[Old Hunch Arbat]

Kallor has been cursed - as we all know - and that because of that curse he can never ascend. However, what I have seen thus far of Kallor is that he is damn near indestructible, lives forever, and can fight like a mother fucker. So what gives? If he ain't "ascended" what is he? Could it be that by some definitions he has become god-like? And is he Karsa's ultimate destiny?

The above question is intended only to provoke thought.

I started wondering about this when, during the re-read, I started to wonder just who else would be capable of withstanding a dragon's attack, and despite a pretty good mauling, is then able to cut the dragon's head off, survice a pretty good fall - and then just kind of brush himself off and walk away talking trash. I also *almost* started to feel some empathy for the old bastard.

OHA

[Xardean]

and survive Dassem impaling him, and Tays magical barrage......

[HoosierDaddy]

Kallor is very much "humanized" in Toll. I kind of view him like a T'lan Imass... they sold their souls for power. However, while the T'lan Imass buried their memories in forgotten corners... Kallor keeps his with him at all times. He uses it as the fuel for his fire... he has to have some redeeming qualities if the likes of Rake and Brood were willing to both ally and place him in a position of second in command.

Is he a god? I don't think so... he's kind of an anti-god, who has had both his humanity ripped away as well as being denied true ascendancy. A unique player in the Malazan universe.

[Aptorian]

I believe his durability is a mix of three things.

One, the Curse that denies him a mortal death. I think it means that unless you chop his head off or cut out his heart, his body won't fail from normal damage or any sickness or wear and tear.

Two, all the chemicals, magiks and other stuff he's been using for a hundred thousand years. When he's shot in MoI with the crossbow bolts no blood comes forth, just some kind of... goo? I think. I think his body chemistry has been completely altered and he isn't affected by injury or anthing else in a way we understand.

Three, there's an unknown to him that we don't yet know off. Before he was cursed he was a warrior with out equal. He was probably the Dassem Ultor of his time. But I'm guessing there was more to him than just martial prowess. I think he has power, maybe he earned it, maybe he gained it through research, but I think he has powers we haven't seen. That's why the crossbow bolts disintegrated when he was shot and why he wasn't incenerated by Tays magical fire attack. I don't that was just the CGs power.

[Grimjust Bearegular]

 Aptorian, on Mar 6 2009, 09:43 AM, said:

I believe his durability is a mix of three things.

One, the Curse that denies him a mortal death. I think it means that unless you chop his head off or cut out his heart, his body won't fail from normal damage or any sickness or wear and tear.

Two, all the chemicals, magiks and other stuff he's been using for a hundred thousand years. When he's shot in MoI with the crossbow bolts no blood comes forth, just some kind of... goo? I think. I think his body chemistry has been completely altered and he isn't affected by injury or anthing else in a way we understand.

Three, there's an unknown to him that we don't yet know off. Before he was cursed he was a warrior with out equal. He was probably the Dassem Ultor of his time. But I'm guessing there was more to him than just martial prowess. I think he has power, maybe he earned it, maybe he gained it through research, but I think he has powers we haven't seen. That's why the crossbow bolts disintegrated when he was shot and why he wasn't incenerated by Tays magical fire attack. I don't that was just the CGs power.

That sounds very possible. After all, he did have the power to burn an entire nation, realm, whatever.

[Illuyankas]

Yes he is. He's the god of utter bastards.

[Sinisdar Toste]

i think that kallor himself puts it best when he's fighting spinnock durav. he's the ultimate manifestation and representation of completely unrestrained ambition

[Sindustry]

I'm not sure what to think of Kallor.

What little of his shady history erikson has written so far would imply that he's from some place entirely different than the malazan realm. How many empires does he claim to have created and destroyed?

[beru]

many... he is now infused with spells and potions so i think he is not just flesh and bone eny more... and btw you cant have that banner in your sig im afraid

[Traveller]

Yes, you'll get in trouble....!

Kallor is taken by the dragon, which disappears over a hilltop with him - and in the next scene, Kallor manages to get his sword free to stab him in the throat.

Question - are they still in the air at this point?

As I can't remember if they are described as falling very far, or how Kallor could reach the dragon's neck while grasped in it's claws. Had it dropped him/landed by then? (Only asking as I've been trying to draw it, and it's not easy...)

[Bauchelain the Evil]

They were still in air when Orfantal was killed and it was said that Kallor hurted himself by falling but didn't care because he had incredible willpower. And I think Orfantal grabbed him the shoulders.

[Illuyankas]

Yeah, Orf turned his head to either bite bits off Kallor or gloat at him, bringing his neck into range and giving the old guy (heh, he might be younger than Orfantal) the time to free his sword and stab Scaly Boy there. Orf probably should have picked up a couple of cows and juggled all three of them until Kallor became too dizzy to hold onto his sword, just to be safe.

[Aptorian]

Or just squezed his claw.

[Ain't_It_Just_]

Kallor must be immune to turbulence as well...or Orfantal would have killed him. You know, sick bags and everything.

[Abyss]

Kallor IS an ascendent. He already was more than a 'mere' human when the three Elder Gods cursed him.
What he is not, and what he cannot be unless the curse is lifte, modified or otherwise changed, is a god.

So, no power from worship, no immortality from aging, no warren or aspect of his own in the sense that say, Fener had a 'space' in Tennes, having to rely on the CG for power-ups, needing soul candles to maintain his vitality, etc.

But to be clear, even back when he was 'just' an officer in Brood's army, Kallor was already VERY personally powerful.

- Abyss, loves a good bad guy.

[Hinter]

Thought the curse was that he was doomed never to ascend. There are some very powerful non-ascendants running around out there, i.e Tayschrenn, QB, Skinner, Cowl etc etc

[Ain't_It_Just_]

That was the curse. So, I don't know why people are splitting hairs over this. But keep it up if you liekz.