Race: Tiste / Tiste Liosan
Sex: Male
Faction: High House Light / Urusander's Legion
Rating: 6.7
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Hunn Raal stands as one of the most controversial figures in The Malazan Book of the Fallen, originating as a captain in Urusander's Legion and ascending to a role that defied both mortal and divine authority. His impact on the Tiste society’s structure and his manipulative tactics in pursuit of power demonstrate a complex character driven by resentment, ambition, and perhaps, an unfulfilled desire for justice.
 |
| Hunn Raal, Mortal Sword of Light |
Who Is Hunn Raal? Background and Lineage
As a captain of Urusander’s Legion, Hunn Raal is a Tiste of noble descent from the ancient Issgin line, a lineage with a complicated legacy of its own. The Issgin line once held significant sway in Kharkanas but had since fallen from power. Unlike other noble families who aligned with the prestigious Hust Legion, Hunn Raal instead served under the commoners’ Legion led by Vatha Urusander, which set him apart and subtly colored his perspective. Throughout his journey, Raal would increasingly frame himself as a defender of the common soldiers, believing that both he and Urusander’s forces were overlooked and under-rewarded by the ruling elite, including the divine Mother Dark herself. This discontent laid the groundwork for his power-seeking ambitions, casting him as a champion—or as many saw it, a power-hungry insurgent.
Why Did Hunn Raal Aim for Power?
Following the end of wars with the Forulkan and Jheleck, Hunn Raal felt a gnawing dissatisfaction. His years of service had not earned the respect or rewards he expected, particularly given the peace his Legion helped secure. Urusander, the commander he had served with loyalty, seemed too passive to Raal, unwilling to seize the recognition and authority they were owed. This discontent planted a seed of ambition in Hunn Raal’s heart, eventually leading him to devise a plan to elevate Urusander to the throne of Kharkanas. While he ostensibly justified his ambition as ensuring due recognition for the Legion’s sacrifices, many questioned whether he pursued power as a means of vindicating his own unfulfilled aspirations and avenging perceived injustices.
How Did Hunn Raal Manipulate Those Around Him?
In his quest for influence, Hunn Raal positioned himself close to Urusander’s family, particularly forging an alliance with Urusander’s son, Osserc. Through this association, he rallied like-minded captains, securing the support of five out of the eight cohort commanders, a strategic maneuver that provided a substantial power base. Raal also knew how to project a certain image to his peers and subordinates. Rumored to be a heavy drinker, he allowed this image of a “drunk” to spread, possibly as a strategy to be underestimated. Captain Toras Redone astutely observed that Hunn Raal “never drank as much as he pretended to,” suggesting that his apparent vice masked a calculating mind.
Despite these manipulations, Raal’s ambition was no open secret to those around him. Urusander himself recognized Raal’s political aspirations but failed to comprehend the full extent of his ruthlessness and the drastic lengths Raal would take to see his plans come to fruition.
What Were Hunn Raal’s Key Actions in Forge of Darkness?
In Forge of Darkness, Hunn Raal’s machinations reach a critical point. Unfazed by political norms, he actively stirs unrest in Kharkanas. Raal attempts to recruit the support of Calat Hustain, commander of the Wardens of the Outer Reach, who rebuffs him. Instead, Raal capitalizes on the arrival of T’riss, an Azathanai, and the threat of invasion from the Vitr to request reactivation of the Legion, which Mother Dark promptly ignores. Frustrated, he uses the Legion squads stationed north of the capital to sow discord, framing the Deniers as an imminent threat, thus initiating brutal purges against them.
Raal’s actions escalate when he orchestrates the assassination of the noble Houses Enes and Drukorlat, massacres the Shake monastery at Abara Delack, and annihilates the families of Borderswords under the guise of Houseblade soldiers. His ambition culminates in his poisoning of the Hust Legion, a strategic move that eliminates a powerful rival force. By the end of Forge of Darkness, Raal’s web of violence and deception reveals a cunning figure willing to sacrifice even the most sacred bonds to achieve his vision.
What Role Does Hunn Raal Play in Fall of Light?
In Fall of Light, Hunn Raal’s influence has only grown more formidable. When Lord Ilgast Rend of the Wardens marches upon the Legion’s headquarters, Raal defies Urusander’s orders by provoking Rend into a reckless attack, which ends in the Wardens’ annihilation. Raal executes Rend afterward, further consolidating his authority. With the support of High Priestess Syntara, who notes Raal's new position of Mortal Sword of Light, Raal’s power reaches new heights as he wields sorcery and enforces his will on the battlefield.
