Intersting points Abyss - I'm just finishing an immediate re-read of DoD and as someone who had quite a few issuess with TTH, DoD is up there as one of my favourites in the series.
Not only was DoD great in and of itself, but it has laid a few of my issues with TTH to rest as well.
Agree with most of the points and moments mentioned already with a few others:-
UNEXPECTED SADNESS:-
Silchas bowed in grief upon finding out Anomanders sacrifice - far more poignant after he had recalled when they were happy fighting back to back.
BARGHAST / TOOL / HETAN:-
Although this is grim reading, it really makes a LOT more sense on a re-read; Tool has already gone through many changes - he has many more to go I reckon, and finding his son and step-daughters are still alive is going to be a key plotline I think.
OLAR ETHIL:-
A paradox wrapped in an enigma shrouded in mystery. One of her exchanges with Torrent really gave me pause tho:-
Quote
'No! I have no choice in this - none! You mortals are such fools - you just don't see it, you don't see anything!'
'What am I supposed to see?' Torrent shouted back.
'I am trying to save your pathetic lives! All of you!'
Now, up until that exchange I've taken everything Olar Ethil has said with a large pinch of salt - but that exchange rings true to me, or at least she believes what she says. Much to be revealed on her yet I think.
INQUISITORS / FORKRUL ASSAIL:-
It's my theory that the Inquisitors and the FA in Kolanse are somehow DIFFERENT to other FA, possibly corrupted - one thing I noticed was the names; up until the Inquisitors we have only seen FA with 'peaceful' names - Calm, Serenity, Repose; contrast this to the Inquisitors - Sever, Scorn & Rail. I don't think this is coincidence, and I wonder exactly what the Inquisitors really are and how they are tied up with the CG.
OFFHAND WTF QUOTE THAT GOT ME THINKING:-
Silchas Ruin prior to speaking to Udinaas mutters 'She will be Queen,' then he changes topic when Udinaas asks who? Is it Sandalath? Twilight? Hmmm, got me wondering what Silchas was thinking. I really can't come up with a satisfactory answer.
OUT OF HIS ONE-EYED DEPTH:-
Seeing the Errant get continually bloodied and out-played was great stuff, really has me looking forward to exactly how his arc is going to play out.
Anyway, a ton more things to ponder, and so many off-hand goodies (Kaminsod, Korabas, undead comedy Jaghut)
Should finish the re-read later tonight, then it's back to GOTM again...