Editing User:Windrunner/Hoid

|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 [[Roshar|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}}

Very little of Hoid's origin is known beyond the fact that he was present at the [[Shattering]] of [[Adonalsium]] on [[Yolen]].{{twg ref|7302|0}} He knew at least some of the original [[Vessel]]s personally, was friends with [[Rayse]],{{wob ref|1105|1}} and [[Tanavast]] once bought him a drink.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} Hoid likely went by the name of Cephandrius during this time, as Vessels such as Leras{{msh ref|2|1}} and Rayse{{book ref|sa4|112}} refer to him by that name. Despite having once been Rayse's friend, Hoid developed a grudge against Rayse and Bavadin as well.{{epigraph ref|sa1|23}} Hoid was once offered a Shard at the time of the Shattering, but refused to take it.{{wob ref|3337}} He also did something in his past that he regretted.{{wob ref|8225}}

At some point following the Shattering, Hoid traveled to Roshar. He met the singers there and even shared a dance with one of them, [[Vatwha]], a member of the [[Fused]].{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} It is also likely that Hoid interacted with the [[Unkalaki]] culture at some point, where they came to worship him as Lunu'anaki, the god of travel and mischief.{{book ref|sa2|46}} They learned of his inability to hurt others, and the details of this affliction and his appearance became a part of Unkalaki mythology.

=== Musician on Taldain ===

Hoid spent some time in the Dayside city of [[Lossand]] on [[Taldain]] around the time that the [[Taisha]]n considered dissolving the Sand Profession.{{book ref|ws1|4}} Hoid's plans and goals during this time on Taldain are unknown. Hoid wore a brown hooded cloak and played a stringed instrument related to the [[enthir]]{{wob ref|12052}} outside the [[Hall of Judgement]].{{book ref|ws1|4}} He was passed by [[Kenton]] and [[Diren]] heading toward the building to speak to the Taisha on behalf of the Diem. Later Hoid sailed with Duchess [[Khrissalla]], [[Baon]], and [[Diren]] to [[Darkside]], playing a song on deck about how the greater the distance between the creator and the audience, the less clear the original intentions of the creator.{{book ref|ws3|6}} He sees Diren test Baon for his potential as a sand master and sees the resulting explosion of power.

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|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 Shadesmar.

Hoid returned to Sel years later, hoping to steal the Moon Scepter of the [[Rose Empire]]. Hoid wished to use this scepter to help him translate between various runes used on the planet to hopefully gain access to the Invested Arts of Sel.{{wob ref|12146}} He 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 and later used her duplicate the steal the scepter for himself.{{ref|name=tes-del}} He was pursued by Shai for his betrayal and she did eventually succeed in catching up to him.{{wob ref|9631}}

<!-- Come back and work on the citations here, that Hoid is imperial fool, link to deleted scene(?) where is it-->

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]]{{book ref|mb1|19}} and [[Ashweather Cett]]{{book ref|mb3|27}}. Kelsier, pretending to be a nobleman contacted Hoid, 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}}

Around a year later, 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 encountered the Shadow of Kelsier there, who asked for help returning to the Physical Realm. Hoid told Kelsier that there was nothing to be done, but he challenged Kelsier to an insult battle, with the prize being the answer to one true question, but Kelsier instead threatened Hoid. Hoid attempted to enter the pool, but Kelsier attacked him before he could transition to the Physical Realm. After a brief scuffle, Hoid easily overpowered Kelsier. He found that because Kelsier was a shadow, Hoid was able to cause him serious pain, something that would be impossible normally for Hoid to do to a living being{{wob ref|2010}} Hoid then transitioned through the Well and stole one of the last beads of [[lerasium]] from the Chamber of Ascension.{{msh ref|2|1}} He later burned the metal to become a Mistborn himself.{{wob ref|12210}}