Despite Syntara’s endorsement, Raal’s use of his sorcerous powers draws the attention of the Azathanai Olar Ethil. A primordial goddess, Olar Ethil perceives Raal’s potential recklessness and warns him to control his power, cautioning that even divine forces can be humbled. Through this dynamic, Raal’s actions reflect both defiance and the vulnerability of ambition unchecked by wisdom.
Was Hunn Raal Driven by Altruism or Self-Interest?
While many characters portray Hunn Raal as self-serving and manipulative, Erikson’s narrative leaves some room for ambiguity. Raal’s viewpoint often suggests that he perceives himself as a righteous reformer, someone who sees the complacency and corruption in Kharkanas’s elite and believes his actions are in the best interest of the Legion. Though he operates with ruthless pragmatism, Raal’s motivations could stem as much from his conviction of being wronged as from sheer self-interest.
How Does Hunn Raal Reflect the Themes of Power and Corruption?
Hunn Raal’s character embodies Erikson’s recurring theme of the corrupting influence of power and ambition. His journey from captain to Mortal Sword of Light is marked by a gradual descent into moral compromise, illustrating how even well-intentioned aspirations can twist into something darker. His interactions with characters like Urusander, Mother Dark, and Syntara reveal the shifting alliances, fractured loyalties, and the inherent danger of unchecked ambition within the Tiste society.
Hunn Raal's Raw Power
Despite his substantial abilities and his position as Mortal Sword of Light, Hunn Raal’s raw power is constrained by his reliance on external sources of power and his limitations in both physical strength and magical reach earning a rating of 6.5 out of 10. His rank reflects a notable, above-average force within the Malazan universe yet stops short of the highest tiers due to his relatively localized influence and the partial nature of his powers.
Strength
While not the most physically imposing among the Tiste, Hunn Raal exhibits the resilience and combat proficiency expected of a captain in Urusander’s Legion. His physical capabilities, while enhanced through his training and experience in warfare, are not entirely supernatural in and of themselves. Raal's strength can be considered significant in combat, but it largely serves to augment his other abilities, including his deft skill with weapons rather than surpassing natural or supernatural limits. Though he has the endurance expected of his kind, he is still vulnerable to more powerful physical forces and is by no means an unstoppable physical force.
Magical Ability
Hunn Raal’s true power lies in his command over sorcery through the blessing of Light, a potent yet volatile source of energy. As the Mortal Sword of Light, Raal’s magical power manifests with both destructive and persuasive effects, furthering his ambitions and reinforcing his physical might in combat. His sorcery is significant, allowing him to perform feats that not only intimidate his enemies but also enable him to hold sway over his allies. However, Raal’s magical prowess, while formidable, is still limited in both scale and finesse when measured against ancient powers, god-tier beings, or those with mastery over multiple magical domains. His capacity to wield sorcery effectively, therefore, reflects a respectable level of magic but is by no means exceptional across all fantasy characters.
Combat Prowess
Raal’s background as a captain, honed through experience in Tiste military campaigns, reflects his solid proficiency in close combat. He demonstrates a lethal and disciplined approach in battle, using both strategy and raw power to outmaneuver and overcome adversaries. Though competent, Raal’s combat abilities are reinforced rather than defined by his tactical mind and magical resources, making him a threat in both individual encounters and group warfare. His combat prowess, while admirable, does not place him in the upper echelons when compared to legendary warriors and tacticians from other universes.
Hunn Raal's Tactical Ability
Hunn Raal’s tactical skillset is substantial, marked by strategic acumen and an exceptional ability to harness resources within his immediate sphere of influence. However, his ambition tends to be insular and self-directed, narrowing his potential for influence on a larger, multiversal scale. Raal’s tactical ability grants him command and respect, yet his unwillingness to engage broader sociopolitical elements limits his position among truly legendary tacticians. A 7.5 out of 10 rating reflects a balanced, formidable strategist with limitations in grand vision and adaptability.
