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Ok so we have learned a good bit more with these chapters. The chapters themselves seem very short but at least that makes things feel quick. Hoid is back to being a carriage rider for Wax which leads me to the inevitable question: Does he know? Has Hoid made himself known to Wax or is his appearance vastly different from when he was a beggar in BoM. But maybe there's a chance it's not even Hoid an maybe it just became a name that people use now. Who knows but I hope Hoid is more active because he's a really cool as a character when he is part of the plot. Love him as Wit. The next thing that really interested me was Trellium. It seems to work a bit like Compounding (and is clearly what Tensin did at the ends of BoM) but less powerful since Miles would heal way faster. So maybe Trellium has some amplification components? Interested to hear your thoughts here. The prophecy is some scary stuff but I think it's more likely the ash would come from WMDs than Ashmounts or anything since in BoM we had this teased already. The next really nice stuff I appreciated was Wax and Max and it really made me ask a question if Max was an allomancer/ferring/twinborn as well. We still don't know how snapping works now. Maybe we'll see it through Max? But I think it would be fun, especially loved him being a bit of a little Wayne. And feel free to talk about anything else. Especially, what did you enjoy the most? What are you most interested in?

Apparently, Hoid is now stuck on Roshar due to his Bond with Design. But if he is a Feruchemist, he could overcome this by storing his Lightweaving and Soulcasting abilities inside a nicrosil metalmind, then compounding those powers, which would replace Honor’s investiture with Preservation’s, thus allowing him to leave. Well, that and he’d also need to break his Bond with Design, but that would be comparatively simple (if somewhat selfish and traitorous).

They both hate each other, and apparently, Kelsier is one of the only things that Hoid can physically hurt. So, will we eventually be able to see a real fight between these two, with crazy levels of Investiture, dirty tricks, minions on both sides, and secret weapons revealed? I'd pay good money to see that fight

What if hoid was part of Adonalsium?

In researching what might have caused the true desolation, I stumbled upon a theory. Hoid was once one of the heralds. Bear with me here... The Stonewards have a core tenet (per coppermind): "The core tenet of the order is be there when needed." And their gem stone is topaz (thinking of the first gem here). They enjoy exploring. They tend to be known for their can-do attitudes and for taking on enormous projects (sometimes more than they can handle). Now, we know that Hoid was once called Topaz and that he took his name after the first gem. We also know that Hoid knows where he needs to be. He explores the cosmere and is trying to something very ambition around collecting all the types of investiture. Sounds VERY similar. If Hoid, in collecting investiture, needed to get access to Braize, what would he do. No perpendicularity there. Why, talk the high and powerful among the humans on Roshar into an oathpact. One that he would join. Oathpact is made and they all go to Braize. Hoid finds what he needs, but now needs a way off Braize. So he leaks to the fused, that members of the oathpact could choose to go back to Roshar. This led to the torturing. And someone breaks. Once back on Roshar, Hoid finds someone to replace him, Taln. (This next bit is tenuous.) Because the Heralds were not expecting torture, they broke quickly this first time. Salash's bodygaurd, who came to Roshar from Ashyn with the rest of refugees, is still alive. He is chosen to replace Hoid and the connection to Honor is shifted to him. (Potentially because Ash had a crush on her body guard). Hoid is then free to leave Roshar through a perpendicularity and the oathpact remains in place. Through the strength of Taln's resolve to protect, desolations became hundreds of years apart. When the Knights Radiant are formed, Taln uses Hoid as a role model when making the Stonewards, in honor of Hoid making the Oathpact exist in the first place. This Theory answers a couple of questions. When/why was Hoid on Roshar before, dancing with ancient singers and able to recognize fused. Why do the Stonewards sound so similar to Hoid. Why Taln is not a Herald, well not the original Herald.

I think Hoid's endgame plan is to recreate Adonalsium he is gathering and gaining access to all the types of investiture all over the Cosmere is to either turn himself into Adonalsium or make a mini Adonalsium to test the principal and make sure it is a good idea. I think he regrets his role in the killing of Adonalsium and wants to undo it and that is why he keeps traveling and getting access to all the different types of investiture. I mean think about it he is now a Mistborn, Knight Radiant, possessor of the Moon Staff and I think he is a Sand Master he also has the original powers of someone from Yolen. And we don't know what else he might have access to I do think he's going to have to wait till space travel is exists so he can visit all the planets including the dangerous ones. We also know he was trying to become an Elantrian but failed I think that drove him to steal the Moon Staff. So that about wraps my theory. I'd love to hear people's takes and objections to this!

