Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

Dramatis Personae

Of the Malazan Expeditionary Force

Greymane / Orjin Samarr – High Fist, Commander of the Expeditionary Force
Kyle, Adjunct to the High Fist
Nok, Admiral, Commander of Naval forces
Swirl, Admiral of Moranth Blue forces
Rillish Jal Keth, Divisional Fist of the Fourth Army
Khemet Shul, Divisional Fist of the Eighth Army
Devaleth, Cadre mage
Malazan 17th Squad, 4th Company, 2nd Division, Fourth Army
Betteries, Company Captain
Goss, Sergeant
Pyke, Heavy infantry
Yana, Heavy infantry
Suth, Heavy infantry
Lard, Heavy infantry
Dim, Heavy infantry
Wess, Heavy infantry
Len, Saboteur
Keri, Saboteur
Faro, Scout
Others
Urfa, Lieutenant of the 4th Company saboteurs
Twofoot, Sergeant of the 6th
Coral, Sergeant of the 20th
Tolat, A Barghast scout of the 4th Company

Of the Malazan Sixth Army

Yeull 'ul Taith, Overlord
Ussü, High Mage and Advisor
Borun, Commander of Black Moranth
Enesh-jer, Envoy of the Overlord
On the Stormwall
Hiam, Lord Protector of the Stormwall, Commander of all Korelri
Quint, Senior officer (Wall Marshall) of the Stormwall
Shool, Aide to Hiam
Toral Stimins, Master Engineer
Iron Bars, Champion of the Stormwall, and Crimson Guard Avowed
Corlo, A prisoner and Crimson Guardsman
Jemain, A prisoner and a member of Bars' crew
Hagen, Ex-Champion of the Stormwall
Tollen, A Malazan prisoner
In the Kingdom of Rool
Bakune, Chief Assessor of Banith
Karien'el, Lieutenant, later Captain, of the City Watch
Hyuke, A city watchman
Puller, A city watchman
Starvann Arl, Abbot of Our Lady the Saviour Cloister and Hospice
Ipshank, An ex-priest of Fener
Manask, A thief

Of the Jourilan Army of Reform

Beneth, Spiritual leader
Hegil Lesour 'an 'al, Commander of the cavalry
Martal, Commander of the army, the 'Black Queen'
Ivanr, Ex-Grand Champion of the Jourilan Imperial Games
Carr, A lieutenant of the army

Of the Crimson Guard

Blues
Fingers
Lazar
Shell
The Synod of Stygg
Totsin Jurth the Third
Brother Carfin
Sister Gosh
Sister Esa
Sister Nebras
Brother Jool Eye-open

In the Shadow Realm

Kiska, One-time bodyguard to Tayschrenn, High Mage of the Empire
Jheval, An agent of the Queen of Dreams

Of the Sea-Folk
Orzu, Patriarch of his clan
Ena, A young mother of the clan

Prologue

(view spoiler)[ Jumping around a bit we see an event that could be mistaken as TCG falling but is it the goddess from scene two? This goddess making a deal to defend her covenant.....gods making deals like this, why?

Bakune, a dead girl following the fallen one. The local people zealous about their goddess.

Lot's of homage to Fener.

First year of the rule of Emperor Mallick Rel "The Merciful" I hope you all feel as sick as I do.

Greymane now Orjin, his original name. Quite the ass kicking while trying to prove his identity.

This was hinted at the end of RotCG but Bars is indeed trapped defending the wall. Blues reemerges too.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[ I'll remind everybody now about NoK and how the beached dying Stormrider asked the local residents, why are you killing us? There's a serious disconnect between the two sides. Also remember Faradan Sort, Traveller, Ereko and others have all served here.

The Champion? Could it be anybody but Bars?

Ivanr a Toblakai mixed blood.....interesting that the priestess brings up the lord of Tragedy Dessembrae aka Traveller aka Dassem who would have traveled with Ereko a Thel Akai the elder race of the Toblakai. I wonder at Ivanr joining Karsa at some point. The Cult of Dessembrae.

So there's a lot of these half blood Toblokai.

Still hate the name Kyle. Surprised he's up for tough work.

So Orjin\Greymane was given Stonewielder a sword found in the depths of a transcontinental fault line by the Stormriders who feel the land beyond the Stormwall is theirs. Kyle also with a powerful sword has had it stolen. Whose sword was Stonewielder? We know Osserc gave Kyle his for being freed.

Corlo also a captive of the Stormwall. What a sad state Bars is in. Bars aware Skinner has betrayed the Guard.



