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|image=Worldsinger by Ari Ibarra.jpg
|groups={{tag|Worldsingers}}
|abilities=[[Lightweaving]] <small>([[Yolen|Yolish]])</small>, {{tag+|Mistborn}}, {{tag+|Awakener}}, {{tag+|Lightweaver}} <small>([[Surgebinder]])</small>, {{tag+|worldhopping}}, [[Dawnshard]] <small>(formerly)</small>, [[#Attributes and Abilities|others]]
|bonded=[[Design]]
|aliases=Wit, Cephandrius, [[#Known Aliases|others]]
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]], [[Elantris (book)|Elantris]], [[The Emperor's Soul]], [[Mistborn (series)|Mistborn]], [[Warbreaker]], [[White Sand]]
}}
}}{{theory}}{{spoilers|sa4}}{{update|sa4}}
{{theory}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|And while I am your friend, please understand that our goals do not completely align. You must not trust yourself with me. If I have to watch this world crumble and burn to get what I need, I will do so. With tears, yes, but I would let it happen.
|Hoid to [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa2|67}}
}}
'''Hoid''' is a recurring character in the [[cosmere]], originally from [[Yolen]]. Hoid is not his original name;{{wob ref|5882}} before telling [[Kaladin]] the story of the ''[[Wandersail]]'', he claims he stole the name from someone he should have loved.{{book ref|sa1|57}} The [[dragon (cosmere)|dragon]] [[Frost]] once asked him in [[Letters#The Second Letter|a letter]] if he is no longer hiding behind the name of his old master,{{epigraph ref|sa2|60}} likely referring to the name Hoid. Among the original [[Vessel]]s, Hoid is often known as Cephandrius,{{msh ref|2|1}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa4|112}} which is one of his earliest aliases.{{wob ref|3985}}
 
 
'''Hoid''' is a recurring character in the [[cosmere]], originally from [[Yolen]]. Hoid is not his original name;{{wob ref|5882}} before telling [[Kaladin]] the story of the ''[[Wandersail]]'', he claims he stole the name from someone he should have loved.{{book ref|sa1|57}} In response to [[Letters#The First Letter|a letter]] asking for help in the fight against [[Odium]], [[Frost]] asked him if he is no longer hiding behind the name of his old master,{{epigraph ref|sa2|60}} likely referring to the name Hoid. Among the original [[Vessel]]s, Hoid is often known as Cephandrius,{{msh ref|2|1}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa4|112}} which is one of his earliest aliases.{{wob ref|3985}}
 
Hoid was involved in the events taking place before any of the cosmere's published books begin, and is the second oldest character seen so far.{{wob ref|945}} He was originally human, but has changed enough that when asked, [[Brandon]] only says "It's complicated."{{wob ref|6614}} Hoid is not a [[Shard]], nor is he a [[Herald]], but something else entirely.{{wob ref|8843}} He is very skilled with disguises, and the overtness of his involvement varies from book to book. In some, he is named outright and makes references to other events and places in the cosmere, while in others he is seen only deep in disguise, almost unrecognizable. Brandon has confirmed that all of these appearances are the same individual,{{wob ref|4414}} but that he [[worldhopping|worldhops]] between planets. Hoid's motives are unknown, and most of his actions occur behind the scenes. He is searching for something unknown.{{wob ref|7842}}
 
His particular style of storytelling in which he manipulates sand or smoke to illustrate his stories, as in [[Warbreaker]] and ''The Way of Kings'', does not originate from ''[[White Sand]]'', but from another unpublished story, ''[[The Liar of Partinel]]''.{{wob ref|4636}} In ''Warbreaker'', Siri asked Hoid where he learned his style of story telling. Hoid answered, "I learned it many, many years ago from a man who didn't know who he was, Your Majesty. It was a distant place where two lands meet and gods have died. But that is unimportant." His origin will be revealed in the ''[[Dragonsteel]]'' series,{{wob ref|4039}} and so it is commonly believed Hoid is from [[Yolen]], the world of ''Dragonsteel'' and [[The Liar of Partinel|''Liar'']]. He also has a "home base" somewhere in the [[Cognitive Realm]].{{wob ref|3479}}{{wob ref|1261}}
 
