Race: Human
Sex: Male
Faction: The Empire
Overall Rating: 5.5
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
The Hanged Man, also known as Crooked Neck, stands as a haunting figure within The Black Company series. As one of the Ten Who Were Taken, his presence weaves through the narrative with a chilling impact, marking him as a being of formidable power and dark allegiance.
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| The Hanged Man, One of The Ten Who Were Taken |
Before the Annals: A Tale of Domination and Despair
Before becoming a pivotal force under the Lady's command, the Hanged Man's story begins in an era defined by tyranny and dark sorcery—the Domination. As a wizard-king ensnared by the Dominator, his transformation into one of the Ten Who Were Taken marks a grim chapter in his existence, stripping him of autonomy and weaving his fate into the fabric of a dark empire.
The Hanged Man's centuries-long imprisonment in the Barrowland alongside the Dominator and his cohorts speaks volumes about the gravity of their collective threat. Their eventual liberation by the Resurrectionists, masterminded by the Lady to exclude the Dominator, sets the stage for the Hanged Man's role in the establishment and defense of the Lady's Empire.
The Hanged Man in The Black Company
The Hanged Man's introduction to the Company and his subsequent demonstration of power against Rebel threats highlight his significance as a general in the Lady's war. His ability to thwart magical attacks and lead reinforcements showcases both his strategic importance and the terrifying scope of his powers.
The Hanged Man's participation in the ambush that led to the death of the Rebel general Harden underscores his combat prowess. Yet, it is his own death in this encounter that leaves a lasting imprint on the narrative. Struck down by a desperate act, his demise not only marks the first death among the Taken but also sows seeds of betrayal and vengeance that echo throughout the series.
The Echoes of the Hanged Man's Legacy
The aftermath of the Hanged Man's death reverberates through the ranks of the Taken and the members of the Black Company alike. His passing underlines the fragility and complexity of alliances within the Lady's empire, while also highlighting the personal vendettas that simmer beneath the surface of their unified front.
The subsequent actions of Shapeshifter, seeking retribution for the Hanged Man's death, illuminate the deep divisions and rivalries among the Taken. The fatal confrontation with Stormbringer, resulting in both their deaths, serves as a grim reminder of the personal costs embedded within their eternal struggle for power.
The Hanged Man's character arc, fraught with dark magic, treachery, and a perpetual battle for dominion, encapsulates the essence of the Black Company series—a world where power is both a weapon and a curse, and loyalty is a double-edged sword. His journey from a wizard-king to a spectral figure of vengeance and despair offers a glimpse into the heart of darkness that beats at the core of Glen Cook's grimdark masterpiece. In the annals of fantasy literature, the Hanged Man emerges as a symbol of the eternal conflict between power and mortality, his story a haunting melody that lingers long after the battles have ceased.
The Hanged Man's Raw Power
In combat scenarios, the Hanged Man's power is chillingly effective. He demonstrates his formidable abilities during the ambush that led to the Rebel general Harden's death, where he casts a spell causing his enemies to grasp at their throats in debilitating agony. This incident alone showcases his capacity to wield magic with devastating precision and lethal outcomes. Furthermore, his presence at the Stair of Tear, where he counters magical threats posed by Rebel wizards, further exemplifies his significant command over sorcery, enabling him to protect and enforce the Lady's will across the battlefield.
However, when comparing the Hanged Man's raw power to the vast array of characters found across all fantasy universes, where entities possess the ability to alter reality, command elements, or exhibit god-like powers, a nuanced evaluation is required. Given his demonstrated prowess and the fear he instills in both allies and enemies alike, a rating of 7 is justified. This rating acknowledges the Hanged Man's formidable sorcerous abilities and his status as a key combatant in the Lady's wars, placing him above average among fantasy characters while recognizing the limitations imposed by his mortality and the specialized nature of his powers.
The Hanged Man's Tactical Ability
The Hanged Man's tactical acumen is most notably displayed in his participation in critical combat scenarios. For instance, his involvement in the ambush that led to the Rebel general Harden's death highlights not just his magical prowess but his capacity to strategically utilize his powers to sway the outcome of battles. The Hanged Man, alongside other Taken, meticulously plans and executes this ambush, leveraging his sorcerous abilities to neutralize the enemy forces effectively before they can respond.
