The First Law Magi / Characters

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Euz and Sons

Euz

Almighty Euz, the Vanquisher of Demons, Closer of Gates, and Father of the World. A half-human, half-Demon who possessed God-like power, in ancient times Euz used his abilities to lock the Demons away in the Other Side, allowing humans to flourish.

But Now I Must Go: After sealing the Demons away, Euz departed the world, telling his sons to bring order to the world.
Greater-Scope Paragon: He's the one who sealed the Demons away in the Other Side so humanity could inherit the Earth, taught the three Disciplines of Magic to his three elder sons, and established the two Laws.
Half-Human Hybrid: Euz was half-human and half-Demon, which probably accounts for his God-like power.
Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Giving his elder sons vast magical powers and only giving his youngest son "his blessing" did not end well for anyone.

Juvens

The eldest son of Euz. His father granted him the gift of High Art, the ability to change the world by drawing power from the Other Side, tempered by knowledge and understanding the world. Juvens built the Old Empire and was the founder of the Order of the Magi.

The Ace: Juvens was so powerful in the High Art that he was able to master every facet of it, instead of specializing like his twelve apprentices had to do.
Cain and Abel: The Abel twice over, first to his youngest brother, Glustrod, who consorted with demons, then again with Kanedias, who ended up murdering him. Though whether or not Kanedias actually killed him like Bayaz said is ambiguous.
Founder of the Kingdom: He used his power to create the Old Empire, the cradle of civilization.
Master of All: Unlike all of his disciples, who tended to specialize in a particular area of High Art, Juvens mastered every facet of it.
Plot-Triggering Death: His death at the hands of Kanedias caused the Order of the Magi to go to war with the Master Maker, resulting in the death of Kanedias and Bayaz's lover, Tolomei. It also caused the schism in the Order, with Khalul blaming Bayaz for Juvens' death and his descent into villainy.

Kanedias

The second son of the Almighty Euz, who was granted the gift of the Art of Making from his father.

Abusive Parents: He fathered Tolomei to assist him in his work, since only people who shared the Maker's blood could handle materials from the Other Side. He kept her locked in the House of the Maker all her life, to the point where, until she met Bayaz, she had never seen or spoken to anyone other than her father.
Boyfriend-Blocking Dad: His daughter, Tolomei, was his greatest secret, whom he hid away in the House of the Maker. When he found out Bayaz and Tolomei were lovers, he nearly killed Bayaz. Considering what's later found out about Bayaz, he was right to do so.
Cain and Abel: Kanedias and Juvens became enemies over time, culminating with Kanedias murdering Juvens when he refused to surrender Bayaz to him. Though, it's later implied Bayaz was the one who murdered Juvens and framed Kanedias for the deed.
Disney Villain Death: Bayaz threw him off the House of the Maker to his death.
Frame-Up: It's strongly implied that Bayaz was the one who murdered Juvens and framed Kanedias for the deed, the entire following war between the Master Maker and the Order of the Magi was a pretext for Bayaz to kill him. Whether or not that's true, Bayaz definitely framed Kanedias for his daughter's murder, which he himself committed.
The Man Behind the Monsters: He is said to be the one who created the Shanka. They were made to help Kanedias in his war against Juvens and the Order of the Magi, but after Kanedias' death, they managed to survive and flourish in the isolated corners of the world.
Offing the Offspring: When Kanedias was beaten, he murdered his daughter, Tolomei, by throwing her off the House of the Maker. Except this is a lie. Bayaz murdered her because she knew his secrets.
Properly Paranoid: Kanedias originally housed many people who assisted him with his projects, but over time he became obsessed with hoarding his secrets out of fear of others stealing them. When he did accept an apprentice it was Bayaz who turned out to be everything Kanedias feared, his actions leading directly to Kanedias' death.
Ultimate Blacksmith: He didn't earn the title, "The Master Maker" for nothing. The Art of Making essentially gave Kanedias the ability to create otherworldly, technological marvels from ordinary materials.

Bedesh

The third son of Euz, he was granted the Art of Spirit Talking from his father.

I See Dead People: The spirits he can see and talk to are otherworldly creatures instead of dead people, but they are invisible to normal people.
Out of Focus: Out of all of Euz's sons, Bedesh is the one with the least information revealed about him so far.

Glustrod

The fourth son of Euz, instead of receiving a gift of power from his father, Glustrod merely received his father's "blessing." His subsequent bitterness led to his dealing with Demons, causing the eventual destruction of the Old Empire.