Kiska, Agayla and the QoD. Guesses on this mission?

Manask the giant, obviously part Toblakai. Both he and Ipshank have come up in the main series. Ipshank was a Destriant of Fener. Both per Noto Boil to Ganoes remained loyal to Greymane until the end. SE/ICE love these little details. I only know this because it's the second time around so when reading MOI and TBH this time around I made note of all the crumbs I missed the first time around.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[Malazan troops, fresh recruits. Gotta love suggesting they try to take the island of the Segulah. Let's knock over some Moranth munitions! I think we can assume where they're heading and the rumors are true.

Religious persecution, shocking.

Rillish being unretired. Beware gifts from Mallick Rel.

Who does the Queen of Dreams know that would be dressed in Seven Cities garb to go with Kiska on her journey? I'll leave it open but don't overthink it. Not shocking he wouldn't want to find Tayschrenn. Jheval, my ass.

Note Greymane bring up Ruthan Gudd. Gudd was introduced in TBH and mentioned Greymane and he'll have a bigger role in DoD. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[Interesting the poem to start the chapter is about Caladan Brood.

I like Kellanved's message of reshuffling the deck to make true change. Sort of like change the paradigm. Now the Empire coming to take back this territory.

There's another sword like Stonewielder? Which one?

Blues and company meeting the Jhek who we haven't seen since Lether.

Another hint with Jheval also being a bodyguard and again a friend who killed Claws. A dead Kel Hunter.

A Perish in Malaz? Su is a great character. I'd like more of her.

A sea witch of Mare would be handy for a sea invasion.

Rillish betrayed Greymane, at least in his own mind.

I like the soldiers stuck on the ship.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[Is this group talking to Burn or the Island Goddess? And why holds and tiles? House of Death with Bloodwood? So Malaz is what they're considering the "House of Death" or Deadhouse not High House Death. The Riders have a tile? What set of tiles is this?

Kiska lamenting the ills of nepotism and "Jheval" the joys of relationships. The woman he was referring to if you want to know for sure who this is (view spoiler)[Dunsparrow (hide spoiler)]

Note Swirl the Moranth's awe at Rillish having escaped the Segulah. The Moranth and Segulah history plays out in OST the next Empire book.

The 6th gone rogue.....

Ussu having issue contacting his warren, the goddess? Having to use sacrifice to access his warren. Really cool scene with the goddess.

Moranth Blues are badasses.

Poor Bars. Why doesn't he feel the cold? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[
One of the lady's mages says he can smell the stink of the Queen on Kyle. Queen of Dreams which is interesting because she's linked to High House Life and Kyle previously to Light. Has he unwittingly switched as his swords switched?

Orzu's tribe calls the lady by her original name Shrikasmil, the Destroyer, that can't be good.

A lot of really good battle scenes this chapter and the religious fervor is growing.

Ruse which is the warren of the sea is a main component in this book. How does that play into Mallick's relationship with Mael and why is this Mallick's personal crusade as emperor?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[
I like that Hiam is on the back nine and we get that viewpoint.

Bakune saved by Ipshank and Manask. The hint that they probably saved Greymane once upon a time the same way.

The Sea people don't like the ring.



So chaos is eating away at the Shadow Realm, a consequence of the whorl at the end of RotCG? Why did Edgewalker not intervene?

Love the battle lust and I don't mean lust for battle. Also love the crazy sappers trying to take the booby traps off the bridge.

Ussu's use of his victims is uncomfortable. The Queen of Dreams is playing for keeps.

Suth's character is a good one. From overzealous to all questioning. The priest scene was well done.

A crazy old man, a mage, lost in shadow dragging a fish by a rope? Warran. All hints.


(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[
Blues selling himself and his crew into slavery, what could go wrong?

Ivanr, she chose him, QoD?

Sky stones, meteors, of TCG? These priests remind me of Capustan. Rath Fener/St/K'rul, etc.

Love Nebras irreverent until the end. Totsin the betrayer.

Why would two great ravens be following Warran? The white hound, left over from TtH? What's in the bag? Kiska thinks she's seen Warran before. Far more and at the same time far less than he seems.

Zealots always looking to answer suffering with sacrifice. Manask with a bit of Pust in him.

The Moranth being mistaken for the Stormriders, an ancient link?

The lady thinks she has Ussu and Bars as Shield and Sword and just needs Ipshank as her destriant. The lady using a child as her tool.

