The Coppermind

Difference between revisions of "Szeth"

Szeth (edit)

Revision as of 23:13, 17 February 2020

1,604 bytes removed ,  4 years ago
no edit summary
{{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 tellingto [[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}}
 
As a younger man, Szeth was a highly-regarded member of the [[Shin]] society.{{wob ref|4040}} At the time, he trained with the [[Honorblade]]s, including all ten of the [[Surge]]s, including ice-skating excercises 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}} Possibly 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, at the age of 27, named him Truthless.{{book ref|sa2|i|10}} Possibly due to his prior high status, he was given [[Jezrien]]'s Honorblade before being sent away -- something that wasn't done for other Truthless.{{wob ref|5089}}
[[File:Szeth and Gavilar by ThomasW.jpg|thumb|left|200px|<center><small>by {{a|ThomasW}}</small></center> Facing off against [[Gavilar Kholin]] ]]▼
 
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 out, 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 ===
▲[[File:Szeth and Gavilar by ThomasW.jpg|thumb|left|200px|<center><small>by {{a|ThomasW}}</small></center> Facing off against [[Gavilar Kholin]] ]]
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}}.
 
==== Killing King Gavilar ====
The Parshendi ruling council orders Szeth to murder King [[Gavilar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] during the Alethi-Parshendi treaty-signing celebrations, in public, and to be seen doing it with live witnesses. As he attacked, he was fooled into believing Gavilar was a bodyguard. Szeth 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 abandoned chase and returned to kill Gavilar. A fierce battle between Gavilar and Szeth commenced. Gavilar almost succeeded in killing Szeth with a Shardplate enhanced punch, but ultimately failed and fell to his death upon a piece of wooden debris which impaled him in an area where the Shardplate had been broken. 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 dark light. Szeth honored both requests, scrawling a message to [[Dalinar]] into the wood with Gavilar's own hand and blood.{{book ref|twok|prologue}} Eventually he also hid away the black orb somewhere in [[Jah Keved]].{{book ref|twok|i|3}} ▼
{{for|Assassination of Gavilar}}
 
Two years after his banishment, Szeth was purchased by [[Klade]], a member of the [[listener]] ruling council. When Klade pressured him, Szeth told him about his Shardblade and the abilities it brought.{{book ref|sa3|prologue}} As a result, [[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}}
He wore traditional white Parshendi assassin attire on the night he killed Gavilar, which led to him being known as the Assassin in White. Parshendi customs bade assassins to wear white, for if someone were to be assassinated, they were owed a fair warning.{{book ref|twok|prologue}}
 
▲The Parshendi ruling council ordersAs Szeth to murder King [[Gavilar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] during the Alethi-Parshendi treaty-signing celebrations, in public, and to be seen doing it with live witnesses. As he attacked, he was fooled into believing Gavilar was a bodyguard., Szethand 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,Plate instead of fleeing for his life. Doubling back, Szeth abandoned chase and returned to kill Gavilar., Aand a fierce battle between Gavilar and Szeth commenced. Gavilar almost succeeded in killing Szeth with a Shardplate -enhanced punch, but ultimately failed and fell to his death upononto a piece of wooden debris, which impaled him in an area where the Shardplate had been broken. 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 dark light. Szeth honored both requests, scrawling a message to [[Dalinar]] into the wood with Gavilar's own hand and blood.{{book ref|twoksa1|prologue}} Eventually he also hid away the black orb somewhere in [[Jah Keved]].{{book ref|twok|i|3}}
=== Vengeance Pact ===
Following Gavilar's death, the Parshendi 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 Parshendi. Meanwhile the stone, and as a result Szeth, was eventually picked up by [[Avado]]. The travelling merchant took him to Jah Keved in fear of possible Alethi retribution against strange foreigners in the wake of their king's assassination. Over the course of more than 5 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]].{{book ref|twok|i|3}} With Szeth under his control, Makkek set out to gain wealth; first by killing his fellow robbers and then establishing a gambling den in [[Bornwater]].{{book ref|twok|i|6}} ▼
 
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 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}}
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, revealing in detail of Szeth's powers. He was also informed of a new master they both now served, revealing that his Oathstone had been taken from Makkek after he and Gavashaw had been killed.▼
 