Hoid then traveled to the [[Terris Dominance]]{{msh ref|2|2}}{{wob ref|1552}} to learn more about the nature of Feruchemy, and then became too involved in matters he did not anticipate, which resulted in him being badly beaten.{{wob ref|12754}} This may refer to him becoming involved with the refugees from the [[Inquisitor]] attack on [[Tathingdwen]] and the slaughter of the [[Synod]].{{book ref|mb2|56}} Hoid took up the guise of a Terris leader{{wob ref|5942}} and led the Terris refugees to the Central Dominance.{{book ref|mb2|56}}

A year later, 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. When Vin arrived to meet with Hoid, Kelsier attempted to warn her away from him.{{msh ref|6|1}} Although Vin could not hear Kelsier directly, she sensed something off about Hoid{{wob ref|5760}} and followed her instincts, choosing not to speak to him.{{book ref|mb3|27}}

=== Storyteller to the Gods (Nalthis) ===

==== Early Visits ====

Hoid has made a number of historical visits to Roshar well before the events of the True Desolation. At some point persumably prior to the Recreance, Hoid came to Roshar hoping to to bond a spren and become a Surgebinder, but did not accomplish this goal.{{wob ref|15694}} He was familiar enough visitor at [[Cultivation's Perpendicularity]] in the Horneater peaks that the Unkalaki began describing him as a god, Lunu’anaki, who they worshipped as the god of travel and mischief.{{book ref|sa2|46}} Several generations before the coming of the Everstorm, when [[Cord]]'s grandmother was watcher of the pool, Hoid visited the Peaks and warned the Unkalaki of the [[Sleepless]].{{book ref|dawnshard|15}} Hoid also founded the organization of [[Worldsingers]] at some point, a Rosharan storyteller specializing in sharing knowledge about the world.{{wob ref|15843}}

At some point likely prior to or during the year 1170 Hoid returned to Roshar through Cultivation's Perpendicularity, encounting [[Lunamor]] as he exited the Perpendicularity. His specific goals at this time are not completely known, but he was hoping to gain full access to Lightweaving again by bonding a spren,{{cite}} as well as check in on Odium and perhaps rally others to work towards Rasyse's defeat.{{cite}} Hoid at some point met [[Helaran Davar]] in Alethkar, taking note of his determination. Around mid-1170 when Hoid mentioned to Helaran that he was traveling westward, Helaran asked him to deliver a message to Lin Davar, that Helaran had eyes near to Lin that were watching him.{{book ref|sa2|45}}

[[File:Under_the_Jella_Trees_by_Marie_Seeberger.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Shallan]] and Hoid's meeting at the fair by [[Coppermind:Artists/Marie_Seeberger|Marie Seeberger]]]]

Hoid came to the Middlefest fair in rural Jah Keved and met with Lin Davar in his box, using emotional Allomancy to manipulate the emotions of Lin Davar.{{book ref|sa2|45}} During the conversation, Hoid was shocked to catch sight of Shallan Davar, seeming to sense her abandoned spren bond. Afterwards, Hoid climbed a jella tree near Shallan's coach and waited for her to exit. When she came out, he revealed himself to her, expressing surprise that he had found her. After sharing a little news of Helaran, Hoid asked Shallan if spren spoke to her, but Shallan denied that they did. Hoid then told her a parable of two blind men discussing beauty, and asked her to imagine the most beautiful thing she could in exchange for knowledge of Helaran's whereabouts, trying to coax her into Lightweaving with a few spheres. As Shallan explained her dream of a happy family, she almost began to Lightweave an illusion with Stormlight from Hoid's spheres, but stopped herself before she could truly form an illusion. Hoid realized that she was not ready and encouraged her in her struggle to keep her family together. Before Hoid left, he told her Heleran was currently in Alethkar and that he would bring word of Shallan to Heleran if he got the chance.{{book ref|sa2|45}}

Likely at some point following this, Hoid took an apprentice by the name of [[Sigzil]], trying to teach him the ways of the Worldsingers as well as some common sense.{{book ref|sa1|57}} The two men spent some time in [[Babatharnam]] and Hoid was forced to bail Sigzil out of jail three times, as the locals had taken Hoid to be a wealthy foreigner, and knew he would pay to free Sigzil.{{book ref|sa1|45}} They traveled together for a long time, but somehow Hoid and Sigzil became separated in such a way that Hoid believed Sigzil had died.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

