Race: Human
Sex: Female
Faction: The Empire
Overall Rating: 6.9
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Stormbringer, a character from Glen Cook's "Black Company" series, stands as a testament to the intricate and morally complex world Cook has created. As one of the Ten Who Were Taken, she is a figure of considerable power and mystery, her story weaving through the tapestry of the series' dark and intricate narrative.
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| Stormbringer, One of the Ten Who Were Taken |
Origins and the Domination
Stormbringer's story begins in an era known as the Domination. Initially an independent wizard of significant power in the northern continent, she was enslaved by the Dominator, becoming one of his Ten Who Were Taken. During this time, she served as one of his enforcers and generals, while also being subjected to his personal control, alongside Soulcatcher and another female Taken.
Imprisonment and Liberation
After about a century under the Dominator's tyrannical rule, Stormbringer, along with the Dominator, his wife the Lady, and the other Taken, were defeated by the White Rose and imprisoned in the Barrowland. This imprisonment, intended to last for eternity, was a significant chapter in her story, marking the fall of a once formidable force.
Service to the Lady
Decades later, Stormbringer, along with the Lady and the other Taken, were freed by the Resurrectionists. The Lady, seeking to consolidate power, orchestrated this event to exclude the Dominator. Stormbringer then served as a general in the Lady's Empire, helping establish her dominion over the north.
Role in 'The Black Company'
Stormbringer's involvement in the series becomes more direct during "The Black Company." She assists the Company with a massive storm during their march across the Windy Country and plays a crucial role in the battle against Harden at the Stair of Tear. Her powerful sorcery, capable of melting rock and creating lava flows, demonstrates her formidable abilities.
Betrayal and the Battle of Charm
During the Battle of Charm, Stormbringer's true allegiance surfaces. Secretly in league with the Dominator, she betrays the Lady, attacking and presumably killing Shapeshifter and Bonegnasher. However, she fakes her own death, a deception so convincing that even the Lady believes it.
Shadow Games and the Southern Continent
In the southern continent, Stormbringer, now known as Stormshadow, aligns with Longshadow as one of the Shadowmasters. Her conquest of Dejagore and the establishment of Stormgard mark significant achievements in her story. However, her power wanes, leading to her eventual downfall.
Final Confrontation and Legacy
Stormbringer's story culminates in the Battle of Dejagore, where she is cornered and ultimately defeated by Shapeshifter, Lisa Daele Bowalk, and members of the Black Company. Her death, alongside Shapeshifter, marks the end of a significant chapter in the series' history.
Stormbringer's character arc in the "Black Company" series is a journey through power, betrayal, and survival in a world where allegiances are fragile and power is a double-edged sword. Her story is a blend of strength, cunning, and the complexities of loyalty, making her a fascinating and integral part of Glen Cook's dark fantasy saga.
Stormbringer's Raw Power
Stormbringer's magical prowess is evident in several key instances. During the battle at the Stair of Tear, she demonstrates her ability to manipulate elemental forces, creating a lava flow to inflict heavy casualties on the Rebel troops. This act alone showcases her power to control and weaponize natural elements, a significant indicator of raw magical strength. Additionally, her use of a lightning blast in a surgical strike to assassinate Harden further exemplifies her mastery over elemental magic.
In the broader spectrum of fantasy characters, Stormbringer's abilities are impressive. While she may not reach the pinnacle of raw power seen in characters who can alter reality or wield god-like powers, her control over elemental forces and the strategic application of her magic place her above many peers. Her abilities are not just destructive but also versatile, allowing her to adapt her magic to various combat scenarios.
Considering these factors, Stormbringer's rating in raw power would remain at a 7.5. This rating acknowledges her significant magical abilities and the impact she has in combat scenarios. While she is not the most powerful being in all fantasy universes, her abilities are formidable enough to place her well above average. Her power is not just in the scale of her magic but in how she uses it, demonstrating a level of mastery that is crucial in assessing raw power.
