Hoyt Margrave

***"For everyone that we've lost, there will be retribution."***

- Hoyt, after becoming Maelstrom's new leader.

Graham Welles - Former employer

Adrien Knox - Close friend

**Hoyt Margrave** is a character in *Sanguine Melancholia.* He also serves as a supporting character in *Better Days,* but this is a separate instance of Hoyt in an alternate dimension. Hoyt is the leader of the Hunters of the Maelstrom, having taken over after the death of Graham Welles.

## In-Game *(Sanguine Melancholia)*

Despite being a Hunter, Hoyt is a very laid-back individual with a very friendly disposition. He does, however, express a more serious side of himself when he needs to, such as when one of his fellow Hunters is in danger.

Hoyt is the first character to join the player's party, though at first it is only a temporary partnership. Hoyt comes to Adrien's aid after the train crash and helps him to fight off Precinct Security. He joins Adrien permanently once he and Locke reach Maelstrom's hideout.

Hoyt had a tendency to remain in the background, offering little more than quips or simple comments when others were talking. After Graham's death, he took over as the leader of Maelstrom and vowed to start pulling his weight.

He succesfully escaped Abilsin's cathedral at the end of the game, and is still alive.

## In-Game *(Better Days)*

Hoyt was the only person to apply to be Adrien's roommate. Left with no other choice, Adrien reluctantly accepted him.

Adrien was introduced to Maria by Hoyt, and the three traveled around Mottsburgh City trying to help Adrien to have some fun for once. Though they initially thought it wasn't making a difference, Adrien later realized just how much Hoyt's efforts meant to him, and the two became much closer.

At the end of February, Hoyt received a call informing him that Maria had drowned. Overcome with grief, he turns to drinking heavily to cope with the loss. With the date of Maria's funeral approaching and Hoyt still getting drunk on the daily, Adrien began to worry that Hoyt would show up to the funeral intoxicated, something he believed Hoyt would never forgive himself for if and when he sobered up.

Adrien attempted to stop Hoyt from drinking, only for it to escalate into a fight. However, even as his drunken opponent threw punches and screamed at him, Adrien only dodged the attacks, refusing to lay a hand on his friend. Hoyt eventually ran out of energy and broke down as Adrien embraced him. Hoyt moved back home to his parents' house a few days later.

Hoyt later made his way back to Mottsburgh City after witnessing Adrien's interview on the news. He reunited with Adrien as he saved his life by ramming his new car into a pack of goat demons during Vergil's attack. By then, he's shown to have straightened things out in his life, finally able to accept the loss of Maria and start moving on.

## Significant Relationships *(Sanguine Melancholia)*

### Maria Rowell

Hoyt and Maria both see each other as sibings due to their growing up together, though there is no actual blood relation. Hoyt is shown to be overprotective of Maria, insisting that she stay out of the conflicts the group would end up in. He is relieved to find her alive in the ruins of Precinct 02.

### Sixteen

Sixteen is Hoyt's devoted bodyguard who rarely leaves his side. A bonus event shows that during their first ever meeting, Sixteen saved Hoyt's life by stabbing White in the neck from behind.

Hoyt claims that even if she doesn't seem to be around, she's always hiding *somewhere* in the area keeping an eye out for him. Hoyt is the only known person who can reliably understand Sixteen's gestures.

Sixteen, despite her silence, is shown to care deeply for Hoyt, going as far as to write a message to him (the first time she's ever written anything for communication purposes since they'd met) after Graham's death.

### Adrien Knox

> *"No matter what happens next, I just want you to know...you're the best friend I've ever had."*
>
>

> — Hoyt to Adrien, right before facing Mollaig
>
>

The relationship between Adrien and Hoyt starts out rocky due to Adrien's cold attitude. Over time, and especially after the death of Graham, Adrien and Hoyt begin to rely on each other and become close. Adrien eventually apologizes for the way he acted initially, and Hoyt explains that he's already shrugged it off. Adrien still seems to snap at Hoyt frequently, but his words are no longer anything more than friendly jabs, with Hoyt's character profile revealing that he enjoys irritating Adrien and getting these responses.

Their close relationship becomes clear in serious situations, however. After Graham is wounded and Hoyt runs to help him in a panic, Adrien tries to grab him to stop him from running into danger. When he fails, he calls out to Hoyt in an attempt to get him to snap out of his panicked state. Though he fails once again, Sixteen tackles him out of the way of danger. Adrien then helps Hoyt to drag the wounded Great Hunter to safety as well. When Graham dies, Adrien joins the other Hunters in telling Hoyt that he would gladly fight with a Maelstrom under his leadership, even calling him "boss" just moments after he is instated.

Right before the Hunters face Mollaig, Hoyt tells Adrien that he's the best friend he's ever had. Adrien is shocked for a moment, but states that the same is true in return.

### Graham Welles

Graham is shown to have an immense amount of trust in Hoyt, going so far as to ask him to lead Maelstrom if he should ever perish. Hoyt deeply respects his boss, and is heartbroken by his death. After Graham's passing, Hoyt makes an effort to be more like his departed boss and friend.

 Voice Lines *(Sanguine Melancholia)*

Battle start:

* *"Alright, guess we're throwing down."*
* *"Nice of you to show up."*
* *"We'll be fiiiine..."*

When attacking:

* *"**[laughter]**"*
* *"You should've stayed home today!"*
* *"**[laughter]** So...what did we learn?"*

Leveling up:

* *"Another step forward!"*
* *"This must be what Adrien meant by 'occasionally competent.'"*
* *"I think I've earned a day or two off, right?"*

When killed in battle:

* *"Maria...I..."*
* *"It's up to you now, Adrien..."*
* *"Sixteen, it's...not your fault..."*

## Quotes

*"Hey, friend, these things aren't cheap. You gonna take it, or...?"*

— Hoyt's first words to Adrien, as he gives the detective a handgun

*"Our work has only just begun, my Hunters of the Maelstrom. Whether we're fighting for the Precincts, the planet, or the entire universe, we have to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves."*

— Hoyt, trying to sound like Graham.