Race: Human (Murandy)
Sex: Male
Faction: Darkfriend
Overall Rating: 7.7
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
In the rich tapestry of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, there's a multitude of characters who all contribute to the story's incredible depth. One character who stands out with his peculiar and chilling journey is Padan Fain, originally introduced as a seemingly innocuous peddler. Over time, Fain transforms into a malevolent entity whose importance to the series cannot be understated. From a burst of excitement, let's delve deeper into this fascinating character.
Fain first appeared in "The Eye of the World," where we see him as a travelling merchant delivering news and goods to Emond's Field. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, we quickly realize there's far more to Fain than meets the eye. Revealed to be a Darkfriend, a servant of the Dark One, he is tasked with finding the Dragon Reborn for his dark master. Cue the ominous music; things are about to get exciting.
In "The Great Hunt," Fain's transformation takes a sinister turn. Fain steals the Horn of Valere and a dagger from Shadar Logoth, thus binding him to the malignant entity Mordeth. The entwining of Fain and Mordeth results in a unique creature - neither human nor Shadowspawn - driven by vengeance and hatred for Rand al'Thor and the Dark One alike. A moment of high perplexity, indeed!
From "The Dragon Reborn" through "A Crown of Swords," Fain's power grows, becoming a palpable and haunting presence in the story. He manipulates people and events to his advantage, leaving chaos and death in his wake. The culmination of his twisted journey occurs in the final book, "A Memory of Light" (spoiler alert!), where Fain meets his end at the hands of Mat Cauthon, releasing a burst of dark energy that nearly consumes everything.
Throughout his journey, Fain acts as a wild card. He is neither loyal to the Light nor the Shadow, a chaotic force unto himself. His unique status allows him to oppose both the protagonists and antagonists, creating a level of unpredictability that only adds to the series' intrigue.
Examining Fain’s character, he’s a horrifying amalgamation of multiple forces. He’s the relentless hound of the Dark One, the deceptive cunning of a peddler, the insidious influence of Mordeth, and the wild, uncontrollable wrath of Mashadar. His identity is a puzzle of increasing perplexity, steeped in Jordan’s masterful storytelling.
In terms of character development, Fain serves as a stark contrast to Rand. While Rand gains power to serve the Light, Fain amasses power for his own revenge, showing a darker path one could tread with such power. Furthermore, he illustrates the dangers of Shadar Logoth, a place of such profound evil that it opposes even the Shadow. The existence of a third power, independent of the binary struggle between Light and Shadow, enriches the Wheel of Time universe’s complexity.
Despite his grisly end, Fain's impact on the Wheel of Time story is far from insignificant. He serves as an unexpected twist, a dark mirror to our heroes, and a representation of the series' theme: the balance between good and evil, and the grey areas in between.
In summary, Padan Fain, the simple peddler turned monstrous force of chaos, remains one of the most intriguing characters in the Wheel of Time series. His presence in the narrative adds a layer of unpredictability, danger, and complexity that few characters can match. He stands as a testament to Robert Jordan's incredible character development skills, transforming from a simple peddler to a harbinger of chaos. We can only watch, wide-eyed and captivated, as the intricate web of his story unravels in a burst of chilling revelations and perplexing twists.
Stay tuned, dear readers, as we delve deeper into Padan Fain’s role, motivations, and impact in subsequent sections of this blog post. Remember, in the Wheel of Time, there are neither beginnings nor endings.
Padan Fain's Raw Power
Understanding Padan Fain's raw power requires diving into the unfathomable depths of his being. As a Darkfriend turned malevolent entity, Fain carries a sense of power that is as sinister as it is unique.
When considering Fain's raw power, one cannot overlook his ability to track. Initially bestowed by the Dark One, Fain possesses an uncanny ability to trace the protagonists, an unerring hound on a relentless hunt. This innate ability isn't sheer brute force or dazzling magic but it's an asset that sets the stage for his terrifying growth in power. It's like a creeping chill, insidious and persistent.
As the narrative of Wheel of Time unfolds, Fain's power escalates dramatically after he merges with Mordeth in Shadar Logoth. He then embodies the malevolent entity known as Mashadar, capable of inflicting agonizing death upon touch. He can corrupt people, turning them into mindless followers, as seen with the Whitecloaks. The dread he induces, akin to a chilling gust of wind, adds another layer to his power.
