwittingly serve the [[Diagram (group)|Diagram]].{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}

==== Taravangian's Killer ====
{{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}}

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]].

During a [[highstorm]], Szeth attacked King [[Elhokar]]'s palace on the [[Shattered Plains]], entering it through a hole cut in the wall with his Blade. On his way, he killed [[Beld]] and cut through [[Hobber]]'s midriff, crippling him, then proceeded to fight against [[Adolin]], [[Kaladin]], and [[Dalinar]], all of whom believed he was there to assassinate Elhokar. Szeth quickly gained the upper hand, lashing Adolin to the ceiling and cutting through Kaladin's arm. However, he ultimately failed, as Kaladin managed to push him through his entryway. The two of them fell to the ground, both surviving. Szeth panicked when he saw Kaladin healing his arm, and when Kaladin told him that he was a Windrunner, Szeth fled.{{book ref|sa2|32}}{{book ref|sa2|33}}

After his confrontation with Kaladin, Szeth retreated to the top of Urithiru, shaken by Kaladin's words and wondering if he was wrong the entire time. Ultimately, he decided to confront Taravangian about the matter.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} He found the king in [[Vedenar]], and, control almost gone, demanded to know if the [[Knights Radiant]] were returning. Taravangian managed to appease him by claiming that an Honorblade with [[Regrowth]] has been stolen. Having heard that, Szeth departed, vowing to kill [[Kaladin]]; however, Taravangian forbade him to approach Kaladin, demanding that Szeth kill only Dalinar.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}

==== Death and Resurrection ====
{{quote
|What I am owed will come to me eventually! Every bit of it. I will drown in it, stonewalker!
|Szeth to Dalinar{{book ref|sa2|85}}
}}

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}}

=== Skybreaker Trainee ({{Rosharan date|1173}} - {{Rosharan date|1174}}) ===
==== Yeddaw ====
After gifting him with Nightblood, Nale inducted Szeth into the [[Skybreakers]], and took him to [[Yeddaw]] in order to find a potential Radiant. Throughout this time, Szeth attempted to convince Nale of the upcoming [[True Desolation]], but was unable to get through to him.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} 

During his time there, he met [[Lift]] in the city's [[Grand Indicium]]. He confronted her and drew Nightblood to test her, but left when Nightblood's power found her innocent.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}} Later, he encountered her again, chasing after him and the other Skybreakers. He stopped to inform her that she could not possibly get there before they did, but also shared the identity of the person they were seeking.{{book ref|sa2.5|16}}

After the Everstorm passed over Yeddaw, Nale departed in a hurry, leaving Szeth stranded in Yeddaw. He was picked up by the Herald after a few weeks and taken to join the other Skybreakers. There, master [[Ki]] informed him that his mission with [[Nale]] was his first task, and that after being evaluated, he was found worthy of the First Ideal. This, however, was not enough for him to draw Stormlight, as Skybreaker trainees can only do so after attaining the Second.{{book ref|sa3|90}}

{{image|Justice at the Purelake by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=left|width=350px|Szeth at the [[Purelake]]}}
==== Second Ideal ====
After swearing the First Ideal, Szeth was taken to the [[Purelake]] along with other Skybreaker hopefuls and squires to complete the next test. The challenge was based on a message sent via [[spanreed]] by the city's minister, who told them there was a breakout of convicts. The request was to find the guilty and execute them. While most of the squires and hopefuls started immediately to find and execute the convicts, Szeth stayed and questioned their motives, learning more about the local law.{{book ref|sa3|92}}

He was able to find and fight one. He found that the convict had a knife, but was thin, dirty and emaciated. Upon questioning him, Szeth also learned that the prison fort had only one guard. Once back, he saw other convicts, confirming that they had all been poorly fed and under a strict regime, leading him to the realization that the prison itself was improperly run. When he confirmed with Ki that the prison administrator was also on the list of the guilty, Szeth drew Nightblood and killed the man. This allowed him to swear the Second Ideal, letting him draw Stormlight. Impressed, Ki chose him as her squire.{{book ref|sa3|92}}

{{quote
|I swear to seek justice, to let it guide me, until I find a more perfect Ideal.
|The Second Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|92}}
}}

