Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character
Coltaine
- Major
- First seen · Book 2 · Ch. 3
Coltaine is a tall, lean Wickan warleader in his forties with wind-burned leather-brown skin and a lined, expressionless face marked by deep brackets around a thin wide mouth and squint lines at the corners of his dark deep-set eyes. Oiled braids hang past his shoulders, adorned with crow-feather fetishes, and a ragged black feather cloak drapes from his broad shoulders. He wears a battered chain vest over a hide shirt, rider’s leggings, and carries a lone long-knife, projecting the fierce, weathered presence of a seasoned plains warrior.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 2 · Ch. 3
- Books
- 1 of 2 read
Coltaine, the formidable Wickan warleader, emerges in Deadhouse Gates as the stoic commander of the Seventh Army, leading a desperate retreat across the Seven Cities. His evolution from a fierce plains warrior to a legendary figure of sacrifice and redemption is marked by his unyielding leadership during the Chain of Dogs. Coltaine's journey culminates in his heroic last stand, transforming him from a mortal commander into a symbol of resistance and hope, whose legacy reverberates through the Malazan Empire.
Description · as of Book 2
Coltaine is a tall, lean Wickan warleader in his forties with wind-burned leather-brown skin and a lined, expressionless face marked by deep brackets around a thin wide mouth and squint lines at the corners of his dark deep-set eyes. Oiled braids hang past his shoulders, adorned with crow-feather fetishes, and a ragged black feather cloak drapes from his broad shoulders. He wears a battered chain vest over a hide shirt, rider’s leggings, and carries a lone long-knife, projecting the fierce, weathered presence of a seasoned plains warrior.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- B
Bultuncle
Bult, Coltaine's uncle and second-in-command, remains a steadfast supporter throughout the Chain of Dogs, their bond strengthening as they face insurmountable odds together.
Duikercommander
Initially serving as the Imperial Historian, Duiker's relationship with Coltaine evolves from observer to confidant, witnessing and chronicling the warleader's transformation into a legend.
- SE
Sormo E'nathcommander
Sormo E'nath, the young warlock, grows from a subordinate to a crucial ally, his magical support proving vital to Coltaine's strategies and the survival of the Wickan forces.
Story so far
BOOK 2Deadhouse Gates
- Assumes command of the Seventh Army after the massacre at Hissar, leading the remnants on a grueling march across the desert.
- Successfully defends the city of Ubaryd against overwhelming rebel forces, showcasing his tactical brilliance.
- Orchestrates the crossing of the River Vathar, outmaneuvering the Apocalypse Army in a daring maneuver.
- Leads the final defense at the gates of Aren, where he is ultimately betrayed and crucified, becoming a martyr.
- His soul is carried by the crow goddess to the T'lan Imass, ensuring his spirit's survival and future resurrection.
Key events
- Book 2
Ch. 5Coltaine's Command AssumptionWickan warleader Coltaine arrives in Hissar and immediately asserts control over the Seventh Army, rejecting retreat orders and preparing for the coming Sha'ik Rebellion. - Book 2
Ch. 13Battle of Sekala FordColtaine's engineers secretly build a submerged stone road allowing the refugee train to cross while sappers detonate fifty-five cussers beneath pursuing forces, obliterating the peasant horde. - Book 2
Ch. 19Vathar Crossing MassacreKorbolo Dom's forces massacre refugees at the River Vathar crossing while Sormo E'nath is killed defending with sorcery, his soul claimed by a swarm of butterflies. - Book 2
Ch. 24Coltaine's CrucifixionHigh Fist Pormqual refuses to send aid as Korbolo Dom's forces nail the living Coltaine to a cross outside Aren. Squint is ordered to end his torment with a single arrow.
Appearances
Meet Coltaine in Bookworm
Meet Coltaine in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to Book 2.