Race: Human
Sex: Male
Faction: The Empire
Overall Rating: 7.5
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
The Limper is an integral character from Glen Cook’s renowned series, 'The Black Company' — a unique confluence of fantasy, warfare, and the exploration of human nature.
 |
| The Limper, One of the Ten Who Were Taken |
Bearing a visage that provokes both dread and intrigue, The Limper is one of the Ten Who Were Taken, elite sorcerers enslaved by the Dominator, the series' primary antagonist. Notoriously disfigured and hobbled, the Limper's moniker stems from his pronounced limp. A relentless pursuit of revenge and an unquenchable thirst for power define his character. "What you take from him he will reclaim. And more," Cook wrote, perfectly capturing the essence of The Limper's indomitable spirit.
One of the earliest encounters with The Limper occurs in the first novel, 'The Black Company,' where he's pitted against the Company, serving as the primary antagonist. The Limper's animosity for the mercenaries is fueled when they humiliate him, a slight he never forgives nor forgets. This dynamic carries over into the subsequent novels, setting a tone of adversarial tension. “The Limper is the enemy,” Croaker, the series' narrator, unequivocally declares, marking the unwavering conflict between them.
The second novel, 'Shadows Linger,' intensifies The Limper's storyline. As the Company gets entangled with the Dominator's resurrection attempts, The Limper emerges at the center of these ominous events. His relentless pursuit of power and revenge leads him to betray the Lady, the Dominator's wife and the reigning power, setting the stage for a colossal showdown.
In 'The White Rose,' the third book, Cook showcases The Limper's resilience, a pivotal aspect of his character. Thought to have perished earlier, The Limper resurfaces, more formidable and relentless than ever. He is quoted saying, “What does not kill me, makes me stronger. I am the living proof.” His physical deformities, though grotesque, become testament to his extraordinary ability to withstand and recover from immense suffering, providing a chilling glimpse into his macabre invincibility.
His character arc takes a dramatic turn in 'Soldiers Live,' the final book of the series. Cook draws a poignant image of a villain defeated but refusing to surrender. Even in his downfall, The Limper emanates an aura of intimidation and dogged determination. “You cannot kill me. I am not done,” he thunders, an assertion of his indomitable spirit, even in the face of imminent defeat.
Throughout the series, The Limper's complex personality unfurls, presenting a character that is as intriguing as he is repulsive. He is merciless yet resilient, repugnant yet captivating. Despite his persistent malevolence, the reader might find an unwilling admiration for his relentless pursuit of power and his ability to withstand countless defeats and rebirths. Cook writes, “We all have a soft spot for the unlovable. The Limper is not exempted,” subtly highlighting this paradox.
In Cook's dark, militaristic fantasy world, The Limper emerges as a character you cannot ignore. His presence, marked by a chilling aura of malevolence, leaves an indelible impact. Through his gritty resilience, ruthless pursuit of power, and the unending cycle of death and resurrection, The Limper embodies the quintessential villain, eliciting both revulsion and reluctant admiration.
In summary, The Limper's character stands as a testament to Cook's masterful storytelling and nuanced character building. A character so grotesquely deformed yet unyieldingly powerful, he injects a unique flavor of antipathy and intrigue into the narrative. In the vast expanse of fantasy literature, The Limper’s legacy as an unforgettable antagonist is undeniably etched, making 'The Black Company' series a compelling exploration of the boundaries of power, resilience, and the human spirit.
This character examination is just the beginning, a tip of the iceberg to understanding the fascinating enigma that is The Limper. As Cook himself would say, "There is always more to tell. Always." And indeed, as we delve deeper into the series, The Limper only grows more complex and fascinating.
The Limper's Raw Power
As one of the Ten Who Were Taken in Glen Cook's 'The Black Company' series, The Limper's raw power is undisputed, with a sorcery-fueled might that solidifies him as one of the most formidable adversaries of the Black Company. His raw power is a consistent, looming threat, manifesting in chilling displays of magical prowess and physical fortitude.
The Limper's sorcery is formidable, capable of decimating entire armies and reshaping landscapes with a flick of his wrist. His command over magic is described in bone-chilling details throughout the series. In 'Shadows Linger,' he brings down an entire castle, reducing it to rubble in an overwhelming display of raw power.
Physically, The Limper is more than meets the eye. Despite his pronounced limp and disfigured appearance, he possesses surprising physical resilience and strength. Throughout the series, he endures seemingly mortal wounds, only to reemerge stronger and more terrifying. His ability to regenerate and heal from injuries is a testament to his raw power. As he himself says, “What does not kill me, makes me stronger. I am the living proof.”
Rating The Limper on the raw power scale, considering his powerful sorcery and near-invulnerability, he garners an impressive 8.5 out of 10. While he might not possess the godlike powers of some fantasy universe characters, his combination of potent magic, physical resilience, and relentless determination makes him a formidable force.