Sometime between 1170{{wob ref|5016}} and late 1173,{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} Hoid encountered Lift in Marabethia, talking with her about how it was permissible for art to be crass before jumping into the mouth of a greatshell.{{book ref|edgedancer|12}} Hoid also became aware that members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]] had come to Roshar hunting him{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} and laid a false trail through the [[Purelake]] for them to chase.{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}} Around this time, Hoid was also writing letters to potential allies, such as [[Frost]],{{wob ref|2682}} [[Autonomy]],{{wob ref|9081}} [[Endowment]],{{wob ref|8041}} and [[Harmony]]{{wob ref|9012}} asking for help dealing with Odium. Most refused Hoid, Frost citing his policy of non-intervention and his concern that their meddling could only make matters worse, Autonomy their belief that Odium was contained,{{epigraph ref|sa3|46}} and Endowment her confidence that Odium would handled if he caused any more trouble.{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}} Harmony responded with an offer of help,{{epigraph ref|sa3|57}} but also a warning that his ability to influence events was limited by the opposing powers of his Shards.{{epigraph ref|sa3|55}} Hoid and Harmony remained in correspondence, planning to extend Odium's imprisonment so that more forces could be marshalled. Hoid also recommended that Harmony reach out to the other Shards to learn more of them,{{epigraph ref|Sa5|22}} while Harmony warned Hoid that he had become too focused on Rayse as the Vessel and that Odium was the true threat,{{epigraph ref|Sa5|39}} especially in the hands of a crafty Vessel.{{epigraph ref|Sa5|42}}

He also had become the King's Wit of [[Alethkar]] by around the middle of the year 1173.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He lived in the Alethi warcamps on the Shattered Plains, insulting the Alethi nobility in the stead of King [[Elhokar Kholin]]. In his early days serving as Wit, Hoid would often vanish without explanation for a time before returning, but Elhokar's fondness for Hoid's sense of humor prevented Hoid from being replaced in the role.{{book ref|sa1|58}} Hoid became a familiar face in the Alethi court, and among the king's family with Adolin coming to like him, whereas Dalinar and Renarin feeling less certain of the main.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Even Elhokar's relatives living away from the Plains, such as Jasnah Kholin{{book ref|sa1|29}} and his mother Navani{{book ref|sa1|22}} both became familiar with Wit and his characteristic humor. He was not universally loved though, Highprince [[Torol Sadeas]] loathed Wit and desired to kill him,{{book ref|sa1|15}} Hoid became a fixture in court, often attending the feasts of the nobility and mocking all comers, including one time where he seriously insulted Highprince [[Roion]].{{cite}} A week later, Hoid accompanied Elhokar and his family on a chasmfiend hunt on the Plains themselves, mocking Dalinar's sons until Dalinar put a stop to it and Hoid moved on to talk to others.{{book ref|sa1|12}} After the disastrous fight with the chasmfiend, Hoid had something to do, but he then met with Elhokar again, along with the other Kholins and Sadeas. Wit insulted Sadeas repeatedly, daring Sadeas to kill him and forfeit his own title, before Sadeas stormed away. Wit left the Plains riding at the head of the party with Elhokar.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