Stormbringer's Tactical Ability
Stormbringer's tactical acumen is evident in several key events. Her involvement in the battle at the Stair of Tear, where she assists in a massive storm to keep Rebel forces at bay, showcases not just her magical prowess but also her understanding of battlefield dynamics. Her ability to use environmental factors (like the storm) to her advantage is a testament to her strategic thinking.
Moreover, her role in the surgical strike to assassinate Harden further highlights her capacity for planning and executing complex operations. The use of a lightning blast, while primarily a display of raw power, also indicates a calculated approach to combat, aiming to maximize damage and disorient the enemy.
In terms of executing plans in conflict situations, Stormbringer shows a blend of foresight and adaptability. Her actions during the Battle of Charm, where she betrays the Lady by attacking other Taken, reflect not just raw power but a deep understanding of the shifting allegiances and power dynamics. This act, while morally ambiguous, underscores her ability to navigate and manipulate complex political and military situations to her advantage.
Given these considerations, Stormbringer's rating in tactical ability would be adjusted to a 6.5. This slight increase from the previous rating of 6 acknowledges her demonstrated strategic planning and execution abilities in various conflict scenarios. While she may not be the most ingenious strategist in all fantasy universes, her actions throughout the series show a consistent ability to effectively plan and execute strategies in complex situations.
Stormbringer's Influence
Stormbringer's influence is most notably seen in her interactions with other powerful characters and her role in significant plot developments. As one of the Ten Who Were Taken, she is not just a powerful sorcerer but also a key player in the political and military landscape of the series. Her ability to form and maintain alliances, as seen with her relationships with other Taken like Soulcatcher, demonstrates a level of influence that extends beyond mere magical prowess.
Her role during the Battle of Charm, where she betrays the Lady, is a prime example of her manipulative skills. This act of betrayal, while showcasing her raw power, also highlights her ability to navigate complex political situations and exert influence over the course of events. Additionally, her actions suggest a level of foresight and planning, indicating an understanding of the broader implications of her decisions.
Considering these aspects, Stormbringer's rating in the category of influence/persuasion is adjusted to a 6.5. This slight increase from the previous rating of 6 acknowledges her demonstrated ability to manipulate events and characters to her advantage. While she may not be the most charismatic or overtly persuasive character, her actions throughout the series show a consistent ability to subtly influence the narrative and the characters around her.
Stormbringer's Resilience
Physically, as one of the Ten Who Were Taken, Stormbringer possesses considerable magical abilities that contribute to her resilience. Her endurance in battle, as seen in various conflicts throughout the series, is a testament to her physical and magical robustness. For instance, during the Battle of Charm, despite facing formidable opponents and intense combat situations, she remains a significant threat to her enemies.
Stormbringer's resilience is also evident in her mental and emotional fortitude. She endures a century of imprisonment during the Domination and survives the complex and often treacherous political landscape following her liberation. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's shifting allegiances or facing powerful adversaries, highlights her mental and emotional strength.
Given these aspects, Stormbringer's rating in the category of resilience is adjusted to a 7.5. This increase from the previous rating of 7 acknowledges her demonstrated ability to withstand and recover from various forms of adversity. Her endurance in both physical and psychological realms, especially considering the harsh realities of the world she inhabits, warrants this higher rating.
Stormbringer's Versatility
As one of the Ten Who Were Taken, Stormbringer possesses a wide array of magical powers. Her abilities are not just limited to raw destructive power; she demonstrates a capacity for subtler forms of magic as well. For instance, her use of a powerful storm to assist the Black Company during their march across the Windy Country showcases her control over elemental forces. Additionally, her ability to create a lava flow in combat indicates a mastery over both offensive and environmental manipulation magic.
Stormbringer's versatility is also evident in her adaptability to different roles and situations. Initially a powerful independent wizard, she becomes one of the Dominator's enforcers and later serves as a general for the Lady. Her ability to navigate these complex and shifting power dynamics, from being a subordinate to a key player in the Lady's empire, highlights her adaptability.