Hello, I am a fan of insults, and I hope some of you are too. What are some insults---from Wit or not---that you all enjoy? I'm willing to give some... [If any of you need help insulting someone, i'm here!] Also, what are some fun Hoid scenes you liked? I loved it when he gave Wax the coin when he was pretending to be a (blind, as always) beggar. Whenever I see him in a book, I end up staring at the page, and then laughing my head off.

This is something that puzzled me in reading Wit's stories/interactions. If y'all could offer input, that'd be cool. I noticed that it seems like Wit is a lot gentler when he tells Shallan a story/talks to her than when he tells Kaladin stories/talks to him. For example, in Rhythm of War, in the Dog and the Dragon, Kaladin says, This seems a bit harsh, considering all Kaladin's been through in the past ?week?month?(technically we don't know that Wit knows that, but I've just gotten used to assuming Wit knows everything. And he could probably figure out something's going on, judging by Kaladin's exhaustion/"close to giving up") We also have the story of Fleet(or at least that scene): This seems... unnecessary. It is really funny, but it's a seemingly random jab at Kaladin, who I'm not sure needs it or could benefit from it. In Wandersail, Wit doesn't exactly insult Kaladin, but he does intentionally misinterpret what Kaladin says to annoy him, kind of a lot. And while Wit still is very gentle and sweet to Kaladin at times, he is also quite salty sometimes. Whereas with Wit, at least in the chapter The Girl Who Stood Up, pretty much the meanest things he say to her are "I thought you knew this story", "Skip? Skip part of a story?", "Wrong answer. She was both", along with some interesting debates. But other than that, he's loving and kind and comforting to her, a sharp contrast to how he treats Kaladin a good chunk of the time. Does anyone care to offer their ideas for why this is the case? P.S. I am aware that Wit is a worldhopper and is more commonly referred to as Hoid. But I prefer calling him Wit.

Hemalurgy can be used to remove chunks of Spiritweb from others, including Spiritweb pieces that allow for magical healing. So, if someone like Kelsier were to use Hemalurgy to rip off the power or Connection that allows for Hoid's magical healing, could he be killed?

Theory: Hoid is not as good as you thought he was! Hoid has been roaming the Cosmere since the beginning of time, encouraging the main characters usually by way of storytelling and using his skills as an Awakener. Loyal fans will know that he was one of the group that shattered Adonalsium into the 16 Shards. He was offered a chance to become the Vessel of one of the Shards. However, he chose not to and in that way, gained something even more important than power: freedom. He was not bound by the rules of Shards and was free to influence events in the Cosmere as much as he liked. One of the first hints at his master plan comes early in Stormlight, in the Way of Kings, in chapter 54 on page 933. "... 'Adonalsium' Dalinar frowned more deeply. 'What?' Wit searched his face. 'Have you ever heard the term, Dalinar?'" This short exchange gives context for what Hoid says soon after: "'Ado-what?' 'Nothing,' Wit said. He seemed preoccupied, unlike his normal self. 'Nonsense. Balderdash. Figgldygrak. Isn't it odd that gibberish words are often the sounds of other words, cut up and dismembered, then stitched into something like them–yet wholly unlike them at the same time?' Dalinar frowned. 'I wonder if you could do that to a man. Pull him apart, emotion by emotion, bit by bit, bloody chunk by bloody chunk. Then combine them back together into something else, like a Dysian Amian.'..." This hints at Hoid's secret plan: To kill all the current Shards and assemble them back together into a new Adonalsium, with himself holding the power. Hoid had planned this all since the death of Adonalsium. I hope everyone enjoys this theory

Hoid has bonded a Cryptic. Now to progress through his “oaths” he must speak truths about himself. What truths might Hoid speak about himself? I assume must be truths he hasn’t already said, even to himself. I don’t think we have enough information even to guess, except maybe for one truth about this immortal being surrounded by mortals who cannot understand him: “I am alone.” I doubt he will say that, but it’s my only guess. What do you think?