His clothes on the night of the killing led to the general public dubbing him the Assassin in White.{{book ref|sa1|8}}
=== 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}} ▼
 
==== Laying low ====
King [[Taravangian]], the last one on Szeth's hit list, turned out to be his secret employer. Widely known as the dim witted, elderly, yet kind king of [[Kharbranth]], Taravangian actually ran a secret hospital hidden in the king's palace. It was built in a large room with wide railings on the sides. Its purpose was to slowly kill the incredibly sick, elderly, or just undesired remnants of society by slowly draining the blood out of them, thereby protracting their death out of public eyesight. Taravangian did this because some of the dying spoke during the last moments of their life, which he thought might provide valuable insight about the coming Desolation. So in order to prepare for it, he began collecting their [[Death Rattle]]s.{{book ref|twok|71}}
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}}
 
▲FollowingAvado Gavilar's death, the Parshendi threw awaytook Szeth's Oathstone as they fled [[Kholinar]]. Since the Alethi believed that Szeth had fled with the Parshendi, they did not attempthim to track him down and instead initiated the [[VengeanceJah PactKeved]], waging war on the Parshendi. Meanwhile the stone, and as a result Szeth, was eventually picked up by [[Avado]]. The travelling merchant took him to Jah Keved in fear of possible Alethi retribution against strange foreigners in the wake of their king's assassination. OverHe did not keep his slave for long, however; over the course of morethe thannext 5five 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|twoksa1|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|twoksa1|i|6}}
During a [[Highstorm]], Szeth attacked King [[Elhokar]]'s palace on the [[Shattered Plains]]. He entered the palace through a hole he cut in a high stone wall. He killed [[Beld]] and cut through [[Hobber]]'s midriff, crippling the use of his legs. He proceeded to fight against [[Adolin]], [[Kaladin]], and [[Dalinar]] who all believed he was there to assassinate Elhokar. He quickly gained the upper hand, lashing Adolin to the ceiling and cutting through Kaladin's arm. When he was about to kill Dalinar, Dalinar caught his Shardblade between his hands, a maneuver known as the [[lastclap]], allowing Kaladin to push both himself and Szeth through the hole in the wall that Szeth had made to enter the palace. The two of them fell to the ground, both surviving. Szeth panicked when he saw Kaladin healing his arm, and when Kaladin told him he was a Windrunner, Szeth fled.▼
 
▲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, revealingas inwell detailas of Szeth'shis powers. HeAfter wasa alsoshort informedconfrontation, ofthe aman newrevealed master theythat both nowMakek servedand Gavashaw had been killed, revealingand that hisSzeth's Oathstone hadwas beennow takenin fromthe Makkekhands afterof hea andnew Gavashawmaster. hadThus, beenSzeth killedbegan to unwittingly serve the [[Diagram]].{{book ref|sa1|i|6}}
=== Contemplation ===
After his confrontation with Kaladin, Szeth retreated to the top of Urithiru where he wondered if he was wrong the entire time. He stared into the distance and trying not to blink, as he heard the screams of his victims every time he closed his eyes. Szeth shouted at the sun demanding to know why must he bear the sins if he was not Truthless. He decided to go looking for answers, or someone to kill.
 
==== MeetingTaravangian's with TaravangianKiller ====
▲[[File:Facing off with the Assassin in White.jpg|thumb|right|350px|<center><small>by [[Coppermind:Artists/Jules Aguimatang{{a|Jules Aguimatang]]}}</small></center> First attempt to assassinate [[Dalinar]] ]]
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.
 
▲TheSzeth's strangernew masters gave Szethhim 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 hisjust workthat, carving a bloody path across the continent, slaying, among others, two [[Azir|Azish]] Primes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} His second -to-last goalkill was King [[Hanavanar]] of Jah Keved, whom he killed along with his two Shardbearer guards.{{book ref|twoksa1|i|9}} This led directly into the Jah Keved civil war.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
[[File:Szeth Action.jpg|thumb|left|200px|<center><small>by [[User:Sheep]]</small></center> Swooping down to attack]]▼
 
=== Battle of Narak ===▼
King [[Taravangian]], the last one 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 sent him out on a mission to kill a new target: [[Dalinar Kholin]].
 
