[OB] - Oathbringer Part 2 Epigraphs

[rdog2213]

So, the Part 2 Epigraphs seem to be 3 different letters all addressed to Hoid/Cephandrius from Shards or at least envoys of Shards. I was curious to see if there was any new information on Shards or vessels so I typed them up in full here:

1. Dearest Cephandrius, I received your communication, of course. I noticed its arrival immediately, just as I noticed your many intrusions into my land You think yourself so clever, but my eyes are not those of some petty noble, to be clouded by a false nose and some dirt on the cheeks. You mustn't worry yourself about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish violating our pact from the very beginning. Your skills are admirable, but you are merely a man. You had your chance to be more, and refused it. No good can come of two Shards settling in one location. It was agreed that we would not interfere with one another, and it disappoints me that so few of the Shards have kept to this original agreement. As for Uli Da, it was obvious from the outset that she was going to be a problem. Good riddance. Regardless, this is not your concern. You turned your back on divinity. If Rayse becomes an issue, he will be dealt with. And so will you.

2. Cephandrius, bearer of the First Gem, You must know better than to approach us by relying upon presumption of past relationship. You have spoken to one who cannot respond. We, instead, will take your communication to us - though we know not how you located us upon this world. We are indeed intrigued, for we thought it well hidden. Insignificant among our many realms. As the waves of the sea must continue to surge, so must our will continue resolute. Alone. Did you expect anything else from us? We need not suffer the interference of another. Rayse is contained, and we care not for his prison. Indeed, we admire his initiative. Perhaps if you had approached the correct one of us with your plea, it would have found favorable audience. But we stand in the sea, pleased with our domains. Leave us alone. We also instruct that you should not return to Obrodai. We have claimed that world, and a new avatar of our being is beginning to manifest there. She is young yet, and - as a precaution - she has been instilled with an intense and overpowering dislike of you. This is all we will say at this time. If you wish more, seek these waters in person and overcome the tests we have created. Only in this will you earn our respect.

3. Friend, Your letter is most intriguing, even revelatory. I would have thought, before attaining my current station, that a deity could not be surprised. Obviously, this is not true. I can be surprised. I can perhaps even be naïve. I think. I am the least equipped, of all, to aid you in this endeavor. I am finding that the powers I hold are in such conflict that the most simple of actions can be difficult. I am also made uncertain by your subterfuge. Why have you not made yourself known to me before this? How is it you can hide? Who are you truly, and how do you know so much about Adonalsium? If you would speak to me further, I request open honesty. Return to my lands, approach my servants, and I will see what I can do for your quest.

Interpretation:

• Letter 3 is definitely from Sazed but letters 1 and 2 are a bit harder to pin down. Based on the tones, I would say letter 1 is from someone who may have been Hoid's friend while letter 2 seems to be more antagonistic. Letter 2's writer also seems to admire Odium, which is curious.

• Looks like we have another Vessel name! Since Uli Da is dead, I guess that must have been the name of Ambition's Vessel?

• The "bearer of the First Gem" is an interesting title. I'm guessing it probably doesn't relate to Roshar despite the gem reference but who knows?

• None of the letters seem to come from Cultivation in my opinion. The first disapproves of dishardic worlds (Cultivation's relationship with Honor would preclude this) while the second is approving of Odium's initiative, which Cultivation probably wouldn't be since Odium kinda killed her lover.

• The phrasing in Letter 2 is kinda odd with the many references to the sea and whatever the heck Obrodai is. There's not much information on Autonomy but the apparent antagonism of Letter 2 might fit with Bavadin since she has bad blood with Hoid and seems to have some sort of relationship with Odium based on Hoid's grudge against the two of them. The allusions to the sea are weird however for someone whose main planet is half freaking desert though. It seems like its written by an agent and we know Autonomy is meddling outside Taldain so maybe this indicates some sort of plot on Obrodai (whatever/wherever that is)?

Any thoughts beyond those?

[Chaos]

Discuss here: