Kruppe

Also known as Kruppe of Darujhistan, wise Kruppe, old Kruppe

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 5

Kruppe is a wandering, self-indulgent man from Darujhistan in Malazan Book of the Fallen (Book 1).

Gender: male
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 5
Books: 1

Kruppe begins as a wandering, self-indulgent man from Darujhistan, whose comic appetites and elaborate manner conceal a keen awareness of the city around him. He becomes closely entwined with the unfolding events there, using wit, influence, and his own peculiar arts to shape what others see as chance. By the end, he stands as a figure of considerable authority in Darujhistan, still unmistakably himself: genial, grandiloquent, and difficult to underestimate.

Description

Kruppe is a small, heavyset man, round-faced and shiny-skinned, with a belly so large his faded red waistcoat cannot fasten at the last button. His clothes are gaudy but worn: the waistcoat has tattered tails, and a threadbare coat or cloak hangs from broad, often flopping sleeves. He frequently mops his sweating brow with a handkerchief, and his garments’ ample sleeves conceal hidden pockets. His overall presence is exuberant and self-assured, while his hair and eye color are not specified.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Crokus Younghandconflicting source relationships
Kruppe recognizes Crokus as the youth at whose feet the Coin will fall and understands that the coin's fate is tied to him.
Quick Benconflicting source relationships
Kruppe calls Baruk his friend and serves as an informant, bringing him news and information about the Coinbearer.
RN
Rallick Nomassociate
Rallick and Kruppe are members of the Darujhistan circle around Crokus and Coll. Kruppe knows about Rallick's plans, though Murillio warns that Rallick may resent his interference.
T
Tattersailguide
Kruppe finds Tattersail's lost soul in his dream and leads her to Pran Chole and the Rhivi woman so the ritual can restore her to life.
CB
Circle Breakeragent
Circle Breaker has served as one of Kruppe’s most trusted agents, without knowing the Eel’s identity. Kruppe arranges his retirement and safe passage to a new life.
CB
Coin Bearerprotector
Kruppe and his companions are tasked with keeping the Coin Bearer safe and beyond the reach of those who might exploit him.
C
Collcompanion
They travel together, with Kruppe in charge of the expedition and Coll serving as its wary, heavily armed protector despite their constant teasing.
M
Mammotfriend
Kruppe and Mammot share trust and concern for Crokus; Mammot confides in Kruppe and asks him to help make sense of his nephew's behavior.
M
Murilliodearest friend
They share a long-standing friendship. Murillio suspects Kruppe is the Eel, but Kruppe magically blurs the conversation and keeps his identity secret.
K
K'rulconflicting source relationships
K’rul appears to Kruppe in a dream, gives him an ancient fire, and directs him to seek the T’lan Imass who will lead the woman.
O
Oponnchallenger
Kruppe hears the Coin's continuing influence and resolves to challenge the gods, believing their arrogance makes them vulnerable.
R
Raestadversary
Kruppe draws Raest into his dream and helps orchestrate the Tyrant’s defeat.