Hoid is neither the author of the [[Ars Arcanum|Ars ArcanumArcana]], nor of the back-of-book blurbblurbs for ''[[WordsThe ofStormlight RadianceArchive]].''.{{wob ref|1500}}{{wob ref|2888887}} He occasionally will show up somewhere, stand around for a while, realize there isn't a novel-worthy plot going on, and leave.{{wob ref|5821}}
 
== Appearance & Personality ==
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
 
Hoid's appearance varies dramatically from book to book. He's often in disguise, which makes his true appearance difficult to ascertain. Couple this with the fact that he can Lightweave his appearance in order to look however he wants, it makes it nearly impossible to know for sure what he looks like. To the best of our knowledge, his face is lined,{{book ref|twok|54}} hawk-like and arrow shaped. Hoid is tall and thin{{book ref|twok|12}} and also has a sharp nose and jaw with delicate eyebrows.{{book ref|twok|54}} He tends to cock his head to one side{{book ref|twok|57}} and has keen blue eyes.{{book ref|twok|12}} Hoid's hair is white, althoughthough he was not born with that color{{wob ref|15174}} and he occasionally dyes it.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} There is a particular reason for his hair being white, which will be revealed in the future.{{wob ref|9236}}
 
Hoid's true personality, while also usually disguised, is more easily seen as he occasionally drops whatever part he is playing. One of his overall most noticeable traits is his sharp wit and intelligence. The characters he plays often have a penchant for jokes and mockery but when he removes the facade his personality often seems mysterious and grave.{{book ref|twok|epilogue}}{{book ref|twok|57}} If he was asked about whether he called himself a good man personality-wise, Hoid would reply with a "No".{{wob ref|1704}} Hoid is not always serious when he should be, due to how much normal human interaction bores him.{{wob ref|14988}}
 
Hoid cannot directly physically harm people; this is an involuntary trait that is the result of changes to his spirit made during his time as a [[Dawnshard]].{{wob ref|8687}}{{wob ref|14300}} Rock says he cannot hurt man because it is forbidden by other gods.{{book ref|sa2|46}} He also tells a young Shallan, "You needn't fear me. I'm terribly ineffective at hurting people. I blame my upbringing."{{book ref|sa2|45}} Hoid apologizes to Kelsier after beating him in a fight, stating he doesn't have the inclination to do real harm to him.{{msh ref|2|1}} This aversion causes him to be nauseated when thinking about physically harming someone, and is sometimes bad enough to incapacitate him. However, this only extends to physical trauma- Hoid has no issues with mentally hurting someone or through inaction.{{wob ref|2010}} Hoid also has issues with harming himself physically, such as when he has to manipulate another man into punching him when he wants a tooth knocked out, rather than just doing it himself.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}{{wob ref|8498}}
== Attributes and Abilities ==
{{theory}}
{{image|Wit-Fool by taratjah.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Creating illusions}}
Hoid does not yet have the abilities of every planet he's visited.{{wob ref|2853}} Some of his powers predate the [[Shattering]], but none of them are gained through [[Hemalurgy]].{{wob ref|6658}} Hoid is concerned about opening himself up to the influence of Shards, so he only gains access to manifestations of Investiture through more conventional ways.{{wob ref|656}} Hoid has access to multiple Invested Arts, but not an incredibly large number.{{wob ref|1044}} He is likely the most powerful non-Shard entity in the cosmere.{{wob ref|7323}} There are only a few things in the cosmere that are capable of hurting him, one of which is [[Nightblood]], and he stays far away from all of them.{{wob ref|11671}} Hoid also has an unknown [[seon]].{{book ref|sa4|78}}{{book ref|sa4|115}}
 
