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Difference between revisions of "Dilaf"

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{{character
  
{{character
  +
|image=Dilaf Shuravf.jpg
 
|spouse=[[Seala]]
  
|spouse=[[Seala]]
  +
|died=Killed by [[Hrathen]]{{book ref|Elantris|62}}
⚫
|world=Sel|nation=Fjorden
  
−
|abilities=[[Dakhor]]|profession=[[Derethi]] {{tag+|Gragdet}}
 +
|abilities=[[Dakhor]]
  +
|profession=[[Derethi]] {{tag+|gragdet}}
⚫
|books=[[Elantris]]
  
  ⚫
|nation=Fjorden
  +
|world=Sel
  +
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
  ⚫
|books=[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]]
 
}}
  
}}
−
'''Dilaf''' is the [[Shu Dereth#Ranks|Gragdet]] of the [[Shu Dereth#Monastaries|Dakhor]] monastery leading up to the [[invasion of Arelon]].
 +
'''Dilaf''' is the [[Shu Dereth#The_Great_Chain|gragdet]] of the [[Shu Dereth#Monastaries|Dakhor]] monastery leading up to the [[invasion of Arelon]].
   
−
Some time during his life as a Dakhor monk, he was assigned to act as a spy in [[Arelon]], and had his physical characteristics altered to appear like a young [[Arelene]].{{book ref|elantris|60}} Some time after this transformation, he met and fell in love with a woman from Arelon. When she died in spite of [[Elantrian]] aid, his hatred of [[Elantris]] congealed into something that drove him to the point of madness. After leading the assaults on both [[Kae]] and [[Teod]], he was killed by [[Hrathen]], who could not tolerate his genocidal tendencies.
 +
Some time during his life as a Dakhor monk, he was assigned to act as a spy in [[Arelon]], and had his physical characteristics altered to appear like a young [[Arelene]].{{book ref|elantris|60}} Some time after this transformation, he met and fell in love with a woman from Arelon. When she died in spite of [[Elantrian]] aid, his hatred of [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]] congealed into something that drove him to the point of madness. After leading the assaults on both [[Kae]] and [[Teod]], he was killed by [[Hrathen]], who could not tolerate his genocidal tendencies.
  +
  +
== Appearance and Personality ==
  +
Dilaf, once a tall Derethi man,{{book ref|Elantris|60}} now bears the appearance of a short Arelene{{book ref|Elantris|12}} with blond hair,{{book ref|Elantris|56}} looking no older than twenty-five,{{book ref|Elantris|24}} though his real age is nearly seventy.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} His eyes often burn with passion and he rarely cares to conceal his emotions, ranging from religious fervor to deep hatred. He is incapable of getting along with people.{{wob ref|13933}} He usually wears the red robes of a Derethi priest.{{book ref|Elantris|38}}
  +
  +
Much like other [[Dakhor]] monks, Dilaf's body has been twisted by the magic of their order. His arms are akin to knotted tree branches, skin pulled tight over strange ridges and symbols formed of bone.{{book ref|Elantris|57}} Bulging intricate patterns of lines and curves twist like veins beneath the skin.{{book ref|Elantris|58}}{{book ref|Elantris|62}}
  +
  +
He wields a "wicked-looking sword" during the [[Battle of Teoras]].
  +
  +
== Attributes and Abilities ==
  +
Dilaf is a charismatic speaker, able to sway large crowds his way. His zealotry is very effective at converting others to his perspective on [[Shu-Dereth]] and hatred of the Elantrians.{{book ref|elantris|12}}
  +
  +
As a Dakhor monk, Dilaf's bones are twisted into shapes that grant him access to the power of the Dor.{{book ref|elantris|58}} Dakhor grants him extreme speed, strength{{book ref|elantris|58}} and nearly indestructible bones.{{book ref|elantris|62}} Due to the fact that Dakhor is tied to Fjordell, Dilaf's powers decreased the further he was away from Fjorden, although its weakness due to distance is not to as extreme a degree as other Selish arcana like AonDor are weakened.{{wob ref|5190}}{{wob ref|6157}} As the gragdet of Dakhor, Dilaf has access to some powers that other lesser Dakhor monks lack.{{book ref|elantris|62}} His appearance and aging process were altered to make him look younger and Aonic.{{book ref|elantris|60}} He has the ability to cancel Aons{{book ref|elantris|56}} and is immune to direct attacks with the Dor.{{book ref|elantris|62}} It required the sacrifice of fifty lives to grant Dilaf this ability.
  +
  +
Dilaf is very capable with the sword and wielded it very effectively in combination with the enhanced speed of his Dakhor powers.{{book ref|elantris|62}}
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
 
