[Dancer+]

I think Laseen's full strength needs to be shown in RotCG, massive convergance! It's frustrating waiting for the date of the publication. Some source said it was in April (this is the £75 two book hardcover one). I'm not sure if that is still the plan, I hope so.

[Thelomen Toblerone]

It's June atm according to Amazon, but it's not set in stone so regular checks seem to be the way to go.

[Dancer+]

I mean the PS Publishing version

[Optimus Prime]

Anybody actually think the Empress may die in this book? We know she doesn't rule very long.....one of the little passages in the books says "last year of Empress Lasseen's Reign" or something like that.

[Mentalist]

hmmm.. possible. But... unlikely.
Unless she's about to change her name yet again following a coup attempt by the Old Hands--"new name, new era of governance" and all that...

[Optimus Prime]

I'm waiting to see Surly in actual fighting...it'd be nice to finally settle whether she has magical abilities...plus you'd figure she's a pretty bad ass assassin/fighter.

[caladanbrood]

Well, you'd hope so, as head of the Claw;)

That said (BONEHUNTERS SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!) Mallick Rel is head of his own organisation too now, and I don't think anyone would describe him as adept in any sort of martial arts;)

[Optimus Prime]

True, but Rel is an idiot. Granted, a lucky idiot.

[caladanbrood]

An idiot? Oh, certainly not an idiot.

Pretty much every other accusation you might want to throw at him, sure, but he is in no way an idiot.

[Optimus Prime]

Hmm...we'll see perhaps in this book. I'm not convinced the Empress doesn't see right through him....but perhaps you're right.

I'd like to see Surly do something cool before she gets offed.

[Dancer+]

Maybe Surly will "drown" too, wouldn't that be the biggest irony. Surly will either do something devious or she won't go down without a fight so we're are either going to be surprised or satisfied most likely.

Who do we think Surly can count on?

[Mentalist]

I said it before and I'lll say it again--Topper.

Also, re: Rel. He's the head of a phantom Glove, true, but he's more of a cult leader, than an actual assassin/security force administrator...

[Dancer+]

Topper is a primary force in this upcoming game, hopefully. Who else could save Surly's neck?

• Topper(?)
  
• Tayschrenn?
  
• Any of the Old Guard?
  
• Dassem? Cotillion? Shadowthrone? Another power player?
  
• Others we know scant little about? Like the 'Old Hands' and the Nationalists.

My point is, the list is rather thin for Surly. She seems to be relatively unprotected although this could be an illusion.

Kud, what influence do you think Topper still holds? What skills will he bring to the table? Apart from the obvious master assassin ones.

[Mentalist]

Well, Topper was placed in charge of the Claw, foolowing Lasseen's coronataion. He must have administrative skills/logistics.
Since I expect RotCG to be heavy on the politics side, involving a "bureaucratic revolution"--where the middle-links of the Malazan imperial administration (the impression I get from the brief description of the "Old Hands") will try to displace Lasseen's central authority. In such a game of politics, Topper should be a valuable asset to Surly, since he has both a reputation, and (most likely) influence and respect among the Claw, being a counterpoint to the Phantom Glove.

[Dancer+]

Topper needs to pounce before he can use his administrative skills. I wonder, is his next move to eliminate the Phantom Glove, Dom and Rel? It seems a huge task for one man, although he'd probably have assistance from some Claw.

[Mentalist]

That's if they keep it all "hush-hush". What if you get a civil war on Quon Tali?

[Dancer+]

Then the Claw will need to get involved with terror tactics and assassinations to put down insipid revolutionaries. All the top people in the Malazan empire will probably want to keep the status quo in terms of centralised power.

Topper could undoubtedly be a key player in a civil war type of affair. Laseen does need to get rid of Dom and Rel and soon, although I bet we'll learn stuff which will put the two in good light.

[Hoods Balls]

I think its fair to say that an uprising on Quon T is imminent:

"Empress Laseen faces more immediate threats. To feed her wars she has bled dry provincial garrisons across Quon Tali and now regional nationalists see their chance." This from the synopsis.

I really hope that the bastard Korbolo D finally gets what he deserves having the crucification of the 7th Army fresh in mind. I think that is one of the most heart breaking scenes in all of the books.

[cloud strife]

I'm probably the only person going around who actually likes korbolo dom. I like him because he is someone who actually beat the malazans even though the bs which happened with the ghost's and stuff at the end. I'm just sick of seeing malazan's win all the time he makes the story seem more real. just thought i would post that here lol not that it has anything to do with the thread

[Optimus Prime]

I'm eager to see Topper again as well. I wonder if he has true allegiance to Surly or just suckling at the power teat.