Hoid does not yet have the abilities of every planet he's visited.{{wob ref|2853}} Some of his powers predate the [[Shattering]], but none of them are gained through [[Hemalurgy]].{{wob ref|6658}} Hoid is concerned about opening himself up to the influence of Shards, so he only gains access to manifestations of Investiture through more conventional, but more difficult ways.{{wob ref|656}} Hoid has access to multiple Invested Arts, but not an incredibly large number.{{wob ref|1044}} He is likely the most powerful non-Shard entity in the cosmere,{{wob ref|7323}} although a few of the older dragons and [[aether]]s might rival him.{{wob ref|15226}} There are only a few things in the cosmere that are capable of hurting him, one of which is likely [[Nightblood]], and he stays far away from all of them.{{wob ref|11671}} Hoid also has an unknown [[seon]].{{book ref|sa4|78}}{{book ref|sa4|115}}
 
=== Illusions ===
Hoid has access to an Invested Art known as [[Lightweaving]] that originates from Yolen prior to the Shattering of Adonalsium.{{wob ref|8909}} Lightweaving allows for the creation of optical and auditory illusions.{{book ref|sa2|part=ars}} This Lightweaving is much less restrictive than the later [[Illumination|Rosharan variant]],{{book ref|sa2|45}} and does not require a spren or Stormlight to function.{{wob ref|8909}} Hoid sometimes makes use of this ability in his disguises{{wob ref|5775}} although he has several ways of changing how he looks{{wob ref|5024}} including practical effects.{{epigraph ref|sa3|35}} He may also make use of it in some of his storytelling,{{wob ref|8329}} such as the pictures of [[Derethil]] and the ''[[Wandersail]]'' that Kaladin sees in the smoke when Hoid is telling him a story.{{book ref|sa1|57}}
 
Hoid's Yolish Lightweaving does not always seem to function perfectly on Roshar;{{wob ref|9346}} in fact, he needs help from Shallan to fully craft an illusion.{{book ref|sa3|82}} His power is somehow limited, and he has trouble making some aspects of it work, even after multiple attempts.{{wob ref|9346}} It is uncertain why this occurs and whether or not this issue is unique to Roshar. Hoid's bonding of a Cryptic will provide abilities that supplement his own Lightweaving{{wob ref|8473}} and may allowallows him to overcome his issues crafting illusions, although further impacts or resonances between the two are unknown.{{wob ref|8664}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Hoid's access to Yolish Lightweaving does allow him to guide another Lightweaver's power, although this is not something he would be able to do with just any Invested Art.{{wob ref|9346}}
 
=== Worldhopping ===
=== Connection ===
Hoid has access to some manifestation of Investiture that allows him to manipulate the Spiritual attribute of [[Connection]]. The full extent of this ability is unknown, but its primary known use is to help Hoid speak the various languages of the worlds of the cosmere that he visits. The ability allows him to Connect to whatever land he is in, temporarily altering his Spiritual aspect to believe that he was raised in that place, allowing him to speak as a native.{{wob ref|3759}} While Hoid has learned naturally how to speak some foreign languages,{{wob ref|9012}} and is decent with languages, he desires to pass as a local oftentimes, which requires something beyond natural learning.{{wob ref|223}} Generally he makes use of the his Connection ability to communicate in foreign languages.{{wob ref|9012}} This ability is not without fault though, as when Hoid speaks naturally it will fill in local idioms and phrases on its own, but if Hoid is careless and focuses on a specific word or phrase the ability may fail and he will say the word verbatim in his own tongue{{wob ref|3759}} or it may be said in an odd way.{{wob ref|3583}} Hoid is an expert in using his Connection ability, but even he sometimes makes mistakes. This is the reason he occasionally slips up and may say words that confuse others,{{wob ref|8185}} such as "coin"{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} and "bunny"{{book ref|sa2|59}} on Roshar. As Hoid has demonstrated the ability to fluently speak foreign languages before the knowledge of unsealed metalminds became widespread,{{book ref|elantris|58}} it is unlikely that he is making use of Feruchemical [[duralumin]] to manipulate Connection.
 
