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|image=[[File:Osserc.jpeg]]
 
|image=[[File:Osserc.jpeg]]
 
|caption=[[:File:Osserc.jpeg|Fan art]] by [http://tattersail.deviantart.com/art/Champion-of-Light-441688417 Grimhilde]
 
|caption=[[:File:Osserc.jpeg|Fan art]] by [http://tattersail.deviantart.com/art/Champion-of-Light-441688417 Grimhilde]
|pseudonyms=Liossercal<br>Osserc<br>Osric<br>The Great Sky-Father<ref>[[Stonewielder]], [[SW/2|Chapter 2]], US HC p.121</ref><br>Father Wind<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/1|Book 1 Chapter 1]]</ref>
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|pseudonyms=Liossercal<br>Osserc<br>Osric<br>Brother Light<ref name=":1" /><br>{{Splr}}The Great Sky-Father{{End}}<ref>[[Stonewielder]], [[SW/2|Chapter 2]], US HC p.121</ref><br>{{Splr}}Father Wind{{End}}<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/1|Book 1 Chapter 1]]</ref><br>{{Splr}}Lord of the Sky and Spirit of the Wind{{End}}
 
|race=[[Tiste Liosan]]
 
|race=[[Tiste Liosan]]
 
|born=
 
|born=
 
|died=
 
|died=
 
|appearance=Tall, white skin, silver hair streaked with gold
 
|appearance=Tall, white skin, silver hair streaked with gold
|family=[[Vatha Urusander]] (Father)<br>[[L'oric]] (Son)<br>
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|family=[[Father Light]] (Father)<br>{{Splr}}[[L'oric]] (Son){{End}}<br>{{Splr}}[[Jayashul]] (Daughter){{End}}<br>{{Splr}}[[Sukul Ankhadu]] (Daughter){{End}}<br>{{Splr}}[[Menandore]] (Daughter){{End}}
[[Jayashul]] (Daughter)
 
 
|affiliation=[[High House Light]]
 
|affiliation=[[High House Light]]
 
|occupation=
 
|occupation=
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|titles=Son of Light
 
|titles=Son of Light
 
Lord of the Sky<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Glossary, UK MMPB p.706</ref><br>
 
Lord of the Sky<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Glossary, UK MMPB p.706</ref><br>
Champion of High House Light <br>
+
Champion of High House Light
Father wind
 
 
|warren=[[Kurald Thyrllan]]
 
|warren=[[Kurald Thyrllan]]
 
|soletaken=[[Eleint]]
 
|soletaken=[[Eleint]]
 
|divers=}}
 
|divers=}}
   
'''Osseric''' was the son of [[Father Light]] and without a mother. He was also known as Osserc and Osric. He fathered [[High Mage]] [[L'oric]] with an unknown female companion. [[Menandore]] and [[Sukul Ankhadu]] were his ritual daughters with the goddess [[Tiam]]. He was Champion (Knight) of [[High House Light]], [[Soletaken]], and [[god]] of the [[Tiste Liosan]]. Like his son, his Soletaken form was that of the [[Eleint]]. In this form, he possessed scales of silver and gold and rivaled [[Anomander Rake]] and [[Orfantal]] in size.
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'''Osseric''' was the son of [[Father Light]] and without a mother. He was also known as '''Osserc''', '''Osric''', '''Liossercal''', and '''Brother Light'''. He was Champion (Knight) of [[High House Light]], [[Soletaken]], and [[god]] of the [[Tiste Liosan]]. His Soletaken form was that of the [[Eleint]], which possessed glittering scales of silver and gold<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], US SFBC p.232</ref> and rivaled [[Anomander Rake]] and [[Orfantal]] in size.
   
Alongside [[Ammanas]], [[Cotillion]] and [[Traveller]], Osseric appeared tall, with blunt features and gold eyes. His lips were heavy and his smile revealed "prominent tusks at his lower jaw."<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/10|Book 2 Chapter 5]]</ref>
+
Osseric was tall, pale as snow with wavy, silver long hair which was streaked with gold, the appearance pure Liosan. His eyes were silver, "licked by gold". He wore plain grey leathers and a sword at his belt.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], UK MMPB p.816</ref> Alongside [[Ammanas]], [[Cotillion]], and [[Traveller]], Osseric appeared tall, with blunt features and gold eyes. His lips were heavy and his smile revealed "prominent tusks at his lower jaw."<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/10|Book 2 Chapter 5]]</ref>
   
Osseric explained his godship in these terms: "The Liosan worship themselves ... I happen to be a convenient figurehead".<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]]</ref> He was also worshiped as the Lord of the Sky and Spirit of the Wind, by [[Kyle]] and the [[People of the Wind]] of southern [[Bael]].
+
Osseric explained his godship in these terms: "The Liosan worship themselves ... I happen to be a convenient figurehead".<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], UK MMPB p.820</ref> At one time, Osseric wrote or inspired the text of ''Osric's Visions'', which the Liosan held sacred and consulted for wisdom.<ref>[[House of Chains]][[HC/16|Chapter 16]], US SFBC p.567</ref>
   
 
==In ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]''==
 
==In ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]''==
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==In ''[[Memories of Ice]]''==
 
==In ''[[Memories of Ice]]''==
[[Tool]] told [[Toc the Younger]] that once upon a time Anomander Rake, Osric, and [[Lady Envy]] had been companions. There was a difference of opinion and Osric left. 
+
[[Tool]] told [[Toc the Younger]] that once upon a time Anomander Rake, Osric, and [[Lady Envy]] had been wandering companions. There was a difference of opinion and Osric left.<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/5|Chapter 5]]</ref> 
   
 
== In ''[[House of Chains]]''==
 
== In ''[[House of Chains]]''==
 
[[File:Osserc by dejan delic.jpg|thumb|200px|Interpretation of Osserc by [http://dejan-delic.deviantart.com/art/Osserc-523574418 dejan-delic] ]]
 
[[File:Osserc by dejan delic.jpg|thumb|200px|Interpretation of Osserc by [http://dejan-delic.deviantart.com/art/Osserc-523574418 dejan-delic] ]]
  +
It had been centuries<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/26|Chapter 26]], US SFBC p.826</ref> since Osric had walked amongst his people in [[Kurald Thyrllan]]. The [[Bonecaster]], [[Monok Ochem]], informed Seneschal [[Jorrude]] that Osric "numbered among the contestants in the other realms." But he could not return to the Tiste Liosans because he was lost.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/9|Chapter 9]], US SFBC p.382</ref>
Osserc was found to be hiding in a magically created [[Warren]] by his son, L'oric. He appeared in his Soletaken form, a towering white and gold Eleint. He was unwilling to return to the same world as the Malazans, preferring to live his life in seclusion.
 
  +
  +
Osric's son, [[L'oric]], conspired with his [[Unnamed characters#In House of Chains|familiar]] to hide his father's disappearance from his own people. Without their god, Osric's seneschals would not be able to call upon their magic. So the familiar answered their prayers without the senechals' knowledge. This came to an abrupt end when [[T'lan Imass]] led by Monok Ochem sensed the deception. The undead warriors slew the familiar forcing L'oric to seek help from the Queen of Dreams.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/12|Chapter 12]], US SFBC p.462/476-477</ref><ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/13|Chapter 13]], US SFBC p.487-491</ref>
  +
  +
L'oric later found Osric living within a [[Warren]] that appeared to be formed of [[Raraku]]'s memory. He appeared in his Soletaken form, a towering white and gold Eleint to rescue his son from the [[Deragoth]].<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], US TPB p.533-534</ref> Osric had purposefully withdrawn to the warren after he and Anomander Rake had discovered [[Moon's Spawn]]. Osric was convinced the [[Skykeep]]s were inventions of the [[K'Chain Che'Malle]], and the warren allowed him to observe them as they had once been.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], US SFBC p.686-688</ref> Once reunited, Osric admitted he could barely stand the company of his son, who reminded him much of L'oric's mother.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], US SFBC p.689</ref> He was unwilling to return to the same world as the Malazans, preferring to live his life in seclusion pursuing his own interests. He felt no responsibility for Kurald Thyrllan, believing it could take care of itself.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/21|Chapter 21]], US SFBC p.686/692</ref>
  +
  +
Osric returned to save his son once again when L'oric was struck down and left to die by [[Korbolo Dom]]'s assassins in the warren of the [[Whirlwind Goddess]]. He readied to take L'oric back to his keep to heal once they determined how to find their way out of the warren.<ref>[[House of Chains]], [[HC/26|Chapter 26]], US SFBC p.823-826</ref>
   
 
== In ''[[Midnight Tides]]''==
 
== In ''[[Midnight Tides]]''==
  +
Long before the events of the ''[[Malazan Book of the Fallen]]'', [[Scara Bandaris|Scabandari]] and [[Silchas Ruin]] led an invasion of [[Tiste Edur]] and [[Tiste Andii]] into the [[Malazan world]]. [[Mael]] and [[Gothos]] observed Scabandari betray Ruin in the [[Tiste]] moment of triumph and Mael allied with [[Kilmandaros]] to bring down the rogue Edur. Gothos warned him to hurry as Ruin's brother, Anomander Rake, began to distantly awaken to the threat. Mael had anticipated Rake, mentioning that Osserc was already moving to stand in his path.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/P|Prologue]], US SFBC p.24-25</ref>
In a vision, [[Udinaas]] witnessed a meeting between Osserc, Menandore and Sukul Ankhadu. From this we learned that the creation of Soletaken Eleint involved Tiam mating with, amongst others, Osserc and that he regarded the Soletaken thus created as extended family.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], UK MMPB p.277/278</ref>
 
  +
  +
In a vision, [[Udinaas]] witnessed a meeting between Osserc and his daughters, [[Menandore]] and [[Sukul Ankhadu]], that took place shortly after Osserc's battle with Rake. Osserc's hair had been burned away by fire, his skin was cracked, red, and oozing, and his armour was battered and broken by the encounter. Although Rake had gotten the better of him, he claimed to have delayed Rake long enough for Scabandari to escape.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], US SFBC p.230</ref>
  +
  +
Osserc challenged his daughters to explain why they carried the unconscious body of [[Sheltatha Lore]]. From their conversation we learned that the creation of Soletaken Eleint involved [[Tiam]] mating with, amongst others, Osserc and that he regarded the Soletaken thus created as extended family.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], UK MMPB p.277/278</ref> When his daughters suggested that they meant to imprison Sheltatha in the same [[Azath Tower|Azath House]] as Scabandari had buried Ruin, Osserc warned against it. He noted that Scabandari had already been destroyed by this world's gods.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], US SFBC p.231</ref><ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/3|Chapter 3]], US SFBC p.117-118</ref>
  +
  +
Later, Udinaas and [[Feather Witch]] accidentally travelled to the [[Refugium]] where they met the [[Imass]], [[Ulshun Pral]], and the boy, [[Rud Elalle]]. Ulshan Pral spoke of a [[Hold]] the two [[Letherii]] had never heard of called [[Starvald Demelain]], home of the pure dragons. He noted that a group of mixed bloods, which included Osserc, had closed the road to the Hold long ago.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/15|Chapter 15]], US SFBC p.485</ref>
  +
  +
Menandore also recalled how Scabandari Bloodeye had imprisoned her father, Brother Light, on the distant [[moon]].<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/3|Chapter 3]], US SFBC p.111</ref>
   
 
== In ''[[Night of Knives]]''==
 
== In ''[[Night of Knives]]''==
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In the Elder Age, the Child of Earth [[Denuth]] found an injured Liossercal at the site of a violent explosion. Denuth was soon horrified to realize that Liossercal had obtained his wounds in the act of destroying an [[Azath House]]. He considered taking advantage of the Soletaken Eleint's weakness to finish him off, but Liossercal sensed his intentions. Liossercal argued that "[[Draconus]] is a fool. His conclusions flawed. Rigidity is not the answer." Instead, Liossercal claimed his own actions at the Azath House were for "exploring alternatives." Denuth ordered him to leave, hurrying Liossercal on his way by noting that Draconus was approaching and he "brings his answer with him."<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/P|Prologue]], UK PB p.1-2</ref> Draconus soon arrived carrying what appeared to be an unfinished [[Dragnipur]].
 
In the Elder Age, the Child of Earth [[Denuth]] found an injured Liossercal at the site of a violent explosion. Denuth was soon horrified to realize that Liossercal had obtained his wounds in the act of destroying an [[Azath House]]. He considered taking advantage of the Soletaken Eleint's weakness to finish him off, but Liossercal sensed his intentions. Liossercal argued that "[[Draconus]] is a fool. His conclusions flawed. Rigidity is not the answer." Instead, Liossercal claimed his own actions at the Azath House were for "exploring alternatives." Denuth ordered him to leave, hurrying Liossercal on his way by noting that Draconus was approaching and he "brings his answer with him."<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/P|Prologue]], UK PB p.1-2</ref> Draconus soon arrived carrying what appeared to be an unfinished [[Dragnipur]].
 
 
For a time, Osseric appeared to be a prisoner of the warlock [[Shen]] at his fortress on Bael. Shen used the sleeping god like a battery, sapping his power to enhance his own. The [[Crimson Guard]] unknowingly awoke Osseric when they killed Shen to fulfill a contract. The Guard's High Mage and chief assassin [[Cowl]] attempted to kill Osseric as well and believed he had succeeded, but Osseric managed to transfer himself into the [[Tcharka|sword]] of the Guardsman Kyle. The sword had coincidentally just been inscribed by the Crimson Guard mage [[Smoky]], with a token of the Spirit of the Wind.<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/2|Book 1 Chapter 2]]</ref> Osseric was not identified by name during that incident, and Kyle believed that this unnamed entity was Father Wind, a god worshiped by his people on the subcontinent of [[Bael]].<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/2|Book 1 Chapter 2]]</ref>
+
For a time, Osseric appeared to be a prisoner of the warlock [[Shen]] at his fortress on Bael. Shen used the sleeping god like a battery, sapping his power to enhance his own. The [[Crimson Guard]] unknowingly awoke Osseric when they killed Shen to fulfill a contract. The Guard's High Mage and chief assassin [[Cowl]] attempted to kill Osseric as well and believed he had succeeded, but Osseric managed to transfer himself into the [[Tcharka|sword]] of the Guardsman Kyle. The sword had coincidentally just been inscribed by the Crimson Guard mage [[Smoky]], with a token of the Spirit of the Wind.<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/2|Book 1 Chapter 2]]</ref> Osseric was not identified by name during that incident, and Kyle believed that this unnamed entity was Father Wind, a god worshiped by his people, the [[People of the Wind]], on the subcontinent of [[Bael]].<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/2|Book 1 Chapter 2]]</ref>
   
  +
[[File:Osseric by fugetheoni.jpg|thumb|259x259px|Osseric by [http://fugeoni666.tumblr.com/ Fuge the Oni]]]
 
While in possession of Tcharka, Kyle dreamed of a meeting between [[Anomander Rake|Anomandaris]] and Liossercal in [[Kurald Emurlahn]]. Liossercal had discovered a strange crystalline structure growing from the ground and was dismantling it in "research". Anomandaris questioned his methods as he labeled the entity a Shadow House and called it a child, something new and unformed. It was his "interpretation that this house is of Emurlahn and Emurlahn exists as proof of the accord between our Realms. Threaten one and you threaten all." Liossercal took his words to heart, and Anomandaris lightened the mood by discussing [[Resuthenal]], a woman they both knew.<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/8|Book 2 Chapter 3]], US HC p.356-358</ref>
 
While in possession of Tcharka, Kyle dreamed of a meeting between [[Anomander Rake|Anomandaris]] and Liossercal in [[Kurald Emurlahn]]. Liossercal had discovered a strange crystalline structure growing from the ground and was dismantling it in "research". Anomandaris questioned his methods as he labeled the entity a Shadow House and called it a child, something new and unformed. It was his "interpretation that this house is of Emurlahn and Emurlahn exists as proof of the accord between our Realms. Threaten one and you threaten all." Liossercal took his words to heart, and Anomandaris lightened the mood by discussing [[Resuthenal]], a woman they both knew.<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/8|Book 2 Chapter 3]], US HC p.356-358</ref>
   
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== In ''[[Blood and Bone]]''==
 
