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{{character
|image=Szeth.jpg
|parents=
|ancestors=
|abilities={{tag+|
|aliases=Assassin in White
|titles=[[Truthless]] of [[Shinovar]]
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]])</small>
|born={{Rosharan date|1138}}
|'birthplace
|residence=Urithiru
|ethnicity=Shin
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}{{spoilers|book=sa3}}
| Szeth, regarding his oath.{{book ref|sa2|I|14}}
}}
'''Szeth
== Appearance and Personality ==
During his time as Truthless, he was given an [[Honorblade]] and was cast out from the Valley of Truth, forced to bear the blade and the sins of all those he served. Szeth is bound unwavering to honor, he is loyal to the extent that he will do anything asked by his master including self mutilation. He is forbidden to take his own life or to give up his Blade. Szeth, while accomplished at assassination, is not a willing killer, always facing inner turmoil when taking a life. He hears the screams of his victims when he closes his eyes and loathes himself so that he descends into madness.
Later, he was killed and
Szeth is currently a Skybreaker of the
Szeth loathes himself after his many killings and blasphemies. His madness was not healed as he hears whispers. Nin called it the effect of Szeth's connection to the powers, and said that he was hearing trembles from the Spiritual Realm. Memories of the dead he'd killed. He doesn't fear them, but still weeps. {{book ref|sa3|90}}
<gallery caption="Images of Szeth">
Szeth
Szeth's Chapters.svg | <center><small>by [[Isaac Stewart]]</small></center> Szeth chapters header
Szeth Action.jpg | In flight by [[User: Sheep]]▼
GA - WoK4 - Szeth by Alex Allen.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Alex Allen}}</small></center> Drawing his [[Honorblade]], cover of part 4 of ''[[Way of Kings]]'' Graphic Audio adaptation
Szeth assassin.jpeg | Confronting Gavilar Kholin by [[User: Sheep]]▼
GA - WoR4 - Kaladin and Szeth by Alex Allen.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Alex Allen}}</small></center> Fighting [[Kaladin]], cover of part 2 of ''[[Words of Radiance]]'' Graphic Audio adaptation
Szeth_the_assassin.jpg | In Gavilar's palace by [[User: Sheep]]▼
Szeth and Nightblood.png | <center><small>by {{a|LittleGreyDragon}}</small></center> With [[Nightblood
Szeth Small.jpg | <center><small>by [[User: Sheep]]</small></center> Infused with [[Stormlight]]
Szeth Action.jpg | <center><small>by [[User: Sheep]]</small></center> In flight
Szeth and Nightblood 2.png | <center><small>by {{a|ShiroXIX}}</small></center> Szeth and Nightblood
Szeth assassin.jpeg | <center><small>by [[User: Sheep]]</small></center> Confronting [[Gavilar Kholin]]
▲Szeth_the_assassin.jpg |
Assassination of Gavilar.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Thorkild Skov}}</small></center> The assassination of [[Gavilar]]
Szeth Thunderclast.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Matthew Johnson}}</small></center> Szeth killing a [[Thunderclast]]
Szeth Nale.jpg | <center><small>by [[User: Botanicaxu]]</small></center> With [[Nale]] and [[Nightblood]]
The Assassin in White by Ari Ibarra.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Ari Ibarra}}</small></center>Drawing [[Nightblood]]
Szeth and Nightblood by Amanda Diaz.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Amanda "rantology" Diaz}}</small></center>With [[Nightblood]]
Szeth - XX. Judgement .jpg | <center><small>by {{a|taratjah}}</small></center>
Facing off with the Assassin in White.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Jules Aguimatang}}</small></center>Attempted assassination of [[Dalinar]]
Szeth Portrait by Marie Seeberger.jpg | <center><small>by {{a|Marie Seeberger}}</small></center>
</gallery>
== History ==
=== Early Life ===
{{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 telling [[Nightblood]] about his youth{{book ref|sa3|92}}
}}
Szeth heard a voice in his mind, similar to [[Nightblood]]'s, in his mind when he was younger. It ended badly for him somehow, perhaps relating to the events that made him Truthless.{{book ref|sa3|92}} In his youth, he trained with Honorblades {{book ref|sa3|98}} and was well trained in all ten surges. He practiced ice skating as a training exercise that mimics [[Abrasion]].{{book ref|sa3|120}} Szeth claimed that the [[Voidbringers]] were returning to Roshar.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} The Shin leaders told him that his claims were false and named him Truthless.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} He was named Truthless at approximately 27 years of age and was traded to the Thaylen merchant [[Vstim]] shortly afterwards.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} Szeth is bound to his [[Oathstone]]. Whoever owned his Oathstone, owned Szeth. Szeth is obliged by his honor to do as the owner commanded with the exception of killing himself or giving up his Shardblade.{{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 ===
When he was 29 years of age, Szeth was purchased by [[Klade]], a member of the [[Parshendi]] ruling council. When Klade pressures him, Szeth tells him about his Shardblade and his abilities{{book ref|sa3|prologue}}.