In the face of other fantasy entities, The Limper’s power might not encompass world-shattering abilities, but his tenacity and cruel usage of the power he does have often amplifies its effect. "What you take from him he will reclaim. And more," a quote that speaks volumes about his character, underscoring his intimidating raw power in the face of adversity.
While he may not rank as the most powerful across all fantasy characters, The Limper's raw power is undeniably fearsome within his own universe and beyond, serving as a potent reminder of his role as a villain in 'The Black Company' series.
The Limper's Tactical Ability
The Limper's tactical abilities present a complex picture. While his raw power is unmistakable, his strategic abilities are marked by a certain unpredictable brutality rather than finely honed tactical acumen.
When it comes to warfare and direct confrontation, The Limper is undeniably effective, leveraging his magical prowess to devastating effect. He is willing to decimate entire landscapes and cause significant collateral damage to achieve his goals. This was evident in 'The White Rose' when he manipulated events to lure Darling into a trap, demonstrating a capacity for strategic thinking, albeit steeped in ruthlessness.
However, The Limper often relies more on brute force and intimidation than careful strategy. His tactical approach leans heavily on his raw power, using it as a blunt instrument rather than a surgical tool. His pursuit of vengeance against the Black Company in 'Shadows Linger' and 'The White Rose' is less a calculated campaign and more a single-minded, unrelenting pursuit driven by personal animus.
Furthermore, The Limper has shown a propensity for being outmaneuvered by more cunning opponents. His failures are often due to his inability to anticipate the strategies of his enemies, most notably in his repeated clashes with Croaker and the Black Company. As Croaker once observed, "The Limper's hate had driven him to stupidity."
In terms of a rating, The Limper's tactical ability would sit around a 6. While his brute force approach can achieve results, his lack of finesse and susceptibility to cleverer tactics mark him as a practitioner of blunt force rather than a master strategist. This is not to say he is completely devoid of strategic thought, but his reliance on power and personal vendetta often cloud his judgement, restricting his tactical prowess compared to other characters across various fantasy universes.
The Limper's Influence
The Limper's influence is a strange fusion of fear and power. His command is not born of charisma, diplomacy, or motivational leadership, but through dread and the undeniable might he wields as one of the Taken, the dreaded group of sorcerers serving The Lady.
In his domain, The Limper is seen as an embodiment of terror. His presence alone evokes a fearful obedience from those under him. One could say he rules by fear rather than respect, which, while effective, limits his ability to inspire loyalty. This reality is captured in 'The Black Company' when one of the men says, "The Limper is a scarecrow. Anybody would follow you against him."
The Limper's influence also extends to the strategic plans of The Lady and the Taken. His magical power gives him a significant say in how conflicts are waged. However, his influence among the Taken is strained due to his tempestuous relationships with his peers, hampering his ability to form alliances and consolidate power.
Interestingly, his vengeful pursuit of the Black Company and the prolonged survival against all odds is a testament to his influence in a way, as his sheer tenacity shapes the course of events and the actions of other characters.
Overall, when measured against all characters across fantasy universes, The Limper's influence would rate around a 6.5. While his reign of terror and raw power grant him a significant amount of control, his lack of true leadership and diplomatic skills, coupled with his limited ability to foster alliances, keep him from being among the most influential figures in the fantasy genre. His influence, as terrifying as it is, is highly localized and limited by his focus on personal vendettas.
The Limper's Resilience
The Limper's resilience is arguably one of his most noteworthy attributes, especially when considering his numerous comebacks from seemingly fatal scenarios. As a villain in Glen Cook's 'The Black Company' series, The Limper is notable for his capacity to endure, survive, and return from crippling defeats and severe injuries. This tenacity grants him an edge in a realm fraught with danger and powerful enemies, making him a persistent threat throughout the series.
A case that exemplifies The Limper's astonishing resilience is his return after being mutilated and left for dead by the Black Company in the first book. Despite the severity of his injuries, he not only survives but later resurfaces with his powers intact, as surprising as ever. "The jerk just won't stay dead," as one of the members of the Black Company ruefully notes.
On another occasion, The Limper's head is separated from his body, yet through a display of sheer willpower and the use of potent sorcery, he manages to survive. "You can't get rid of The Limper. Hack him apart, and he just pulls himself together and gets on with it," comments Croaker, underscoring The Limper's seemingly inhuman resilience.
However, his resilience is not only physical. He persists in his obsessive quest for revenge against the Black Company despite numerous setbacks, displaying psychological resilience that matches his physical endurance.
On a scale of 1-10 in comparison to all fantasy characters across all universes, The Limper's resilience would undoubtedly rank very high, at around 9.5. His ability to bounce back from situations that would spell the end for many characters is exceptional, underscoring his formidable nature. This resilience makes him an enduring antagonist, perpetually rising from the ashes of defeat to torment the Black Company again and again.