==== Learning the Truth ====
The next test was based on the newly acquired ability to Lash by the Skybreaker hopefuls. It involved Lashing oneself through the air and throwing pouches of colored powder at other competitors -- the one with the least spots of color on their outfit would win the game. Szeth originally held the lead, but when the rest of the group realised he would win, he was surrounded and pummeled with pouches. Shortly after, his Stormlight ran out and he fell into the Purelake. Nonetheless, he managed to win, as the water washed away the colors.{{book ref|sa3|98}}

Frustrated with the slow progress, Szeth intended to swear his next ideal there and then, but at this point [[Nale]] arrived. The Herald took Szeth and the other full Skybreakers to [[Marat]], where he showed them a village destroyed by the [[Voidbringer]]s before telling them all the truth about the world. Afterwards, Nale declared his intentions: to side with the [[singer]]s, the original inhabitants of Roshar, and oppose humanity.{{book ref|sa3|106}}

Initially, Szeth believed he had no choice other than to follow Nale, but in a conversation Nightblood about the topic, he changed his mind, realizing that there was always a choice.{{book ref|sa3|116}} He decided to swear himself into service of Dalinar, and joined the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|117}}

{{image|Szeth Thunderclast.jpg|side=right|width=250px|Szeth killing a [[thunderclast]]}}

=== Serving Dalinar Kholin ({{Rosharan date|1174}} - Present) ===
==== Battle of Thaylen Field ====

During the Battle of Thaylen Field on {{Rosharan date|1174|2|10|5}}, Szeth arrived on the field just in time to drop down and slay a [[thunderclast]].{{wob ref|7832}} After landing, he met [[Lift]], who let him know that Dalinar asked her to recover the [[King's Drop]], a perfect gemstone. Acknowledging this as Dalinar's will, Szeth joined her in the hunt.{{book ref|sa3|117}} Things initially went poorly, especially when Szeth lost Nightblood's sheath to one of the [[Fused]], causing the sword to go out of control and begin devouring him, despite Lift's attempts to help.{{book ref|sa3|118}} 

Fortunately, it was then that Dalinar managed to open [[Honor's Perpendicularity]], infusing the city with enough Stormlight to slake Nightblood's thirst. Szeth managed to resheathe the blade, and met with Dalinar. After managing to convince the Alethi of his new loyalty, he returned to his search for King's Drop with Lift.{{book ref|sa3|119}} 
Together, the two managed to trick the Fused carrying it into letting it go and grabbing a [[Surgebinding#Illumination|Lightwoven]] fake, with Lift bringing the real King's Drop to Dalinar,  who then used it to trap [[Nergaoul]].{{book ref|sa3|120}}

==== Aftermath of the Battle ====
After the battle, Szeth met with Nale, who warned him about following a man instead of a law, but supported the decision overall. The Herald made to depart, promising to return later and teach Szeth about the Surge of Division. Before he left, Szeth swore his Third Oath. He also made it clear that for his Fourth, the Ideal of Crusade, he intended to travel to [[Shinovar]] and cleanse it of the false leaders who made him the Truthless in the first place.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

{{quote
|I swear to follow the will of Dalinar Kholin. This is my oath.
|The Third Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|121}}
}}

{{quote
|I will cleanse the Shin of their false leaders, so long as Dalinar Kholin agrees.
|The Fourth Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|121}}
}}

Afterwards, Szeth became Dalinar’s bodyguard, despite the apprehension of other Alethi.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

==== Imprisonment in Urithiru ====
Szeth only served as Dalinar's bodyguard for a short time, due to his unstable nature and the uncertainty of people close to Dalinar, notably [[Navani]]. He was put in a makeshift prison cell on the upper floors of Urithiru, and was given food, fresh clothing (white, as he specified), and plenty of spheres for light (presumably to banish the voices in his head). After several people got annoyed, he requested that Nightblood stop speaking to anyone but him. During his imprisonment, Navani interviewed him a number of times, asking him about her husband Gavilar's death. During one of these interview sessions, Navani learned of the black sphere, and Szeth was temporarily released to go get it.{{book ref|sa4|16}}

==== Guarding Dalinar on the Emuli Front ====
{{sidequote
|I decide now. I '''finally''' decide. Me. No one else compelling me. Taravangian, know that in killing you, I make it '''my choice'''.
|Szeth, immediately before attempting to kill Taravangian{{book ref|sa4|113}}
}}

