Race: Human (Falari)
Transcendent: Jhistal Priest
Sex: Male
Faction: Malazan Empire
Overall Rating: 7.4
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
In the sprawling epic fantasy saga "Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson, few characters incite as much controversy as Mallick Rel. A shrewd and unapologetic opportunist, he is the embodiment of ruthless ambition.
 |
| Mallick Rel by dejan-delic, Pinterest |
This post contains spoilers for the entirety of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, including the sequel, "The God Is Not Willing".
We first encounter Mallick Rel in "Deadhouse Gates," the second book in the series, where he serves as the chief advisor to the High Fist Pormqual of the Malazan Empire. His cunning and devious nature are evident early on, as he attempts to exploit the ongoing rebellion in Seven Cities for his own gain. In "House of Chains," the fourth book, his manipulations escalate, placing him squarely in the pantheon of the series' most despised figures. "He had the lean look of a man perennially unsatisfied, whose every achievement only heightened his desires," Erikson writes, an apt description of the relentless ambition that characterizes Mallick's rise.
Rel's meticulous orchestration of events, culminating in the demise of Empress Laseen and his subsequent ascension to the throne, is a testament to his ruthless cunning. As Erikson describes in "The Bonehunters," "Mallick Rel had begun his ambitious climb in the heart of the Claw, the empire's most secretive and deadly organization. And there, his honeyed poison spread." This quote encapsulates the dark machinations that secured Rel's power, and the fear and contempt it elicited among his peers.
However, Erikson complicates our perception of this reviled figure in "The God is Not Willing." In the decade since Rel's controversial ascension, the despised usurper has evolved into a surprisingly competent ruler. He has not only maintained the stability of the empire but also implemented significant reforms, most notably an extensive new code of laws and a reorganization of the Malazan military. As such, he has earned a measure of grudging respect from some citizens of the empire.
Yet, this does not erase the memory of his ruthless rise to power. Many within the empire maintain a vigilant watch over their ruler. Despite his effectiveness, Rel's rule remains shrouded in mistrust, a stark reminder of the uncompromising ambition that secured his throne. As one citizen of the empire comments in "The God is Not Willing," "Power always corrupts, and not even an emperor is safe from a knife in the back."
Mallick Rel is a character who defies easy categorization. His story reflects the complex, morally gray universe Erikson has created—a world where heroes are flawed, villains can be effective leaders, and power is a dangerous, often transient game. His rule is a testament to the mutable nature of power and perception, challenging our notions of leadership, ambition, and villainy. This exploration of Rel's character underscores the rich complexity and depth of the Malazan series, demonstrating Erikson's exceptional talent for intricate storytelling and nuanced character development.
Mallick Rel's Raw Power
Mallick Rel, a central figure in Steven Erikson's "Malazan Book of the Fallen," might not fit the typical image of a character with overwhelming raw power. He isn't physically imposing nor does he openly wield formidable spells, but his cunning, strategic mind, political machinations, and unscrupulous methods make him a formidable figure.
Mallick Rel's true raw power manifests through his position as a Jhistal Priest, a practitioner of an ancient and foreboding form of magic linked to blood rituals. The Jhistal is a priest of the Elder God Mael, notorious for worshipping their deity through methods such as blood sacrifice. This sect, viewed as heretical and forced underground in the Malazan world, adds a layer of mystery and terror to Mallick's persona. His connection to Mael, an Elder God of the seas and manipulation, allows him to draw upon a depth of power that most mortals in the Malazan world cannot comprehend.
A clear indication of Mallick Rel's raw power is the lengths he will go to achieve his ends, deploying his religious and political influences alongside his feared status as a Jhistal Priest. Steven Erikson writes in "Reaper's Gale," "The High Priest of Mael, known as the Jhistal... That man has made himself the deadliest of foes."
While his raw power does not stem from physical prowess or flashy sorcery, his ruthless manipulation, strategic use of poison, and dark religious rites amplify his influence and danger. This unique blend of political prowess, strategic manipulation, and obscure, potent magic abilities would suggest a raw power rating of 6 out of 10 in the realm of fantasy characters. While this may seem low for such a pivotal character, it is important to remember that his true power lies in his ability to manipulate others and events to suit his purposes, which the raw power metric does not entirely encapsulate.
Mallick Rel's Tactical Ability
Mallick Rel, in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series, emerges as one of the most astute tacticians and masterful strategists, displaying a level of cunning and foresight that leaves even the most calculating minds bewildered. His tactical ability is akin to a grandmaster chess player, perfectly positioning and moving pieces across an intricate board of intrigue and deceit.
