Au-nak
| Au-nak | |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | Natan |
| Homeworld | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
“Money is behind every war. Religion is but an excuse. Or perhaps a justification. ”
—Au-nak[1]
Au-nak is a Natan man who visited the the Alethi warcamps on the Shattered Plains.[1] The high form of his name is Nak-ali.
History
Au-nak grew up in a devoutly Vorin family, with strong trade connections with the Alethi.[1] As an adult, Au-nak visited the Shattered Plains in 1173 as a visiting dignitary from elsewhere, perhaps New Natanan. Au-nak was Brightlord Hatham's guest, as they were negotiating a contract. During one of Elhokar's parties, Hatham spoke with subservience and respect in their conversation, but in reality he was manipulating Au-nak for some unknown purpose. Hatham had one of his ardents insult Au-nak during the conversation, to the point where Au-nak left in anger. Hatham hoped that when he followed Au-nak and persuaded him to still agree to the contract, Au-nak would not be suspicious that Hatham agreed so easily to Au-nak's terms.
Appearance and Personality
Au-nak has white hair, like all Natans, but he dyes two locks of his hair red.[1] He keeps them braided and hung near his cheeks. He speaks airily, elongating the "oh" and "ah" sounds in his words.
Au-nak, and his family, are devoutly Vorin, although it is unknown how much of their devotion is only for the trade opportunities with the Alethi their faith provides.[1] Au-nak is an outspoken person with strong beliefs. For instance, he claims that the Order of Talenelat, Highprince Dalinar Kholin's devotary, is for lesser people. He is rather cynical about religion, he believes that every conflict, regardless of professed purpose, is economic in nature. For instance, Au-nak believes that that the Eighty's War was not over religion, but over the fact that Sesemalex Dar, which Au-nak believes to be a Dawncity, is a great port.
Au-nak is present at the coalition at Urithiru, where he thanks the Alethi for securing the Oathgate at Stormseat, but expresses disapproval of them using it without permission of the Natan people who once lived there.