== In ''[[Blood and Bone]]''==
  +
[[File:Osseric by mrakobulka.jpg|thumb|277x277px|Osseric, Champion of Light by [https://mrakobulka.deviantart.com/art/CM-Osseric-707963044 Mrakobulka]]]
Osseric spoke briefly with Shadowthrone in the throne room of Shadowkeep.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/1| Chapter 1]], UK MMPB p.94-95</ref> Some time after this meeting he was able to enter the [[Deadhouse]] in [[Malaz City]], succeeding in his ambition of penetrating the Azath. [[Gothos]] was present in the house as well, and he and Osseric entered into a battle of patience.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.134-137</ref> A [[Nacht]] servant of the Azath later appeared in the house as well, presumably placed there, along with Gothos, to aggravate Osseric.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/4| Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.244-247</ref> Osseric began to recall memories from his past and realized that the Azath wanted self reflection from him. Shortly afterwards he witnessed Cowl's escape from his prison within the grounds surrounding the Azath house.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/10| Chapter 10]], UK MMPB p.584-591</ref> After much reflection, Osseric decided to leave the house, and when leaving he realized that the ritual being performed by the [[Circle of Masters]] was taking advantage of Thyrllan.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/14| Chapter 14]], UK MMPB p.779-781</ref> After the large blast when the ritual was stopped, Osseric was found unconscious but alive by [[Spite|Sister Spite]] and L'oric, who returned him, still unconscious, to Thyrllan.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/E|Epilogue]], UK MMPB p.831-838</ref>
 
  +
Osserc spoke briefly with Shadowthrone in the throne room of Shadowkeep.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/1| Chapter 1]], UK MMPB p.94-95</ref> Some time after this meeting he was able to enter the [[Deadhouse]] in [[Malaz City]], succeeding in his ambition of penetrating an Azath House.
  +
{{Quote|Memories are not the truth of the past. We sculpt them to suit our images of our present selves. And, in any case, the truth of then is not the truth of now.|Gothos speaking to Osserc|Blood and Bone/Chapter 7}}
 
[[Gothos]] was present in the house as well, and he and Osserc entered into a battle of patience.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.134-137</ref> A [[Unnamed characters#In Blood and Bone|Nacht Guardian]] of the Azath House later appeared in the house as well (acting as a servant), presumably placed there, along with Gothos, to aggravate Osserc.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/4| Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.244-247</ref> Osserc began to recall memories from his past and realized that the Azath House wanted self-reflection from him. Shortly afterwards he witnessed Cowl's escape from his prison within the grounds surrounding the Azath House.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/10| Chapter 10]], UK MMPB p.584-591</ref> After much reflection, Osserc decided to leave the house, and when leaving he realized that the ritual then being performed by the [[Circle of Masters]] in [[Jacuruku]] was taking advantage of Thyrllan.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/14| Chapter 14]], UK MMPB p.779-781</ref> After the large blast which occurred when the ritual was interrupted, Osserc was found unconscious but alive by [[Spite|Sister Spite]] and L'oric, who returned him, still unconscious, to Thyrllan.<ref>[[Blood and Bone]], [[BB/E|Epilogue]], UK MMPB p.831-838</ref>
   
 
== In ''[[Forge of Darkness]]''==
 
== In ''[[Forge of Darkness]]''==
 
Osserc sought to help [[Hunn Raal]] manipulate events in [[Kurald Galain]] to place his father, [[Vatha Urusander]], on the throne. When his father informed him that he would not inherit command of [[Urusander's Legion]], Osserc felt betrayed and abandoned him.<ref>[[Forge of Darkness]], [[FD/12|Chapter 12]], UK HC p.350/353</ref> As he left the Legion's headquarters in [[Neret Sorr]] he was challenged by [[Millick]] who was angered that Osserc had seduced his beloved [[Renarr]]. Osserc strangled the man with one hand.<ref>[[Forge of Darkness]], [[FD/12|Chapter 12]], UK HC p.356</ref>
 
Osserc sought to help [[Hunn Raal]] manipulate events in [[Kurald Galain]] to place his father, [[Vatha Urusander]], on the throne. When his father informed him that he would not inherit command of [[Urusander's Legion]], Osserc felt betrayed and abandoned him.<ref>[[Forge of Darkness]], [[FD/12|Chapter 12]], UK HC p.350/353</ref> As he left the Legion's headquarters in [[Neret Sorr]] he was challenged by [[Millick]] who was angered that Osserc had seduced his beloved [[Renarr]]. Osserc strangled the man with one hand.<ref>[[Forge of Darkness]], [[FD/12|Chapter 12]], UK HC p.356</ref>
  +
  +
==Family==
  +
Osseric fathered [[High Mage]] [[L'oric]] with an unknown female companion. Menandore and Sukul Ankhadu were his ritual daughters with the goddess Tiam.<ref>[[Midnight Tides]], [[MT/7|Chapter 7]], US SFBC p.230</ref>
   
