Race: Goblin
Sex: Male
Faction: Bilgewater Cartel
Overall Rating: 6.4
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix – a controversial figure, an opportunistic goblin, and the one-time leader of the Bilgewater Cartel, is a character in the Warcraft universe that cannot be ignored. His larger-than-life persona, scheming business tactics, and his uncanny ability to survive in a world torn apart by war provide ample material for an intriguing character study.
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| Trade Prince Gallywix (Unposed), Tim Moreels, Pinterest |
The journey of Gallywix has been long and winding, and throughout this introduction, we will explore his role in the World of Warcraft universe. Be warned: spoilers ahead!
Introduced in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Gallywix was the leader of the Bilgewater Cartel, one of the most powerful goblin trade organizations. His first noteworthy act was not one of benevolence, but rather a shrewd business move. Upon learning about the impending destruction of Kezan, the goblin homeland, due to volcanic eruption, Gallywix sold tickets for a ship ride to safety. However, instead of providing sanctuary, Gallywix planned to enslave his 'passengers' and sell them for a profit, revealing his ruthlessness and avarice early on.
Gallywix's selfish plan was thwarted by the Horde, a political and military faction comprising various races, including orcs, trolls, and others. The stranded goblins joined the Horde and, despite his actions, Gallywix was permitted to retain leadership of the Bilgewater Cartel within the faction. His cunning and adaptability were evident in the way he deftly navigated this predicament, ensuring his survival and maintaining his status. His quote, "Always got a trick or two up my sleeve, no worries!" perfectly encapsulates his ability to evade the consequences of his actions.
Gallywix played a crucial role in the Siege of Orgrimmar, the culmination of the Mists of Pandaria expansion. Despite his personal disinterest in warfare, he sponsored the construction of massive war machines to assist the Horde rebellion against the tyrant, Garrosh Hellscream. His contribution was purely based on business interests – a peaceful Horde would mean a profitable Horde. His actions at this juncture established him as a neutral character primarily driven by his profit-oriented mindset rather than any ideological or moral alignment.
During the events of Battle for Azeroth, Gallywix was implicated in a disastrous war, spearheaded by Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner, against the Alliance. Though he served as a part of Sylvanas' war council, Gallywix was more interested in amassing Azerite, a powerful substance, to further his personal interests and wealth. His in-game quote, "Azerite...I can practically taste the stuff... it tastes like money," reveals his avarice and opportunism even amidst a world-altering crisis.
The climax of Gallywix's character arc took place in the Shadows Rising novel set after Battle for Azeroth, when he was ousted from his position as leader of the Bilgewater Cartel due to a failed attempt to assassinate Thrall, a revered Horde leader. In the end, Gallywix's manipulative and selfish tactics proved to be his downfall.
In summary, Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix is a character defined by his cunning, opportunism, and avarice. His journey through the Warcraft universe, from the leader of the Bilgewater Cartel to a disgraced outcast, is a testament to the character's depth and complexity. Despite his questionable ethics and constant pursuit of profit, his contribution to the Horde and the larger narrative cannot be discounted. As we delve deeper into the character study of Gallywix, remember this: in the volatile world of Warcraft, even a goblin like Gallywix can leave an indelible mark.
Gallywix's Raw Power
Gallywix is not the typical manifestation of "Raw Power" in the sense of being a physically imposing character or a wielder of potent magic. Unlike many figures within the Warcraft universe, he doesn't have the capacity to summon mighty spells, and his physical prowess is average at best. However, his power lies not in muscles or magic, but in manipulation, cunning, and influence.
A quote from Gallywix himself perfectly encapsulates his source of power: "Money, power, looks that could kill... or maim... they're overrated! You know what's not overrated? A nice big pile of gold." His 'strength' arises from his ability to leverage his wealth and his leadership position within the Bilgewater Cartel to achieve his goals.
One example of this comes during the Siege of Orgrimmar, where Gallywix's contribution isn't magical or military might, but the construction of war machines to aid the Horde's cause. His understanding of technology and engineering, combined with his wealth, allowed him to make a significant contribution to a battle in a non-traditional way, underscoring his unique approach to power.
Another example is his exploitation of Azerite during the Battle for Azeroth. While other leaders were focused on the war, Gallywix recognized the profit potential of the powerful substance and capitalized on it. His keen business acumen and opportunistic nature allowed him to turn a world-altering crisis into a personal gain, revealing a different kind of power: the power of foresight and adaptation.
That said, when considering all fantasy characters across all universes, Gallywix's brand of power may not stand toe-to-toe with potent wizards, fearsome dragons, or godlike beings. His abilities are less raw force and more subtle manipulation and influence. As such, on a scale of 1-10, Gallywix's raw power could be rated a 3. Not because he's weak, but because his true strength doesn't lie in brute force or powerful magic, but in cunning, wit, and a relentless pursuit of wealth and influence.
