Transcendent: Lich
Sex: Male
Faction: Order of the Black Worm
Overall Rating: 7.9
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
To truly grasp the intricacies of the vast Elder Scrolls universe, one must familiarize themselves with its most iconic figures, both heroes and antagonists. Among the pantheon of memorable characters, the name "Mannimarco" stands out as one of the most enigmatic and potent entities.
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| Mannimarco, The King of Worms by Quarter-Virus, Deviant Art |
[Spoiler Alert!] As we delve into Mannimarco's storied past and his role in the Elder Scrolls universe, be wary of spoilers.
Before becoming the stuff of legend, Mannimarco was once an Altmer (High Elf) of great promise. Born on the Isles of Artaeum, he was a student of the Psijic Order alongside his contemporary, Vanus Galerion. While Galerion would go on to found the Mages Guild, Mannimarco's thirst for darker arts led him down a very different, ominous path. His name became synonymous with necromancy, a forbidden school of magic reviled by most. As he delved deeper into this art, Mannimarco transformed, forsaking his elven form, and took on the mantle of the "King of Worms."
One of the Elder Scrolls titles where players first brush with Mannimarco is "The Elder Scrolls: Arena." However, it's in "The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall" that his role becomes pivotal. Here, he is not just a quest character, but an integral part of the main quest's outcome. Depending on the player's choices, Mannimarco can harness the power of the Numidium, a colossal golem, to ascend to godhood, an eventuality that reverberates throughout the series.
In "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," players encounter Mannimarco as the central antagonist in the Mages Guild questline. By this time, his power and influence have grown considerably. Mannimarco, now a lich, seeks to eradicate the Mages Guild, viewing it as an affront to his dominion over the arcane. As the player progresses through the questline, they witness firsthand the depths of Mannimarco's malevolence.
A quote from him during the game encapsulates his arrogance and confidence in his power: "You dare to challenge the King of Worms?" It's not merely a boast; it's a testament to his legendary status in the world of Tamriel.
Mannimarco's potential ascension to godhood in "Daggerfall" becomes a significant plot point in the series. In "The Elder Scrolls Online," players come across him as the God of Worms, showcasing his vast powers. His involvement in the storyline, especially the alliance between him, Molag Bal, and Abnur Tharn, underscores his importance in the broader Elder Scrolls universe.
The sheer versatility of his character is what makes Mannimarco so compelling. Depending on the title or the timeline, he may be an Elf, a Lich, or a God. But in every incarnation, his hunger for power and mastery over necromancy remains constant.
It's not just in his appearances that Mannimarco's influence is felt. The Order of the Black Worm, his loyal followers, and his teachings on necromancy permeate various games in the Elder Scrolls series. They serve as a reminder of the lasting shadow that the King of Worms casts on Tamriel. Even when he's not physically present, his ethos and the dread he inspires continue to play a significant role.
Mannimarco is more than just a character; he embodies a facet of the Elder Scrolls universe that challenges players' morals, strategies, and perceptions. Whether revered, feared, or reviled, there's no denying that the King of Worms, in all his forms, is an indelible mark on the Elder Scrolls legacy, ensuring his tales, dark arts, and the tremors of his actions will resonate for generations to come in Tamriel.
Mannimarco's Raw Power
Dive deep into Tamriel's dark underbelly, and you'll uncover whispers of Mannimarco's formidable might. Often touted as the King of Worms, his raw power is both palpable and feared across various planes of the Elder Scrolls universe.
"You dare to challenge the King of Worms?" Mannimarco once retorted in "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," his tone dripping with audacious confidence. But is it merely arrogance? Not quite. His origin as an Altmer grants him the longevity and inherent magical prowess of the High Elves. But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering dedication to the art of necromancy.
As he honed this dark craft, Mannimarco transformed. He forsook the frailties of his mortal coil, embracing the cold embrace of undeath. As a lich, his raw power surged. He was no longer just a mage, but a nexus of forbidden arts, channeling spirits of the damned, reanimating corpses, and wielding a vast array of necromantic spells. In "The Elder Scrolls Online," he consorts with Daedric Princes and plots cosmic heists, highlighting his massive magical arsenal.