Additionally, his arrival at the Stair of Tear with reinforcements and his subsequent actions against Rebel wizards demonstrate his ability to anticipate threats and respond with decisive force. These actions underline a strategic mindset adept at both planning and adapting to the fluid dynamics of warfare, ensuring the Lady's forces maintain their advantage.
However, when placed within the broader context of all fantasy universes, where characters might exhibit strategic genius both on and off the battlefield, commanding vast armies or manipulating empires with a thought, the Hanged Man's tactical ability warrants a nuanced assessment. His rating of 5 acknowledges his demonstrated strategic competencies and his role as a formidable general in the Lady's wars. This rating places him above average, recognizing his significant contributions to military campaigns and magical battles while considering the extraordinary tactical and strategic abilities exhibited by characters across the fantasy genre.
The Hanged Man's Influence
In his interactions, the Hanged Man demonstrates an ability to command and manipulate, traits essential for someone in his position. His communication in TelleKurre, the ancient language of the Domination, signifies his deep connection to the era's dark legacy, further augmenting his influence by tapping into the power and fear associated with that period. His strategic deployment in key battles and the psychological impact of his gruesome appearance—marked by the eternal noose—serve to reinforce his authority and instill dread, making him a psychological weapon as much as a physical one.
His influence, however, is not derived from traditional leadership or charisma but from a combination of his mystique, his role as an enforcer of the Lady's will, and the terror that his sorcery and reputation inspire. While not a figure that rallies followers through inspiration or persuasion, the Hanged Man exerts control through a more ominous presence, manipulating events and people from the shadows.
Considering the broader spectrum of fantasy universes, where characters may wield influence through a variety of means ranging from divine authority to charismatic leadership, the Hanged Man's form of influence is more niche but nonetheless potent. His rating of 4 reflects a recognition of his specific type of influence—rooted in fear, sorcery, and the legacy of the Dominator's era. This rating acknowledges his capacity to affect the course of events and command respect (or terror) while considering the limitations of his approach when compared to the more expansive and varied forms of influence seen across fantasy literature.
The Hanged Man's Resilience
Physically, The Hanged Man's resilience is evident in his enduring the ordeal of being hanged—a punishment or perhaps a battle wound that left him with a permanent, gruesome disfigurement. This physical resilience is further demonstrated by his ability to engage in combat, casting powerful spells that incapacitate and kill, even when facing formidable opponents. His participation in key battles, such as the ambush that led to Rebel general Harden's death, showcases not just his combat effectiveness but his capacity to survive in the face of lethal magical assaults.
However, The Hanged Man's resilience has its limits. His death by Harden's sword marks a rare moment of vulnerability, highlighting that even the most powerful beings can fall. This event does not diminish his overall resilience but rather provides a stark reminder of the mortality that even ancient sorcerers face.
Given the broader landscape of fantasy literature, where characters often boast near-immortality, heal from fatal wounds instantaneously, or endure through eons without falter, The Hanged Man's resilience is noteworthy yet not unparalleled. A rating adjustment to 6 is warranted, acknowledging his significant endurance and persistence across centuries and through dire physical challenges, while also recognizing the ultimate limit of his resilience. This rating situates The Hanged Man as above average in resilience among fantasy characters, appreciating his tenacity and ability to endure while acknowledging the existence of more indomitable beings within the genre.
The Hanged Man's Versatility
His sorcerous powers, evidenced by the debilitating spells he casts upon his foes, showcase not just raw strength but a nuanced understanding of magic that allows for strategic application in combat. This, coupled with his centuries-old wisdom and experience gained under the tyrannical rule of the Dominator, makes him a formidable general in the Lady's army. The Hanged Man's effectiveness in battle, particularly his participation in the ambush against Rebel general Harden, underscores his versatility as both a sorcerer and a military strategist.
Moreover, The Hanged Man's ability to communicate in TelleKurre, the ancient language of the Domination, suggests a depth of knowledge and cultural understanding that exceeds mere combat prowess. This linguistic capability hints at diplomatic or manipulative skills that could be wielded in scenarios requiring subtlety and influence over brute force.
