Tarman is a river barge liveship owned by Leftrin. He plays a pivotal role in the expedition to rediscover Kelsingra. Tarman was the first liveship ever constructed and, unlike later liveships, lacks a figurehead. He does, however, have very expressive, painted-on eyes. Tarman quickened like other liveships after generations of being owned by Leftrin's family. Tarman communicates using a mild telepathy and guiding the dreams of those sleeping onboard. Like other liveships, the telepathy is strengthened by touching his wizardwood. Tarman's crew includes Captain Leftrin, mate Hennesey, tillerman Swarge, his wife and poleman Bellin, poleman Big Eider, Leftrin's niece Skelly as deckhand, as well as the ship's cat Grigsby.
Dragon Keeper[]
Tarman was modified by Leftrin using additional wizardwood from a dragon cocoon lost in a flood, the developing dragon inside having already died. Hidden below the water, he gains four legs ending in webbed feet and a tail, all at his request. He then was able to navigate the Rain Wild River both in deep water and the shallows on his own, with the crew only providing nominal support.
Dragon Haven[]
As the expedition continues on to find Kelsingra, they come to a spot in the river where a large tributary forks off to the East. As it is clear that the the West tributary is stronger, wider, and the source of an earlier flood, the dragons continue up that way. However, Tarman grounds himself on the eddy between the tributaries on purpose, and refuses to be budged, forcing the dragons to return when they realize their keepers are not following. He then leeds them down the narrower, more winding river to the East.
Assassin's Fate[]
Tarman ferries FitzChivalry Farseer, Amber, Lant, Spark, and Perseverance from Kelsingra to Trehaug. Tarman is suspicious of Fitz upon meeting him, as he senses that Fitz has been "marked" by another dragon. Tarman requests to communicate with Fitz, which marks the first time the ship deigned to speak to a stranger. Tarman agrees to carry Fitz, but insists that by doing so he is not interfering with the will of another dragon.