So let’s talk about my favorite character: Kragar from the Dragaera Series
So Kragar’s defining characteristic is that he has zero defining characteristics to the point where he’s essentially invisible. Why is this so great? Humor value, for one. I need only point to his frustration with being overlooked by waiters while saving Vlad’s ass to give it the credit it deserves (as well as everytime Vlad comments on trying to locate him in his office. Or that one time Vlad surprised Kragar by ‘thinking invisible thoughts’ and was so ridiculously proud when he was successful). But beyond the humor, it makes for an incredibly useful skill for a jhereg. Just not a dragon. Which makes for so much potential backstory angst.
The most important aspect of his character, at least to me, comes in his interactions with Vlad, even from the very beginning. Like, partnership struck up, immediately supports Vlad after Vlad takes over the territory. All of his banter, the clever plan making, the bonding that occurs largely unnoticed until it comes down to Vlad going against the organization, and that’s when Kragar’s loyalty (the stuff I’m always a slut for) kicks in. If I had to pick a moment when I 100% lost any chance to turn my back on Kragar, it was the moment in Pheonix when Vlad wants Kragar’s help breaking into the prisons:
“Find me detailed plans of the dungeons of the Imperial Palace.”
"They’re below the Iorich Wing.”
A break in the conversation stretching out to the horizon, infinite, timeless. “You can’t be thinking of—”
I opened my eyes, sat up, and looked at him. “What?”
I waited for him to continue. He said, "A few weeks ago you lost control and almost got yourself killed. If you lose control again you’re on your own.”
“But I’m not going to cut wood for your barge.”
Damn, son. Of note is that before this, Kragar always helped with Vlad’s plans, pretty much no questions asked, no matter how crazy they were (although poking holes and developing better plans was involved)
From that moment on, pretty much all the stakes get ramped up, which lets Kragar show off his loyal and awesome nature. Dzur really gets to show this off, with Kragar helping Vlad despite the very real chance that it could get him killed, giving Vlad a chance to show that the affection goes both ways:
“So what’s the plan, Vlad?”
I studied him for a little. He frowned. “Vlad, are you wondering if you can trust me?”
“I know I can trust you. I’m having real doubts about getting you killed.”
As far as I’m concerned, there just isn’t enough hurt/comfort fic involving these two out there. This needs fixed, asap. Give me all the loyalty and guilt when the other gets hurt. Give it to me. Anyway, back on topic…
Actually, no. Here’s another block quote of Vlad worrying about getting Kragar killed and Kragar being snarky
“Dammit, Kragar, don’t you get it? Don’t you have any idea just how big this is? If they know you’re helping me, they will kill you.”
“They will kill you, Kragar. I don’t know how they’ll find you, but they’ll manage, and they’ll kill you. I will not wander around with that on my conscience. If you can’t figure a way to find him without it being known that you’re looking, then don’t find him.”
“And you’ll do what, then?”
“I’ll think of something.”
“That isn’t an answer,” I said. “I want your agreement.”
“I don’t work for you anymore,” he said, smirking. “You can’t give me orders.”
Okay, back on topic. Kragar is also really good at his job, even before taking the boss job from Vlad. He gets his work done, finds stuff out that Vlad would have trouble with, and fast, and knows when to ignore Vlad’s orders. (See aforementioned attempted assassination scene). He’s there to protect his friends, and if that means risking himself and ignoring orders, then that’s what he’ll do. A very dragon trait, honestly. Which, well, that’s another rant.
Now, for the thing that fulfilled all my fantasies about Kragar. He’s Mario’s contact (or business agent, as he prefers). The most feared assassin in the books, and Kragar is his choice of contact. Because Aliera. Delightful. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that scene. And he has kept that from Vlad for their entire partnership, because, well, it didn’t come up. And he totally didn’t heavily imply he didn’t have a way to contact Mario. That’s right, Kragar is his own character with his own life, and should honestly have an entire book dedicated to him. Of course, part of what makes him so great IS how little we know about him, but still. I want more.
Okay, I think I’m done for now, leaving so much unsaid, and this is less of an analysis than a listing of a few of my favorite Kragar things, but oh well. He is my favorite Dragaera character and that’s that
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