Following his return to the warcamps, Hoid became aware that Sigzil had survived and was now serving on the bridge crews.{{book ref|sa1|57}} He also had become suspicious that Dalinar Kholin was a member of a secret society and may have had knowledge of the wider cosmere.{{wob ref|7682}} Perhaps drawn by his fortune abilities, Hoid realized that he needed to leave the Shattered Plains. At a feast weeks later, Hoid sat down next to Dalinar, wearing a hooded cloak. Hoid asked Dalinar if he had heard the term Adonalsium, to see how the man would react. After Dalinar expressed confusion, Hoid moved on with the conversation, warning Dalinar that Sadeas planned an unknown revelation at the feast later that night. Hoid told Dalinar of his plans to leave the Plains, but that events were growing dangerous and that Dalinar was at the core of it all.{{book ref|sa1|54}} Before leaving the Plains, Hoid stopped by the edge of the chasms, lighting a fire and playing his Trailman's flute. Kaladin happened to walk by at the time, and Wit called out to Kaladin introducing himself and asking Kaladin's name. Kaladin tried to leave, but before he could Wit asked that he stay and listen to a story. Hoid told Kaladin the tale of Derethil and the Wandersail, a Rosharan myth about a king who sailed to the origin of the Voidbringers. As Kaladin saw various images from the story in Hoid's fire, it is possible that Hoid was Lightweaving as he played. After the story, Kaladin asked Hoid if the tale had been true and Hoid admitted it had been a lie. When Kaladin asked what the story had meant, Hoid refused to explain, saying it was up to the person who heard it to interpret for themselves. When Kaladin said that the story had been about taking responsibility, Hoid asked what Kaladin had been trying to avoid responsibility for and gave Kaladin his flute, asking Kaladin to learn to play it. As he left, Hoid asked Kaladin to look after Sigzil and tell him that he had achieved the rank of a full Worldsinger.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

Hoid left the Plains, traveling to the Alethi capital of Kholinar,{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}} perhaps making use of his foresight. When he arrived there, he sat on a pile of boxes just inside the gate. His odd behavior drew the attention of some of the Kholinar guard, who spoke with him for a time about the most valuable attribute a man could have. Hoid dismissed all their answers, explaining that timeliness was the most valued, as anything produced second was inevitably seen as derivative. The gate was suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant who cut his way in with a Shardblade. The Herald Talenel entered the city, warning that a new Desolation had come, before collapsing. After the man collapsed, Hoid pondered quietly to himself that he feared the Herald himself had arrived too late.{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}

Wit rode in a wagon with Taln and Dalinar's man [[Bordin]] when Bordin brought the supposed-madman and his Blade to the Shattered Plains. On the second day, Wit apparently grew tired of their company, hitting himself in the head with a rock several times before telling Bordin that he needed an objective frame of reference to judge the experience of Bordin's company, which apparently fell around four or five blows to the head. Hoid then ran off into the hills for reasons unknown.{{book ref|sa2|i|7}}

Hoid still arrived at the Shattered Plains later on his own however. He did not immediately return to Elhokar's court, preferring to remain unknown for a while and prepare a dramatic entrance. He also discovered that Kaladin had lost the flute he had given him. One one day, Hoid arranged to replacing Adolin's normal carriage driver. Before going to pick up Kaladin and Adolin, he paid another man to stand at a certain corner to take over as driver so he could vanish mysteriously.{{book ref|sa2|55}}

When Hoid arrived, Kaladin noticed him quickly and was surprised.{{book ref|sa2|55}} Kaladin climbed up on the front of the carriage with Hoid for the trip to Sebarial's warcamp and Hoid asked Kaladin whether he had learned to play the flute. Before Kaladin could respond, Wit interrupted him, telling him that he already knew that Kaladin had lost the flute and mocking him for it several times. When Kaladin protested music was a woman's art, Hoid questioned why the women's arts all seemed more fun. He mocked Kaladin several more times, trying to get Kaladin engaged in the conversation, but Kaladin refused to respond wittily. Hoid finally made a passing reference to Kaladin's flying, leading Kaladin to believe Wit was aware of his Surgebinding and alarming him. When Kaladin asked what Hoid wanted, he responded that he only wanted a story from Kaladin, mocking him again. They fell silent for a time, before Kaladin remarked on the oddity new farmers setting up fields, even though the [[highstorm]]s are stronger in the east. Hoid explained to Kaladin that the whole area had once been farmed and admonished him for not knowing much about human nature or how to have a good time. Kaladin told Hoid that his definition of fun was being where Hoid was not, to which Hoid replied that maybe Kaladin still had some wit about him after all.