How will the Cosmere story end? Will there still be shards? Here is a list of possibilities for discussion. Adonalsium is re-formed with a new vessel. Adonalsium is re-formed without a vessel. The shards continue. The shards continue, but without vessels. The shards are splintered. All investiture, including shards, is destroyed, possibly by Nightblood. Any other possibilities? What do you think will happen?

Hi. So I'm wondering if all of Cultivation's machinations to get Taravangian to ascend are primarily motivated by revenge against Rayse, or if it is also part of a longer conflict with Hoid.

I’ve taken a bit of a break from the cosmere and I’m a little rusty. I feel like I’ve missed 10,000 WOB’s and I am trying to refresh myself and catch up. It’s long been previously theorised Hoid has access to Feruchemy and it was assumed he was a Feruchemist but it was later revealed he simply has unkeyed metal minds.. That’s how he uses ferchemical powers Hoid has the full powers of a powerful Allomancer after ingesting the L bead and we now all know he has un-keyed Metalminds but I’m a little foggy on how they operate. Is he capable of refilling his un-keyed feruchemy metal minds himself and being able to burn/compound for twinborn powers?

FYI: I have only read Stormlight Archive, Warbreaker and Mistborn Era 1 and Secret History. This theory is based on what I know about hoid till now. Anyone who has read the other cosmere works, please correct me where I am wrong. Hoid usually is very content with he does. He seems to be in control most of times, nothing really surprises him anymore. He is one of the oldest beings in the cosmere and one of the most knowledgeable. His persona is of a chaotic trickster with no allegiance to anyone. And that is very much true to his real personality. But Roshar is where we have seen him be most... human. Rosharans surprise Wit a lot. For ex he is flabbergasted about something when he sees young Shallan at the marketplace ( we have no idea why. Not important to the theory, just mentioned it) He is at a genuine loss for words when shallan hugs him years later. I don't think he expected for shallan to be affectionate towards him. He is again shocked when Kaladin asks him for a story, saying that 'no one has ever asked that'. Also hoid is at his most wholesome with Shallan and Kaladin, giving them very heartfelt therapy- story sessions.'Accept the pain, don't think you deserve it' and 'You will be warm again' can make me tear up. He is very helpful this time for protecting the planet( instead of Mistborn where he accelerates the danger). He also has a romantic interest in Jasnah. He is also very open about his belief in a god. The main theme is that hoid is developing actual human connections with the Rosharans, something he has never had before. This will end only in tragedy. Because taravangian Brandon has confirmed that Taravangian completely ' hornswoggled' hoid in the epilogue. Hoid did feel true terror there. He did lose some of his memories. Hoid, for the first time, has been actually hurt in a confrontation. Brandon also said that Hoid will find out what happened in the lead up to the contest. (Prolly with the metalminds) This dude has not felt fear in maybe 7000 years, who says Hoid won't overreact? Because hoid was really motivated in having rayse- odium bound to the system. And todium has proven himself to be far superior of a threat already. There is also a lot of foreshadowing that Hoid will betray Roshar. When he talks to Dalinar, he says 'i will burn this world down to get what I want, even with tears'. He repeatedly tells shallan and Jasnah not to trust people. At the end of RoW, Dalinar has to choose between trusting odium and wit I think we will see Hoid betray the people of Roshar in a cruel,stone-cold way just to make sure todium stays bound. I don't know exactly how, but it will happen. The good guys will have to fix what he did too and some damage could be irreparable. He will definitely lose all his friends and this time, he will have genuine sadness and tears. This time? Yes, because hoid has definitely betrayed Roshar before. During the first desolation. We know he knew the heralds (as midius). Isn't it interesting that stonewards are associated with topaz and they swear an oath to be where they are needed? Two things common with hoid? Also doesn't rayse seem just a little too angry when he reads 'cephandrius' name in the contract. Like he really, really hates hoid for some reason. Is it because all of this has happened before, like this? Hoid bring up the idea of the oathpact and the heralds. Because whose plan was this exactly? Who the heralds bring up the idea of eternal torture themselves. No this seems cruel enough to be hood's idea He was meant to be the the tenth herald, the stoneward-ish herald, but the moment the oathpact was created, his business was done and he left the planet, leaving the Rosharans to panic. Taln steps up for the job and the rest his history. I think in this case Hoid knew that taln was going to pick his place. But what he did was still a betrayal. He just doesn't care much This time, he will care What do you guys think?