Strategic Mind
Hunn Raal’s strategic mind is a blend of ambition and pragmatism. He has shown considerable foresight in anticipating and influencing the internal dynamics of Urusander’s Legion. By aligning himself with Urusander’s son, Osserc, and various influential captains, Raal secured key allies to back his quest for power. However, his strategy often lacks a broad, long-term vision, favoring immediate gains and personal empowerment. Raal’s focus on short-term dominance over Urusander’s Legion has limited his influence in Kurald Galain's wider, complex sociopolitical fabric. His strategy is sound but falls short of universal acclaim, lacking the transformative foresight seen in figures with grander visions.
Resourcefulness
One of Raal’s defining traits is his resourcefulness in maneuvering within challenging political environments. Often underestimated by rivals due to his reputation as a drunkard, Raal uses this perception to his advantage, masking his intentions while gathering crucial information. Additionally, his calculated alliances and manipulative tactics indicate a talent for leveraging limited resources to maximum effect. For instance, he rallied support by tapping into the Legion's frustrations and disillusionment, capitalizing on existing resentment toward nobility to foster loyalty within the ranks. However, his tactics have been reactive rather than innovative, limiting his effectiveness in dynamically shifting contexts.
Resource Arsenal
Hunn Raal’s resource arsenal is significant but constrained by the specific factions and political limitations within the Tiste realm. He commands considerable influence within Urusander’s Legion, holding sway over five of the eight cohort commanders. Furthermore, Raal's ability to potentially sway Syntara, the High Priestess of Light, adds mystical support to his arsenal. However, Raal’s arsenal is heavily centralized, relying on the strength and obedience of his Legion allies. Without broader alliances outside of the Legion, his resources are highly potent in scope but lack the depth to contend with powers or groups with diversified or transcendent capabilities.
Hunn Raal's Influence
Hunn Raal’s influence is formidable within specific circles, particularly among those disillusioned with traditional Tiste nobility. His persuasive abilities, while effective, are marred by manipulation and intimidation, creating influence that is potent but limited in scope. His position within the Legion and alignment with Syntara grant him strategic power rather than genuine reverence, marking him as a capable but ultimately divisive figure earning a 7.0 out of 10 rating.
Persuasion
Raal's capacity for persuasion is nuanced, relying on a balance of charisma and intimidation. He has successfully garnered the support of several key figures within Urusander's Legion, particularly by aligning with disaffected soldiers who feel overlooked or undervalued by the Tiste nobility. His recruitment approach often taps into these grievances, presenting himself as the champion of their cause. However, Raal's persuasiveness often hinges on underhanded methods and intimidation rather than genuine loyalty or respect, as evidenced by his manipulation of Urusander’s son, Osserc, and other captains. This limited appeal places Raal as a figure who can be compelling but fails to inspire true allegiance beyond those who align with his motives.
Reverence
Hunn Raal’s reverence among his peers is tenuous at best. While he commands respect within Urusander’s Legion as a powerful figure with noble lineage, he lacks the profound awe or respect associated with leaders of greater renown or divine affiliation. Even his contemporaries view him with a degree of skepticism, if not outright distrust, given his reputation for personal ambition and manipulative tendencies.
Willpower
Willpower is perhaps one of Raal’s more defining traits, allowing him to remain resilient in the face of adversity and manipulation. His ambition to see Urusander on the throne has consistently driven him to make bold moves, regardless of the risks involved. Raal’s willpower enables him to endure both physical and political challenges, maintaining a relentless pursuit of his objectives. However, his willpower appears more grounded in self-preservation and personal gain than any altruistic vision or loyalty to a higher ideal. As a result, his will is firm but falls short of the tenacity exhibited by those motivated by broader, selfless goals.
Hunn Raal's Resilience
Hunn Raal’s resilience lies in his mental fortitude and cunning more than in physical or magical durability and is rated a 6.5 out of 10. His resilience is respectable within the context of his role as a mortal, ambitious figure in a highly volatile environment. However, compared to beings of legendary resilience or other fantasy characters possessing regenerative or arcane safeguards, Raal’s endurance is solid but not extraordinary. His resilience, therefore, is situational and best observed in his ability to navigate adversity and maintain his position rather than in his capacity to survive overwhelming physical or magical threats.