==== Visions ====
Hoid, via unknown means, is able to enter and exit certain [[visions]], as well as bring those he is bonded with, like Design.{{book ref|sa4|80}} While doing so, he creates a large, pure white bubble of light, which can shelter those who have been brought into the vision naturally. While in the vision, Hoid is able to create whatever objects he wants. Hoid is only able to do this for roughly twenty minutes before being detected.
 
{{image|Hoid by Katie Payne.jpg|side=left|width=300px}}
 
=== Metallic Arts ===
Hoid has also gained access to Allomancy,{{wob ref|4877}} by burning a bead of lerasium stolen from the Well of Ascension.{{wob ref|1515}}{{wob ref|12210}} This grants him power equivalent to that of the ancient Allomancers.{{epigraph ref|mb3|22}} It is uncertain how practiced he is with these powers, but he does make use of emotional Allomancy{{wob ref|6933}} on at least one occasion.{{book ref|sa2|45}} He also has access to [[atium]].{{wob ref|465}} It is unknown whether or not Hoid has access to Feruchemy.{{wob ref|466}} However, he does have access to some unkeyed metalminds,{{wob ref|1571}} which would not be useful to him without Feruchemical abilities. The particular attributes that are stored in these metalminds are unknown. Hoid does not make use of Hemalurgy, to gain access to the Metallic Arts or any other manifestation of Investiture, as he is concerned about opening himself up to the influence of Shards.{{wob ref|656}} He does, however, own many Hemalurgic spikes.{{wob ref|15271}}
 
=== Awakening ===
|Hoid to Kaladin on making music{{book ref|sa2|59}}
}}
As a Yolish man, Hoid was not himself born with any [[BioChromatic Breath]].{{wob ref|3212}} However at some point Hoid has gained access to enough BioChromatic Breath to bring him to at least the Second Heightening.{{book ref|sa2|59}} This means Hoid has at least two hundred Breaths, which grant him the ability to recognize unsupressed Breath auras and judge about how much breath another Awakener has, as well as perfect pitch.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}} That is not to say that Hoid may not have reached a higher Heightening, just that the second Heightening is his minimum power level.{{wob ref|4655}} Hoid's level of skill with [[Awakening]] is still unknown, as he has only made use of it on one known occasion, when he Awakened a doll, causing it to walk.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}} This makes it difficult to ascertain his knowledge of Commands or complex Awakenings. Hoid's level of control over Investiture does allow him to suppress his Breath aura, making it difficult to notice by others. However, there are various methods of detecting Investiture that could circumvent this suppression.{{wob ref|3437}} Hoid's perfect pitch does aid him in tuning instruments and making music.{{book ref|sa2|59}} Additionally, holding Breath has allowed Hoid to somehow outsource some of his memory to said Breath. After [[Odium]]'s destruction of some of these Breaths in order to wipe his short-term memory, his level of Breath was reduced to just under the Second Heightening, resulting in a loss of perfect pitch.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}
 