I have a few thoughts on Dawnshards. I am relatively sure that there are four of them, I may have misinterpreted something, but I think there are four. In their name, They are called shards. This seems significant to me, and seems to imply that they were once together and part of a whole(or all of a whole). We also know that Hoid held a Dawnshard to help shatter Adonalsium. What if Hoid's end goal is to reunite all of the Dawnshards and recreate whatever they originally were?

When Hoid tries to hurt someone or even contemplates it, he is incapacitated due to the way his Spiritweb was changed by holding a Dawnshard. However, there are ways to use magic to compel you to cause harm rather than avoiding it. The first that comes to mind would be by him using Hemalurgic spikes to grant himself a more Ruinous Intent on his Spiritweb, which would, if there were enough spikes placed and enough time given, allow him to override the current structure of his Spiritweb allow him to physically harm others. There are definitely some problems with this, such as how he would need someone else to charge and place the spikes for him, and how he would be opening himself up to shardic influence (which is NOT something that he wants to have happen), but this may hypothetically be possible. Another possibility would be for Hoid to wield Nightblood. Since Nightblood compels whoever is holding it to destroy, it seems likely that Hoid would be able to overcome is own magical compulsion to not do any physical harm if he were to use the blade. However, even if he could do so, I doubt that he would risk himself to try and directly kill someone via Nightblood; he's crafty and patient and he would likely rather carefully plan for someone else to do the fighting for him, which he could even without needing to cause direct physical harm.

Which Party involved in the shattering was Hoid in, before he back out? Which ideology did he follow, do you think? The ones that did it for power, or who thought that Adonalsium presented a threat? And why did he back out? Was it because he wanted to retain his sense of self?

It's something of a consensus in the community that, for whatever reason, Hoid has been traveling to various worlds and acquiring their magics for some purpose, maybe for amassing power, or maybe as a hobby. Whenever he lands on a planet, he tries to get that magic system. However, I don't think he's simply "collecting" these magics. I've been thinking about Investiture and how it relates to rhythm and color, and I think I have a hunch on why Hoid has been acquiring the Invested Arts we've seen him collect, and it's for a very specific reason: converting Investiture between forms and manipulating raw Investiture. We have seen Hoid acquire very specific magic systems. He has: Failed to become an Elantrian Stolen the Moon Scepter Become an Allomancer Become an Awakener Become a Surgebinder Selish magics require their user to induce a specific waveform into the Dor to create a given effect. As an Elantrian, he would be able to manipulate these waveforms and study how they affect the Dor itself. The Moon Scepter is the next best thing, as it helps to convert between the local magic systems. Allomancers give off distinct Rhythms when they burn metals and have the ability to perceive the Rhythms produced by other Invested individuals. Awakeners of the second Heightening have perfect pitch. This helps Hoid distinguish minute details of sound. Also, though it only reaches perfection at the third Heightening, he also has enhanced color perception. Surgebinders utilize Rosharan Lights, which oscillate with light and sound in ways that reflect the nature of the Investiture that they contain. Putting this all together: Hoid has the understanding of the waveforms that power Investiture from the Moon Scepter, the ability to perceive those waveforms via Bronze, the auditory acuity to distinguish them from Breath, and an abundant source of malleable Investiture that responds to sound in the form of Stormlight. All he needs now is a musical instrument.

Hey, anyone else notice that in Chapter 32 of Warbreaker, Hoid uses black and white sand? The black sand turns white when he puts it with the white sand. Wondering if this has to do with the Breaths that Lightsong holds, Hoid himself, or if maybe this is another coincidence like the letter 'shash'. Another thing is how he describes his learning of storytelling, which Siri ascribes to him attempting to be dramatic. "I learned it many, many years ago from a man who did not know who he was, Your Majesty. It was a distant place where two lands meet and gods have died. But that is unimportant." This is, I believe, one of the few times we ever definitively learn something about Hoid from something other than WoB/Stormlight Archive. And even from SA, we don't know how much is fact and how much is fiction. So, any thoughts?