Typ-Hoid Mary

[Ted aka WinespringBrother he/him]

Just had a random thought that turned into this theory that Hoid caused the "plague" in the Purelake.

 

Why were the 17th Sharders looking for Hoid in the Purelake? Because he left a trail for them to follow him there, and theoretically uses the Purelake to worldhop.
What caused the plague (Common cold) that was reported in the Purelake? A worldhopper traveling through. (see paraphrased signing report below)
Who is the likely suspect? Hoid, since he likes to gather investiture.
How did Hoid get sick? He went to Ashyn to try to study their form of magic.

http://stormfather.tumblr.com/post/108812172073
Weiry asked: whether the plague on the purelake has anything to do with the fact that the magic fish form symbiotic bonds with spren?

    no
    worldhoppers brought a disease to Roshar that they didnt have before
    its the common cold.
    rosharans investiture makes it so they’re usually a healthy bunch so something like the cold is kind of frightening
    "its a plague of the sniffles”

[Eki]

Nice reference in the title

 

I think it was the 17th sharders though, because I doubt Hoid can get sick.

 

Now, it's possible that Hoid could carry a disease without actually being sick (see thread title), but I think his (most likely) improved immune system would deal with it regardless.

[Ted aka WinespringBrother he/him]

Nice reference in the title

 

I think it was the 17th sharders though, because I doubt Hoid can get sick.

 

Now, it's possible that Hoid could carry a disease without actually being sick (see thread title), but I think his (most likely) improved immune system would deal with it regardless.

He probably does have a strong immune system, but if it is due to Heightenings, he could temporarily reduce his immunity by awakening an object. And even if he is immune and fails when trying to catch disease to use Ashyn's magic, he could still have spread the plague as you said, by being a carrier.

[C. James-Mayer he/him]

Nice reference in the title

 

I think it was the 17th sharders though, because I doubt Hoid can get sick.

 

Now, it's possible that Hoid could carry a disease without actually being sick (see thread title), but I think his (most likely) improved immune system would deal with it regardless.

 

A valid point, since humans can carry a disease/virus without being affected by it or even knowing about its existence. Plus, it would be such a nice funny twist on top of the Hoid mystery -> one of the most powerful beings in Cosmere bows down before a common cold!! I'd love that!

 

A very nice theory that I like, good job OP.

[Nyali she/her]

Since it can't be Galadon (unless I'm mistaken, aren't Elantrians immune to disease?) and Scadrial has the most Earth-like ecosystem, I'd bet it was Demoux specifically who brought The Plague to the Purelake.

[Yata he/him]

Since it can't be Galadon (unless I'm mistaken, aren't Elantrians immune to disease?) and Scadrial has the most Earth-like ecosystem, I'd bet it was Demoux specifically who brought The Plague to the Purelake.

Galadon isn't the patient zero only if the travel direct between Sel and Roshar... in any other place he would have no Elantrian power and therefore no immunity.

In the end I am even unsure about the Elantrian's immunity to diseases.. I think thery are more resistent but not immune... of course they may heal themself with AonDor... but it's an active effect not passive, and you don't use it without some symptom