=== Surgebinder ===
{{image|Hoid and Design by Elisgardor.jpg|side=right|width=350px|Hoid with [[Design]]}}
{{quote
|It's either go with me now or wait it out and get captured. I honestly don't even know if you've the mind to listen. But if you do, know this: I will give you truths. And I know some juicy ones.
|Hoid to his [[Cryptic spren]], Design{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}
}}
Hoid has bonded the [[Cryptic]] [[Design]], which grants him access to Surgebinding.{{wob ref|10746}} While the enhanced reflexes and healing permitted by Stormlight will likely be less useful to Hoid, the [[Nahel bond]] allows him to access the surges of [[Illumination]] and [[Transformation]].{{Bookbook ref|sa3|epilogue}} This allows Hoid to [[Soulcast]], transforming one type of matter to another by persuading its Cognitive aspect as well as Lightweaving, which grants him the ability to create visual and auditory illusions. This Rosharan Lightweaving seems to have a compounding effect with his Yolish Lightweaving, and seemingly allows him to circumvent the problems that he has experienced with his own illusions.{{book ref|sa4|80}} Although Hoid's Ideals are unknown, it may eventually grant him a [[Shardblade]] and [[Shardplate]]. <!-- Out of all of the orders of the [[Knights Radiant]], [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]] was his first choice, as Lightweaving matches him very well and he's quite familiar and experienced with it. Having full access to Lightweaving is a fulfillment of a long, long quest for him.{{wob ref|10755}} -->
<!-- It is unknown if Hoid's Nahel bond will prevent him from worldhopping as implied by Mraize -->
<!-- Out of all of the orders of the [[Knights Radiant]], [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]] was his first choice, as Lightweaving matches him very well and he's quite familiar and experienced with it. Having full access to Lightweaving is a fulfillment of a long, long quest for him.{{wob ref|10755}} -->
 
=== Storytelling Method ===
 
== History ==
 
=== Origins ===
Very little of Hoid's origin is known, beyond the fact that he was present at the [[Shattering]] of [[Adonalsium]] on [[Yolen]].{{wob ref|5077}} He knew at least some of the original [[Vessel]]s personally, was friends with [[Rayse]],{{wob ref|2101}} and [[Tanavast]] once bought him a drink.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}} Hoid was offered a Shard at the time of the Shattering, but refused to take it.{{wob ref|3337}}{{book ref|sa4|99}} He kind of considered the Shattering necessary.{{wob ref|8718}} He also did something in his past that he regretted.{{wob ref|8225}} At some point Hoid became an unknown [[Dawnshard]], which changed him permanently, although he stopped being one eventually.{{wob ref|14300}}{{wob ref|14346}}
 
Hoid makes at least a cameo appearance in most Cosmerecosmere works, one exception being [[Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell]].{{wob ref|6665}}
 
=== Taldain ===
{{image|Drifter.png|side=right|width=250px|[[Kelsier]] and Hoid's meeting at the [[Well of Ascension]]}}
 
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 was using an oar coated with a strange glowing substance connected to the substance drunk by members of the [[Ire]].{{wob ref|200}} He encountered the Shadow of Kelsier, who asked for help returning to the Physical Realm. Hoid told him that there was nothing to be done, but he challenged Kelsier to an insult battle, with the prize being the true answer to one question. Kelsier instead threatened Hoid. Hoid attempted to enter the pool, but Kelsier attacked him. Hoid easily overpowered Kelsier and caused him serious pain, but not permanent injury. Hoid then transitioned through the Well and stole a bead of [[lerasium]] from the adjacent room. He later consumed the lerasium and became a [[Allomancy|Mistborn]],.{{wob ref|12210}} although he did not use the lerasium in the expected way.{{wob ref|14842}} When Kelsier spoke of the incident to Preservation, Preservation spoke briefly on Hoid, calling him Cephandrius. Later, Kelsier told [[Khriss]] and [[Nazh]] about his meeting with Hoid, and they seemed distressed to know that he had arrived and stolen a bead of lerasium.{{msh ref|3|2}}
 
Hoid then traveled to the [[Terris Dominance]] to figure out [[Feruchemy]],{{msh ref|2|2}}{{wob ref|1552}}{{wob ref|12754}} and then became wrapped up in matters he did not anticipate. This may refer to him becoming involved after the [[Inquisitor]] attack on [[Tathingdwen]] and the slaughter of the [[Synod]]. Hoid took up the guise of a Terris leader{{wob ref|5942}} and led the Terris refugees to the Central Dominance.{{book ref|mb2|56}}
Hoid traveled to [[Nalthis]] and took the role of a master storyteller. [[Lightsong]] summoned him to the [[Court of the Gods]], where he recounted the story of [[Vo]], explained the origin of the [[Hallandren]] God Kings, and answered Lightsong and [[Siri]]'s questions.{{book ref|wb|32}} He likely achieved perfect pitch while on this world by obtaining additional Breaths.{{book ref|wb|52}}{{book ref|sa2|59}} At some later point, [[Vivenna]] also met Hoid; she later described him as one of the only people on Nalthis that is cosmere-aware.
 