Hoid then discovered that there was a new place he needed to go, a place out in the Unclaimed Hills of Natanatan. When he arrived at the place in the middle of the wilderness, near a river, he played his pipes, alternating with the songlings for a time. Having identified one of the nearby cremlings as a member of the Sleepless, Hoid spoke aloud about the nature of art and the difficulty of expectations from an audience. Afterwards, he intentionally struck a knowing pose just before Jasnah Kholin transitioned to the Physical Realm from Shadesmar. When Jasnah saw Wit, she summoned her Blade threatening Hoid and demanded that he tell her how he had found her. Hoid told her that her Blade was no threat to him and Jasnah attempted to leave, believing that she needed to warn humankind about the Everstorm, locate Urithiru and refound the Radiants. Hoid told her that she was too late for all three, claiming that she was better of remaining in Shadesmar as the end of Roshar had come. He told her that the Everstorm would bring the transformation of the singers soon and that the Desolation would occur differently this time than it had in the past. When Jasnah wondered where mankind would find answers for the fight to come as the records of the past were meaningless and the Almighty was dead, Wit told her that he believed she was looking for God in the wrong places and that both God and salvation from the Desolation could be found in the hearts of men. The two departed, traveling towards the warcamps. During their trip, Wit explained to Jasnah the origins of Rosharan humankind and how it had led to the Recreance and the destruction of the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa3|47}} He also gave he drawings of the Heralds true faces so that she could identify them herself.

At some point following his meeting with Jasnah, Hoid went to Kholinar, again for reasons he was uncertain of, taking up residence in an inn, promising the owner to attract crowds with his storytelling. While he failed to honor that promise, he did help [[Azure]] keep the wall guard fed by providing her with aluminum to hide the Soulcaster she was using to produce grain.{{cite}} Publicly, he took on the guise of a storyteller, wearing an unbuttoned soldiers coat with Sadeas livery, and a colored scarf around his neck. One day while standing on a cistern wall, he told the story of Queen [[Tsa]] and [[Mishim]]. Hoid made use of a storytelling technique that involved manipulating colored smoke that he made by burning various powders in a brazier. He may have been Lightweaving as well to enhance the effect. While telling the story, Hoid noticed that the jar of sand he kept in his pack had turned white one one side, detecting kinetic Investiture in the crowd. He quickly identified Shallan in the crowd and after he finished his story and the crowd dispersed, he invited her to come with him and buy him something to eat.{{book ref|sa3|67}}

At some point following his time in Kholinar, Hoid returned to Urithiru. By 1175, he had resumed his role as Wit, serving Jasnah in the same capacity as he had Elhokar. Hoid became one of her most trusted advisors, conferring often with her in meetings, and he confided in Jasnah at least something of his true nature. During this time, the two also began a romantic relationship. While this fact was not publicly known, their obvious closeness inspired rumors in the Alethi court. It also became more common knowledge that Hoid had bonded a spren to join the Lightweavers.{{book ref|sa4|80}} Despite the fact that his title of Wit remained the same, Hoid's demeanor was markedly different then during his tenure under Elhokar, often remaining quiet and serious in meetings, although often with a hint of mockery in his expressions. After the Mink was extracted from [[Hearthstone]], Hoid attended the following strategy meeting. He arrived with Jasnah, listening to the Mink's thoughts and seemingly impressed by his perception. When the group discussed Dalinar's thought that giving up Alethkar might be necessary to make peace, Hoid disagreed, stating that Odium would not accept anything less than a total surrender, if not the absolute destruction of humanity. Wit then went to fetch Taln and Ash from their confinement, returning to the meeting with them for questioning.

Prior to coalition's expedition to Lasting Integrity, Hoid met with Pattern,{{book ref|sa4|21}} who had grown concerned with Shallan's worsening mental health.{{book ref|sa4|78}} Hoid told Pattern that he was funny, but did offer to help. He told Pattern that if he became worried, Pattern could use the box containing the seon to speak to Hoid via his own box and helped Pattern obtain a copy of the key to Shallan's trunk. He also helped Pattern remove Shallan's brothers from Urithiru to get them away from the threat of Mraize.{{book ref|sa4|115}} Hoid then accompanied Jasnah to the Oathgate platform to see off the expedition.{{book ref|sa4|21}} Sometime before the main campaign began in Emul, Hoid left Jasnah on an unknown errand, promising to meet her later in Azir.{{book ref|sa4|27}} During this time period he spoke to Pattern via the seons on at least x occasions, providing the spren with advice, and incidentally leaking information to the Ghostbloods via the [[Sleepless]] spy that had replaced on of his pens. At some point Hoid began planning with Jasnah to replace the insubordinate Highprince Ruthar, speaking to his son Relis about the abuse Ruthar's children experienced at the hands of their father.