Yet, it's essential to view Mannimarco in a broader spectrum. If we gauge his raw power against titans across myriad fantasy realms — from Sauron's dominion over Middle Earth to the might of the Ascendants in the Malazan Book of the Fallen — his standing might appear somewhat diminished.
Given his formidable skills, primarily in the arena of necromancy, and the reality that he can command both the living and the dead, Mannimarco certainly packs a punch. But in comparison to omnipotent beings from other universes, he finds himself slightly wanting.
Considering his raw power within the confines of the Elder Scrolls universe and juxtaposing that with entities across the grand tapestry of fantasy lore, Mannimarco earns a commendable 8/10. He is a force to be reckoned with in his own realm, but there are other beings in the wider world of fantasy that eclipse his innate might.
Mannimarco's Tactical Ability
Mannimarco, the King of Worms, isn't just a name whispered fearfully by mages across Tamriel; it is a testament to his long-standing legacy and masterful tactical acumen. Throughout the Elder Scrolls chronology, Mannimarco has exhibited a series of meticulously laid out plans and manipulations that echo through time, bolstering his reputation as a master tactician.
Consider his hand in the events leading up to the "Soulburst." Mannimarco connived with the Tharn family and effectively puppeteered Emperor Varen Aquilarios into seeking the Amulet of Kings, under the false pretext of legitimizing his claim to the Ruby Throne. But the worm king had darker designs. As Varen attempted to light the Dragonfires and seal his pact with Akatosh, Mannimarco betrayed him. The ritual was sabotaged, not to crown a Dragonborn Emperor, but to deliberately weaken the barriers between Nirn and Oblivion, thus instigating the Plane Meld and granting Molag Bal an opportunity to merge his Coldharbour with the mortal realm.
This sheer foresight to exploit both the political landscape of Tamriel and the cosmic fabric of its universe underscores Mannimarco's tactical brilliance. As observed by Abnur Tharn, "He's [Mannimarco] taken everything the Daedra gave him and turned it to his own ends." And while his association with Molag Bal might seem as a mere subservience to a Daedric prince, one can argue that Mannimarco's goals were always in service to his own thirst for power and dominion.
However, as with all tacticians, Mannimarco wasn't without his miscalculations. His downfall in various narratives, particularly in his underestimation of the Vestige and other protagonists, reflects the potential limits of his tactical foresight.
When viewed in the pantheon of fantasy characters, Mannimarco's tactical prowess is both distinct and impressive. He lacks the emotional impulsiveness that often plagues powerful beings. Instead, he channels his necromantic might through the lens of calculated strategy. Remember, in the words of Vanus Galerion, founder of the Mages Guild and Mannimarco's once-time friend, "When we were young... he [Mannimarco] was always the more intelligent, the more powerful, the more insatiable of us."
Nevertheless, Mannimarco's tactical brilliance isn't without its overreaches. His gambits, albeit vast in scope and ambition, sometimes suffer from overextension, leading to blind spots in his master plans. Hence, even with all his achievements and grand machinations, he is not infallible.
In the sprawling spectrum of fantasy universes, many characters might be equal or superior in tactical prowess. When we pit him against grand strategists, wartime commanders, and multidimensional masterminds from other universes, Mannimarco finds his place, but not necessarily at the top. Taking all factors into account and referencing the definition provided, we can confidently place Mannimarco at a 7.5/10 for Tactical Ability. He is indeed a grand tactician of his realm, but across the vast tapestry of fantasy, he falls just a little short of the highest echelons of strategic genius.
Mannimarco's Influence
Influence, the intangible force that governs the threads of fate. Mannimarco's gravitas in the realm of influence is evident, a power that's perhaps more unnerving than his necromantic abilities. The King of Worms, as he's fondly or fearfully known, didn't earn his title solely through his knack for dark arts. His legacy is built upon his uncanny ability to manipulate both the living and the dead.
Let's untangle the complexity that is Mannimarco's charisma. He wasn't born influential, nor did he hail from notable descent. Yet, the mer became an emblematic figure, a name that reverberated with dread and reverence across Tamriel. As he once exclaimed with ghoulish confidence, "My ambition will not be denied!" His influence stems largely from a cocktail of fear, respect, and genuine loyalty from his followers. This unwavering commitment from acolytes, many of whom would willingly die (and undie) for him, is a testament to his persuasive prowess.