However, when juxtaposed with characters from across all fantasy universes—entities capable of shape-shifting, mastering multiple forms of magic, or excelling in a wide range of disciplines from diplomacy to warfare—The Hanged Man's versatility, while impressive, occupies a more specialized niche. Thus, adjusting his rating to 5.5 reflects a recognition of his multifaceted role within the narrative of The Black Company. It acknowledges his adaptability and broad skill set in the context of dark sorcery and military strategy, while also considering the broader spectrum of versatility exhibited by characters in the expansive realm of fantasy literature.
The Hanged Man's Alignment
The Hanged Man's neutrality reflects his self-serving nature. He operates within the structures of the Lady's Empire not out of a sense of duty or legal obligation but because it serves his interests. His actions are guided by personal gain rather than any allegiance to lawful order or chaotic rebellion. He is willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his ends, unconstrained by moral dilemmas or ethical considerations.
The essence of The Hanged Man's evil lies in his willingness to inflict suffering and death to further his objectives. His use of potent and agonizing spells against enemies, and his role in the oppression and terror wielded by the Lady's Empire, exemplify a character whose influence is marked by fear and cruelty. His evil is pragmatic and cold, calculated to maintain his power and status within a tyrannical regime.
The Hanged Man embodies the "Neutral Evil" alignment through his pragmatic pursuit of power, his willingness to serve an oppressive empire for personal gain, and his readiness to use dark sorcery to eliminate threats. His actions and motivations are devoid of loyalty to lawful institutions or chaotic insurgence, driven instead by a calculated malevolence that seeks to advance his position at the expense of others. In the grand tapestry of fantasy characters, The Hanged Man's alignment highlights a figure who epitomizes the darker aspects of pragmatism and self-interest, making him a compelling study in the pursuit of power unfettered by moral or ethical constraints. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
The Hanged Man's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #93 (of 107) |
Overall Conclusion on The Hanged Man and Position Across Planes of Existence
With an overall rating of 5.5, The Hanged Man is positioned as an above-average character across all fantasy universes, a standing that acknowledges both his strengths and the limitations inherent in his portrayal. The Hanged Man's raw power is unmistakable; as one of the Ten Who Were Taken, his mastery of dark sorcery and his role as a general in the Lady's war mark him as a formidable sorcerer whose spells and strategic capabilities shape the battlefield. His ability to cast debilitating spells that can neutralize enemies with agonizing precision showcases a level of magical prowess that commands respect and fear. This raw power, however, is contextualized within a universe where magic, while powerful, is but one aspect of combat, and where the physical and moral costs of such power are ever-present.
His tactical ability is demonstrated through his contributions to key military engagements and his capacity to anticipate and counter magical threats. This strategic acumen, combined with centuries of experience in warfare and subjugation, underscores his significance as a force within the Lady's empire. However, it is within the broader landscape of fantasy literature, filled with characters who not only wield vast magical powers but also demonstrate extraordinary strategic genius, that The Hanged Man's tactical prowess is seen as above average—capable and formidable, yet not unparalleled.
The Hanged Man's influence, derived largely from his fearsome reputation and his role within the oppressive regime of the Lady's Empire, is a testament to his ability to sway the course of events and instill dread in both foes and allies. His alignment as "Neutral Evil" reflects a character driven by self-interest, willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his goals, embodying the darker aspects of pragmatism and ambition.
His resilience and versatility further contribute to his rating, showcasing a character who, despite facing formidable challenges, including his own death, demonstrates an ability to persist and adapt across centuries of conflict and change. Yet, it is the very human limitations to his resilience and the specialized nature of his versatility that place him within the "above average" category when viewed against the spectrum of fantasy characters, some of whom exhibit near-immortality or a broader range of adaptable skills.
In conclusion, The Hanged Man's overall rating of 5.5 across all fantasy universes is a nuanced assessment that recognizes his formidable powers, strategic mind, and influential presence while also acknowledging the comparative scale of abilities and achievements that populate fantasy literature. It reflects a character of significant depth, whose contributions to his narrative universe are indelible, yet whose capabilities are balanced by the constraints of his context and the broader paradigms of the genre. 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.