The negotiator Bakune.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[ The Holies of the Lady’s worship are a triumvirate: the Three Gems. The first is the Lady Herself, She Who Protects. The second is the Chest, That Which Abides Within. The third is the Priesthood, Those Who Serve. Thus are we protected, sustained, and guided. It is a perfect system and the envy of all.

The holy trinity. Remember the chest from the prologue.

Jheval with another hint that he has a friend who would like to meet this hound and then a hint as to who Warran is with his jealousy over Kiska having spoken to Edgewalker.

Warran tricks the entity. Was this a warrior of chaos?

Does the lady have her own hounds? These didn't sound like the hounds of shadow/light/darkness. Great battle with Kyle. The QoD is helping Kyle with that amber glow.

Will Totsin end up regretting sending Carafin into Rashan?

Ivanr and the priestess coming full circle.

Shell is badass. Who is the Malazan veteran?


(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[
Ipshank, is he now with Trake after the fall of Fener?

Army of the Light. Tiste Liosan. Why does it make sense to Jheval? Daughter of Osserc. Jheval once again in the know. This would be L'oric's sister. Is it Tayschrenn or Yathengar who is the magi driving the whorl?

Why the secrecy from Jemain? Another name nearly as bad as Kyle.

Convergence in Korel.


(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10

(view spoiler)[
Korel a suicide mission?

Martial has that Lorn/Tavore feel to her. The monologue on the loss of the priestess is well done. So Martial was linked to Greymane.

Shell not even recognizing Bars.

Love that Ipshank doesn't give Rillish BS about fate or such. The Chests of the Lady.

Jorrude was one of the 4 Tiste Liosan who got his ass handed to him again and again in HoC. L'oric revealing Leoman. Kiska now wondering if she's been played or the QoD.

Warran very proud of Shadow.....

Bars reenergized, finally.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11

(view spoiler)[
Ivanr the deliverer now in charge. Will he be able to stop the killing.

Ruse, a storm approaching. Interesting that Greymane leaves at the height of the battle. A warning from Mael? Greymane not returning.

This amphibious landing is well done. Did Mael aid Develath?

Yathengar not Tayschrenn. Leoman the betrayer, again.

Bakune to rise in power through honesty, go figure.

Ivanr, taken by a fanatic he had saved. Blood lust and more killing. A blood sacrifice for the Lady.

Faro a claw. Great battle. Pyke with a fitting ending.

Is Jermain telling the truth? Tollen seems to contradict things.

The travelling sorcerers were Bauchelain and Korbal Broach.

Ussu to use Bars to channel his warren. How does Bars ignore these hurts even being avowed? The power of Greymane and Stonewielder. He's going to destroy the wall.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[
Is Stonewielder the counterpart to Brood's hammer? Love the raging at the gods. Who were the hands grabbing him.

Blues making the comparison to Brood.

Hagan saving Fingers.

Ussu in his dying breathing wanting to ask Bars do you understand what sustains your life force? I cannot understate how important this clue is.

So blood sacrifice kept the Stormriders at bay. The Lady god just a user.

A mention of Tattersail.......somewhere Angela is screaming where is Silverfox?

Carafin, good timing.

The chest consumed by the Stormriders underwater.

Skinner and the Disavowed coming for the other chest. So TCG has added to his power. The Shattered God is not TCG as they guessed. .
(hide spoiler)]

Epilogue

(view spoiler)[
Back to Quon Tali. Kyle on his own heading home.

The ring was the center of power of the chests.

Greymane the guardian of the coast. Almost like Burn asleep in vigilance.

Manask finally getting rich.

The shores of creation. Who's the giant?

Warran was Shadowthrone. Crazy like a fox.

Ereko and thus Burn protecting Kyle. Headed to Assail.......book 6.

Rillish pulled up by the boat and heading back to Unta....Talia and the twins waiting.


(hide spoiler)]

Omg. Here!

I'm hoping to start a week before the main read. Life has just been too busy.

Woo hoo!

I will be here, of course 😎

Really cool piece of artwork I found of Coltaine.

OH MY LAWD!! That is beautiful :O

Slick wrote: "OH MY LAWD!! That is beautiful :O"

It really is. I'd love to see the same art from a few different perspectives. One including Squint and his POV and one including Duiker and his POV.

Such a powerful scene man

Scott wrote: "Really cool piece of artwork I found of Coltaine.

"

Oh thats so heart-renching! Thanks for sharing

So, I started and just finished Ch. 2... (view spoiler)[
Glad to see Kyle and Graymane again. I am devastated to see Iron Bars in his current condition:-[... My heart is breaking for him. The priest, I wonder if he really has no other agenda than his newly discovered religion...