=== Taravangian's Assassin ===
[[File:Facing off with the Assassin in White.jpg|thumb|right|350px|<center><small>by [[Coppermind:Artists/Jules Aguimatang|Jules Aguimatang]]</small></center> First attempt to assassinate [[Dalinar]] ]]
The stranger gave Szeth a list of high ranking targets, all of whom were to be eliminated with the same skill displayed over five years ago in Kholinar. Szeth set out to do his work. His second last goal was King [[Hanavanar]] of Jah Keved whom he killed along with his two Shardbearer guards.{{book ref|twok|i|9}}
Szeth found Taravangian and demanded to know if the [[Knights Radiant|Radiants]] were returning. He held himself barely in check, and his self control was almost gone. Taravangian quickly deflected and told Szeth that an honorblade that allows regrowth was used and that the man Szeth fought was no Radiant. Szeth was appeased and vowed to kill Kaladin and retrieve the honorblade. Taravangian forbade him and ordered Szeth to kill Dalinar Kholin while staying away from the man.
=== Battle of Narak ===
{{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. Szeth believed his mission was completed and attempted to casually leave, when he was confronted by Adolin. Kaladin, who recently regained his powers and stated the [[Immortal Words|third ideal]] of the Windrunners, caught Dalinar and returned him safely 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, thus he was never Truthless. Unable to accept his actions, Szeth unbonded his Honorblade and fell through the Highstorm to his death.
=== Resurrection ===
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 he was initially outraged at being returned to life, Nale promised to give him a new purpose. He then presented Szeth with [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|
=== Time in Yeddaw ===
=== Becoming a Full Skybreaker Radiant ===
When Szeth came back from Yeddaw, master [[Ki]]
[[File:Szeth and Nightblood.png|thumb|right|350px|Szeth and Nightblood by [[Coppermind: Artists/LittleGreyDragon|LittleGreyDragon]]]]
The challenge was based on a spanreed sent by the city’s minister who let them know there was a break of convicts, they were all guilty and had a tattoo on their forehead. 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 motives. He learnt this was a Reshi idealist population who had non-violent attitude even towards criminals and that the minister paid tribute to maintain facilities but mercy was withdrawn when they escaped. Just after that, he went hunting for a convict, he found and fought one, finding he has a knife but also notices he is thin, dirty and emaciated. Before letting him drown, Szeth also questioned him finding there was only one guard in the Fort. Once back, he sees other convicts and confirms that they were also badly fed, and probably under an internal regime, letting him to understand this was the result of a badly administered place. He asks if the list of guilty included the administrator and as he was the first in list, he draws his sword and kills him. With this he is allowed to swear the 2nd ideal, is able to draw stormlight and is chosen Ki to become his master. {{book ref|sa3|92}}▼
The challenge was based on a message sent via [[spanreed]] by the city's minister who told them there was a breakout of convicts, they were all guilty, and had a tattoo on their forehead. 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. He learnt that this was a Reshi idealist population who had non-violent attitude, even towards criminals, but mercy was withdrawn when they escaped. Just after that, he went hunting for a convict.
▲
{{quote
}}
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.