Physical Resistance
Raal’s physical resistance stems primarily from his combat background and experience within Urusander’s Legion, allowing him to withstand the demands of battlefield encounters and the physical strain associated with leadership. While he has endured injury and hardship, his reliance on cunning rather than sheer physical fortitude places him behind characters who embody indomitable physical resistance. His survival is often due more to his careful, strategic evasion and manipulation rather than an innate ability to absorb damage or outlast foes in direct, grueling encounters. He can weather conflicts and sustain his endurance in leadership roles, but in terms of enduring physical punishment, Raal’s abilities are somewhat standard, lacking the hardened resilience seen in top-tier warriors or beings of mythical stature.
Magical Resistance
Raal’s recent empowerment as the Mortal Sword of Light grants him some magical resistance, but his resilience in this domain is unstable and externally dependent. His relationship with sorcery is new, meaning he hasn’t built the layered defenses or immunities one might expect in a seasoned magical entity. His limited magical resistance often requires him to lean on intimidation or outsmarting opponents to avoid direct confrontations with sorcerous forces. Thus, his magical resilience, while present, is not formidable enough to withstand a variety of supernatural threats on par with characters of higher arcane resilience.
Longevity
Raal’s longevity as a character is one marked by ambition rather than durability. His ambitions have led him to outmaneuver his peers within Urusander’s Legion, extending his relevance and influence, but he lacks any notable supernatural traits or blessings that would contribute to extended physical longevity or an enhanced lifespan. As a mortal being without inherent regeneration or reincarnation capabilities, Raal’s resilience is bound to a standard life expectancy, making his longevity fairly average. He remains vulnerable to mortal dangers and is aware that his survival is tethered to his political savvy rather than an intrinsic, long-lasting durability.
Hunn Raal's Versatility
Hunn Raal’s versatility is adequate within the confines of his political and military environment but lacks the expansive adaptability, providential luck, or powerful hidden assets seen in characters who can transcend situational constraints. His strategies and subterfuge are advantageous but limited in scope. His versatility is average, rated a 6.0 out of 10, when compared to high-fantasy characters with more diverse skills, magical artifacts, or the ability to bend fortune to their will. While Raal’s specific skill set allows him to thrive in certain settings, it lacks the breadth to rank him among the more versatile characters in the fantasy genre.
Adaptability
Hunn Raal has shown a fair amount of adaptability, especially in how he leverages his reputation, ambitions, and situational awareness to climb the political hierarchy of Urusander’s Legion. His ability to shift roles—from a captain in the Legion to a key player aiming to elevate Urusander to a more prominent position—highlights a strategic flexibility. However, Raal’s adaptability is tightly bound to environments where he holds sway and influence, such as his internal maneuvering within the Legion. Outside of these familiar power structures, his ability to adapt declines considerably. He has not shown significant skill in adjusting to mystical or supernatural threats, which limits his versatility when compared to characters who can adapt to a wider variety of adversities and environments.
Luck
Raal benefits from a moderate amount of luck, or at least from fortuitous timing, in terms of situationally advantageous moments that align with his ambitions. His rise within the Legion and his ability to survive numerous conflicts with primordial beings can be partly attributed to his knack for finding himself in positions where he can exploit power vacuums or capitalize on others’ failures. However, Raal’s “luck” is often engineered by his own machinations rather than by any inherent supernatural favor or consistently favorable circumstances. Unlike characters in high fantasy who may benefit from extraordinary luck in the form of magical protections or destiny-based plot armor, Raal’s luck is far more conventional and subject to the limitations of his environment.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Hunn Raal’s “shaved knuckle in the hole” is his calculated and deliberate appearance as a drunkard and his understated intelligence, which allows him to gain information and leverage others’ underestimation of him. This self-engineered advantage serves as his hidden skill, offering him an element of surprise in his political maneuvering. While this advantage is effective within his sphere, it does not offer the same level of impact as hidden magical powers, divine favor, or other potent last-resort abilities that many high-ranking fantasy characters possess. His hidden skill is subtle and indirect, lacking the scale of effect to dramatically alter battlefields or mystically tip the scales in conflicts.
Hunn Raal's Alignment
Hunn Raal, a Tiste Andii (although, plausibly a Tiste Liosan at this point in the story) of noble lineage, serves as a captain in Urusander’s Legion, advocating for Urusander’s rise to power as the Father Light and husband to Mother Dark. Raal is a figure steeped in ambition, political cunning, and ruthless pragmatism, with his sights firmly set on elevating both Urusander and himself. Discontent with the lack of acknowledgment for his and the Legion’s sacrifices in recent wars, he views the royal lineage of Kharkanas as inferior to his own family’s claim, subtly positioning himself as a critical force within Urusander’s political circle. Raal wields his role in the Legion as a means to influence, recruit, and eliminate dissenting factions, crafting an image that combines feigned drunkenness and earnest loyalty. However, his loyalty lies more with his own vision for the Tiste Andii than with any true sense of honor or duty.