Cain and Abel: He was the Cain to his three brothers' Abel.
Deal with the Devil: Glustrod made a deal with the Demons on the Other Side to get revenge on his father and brothers for hoarding their knowledge.
Predecessor Villain: He's long dead by the time of the series, but his actions caused the destruction of the Old Empire.
The Resenter: Given that his brothers were all given incredible powers from their father, it's no wonder Glustrod was bitter towards them for only being given his father's "blessing." He begged his brothers to share some of their secrets but they all refused, so he turned to the Demons for power and vengeance instead.
Self-Disposing Villain: When his army was defeated, Glustrod tried to use the Seed to open the gates to the Other Side, but he ended up making a small mistake which caused his death and the destruction of the Old Empire, leaving it an eternally poisoned wasteland.
The Unfavorite: Though it's unclear if he really was Euz's least favorite son, it certainly comes across that way when the only thing he got from his father was "his blessing" while his brothers got phenomenal cosmic powers.

The Original Twelve Magi

Bayaz

"I am First of the Magi. I am the last authority and I say... I am righteous."

First of the Magi, a wizard from an older time, his magical skill is only outstripped by his political savvy. He helped found the Union and has acted as an adviser on many occasions through the years.

Actually, That's My Assistant: When Logen first encounters him he mistakes an elderly librarian resembling a Wizard Classic for Bayaz, and the man himself for a common butcher. This seems to be a hint that Bayaz is a more down-to-earth and practical sort rather than an ivory tower intellectual... but in a way, Logen was completely right for calling him a butcher.
A God Am I: He expresses this mentality when he uses the Seed to destroy Khalul's Eaters, proclaiming himself as greater than his master, Juvens, and Euz, who was practically a god-like being.
Bayaz: Yes! I am greater than Juvens! I am greater than Euz himself!
The Atoner: He has shades of this given that his actions led to the death of his master, Juvens, and his lover, Tolomei. Then it's averted when it's strongly implied Bayaz had a hand in Juvens' death himself, and an undead Tolomei confirms he personally murdered her to hide his secrets.
Bad Boss: Since he feels It's All About Me, anyone working for or with him who has served their purpose, failed in their purpose, or worst of all does not serve any purpose to his goals, becomes utterly disposable. He sees all mortals as tools, enemies or insects, and treats his own servants and any innocent bystanders with the same contempt as his foes if they get in his way. He is ultimately the Bad Boss for the whole Union, as the nation largely exists as his proxy in his war with Khalul.
The Bad Guy Wins: He ends the original First Law trilogy getting everything he wants, including the Seed, the magical equivalent of a WMD, at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. When he returns in The Heroes he again succeeds in placing his preferred puppet on the Northern throne. So far the only kink in his plans is Monza refusing to be his puppet in Best Served Cold. By the end of the Age of Madness trilogy, Glokta manages to seriously curtail his influence in the Union, cutting his ties to royalty and finance.
Bald of Evil: He's bald as an egg, and turns out to be less moral than he seems.
Berserk Button: Not giving him the respect he feels he's 'owed' can have horrible, horrible repercussions. Once someone is made aware of his machinations, he loses all pretense of being and will become very swift to punish anyone who questions or disobeys his orders.
Big Bad: Though Khalul initially seems to be the Big Bad, it's eventually revealed that Bayaz is just as evil as his nemesis, if not more so. This only makes the fact that he gets everything he wants in the end even worse.
Big Fun: He's a rotund, fatherly figure with a warm sense of humor. However, he's not quite as "fun" as he first appears.
Big Guy: Though not as tall or muscular as the Bloody Nine, Bayaz cuts an imposing figure. He's tall and broad, with a protruding belly and thick, strong arms. Logen, who has mastered the art of judging others' physicality at a glance, marks him as a potentially dangerous opponent, well-built and confident, stronger and faster than he lets on.
Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: He seems like a gruff, if well meaning wizard with centuries of knowledge. He gets progressively bitchier as the journey goes along, and then he turns out to be a megalomaniac who doesn't give a damn about anyone except himself.
Blue-and-Orange Morality: As an immensely and practically immortal wizard balancing The Needs of the Many, his methods and motivations can be hard for lesser men to swallow. Later revealed to be purely immoral when his aims are revealed not to be for the greater good of the Union and the world, but rather to serve his own personal, almost petty ambitions.
The Bully: In his heart of hearts, Bayaz is a spiteful bully who wants to bend others to his will.
But for Me, It Was Tuesday: "What does it matter who killed who a thousand years ago?"
The Chessmaster: People and nations are just pieces to him in his fight against Khalul.
Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: It's implied he had a hand in the death of his original mentor, Juvens, and used that death as a pretext to wage war against his second master, Kanedias. Whatever else may have happened, it's confirmed that Bayaz personally murdered his lover, Tolomei, who happened to be Kanedias' daughter, just to cover up his own secrets. He even consigns Yulwei, one of his best friends, to a Fate Worse than Death just to further his own interests.