When Dalinar went to Emul, Szeth and Nightblood accompanied him, wearing Lightwoven disguises.{{book ref|sa4|27}} He accompanied Dalinar on and off the battlefield,{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}{{book ref|sa4|66}} with the exception of when Dalinar went to speak with [[Renarin Kholin|Renarin]].{{book ref|sa4|54}}

{{image|Szeth killing Taravangian by Nozomi.png|side=right|width=350px|Killing [[Taravangian]]}}

While protecting Dalinar, he is disarmed by Nale, his former master and clearly his better in combat. Dalinar escapes Nale's attack unscathed.{{book ref|sa4|47}} In an unusual deviation from his typical silent stoicism, Szeth offers Dalinar advice on Taravangian, saying that the aged king was not to be trusted.{{book ref|sa4|66}} While watching Dalinar and little [[Gavinor Kholin|Gavinor]], Szeth's highspren told him he must soon complete his Fourth Ideal.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}}

Taravangian had deduced earlier that Szeth must be in Emul{{book ref|sa4|i|6}} and had seen through his Lightwoven disguise.{{book ref|sa4|66}} Taravangian requested a stone matching the description of Szeth's Oathstone in order to get Szeth to confront him.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}} Unfortunately, this confrontation happened on a day when Taravangian was dumb and compassionate, and therefore unable to manipulate Szeth. His pleas for Szeth to give Nightblood to Dalinar for use on [[Rayse]] during a vision were ignored.{{book ref|sa4|i|9}}

Szeth attended Dalinar's planning session in which he planned to confront [[Ishar]]. Szeth was surprised by the Herald's marked similarity to modern-day Shin.{{book ref|sa4|98}} Later, he handed Dalinar the original copy of [[Oathbringer (in-world)|''Oathbringer'']] as they prepared to confront Ishar.{{book ref|sa4|101}} Szeth then flew with the strike team to meet Ishar. At first, he stayed back. When Ishar summoned his Honorblade, which was previously held by Neturo-son-Vallano, Szeth's father, Szeth was shaken and collapsed. Just as Ishar was about to take Dalinar's bond to the [[Stormfather]], Szeth stepped in and used Nightblood to slash the [[Connection]]. He then collapsed the perpendicularity, and, raging at Ishar, struck the Honorblade with Nightblood, leaving a chip in the Honorblade.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

Szeth then went to Taravangian's makeshift prison, intending to kill him. An incredibly dumb and emotional Taravangian was unable to stop him, but fortunately was pulled into a vision by Odium right as Szeth was stabbing him with an ordinary knife. Taravangian used the slowing of time to grab Nightblood and stab Rayse, killing him. Taravangian then Ascended to Odium.{{book ref|sa4|113}} Szeth re-sheathed Nightblood, and, mistaking Rayse's corpse for Taravangian's and thinking the deed done, left. He confessed to the murder of Taravangian, supposing him to have somehow drawn Nightblood and been consumed by it.{{book ref|sa4|114}}

He intended to next travel to Shinovar to complete his Fourth Ideal.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

== Relationships ==
<!--
Kaladin
Ki
Lift
-->

=== Dalinar Kholin ===
{{quote
|I swear to follow the will of Dalinar Kholin. This is my oath.
|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}}

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}}

=== Nale ===
{{quote
|I watched you destroy yourself in the name of order, watched you obey your personal code when others would have fled or crumbled. Szeth-son-Neturo, I watched you keep your word with perfection. This is a thing lost to most people--it is the only genuine beauty in the world. I doubt I have ever found a man more worthy of the Skybreakers than you.
|[[Nale]] to Szeth{{book ref|sa2|88}}
}}

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.

