Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character

Rallick Nom

Also known as Rallick

  • Major
  • First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 5

Rallick Nom is a major character in Malazan Book of the Fallen (Book 1).

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

Rallick Nom is a professional assassin whose work is bound up with the dangerous intrigues of Darujhistan. He moves through the city cloaked and armed, relying on precision and a cool, watchful discipline; when caught in combat, he cuts away his own braid rather than let it hinder him. His path intersects with the city’s power struggles and its unlikely defenders, and he survives the novel’s upheavals as a wary, capable presence. Beneath the assassin’s restraint, his ties to the people around him become part of the story’s wider contest between vengeance and protection.

Description

Rallick Nom is tall and lean, with dark skin, a narrow, clean-shaven face, and black hair worn in a braid. His watchful eyes and economical movements give him the unmistakable bearing of a professional killer. A deep royal-purple cloak falls from his shoulders, clasped at the neck by a silver clamshell brooch; jazeraint armor is concealed beneath his shirt. He carries a crossbow with blackened iron ribs and a hooked blade knife, while the braid remains his most distinctive feature.

Connections

  • Crokus Younghandconflicting source relationships

    Crokus calls Rallick an assassin friend. Rallick's involvement with the group and efforts to protect Coll place him among Crokus's trusted allies.

  • Kalampursuer

    Kalam and Quick Ben follow Rallick to what they believe is a meeting with Darujhistan’s assassins; Rallick’s Guild is caught in the resulting attack, though he believes Kalam’s group is not responsible for the trap.

  • K

    Kruppeassociate

    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.

  • Quick Benfriend

    Baruk considers Rallick a close friend and a man of integrity despite his profession. He supports Rallick’s effort to bring Orr down.

  • CB

    Coin Bearerdesignated executioner

    Baruk says Rallick is charged with killing the Coin Bearer if Oponn's influence turns against their group; Kruppe says they have discussed this contingency.

  • C

    Collfriend

    Rallick risks his life confronting Ocelot, who has a contract on Coll, as part of the effort to protect and avenge him.

  • M

    Murillioco-conspirator

    Murillio refers to Rallick's plans and wonders whether Coll suspects them; Rallick is left behind while the others carry out their information-gathering mission.

  • V

    Vorcanconflicting source relationships

    Rallick is a Guild assassin who expects eventually to become a Clan Leader and swear his life to Vorcan, the Guild Master.

  • O

    Ocelotconflicting source relationships

    Rallick belongs to Ocelot's assassin clan. Ocelot orders him to identify and lure the apparent rival assassin into a trap, but Rallick doubts the plan and resents being commanded.

  • LS

    Lady Simtaladversary

    Rallick confronts Simtal after Orr’s death, tells her her political protection is gone, and makes clear she will not be harmed by him.

  • L

    Limassassin

    Rallick shoots Lim with a poisoned quarrel while pursuing his vendetta against Lady Simtal.

  • TO

    Turban Orrpolitical adversary

    Rallick's actions have unwittingly impeded Orr's efforts to pass a proclamation, and Orr's wider schemes bring danger to Rallick and his allies.

Story so far

  1. BOOK 1I. Gardens of the Moon

Key events

  1. Book 1
    Ch. 22
    The Duel at Lady Simtal's FêteRallick Nom confronts and kills Turban Orr in a public duel at Lady Simtal's fête, while Murillio exposes Simtal's political machinations.
  2. Book 1
    Ch. 23
    The Battle of DarujhistanMultiple factions converge on Darujhistan as Raest attacks the city. Anomander Rake battles the Galayn Lord, while the Malazan forces attempt to destabilize the city.
  3. Book 1
    Ch. 25
    The Formation of the Azath HouseA new Azath House emerges in Darujhistan's garden, trapping Rallick Nom and Vorcan within its walls. The house's appearance signals a shift in the balance of power.

Appearances

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