▲During a [[Highstormhighstorm]], Szeth attacked King [[Elhokar]]'s palace on the [[Shattered Plains]]., Heentering entered the palaceit through a hole he cut in athe highwall stonewith wallhis Blade. HeOn his way, he killed [[Beld]] and cut through [[Hobber]]'s midriff, crippling the use of his legs., Hethen proceeded to fight against [[Adolin]], [[Kaladin]], and [[Dalinar]], who all believed he was there to assassinate Elhokar. He quickly gained the upper hand, lashing Adolin to the ceiling and cutting through Kaladin's arm. WhenHowever, he wasultimately about to kill Dalinarfailed, Dalinar caught his Shardblade between his hands, a maneuver known as theKaladin [[lastclap]], allowing Kaladinmanaged to push both himself and Szethhim through thehis hole in the wall that Szeth had made to enter the palaceentryway. The two of them fell to the ground, both surviving. Szeth panicked when he saw Kaladin healing his arm, and when Kaladin told him 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|sa3|i|10}} He found the king in [[Vedenar]], and, control almost gone, demanded to know if the [[Knights Radiant]] were returning. Taravangain managed to appease him by claiming that a Honorblade with [[Regrowth]] has been stolen. Hearing that, Szeth made to depart, vowing to kill [[Kaladin]]; however, Taravangian forbade him to approach, 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. 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.▼
 
▲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 stormlightStormlight sustaining the lashing ran out. SzethHowever, believedbefore histhat missioncould was completed and attempted to casually leavehappen, when he was confronted by Adolin. Kaladin, whohaving recently regained his powers and statedsworn the [[ImmortalThird Words|third ideal]]Ideal of the Windrunners, caughtswooped Dalinarin and returnedcaught him, then safely returned him to the ground. Kaladin and Szeth then battled above the colliding Highstorm[[highstorm]] and [[Everstorm]]. During the battle Szeth came to the realization that Kaladin was truly a Radiant, thusand so Szeth hehimself was never Truthless. Unable to accept his actions, Szeth unbonded his Honorblade and fell through the Highstormhighstorm to his death.{{book ref|sa2|85}}{{book ref|sa2|88}}
=== 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|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 heSzeth was initially outraged at being returned to life, Nale promised to give him a new purpose. Heand thengifted presented Szethhim with [[Nightblood]].{{book ref|sa2|88}}
=== Time in Yeddaw ===▼
Szeth traveled to [[Yeddaw]] with [[Nale]] to find a potential radiant who lived there.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} During his time in the city, [[Lift]] passed him in the city's [[Grand Indicium]]. He confronted her and drew Nightblood to test her. He left her when Nightblood's power was unable to harm her.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}} Later he found her chasing after him and the other Skybreakers, he stopped to inform her that she could not possibly get there before they did, and also told her the identity of the person they were seeking.{{book ref|sa2.5|16}} When Szeth was viewed by Lift he trailed a strange glowing afterimage.▼
 
=== Becoming a Full Skybreaker RadiantTrainee ===
▲[[File:Szeth Actionand Nightblood.jpgpng|thumb|left|200px300px|<center><small>by [[User:Sheep]]{{a|LittleGreyDragon}}</small></center> Swooping down to attack]]
When Szeth came back from Yeddaw, master [[Ki]] told him that his mission with [[Nale]] was his first task and after being evaluated he was found worthy of the First Ideal {{book ref|sa3|90}}. This however was not enough for him to draw Stormlight - this is only possible for trainee Skybreakers after swearing the Second Ideal.▼
 
▲=== Time in= Yeddaw ====
[[File:Szeth and Nightblood.png|thumb|right|350px|<center><small>by {{a|LittleGreyDragon}}</small></center> Szeth and Nightblood]]▼
After gifting him with Nightblood, Nale inducted Szeth into the [[Skybreakers]], and took him to [[Yeddaw]] in order to find a potential Radiant. Throughout, Szeth attempted to convince Nale of the upcoming [[True Desolation]], but was unable to get through to him.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}}
Later, he was Lashed to the Purelake along with other Skybreaker hopefuls and squires to complete the next test.
 