I love the new batch of Malazan soldiers. However, I wonder why he made poor Urfa so unfortunate looking! I can't get her image out of my head now, poor girl...

I HATE RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS! The scene in the village was very disturbing to me... No wonder the kid Ivanr took with him has the dead-soul eyes.....

I hope Graymane and his newly acquired command go put some order on the wall and take care of Iron Bars... (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "So, I started and just finished Ch. 2 ..."

(view spoiler)[Very disturbing seeing Bars in that condition. Look closely at some of the ways he's described. (hide spoiler)]

Posting to say i’ve started!
Excited about this one, not that Ove not been excited for every Malazan. But just love it so much!
More characters though?!?!?!

Up to Ch 5... I do get lost from time to time, but I mostly know what is going on... (view spoiler)[ It is interesting to me that there is a rush of suicides going around and a ton of tendencies that way... Seems that once the Empress was gone, things have really fallen into chaos. I don't even want to accept that low life on the throne right now!!! He needs to die! And in the last book it seemed that whatever his dealings with Mael are, he is pressuring the Sea G-d and it is not a friendly relationship...
And the extended family catching a ride, follow the old ways of the see... I wonder if they are somehow connected with the Riders... (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "Up to Ch 5... .."

(view spoiler)[Keep in mind Mael broke the bond between God and follower with Mallick in the last book. We've seen the power of this with Feather Witch and others.

Also the Renegade Malazans in Korelri have been out of the Empress's power for a long time. (hide spoiler)]

Just started.

Ch 2 spoiler (view spoiler)[

I’m having a hrd time coming to terms with Rillish leaving his family to once again fight under the Empire (and Rel, at that). What is he thinking wanting that land back for his kids? I get he wants a megacy, but dont nobody get a legacy if you die first! (hide spoiler)]

Jess wrote: "Ch 2 spoiler..."

Not the choice I would ever make but (view spoiler)[people with an aristocratic background would have a hard time letting the legacy go. (hide spoiler)]

will be here but terribly late

That's ok, Mayim, we will be here:-)

End of Ch 2

Btw, i feel like the writing is markedly better than the first two books. Now,I really get the Malazan feelings. ICE not as eloquent in describing scenes, and not as subtle in offering hints as SE, but it’s getting better.

Prologue
(view spoiler)[
I guess the place Jacaruku was the key, but I missed it the first time around that the first scene described the falling of TCG. So, are the Stormriders the drowned people as a result of TCG’s fall ...

I’m not sure I trust this Lady god who said she’d protect the Wallfrom the Stormriders.

Which one true “God” does this ex-Fener priest worship? He seems to be a good guy at heart. What a disgusting extortion racket run by the Malazan guards.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[
1. So, that’s the meaning of the title. A sword made of stones, sounds like a Toblakai sword, just like Karsa’s. Did the Stormriders just find the sword or did it belong to one of them ...

2. I dunno why Kyle doesn’t seem to care or appreciate the fact that Osserc gave him the sword himself.

3. Can someone tell me where’s Banith city on the map, I squinted for like 5 minutes and couldn’t find it.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[
1. I certainly don’t trust Mallick Rel, but he seems to pull the right strings so far, getting a lot of Malazan veterans to do his biddings. Rillish, I understand his motivation, I just hope Mallick would actually follow through on his promise. Same thing with Greymane.

2. I like this budding friendship between Kyle and Greymane.

3. No idea who Jheval is.

4. Ivanr. What an absolutely disgusting scene. So, the priests of the Lady who protects the Wall have been corrupted, not unlike what we’ve seen in the previous books.

5. TheAssessor seems like an honest and earnest guy. I feel like he’s kinda similar to Itkovian ... and I wonder if Gheven would play an important role later on.

6. I also like the Wall Commander, Hiam. Seems like another thoughtful, wise and earnest leader. (hide spoiler)]

Scott wrote: "Jess wrote: "Ch 2 spoiler..."

Not the choice I would ever make but [spoilers removed]"

Well, and knowing Rel would probably arrest/execute him if he didnt accept it...or else give him no peace.

Barry wrote: "End of Ch 2

Btw, i feel like the writing is markedly better than the first two books. Now,I really get the Malazan feelings. ICE not as eloquent in describing scenes, and not as subtle in offering..."

Hey Barry,

Banith is located on the west side of the island of Fost, ehich is located to the east of Korel and the Stormwall. Im cheating and using the maps from this wiki:
https://atlasoficeandfireblog.files.w...