Not to forget the dagger from Shadar Logoth, a weapon teeming with a malevolence that can infect and slowly destroy anyone it wounds. In Fain's hands, it becomes a tool of catastrophic potential, augmenting his already formidable raw power.
Yet, in the grand scheme of fantasy, where does Fain stand? Given his unique set of abilities and the considerable threat he poses, I'd place him at a solid 7. His power, while significant and harrowing, may not rival the apocalyptic might of entities from other universes like Sauron or the Dark One himself. But make no mistake, Fain's power is insidious, seeping into the fabric of the world around him like a sinister shadow, adding a perplexing twist to our understanding of power.
Remember, power is not merely a thunderous display of might. Sometimes, it lurks in the shadows, bursts forth when least expected, and leaves a lasting impact that echoes long after it's gone. This is the haunting refrain of Padan Fain's raw power.
Padan Fain's Tactical Ability
When one imagines Padan Fain, the mind might not immediately turn to thoughts of strategic brilliance. Yet, the unassuming nature of this character’s wiles may be the most compelling aspect of his tactical cunning. One could say his strategic acumen lurks behind a smoky veil of deception, waiting to pounce like a cat in the shadows.
Fain is a master of manipulation, drawing upon a mix of cunning deceit and persuasive guile to bend people to his will. His seamless transformation from a seemingly harmless peddler to a figure of dread showcases his aptitude for playing roles, and ultimately, for getting people to underestimate him. It's a jigsaw puzzle of tactics, each piece snuggly fitting into the grand scheme of Fain's plans, bursting forth into a startling image of machination.
Indeed, Fain's manipulation of the Children of the Light, a group notoriously stubborn and set in their ways, is a testament to his tactical prowess. The group becomes his pawn, a weapon he wields with ease to further his cause. It's not an ironclad battle strategy but a chaotic whirl of manipulation and control, adding a dose of perplexity to our understanding of tactical acumen.
Yet, it's not just manipulation where Fain excels. He showcases his strategic ability in his relentless pursuit of the protagonists, doggedly tracking them across vast distances and varied terrains. It's a game of cat and mouse, his tactics twisting and turning with each unexpected move, adding to the pulsating rhythm of the narrative.
In comparison to all fantasy characters across all universes, Fain's tactical ability presents a challenging puzzle. He isn't a grand strategist leading armies or a chess master predicting moves several steps ahead. Yet, his cunning manipulation and dogged persistence weave a complex web of tactics that should not be underestimated. I would place him at a 6.5, recognizing the unique, if unconventional, manifestation of his tactical ability.
Remember, not all strategies are won on the battlefield. Sometimes, the most potent plans unfold in the shadowy corners of the mind, where deceit and manipulation dance a deadly waltz, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. This is the intricate tapestry of Padan Fain's tactical ability.
Padan Fain's Influence
In the realm of influence, Padan Fain is, once again, not a character that instantly springs to mind as a grand puppeteer or charismatic leader. Yet, it is in this underestimated, unexpected space that Fain shines like a lighthouse amidst a tumultuous storm, guiding events with a deft hand of manipulation.
For instance, we have Fain's dark transformation, where he emerges as Mordeth, possessing an eerie ability to infect minds with his malicious intent. This form of influence is a haunting echo that reverberates across the series, a chill-inducing reminder of Fain's creeping touch. It's a burst of malevolence, hidden under a thin veil of harmless eccentricity.
Moreover, Fain's influence isn't just direct manipulation or possession; it often takes on a subtler form. His initial guise as a peddler allows him to disseminate information—and misinformation—across vast distances. Fain can direct the course of events, bending the flow of information to his will, a stream that seems random but carries an undercurrent of deliberate intent.
Let's not forget his interaction with the Children of the Light. A formidable group swayed by his persuasions and placed firmly within his grip, offering a testament to Fain's hidden influential prowess. This deft manipulation, leading an entire organization with ulterior motives, adds a dizzying layer of complexity to his character.