Court Mage: Maintains this appearance of advising the king, but ultimately deconstructed. Bayaz makes sure that the Union does exactly what he wants. The kings, and the whole government, are just puppets to his will. After all, what happens when an apparently immortal wizard with actual magic decides to play politics? He wins.
Crippling Over Specialization: Given the complex nature of high art, Bayaz chooses to specialize in "fire, force and will". He can Force-Choke with ease, blow people to smithereens and break stuff with a thought, but he can't magically heal wounds or talk to animals, for instance.
Deconstructed Character Archetype: Of the Court Mage, the Wizard Classic, and the Mentor Archetype. While he plays the role, in truth Bayaz is out for himself, and everyone he mentors are nothing more than pawns in his game. After all, he is a functionally ageless superpowered wizard, everyone else is just a mortal gnat to him. Why would he stoop to serve them?
The Dreaded: His agents among his various conspiracies refer vaguely to him and his influence as a sort of looming, omniscient evil, preferring suicide to facing his wrath. And that's without even knowing who he is.
Dude, Where's My Respect?: After being gone for so long, he has a lot of difficulty in getting respect from Union authority figures upon his return.
Eccentric Mentor: Serves as one to the main characters, especially to Jezal, who's frequently annoyed by Bayaz' long-winded speeches. Subverted when he reveals his true colors at the end of the trilogy.
Evil All Along: He was the real villain of his backstory, and is now the brutal tyrant of the Union behind the scenes.
Evil Mentor: He's this by default to any apprentice, but especially to his nemesis Cas Shenkt, who long ago betrayed Bayaz and works to bring him down.
Evil Old Folks: He's an old man who looks sixty, but is several hundred years old and is a cruel tyrant.
Expecting Someone Taller: Logen (and, later, most of the Union) is surprised to find the First of the Magi is an overweight, burly old chap, rather than a solemn, stately sage.
Fatal Flaw: Pride and arrogance. Mamun rather accurately says that Bayaz's arrogance is often his undoing, and it does bite him in the ass a few times throughout the series.
Fat Bastard: He's self-centered and cruel and sports a noticeable paunch.
Faux Affably Evil: He often adopts the act of the curmudgeonly but well-meaning grandfather when interacting with others, but push him too hard and he reveals himself to be a self-righteous sociopath willing to stoop to any level to get what he wants.
Force-Choke: His favorite method of commanding respect is to gradually suffocate someone while they talk, a feat he claims is a simple and easy trick.
Founder of the Kingdom: Founder of the Union to be more specific.
Grumpy Old Man: He's a grumpy, old bastard, but he means well. Except, replace "he means well" with "he's also a selfish monster."
Hates Everyone Equally: To him, the Northmen are bellicose brutes, the Gurkish are sheep enslaved by a mad prophet, the Old Empire is a hollow shell of its formal glory, and the Union is full of bloated, self-important bureaucrats softened by cosmopolitan living.
- Somewhat subverted, as he has more respect for the intelligence of Northmen than most, dislikes the Gurkish only for their service to his sworn enemy and opposition to his beloved Union, not any racial basis, unlike most Union folk; has great affection and nostalgia for the better days of the Old Empire, and simply wants the Union to live to its full potential.
- Then played frighteningly straight when it's revealed that he truly holds all people in contempt, not preferring any group or individual to any other, only seeking people he can use and people he should eliminate and disdaining all the rest.
Heroes Prefer Swords: He's not a swordsman himself, and is far from heroic, but he waxes poetic about the sword as a more beautiful and meaningful weapon than the crude mace or axe.
Hypocrite:
- Khalul violated the Second Law by eating the flesh of man, and even created an entire army of Eaters. For this, Bayaz calls him a monster. However, Bayaz knowingly employs Yoru Sulfur who happens to be an Eater himself.
- The First Law of Magic forbids contact with the Other Side, the realm of demons, but Bayaz seeks out the Seed, a piece of the Other Side made flesh, to use as a weapon against his enemies. Even his ally, Yulwei, says if he's not breaking the First Law outright, he's coming dangerously close to it. Bayaz justifies his actions by saying the First Law is filled with contradictions, since all magic comes from the Other Side.
- He is quick to call others on their self-importance and self-righteousness, and usually correct to do so. But his own arrogance is so staggeringly monumental that he believes these very traits are perfectly reasonable in himself.
- He disapproves of people who speak too much of themselves and their own achievements, all the while droning on endlessly about his many adventures and reserves of wisdom to anyone within earshot.
I Did What I Had to Do: What he keeps saying over and over. Yet over time, it becomes clear that...
It's All About Me: For all his fancy talk about justice and righteousness, all he really cares for is satisfying his egomania.
Jerkass: Has a bit of a temper, although as it turns out Jerkass doesn't even come close to covering it.
I Was Quite a Looker: He likes to remind his companions that he was once young and handsome, and had a full head of hair he dearly misses.
Jerk with a Heart of Jerk: It's implied at first that Bayaz is a gruff sort, but caring underneath it. Hahahahaha. No. Bayaz is a monster who's every bit as callous as he lets on. Far more so, in fact.
Karma Houdini: Not only does he get away with every atrocity he committed over the course of the series, but thanks to the main characters' actions, he's more powerful than ever.
Kneel Before Zod: Often demands people to kneel in his presence.
Ludicrous Gibs: His first use of serious magic is to lose his temper and explode a Practical of the Inquisition.