One of the critical instances where Mallick's tactical genius is prominently displayed is in "The Bonehunters." Despite being a wanted criminal, he crafts an intricate plan that not only clears his name but raises him to a position of immense power. He aligns with the Wickan Cattle-Dog Clan, providing them with vital support in a time of dire need, which in turn earns him the loyalty of the formidable Wickan forces. As Erikson writes, "The man who should have been hanged now sat at the right hand of the Empress."
This mastery of strategy and cunning manipulation continues throughout the series. In "Reaper's Gale," Mallick Rel orchestrates a complex political maneuver to achieve the highest authority, by outmaneuvering his rivals, creating alliances, and ensuring the Empress Laseen's assassination.
His uncanny ability to turn even the most desperate situations to his favor and his knack for exploiting his adversaries' weaknesses are remarkable. The intricate plots and counterplots he sets in motion are proof of a mind that is constantly thinking several moves ahead.
In terms of his tactical ability, Mallick Rel's rating would be a 9 out of 10. His strategies have reshaped the political and military landscape of the Malazan Empire, demonstrating an aptitude for tactical planning and execution that is rivaled by few characters across all fantasy universes. While he may not engage in direct combat as often as other characters, his ability to influence the larger strategic scenario is second to none.
Mallick Rel's Influence
Mallick Rel's influence and persuasive abilities, as displayed throughout Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series, are nothing short of extraordinary. He navigates complex political landscapes, manipulating allies and adversaries alike, to position himself at the zenith of power in the Malazan Empire. In terms of influence, his aptitude is almost unparalleled, driven by an uncanny talent for manipulation and persuasion.
Mallick's influence is most prominently showcased in his remarkable rise to power. Initially introduced as a minor cleric, he effectively leverages alliances, sows discord among his opponents, and subtly controls the narrative to ascend to the Empress's right hand, and ultimately the throne itself. His masterful manipulation of the Wickan clans to secure their loyalty exemplifies his persuasive prowess. In "The Bonehunters," Erikson states, "And through the muck and the blood, who had claimed victory? Who now stood at the Empress's right hand? Mallick Rel. Mallick Rel, who should have been hanged."
Moreover, his ability to instill trust in those around him, despite his many underhanded deeds, is a testament to his impressive persuasive skills. He successfully manipulates the perceptions of others, from high-ranking officials to common soldiers, gaining their trust, loyalty, or fear. In "The God is Not Willing," it is mentioned that the usually skeptical Spindle had "no problem serving him" despite calling him "a bastard."
However, his cunning and manipulative nature also leaves many wary and mistrustful. His influence, while extensive, is not universally accepted, which slightly dampens his rating.
Therefore, considering his extensive impact on the Malazan Empire, his manipulation of allies and adversaries, and his command over the narrative, Mallick Rel would warrant an 8.5 out of 10 in influence. While his power extends throughout the Empire, his divisive nature and the mistrust he engenders limit his influence compared to universally respected figures in fantasy literature.
Mallick Rel's Resilience
In the world of fantasy literature, resilience often implies the ability to withstand tremendous physical punishment or to recover from magical attacks or injuries. Mallick Rel, being a mortal man and not an ascendant or god, does not demonstrate such resilience in these aspects, leading to a resilience rating to 6.5 out of 10.
Mallick Rel's brand of resilience leans more towards a political and psychological variety. His ability to endure the hardship of exile, to claw his way back into a position of power, and to deal with the aftermath of the disastrous Chain of Dogs campaign in the Seven Cities showcases this.
In the "House of Chains," the fallout of the Chain of Dogs sees Mallick exiled to Aren, punished for his perceived betrayal. However, he proves resilient by surviving the harsh environment and regaining his political footing. Erikson writes, "In Aren they despised him, but such things were meaningless. He had his visions to sustain him." (House of Chains)
Despite these instances of political and psychological resilience, it's important to distinguish them from the broader understanding of resilience in the fantasy context. The physical, supernatural, or magical endurance that other characters might demonstrate is not a part of Mallick's portfolio. His resilience is more about survival and perseverance, skulking in the shadows and resurfacing when least expected. In the grand scheme of fantasy characters, this limits his resilience score. Mallick's cunning and survival instincts are more a testament to his tactical ability and influence rather than his resilience, per se.
Mallick Rel's Versatility
In assessing the "Versatility" of Mallick Rel, we focus on his ability to adapt to a variety of situations and leverage a diverse set of skills. The definition provided describes Versatility as how well a character can adapt to different situations or challenges, and whether they have a variety of powers or skills to draw upon. It's evident throughout the Malazan Book of the Fallen series that Mallick demonstrates considerable versatility.
