[Siergiej]

So, which were the first races in Malazan universe?

Forge of Darkness seems to say that most of the races were created or at least somehow developed by Azathanai. It definetly was the case for Thel Akai, Dogrunners/Imass, Forulkan and Tiste. I think we can assume the same thing for Jheleck. So it would make Azathanai the "basic" race, founders of the life in the universe. But here comes a question - what about Jaghut?

There is not any suggestion indicating that Jaghut were developed in a way similar to other races. There isn't any mention of their Azathanai patron. They can create life themselves, or at least do some soul shifting mumbo-jumbo They seem to be much older than other races and extremely powerful. Actually as powerful as Azathanai. It takes armies of T'lan Imass to hunt down single Jaghuts. It takes squad of dragons to even try taking on Raest. And it takes two Azathanai to kill Karish. And still they almost died despite ambushing her. Gothos can even freeze time with his magic. There's more. Someone in FoD (can't remember - Setch and Errastas? Haut?) says that Draconus and Gothos would fight as equals, and their confrontation would generally mean shit hitting the fan squared. Also, we can't compare Jaghuts to ascendants, like Rake or Shadowthrone who just grew insanely powerful over time, because of ascending and seeking new powers. In FoD times, ascendancy was almost impossible. The warrens were young, and the only people we can call ascendants - Burn and Mother Dark - were "elevated" by Azathanai. It seems not to be the case with Jaghuts. So - what the hell are they? Are they as old as Azathanai?

Another question - dragons. I think they are the opposite of Azathanai. While Azathanai bring order to the world, Eleint are chaos "flavoured". I vaguely recall someone saying that there is chaos in Tiam's blood. It may have been Nimander in Toll the Hounds or The Crippled God. So it would make dragons as old or maybe even older than Azathanai.

K'Chain races are out of the equation, because they are natvie to a different realm.

So, real founding races: Azathanai, Eleint, Jaghut? Any thoughts on that?

[Abyss]

Given the suggestion in the book that the Azi created all the other races, it would seem they are the 'true' Founding Race.

As well, if the FA and Jaghut come from the same world as the Tiste, tehcnically all are equal in terms of origin tho it seems the Jaghut and others move to Malazworld ahead of the Tiste.

Worth noting that the entire FOunding Races cocept originated in GotM from a translation of an incomplete copy of Gothos' Folly.

[Abyss]

Given the suggestion in the book that the Azi created all the other races, it would seem they are the 'true' Founding Race.

As well, if the FA and Jaghut come from the same world as the Tiste, tehcnically all are equal in terms of origin tho it seems the Jaghut and others move to Malazworld ahead of the Tiste.

Worth noting that the entire FOunding Races cocept originated in GotM from a translation of an incomplete copy of Gothos' Folly.