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
   
   
 
[[de:Osseric]]
 
[[de:Osseric]]
 
[[Category:Males]]
 
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Soletaken]]
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[[Category:Soletaken Eleint]]
 
[[Category:Gods]]
 
[[Category:Gods]]
 
[[Category:Tiste Liosan]]
 
[[Category:Tiste Liosan]]
Line 75: Line 93:
 
[[Category:Ascendants]]
 
[[Category:Ascendants]]
 
[[Category:Urusander's Legion]]
 
[[Category:Urusander's Legion]]
  +
[[Category:Elder Gods]]

Revision as of 21:38, 21 November 2019

Osseric was the son of Father Light and without a mother. He was also known as Osserc, Osric, Liossercal, and Brother Light. He was Champion (Knight) of High House Light, Soletaken, and god of the Tiste Liosan. His Soletaken form was that of the Eleint, which possessed glittering scales of silver and gold[5] and rivaled Anomander Rake and Orfantal in size.

Osseric was tall, pale as snow with wavy, silver long hair which was streaked with gold, the appearance pure Liosan. His eyes were silver, "licked by gold". He wore plain grey leathers and a sword at his belt.[6] Alongside Ammanas, Cotillion, and Traveller, Osseric appeared tall, with blunt features and gold eyes. His lips were heavy and his smile revealed "prominent tusks at his lower jaw."[7]

Osseric explained his godship in these terms: "The Liosan worship themselves ... I happen to be a convenient figurehead".[8] At one time, Osseric wrote or inspired the text of Osric's Visions, which the Liosan held sacred and consulted for wisdom.[9]

In Gardens of the Moon

Anomander Rake remarked to Baruk that 800 years earlier he had been visited by Icarium, Mappo, and Osseric. He and Osseric had quarreled, and almost come to blows but Caladan Brood had kept the peace.[10]

In Deadhouse Gates

When the Malazan mage Kulp sensed a powerful presence within Kurald Emurlahn he searched his memory for Ascendants who bore that kind of power. He dismissed Osric as a possibility because he was reputed to have journeyed to a continent far in the south a century back.[11]

In Memories of Ice

Tool told Toc the Younger that once upon a time Anomander Rake, Osric, and Lady Envy had been wandering companions. There was a difference of opinion and Osric left.[12] 

In House of Chains

Osserc by dejan delic

Interpretation of Osserc by dejan-delic

It had been centuries[13] since Osric had walked amongst his people in Kurald Thyrllan. The Bonecaster, Monok Ochem, informed Seneschal Jorrude that Osric "numbered among the contestants in the other realms." But he could not return to the Tiste Liosans because he was lost.[14]

Osric's son, L'oric, conspired with his familiar to hide his father's disappearance from his own people. Without their god, Osric's seneschals would not be able to call upon their magic. So the familiar answered their prayers without the senechals' knowledge. This came to an abrupt end when T'lan Imass led by Monok Ochem sensed the deception. The undead warriors slew the familiar forcing L'oric to seek help from the Queen of Dreams.[15][16]

L'oric later found Osric living within a Warren that appeared to be formed of Raraku's memory. He appeared in his Soletaken form, a towering white and gold Eleint to rescue his son from the Deragoth.[17] Osric had purposefully withdrawn to the warren after he and Anomander Rake had discovered Moon's Spawn. Osric was convinced the Skykeeps were inventions of the K'Chain Che'Malle, and the warren allowed him to observe them as they had once been.[18] Once reunited, Osric admitted he could barely stand the company of his son, who reminded him much of L'oric's mother.[19] He was unwilling to return to the same world as the Malazans, preferring to live his life in seclusion pursuing his own interests. He felt no responsibility for Kurald Thyrllan, believing it could take care of itself.[20]

Osric returned to save his son once again when L'oric was struck down and left to die by Korbolo Dom's assassins in the warren of the Whirlwind Goddess. He readied to take L'oric back to his keep to heal once they determined how to find their way out of the warren.[21]