The Limper's Versatility
Examining The Limper's versatility is quite intriguing, for while his character does not exude the diversity of skills that some other fantasy characters possess, he excels in his ability to utilize his skills effectively in varying circumstances. His magic, along with his unyielding tenacity and stubborn will to survive, has seen him through a variety of situations, even when the odds are not in his favor.
The Limper's magic is his primary tool, and he employs it with deftness to serve his needs. Whether it's launching aggressive attacks or executing spectacular feats of recovery, his magic is his crutch. His power is not limited to direct combat; he has been known to use his magic in more nuanced ways, such as mind control and divination, displaying a certain versatility within his magical abilities. One could argue, "He never seemed to run out of new ways to inflict pain," as noted by Croaker, the series' chronicler.
However, it's important to recognize that The Limper is often driven by his obsession for revenge against the Black Company, which could limit the breadth of his adaptability. His tenacity, while admirable, at times leads to an almost tunnel-visioned approach.
Rating The Limper's versatility compared to all fantasy characters across all universes would yield a score around 7. His magic is potent and can be employed in diverse ways, but his overriding obsession and somewhat predictable pattern of retribution may limit the full range of his versatility. However, it's his resilience coupled with his magical abilities that allow him to tackle a wide array of challenges, showcasing his ability to adapt, survive, and endure against all odds.
The Limper's Alignment
From the perspective of lawfulness, The Limper could be classified as 'chaotic'. He is driven primarily by his own desires, particularly his obsession for revenge against those he perceives to have wronged him. He shows little respect for established authority and rules unless they serve his purposes. A vivid example is when he defies The Lady's orders and seeks his own course of action, showing little regard for hierarchical command. As Croaker recounts, "The Limper had always been a problem. He never quite grasped the concept of obedience."
In terms of morality, The Limper falls firmly into the 'evil' category. He is motivated by selfish aims, demonstrating a pronounced disregard for the welfare of others. His malicious intent manifests in his willingness to cause harm and suffering to reach his goals. He's known for his relentless cruelty, as stated by Croaker, "Of all the Ten Who Were Taken, he was the worst, in my book. A genuine, no-holds-barred, root'n-toot'n, hog-wild, double-damned sonofabitch..."
It's important to note, however, that these classifications don't capture the entirety of The Limper's character. His resilience, tenacity, and the suffering he endures add a depth to his character that mere alignment parameters might not fully encompass. Still, overall, The Limper can be characterized as 'Chaotic Evil,' both for his disdain for rules and authority and his inclination towards malevolence and destruction. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
The Limper's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #39 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#10 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#10 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on The Limper and Position Across Planes of Existence
In examining the character of The Limper within the landscape of the "Black Company" series and the broader scope of all fantasy literature, the 7.5 rating stands as an assessment that acknowledges his remarkable capabilities while also recognizing the boundaries of his power. This is not to diminish his strength or influence but rather to situate him within the spectrum of countless characters that span numerous worlds and narratives.
To start, The Limper's "raw power" is undeniably significant. His wizardry, as one of the Taken serving the Lady, establishes him as a force to be reckoned with. His abilities to manipulate magical energies, combined with his unyielding tenacity and resilience, make him a formidable adversary in any situation. He is a towering figure of menace who brings the power of his sorcery to bear with ruthless efficiency. As Croaker, the series' narrator, often emphasizes, "You couldn't stop the Limper. You could only slow him down."
However, when considered against a broad spectrum of fantasy characters, several factors contribute to a limitation on his rating. Despite his raw power, The Limper lacks the crucial quality of "tactical ability." His single-minded pursuit of personal vendettas often blinds him to larger strategic considerations. In numerous instances, he has allowed his obsession for revenge to lead him into traps or to ignore potential threats. "The Limper's hate was bigger than his caution," Croaker observes.
The Limper is an isolating figure rather than a unifying one. He commands through fear and intimidation but lacks the charisma or diplomatic skill to truly inspire loyalty. His relationships with others are characterized by tension and conflict. In terms of "Versatility," while he possesses a wide range of magical abilities, The Limper often relies on brute force and sheer resilience. He is less adaptable than some characters, as his approach to situations is often dictated by his rage and bitterness.
His "Resilience" is, without a doubt, The Limper's most distinctive characteristic. His ability to endure, to rise again after being defeated, contributes significantly to his overall power. His refusal to succumb, no matter the adversity, is a testament to his willpower. As Croaker vividly describes, "He came back from the dead more often than a bad penny."
In conclusion, while The Limper's power and resilience make him a compelling and formidable character, certain limitations — notably in tactical ability and influence — place him within the 7.5 ranking. He stands as a significant figure within "The Black Company" series, a testament to the destructive potential of unchecked rage and the tenacity of the human spirit, even when bent toward dark ends. But in the grand tapestry of fantasy characters, he is one potent figure among many, a unique yet not unbeatable embodiment of power and resilience. 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.