▲Szeth traveled to [[Yeddaw]] with [[Nale]] to find a potential radiant who lived there.{{book ref|sa2.5|9}} During his time inthere, thehe city,met [[Lift]] passed him in the city's [[Grand Indicium]]. He confronted her and drew Nightblood to test her., Hebut left her when Nightblood's power wasfound unableher to harm herinnocent.{{book ref|sa2.5|15}} Later, he foundencountered her again, chasing after him and the other Skybreakers,. heHe stopped to inform her that she could not possibly get there before they did, andbut also told hershared the identity of the person they were seeking.{{book ref|sa2.5|16}} When Szeth was viewed by Lift he trailed a strange glowing afterimage.
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.▼
 
▲WhenAfter Szeththe cameEverstorm backpassed fromover 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]] toldinformed him that his mission with [[Nale]] was his first task, and that after being evaluated, he was found worthy of the First Ideal {{book ref|sa3|90}}. This, however, was not enough for him to draw Stormlight, as -Skybreaker thistrainees iscan only possibledo for trainee Skybreakersso after swearingattaining the Second Ideal.{{book ref|sa3|90}}
He was able to find and fight one, finding the convict had 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 prison. He asks if the list of guilty included the administrator, and as he was the first in the list, Szeth draws his sword and kills him. With this he is allowed to swear the 2nd Ideal, is able to draw in Stormlight and is chosen by Ki to become his master. {{book ref|sa3|92}}▼
 
==== 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, 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, evenlearning towardsmore criminals,about butthe mercylocal was withdrawn when they escapedlaw.{{book Just after that, he went hunting for a convict.ref|sa3|92}}
 
▲He was able to find and fight one,. findingHe found that the convict had a knife, but also notices he iswas thin, dirty and emaciated. BeforeUpon lettingquestioning him drown, Szeth also questionedlearned himthat findingthe thereprison wasfort had only one guard in the Fort. Once back, he seessaw other convicts, and confirmsconfirming that they werehad alsoall badlybeen poorly fed, and probably under ana internalstrict regime, lettingleading him to understandthe thisrealization wasthat the resultprison ofitself awas badlyimproperly administered prisonran. HeWhen askshe ifconfirmed thewith listKi ofthat guiltythe included theprison administrator, andwas asalso he wason the firstlist inof the listguilty, Szeth drawsdrew his swordNightblood and killskilled himthe man. WithThis thisallowed he is allowedhim to swear the 2ndSecond Ideal, isletting able tohim draw in Stormlight. andImpressed, isKi chosenchose byhim Kias toher become his mastersquire. {{book ref|sa3|92}}
 
{{quote
}}
 
==== 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}}
 
AfterFrustrated exitingwith the Purelakeslow progress, Szeth winsintended theto contest because the color onswear his outfitnext wasideal washedthere awayand bythen, thebut water.at Hethis is about to swear the next oaths whenpoint [[Nale]] finally arrived. andThe Herald took Szeth and most of the other full Skybreakers to [[Marat.]], Therewhere he showed Szeththem a village conquereddestroyed by Listenersthe and[[Voidbringer]]s Fused.before Hetelling explainedthem they wereall the originaltruth speciesabout populatingthe Rosharworld. Afterwards, andNale tolddeclared himhis aboutintentions: Aharietiamto andside thatwith hethe will defend[[singer]]s, the Voidbringersoriginal andinhabitants fightof theRoshar, Knightsand Radiant.oppose humanity.{{book ref|sa3|106}}
 
Initially, Szeth believesbelieved he doeshad not have ano choice other than to follow Nale, but in a conversation withNightblood hisabout swordthe [[Nightblood]] {{book ref|sa3|116}}topic, he decideschanged tohis swearmind, hisrealizing oaththat tothere Dalinarwas always a Kholinchoice.{{book ref|sa3|117116}}. NaleHe believesdecided theto problemswear withhimself followinginto aservice manof insteadDalinar, ofand lawjoined isthe a lack[[Battle of consistency,Thaylen but supports his decisionField]]. {{book ref|sa3|121117}}
 