Weeks later Hoid accompanied Jasnah to a planning meeting, joining her in examining battle maps.} He was by Jasnah's side when Dalinar spoke to her about his desire to further explore his powers as a Bondsmith to successfully end the war with Odium and regain Alethkar. When Jasnah wondered if they might be used to push Odium to agree to terms of a duel, Hoid replied that Odium would never agree to terms unless he truly feared that he might lose the war in order to limit his losses. When Dalinar expressed his wish for total victory, Hoid mocked this hope. Dalinar expressed that he thought his powers might be used to trap the Fused or refound the Oathpact and he felt they were leaving options unexplored, Hoid agreed with him, claiming that his value was greater as a Bondsmith than a general. After Jasnah agreed to consider Dalinar's plan, Hoid mocked Dalinar again for his positive view of the monarchy and warned him to watch the highprinces, as Jasnah was about to move against Ruthar.{{book ref|sa4|50}}

Later at that same meeting, after Jasnah goaded Ruthar into insulting her, Jasnah called upon her Wit to return the insults to Ruthar. With Jasnah repeatedly ordering him to be harsher, Hoid mocked Ruthar's manhood, his honor, and ultimately revealed to the man that he'd spoken with Relis about Ruthar's abuse. In his rage, Ruthar challenged Hoid to a duel by swords, which Hoid accepted. Before the duel could begin, Dalinar reminded Ruthar that by killing Wit he risked his title and exile. Unable to harm another, Hoid agreed to allow a champion to face Ruthar in his place, offering his blade to Jasnah so that she could fight the man herself. After Jasnah defeated Ruthar and the man's life was saved by Renarin, Wit reclaimed his Blade from Jasnah and cleaned it of blood with his handkerchief. He then dropped the bloody handkerchief and mocked Ruthar again, stating that his bullying ways had left him devoid of any willing to show loyalty. After the fight Hoid's demeanor grew serious, his face expressionless and his eyes appearing as deep voids in the light.{{book ref|sa4|50}}

Weeks later, when Jasnah fought in a major battle against the singer forces, Hoid served as her valet when she retreated from battle for rest. During her first rest, she remarked to him that she had been less successful in battle than she had expected and could not beat a Fused in a fair fight. Hoid expressed his belief that fair fights were a lie, as one person is always superior to another in skill, training, or luck. Hoid sympathized with her desire to prove herself in combat, but told her that there was no shame in making use of her powers. Hoid also updated her on the state of the battle. The two discussed the potential end of standard battlefield formations, with Hoid saying that he felt it was unlikely they would persist as the powers of the Radiants became more commonplace. He offered to massager her sword hand, but Jasnah refused, preferring to return to the fight. Hoid visited her several more times over the course of the battle. However, at some point he returned to Jasnah's tent and discovered that one of his pens had been replaced by a Sleepless and all his conversations with Jasnah and correspondence had been compromised. Hoid began writing letters to those he communicated with to warn them of the breach, as well as his contacts among the Sleepless. He was interrupted by Jasnah returning from battle. When she refused to rest before an an explanation, he told her what had happened and that he suspected the Ghostbloods. He then told her more of the Ghostbloods and their leader [[Thaidakar]] than he had previously shared.{{book ref|sa4|64}}