Magitek: Averted. Since The Magic Goes Away, Bayaz has turned to other means, but seems unable to synthesize low-grade technology with what magic he still has access too. Until he finds the Seed.
The Man Behind the Man: He was responsible for the founding of the Union and served as advisor to many kings under various aliases. He's also both Valint and Balk.
Manipulative Bastard: He manages to manipulate Jezal, Logen, Ferro and Yulwei into thinking he's—if not a good guy—at least a better alternative to Khalul. They find out later just how wrong they are.
Might Makes Right: An absolute believer in this:
"Power makes all things right. This is my first law, and my last. That is the only law that I acknowledge."
The Man Behind the Man: Is the ruler and secret power controlling the Union. Whereas Khalul controls his empire through religion, Bayaz controls the Union through economics, primarily through the bank of Valint and Balk. He also founded the Inquisition, and he has orchestrated the rise and reign of various kings, most recently Jezal. And he always remains in control.
Man of Wealth and Taste: By the time he appears in A Little Hatred he's decked himself out in a wealthy businessman's attire and swapped his wizard's staff for a classy cane. He says he's changing with the times but he will break out his classic robes for special occasions, however.
Misanthrope Supreme: He views humanity as a petty annoyance, since considering he's lived an absurdly long life, they are insects in comparison to him. He only values the humans who are useful to his goals.
The Needs of the Many: He is a firm believer that the greater good is more important than the sacrifices one must make along the way, and has advised the rulers under his wing to govern in such a way. Until it's revealed that he does not remotely care for the greater good, but only his own good, his entire vast conspiracy spanning centuries and continents only existing to serve him in his personal gambit for power.
Not-So-Well-Intentioned Extremist: Turns out all Bayaz's pretensions about serving the greater good are empty bluster to justify his own megalomania.
Not That Kind of Doctor: Much to Logen's surprise, Bayaz has absolutely no knowledge of medical magic, relying on the same remedies, medicines and treatments as everyone else.
Old Master: He is the First Magi, a very old and commanding man with magical powers than can turn you inside out. but he won't need to. His political savvy will take care of you first.
Parental Obliviousness: Towards Quai, if you consider a mentor-pupil relationship to be somewhat paternal. Bayaz shrugs off Quai's wild change in behavior and demeanor as some youthful angst. When it's revealed at last that Quai died horrifically and has been an imposter for over a year, Bayaz is only mildly perturbed that he hadn't noticed.
Playing with Fire: Bayaz is very good at wielding fire, and making things explode.
Really 700 Years Old: He was around before the Union was the Union.
Sadist: He hides it well, but he proves to love dominating others to his will. He takes particular pleasure in putting Jezal in his place.
Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: His preferred method of control. He uses his ownership of Valint and Balk, the largest bank in the Union, to get people to do what he wants by putting them in his debt. Of course, if that doesn't work...
Screw the Rules, I Have Supernatural Powers!: When money doesn't work. He is the First of the Magi after all.
Screw the Rules, I Make Them!: What he declares, once he successfully uses the Seed to defeat Mamun and the other Eaters.
"I am First of the Magi. I am the last authority and I say… I am righteous."
Smug Snake: The scope of his plans and his successes would be impressive if he wasn't so arrogant, self-righteous and cruel. To quote the man himself:
"I make no apologies for the ambition of my vision"
The Sociopath: He has no patience or even understanding for the wants and needs of others. He lies and manipulates as easily as he breathes, he kills and destroys anyone and anything in his way, and has nothing but contempt for all but his most useful of servants and allies, and them only so long as they're useful to him. He admits multiple times that he finds other people tiring and irrelevant, and all individual lives as boring, insignificant, and ultimately stupid. This jaded attitude may be the result of living centuries as an extremely powerful being burdened by immense knowledge, gradually numbing and corrupting him, though his betrayals and machinations as far back as the age of Euz may suggest he has always been self-serving and remorseless, or at least that he was corrupted by power early on.
Squishy Wizard: Played with. He's fairly physically capable for an old man, but using actual magic takes a lot out of him.
Tautological Templar: What he's eventually revealed to be. For all his talk of serving the greater good, he's really just doing what's best for himself and acting like it's the greater good. It's best exemplified in his quote.
Trademark Favorite Food: Bayaz really loves to drink tea, having picked up the habit in Gurkhul, and is frequently shown enjoying it, especially when chaos/nasty stuff is happening around him.
Villain Respect: Despite his disdain for most people, Bayaz grows to genuinely respect Glokta for his boldness, his dogged determination to succeed despite his disabilities, and his lack of fear towards him that he offers him the job of being his Mouth of Sauron
Walking Spoiler: It's hard to talk about the series without spoiling some of the later revelations about him.
Unreliable Narrator: It becomes evident throughout the series that his recounting of past events is highly questionable. At first, Bayaz argues that his actions are necessary to stop the dread lord Khalul. However, Khalul and his followers argue that they are trying to bring Bayaz to justice, and both Zacharus and Tolomei both allude to Bayaz's highly manipulative and self-centered nature.