My guess of who Jheval is....
(view spoiler)[ Seven cities native, QoD afilliated, so-called private bodyguard....
(view spoiler)[Leoman!

Though his personality doesnt entirely remind me of him. Maybe it’ll get better... (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

End of Ch 3
(view spoiler)[
1. So, there's a renegade Fist in Fist Island. And he's afraid that the new Malazan Emperor is going to come to finish them off. Is that the only reason for this military expedition that we're seeing, or is there another reason? I think Mallick Rel is ambitious enough to want to actually conquer some territory in his first military act, not just to merely recall a renegade Fist.

2. The Restoration Army sounds like the peasant army during the Panion Domin war.

3. What did Rillish do to Greymane ... (hide spoiler)]

Jess wrote: "Barry wrote: "End of Ch 2

Btw, i feel like the writing is markedly better than the first two books. Now,I really get the Malazan feelings. ICE not as eloquent in describing scenes, and not as subt..."

Thanks Jess. Much clearer than the maps provided in the beginning of the book heh.

Barry wrote: "Jess wrote: "Barry wrote: "End of Ch 2

Btw, i feel like the writing is markedly better than the first two books. Now,I really get the Malazan feelings. ICE not as eloquent in describing scenes, an..."

Yep. The maps there dont really spoil anything so I use them constantly while reading.

End of Book I

(view spoiler)[

1. Len and Keri are becoming my favorites crazies in this book. Continuing the craziness that ever sapper must possess. And Yana, too. Wess...could there be more to him that meets the eye?

2. The little exchange between the fisherman’s daughter/tribespeople with a Blues and his team is so relevant to me. How can a religion be a good force if it demands you to sacrifice lives to show that you’re worthy of becoming believers. A religion should focus in affirming life. It’s especially relevant because in my country there is a “religious” group that names itself a front to protect a certain religion, claiming that this religion is being unfairly attacked, despite the majority of the people in the county practicing that religion. This group is known to be aggressive and to encourage violence in order to show how much they believe in their underlying “injustice”. There was a “riot” last week, allegedly, instigated by some element sympathetic or related to the group, sharing the same “philosophy”. It’s sickening. Thankfully, the situation appears to be under control now. But, the threat remains as long as there’s people who can be duped into supporting that philosophy. (hide spoiler)]

I am so sorry you have to deal with that, Barry! I completely agree with you! Religion should never insite violence... As I said earlier, I hate religious zealots! They make life scary...

Agree with your comments Barry.

The more I read this book, the more similar the theme is and the story behind each character’s motivations. What Im trying to so ineloquently say is that there is a lot of the unspeakable truth of power, specifically with religion. Im kind of hoping some of these plotlines become divergent before converging again...

Choko wrote: "I am so sorry you have to deal with that, Barry! I completely agree with you! Religion should never insite violence... As I said earlier, I hate religious zealots! They make life scary..."

Well, thankfully I don't really have to deal directly with those guys other than some minor inconveniences like traffic jams, seeing the riots unfolding on tv, having to stay at home (well not a bad thing lol!) because of the riots and relatively brief interruption to social media access. But, yeah, religious fanaticism of any kind is a huge problem in a lot of countries right now, I suppose. Sometimes, I feel like TCG is really sowing chaos in the real world right now.

End of Ch 6
(view spoiler)[
1. I was just wondering if the circle-shaped island has some sort of meaning ...

2. Lol @ Manask.

3. Suth has certainly changed from a guy who was looking for challenge to a guy who always gets into the trouble at the first possible moment.

4. Who's that old guy in the Shadow Realm at the end of the chapter. At first I thought it's Iskaral Pust, but he's not that crazy.

5. I wonder why neither Shadowthrone nor Cotillion has appeared, considering that both Kiska and Jheval are intruders into their realm ... (hide spoiler)]

Barry wrote: "End of Ch 6.."

(view spoiler)[#1, yes, the rest I reserve comment until later. (hide spoiler)]

Starting today, hopefully!

Up to Ch 5, and Im still trying to figure out the differences between the Chosen, the regulars and the Stormguard. Who gets drafted? Who is pressed into sevrvice bc of a debt or other criminal act?

Am I the only one confused? Does that get straightened out?

End of Book II Ch 8
(view spoiler)[

1. Surely, the weird priest who’s accompanying Kiska and Jheval is Shadowthrone. Who else could survive a stabbing in the Shadow Realm but it’s current occupant...