Considering these aspects, Stormbringer's versatility rating is adjusted to a 6.5. This slight increase from the previous rating of 6 acknowledges her diverse magical abilities and her adaptability in various roles and situations. While she is not the most versatile character when compared to all fantasy characters across universes, her demonstrated range of skills and adaptability in different contexts justifies this rating.
Stormbringer's Alignment
Stormbringer's chaotic nature is evident in her disregard for established rules and structures. She operates primarily according to her own whims and desires, often shifting allegiances and employing unpredictable methods to achieve her goals. Her time as one of the Ten Who Were Taken under the Dominator and later as a general for the Lady showcases her willingness to align with powerful entities, regardless of their moral standing, to further her own ends. This flexibility in alliances and her unpredictable nature are hallmarks of a chaotic character.
Regarding the good-evil spectrum, Stormbringer falls into the neutral category. She does not exhibit a consistent inclination towards altruism or malevolence. Her actions are primarily self-serving, driven by a desire for power and survival rather than any inherent sense of morality or immorality. For instance, her involvement in battles and political machinations is motivated more by personal gain and the dynamics of power rather than any ethical considerations.
The designation of Chaotic Neutral is appropriate for Stormbringer. Her actions throughout the series demonstrate a clear disregard for order and a tendency to act unpredictably, aligning with the chaotic aspect. Simultaneously, her neutral stance on the good-evil axis is evident in her self-serving actions that are neither inherently good nor evil but rather focused on personal gain and adaptability in a constantly changing environment.
Stormbringer's alignment as Chaotic Neutral is justified by her consistent display of chaotic traits, such as unpredictability and disregard for established structures, and her neutral stance on moral issues, focusing on self-interest and survival rather than any clear ethical or moral principles. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Stormbringer Arena Art
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| Stormbringer Assaulting Emond's Field |
Stormbringer's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #68 (of 107) |
Overall Conclusion on Stormbringer and Position Across Planes of Existence
In the vast and varied landscape of fantasy universes, Stormbringer from Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series occupies a distinctive position. With a revised rating of 6.9, up from an initial 6.5, she is recognized as an above-average entity in terms of power and influence, yet not quite reaching the pinnacle of the fantasy power hierarchy. This assessment considers her capabilities and actions across multiple dimensions of her character.
Stormbringer's raw power is considerable. As one of the Ten Who Were Taken, she possesses formidable magical abilities. Her feats, such as creating massive storms and melting rock with spells, demonstrate a high level of magical prowess. However, in the broader context of all fantasy universes, where entities can reshape realities or possess god-like powers, her abilities, while impressive, do not place her at the very top tier.
Her tactical acumen is evident in her strategic maneuvers during battles and political machinations within the Lady's empire. Stormbringer shows a keen understanding of the dynamics of power and warfare. However, her strategies often rely more on brute force and magical superiority than on cunning or innovative tactics, placing her above average but not among the greatest strategists in fantasy.
Stormbringer's influence is significant but primarily exerted through fear and power rather than charisma or diplomacy. Her role as a general and enforcer under the Dominator and the Lady showcases her ability to command and intimidate, but she lacks the persuasive subtlety found in more influential fantasy characters.
Her resilience is notable, especially considering her survival and adaptability over centuries and various regimes. Stormbringer's ability to navigate the treacherous political landscapes and survive numerous battles speaks to her resilience. However, this resilience is more a testament to her raw power and less to an innate ability to recover from defeats or setbacks.
Versatility is perhaps where Stormbringer shines less brightly. While powerful, her skill set is somewhat focused on combat and sorcery, with less adaptability to situations that require diplomacy, stealth, or other non-combative solutions.
Stormbringer's overall rating of 6.9 is a reflection of her formidable powers and significant role in her universe, balanced against the broader context of fantasy characters across all universes. While she stands as a powerful and influential figure, her limitations in versatility and the more nuanced aspects of tactical ability and influence prevent her from reaching the highest echelons of fantasy power rankings. Her character is a compelling blend of raw magical strength, tactical warfare, and survival instinct, making her a notable figure in the fantasy genre but not the most powerful or versatile when compared to the vast array of characters spanning different worlds and narratives. 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.
