Laseen

Lore & Background

Seven years into Laseen's rule, the Malazan Empire wages war on Genabackis under High Fist Dujek. During this time, Laseen reduces Whiskeyjack’s rank after her seizure of power and utilizes him to lead a remnant of Bridgeburners against Darujhistan. She also dispatches Adjunct Lorn, her second-in-command, to investigate mysterious activities near the city. Lorn releases a Jaghut Tyrant in an attempt to damage Anomander Rake or force his withdrawal from Darujhistan. Additionally, the novel notes speculation that someone within the Empire is eliminating those loyal to Kellanved, hinting at Laseen's involvement in purging past loyalties.

In Their Own Story

In Gardens of the Moon, Laseen’s influence shapes key events through her agents. She sends Adjunct Lorn and the undead T'lan Imass Onos Toolan east of Darujhistan to uncover hidden threats. When Lorn releases a Jaghut Tyrant, she aims to either harm Anomander Rake or drive him away from the city. Meanwhile, Whiskeyjack, now severely reduced in rank under her authority, leads a handful of surviving Bridgeburners into Darujhistan to undermine the city internally. Their mission includes futile attempts to contact local assassins, only to find them driven underground by Rake. Laseen’s grip tightens as Dujek and Whiskeyjack eventually rebel against her increasingly tyrannical rule.

Reader's Guide

Empress Laseen commands the Malazan Empire through the Claw, her network of imperial assassins. Her reign begins after Kellanved and Dancer are assassinated, with speculation that she engineered their deaths to seize power. She directs military campaigns on Genabackis, including the siege of Pale and the upcoming assault on Darujhistan. Laseen demotes loyalists like Whiskeyjack while deploying them for critical missions. Her second-in-command, Adjunct Lorn, acts under her orders to release a Jaghut Tyrant near Darujhistan, attempting to manipulate Anomander Rake’s involvement in the conflict. As tensions rise, Dujek and Whiskeyjack turn against her, leading the 2nd Army into rebellion. These actions set the stage for further conflicts detailed in later novels.

Did You Know?

• Laseen rules with the aid of the Claw, the imperial assassins she leads as their chief.
• She reduced Whiskeyjack's rank after seizing power from Emperor Kellanved and Dancer.
• Adjunct Lorn acts as her second-in-command during campaigns on Genabackis.
• Laseen’s rule follows seven years of war by the Malazan Empire to conquer Genabackis.
• Speculation in the novel suggests she may be eliminating those loyal to Kellanved.