When Kaladin suffered assault by Odium during his dreams, Hoid somehow discovered what was happening and entered Kaladin's vision to give him a moment of calm from Odium's attack. Interfering directly in this way was a risk for Hoid, opening him up to retaliation from Odium that he was normally immune to. he could only protect Kaladin for around twenty minutes before Odium noticed his touch and destroyed him. He pulled Kaladin out of his visions and into a bubble of light that was protected from the storm, containing a fire with stew cooking over it. Hoid explained to Kaladin that Odium had somehow trapped him in a vision and offered him stew for the little time that they had together. Kaladin asked him whether he was going to have to return to the storm, and Hoid confirmed that they did not have much time and that the vision would get worse. Kaladin confided in Wit that he was not strong enough to go on. Hoid accepted this, saying that he trusted Kaladin's judgement of himself. As he ate, Kaladin asked Wit to tell him a story, which shocked Wit, as he was rarely actually asked for a story.{{book ref|sa4|80}}

Design appeared in the vision, holding the flute that Hoid had given Kaladin. Before he began his story, Hoid warned Kaladin not to look for a moral in the story. Hoid began to tell Kaladin the story of The Dog and the Dragon, first explaining to Kaladin what a dog and a dragon are, as he had no idea what these creatures were. As Hoid told the story he and Design bantered back and forth, teasing one another as the story progressed. Hoid told Kaladin the story of a dog who wished to become a dragon himself after seeing one fly by, using his Lightweaving to create illusions of the events. He tried unsuccessfully to mimic the dragon's scales, and its ability to fly and speak, while learning other marvelous skills. Ultimately while the dog failed to become a dragon, he used his talents to save his owner's child who had fallen into a well. Hoid ended the story by explaining that even though the dog was adored and beloved by the family, he was miserable because he had failed at his goal. Kaladin took offense at this ending, as he had wanted a useful story and felt like the dog had failed to acknowledge his own achievements. Kaladin then realized that Hoid had told him the story to help him realize that he needed to stop ignoring his own accomplishments, although Hoid insisted as always that any meanings were for Kaladin himself to assign. Hoid then told Kaladin that they were running out of time and Kaladin readied himself to return to the storm. Before he left, Kaladin asked Hoid for the real ending of the tale, to which Hoid explained that the dog had realized that he probably had a better life than the dragon anyway. When Kaladin said that he felt that it would not end that way for him, Hoid told him that while his life might not get better right away, it would improve again as well. Hoid then pushed Kaladin out of the bubble of protection and back into the vision, and then vanished.{{book ref|sa4|80}}

At some point, Hoid began drafting a contact for the terms of Dalinar's contest with Odium. According to the terms Hoid proposed, if Dalinar won, Odium and his forces would retreat to Braize for one thousand years. If Odium was victorious he would remain bound to the system but would be allowed to do as he pleased with Roshar and the monarchs and Radiants would submit to his rule. Following the final victory of the coalition armies in Emul, Hoid spent an evening with Jasnah in her house in their command camp. He interrupted her reading accounts from the Heralds, asking her to pay attention to him rather than the words of the mad and kissing the index finger of her safehand. Jasnah asked Hoid how they might beat Odium, with his ability to see the future. Hoid told her of a time he lost an Awakened card game that he thought he had fixed because he had bet on his total victory, but was instead forced into a tie. When Jasnah asked how they might limit their losses if Odium was victorious in the duel, Hoid produced the terms he had outlined.{{book ref|sa4|99}}

After Jasnah had read the terms, Hoid asked her opinion and Jasnah replied that she felt the terms were perfect for Hoid, but not for the people of Roshar. Hoid argued that this was a good deal for the Rosharans and that at least if they lost Odium would be prevented from wreaking havoc on other worlds. Jasnah told him that she hated gambling on a contest and asked Hoid if they could risk the fate of the world on a single duel. Hoid explained to her that the events leading up to the duel were important and that Odium would be willing to risk waiting a thousand years to try again, which would give the Radiants more time to gather strength. He assured her that Odium was someone that they could beat and that Rayse had bet too much on Dalinar joining his side. Hoid told her that Odium was struggling to locate a champion who could legitimately win, as the duel was more about the hearts and minds of their followers than it was a contest of skill. When Hoid asked Jasnah if she trusted her allies and she failed to answer, he assured her that it would not matter, as if they could get Odium to agree to these terms Hoid would be able to finally help her openly. When Jasnah reminded him that Odium would destroy Hoid if he revealed himself, Hoid told her that he would add a line declaring himself to be Honor's contractual liaison, allowing him to finally exercise his true power.{{book ref|sa4|99}} When Dalinar later negotiated his final contract with Odium, the details differed, but it was structured to keep Odium bound to Roshar, which please Hoid greatly, who felt that they had essentially won already.{{book ref|sa4|116}}