=== Early Life ===
  
=== Early Life ===
−
Very little is known about Dilaf's early life. He had an early ardor for [[Shu Dereth]], as evidenced by his early acceptance into Dakhor monastery. By the time he was 10, Dilaf had entered the monastery. Rather than pursue the priesthood, Dilaf elected to continue in the monastery, becoming one of the dedicated Dakhor monks.
 +
Very little is known about Dilaf's early life. He had an early ardor for [[Shu Dereth]], as evidenced by his early acceptance into Dakhor monastery. By the time he was ten, Dilaf had entered the monastery. Rather than pursue the priesthood, Dilaf elected to continue in the monastery, becoming one of the dedicated Dakhor monks.
   
  ⚫
By the time he reached middle age, Dilaf had risen to the rank of gragdet, the head of the monastery. Dilaf's intensity was only amplified by his elevation, and he began putting plans in place for the destruction of Elantris. An essential part of his plans involved his insertion in a long running undercover operation. It was also during this period that Dilaf gained the bone structure that allowed him to cancel out the Elantrian use of [[AonDor]], a transformation that cost the lives of many Dakhor monks.
−
Some time before the events of Elantris, while staying in Arelon, his wife became ill. Desperate for a chance to save her, he took her to the Elantrian healers. However, the healing went wrong when one of the [[Aon]]s was accidentally left incomplete. With the [[Dor]] unable to complete the healing, his wife was left in a limbo of agony until she took her own life to end her pain.
  
   
  ⚫
Just before his insertion was to take place, Dilaf began training a young Hrathen. Three months after Hrathen entered the monastery, Dilaf required one of the monks under his command to sacrifice himself to transport Dilaf to [[Wulfden the Fourth]]'s chambers, a distance easily walked. Although Dilaf did not assign particular importance to this event, it would lay the groundwork of his eventual death.
⚫
By the time he reached middle age, Dilaf had risen to the rank of Gragdet. Dilaf's intensity was only amplified by his elevation, and he began putting plans in place for the destruction of Elantris. An essential part of his plans involved his insertion in a long running undercover operation. It was also during this period that Dilaf gained the bone structure that allowed him to cancel out the Elantrian use of [[AonDor]], a transformation that cost the lives of many Dakhor monks.
  
−  
⚫
Just before his insertion was to take place, Dilaf began training a young Hrathen. Three months after Hrathen entered the monastery, Dilaf required one of the monks under his command to sacrifice himself to transport Dilaf to [[Wyrn]]'s chambers, a distance easily walked. Although Dilaf did not assign particular importance to this event, it would lay the groundwork of his eventual death.
  
   
 
=== Infiltration of Arelon ===
  
=== Infiltration of Arelon ===
−
Shortly after Hrathen left Dakhor monastery, Dilaf underwent a painful physical change to appear to be of Arelish descent. It appears that this transformation also changed the aging process, as the rest of his life (he would live to be nearly 70 years old), Dilaf appeared physically quite young. Immediately after arriving in Arelon, Dilaf set about integrating himself into Arelish culture. At first, it seemed that everything was going according to his plans. Then, quite contrary to his plans, Dilaf fell in love.
 +
Shortly after Hrathen left Dakhor monastery, Dilaf underwent a painful physical change to appear to be of Arelene descent. It appears that this transformation also changed the aging process, as the rest of his life (he would live to be nearly 70 years old), Dilaf appeared physically quite young. Immediately after arriving in Arelon, Dilaf set about integrating himself into Arelene culture. At first, it seemed that everything was going according to his plans. Then, unexpectedly, Dilaf fell in love.
   
