KKC Theory Wiki

Chronicler's Confusing University Timeline Is Deliberately Hidden

plausible timeline · popularity 57 · 1 source thread

Chronicler's muddled University chronology is intentional, concealing a secret reason he enrolled late in life.

About: Chronicler

Also involves: The University, The Archives, The Lackless Box, Kvothe, Elodin, Abenthy, Mating Habits Draccus

The theory§

Devan Lochees, the scribe known as Chronicler, is already a wealthy man of noble Loeclos descent and the celebrated author of The Mating Habits of the Common Draccus before Kvothe ever sets foot in the University. Yet the same man is also placed at the University as a student after Kvothe's departure, a doubling that produces a deliberately tangled chronology. The theory holds that this murkiness is intentional rather than a continuity slip: a single character is made to fill two roles in a confusing order precisely because his late enrollment conceals a hidden cause. One reading is that Chronicler, like Elodin who first found the name of fire mid-argument, accidentally named iron in a moment of high emotion and sought the University to understand his new power. A plainer motive is access to the Archives, the same draw that pulls every scholar. Whatever the cause, the search that began there has led him to the Waystone Inn to find Kvothe.

Evidence§

  • Chronicler's timeline is confusing. I think we can all agree on that. … This isn't to suggest his timeline is contradictory because it isn't. … However, if one were to argue that it's needlessly confusing, I think that's a fair point. I also think there's a reason for it.
    OP frames the timeline as not contradictory but needlessly confusing, with a deliberate reason. — u/Kit-Carson
  • He's renowned for his research into the legendary Draccus, which culminated in his published work, _The Mating Habits of the Common Draccus._ This all occurred before Kvothe attended the University. … Later in his career, Chronicler enrolls at the University to further his education. The context suggests this was shortly after Kvothe permanently leaves.
    Core doubling: established author before Kvothe, yet enrolls as student after he leaves. — u/Kit-Carson
  • I simply don't buy the explanation that for Chronicler, an educated man, returning to school is intended to be an interesting character trait and leave it at that. … there are a dozen better and less confusing ways to write Chronicler if your goal is to show a character who has a diverse and lifelong education.
    OP argues plain explanations fail; the odd choice must serve a hidden purpose. — u/Kit-Carson
  • What information could the story of KKC require that only a student during that specific time frame would have access to? … **The Archives.** One needs to be a student in the Arcanum to be admitted to Stacks in the Archives. … **Elodin.** … Chronicler was a student of Elodin's and I think it's possible Chronicler observed something significant involving Elodin that occurred after Kvothe left.
    OP's two proposed hidden causes for the late enrollment: Archives access or witnessing Elodin. — u/Kit-Carson
  • It is not inconcievable to imagine that before that he accidentally named iron being engaged in something emotional (recall how Elodin first came by name of fire during argument with Dal, how Kvothe called the wind in the end of Notw). If this would have happened, it would be only natural for him to get to the University to learn about his new-found powers.
    Comment refines a motive: accidental naming of iron in emotion drove him to enroll. — u/BioLogIn
  • the confusion is a feature, not a bug. That we are meant to ask questions about Chronicler. Possibly because he isnt who he says he is; possibly because his past itself is key information (he probably is a Lackless descendant) … the decision to make Chronicler's past not immediately add up feels intentional to me.
    Comment sharpens the core claim that the muddle is deliberate, hinting at a hidden identity. — u/Pengusagustus
  • When he is introduced to the inn's locals he assumes a different name. 'What's your name, boy?' Asked Old Cob. 'Devan,' he said, then looked stricken and cleared his throat. 'Excuse me, Carverson. Devan Carverson.' Why do you think he did that?
    Comment adds evidence Chronicler conceals his identity, supporting a hidden secret. — u/MattyTangle
  • I agree that with the information at hand, the timeline you've written is the only timeline that makes sense. But there's not enough time. According to chronicler, it's been 'not even two years'. … It's just too tight.
    CounterCounter: the post-Kvothe student timeline leaves too little time to be plausible. — u/nIBLIB
  • I've never understood the confusion about the timeline. … I always just assumed Chronicler enrolled in the University because he was researching stories about Kvothe and also continuing his education. There is no real evidence for it, but that perception has always stuck with me since the first read.
    CounterCounter: a mundane motive (research plus continuing education) needs no hidden secret. — u/the_spurring_platty

Book refs: NOTW ch 6, NOTW ch 38, WMF

Tier reasoning§

distinct theory; plausible fits the canon lineage facts plus speculative motive

Contributors§

Source threads§