After exiting the Purelake, Szeth wins the contest because the color on his outfit was washed away by the water. He is about to swear the next oaths when [[Nale]] finally
Szeth
▲He is about to swear the next oaths when [[Nale]] came form them and took them to Marat. There he showed Szeth a village conquered by listeners and fused. He explained they were the original species populating Roshar, and told him about Hariethiam and that he will defend them and fight humans. {{book ref|sa3|106}}
▲Szeth in the beginning believes he does not have a choice other than follow Nale, but in a conversation with his sword Nimi ([[Nightblood]]) {{book ref|sa3|116}}, he decides to better swear his oath Dalinar Kholin{{book ref|sa3|117}}. Nale believes the problem with following a man instead of law is lack of consistency but supports his decision. {{book ref|sa3|121}}
After the battle of [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], he swears his the
[[File:Szeth Thunderclast.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Szeth killing a Thunderclast by [[Coppermind: Artists/Matthew Johnson|Matthew Johnson]]]]
=== Battle of Thaylen Field and Aftermath ===
Szeth arrives to Thaylen just in time for battle and meets [[Lift]]. She lets him know Dalinar has asked him to get a gemstone that the Fused have and he decides to help her. He draws his sword ([[Nightblood]]) and starts to fight. He finds purpose wielding his sword and putting his trust in Dalinar. He swept through the enemy’s army, the red-eyed soldiers turning to black smoke. He thirsted for death but could never enjoy it. He kept killing until a female voice, Lift’s voice, stopped him. He couldn’t let the sword go, it was consuming him and his soul. Lift got to him, held his face and sent Stormlight into him, trying to feed the sword, but it started to drain her too as black veins started to grow on her arms. {{book ref|sa3|118}}
At that time, Dalinar became Unity and
After that he did meet with Dalinar and the rest of the
Szeth confronts the fused who have the gemstones and is out skilled. They outnumber him and are more skilled. The gem is taken by a Fused who can do abrasion and makes it very slippery so only she can hold it. Though Szeth feels beaten, Lift has a plan. He is able to trick the Fused as she underestimated his abilities with surges and catches the gem on a jacket that they successfully swap with a carefully cut rock. {{book ref|sa3|120}} The task ends up being fulfilled by Lift who is able to get into the mists surrounding Dalinar; a task that Szeth did not want to do. {{book ref|sa3|120}}.▼
▲At that time, Dalinar became Unity and infused all the gemstones in the floor, which was enough to free them both. With a grey face, Szeth got blade back into its sheath. {{book ref|sa3|119}}
▲After that he did meet with Dalinar and the rest of the radiants. He explained his loyalty and is given the task of helping Lift with the gemstone. He envies [[Kaladin]] for having the honor of protecting Dalinar, but did not complain and went to fulfill his task. {{book ref|sa3|120}}
▲Szeth confronts the fused who have the gemstones and is out skilled. They outnumber him and are more skilled. The gem is taken by a Fused who can do abrasion and makes it very slippery so only she can hold it. Though Szeth feels beaten, Lift has a plan. He is able to trick the Fused as she underestimated his abilities with surges and catches the gem on a jacket that they successfully swap with a carefully cut rock. {{book ref|sa3|120}}
After the battle is over, he and [[Nale]] have a conversation where Szeth swears the 3rd oath and becomes full radiant by bonding a highspren. Nale confirms he lost his ability for compassion after the tortures and that is why he will follow someone else, the law of the Singers. He will continue to train Szeth even if they meet in battle and fight each other. {{book ref|sa3|121}}
}}
Szeth wants to go back to Shinovar and cleanse the Shin of their false leaders. {{book ref|sa3|121}} He states that this will be his quest for his Fourth Ideal - to become a Skybreaker of the Fourth Ideal, he must complete the quest.
He then becomes Dalinar’s bodyguard. {{book ref|sa3|122}}
=== Surgebinding ===
Szeth was bonded to an Honorblade which granted him the [[Surgebinder]] powers of a [[Windrunner]]. He was not bound to an honorspren like the other known Windrunner, [[Kaladin]].{{
=== Honorblades ===
=== Shardblade ===
Szeth possessed an Honorblade that was long and thin, edged on both sides. It was smaller than most others. Being bonded to this blade granted Szeth the abilities of a Windrunner
[[File: The Assassin in White by Ari Ibarra.jpg|thumb|right|<center><small>by [[Coppermind:Artists/Ari Ibarra|Ari Ibarra]]</small></center>Drawing [[Nightblood]]]]
== Relationships ==
=== [[Nightblood]] ===
Szeth is given a sword by Nale, which he calls "sword-nimi". This sword,
They have conversations often and Nightblood knows a good deal of information about Szeth's past.
Szeth will partially draw the sword to see how other people react to it; the sword causes "good" people to feel sudden nausea.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}}
▲They have conversations often and Nightblood knows a good deal of information about Szeth's past who tells him he had a voice like him in the past, and hopes this time it goes better{{book ref|sa2|92}}. Nightblood helps him decide which side to take.{{book ref|sa2|116}}
Szeth has only fully drawn the sword twice, during the [[Skybreaker]] test at the [[Purelake]]{{book ref|sa3|92}} and at the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|118}} In both cases the sword singlemindedly begins screaming "DESTROY EVIL!" into Szeth's mind while quickly consuming any available Stormlight and causing him extreme pain.{{book ref|sa3|119}}
== Trivia ==
* He was once a highly regarded member of [[Shin]] society{{wob ref
* Brandon wrote Szeth's scenes while listening to [[wikipedia: Daft Punk|Daft Punk]]{{wob ref
* "[[Nightblood]] in the hands of Szeth should be one of the most terrifying things you have ever contemplated"{{wob ref
* Szeth was given [[Jezrien]]'s [[Honorblade]] as a special case{{wob ref
=== Continuity Change ===
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