Khalul

See Gurkish Empire.

Cawneil

The Third of the Magi, a book-loving Magus who acts as the curator of the Great Western Library near the Edge of the World.

Green-Eyed Monster: She used to be Bayaz's lover, and she still resents him for leaving her for Tolomei. The dinner with her and Bayaz is naturally awkward as hell for everyone present as a result.
Vain Sorceress: Cawneil is as old as Bayaz, but she tries to remain glamorous despite her age. Unusually for this trope, she uses more mundane methods than magical ones, like hair dyes and powder.

Yulwei

"I have been watching the Gurkish, as I have these many years. That is my allotted task. My penance, for the part I played in the schism that has split my order."

The Fourth of the Magi and the only one who continues to remain loyal to Bayaz. He spends most of his time spying on Khalul in Gurkhul.

Ambiguously Brown: He is very dark-skinned, as is characteristic of people in the southern portions of Kanta, but claims to come from a place so ancient and distant that you can't find it on any map.
And I Must Scream: Bayaz sacrifices him by trapping him in the House of the Maker along with the undead Tolomei. Even if he survived, Bayaz says the House must remain closed forever to prevent her from getting out.
The Atoner: He serves Bayaz and spies on Khalul as an attempt to atone for contributing to the schism that destroyed the Order of Magi and caused Khalul's Start of Darkness.
Badass Pacifist: Even Ferro concedes that it takes a serious set of balls to cross the vast, barren, bandit-and-soldier-infested desert without fighting or killing anyone.
Cool Old Guy: He's a good enough person that even Ferro likes him, however much she denies it.
Everyone Has Standards: Yulwei has a lot of moral qualms with Bay's actions, in particular when Bayaz seems to be skirting the Laws of magic without actually breaking them. He disapproves of Bayaz's search for the Seed and his employment of the shady Yoru Sulfur.
Fatal Flaw: His trust in Bayaz is eventually what does him in.
Horrible Judge of Character: Not with everyone, but he truly thought of Bayaz as his trusted friend, only for Bayaz to callously discard him to an unclear but definitely horrible fate to save his own skin.
Jedi Mind Trick: He can warp others' perceptions so radically that he appears to be warping reality itself.
Lost World: He's darker than anyone else in the setting, even the darker-skinned Southerners, and even the far-traveled and well-informed cannot place his accent or clothes. He claims to be from farther south than shows on any map, from a civilization not known to anyone alive. Whether his people still exist in the distant south and simply have limited contact with others due to the inhospitable desert between them and Gurkhul, or he is the last of his race, it is never explored.
Martial Pacifist: The benefit of his magic is that he doesn't need to hurt anyone to avoid danger, and discourages others from violence when there is any other option. But when he's cornered by Eaters who refuse to back down, he reluctantly but completely destroys them.
Master of Illusion: Every magus specializes in a certain realm of magical application, or "art", such as Bayaz with fire and force, or Khalul with wind. While never outright stated, Yulwei appears to specialize in misleading the senses of others, for instance being able to walk past a crowd unnoticed, or having enemy attacks completely miss him while standing still. There are limits, however, as he seems unable to trick Eaters or fellow Magi, and warns Ferro that even under his cloaking magic she should not directly approach, linger near, or speak to someone she's trying to avoid.
Morality Pet: Tries to be this to Bayaz, being one of the few people close enough to Bayaz in power and age to have his respect. His pleas for peace and reason fall on deaf ears, however.