The perplexing part is that Fain's influence is not the standard, charismatic sway we often associate with influential leaders. Instead, it's a creeping, insidious corruption, a shadow stretching across the land, and a whispered rumor that nudges the world in the direction he desires.
Given this, how do we rate Fain's influence across all fantasy universes? He may not lead grand armies or rule kingdoms, but his influence is pervasive, insidious, and deeply impactful. For this, I'd rate him a 7.5. It's a testament to the power of subtle manipulation, showing that influence isn't always about the loudest voice in the room, but sometimes about the softest whisper that stirs the wind.
Padan Fain's Resilience
Resilience. Now that's an aspect where Padan Fain truly excels, a quality that epitomizes the man-turned-monster. Fain's journey is filled with adversity, and each setback only seems to make him more potent, more terrifying. Like a ghoul rising from the grave, Fain has an uncanny ability to bounce back, and that makes him a truly formidable adversary.
Let's take a detour to Shadar Logoth, a city swallowed by its own shadow. Here, Fain becomes intertwined with Mordeth, an entity so malevolent it outdid the original evil it was designed to fight. This could have ended Fain, but instead, he absorbs, merges, and evolves. He doesn't merely survive the encounter; he thrives, showcasing a peculiar adaptation that sends chills down the spine. It’s perplexing how an ordinary man could withstand such a force, but Fain’s resilience allows him to meld with it and emerge stronger.
Then, we have the episode where Fain is imprisoned by the Seanchan. A situation that would break many, but Fain? He emerges unscathed, his powers intact, his goals unchanged. He's like a nightmare that refuses to end, a story that refuses to reach its conclusion.
It's this unyielding spirit, this indefatigable resilience that makes Fain such a compelling character. But don’t get me wrong – it’s not a heroic tenacity we often admire. Instead, it’s a grotesque determination that only fuels his dark intentions.
In terms of resilience, there aren't many characters across the fantasy multiverse who can stand toe-to-toe with Padan Fain. His uncanny ability to absorb and adapt to adversity, coupled with his undying determination to fulfill his dark ambitions, sets him apart. For his sheer refusal to be annihilated and ability to twist setbacks into advantageous mutations, Fain scores a solid 9 on our scale. But remember, it's not a score we should celebrate. Rather, it’s a stark reminder of the terrifying resilience evil can possess when it refuses to bow down.
Padan Fain's Versatility
Padan Fain. What a curious creature he is, not just for his unsettling antics, but for his immense versatility. A pedestrian peddler, a fearsome spy for the Dark One, a rogue independent with a sinister fusion of Mordeth's entity and Shadar Logoth's malignant influence – each version of Fain is a testament to his versatility. It's like he's a malevolent puzzle that continually rearranges itself, ever unpredictable and perplexingly versatile.
In the beginning, he is a mere peddler, blending in with the crowd, his true purpose hidden beneath a cloak of normalcy. Then, he transforms into a Darkfriend, and not just any Darkfriend, but a Hound for the Dark One, tracing the Dragon Reborn's steps. Here, we see a new side to him – cunning, secretive, yet deadly as a viper.
But his transformation doesn't stop there. Far from it! Shadar Logoth introduces us to a Fain who’s not just a servant of the Dark One, but a force to be reckoned with on his own. He now wields the corruption of Shadar Logoth, and has the ability to control Machin Shin, the Black Wind of the Ways. He's no longer just a pawn; he's a player in the Game of Power.
We then see him manipulating political situations, spreading chaos, and seeding dissent wherever he goes. It seems there's no limit to the roles he can assume, each one darker and more dangerous than the last.
It's this continuous, unpredictable evolution that showcases Fain's incredible versatility. He’s not a character bound by one skill or one power; instead, he possesses an eerie ability to adapt, to grow, to change to suit his dark whims and desires. When measured against a multitude of fantasy characters, Fain's chillingly transformative journey grants him a well-deserved 8.5 in versatility. The half point deducted only because his transformations are inherently destructive, limiting the potential roles he can assume. He’s a shape-shifter in the world of darkness, a terrifying chameleon in a tale of shadows and sorcery. That’s Padan Fain for you – dangerously unpredictable and disturbingly versatile.