Hoid spent a lot of time gambling on Nalthis, and was fairly renowned. He would arrange things so that he could never lose, and then bet everything on himself. However, someone else managed to arrange it so that he couldn't ''win'', either, resulting in a tie and the loss of his winnings.{{book ref|sa4|99}}
[[Vasher]] once met Hoid when he was using the alias "Dust", several years before Vasher's activities on Roshar.
 
[[Vasher]] once met Hoid when he was using the alias "Dust", several years before Vasher's activities on Roshar.{{book ref|sa4|15}}
 
=== Obrodai ===
{{image|You by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=left|width=250px|[[Shallan]] hugging Wit}}
===== Words of Radiance =====
Hoid again plays a minor role as Wit, though he is absent for most of the book. In Shallan's flashback to three and a half years ago, she meets Hoid disguised as a messenger, and he talks to her.{{book ref|sa2|45}} Here, Hoid is seen ingesting metals and Soothing{{wob ref|6933}} Shallan. [[Rock]] also describes an encounter with him in the [[Horneater Oceans]].{{book ref|sa2|46}}{{wob ref|7156}}
 
Hoid is also seen acting as the carriage driver for [[Adolin]] when he is visiting [[Shallan]] at [[Shattered Plains|Sebarial's warcamp]]. He speaks to [[Kaladin]] about his flute and mentions that he wants an interesting story from him. When [[Shallan]] recognizes him she happily hugs him for his advice from three and a half years prior when he encouraged her at her worst and told her to keep seeking the light.{{book ref|sa2|55}}
 
When Waxillium Ladrian walked up the path to Kelesina's mansion to attend a [[Kelesina Shores' party|party]] with [[Steris Harms]], Hoid climbed out of the bushes, startling Wax.{{book ref|mb6|11}} Wanting to reveal Kelsier's resurrection and identity as the Sovereign,{{wob ref|1727}} Hoid looked for an opportunity to pass on the unsealed metalmind. He asked Wax for a few clips.{{book ref|mb6|11}} Steris noticed Hoid's cologne and asked him if he was wearing cologne. Hoid was startled by her observation and claimed that he had been drinking perfume, as it had quite a kick. Steris told him that that was unhealthy and Wax advised Hoid that he should leave the private grounds. Hoid agreed but claimed that it was his property and again asked for coins. Wax gave him a banknote and told him again to leave the grounds. Hoid claimed it was far too much and that he wished to give Waxillium change. As Wax walked away, Hoid threw the coin at Wax's head, who caught it in midair. A groundsman then noticed Hoid and tried to chase him off. Hoid laughed and escaped back into the bushes again.
 
== Relationships ==
Due to his nature as a worldhopper, Hoid has met most of the main characters in the cosmere, as well as a large quantity of side characters.
 
=== The Shards ===
Hoid's relationships with the various [[Vessel]]s are varied<!--wow that was a lot of v's-->, to say the least, ranging from hate and terror to respect and cameraderie.
 
==== Tanavast ====
Hoid was acquainted with [[Tanavast]] before the Shattering.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}
 
==== Rayse ====
Hoid was once friends with [[Rayse]],{{wob ref|2101}} but is now terrified of the Shard, and takes many precautions against him. However, he is not above taunting the Shard, as he feels him to be the most detestable person he has ever met, albeit preferably from a position of superiority.{{epigraph ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}
 