−
Very little is known about Dilaf's wife. The confusion behind her origin is further compounded by the fact that our only source of information regarding her is Dilaf himself, long after he was driven mad by hatred of the Elantrians. It is safe to assume, however, that she was Fjordell, given Dilaf's intense animosity towards outsiders. Dilaf was over 50 when they met, and no one was as surprised as he was when he fell in love. He was left even more surprised when she returned his love, despite his physical 'deformity'.
 +
Very little is known about Seala, Dilaf's wife. Dilaf is unhinged by the time he reveals most of it, so what is known, is suspect. Dilaf was over 50 when they met, and no one was as surprised as he was when he fell in love. He was left even more surprised when she returned his love, despite his physical 'deformity' of looking like an Arelene.
   
−
Unfortunately, Dilaf's happiness was not to last. His wife became sick with a debilitating and terminal disease. The power that Dilaf had trusted for so long, the power of a monk of Dakhor, had no ability to heal. In desperation, Dilaf turned to his enemies, the Elantrians, in a reckless bid to save the life of the woman he loved. Unfortunately, through an innocent mistake, the glyph that should have healed her instead performed a partial transformation, not unlike the [[Reod]], leaving her in pain and unable to die. Dilaf, however, believed that this tragic accident was a malicious attack, and began nursing a hatred that would ultimately drive him insane. He retreated to the outlying city of [[Rain]], and began his infiltration in earnest, taking the role of an Arelene who had converted to Shu Dereth.
 +
Seala became sick, but Dakhor cannot heal. In desperation, Dilaf turned to the Elantrians to heal Seala. Unfortunately, the glyph that should have healed her instead performed a partial transformation, not unlike the [[Reod]], leaving her in pain and unable to die. Dilaf, however, believed that this tragic accident was a malicious attack, and began nursing a hatred that would ultimately drive him insane.{{book ref|elantris|60}} He retreated to the outlying city of [[Naen]], and began his infiltration in earnest, taking the role of an Arelene who had converted to Shu Dereth.{{book ref|elantris|3}}
   
 
=== Invasion of Kae ===
  
=== Invasion of Kae ===
−
Wyrn had two agents operating in Kae in preparation for [[Fjorden]]'s invasion of Arelon. Hrathen he sent three months prior to the invasion with orders to warn Arelon of their impending doom, an instruction Hrathen misunderstood as a commission to convert the nation. Dilaf on the other hand, worked secretly for years towards Wyrn's true goal: The genocide of all Arelenes, and eventually all people of [[Aonic|Aonic descent]]. This was a goal Dilaf strongly supported, as the extinction of the Aonic bloodline would bring with it the end of the Elantrians.
 +
Dilaf worked secretly for years towards Wyrn's true goal: The genocide of all Arelenes, and eventually all people of [[Aonic]] descent. This was a goal Dilaf strongly supported, as the extinction of the Aonic bloodline would bring with it the end of the Elantrians.{{book ref|elantris|59}} When he heard of the construction of a Derethi chapel in Kae, he traveled there with his converts from Naen; upon his arrival, the arteth Fjon was impressed with his diligence and purported to appoint him an arteth, though arteths lack the authority to name other arteths.
  +
  +
Shortly before the culmination of this plan, Wyrn sent a gyorn named [[Hrathen]] as a decoy to distract anyone who might oppose Dilaf.{{book ref|elantris|58}} Dilaf introduced himself to Hrathen in his role as a teacher and impressed him with his religious zeal and knowledge of Shu-Dereth. Hrathen then properly appointed Dilaf to the rank of arteth and swore him as his [[odiv]], though as Dilaf was secretly a gragdet, those promotions were actually without force.{{book ref|elantris|3}} Despite their bond, Dilaf and Hrathen's relationship quickly became hostile as Hrathen grew increasingly concerned about Dilaf's hatred of Elantris. In the following two months, the two plotted against each other. While Hrathen tried to convert Arelon, Dilaf prepared his invasion. When the last of Hrathen's plans failed and [[Raoden]] was crowned king, Dilaf began the invasion, revealing himself as the gragdet of Dakhor Monastery. His warrior-monks began the invasion by revealing they'd been smuggled into the country. When Hrathen realized Dilaf's superior rank, he acquiesced to Dilaf's control.{{book ref|elantris|58}}
   