▲[[File:Szeth and NightbloodThunderclast.pngjpg|thumb|right|350px250px|<center><small>by {{a|LittleGreyDragonMatthew Johnson}}</small></center> Szeth andkilling a [[thunderclast]] Nightblood]]
After the battle of [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], he swears his the Third Ideal: “I swear to follow the will of Dalinar Kholin. This is my oath." and becomes a full Radiant. {{book ref|sa3|121}}
=== Serving Dalinar Kholin ===
▲==== Battle of NarakThaylen Field ====
 
Szeth arrived on the field just in time to drop down and slay a [[thunderclast]]. After landing, he met [[Lift]], who let him know that Dalinar asked her to recover [[Honor's Drop]], a perfect gemstone. Acknowledging this as Dalinar's will, Szeth joined her in the hunt.{{book ref|sa3|117}} Things initially go poorly, especially when Szeth loses 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}}
[[File:Szeth Thunderclast.jpg|thumb|left|250px|<center><small>by {{a|Matthew Johnson}}</small></center> Szeth killing a [[thunderclast]] ]]▼
=== 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}}
 
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 Honor's Drop with Lift.{{book ref|sa3|119}}
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}}
AfterTogether, thatthe hetwo didmanaged meetto with Dalinar andtrick the restFused ofcarrying theit Radiants.into Heletting explainedit his loyaltygo and isgrabbing givena the[[Lightweaving|Lightwoven]] taskfake, of helpingwith Lift withbringing the gemstone.real HeHonor's enviesDrop [[Kaladin]] for having the honor of protectingto Dalinar, but didwho notthen complainused and wentit to fulfilltrap his task[[Nergaoul]]. {{book ref|sa3|120}}
 
==== Aftermath ====
Szeth confronts the fused who have the gemstones and is out-matched, as they both outnumber him and are more skilled. The gem is taken by a Fused who can use abrasion and is made very slippery so only they can hold it. Though Szeth feels beaten, Lift has a plan. He is able to trick the Fused by using her underestimation of 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 of obtaining the gemstone 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}}.
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}}
 
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}}
 
{{quote
| The Third Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{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}}▼
 
{{quote
| The Fourth Ideal of the [[Skybreakers]], as sworn by Szeth{{book ref|sa3|121}}.
}}
 
▲HeAfterwards, thenSzeth becomesbecame Dalinar’s bodyguard., despite the apprehension of other Alethi.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 
== Attributes and Abilities ==
[[File: The Assassin in White by Ari Ibarra.jpg|250px|thumb|right|<center><small>by {{a|Ari Ibarra}}</small></center> Drawing [[Nightblood]]]]
 
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}}
 
▲[[File:Szeth ThunderclastThe Assassin in White by Ari Ibarra.jpg|250px|thumb|left|250pxright|<center><small>by {{a|MatthewAri JohnsonIbarra}}</small></center> Szeth killing aDrawing [[thunderclastNightblood]] ]]
=== Surgebinding ===
 
Szeth is trained in the use of all ten [[Surge]]s, having practiced with them through the Shin's eight [[Honorblade]]s.{{book ref|sa3|120}} When he was exiled, he was given [[Jezrien]]'s Honorblade, granting 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, levelling the playing field somewhat when his opponent can also take to the skies.{{book ref|sa2|85}}
 
 
== Trivia ==
* He was once a highly regarded member of [[Shin]] society{{wob ref|4040}}
* Brandon wrote Szeth's scenes while listening to [[wikipedia: Daft Punk|Daft Punk]]{{wob ref|1124}}▼
* "[[Nightblood]] in the hands of Szeth should be one of the most terrifying things you have ever contemplated"{{wob ref|4328}}▼
* Szeth was given [[Jezrien]]'s [[Honorblade]] as a special case{{wob ref|5089}}
 
=== 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 while listening to [[wikipedia: Daft Punk|Daft Punk]]{{wob ref|1124}}
▲* "[[Nightblood]]Brandon inconsiders theNightblood hands ofand Szeth shouldto be one of the mostmore terrifying thingspairings youin havethe ever contemplated"[[cosmere]].{{wob ref|4328}}
 
== Notes ==
Rasarr
Editors, Keepers
8,241

edits

Retrieved from "https://coppermind.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/116043"