Mallick's adaptability can be seen in how he goes from a healer in the Chain of Dogs in "Deadhouse Gates" to the Master of the Talon and finally the Emperor. His ability to navigate these vastly different roles and situations speaks to his remarkable versatility. In each of these roles, Mallick exhibits different skills and capacities.
Mallick's versatility is particularly noticeable in the intricate plotting and execution of his plans, displaying a deftness in shifting strategies as circumstances require. In "Reaper's Gale", Erikson writes, "He had been a player of games once. And now those games had borne fruit, oh yes."
Though Mallick does not possess a wide range of magical powers or physical prowess, his skills in manipulation, political maneuvering, and strategic planning allow him to navigate and adapt to an array of situations. His ability to learn and exploit the weaknesses of others is another testament to his versatility.
In comparison to all fantasy characters across all universes, Mallick Rel's versatility is relatively high due to his adaptability and diverse skill set. His ability to shift roles and strategies with the changing tides of fortune indicates a strong level of versatility, although he lacks the broad spectrum of magical or physical powers that some fantasy characters possess.
Given this assessment, on a scale of 1-10, I would rate Mallick Rel's versatility as a solid 7. He displays a strong ability to adapt to new situations and use a wide range of non-magical and non-physical skills, but his scope is somewhat limited when compared to characters who have a broader range of magical or physical abilities.
Mallick Rel's Alignment
When attempting to discern Mallick Rel's alignment, we must first analyze the dual axes: one from lawful to chaotic, the other from good to evil.
Mallick Rel operates within the established systems of power, leveraging laws and traditions to his advantage. He ascends to the throne of the Malazan Empire through intricate machinations within the existing political structure, not by overthrowing it. This suggests a tendency towards lawfulness. However, he doesn't hold an inherent respect for order, using it merely as a tool for his own ends. His true allegiance lies with whatever brings him power and security. This self-centered opportunism hints at a more neutral stance on the law-chaos axis, with a slight inclination towards lawfulness due to his modus operandi. Therefore, we can tentatively place Mallick Rel in the region of 'Lawful Neutral.'
On the good-evil axis, Mallick Rel's actions depict a character focused on personal gain with a willingness to sacrifice others to achieve his goals. His ruthless manipulation, use of treachery, and disregard for the welfare of others lean heavily towards the 'Evil' end of the scale. While he may not revel in malevolence for its own sake, his consistent prioritization of personal ambition over ethical conduct paints a picture of a character who is, at best, 'Neutral Evil'.
Combining these assessments, Mallick Rel's alignment can be defined as 'Lawful Evil' - a character who uses law, order, and structure as tools in the pursuit of his own selfish ambitions, with little regard for the welfare of others. It's a complex and intriguing moral position that embodies the character's manipulative cunning and ruthless pursuit of power. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Mallick Rel's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #44 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#12 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Mallick Rel and Position Across Plane of Existence
In the grand tapestry of fantasy characters, Mallick Rel from Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series emerges as a figure of cunning and ruthless ambition. He may not possess the overwhelming raw power of a dragon or the immortality of an elf, but his combination of tactical intelligence, influential authority, and adaptation to varying circumstances places him above the average power level of many fantasy characters.
A comparison that helps articulate Mallick Rel's stature in the fantasy universe is Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. Littlefinger, like Rel, is not a character of immense physical prowess or magical might. Instead, both characters wield influence and cunning strategy as their weapons. They maneuver through political and social landscapes with ease, turning circumstances in their favor and rising through the ranks of power. However, Mallick Rel goes beyond Littlefinger's achievements. Where Littlefinger plays the game of thrones, Mallick Rel wins it. He seizes control of the Malazan Empire and, unlike Littlefinger, he possesses the added advantage of blood magic.
The significance of Rel's position as a Jhistal priest cannot be overlooked. His knowledge and use of blood magic offers him a distinct edge, a trump card that he can deploy when necessary. Though it doesn't render him invincible or elevate him to the levels of supremely powerful fantasy entities, it adds a layer of strength and menace to his character.
What sets Mallick Rel apart is his unique combination of traits. He is a survivor, a strategist, and a manipulator. He doesn't simply respond to the world around him; he shapes it to his will. This ability to exert control and mold circumstances in his favor is where his true power lies.
Thus, rating Mallick Rel at 7.4 is an acknowledgement of his distinct brand of power. It acknowledges the reality that power in fantasy isn't exclusively about physical strength or magical prowess. It's also about wit, strategy, and influence, and it's here that Mallick Rel shines. In his own sly and underhanded way, Mallick Rel holds his own against the mighty characters that populate the planes of fantasy. 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.
