T'lan Imass

Lore & Background

The source identifies the T'lan Imass as an undead race that once dominated the world before humans. In Gardens of the Moon, they are introduced through the character Onos Toolan, who accompanies Adjunct Lorn on her mission east of Darujhistan. The text does not detail their origin story, the Ritual of Tellann, or their transformation from mortal Imass. It only establishes their status as undead beings with a historical dominance over the world prior to humanity's rise. Their role in the narrative is primarily functional: they serve as powerful allies or agents sent by higher powers to influence the unfolding conflict between the Malazan Empire and the forces of Darujhistan.

In Their Own Story

The story of the T'lan Imass in Gardens of the Moon centers on Onos Toolan, a specific member of this undead race. He is paired with Adjunct Lorn, second-in-command to Empress Laseen, as they investigate the hills east of Darujhistan. The source does not provide dialogue, internal monologues, or detailed battle sequences involving Toolan beyond his presence and purpose. The narrative uses him to highlight the involvement of ancient, non-human forces in the empire's war efforts. His existence underscores the scale of the conflict, where gods and undead warriors intervene alongside mortal armies.

Reader's Guide

The T'lan Imass serve as a plot device representing the deep, pre-human history of the world. When encountering them in Gardens of the Moon, readers should note their connection to Adjunct Lorn's mission and the broader involvement of supernatural entities like Cotillion and Oponn. The source does not provide combat rules, specific magical abilities beyond their undead nature, or a guide on how they interact with other races beyond Onos Toolan's assignment. They are defined by their ancient dominance and their current status as an undead force, acting as extensions of the wills that deploy them in the struggle for power across Genabackis.

Did You Know?

• The T'lan Imass are described in the source as an undead race that once dominated the world before humans.
• In Gardens of the Moon, a member named Onos Toolan accompanies Adjunct Lorn to investigate hills east of Darujhistan.
• The Malazan world was originally devised by Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont for a table-top role-playing game before being adapted into a novel.

Origins and Development

The Malazan world was initially created as a backdrop for a table-top role-playing game by Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont. Dissatisfied with the lack of adult-oriented fantasy movies, they attempted to write a movie script titled Gardens of the Moon, which failed to sell due to being deemed too risky. Erikson reworked this script into a novel between 1991–92. The T'lan Imass were part of this world from its inception as a gaming setting, though the source does not specify their exact creation date or initial design in the game.

Narrative Scope and Setting

The narrative takes place during the campaign to conquer Genabackis, specifically focusing on the siege of Pale and the invasion of Darujhistan. The T'lan Imass are introduced as part of the forces sent by Adjunct Lorn, operating in the hills east of Darujhistan. This setting highlights the convergence of military strategy and ancient magic, with Onos Toolan serving as a key figure linking the mortal conflict to the deeper history of the world.

Character Dynamics and Subplots

Onos Toolan is the only T'lan Imass character explicitly named in the source for Gardens of the Moon. He acts as a companion to Adjunct Lorn, contrasting with other characters like Whiskeyjack and Paran who are involved in the Bridgeburners' infiltration of Darujhistan. The source does not detail personal relationships or internal conflicts for Toolan, focusing instead on his role as an agent of the Empress's will.

Thematic Depth and Genre Innovation

The inclusion of the T'lan Imass supports Erikson's theme of dismantling fantasy conventions by introducing a race that defies typical hero/villain dichotomies. Their presence adds to the ambivalence and ambiguity of the story, where ancient forces intervene in mortal affairs without clear moral alignment. The source notes that reviewers praised the novel for avoiding 'fairy tale distinctions between good and evil,' a theme reinforced by the enigmatic nature of the T'lan Imass.