Shallan contacted Hoid via seon after she successfully reintegrated Veil and wished to leave the Ghostbloods. He explained to her some information about seons and told her that he had helped her brother evacuate before the Tower fell. Hoid also told her something of Thaidakar and asked Shallan to pass a message along to Thaidakar via Mraize. Hoid told Thaidakar that he should deal with his own planet and stop meddling with others if he did not want Wit to come beat him again.{{book ref|sa4|115}}

Shortly after he returned to Urithiru, Hoid ventured out to the old palace at the Pinnacle, hoping to speak to Odium directly for the first time in over a thousand years. As he walked the halls, Hoid spoke to Design and some corrupted windspren about the dirty tricks involved in storytelling, drawing an audience's attention to one subject and using their distraction to surprise them elsewhere. Hoid and Design bickered about this topic while Hoid performed coin tricks, with Hoid insisting that illusions performed with trickery were superior to those performed with magic as they draw the audiences attention better. When Design told him that she thought that was stupid, he told her to go bother someone else for a time and she left him to chase the corrupted windspren. Hoid's Breaths alerted him to a presence in Elhokar's old sitting room, and Hoid entered, allowing himself to be easily found. Odium arrived and the two argued about the contract, with Odium insisting he would have his vengeance upon Hoid while Hoid mocked him. Odium then asked Hoid who Hoid would chose for champion, a question that seemed odd to Hoid and he did not answer. As Hoid left the room, he realized the interaction had gone exactly as he had expected except for Odium's question about the champion. He realized that Rayse had been replaced as Vessel, but before he could act he was seized by Odium's power. Odium spoke to him them, admitting he had made a mistake in asking the question and realizing that while he could not harm Hoid directly, he could interfere with the Breaths that Hoid stored his memories in and excise the previous events. Hoid found himself standing in the hallway of the palace, with no idea of the events that had just occurred. He walked down the hall as he had before, beginning his monologue about storytelling again. He felt somewhat disoriented and noticed some oddities, such as Design's absence and one of his trick coins being in the wrong place on his person. Hoid then felt Odium's presence again and returned to the sitting room, having a nearly identical conversation with Odium, without the question about the duel of champions. After Odium declared that he would destroy Dalinar's champion, Hoid left the room feeling uneasy, but he assured himself that all must be well as the conversation had gone exactly as he had expected it to occur.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}

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]]. Following [[Nazh]]'s theft of [[Nicki Savage]]'s tapestry showing a map of the city, Hoid asked her if she wanted to hear a story, but she declined his offer.{{article ref|The New Ascendancy}}{{wob ref|1702}} He has also 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 had the appearance of a beggar with long, unkempt fingernails and a ragged shirt. Hoid also appeared to be blind, with milky white eyes.

When Waxillium Ladrian walked up the path to Kelsina's mansion to attend a [[Kelesina Shores' party|party]] with [[Wayne]], [[MeLaan]], [[Steris Harms]] and [[Marasi Colms]], Hoid climbed out of the bushes, startling Wax.{{book ref|mb6|11}} Hoid looked for an opportunity to pass on the unsealed metalmind to Wax, as he wanted to reveal Kelsier's resurrection and identity as the Sovereign.{{wob ref|1727}} 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, forcing him to catch it in midair. A groundsman then noticed Hoid and tried to chase him off. Hoid laughed and escaped back into the bushes again. Hoid believes he is getting away with something here, and this time period is perhaps when Hoid is the happiest.{{wob ref|1745}}(Phrase this better)