==== Taravangian ====
Prior to [[Taravangian]]'s Ascension, Hoid had never notably interacted with him. However, after the occupation of [[Urithiru]], when going to challenge Rayse, he realized that a new Vessel had Ascended, and was completely terrified, as Rayse was controlled by the power, but a new Vessel might have more control. However, Taravangian destroyed the Breaths holding his short-term memory, so he did not believe anything to be amiss.{{book ref|sa4|epiogue}}
 
==== Koravellium Avast ====
Hoid, while not ''enemies'' with [[Koravellium]], has never really gotten along with her. However, he recognizes the fact that she poses a threat to Odium, and respects that.{{book ref|sa2|55}}
 
==== Sazed ====
[[Sazed]] has a benevolent feeling towards Hoid.{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}} However, the latter has nevertheless hidden from the Shard whenever he visits [[Scadrial]],{{epigraph ref|sa3|56}} a decision of which Sazed disapproves,{{epigraph ref|sa3|57}} but by which he is also fascinated.{{epigraph ref|sa4|21}} He wishes to work with Hoid to keep Odium contained, as he is highly disturbed by the wound upon the Spiritual Realm where Ambition was Splintered. They disagree on whether it is the Vessel or the power that is more dangerous, with Sazed believing that the Investiture will make any Vessel of Odium the same as their predecessor, but they agree that it would be the combination of a Vessel's craftiness and the power's Intent that would be most fearsome--coincidentally, a very good description of Taravangian.
 
==== Bavadin ====
Hoid has a long-standing grudge against [[Bavadin]] for unknown reasons.{{epigraph ref|sa1|23}}{{wob ref|10630}} She has instilled in many of her avatars, including the one on [[Obrodai]], a deep dislike of him;{{epigraph ref|sa3|50}} however, he and Bavadin herself had a relationship at some point.{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}
 
==== Edgli ====
Hoid and [[Edgli]] mutually detest each other. However, their conversations are far more polite than Hoid's relations with Bavadin or Rayse.{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}}
 
=== Cosmere-Wide ===
 
==== Khrissalla ====
Hoid thinks well of Khriss.{{wob ref|1707}} Although it is unknown how much information she has shared with him, she knows far more about the cosmere than he, as she pursues the knowledge for the sake of scholarship, while he uses it to sound smart and achieve his goals.{{wob ref|5320}} If he were to ask her about something that she knew, though, and she perceived that he was asking for a morally good reason, she would tell him.{{wob ref|180}}
 
==== The Seventeenth Shard ====
Hoid is quite dismissive of the [[Seventeenth Shard]]. Although they fear that his actions will exacerbate Shardic conflict due to their non-interventionist policy, he easily evades those whom they assign to pursue him.{{wob ref|7910}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}}
 
==== Frost ====
Hoid and [[Frost]] know each other well, having worked together in the past, and have a method of communicating with one another besides an interplanetary "postal service" that exists. Despite this, they are completely opposed on the courses of action that would be best for the cosmere. Frost, as a member of the Seventeenth Shard,{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}} believes that the best course of action is to let events play out as they will, especially in regard to [[Odium]]'s growing power and ambiton. However, as Hoid is a worldhopper and Frost is not, the former believes that he has a more informed stance, and plans to take more active action against the Shard.{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}}{{wob ref|4214}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|60}}
 
==== The Ghostbloods ====
Hoid has a very different opinion of the Ghostbloods than he does of their leader, viewing them as generally not a threat.{{book ref|sa4|64}}{{wob ref|12011}}
 
=== Roshar ===
In his position as King's, and later, Queen's Wit, Hoid has had opportunities to interact with many notable Rosharans, and has taken full advantage of such chances.
 
==== Kaladin ====
Hoid feels paternally to [[Kaladin]]. In such situations as when Kaladin is terrified at the discovery of his Radiant powers,{{book ref|sa1|57}} languishing in prison,{{book ref|sa2|59}} or trapped in a vision concocted by Odium and [[Moash]] in order to try and break him,{{book ref|sa4|80}} Hoid is always there with a story to bring him back from the brink, and at one point gave Kaladin his [[Trailman's flute]].
 