Gallywix's Tactical Ability
Gallywix's Tactical Ability is where he really shines. He is a born schemer, a calculating and shrewd operator who is always several steps ahead of everyone else. A businessman at heart, Gallywix is no stranger to making tactical decisions that lead to personal gain and the advancement of the Bilgewater Cartel.
One particular instance that highlights Gallywix's tactical skill is the entire plotline involving Azerite in the Battle for Azeroth expansion. The emergence of Azerite, a potent and powerful substance, leads to heightened tensions and warfare in Azeroth. Rather than getting embroiled in the battle, Gallywix sees an opportunity and moves to monopolize the Azerite trade. His decision to exploit Azerite for personal gain amidst the chaos reflects his tactical cunning, foreseeing the potential profit from a resource others are overlooking in the heat of conflict.
His ability to think ahead and understand the political and economic dynamics of a situation also becomes evident during the Siege of Orgrimmar. Gallywix uses his resources to manufacture war machines for the Horde, choosing to contribute in a way that would solidify his position within the Horde and ensure his continued influence post-conflict.
However, his tactics often border on ruthlessness. The very reason Gallywix became the Trade Prince was due to his manipulative tactics. As the goblins were escaping from the erupting volcano on Kezan, Gallywix sold tickets aboard his ship, only to attempt to enslave the refugees once they were at sea.
In the grand scheme of fantasy universes, Gallywix's tactical abilities are quite noteworthy, even though they're often driven by personal gain rather than a greater cause. Given his manipulative cunning and keen business acumen, I would rate Gallywix's tactical ability a solid 8 on a scale of 1-10 when compared to all fantasy characters across universes. His abilities may not be combat-centric, but his shrewd strategies and tactical foresight are truly formidable.
Gallywix's Influence
In terms of influence, Gallywix exercises substantial sway, most notably among the goblins of the Bilgewater Cartel and, by extension, within the Horde itself. His power is rooted in wealth and manipulation rather than charisma or personal magnetism. It's clear that Gallywix's primary method of influence is through his gold and the power it affords him.
For instance, he is known for his Machiavellian tactics to keep his title of Trade Prince. Even when his leadership is challenged, Gallywix pulls strings, manipulates the circumstances, and ensures he remains on top. He understands the language of power and uses it to his advantage, regardless of the consequences for others.
Moreover, his influence extends beyond his own faction. During the Fourth War, Sylvanas Windrunner, the Warchief of the Horde, relied on his business acumen and understanding of Azerite to aid the Horde's war efforts. This shows his significant influence in the political sphere of the Horde.
Despite his scheming, Gallywix's form of influence is not often seen positively. He is more often despised than respected, with his authority tolerated for the benefits it brings rather than appreciated. His selfishness and greed do not engender loyalty, leaving his leadership often challenged. This is most evident when he is eventually replaced as Trade Prince by Gazlowe.
Given his distinct approach to leadership and persuasion, Gallywix's influence in the world of Azeroth is noteworthy. However, when compared to characters across all fantasy universes who might utilize charisma, personal power, or inspiring ideals, Gallywix's influence seems to be a bit limited. Therefore, I would give him a 6.5 out of 10 in terms of influence. His strategies are effective within his sphere, but his methods may lack the more universal appeal seen in some other characters.
Gallywix's Resilience
Gallywix's resilience, as seen through his ability to bounce back from setbacks and defeats, is certainly noteworthy. He's been overthrown, rejected, and even attempted assassinated numerous times, yet he's always managed to claw his way back to power with shrewd business acumen and an absolute refusal to stay down.
Notably, Gallywix's resilient nature was in full display during the Cataclysm expansion. Despite being ousted by the very goblins he led to their near-destruction, he managed to secure his place at the helm of the Bilgewater Cartel by offering his services to the Horde. He adeptly navigated the political landscape of the Horde and, despite his often-questionable loyalty, managed to remain a prominent figure within the faction.
Even when he was replaced as the Trade Prince by Gazlowe, Gallywix did not retreat into obscurity. Instead, he leveraged his substantial wealth to construct a massive, gilded palace for himself, where he continued to live a life of luxury. He took his removal from power as an opportunity to indulge his hedonistic tendencies without the burden of leadership.
However, it is important to note that Gallywix's resilience is often fueled by his selfish desires and lack of consideration for others. His ability to bounce back is, in part, due to his willingness to use others as stepping stones on his path to power.
Given these factors, when it comes to resilience, Gallywix could be rated an 8 out of 10 when compared to all fantasy characters across universes. His stubborn refusal to stay defeated, combined with his clever manipulations and quick-thinking strategies, ensures that Gallywix is a character who can persist despite seemingly insurmountable odds. However, the moral questions surrounding his methods make his form of resilience less admirable than others who embody this trait.
Gallywix's Versatility
Trade Prince Gallywix’s versatility could be described as somewhat of an uncanny ability to adapt and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances. He navigates from the life of a shrewd businessman to an unexpected leader, and from a fugitive to a prominent figure within the Horde.