Nice Guy: Unlike Bayaz, Khalul and Zacharus, who use people as tools to their own ends, or Cawneil, who holes herself up away from the world, Yulwei actually seems to have some humanity. He is kind and sympathetic to Ferro, who he tries to guide off the path of vengeance and hatred, and is genuinely reluctant to fight others, though he certainly has no trouble dispatching his enemies.
Token Good Teammate: When it's revealed just how evil Bayaz and his subordinates really are, Yulwei comes across as the only member of Bayaz's faction who's a genuinely good person. Even among the Magi as a whole, he is the only Magus we've met so far who cares about people. While Zacharus, Bayaz and Khalul run their puppet countries to their own ends and Cawneil wallows in solitary self-pity, Yulwei throws his weight behind Bayaz because he believes his plan is the closest to having a positive impact on the world.
Uncertain Doom: He's last seen possibly crushed beneath one of the Master Maker's machines, and even if he did survive, he's now trapped in the House of the Maker with a vengeful, nearly indestructible, undead woman.
Underestimating Badassery: The Eaters pursuing Ferro, and the reader, may be forgiven for seeing the gentle old man who focuses on non-destructive magic as a minimal threat, but keep in mind that he is one of the original Magi, each practically a Lovington in their own right.

Zacharus

The Fifth of the Magi, a nature-loving Magus who lives in the Old Empire.

Cloudcuckoolander: Zacharus is definitely a bit off and most people who meet him assume he's mad.
The Cuckoolander Was Right: Although Zacharus is usually not taken seriously due to his shabby appearance and eccentric behaviour, his predictions often turn out to be completely correct.
- In Before They Are Hanged, Bayaz mocks Zacharus' ambitions to restore the Old Empire to its former glory, deeming the entire nation a lost cause. However, by the time of Red Country, Zacharus' protegé Goltus rules as the undisputed emperor and has not only managed to stabilize the previously war-torn country, but is also in the process of expanding its borders.
- Zacharus believes that the Seed cannot be controlled and tries to dissuade Bayaz from his plan to use it as a weapon against Khalul and his Eaters. When that doesn't work, he implores Ferro (the only person who can touch the Seed without succumbing to its deadly powers) to turn her back on Bayaz, but she rebuffs him, thinking him mad. Later, after witnessing the Seed's destructive powers at first hand, she finds herself regretting that she didn't listen to Zacharus.
- Humorously, he himself discredits the intel of pigeons, which actually turns out to be true.
Everyone Has Standards: Though he's manipulating events in the Old Empire, he offers to join Bayaz in fighting Khalul so long as Bayaz gives up his goal of obtaining the Seed, believing it too dangerous to use.
Homeless Pigeon Person: He's always in the company of birds, who he can speak to. He specifies at one point that pigeons are actually notorious liars, only telling you what you want to hear.
The Man Behind the Man: It's hinted that Zacharus is trying to manipulate events in the Old Empire the same way that Khalul is doing in Gurkhul or Bayaz is for the Union.
Nature Lover: Zacharus seems to have an affinity for animals and the living things of the world.
Speaks Fluent Animal: He can speak to the birds that accompany him. Though apparently the pigeons are liars who only tell you what you want to hear.

Kanedias' Associates

Tolomei

The daughter of the Master Maker. She and Bayaz were lovers, only for her father to kill her in the ensuing war between himself and the Order of the Magi.