  ⚫
Dilaf captured Raoden, used him as bait to capture [[Sarene]], then stabbed Raoden and took Hrathen and Sarene along with several of the Dakhor monks to Teod via human-sacrifice-fueled teleportation. The remaining Derethi warriors in Arelon rounded up all surviving Elantrians and Arelenes into Elantris to kill them. In [[Teod]], Dilaf prepared to kill Sarene in front of her unsuspecting father, King [[Eventeo]], when Hrathen, his basic beliefs overpowering his strict training, leapt to defend her and attacked Dilaf. Hrathen broke Dilaf's nose, and Hrathen and Sarene fled. Dilaf ordered the Dakhor monks to search for Hrathen and Sarene. The two got separated, and Sarene was cornered by monks on Teod's docks.{{book ref|elantris|62}}
−
Shortly after Hrathen's arrival in Kae he swore Dilaf, who was masquerading as an Arelene arteth, as his odiv. Dilaf kept up the barest pretense of serving Hrathen, never speaking against him but frequently undermining him and prioritizing Dilaf's own goals over the tasks set to him by Hrathen. When the last of Hrathen's plans fell to shambles and an Elantrian [[Raoden]] was crowned king, Dilaf stalked to the docks to begin the invasion. Hrathen followed him there and Dilaf revealed himself as the gragdet of Dakhor Monastery, and the twisted warrior-monks of Dakhor poured into Kae to begin the slaughter. When Hrathen realized Dilaf's superior rank, he acquiesced to Dilaf's control.
  
   
  ⚫
Raoden, followed by a host of newly-healed Elantrians, appeared on the docks using AonDor-powered teleportation, and the Elantrians engaged the monks as Raoden and Sarene ducked down an alley. Dilaf followed them and tried to kill them when Hrathen re-appeared. He revealed Dakhor-powered strength, and killed Dilaf before succumbing to his own wounds.{{book ref|elantris|62}}
⚫
Dilaf captured Raoden, used him as bait to capture [[Sarene]], then stabbed him, and took Hrathen and Sarene along with several of the Dakhor monks to Teod via human-sacrifice-fueled teleportation. The remaining Derethi warriors in Arelon rounded up all surviving Elantrians and Arelenes into Elantris to kill them. In [[Teod]], Dilaf prepared to kill Sarene in front of her unsuspecting father, [[Eventeo|King Eventeo]], when Hrathen, his basic beliefs overpowering his strict training, leapt to defend her and attacked Dilaf. Hrathen broke Dilaf's nose, and Hrathen and Sarene fled. Dilaf ordered the Dakhor monks to search for Hrathen and Sarene. Hrathen was stabbed by a Rathbore assassin that had been sent by Wyrn, and Sarene was cornered by monks on Teod's docks.
 
   
  +
The Elantrians repelled the invasion, both in Teod and Arelon.
⚫
Raoden, followed by a host of newly-healed Elantrians, appeared on the docks using AonDor-powered teleportation, and the Elantrians engaged the monks as Raoden and Sarene ducked down an alley. Dilaf followed them and prepared gleefully to kill them when an adrenaline-fueled, dying Hrathen appeared and revealed his Dakhor heritage as he overpowered and killed Dilaf.
  
   
  +
== Trivia ==
−
With Dilaf dead, the battle soon turned in the Elantrians' favor and Raoden and Sarene returned to Arelon to rule from the restored Elantris.
  
  +
* In the original edition of ''[[Elantris (book)|Elantris]]'' a speech by Dilaf was incorrectly attributed to a Dakhor monk named Mal.{{book ref|Elantris|58}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
  +
<references /><!-- chapters: Elantris 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 32, 36, 42, 51, 56-63 -->
−
<references />
  
 
{{partial}}
  
{{partial}}
 
{{Elantris}}
  
{{Elantris}}
 
[[category: viewpoint characters]]
  
[[category: viewpoint characters]]
−
[[category: notable articles]]
  

Revision as of 15:29, 11 December 2022

Dilaf
Dilaf Shuravf.jpg
by Shuravf
Family
Spouse Seala
Died Killed by Hrathen[1]
Abilities Dakhor
Profession Derethi Gragdet
Nationality Fjordell
Homeworld Sel
Universe Cosmere

Dilaf is the gragdet of the Dakhor monastery leading up to the invasion of Arelon.

