The Pact
Undead warriors of the Ritual of Tellann, bound to exterminate all Jaghut—not by oath, but by their very creation.
The Pact is a misnomer often applied to the relationship between the T'lan Imass and the Malazan Empire. In truth, the T'lan Imass were never party to any treaty with the Jaghut; they were created through the Ritual of Tellann in the First Empire era as undead warriors, undertaking a war of extinction against all Jaghut—not merely against tyrants. Emperor Kellanved later discovered and used the First Throne to command the T'lan Imass, not Kallor, though he did not hijack the Ritual itself, nor did he forge any pact with them.
Quick Facts
- Parties
- T'lan Imass (created to wage war of extinction against all Jaghut); Malazan Empire (later exploiters)
- Originator
- T'lan Imass (via the Ritual of Tellann, First Empire era)
- Key mechanism
- Ritual of Tellann (performed by T'lan Imass); later command by Kellanved via the First Throne
- Status
- No canonical 'Reckoning'; T'lan Imass remain bound to their original purpose—the extinction of all Jaghut
- Affiliation
- T'lan Imass (enemies of all Jaghut); Malazan Empire (usurpers of command)
- Nature
- Ancient undead servitude, not an oath or treaty
Reader's Guide
The Pact is a crucial element in understanding the Malazan Empire's military strength and its moral complexities. It explains why the T'lan Imass appear as allies during major conflicts despite being an ancient, hostile race. They are not merely mercenaries but partners bound by high magic. Readers should note that this agreement is fragile. As the series progresses, the breaking of the Pact becomes a central plot point, driving the motivations of key characters like Adjunct Tavore and the T'lan Imass themselves. It highlights the cost of Malazan expansion: power gained through ancient, dangerous bargains often comes with a heavy price that eventually must be paid.
More in History & Mythos
Elsewhere in Malazan
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