Talon

The Talon was a covert arm for military campaigns created by Dancer, so named because of the demon's talons gripping the globe in the sigil of the empire.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11 The Talon and the Claw initially had different assignments, the Talon performed external covert military operations, while the Claw was created for assassinations within the Malazan Empire itself, eliminating threats from the inside.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11
They also wore a talon, or kept one with their possessions, such as the one that Cotillion found in Hawl's possession, which was a yellow stained talon.House of Chains, Chapter 16
The Talon differed from the Claw in that when they moved as a hand, they moved at seven paces apart, two more than the Claw.House of Chains, Chapter 25, UK MMPB p.929
== In House of Chains ==
A number of different individuals attempted to track down a supposed new "Master of the Talon", including Cutter, Apsalar and Lostara Yil, who were each tasked by Cotillion.House of Chains, Chapter 16, UK MMPB p.659-660House of Chains, Chapter 8, UK MMPB p.392-394 Lostara and Pearl were also having a brush with the Talon as a result of their investigation into Felisin Paran's disappearance from the Otataral mines.House of Chains, Chapter 5, UK MMPB p.286-287/291-293 Korbolo Dom claimed the title of "Master of the Talon", with Kalam recognising the difference in their formation to that of a Claw hand, though Cotillion (Dancer) had no input in this new group of TalonsHouse of Chains, Chapter 25, UK MMPB p.929/938 Korbolo was captured and had his Talon organisation destroyed by Kalam and Quick Ben.
== In Dust of Dreams ==
Apparently the Talons recognized each other when another member of the Talon was nearby, as they left marks that only they could recognize. In this way they could contact each other.Dust of Dreams, Chapter 11
== In The Crippled God ==
Tavore quietly showed Lostara Yil that she was a Talon.The Crippled God, Chapter 24, UK MMPB p.1109-1110
==In Kellanved's Reach==
The Talon likely originated amongst the former Pung urchins who had thrown in with Kellanved and Dancer during their attempt to usurp the crime boss' control in Li Heng. After being liberated from their servitude, the children became gem miners along the Escarpment a few days' journey north and west of the city. Dancer was surprised to find them both safe and thriving and seemingly working for Kellanved, who the children addressed as "Magister". After bowing to the pair, the children informed the two men of the bounty of gems they had acquired. Kellanved gave them the new task of using their wealth to establish eyes and ears for him in every major city of Quon Tali, including Li Heng, Unta, Tali, Cawn, and Purge.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 3, US HC p.42-47
Baudin was among a subsect of a dozen children who had crudely tattooed their inner wrists with a sickle-shaped talon. Addressing Dancer as "Master", they adopted the assassin's sigil and asked if he would have them. Dancer agreed, commanding them to build their skills amongst the killers and thieves of the underworld until such time as he called upon them. Baudin secured the assassin's permission to recruit others of skill and talent so long as they joined of their own free will.Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 3, US HC p.47-49
==History==
The Talons were responsible for the destruction of the Cult of the Nameless Ones within the Empire, the sort of job that fell under their jurisdiction.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 18
When Surly assassinated Emperor Kellanved and Dancer, she tasked the Claw with the elimination of the Talon, who were presumed loyal to Dancer.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11 The betrayal began subtly as a string of disastrous botched missions, but broke into open war when the Claw's objective was revealed by its own carelessness.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11, US HC p.287 The Talon were thought to have been entirely wiped out,House of Chains, Chapter 5, UK MMPB p.286-287/291-293House of Chains, Chapter 5, UK MMPB p.298 but occasional survivors kept appearing from time to time, disproving this assumption (see book sections above and the section on Notable Members below for reference). Baudin claimed most original Talon were now "either old or drooling or both." Newer members of the Talon were often descendants of previous members, who were passed down the secret knowledge of what actually happened the night of Kellanved and Dancer's murders.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 11, US HC p.288
== Notable members ==
* Amaron
* Baudin
* Baudin Elder
* Hawl
* Tavore
* Throatslitter
==Notes and references==
Category:Talon
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es:Espolón