Hunn Raal’s actions, from inciting civil unrest to manipulating the Legion’s internal dynamics, are designed to reshape Tiste society according to his ideals. His methods are often brutal, including his decision to poison the Hust Legion—an act of calculated betrayal intended to consolidate his power within the Legion. While he may view his goals as benefiting Tiste society and believes his army was unjustly overlooked by the ruling class, his means of achieving these ends reflect a clear willingness to subvert moral codes, utilize violence, and exploit individuals. Raal’s charisma and insight grant him influence over others, often swaying them to his view through fear or persuasion rather than respect or loyalty.
Hunn Raal’s alignment as Neutral Evil is evident in his self-serving nature, lack of adherence to any moral principles, and pragmatic use of law or chaos depending on his current goals. Rather than adhering strictly to the established hierarchy or laws, he manipulates structures to serve his agenda, creating discord when it suits him. Raal’s intentions are not necessarily chaotic, as he values stability to the extent it supports his objectives. However, his lack of empathy and willingness to use any means necessary, from subterfuge to mass murder, demonstrate an underlying evil that’s centered around personal power rather than ideological motivations.
While not wholly chaotic in nature, Hunn Raal operates outside the bounds of traditional lawful behavior, choosing instead to forge his own path if it serves his interests. This positioning places him firmly within the Neutral Evil alignment, where his disregard for established order combines with his ruthless ambition to solidify his vision for Urusander’s leadership. For Hunn Raal, ends justify the means, and he views concepts like loyalty and honor as tools to be used and discarded as needed. This makes him a complex, morally flexible character, yet with a consistent goal of advancing his influence and reshaping society around his own vision—regardless of the cost to others. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Hunn Raal's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2 (2024-2025) | TBD (of 204) |
Overall Conclusion on Hunn Raal and Position Across Planes of Existence
Hunn Raal’s power level of 6.7 places him as an above-average figure within the fantasy landscape, but his influence is somewhat limited by context and circumstance. While undeniably cunning, charismatic, and ruthless, Raal lacks the raw power and versatility seen in the most legendary of fantasy characters, making his influence and reach more nuanced and situational. His current ranking reflects his formidable tactical mind and his adeptness in maneuvering through the volatile political landscape of the Tiste Andii. Hunn Raal’s skill set, particularly his growing sorcerous capabilities, positions him as a respected (and feared) figure within his realm but keeps him beneath the upper echelon occupied by beings of immense, world-shaping power.
Raal’s 6.7 rating is rooted in his demonstrated abilities rather than outright physical dominance or magical prowess, which—while impressive—do not reach the cosmic, reality-altering capabilities of higher-tier characters, as of yet in the text. His strength lies instead in his calculated brutality, especially evident in his ability to orchestrate large-scale operations such as the poisoning of the Hust Legion and the manipulation of political structures within Urusander’s Legion. Although his magical skills are significant, they remain narrowly tied to his allegiance to Light and the more limited forms of sorcery he’s wielded so far. Raal’s raw power is more restricted by his status and personal choices, which often prioritize political or tactical goals over outright destruction.
Raal’s place in the wider cosmos is interestingly complex. Unlike beings who pursue personal enlightenment or aspire to godhood, Raal’s ambitions are grounded in the political and temporal; he seeks dominion within the structures of his world and works to reshape its ruling order to favor his lineage and ideology. This positions him in the ranks of powerful mortal figures who rely on a mix of influence, martial prowess, and strategic manipulation. Given that Raal is still actively engaged in the political and military struggles of his universe, his power level is also reflective of ongoing shifts in the Tiste Andii society, which may yet impact his influence further.
In rating Raal below many other Malazan entities, we also acknowledge that his role is still developing. With the Kharkanas Trilogy yet to be completed, there’s potential for this rating to be reassessed. Should the conclusion of the series reveal new facets of Raal’s power or expanded influence, this ranking may warrant adjustment. As of now, Raal remains a compelling example of the limitations and strengths of purely mortal ambition—straddling a unique position where ruthless pragmatism and mortal limitations intersect. 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.