Consider his orchestrated alliance with the Tharn family, or his influence over Emperor Varen Aquilarios in the deceitful ploy involving the Amulet of Kings. These aren't mere footnotes in history but pivotal moments steered by Mannimarco's hand. The worm king doesn't just command the undead; he beckons the very threads of political intrigue.
However, as omnipotent as he seems in the sphere of Tamrielic influence, when pitted against other fantasy giants, his sphere of influence feels a bit localized. Gandalf influenced the fate of Middle-Earth. Sauron's very name sent ripples of dread. Across myriad universes, beings of immense power and charisma weave their influences on grander canvases.
Thus, as grandiose as Mannimarco's influence feels within the Elder Scrolls, on the expansive stage of all fantasy realms, he warrants a score of 7.5/10. Impressive, yet there remain shadows where even the King of Worms might be overshadowed.
Mannimarco's Resilience
Resilience, the very glue that holds one's essence when things come crashing down. If we peer into Mannimarco's vast timeline, "resilience" doesn't just decorate his character; it's intertwined in the very fibers of his being. With a storied history as long and convoluted as Mannimarco's, every phase of the moon carries whispers of his undying (quite literally) tenacity.
Let's traipse down the cobblestone memory lane, shall we? Mannimarco's encounters with the Mages Guild in "The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion" showcases resilience most would only dream of. This necromancer extraordinaire, after facing a crushing defeat at the hands of the Hero of Kvatch, reincarnates himself. Yes, reincarnates! That's no mere "bounce back." It's a galactic leap into rebirth!
One might exclaim, echoing his darkly poetic prose, "This is the nature of power. It is mine to wield, not for you to keep!" How appropriate, for no matter how many defeats Mannimarco tastes, he manages to resurge, feeding off the very notion of adversity.
Yet, there's a hiccup in our tale of undying resilience. While Mannimarco is resilient within the confines of the Elder Scrolls, let's not kid ourselves – he's not the sole undying entity in the world of fantasy. We've got Sauron, who constantly endures, even after losing his physical form. The competition is, quite frankly, stiff.
Given the immense playing field of resilience across fantastical realms, our beloved Mannimarco strikes a solid 8/10. A score few can contest, yet leaving room for those rare entities who've showcased resilience on perhaps even grander, more cosmic scales. Remember, in a realm where dragons soar and gods walk among mortals, being "resilient" is not just about rising from the ashes – it's about never becoming ash in the first place!
Mannimarco's Versatility
Like the endless twists of a labyrinth, versatility asks not just what you can do, but how many ways you can do it. And Mannimarco? Oh, the King of Worms has a special dance with versatility that goes beyond a mere waltz; it's a passionate tango with countless flips, spins, and dips!
Look at the sheer spectrum of his necromantic arts. Mannimarco isn't just content raising a skeletal warrior here or there. No, no, no! He goes far and beyond, conjuring an array of undead, from the spectral to the corporeal. And then, there’s his deep dive into alchemy. I mean, just recall the words, "The secrets of life and death are mine to know." And oh boy, does he ensure he knows them all!
Beyond just his magical prowess, Mannimarco's intellect showcases adaptability. He's more than just a powerhouse necromancer; he's a cunning manipulator. Whether dealing with the Mages Guild, bending them subtly to his will, or outsmarting powerful foes, Mannimarco constantly morphs his strategy, showing there are more cards in his deck than one might anticipate.
Yet, are we to hold him as the paragon of versatility in all fantasy universes? He's got competition! Think of Merlin, with his vast array of spells, wisdom, and transformations. Think of Gandalf, moving between worlds, adjusting to myriad challenges. It’s an expansive pool, my friends!
On the grand spectrum, pitting Mannimarco against the gamut of fantasy icons, I'd bestow upon him a solid 8.5/10 in versatility. He stands tall, no doubt, with a vast arsenal of skills, but there are characters out there with just that tinge more adaptability. Remember, in the great tapestry of fantasy, versatility is the thread that lets you weave any pattern, and Mannimarco, while a master weaver, is amidst other grand designers!
