Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character
Pearl
Also known as the Korvalah demon
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 13
Pearl is summoned by Quick Ben as a Korvalah demon during a deadly clash in Darujhistan in Malazan Book of the Fallen (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 13
- Books
- 2
The name "Pearl" belongs to two very different figures in the Malazan Book of the Fallen. In Gardens of the Moon, Pearl is a Korvalah demon summoned by Quick Ben in Darujhistan: a small, winged, smoke-wreathed creature with a childlike voice that knowingly sacrifices itself to cover the wizard's escape from Tiste Andii assassins. In Deadhouse Gates, the name returns for a grey-clad Claw operative, a fatalistic, ghostlike assassin sent by the Empire to hunt the renegade Kalam Mekhar. The two Pearls are linked only by their name and their shadowy, otherworldly menace.
Description
Pearl is a dog-sized winged creature with a small, round head and leathery wings. Green reptilian eyes give its compact form a strikingly inhuman look, though they can narrow into black slits. At times its body appears smoke-like, loosening into fine threads and curls rather than holding a solid outline. Its presence is uncanny, made stranger by the suggestion of a childlike voice. A lean figure clad entirely in grey, from clothing to skin to hair, his luminous eyes the only point of brightness. Dust cascades from him with every movement. He wears a half-cloak, a belt of throwing stars, and carries knives beneath his left arm, thin leather gloves covering his hands. His presence is both professional and spectral.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Quick Bentemporary ally
Quick Ben summons the Korvalah demon Pearl as a temporary ally against Tiste Andii assassins. Pearl recognizes the wizard's name and deliberately remains behind to buy him time to escape, a grim act of service.
Kalampursuer
The Claw assassin Pearl pursues Kalam on the Empire's behalf, casting him as one of the hunters shadowing the renegade assassin's journey.
Story so far
BOOK 1Gardens of the Moon
- Is summoned by Quick Ben as a Korvalah demon during a deadly clash in Darujhistan
- Recognizes Quick Ben's name, suggesting a history or reputation between them
- Is directed to attack the Tiste Andii assassins pursuing the Bridgeburners
- Knowingly stays behind to cover Quick Ben's escape, accepting its likely doom
- Shows a smoke-like, shifting form and a childlike voice that contrast with its inhuman nature
BOOK 2Deadhouse Gates
- Appears as a Claw operative serving the Malazan Empire
- Is tasked with hunting the renegade Bridgeburner Kalam Mekhar
- Moves through mists and shadows with ghostlike precision
- Displays the fatalism of a man who considers himself already dead
Appearances
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