2. I’m kinda confused with the whereabouts of the Synod of Stygg. First we met the, they’re in Ebod? Which is on the eastern part of Korelri near Banith / Fist. Then, Sister Gosh, Carfin and a couple other members showed up to assist Ivanr, who’s on the western part of Korelri. Then, Totsin and Carfin showed up in the Three Sisters keep to help Devalath and Kyle ... how do they travel that quickly?

3. Hiam alleging some sort of corruption committed by Wall Marshal Quint? Though, I agree with Quint the hat it’s highly probable that Overlord Yeull would not actually send the 10k soldiers to the Wall.
(hide spoiler)]

@Jess : I think Stormguard = Chosen. But, they need far more manpower than their own ranks, so they “recruit” from other places, usually prisoners or slaves, to man the Wall for them. Then, the Chosen act like the warden for these prisoners.

Barry... About your Ch 8 point 1... (view spoiler)[ I completely agree! I think it is him as well. It just couldn't be anyone else... (hide spoiler)]

I also think that the Chosen, since they are chosen by the Lady, (view spoiler)[ channel a bit of her essence, thus having a bit more juice than the regular guardians and the pressed into service prisoners and slaves... (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "I also think that the Chosen, since they are chosen by the Lady, [spoilers removed]"

So the Chosen are always Korelri-continent recruits who join to serve the lady? But then who are the regulars?

I stole this directly from Malaz Wiki rather than summarize it myself. I don't recommend using this resource until you're done with the main series because it contains a lot of spoilers which I can edit out. For instance I know of people who were looking up one thing and found out about the ending of TtH prematurely.

The Stormguard, Korelri Chosen, or simply The Chosen, was a largely male religious military order worshiping the goddess known as Our Lady the Blessed Saviour, and dedicated to the defense of Korel and all lands of its subcontinent.

They were best known for defending the Stormwall against the onslaught of the Stormriders. The forces on the wall included the Chosen, who were volunteers and considered to be the core of the group, draftees sent from all parts of the Lands of Fist as part of long-standing agreements, and prisoners.

Every Stormguard fought during the winter season, and no Chosen was ever away from the Wall for more than a day. They were excellent fighters and excelled at coordinated group tactics. They were fanatical in their devotion, always choosing death over surrender.

On some parts of the Wall, Stormguard personnel functioned as overseers, chaining prisoners by the ankle at key defense positions. Weapons were withheld from prisoners until the last possible moment in order to prevent suicide. The Stormguard commanded from upper levels of the wall, descending ropes to remove the dead and lowering replacement prisoners into position with ropes which were immediately withdrawn. Whenever possible, the Chosen did not join the fight unless the available prisoners had been killed.

At times of great need they could take on the "Lady's Grace", an aura of faint blue fire that likely granted additional strength and combat ability while allowing them to ignore wounds.[9] The Lady's Mortal Sword Quint could channel the aura into a blast of energy directed at his enemies known as the "Lady's Wrath".

Stormguard uniforms were dark blue cloaks over silver-chased blue-black armour. They wore sandals set with iron nails for traction on the icy Wall.

The Stormguard were led by the Lord Protector of the Stormwall, Hiam

The regulars are too, only do a different job, more like regular army... As I said, I think the Chosen are touched by the Lady... Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but this is how I understand it...

Choko wrote: "The regulars are too, only do a different job, more like regular army... As I said, I think the Chosen are touched by the Lady... Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but this is how I understand it..."

Yes. It's like the Avowed in the Crimson Guard vs Crimson Guard regulars.

Exactly, I didn't see your answer, Scott... That blue aura is the Lady's gift of some magic or energy, and I think she gives it only to her follower Chosen, not all of them on the wall...

Choko wrote: "Exactly, I didn't see your answer, Scott... That blue aura is the Lady's gift of some magic or energy, and I think she gives it only to her follower Chosen, not all of them on the wall..."

I think we replied within seconds of each other and that's why you didn't see it. But no they don't have to be on the wall. They're a religious cult honoring the lady. The god and worshipers mutual power theme.

Got a late start so I've only read the prologue so far. (view spoiler)[I'm a bit bummed to read that Stalker, Coots, and Badlands have gone their own way.

#SaveIronBars

(hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "Exactly, I didn't see your answer, Scott... That blue aura is the Lady's gift of some magic or energy, and I think she gives it only to her follower Chosen, not all of them on the wall..."

Oh interesting! Got it, thanks guys! Didnt realize Quint is a Mortal Sword, hope we get to see this power in action.