And I Must Scream: She survived Bayaz's attempt on her life because her body had been altered by exposure to the demonic Seed. Unfortunately, she was trapped between life and death, and could not go free until she made a deal with Demons to revive herself.
Big Bad Wannabe: Her plan is to unleash the Demons trapped in the Other Side, but after her identity is revealed, Bayaz manages to trap her quickly, putting an end to her apocalyptic plans.
Broken Bird: Tolomei is a shattered, saddened woman who has returned as a very, very dangerous force to be reckoned with.
Came Back Wrong: She was resurrected by Demons as a vengeful, deathly cold wraith.
Deal with the Devil: In exchange for reviving her, she agreed to free the Demons from the Other Side.
Disney Villain Death: Her father threw her off his tower to her death before Bayaz struck him down in turn. Except Yulwei remembers seeing her fall after her father, and Tolomei later reveals his version was correct. Bayaz murdered her after he killed her father.
Girl in the Tower: Tolomei's existence was kept secret from everyone. She lived her entire life in her father's tower, forbidden from interacting with any other living being.
The Ingenue: Tolomei was very innocent, having been sheltered from the rest of the world by her father.
Kill and Replace: She murdered Malacus Quai way back in the first book and has been replacing him ever since. She only reveals herself near the end of The Last Argument of Kings.
Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter: She's the beautiful daughter of her father, the paranoid Master Maker who could shape worldly materials into otherworldly artifacts. Kanedias fathered her because only people with his own blood could touch the materials from the Other Side which he used in his work. Bayaz ended up falling in love with her and Kanedias tried to kill him when he found out about it.
Sealed Evil in a Can: Bayaz locks her in the House of the Maker to prevent her from unleashing demons on the world.
She Knows Too Much: It's strongly implied the reason Bayaz murdered her was because he wanted her to carry his secrets to her grave.
Walking Spoiler: Not only is her survival a major plot twist, but she's also the one who murdered and impersonated Malacus Quai in the first book.
Woman Scorned: She's understandably vengeful against Bayaz for murdering her, just so she wouldn't spill his secrets.
Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds: She was a sheltered girl hidden away from the world by her father, who used her as an assistant in his work. When she finally met another person and fell in love with him, her father tried to kill him which ultimately resulted in a war between her father and the Order of the Magi which cost her father his life. Then her lover murdered her to keep his secrets safe and her body—altered by the materials she handled from the Other Side—did not truly die, keeping her in a horrible state of suspended animation until she broke and made a deal with demons to revive herself and cause the apocalypse, just to end her own suffering.

Bayaz's Associates

Malacus Quai

Bayaz's sickly young apprentice who grows disillusioned with his master. He was once the apprentice of Zacharus.

Butt-Monkey: In his first appearance, needs repeated rescuing by the guy he was sent to rescue, and it's all downhill from there. Nobody respects him, his master treats him with contempt, and he ends up murdered, eaten and impersonated and Bayaz doesn't even care.
Dissonant Serenity: Despite seeming to be a meek and neurotic scholar who claims to know nothing of combat, he apparently feels absolutely nothing after savagely bashing a man's skull in, even if it was an enemy attacking his comrade. This is one of the first signs that something off about Quai on their journey through the Old Empire.
Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette: A sickly young man with a lanky build, pale skin and long dark hair. He seems quite friendly at first, but becomes increasingly offputting and sinister over the course of the trilogy.
Frying Pan of Doom: A rare non-comedic example. He saves Jezal by absolutely braining an enemy warrior.
Inept Mage: Despite Bayaz's teachings, Quai doesn't show much progress in his studies. Granted, this could be because Bayaz is an intimidating teacher.
I Owe You My Life: When Logen confesses to a lifetime of wanton brutality and viciousness, Quai doesn't even flinch. He says that Logen saved his life when he didn't have to, and that says more about who he is now that what he's done in the past.
Kill and Replace: He's murdered, eaten and then impersonated by a shapeshifter since midway through the first book.
Kill the Cutie: A nice guy who ends up horribly murdered and replaced by Tolomei.
Nice Guy: Compared to his master, Quai is a fairly nice and friendly guy. Unfortunately he takes a level in jerkass near the end of the first book.
Non-Action Guy: He initially doesn't get involved in the action but he steps up on the journey to the Edge of the World. It turns out that's only because someone else is impersonating him.
Took a Level in Badass: He becomes notably more confident over the course of the trilogy, and even kills an enemy soldier with a frying pan in the second book. It's later revealed that the real Quai was already dead at that point.
Took a Level in Jerkass: From the second book onward, Quai acts more aloof, contemptuous and macabre. He even begins snapping at Bayaz during their lessons. It turns out this is because it's not Quai at all, but an undead Tolomei impersonating him.
We Hardly Knew Ye: Killed and replaced by a shapeshifting Eater about halfway through the first book.

Yoru Sulfur

"Never any peace, eh, your Majesty? Never the slightest peace."