Some time during his life as a Dakhor monk, he was assigned to act as a spy in Arelon, and had his physical characteristics altered to appear like a young Arelene.[2] Some time after this transformation, he met and fell in love with a woman from Arelon. When she died in spite of Elantrian aid, his hatred of Elantris congealed into something that drove him to the point of madness. After leading the assaults on both Kae and Teod, he was killed by Hrathen, who could not tolerate his genocidal tendencies.

Appearance and Personality

Dilaf, once a tall Derethi man,[2] now bears the appearance of a short Arelene[3] with blond hair,[4] looking no older than twenty-five,[5] though his real age is nearly seventy.[2] His eyes often burn with passion and he rarely cares to conceal his emotions, ranging from religious fervor to deep hatred. He is incapable of getting along with people.[6] He usually wears the red robes of a Derethi priest.[7]

Much like other Dakhor monks, Dilaf's body has been twisted by the magic of their order. His arms are akin to knotted tree branches, skin pulled tight over strange ridges and symbols formed of bone.[8] Bulging intricate patterns of lines and curves twist like veins beneath the skin.[9][1]

He wields a "wicked-looking sword" during the Battle of Teoras.

Attributes and Abilities

Dilaf is a charismatic speaker, able to sway large crowds his way. His zealotry is very effective at converting others to his perspective on Shu-Dereth and hatred of the Elantrians.[3]

As a Dakhor monk, Dilaf's bones are twisted into shapes that grant him access to the power of the Dor.[9] Dakhor grants him extreme speed, strength[9] and nearly indestructible bones.[1] Due to the fact that Dakhor is tied to Fjordell, Dilaf's powers decreased the further he was away from Fjorden, although its weakness due to distance is not to as extreme a degree as other Selish arcana like AonDor are weakened.[10][11] As the gragdet of Dakhor, Dilaf has access to some powers that other lesser Dakhor monks lack.[1] His appearance and aging process were altered to make him look younger and Aonic.[2] He has the ability to cancel Aons[4] and is immune to direct attacks with the Dor.[1] It required the sacrifice of fifty lives to grant Dilaf this ability.

Dilaf is very capable with the sword and wielded it very effectively in combination with the enhanced speed of his Dakhor powers.[1]

History

Early Life

Very little is known about Dilaf's early life. He had an early ardor for Shu Dereth, as evidenced by his early acceptance into Dakhor monastery. By the time he was ten, Dilaf had entered the monastery. Rather than pursue the priesthood, Dilaf elected to continue in the monastery, becoming one of the dedicated Dakhor monks.

By the time he reached middle age, Dilaf had risen to the rank of gragdet, the head of the monastery. Dilaf's intensity was only amplified by his elevation, and he began putting plans in place for the destruction of Elantris. An essential part of his plans involved his insertion in a long running undercover operation. It was also during this period that Dilaf gained the bone structure that allowed him to cancel out the Elantrian use of AonDor, a transformation that cost the lives of many Dakhor monks.

Just before his insertion was to take place, Dilaf began training a young Hrathen. Three months after Hrathen entered the monastery, Dilaf required one of the monks under his command to sacrifice himself to transport Dilaf to Wulfden the Fourth's chambers, a distance easily walked. Although Dilaf did not assign particular importance to this event, it would lay the groundwork of his eventual death.

Infiltration of Arelon

Shortly after Hrathen left Dakhor monastery, Dilaf underwent a painful physical change to appear to be of Arelene descent. It appears that this transformation also changed the aging process, as the rest of his life (he would live to be nearly 70 years old), Dilaf appeared physically quite young. Immediately after arriving in Arelon, Dilaf set about integrating himself into Arelene culture. At first, it seemed that everything was going according to his plans. Then, unexpectedly, Dilaf fell in love.