In Midnight Tides

Long before the events of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, Scabandari and Silchas Ruin led an invasion of Tiste Edur and Tiste Andii into the Malazan world. Mael and Gothos observed Scabandari betray Ruin in the Tiste moment of triumph and Mael allied with Kilmandaros to bring down the rogue Edur. Gothos warned him to hurry as Ruin's brother, Anomander Rake, began to distantly awaken to the threat. Mael had anticipated Rake, mentioning that Osserc was already moving to stand in his path.[22]

In a vision, Udinaas witnessed a meeting between Osserc and his daughters, Menandore and Sukul Ankhadu, that took place shortly after Osserc's battle with Rake. Osserc's hair had been burned away by fire, his skin was cracked, red, and oozing, and his armour was battered and broken by the encounter. Although Rake had gotten the better of him, he claimed to have delayed Rake long enough for Scabandari to escape.[23]

Osserc challenged his daughters to explain why they carried the unconscious body of Sheltatha Lore. From their conversation we learned that the creation of Soletaken Eleint involved Tiam mating with, amongst others, Osserc and that he regarded the Soletaken thus created as extended family.[24] When his daughters suggested that they meant to imprison Sheltatha in the same Azath House as Scabandari had buried Ruin, Osserc warned against it. He noted that Scabandari had already been destroyed by this world's gods.[25][26]

Later, Udinaas and Feather Witch accidentally travelled to the Refugium where they met the Imass, Ulshun Pral, and the boy, Rud Elalle. Ulshan Pral spoke of a Hold the two Letherii had never heard of called Starvald Demelain, home of the pure dragons. He noted that a group of mixed bloods, which included Osserc, had closed the road to the Hold long ago.[27]

Menandore also recalled how Scabandari Bloodeye had imprisoned her father, Brother Light, on the distant moon.[28]

In Night of Knives

Tayschrenn responded to Agayla's claim that a single force had held back the Stormriders for a while but had perished, remarking "One against all this? There is no one. Osserc, perhaps---"[29]

In Return of the Crimson Guard

In the Elder Age, the Child of Earth Denuth found an injured Liossercal at the site of a violent explosion. Denuth was soon horrified to realize that Liossercal had obtained his wounds in the act of destroying an Azath House. He considered taking advantage of the Soletaken Eleint's weakness to finish him off, but Liossercal sensed his intentions. Liossercal argued that "Draconus is a fool. His conclusions flawed. Rigidity is not the answer." Instead, Liossercal claimed his own actions at the Azath House were for "exploring alternatives." Denuth ordered him to leave, hurrying Liossercal on his way by noting that Draconus was approaching and he "brings his answer with him."[30] Draconus soon arrived carrying what appeared to be an unfinished Dragnipur.

For a time, Osseric appeared to be a prisoner of the warlock Shen at his fortress on Bael. Shen used the sleeping god like a battery, sapping his power to enhance his own. The Crimson Guard unknowingly awoke Osseric when they killed Shen to fulfill a contract. The Guard's High Mage and chief assassin Cowl attempted to kill Osseric as well and believed he had succeeded, but Osseric managed to transfer himself into the sword of the Guardsman Kyle. The sword had coincidentally just been inscribed by the Crimson Guard mage Smoky, with a token of the Spirit of the Wind.[31] Osseric was not identified by name during that incident, and Kyle believed that this unnamed entity was Father Wind, a god worshiped by his people, the People of the Wind, on the subcontinent of Bael.[32]

Osseric by fugetheoni

Osseric by Fuge the Oni

While in possession of Tcharka, Kyle dreamed of a meeting between Anomandaris and Liossercal in Kurald Emurlahn. Liossercal had discovered a strange crystalline structure growing from the ground and was dismantling it in "research". Anomandaris questioned his methods as he labeled the entity a Shadow House and called it a child, something new and unformed. It was his "interpretation that this house is of Emurlahn and Emurlahn exists as proof of the accord between our Realms. Threaten one and you threaten all." Liossercal took his words to heart, and Anomandaris lightened the mood by discussing Resuthenal, a woman they both knew.[33]

Osseric later released himself from the sword when Kyle and Traveller met with Shadowthrone and Cotillion in Shadowkeep. Kyle's sword was destroyed in the process so Osseric gave him one of his own.[34]

Kyle: "Father of Winds, I had no idea…"
Osseric: "You were not to. And I am not father to winds or to your people. Your ancestors merely adopted the ancestral totems of sun, sky and winds – all of which shine, turn and blow without my intervention. So are traditions invented. It is up to you to keep them – or not."
―Kyle and Osseric after Osseric freed himself from Kyle's sword.[src]

In Blood and Bone

Osseric by mrakobulka

Osseric, Champion of Light by Mrakobulka

Osserc spoke briefly with Shadowthrone in the throne room of Shadowkeep.[35] Some time after this meeting he was able to enter the Deadhouse in Malaz City, succeeding in his ambition of penetrating an Azath House.

