Shadowthrone

Before ascending, Ammanas was known as Kellanved, founder and Emperor of the Malazan Empire. He was originally from Dal Hon and described as a dark-skinned gnarled gnome of a man with curly grey hair. He also exhibited a penchant for wearing grey and black. He was shorter than Dancer. Cotillion described him as a "particularly adept and ambitious practitioner" of the Meanas Warren.

Before he became Emperor, Kellanved had been running a tavern on Malaz Island. He partnered with Dancer with the aim of taking over the criminal organizations that ruled over the island and overthrowing the local pirate ruler, Mock. They employed a young boy, Dujek.

Kellanved and Dancer spent a lot of time while in Malaz City accessing and exploring the Shadow Realm, becoming familiar with its idiosyncrasies and attributes. At one point, the two encountered Xethel, a 'daemon-like' local inhabitant of Kurald Emurlahn known as "brood-mother" who was apparently an elder of her small community and a magic user of some sort. During their friendly meeting - which was characterized by questions on both sides - Xethel significantly told Kellanved that she 'named' him *Amman-an-ash*, "The One Who Would Know Everything". Xethel then 'named' Dancer *Coth-tel-ish-ath*, "The One Who Watches and Judges".

Nok, Hawl, and Amaron - all Napans - were in hiding on the island after Nap was conquered by the Kingdom of Unta, but were discovered by Dujek and taken to his new employers. The scheme expanded further after Dancer bolstered their numbers by recruiting other Napan refugees who had fled their island, such as Cartheron and Urko Crust and Surly. Shortly thereafter, Toc the Elder, Dassem Ultor, Tayschrenn, and Duiker also joined. With this family, Kellanved and Dancer conquered Malaz Island. The group lived in the Deadhouse, which granted them longevity, immunity to most diseases, and certain other gifts.

The Napan faction of the family used Kellanved to crush the Untan hegemony and take the Napan isles back. Once the Kingdom of Unta on the Quon Tali mainland was conquered, the Malazan Empire was created.

At some point, Kellanved discovered the First Throne of the T'lan Imass which deemed him a worthy occupant. The Emperor used the Throne to awaken the nineteen thousand warriors of the Logros T'lan Imass and commanded them to use their unmatchable strength to conquer his enemies.

Ganoes Paran commented to Lorn that the Emperor had held no love for the nobility and that consequently they had kept their heads down since the first days of the Empire.

As Emperor, Kellanved introduced the transportation of imprisoned Mages to the Otataral Island.

Ammanas was the Ruler of the Warren of Shadow, Kurald Emurlahn, and the Ruler/King of High House Shadow. Relatively new to that position, it was not completely secure. As King, he commanded High House Shadow, including the Hounds of Shadow.

Ammanas was known to be crafty and unpredictable, and worked with his partner Cotillion in most matters. Many of the pivotal events throughout the series were the result of his web of schemes.

Also known as Shadowthrone or 'Lord of Shadow', he mostly walked with a cane described as having a silver gleaming head. His eyes were like polished haematite.

Ammanas' voice was described as reed-thin and he spoke with a Dal Honese accent. His vocal performance was often described by strong attributes such as manic shrieking, giggling, sniffing, cackling and hissing. Only on very rare occasions was he heard speaking quietly without affectation. He had long, spindly fingers.

Ammanas considered Malazan Empress Laseen an enemy. He believed the Empress to be with her back to the wall and possibly about to fall without his and Cotillion's help, something he felt to be unsatisfactory. Cotillion believed that Ammanas had always underestimated Laseen and that their current situation (i.e. at the beginning of *Gardens of the Moon*) was a result of that.