Very little is known about Seala, Dilaf's wife. Dilaf is unhinged by the time he reveals most of it, so what is known, is suspect. Dilaf was over 50 when they met, and no one was as surprised as he was when he fell in love. He was left even more surprised when she returned his love, despite his physical 'deformity' of looking like an Arelene.

Seala became sick, but Dakhor cannot heal. In desperation, Dilaf turned to the Elantrians to heal Seala. Unfortunately, the glyph that should have healed her instead performed a partial transformation, not unlike the Reod, leaving her in pain and unable to die. Dilaf, however, believed that this tragic accident was a malicious attack, and began nursing a hatred that would ultimately drive him insane.[2] He retreated to the outlying city of Naen, and began his infiltration in earnest, taking the role of an Arelene who had converted to Shu Dereth.[12]

Invasion of Kae

Dilaf worked secretly for years towards Wyrn's true goal: The genocide of all Arelenes, and eventually all people of Aonic descent. This was a goal Dilaf strongly supported, as the extinction of the Aonic bloodline would bring with it the end of the Elantrians.[13] When he heard of the construction of a Derethi chapel in Kae, he traveled there with his converts from Naen; upon his arrival, the arteth Fjon was impressed with his diligence and purported to appoint him an arteth, though arteths lack the authority to name other arteths.

Shortly before the culmination of this plan, Wyrn sent a gyorn named Hrathen as a decoy to distract anyone who might oppose Dilaf.[9] Dilaf introduced himself to Hrathen in his role as a teacher and impressed him with his religious zeal and knowledge of Shu-Dereth. Hrathen then properly appointed Dilaf to the rank of arteth and swore him as his odiv, though as Dilaf was secretly a gragdet, those promotions were actually without force.[12] Despite their bond, Dilaf and Hrathen's relationship quickly became hostile as Hrathen grew increasingly concerned about Dilaf's hatred of Elantris. In the following two months, the two plotted against each other. While Hrathen tried to convert Arelon, Dilaf prepared his invasion. When the last of Hrathen's plans failed and Raoden was crowned king, Dilaf began the invasion, revealing himself as the gragdet of Dakhor Monastery. His warrior-monks began the invasion by revealing they'd been smuggled into the country. When Hrathen realized Dilaf's superior rank, he acquiesced to Dilaf's control.[9]

Dilaf captured Raoden, used him as bait to capture Sarene, then stabbed Raoden and took Hrathen and Sarene along with several of the Dakhor monks to Teod via human-sacrifice-fueled teleportation. The remaining Derethi warriors in Arelon rounded up all surviving Elantrians and Arelenes into Elantris to kill them. In Teod, Dilaf prepared to kill Sarene in front of her unsuspecting father, King Eventeo, when Hrathen, his basic beliefs overpowering his strict training, leapt to defend her and attacked Dilaf. Hrathen broke Dilaf's nose, and Hrathen and Sarene fled. Dilaf ordered the Dakhor monks to search for Hrathen and Sarene. The two got separated, and Sarene was cornered by monks on Teod's docks.[1]

Raoden, followed by a host of newly-healed Elantrians, appeared on the docks using AonDor-powered teleportation, and the Elantrians engaged the monks as Raoden and Sarene ducked down an alley. Dilaf followed them and tried to kill them when Hrathen re-appeared. He revealed Dakhor-powered strength, and killed Dilaf before succumbing to his own wounds.[1]

The Elantrians repelled the invasion, both in Teod and Arelon.

Trivia

  • In the original edition of Elantris a speech by Dilaf was incorrectly attributed to a Dakhor monk named Mal.[9]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h Elantris chapter 62#
  2. ↑ a b c d e Elantris chapter 60#
  3. ↑ a b Elantris chapter 12#
  4. ↑ a b Elantris chapter 56#
  5. ↑ Elantris chapter 24#
  6. ↑ YouTube Livestream 7
    — Arcanum - 2020-05-07#
  7. ↑ Elantris chapter 38#
  8. ↑ Elantris chapter 57#
  9. ↑ a b c d e f Elantris chapter 58#
  10. ↑ Salt Lake City ComicCon 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-09-23#
  11. ↑ Shadows of Self Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-12#
  12. ↑ a b Elantris chapter 3#
  13. ↑ Elantris chapter 59#
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