"Memories are not the truth of the past. We sculpt them to suit our images of our present selves. And, in any case, the truth of then is not the truth of now."
―Gothos speaking to Osserc[src]

Gothos was present in the house as well, and he and Osserc entered into a battle of patience.[36] A Nacht Guardian of the Azath House later appeared in the house as well (acting as a servant), presumably placed there, along with Gothos, to aggravate Osserc.[37] Osserc began to recall memories from his past and realized that the Azath House wanted self-reflection from him. Shortly afterwards he witnessed Cowl's escape from his prison within the grounds surrounding the Azath House.[38] After much reflection, Osserc decided to leave the house, and when leaving he realized that the ritual then being performed by the Circle of Masters in Jacuruku was taking advantage of Thyrllan.[39] After the large blast which occurred when the ritual was interrupted, Osserc was found unconscious but alive by Sister Spite and L'oric, who returned him, still unconscious, to Thyrllan.[40]

In Forge of Darkness

Osserc sought to help Hunn Raal manipulate events in Kurald Galain to place his father, Vatha Urusander, on the throne. When his father informed him that he would not inherit command of Urusander's Legion, Osserc felt betrayed and abandoned him.[41] As he left the Legion's headquarters in Neret Sorr he was challenged by Millick who was angered that Osserc had seduced his beloved Renarr. Osserc strangled the man with one hand.[42]

Family

Osseric fathered High Mage L'oric with an unknown female companion. Menandore and Sukul Ankhadu were his ritual daughters with the goddess Tiam.[43]

Notes and references

  1. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  2. Stonewielder, Chapter 2, US HC p.121
  3. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 1
  4. Gardens of the Moon, Glossary, UK MMPB p.706
  5. Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, US SFBC p.232
  6. House of Chains, Chapter 21, UK MMPB p.816
  7. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 5
  8. House of Chains, Chapter 21, UK MMPB p.820
  9. House of ChainsChapter 16, US SFBC p.567
  10. Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 20, US HC p.405
  11. Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11, US HC p.281
  12. Memories of Ice, Chapter 5
  13. House of Chains, Chapter 26, US SFBC p.826
  14. House of Chains, Chapter 9, US SFBC p.382
  15. House of Chains, Chapter 12, US SFBC p.462/476-477
  16. House of Chains, Chapter 13, US SFBC p.487-491
  17. House of Chains, Chapter 21, US TPB p.533-534
  18. House of Chains, Chapter 21, US SFBC p.686-688
  19. House of Chains, Chapter 21, US SFBC p.689
  20. House of Chains, Chapter 21, US SFBC p.686/692
  21. House of Chains, Chapter 26, US SFBC p.823-826
  22. Midnight Tides, Prologue, US SFBC p.24-25
  23. Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, US SFBC p.230
  24. Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, UK MMPB p.277/278
  25. Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, US SFBC p.231
  26. Midnight Tides, Chapter 3, US SFBC p.117-118
  27. Midnight Tides, Chapter 15, US SFBC p.485
  28. Midnight Tides, Chapter 3, US SFBC p.111
  29. Night of Knives, Chapter 5, US MMPB p.230
  30. Return of the Crimson Guard, Prologue, UK PB p.1-2
  31. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2
  32. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2
  33. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, US HC p.356-358
  34. Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 5
  35. Blood and Bone, Chapter 1, UK MMPB p.94-95
  36. Blood and Bone, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.134-137
  37. Blood and Bone, Chapter 4, UK MMPB p.244-247
  38. Blood and Bone, Chapter 10, UK MMPB p.584-591
  39. Blood and Bone, Chapter 14, UK MMPB p.779-781
  40. Blood and Bone, Epilogue, UK MMPB p.831-838
  41. Forge of Darkness, Chapter 12, UK HC p.350/353
  42. Forge of Darkness, Chapter 12, UK HC p.356
  43. Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, US SFBC p.230
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