Padan Fain's Alignment
Padan Fain is a riveting and complex character in Robert Jordan's sprawling epic, "The Wheel of Time." Starting as a simple peddler, Fain's character gradually evolves into a multifaceted villain, becoming an agent of chaos and destruction. His presence is marked by a palpable sense of foreboding and wickedness that permeates his interactions and impacts on the broader narrative.
Across the course of the series, Fain serves as a spy for the Dark One, becomes infused with the malevolent spirit of Mordeth, and later carries the corruption of Shadar Logoth. These transformations imbue him with a variety of powers and an insatiable hunger for chaos and control. He weaves his way through the political structures of the world, sowing seeds of discord and manipulation to serve his ends.
Fain's alignment is complex due to his constant evolution, but it's safe to categorize him under the "Chaotic Evil" alignment. The "Chaotic" aspect aligns with his complete disregard for rules and structures, and his tendency to breed anarchy. Fain doesn't abide by any code or law except his twisted desire for chaos and personal power.
The "Evil" part of his alignment is evident in his actions and motivations. He is motivated by a deep-seated malice and a desire to sow discord and wreak havoc. His interactions are guided by self-interest, a lust for power, and a complete lack of empathy or consideration for others.
In essence, Padan Fain is a character defined by his unpredictable nature and malevolent intent. His chaotic evil alignment mirrors his relentless pursuit of power and his delight in causing suffering and chaos. Fain remains a constant reminder of the unpredictable and shifting nature of evil, making him a truly memorable character in the landscape of fantasy literature. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Padan Fain's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #33 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#9 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#9 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Sweet 16 Appearance (#9 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Elite 8 Appearance (#9 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Padan Fain and Position Across Planes of Existence
The unique nature of Padan Fain's character merits his rank of 7.7 in our universal fantasy character rating. His multifaceted transformation, unpredictable nature, and chaotic influence on the narrative of the Wheel of Time distinguish him as a powerful force in fantasy literature, even nudging him slightly above characters such as Elayne Trakand.
Firstly, Fain's transformation is a process unlike any other. His journey from a simple peddler to an embodiment of malignant forces is not just a character evolution, but an amalgamation of powers. When he merges with Mordeth and the force from Shadar Logoth, he transcends the ordinary human form and inherits a host of malevolent abilities, setting him apart from other antagonists.
These powers add to his raw power, making him a formidable foe. His influence over the dagger from Shadar Logoth demonstrates his high destructive capability. He can affect people's minds, turning them to his cause. Furthermore, his ability to track Rand al'Thor across continents is testament to his enhanced abilities, justifying his high raw power score.
In the context of the Wheel of Time, his tactical ability is palpable. Fain is cunning, manipulative, and exceptionally good at playing the long game. He successfully infiltrates different factions, spreads chaos, and bends events to his advantage. Yet his strategies often embody chaos, which makes him unpredictable and, therefore, more dangerous.
Additionally, Fain demonstrates a surprising level of resilience. Despite numerous encounters with powerful characters, he survives and adapts, becoming stronger each time. His absorption of various malicious entities attests to his ability to incorporate and withstand overwhelming forces, thereby justifying a high resilience score.
When it comes to versatility, Fain scores exceptionally. From a spy and darkfriend to a malevolent force of evil, his roles and abilities are varied and evolve throughout the series. His adaptability to different situations, even those that appear dire, underscores his versatility.
Still, Fain does not dominate across all measures. His chaotic nature sometimes undermines his tactical ability, making his moves unpredictable but also occasionally self-defeating. Additionally, his influence, while significant, is often rooted in fear and manipulation, limiting its scope and longevity.
This comprehensive view of Padan Fain highlights his formidable power and influence across the Wheel of Time series and within the broader scope of fantasy literature. His unique combination of raw power, tactical cunning, versatility, resilience, and influence substantiate his strong standing in our universal fantasy character ranking.
And so, while Elayne Trakand may rule the throne of Andor, in the game of chaotic manipulations and dark power, Padan Fain manages to sneak in that extra 0.1 point. But then again, if we recall Elayne's sometimes questionable political decisions, maybe it isn't all that surprising that a peddler turned all-consuming entity of evil just manages to pip her at the post. 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.
