[OB] Hoid's Ability

[InfernalCrackLED]

Hoid mentions in OB that he has the ability know where he needs to be at all times, but doesn't know what he needs to do.  To me, that sounds like a Nightwatcher Blessing/Curse.  Do we have any WOB on why Hoid has that ability?

Edit: I'm new to this forum and also new to the Cosmere theorycrafting world, so if there is anything painfully obvious please point it out.

Edited November 30, 2017 by InfernalCrackLED

[Calderis]

7 minutes ago, InfernalCrackLED said:

Hoid mentions in OB that he has the ability know where he needs to be at all times, but doesn't know what he needs to do.  To me, that sounds like a Nightwatcher Blessing/Curse.  Do we have any WOB on why Hoid has that ability?

Edit: I'm new to this forum and also new to the Cosmere theorycrafting world, so if there is anything painfully obvious please point it out.

He uses the same mechanism as Feruchemical Chromium (Fortune) to understand where he needs to be, but as to the actual magic system involved... We don't know. 

https://wob.coppermind.net/events/231/#e5692

Quote

Lamguin (paraphrased)

Hoid is regularly around when important events take place. How does he know where to go?

Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

He uses Feruchemy. Part of it that will show up in later books.

 

Footnote: Brandon has later said that Hoid uses the same underlying principle as Chromium Feruchemy, not necessarily the same thing. 

Quote

Xyrd (paraphrased)

You've mentioned before that Hoid ends up where he needs to be.

Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

Yes, and usually without knowing why.

Xyrd (paraphrased)

Is chromium involved in that?

Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

Yes. Well, he's not necessarily using chromium, but the underlying mechanic, yes.

The link to the second WoB is in the footnote of the first. 

[InfernalCrackLED]

Thanks!