Mannimarco's Alignment
Mannimarco, the infamous King of Worms, stands tall in the annals of fantasy as an archetype of necromancy, power, and machination. His deep involvement in the realm of the undead, especially within the Elder Scrolls universe, paints him as an enigmatic character, teetering on the precipice between admirable knowledge-seeking and dark power-lust. On one hand, his relentless pursuit of mastery over life and death exemplifies an insatiable thirst for knowledge and the breaking of natural boundaries. On the other, his manipulations, dark rituals, and the thirst for domination reveal a being corrupted by power.
His deep-rooted enmity with the Mages Guild and his eventual ascension to godhood in some timelines depict a character journey filled with ambition, rivalry, and transcendence. The audacious necromancer's practices and his very essence are intrinsically tied to the concept of defying natural order and seeking dominion over death, both symbolizing his disdain for the traditional norms and boundaries of magic.
In determining Mannimarco's alignment, one must tread carefully between his actions and his motivations. While he does exhibit the tendencies of an individual who rebels against and disrupts established orders (hinting at 'chaotic'), he also shows a great deal of planning, organization, and desire for a structured dominion over the undead (leaning towards 'lawful'). Similarly, his intent isn't driven by the desire for sheer destruction, but rather power and control, making him neither entirely 'evil' nor 'good' in traditional dichotomies.
Given the nuanced character portrait painted by various sources about Mannimarco, a fitting alignment for him would be "Lawful Neutral." While his actions often sway towards malevolence, it's driven more by a strict personal code and ambition rather than a pure malefic intent. In the vast gray spectrum of morality, Mannimarco masterfully dances between light and shadow. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Mannimarco Arena Art
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| Mannimarco visits Daenerys Targaryen in Dragonstone |
Mannimarco's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #13 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#5 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#5 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Mannimacro and Position Across Planes of Existence
Mannimarco, the storied King of Worms, remains an enigma in the intricate tapestry of the Elder Scrolls universe. His journey from mortal mage to divinity, cemented by his undying thirst for power and mastery over the forbidden arts, casts him as an unforgettable force across various planes of existence.
Our assessment, ranking him at a cumulative score of 7.9, situates Mannimarco as a being of formidable power, yet slightly inferior to the likes of the Daedric Prince Molag Bal and Vivec, the warrior-poet turned god. Here's why:
- While Mannimarco's apotheosis in some timelines grants him godlike stature, it's essential to note that he began his journey as a mortal. His elevation, while noteworthy, is derivative, achieved through external factors like the Mantella. Molag Bal, on the other hand, is a Daedric Prince, a primordial entity of the void, inherently powerful in ways a mortal-turned-god can't fully emulate. Similarly, Vivec's godhood was achieved through the divine Heart of Lorkhan, further amplified by his duality and CHIM enlightenment.
- Mannimarco's dominion, while spanning multiple realms, especially during his godlike phase, is mostly centered around necromancy and the undead. Molag Bal's dominion encompasses much broader spheres, from domination to vampirism. Vivec, with his poetic insights, warrior prowess, and divine actions, influences not just physical realms but also the philosophical paradigms of his followers.
- Despite his godhood in certain timelines, Mannimarco's origins as a mortal leave traces of vulnerability. His ambitions, rivalries, and even defeats (like his tussle with the Mages Guild) showcase a spectrum of mortality that pure gods don't exhibit. Vivec, too, carries these traits, but his acquisition of CHIM adds another layer of power and awareness that Mannimarco doesn't quite touch.
- Mannimarco's power has often been intertwined with artefacts, most notably the Necromancer's Moon and the Mantella. While these boost his strength immensely, they also point towards an external reliance. Molag Bal and Vivec's inherent abilities, while also amplified through artefacts at times, are not as intricately tied to them.
In conclusion, Mannimarco's tale is one of ambition, defiance, and mastery over the arcane. His influence across the planes is undeniably significant, but when juxtaposed against entities like Molag Bal and Vivec, he falls just a notch lower, not necessarily in ambition but in the innate, primordial essence of power. Still, with a rating of 7.9, he reigns supreme over countless other beings in the vast cosmos of fantasy, a testament to his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of dominion over death. 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.