One might remember his exploits in the aftermath of the Cataclysm, where Gallywix found himself shipwrecked and captured by his own people, the Bilgewater goblins, after a botched escape attempt from the volcanic eruption on Kezan. Despite these tumultuous events, he quickly adapted and rallied his people to join the Horde, establishing himself as the leader once more.
This shift was not only a testament to his quick-thinking but also to his wide range of abilities. From his leadership skills to his business acumen, and even his underhanded tactics, Gallywix proved that he could quickly adapt and leverage his many skills to overcome the challenges that faced him.
Yet, his adaptability does not always come in the form of physical feats or martial prowess. Gallywix is not a warrior or a spellcaster, like many fantasy characters. His strength lies in his ability to adapt, negotiate, and manipulate. His knack for seizing opportunity and using his cunning intellect to navigate complex situations makes him incredibly versatile in his own right.
However, given his lack of magical or physical prowess, he may not compare to those characters who possess a broad spectrum of abilities in those areas. When measured against all fantasy characters across various universes, Gallywix might earn a 6.5 out of 10 for versatility. His adaptability, cunning, and wide-ranging skills as a leader and businessman lend him a certain level of versatility, but his lack of physical or magical prowess and sometimes single-minded focus on profit limit his ranking.
Gallywix's Alignment
Trade Prince Gallywix, a character as intriguing as he is controversial, has been a significant player within the universe of Warcraft. With his unique brand of cunning and ruthless business acumen, he sits comfortably within the Neutral Evil alignment. As an individual, Gallywix always pursues his own interests, caring little for rules or the wellbeing of others unless they directly benefit him.
A Neutral Evil character is typically guided by their own needs and wants, not hesitating to harm others to fulfill their own desires. Gallywix perfectly encapsulates this notion. For instance, during the catastrophic events of the Cataclysm, when the Bilgewater goblins' homeland of Kezan was on the brink of destruction, Gallywix showed little regard for his own people's safety. "Tickets to this lifeboat aren't cheap," he declared, leaving the less fortunate behind to face the cataclysmic eruption (Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince).
He has also been known to leverage situations for his own gain, irrespective of the cost to others. His own rise to power is indicative of this, where he orchestrated the rise in prices of Kaja'mite, a resource crucial to the goblins' intelligence, leading to his ultimate control over the Cartel.
However, Neutral Evil doesn't equate to a lack of organization or disregard for all societal structures, rather they can make use of such structures for their benefit, a trait Gallywix often exhibits. As the leader of the Bilgewater Cartel, he establishes a strict hierarchical order, ensuring his power and control remain unchallenged.
Gallywix's ruthless self-interest, paired with his cunning mind and willingness to exploit both people and situations, firmly places him within the Neutral Evil alignment. He is a character who's neither bound by the law nor chaotic in nature, but rather focused on fulfilling his own desires, even when it's at the expense of others. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Gallywix's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #88 (of 107) |
Overall Conclusion on Gallywix and Position Across Plane of Existence
Trade Prince Gallywix, the cunning leader of the Bilgewater Cartel in the Warcraft universe, showcases a significant blend of business acumen, ruthless self-interest, and versatility in power dynamics, earning him a ranking of 6.4 out of 10 among all fantasy characters. Despite his lack of physical prowess or magical abilities, his power stems from his political influence, strategic mind, and ruthless economic domination, all of which transcend typical measures of power.
In comparison, Petyr Baelish of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, a character known for his manipulation and strategic brilliance, holds a 5.6 ranking. The disparity arises when considering the scale of influence and the magnitude of consequences of their actions. Gallywix, as the leader of a major faction within a universe filled with potent magic and superhuman beings, holds considerable sway and is able to leverage his power in ways that influence the overall trajectory of his world.
In the Warcraft book, "Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince", Gallywix demonstrates his capability for strategic manipulation when he says, "The key to being a successful Trade Prince isn't about trading goods, it's about trading up." This philosophy has enabled Gallywix to climb to the top, often trading up at the expense of others, and further solidifying his position of power within his plane of existence.
Moreover, Gallywix's ruthlessness tends to be more extreme than Baelish's, evident in the harsh treatment of his own people. When their homeland was threatened, he sold seats on his ship, leaving those who couldn't pay to their doom. In contrast, Baelish's manipulations, while significant, operate within a more limited scope, influencing individuals and occasionally altering the political landscape, but less so the survival and fate of entire populations.
Lastly, unlike Baelish who largely operates from the shadows, Gallywix's power is more overt. He sits on the Horde's council, has a city named after him, and even when dethroned as leader, he remains influential. His power, therefore, is more tangible and publicly acknowledged, contributing to his higher ranking.
In conclusion, Trade Prince Gallywix's 6.4 ranking reflects his significant influence and strategic acumen within the Warcraft universe. His capacity to maneuver complex power dynamics, unyielding pursuit of personal interests, and his impact on the world around him collectively elevate him above the average fantasy character, marking him as an influential and enduring figure within his realm of existence. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