Bayaz's apprentice and right-hand man. When he's not acting as his master's servant, he's often sent to manipulate world events in the background on Bayaz's behalf.

Assassin Outclassin': Sulfur meets his end in The Wisdom of Crowds when he arrives to murder Glokta. Instead, Glokta has prepared for him with three other Eaters who overwhelm and devour Sulfur.
Battle Butler: Despite being a powerful magi and Eater, on the occasions where he personally accompanies Bayaz, he acts as his servant, usually serving him tea.
Dirty Coward: His enhanced abilities as an Eater and a Magus means he can kill a couple dozen humans without problem. However, whenever he's faced with something that can threaten him, his first instinct is to run. He abandons Orso without a word when the Breakers and Burners storm Adua, and when he's face-to-face with another Eater his first instinct is to flee until he sees two more blocking his exits.
The Dragon: He's Bayaz's right-hand man and most important enforcer.
Eaten Alive: He meets his end being eaten alive by three other Eaters working for Sand dan Glokta.
Faux Affably Evil: Sulfur has a blandly pleasant demeanor but his civility is only skin deep. Notably, unlike Ishri who accepts Monza's 'get lost' with grace and humor, Sulfur is clearly ready to eat her alive until he's stopped.
I'm a Humanitarian: He's revealed to be an Eater at the end of the trilogy.
Jawbreaker: When Ishri and two other Eaters begin eating him alive, they start by ripping his lower jaw off. Glokta tells Savine they should leave before they see the rest.
Karma Houdini Warranty: After nine books of being a smug, vile cannibal, Sulfur finally receives his well-deserved death at the end of The Wisdom of Crowds.
Karmic Death: A cannibalistic sorcerer who's eaten people alive ends up dying when he's eaten alive himself while trying to kill someone he thought a powerless puppet.
Kill and Replace: He uses his shapeshifting power to impersonate some of his victims, such as High Justice Marovia.
Know When to Fold 'Em: When Shenkt reveals he's backing Monza's claim to Styria, Sulfur departs quickly rather than force a fight he seems terrified he'll lose. He does it again when faced with Ishri and two other Eaters only to find himself cornered.
Mouth of Sauron: Represents Bayaz when Bayaz can't show up in person and as a representative of Valint and Balk, the bank Bayaz uses to manipulate the world behind the scenes.
Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Sulfur, which evokes Hell/demons and is generally "shady".
O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Sulfur drops his pleasantries to be genuinely freaked out when he sees Shenkt, leading to a question of just how powerful an Eater Shenkt truly is.
The Nondescript: Except for his mismatched eyes, he's very nondescript, having a blandly pleasant manner and plain appearance and dress that allows him to fit in comfortably everywhere.
Oh, Crap!: The one time he ever shows fear is when Shenkt encounters him. Then second time is just before Zuri reveals herself to be an Eater. When he turns to run, he finds two more blocking his path.
Perpetual Smiler: When Sulfur does interact with others, he's always smiling and has a friendly demeanor, with one exception in Best Served Cold where Monza angers him enough that he drops the facade and flashes a a threatening "smile" of sharp teeth and clearly intended to eat her.
Red Right Hand: He has mismatched eyes which are noted by everyone who meets him. The feature follows him in all his forms.
Smug Snake: He holds everyone around him in contempt but masks it with faux politeness and constant smiling. Whenever he's threatened by regular humans, he's too arrogant to believe he's ever in danger but tries to run the second someone shows up who can actually hurt him. In The Wisdom of Crowds after failing to arrange for Savine's death and with her as Lady Regent, he's reduced to hurling insults at her as she has him dragged out of a party. When he shows up to kill Sand dan Glokta for betraying Bayaz and orchestrating the Great Change, he never realizes Glokta might've prepared by hiring some Eaters of his own until they move in for the kill.
Undying Loyalty: Sulfur is slavishly loyal to his master.
Voluntary Shapeshifting: His primary power.

Characters / The First Law Magi

Euz and Sons

Euz

Juvens

Kanedias

Bedesh

Glustrod

The Original Twelve Magi

Bayaz

Khalul

Cawneil

Yulwei

Zacharus

Kanedias' Associates

Tolomei

Bayaz's Associates

Malacus Quai

Yoru Sulfur

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Index

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Characters / The First Law Magi

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Euz and Sons

Euz

Juvens

Kanedias

Bedesh

Glustrod

The Original Twelve Magi

Bayaz

Khalul

Cawneil

Yulwei

Zacharus

Kanedias' Associates

Tolomei

Bayaz's Associates

Malacus Quai

Yoru Sulfur

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