=== 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}}

=== Neturo-son-Vallano ===
Neturo-son-Vallano is Szeth's father. After becoming Truthless, Szeth felt too ashamed to associated himself with him, and thus besmirch his name. This led him to taking on the name Szeth-son-son-Vallano, as a way to keep Neturo's name clean.{{book ref|sa1|i|6}} Even going so far as to try to stop thinking about him entirely.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}}

While separated for close to a decade, he still loved him, and was deeply shaken by his death.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

=== Nightblood ===
{{quote
|I'm sure you can spot [evil]. You seem smart. If increasingly kind of boring.
|[[Nightblood]] to Szeth{{book ref|sa3|92}}
}}

Szeth acquires [[Nightblood]] from Nale after his death and resurrection.{{book ref|sa2|88}} He does not react with either bloodlust or nausea, as his desire to only do what he is told align's with Nightblood's [[Intent]] perfectly.{{wob ref|15920}} He does not know Nightblood's name, referring to it with the honorific "sword-nimi" instead. Nightblood is sentient and can communicate with Szeth telepathically. The two often have conversations, and throughout them, Nightblood has learned a fair deal about Szeth's past, including what might've been an attempt at bonding a [[spren]]. In turn, the sword has no sense of time and casually speaks of his creators and wielders, such as [[Vivenna]], [[Shashara]], and [[Vasher]], even though Szeth has no idea who they are.{{book ref|sa3|92}} However, Szeth often finds Nightblood's words to be helpful and profound, and when the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]] comes, it's Nightblood that helps him decide which side to take.{{book ref|sa2|116}}

Szeth is warned not to draw Nightblood from its sheath except in case of extreme emergency and only if he carries a great deal of [[Stormlight]], as the sword is extremely dangerous and can feed upon souls.{{book ref|sa3|90}} Occasionally, he will draw it partially to see how other people react to it, as Nightblood causes "good" people to feel sudden nausea.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}}

Szeth has only fully drawn the sword thrice, during the [[Skybreaker]] test at the [[Purelake]]{{book ref|sa3|92}}, at the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]],{{book ref|sa3|118}} and to strike at the Herald Ishar.{{book ref|sa4|111}} In each case, the sword single-mindedly begins screaming into Szeth's mind while quickly consuming any available Stormlight and causing him extreme pain.{{book ref|sa3|119}} However, Nightblood insists that it wouldn't deliberately attack Szeth, as it doesn't consider him to be evil.{{book ref|sa3|92}}{{book ref|sa4|i|7}}

=== Taravangian ===
For a time, Taravangian served as Szeth's master and ordered him to assassinate various key political figures such as Hanavanar, Dalinar, and two Azish Primes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Due to Taravangian holding his oathstone, he followed his orders without question, not out of any feeling of devotion to Taravangian himself, but out of a feeling of obligation due to his role as Truthless. 

After Szeth accepted he wasn't Truthless, and stopped obeying the orders of those who held his oathstone, he stopped obeying the king's orders. He came to deeply despise him, enough that he was driven to murder him while he was imprisoned, unintentionally bringing about his Ascension to Odium.{{book ref|sa4|66}}{{book ref|sa4|113}} He also saw him as manipulative and unable to be trusted, and obliges Dalinar Kholin to not to trust anything that he says.{{book ref|sa4|66}} His distrust of Taravangian is enough that he disregards and rejects anything he says as manipulation, even when he is telling the truth.{{book ref|sa4|i|8}}

=== Bonded Highspren ===
When Szeth's highspren chooses to show itself to him, he kneels to it and moves away from Nightblood. He is reverential to it, indeed, the two have a relationship that resembles master-student much more than the close kinship of other Radiant bonds. The highspren has not yet chosen to tell Szeth its name, but Szeth does not mind. Szeth describes the highspren as always judging his worthiness.{{book ref|sa4|i|7}}

== Trivia ==

=== Continuity Change ===
Szeth's death was subject to a continuity change. In the original hardcover edition of ''[[Words of Radiance]]'', Szeth was killed by [[Kaladin]] driving [[Syl]] as a [[Shardblade]] into his chest, severing his spine. Brandon felt this was out of character for Kaladin, and changed the text with the release of the paperback edition of the book. Szeth's death now occurred when he unbonded his Blade and fell through the Highstorm.{{bws ref|date=2015-04-05|three-stories-in-new-formats|Three Stories in New Formats}}

=== Other ===
* Brandon wrote Szeth's scenes in ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' while listening to [[wikipedia: Daft Punk|Daft Punk]].{{wob ref|1124}}
* 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 Prime]]'', Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, was known as Jeksonsonvallano, Truthless of Shinavar, or Jek.

== Notes ==
;Footnotes
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;References
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[[category: viewpoint characters]]