Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character
Cotillion
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 2 · Ch. 16
There's something unsettling about his small, weak eyes set in such a commanding frame—the contrast suggests hidden depths and unexpected capabilities. His half-smile holds secrets rather than warmth.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 2 · Ch. 16
- Books
- 1
Cotillion, the patron god of assassins also known as Rope, emerges from the shadows in Deadhouse Gates as a calculating deity whose influence extends far beyond the divine realm. Initially introduced as the possessor of Apsalar and the enigmatic ally of Shadowthrone, he reveals himself as a hands-on god who personally intervenes in mortal affairs, crouching to speak with young Panek and demonstrating his tall, black-clad form. His role as a divine patron evolves into something more complex as he navigates the intricate web of debts, alliances, and mortal destinies that define the Malazan world.
Description
A tall figure dressed entirely in black, with notably small and weak eyes that contrast strangely with his imposing stature. He moves with the contained power of someone accustomed to shadows and silence, his half-smile suggesting knowledge beyond mortal ken.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Apsalarpossessor
Cotillion possesses Apsalar, granting her assassin skills and establishing a divine-mortal bond that shapes her destiny
- R
Rellockservant
Rellock serves Cotillion as part of a life-debt, creating a servant-patron relationship that extends through mortal generations
- S
Shadowthroneally
Cotillion and Shadowthrone maintain a strategic alliance in the Shadow Realm, working together as divine partners
Story so far
BOOK 2Deadhouse Gates
- Possesses Apsalar and grants her assassin skills as part of his divine agenda
- Receives service from Rellock as payment for saving his life
- Appears in physical form to speak directly with young Panek
- Maintains alliance with Shadowthrone in the Shadow Realm
- Reveals his distinctive appearance: tall, black-clad with small eyes
Appearances
Meet Cotillion in Bookworm
Meet Cotillion in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.