==== Shallan ====
Hoid feels similarly to [[Shallan]] as he does to Kaladin. Visiting her in times of need, such as when her father is growing more and more abusive or when she's sitting in a dark building in [[Kholinar]], racked with guilt about [[Grund]]'s death, he guides her to a path of self-forgiveness.
 
==== Sigzil ====
Hoid's relationship with [[Sigzil]] seems similar to that of Jasnah and Shallan. When in Azir, Hoid found Sigzil to be in some sort of trouble, and, after rescuing him, took the young [[Azish]] man under his wing and began teaching him as a [[Worldsinger]].{{book ref|sa1|57}} The two traveled [[Roshar]] together, at one point ending up in [[Babatharnam]], where Hoid had to pay for Sigzil to be freed three separate times, though Sigzil suspected that they mainly arrested him because Hoid had a lot of money.{{book ref|sa2|46}} Hoid graduated him as a full Worldsinger in {{rosharan date|1173|9}}.{{book ref|sa1|57}}
 
==== Design ====
Hoid has a fondly exasperated view towards [[Design]]. Though, as a pair who share a [[Nahel bond]], they are extremely close, he is consistently frustrated by her habit of spoiling stories that he's telling, as he sees it.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}
 
{{image|Jasnah and Wit by Jessica Liu.jpg|side=right|width=250px|With [[Jasnah]]}}
 
==== Jasnah ====
Hoid is romantically involved with [[Jasnah]].{{book ref|sa4|17}}{{book ref|sa4|99}} He also has immense respect for her, both due to her sheer intelligence and the fact that, when all else fails, she is, above all, paranoid. Jasnah notes that he seems to think such things as kissing her safehand would spark passion in her, though it is her view that mental stimulation is far superior.
 
==== Sadeas ====
Hoid dislikes Sadeas, insulting him at any chance he gets. Though at first he tries to get Sadeas to kill him in order to remove the man as a threat (since Shardblades are unable to hurt him anyway), he makes fun of Sadeas after his death just for the fun of it.{{cite}}
 
=== Scadrial ===
 
==== Kelsier ====
[[Kelsier]] and Hoid mutually detest one another. Hoid considers him extremely dangerous, though he doesn't think much of his organization.{{book ref|sa4|64}}{{wob ref|12011}} However, this doesn't stop him from taking action against the Cognitive Shadow, such as when he gives [[Wax]] a [[coppermind]] containing knowledge that Kelsier would have preferred to have stayed hidden.{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}}
 
== Known Aliases ==
{{columns|
* Hoid
* Roamer{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
* Dust{{book ref|sa2|81}}
* The King's/Queen's Wit{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}
* The Queen's Wit{{book ref|sa4|50}}
* Imperial Fool of the [[Rose Empire]]{{ref|name=tes-del}}
* Topaz{{wob ref|8609}}
* Cephandrius Maxtori{{wob ref|5882}}{{wob ref|3985}}
* Midius{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{epigraph ref|sa4|84}}
* Bearer of the First Gem{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}
}}
 
== Speculation ==
* Hoid does not pay taxes.{{wob ref|13322}}
* Hoid was at least acquainted with [[Tanavast]] before the Shattering.{{book ref|sa2|epilogue}}
* Hoid fears The Beyond.{{citewob ref|14725}}
* Hoid's favorite color is black.{{wob ref|14774}}
* Though he once (extremely accurately) said to Shallan that he began life as words on a page, this was not in fact a break of the fourth wall.{{wob ref|3334}}
* Hoid, under the name Topaz, was Brandon's first [[wikipedia:Dungeons & Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]] character.{{wob ref|15048}}
* Brandon does not believe he would aid Hoid's cause if he was in the cosmere.{{wob ref|15118}}
* Hoid likes milkshakes.{{wob ref|15329}}
* Hoid has spoken with the [[Nightwatcher]].{{wob ref|12264}}
 
== Notes ==
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