Race: Human (Northern)
Sex: Male
Faction: Circle of Eighteen / Rebels
Rating: 6.2
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Few figures among the Rebels of The Black Company command the sheer presence, power, and raw volatility of Harden. A sorcerer of immense ability and an uncompromising battlefield commander, he stood at the forefront of the war against the Lady and her infamous Taken. Harden was not merely a warrior but a force of nature—a relentless and imposing strategist who led the largest Rebel armies in the struggle against Imperial rule. With a lineage tied to some of the most formidable members of the Circle of Eighteen, including his feared cousin Whisper and his despised brother-in-law Raker, Harden’s rise to prominence was built upon both his bloodline and his personal ferocity.
 |
| Harden, One of the Circle of Eighteen |
Croaker, the Annalist of the Black Company, captured Harden’s daunting presence vividly: “I had not expected Harden to be so intimidating. He was every bit as ugly as the apparition that had appeared during Goblin’s bout with One-Eye… Harden was as big a villain as any of the Taken.” His grotesque and unforgettable visage—a bearded face tangled in orange hair, marred by a livid scar over a sleepily half-closed eye—became a symbol of terror and determination among the Rebel ranks. Yet, for all his might, Harden met a grim and sudden end, ambushed by a coalition of enemies that included the Black Company, the Taken, and even the treacherous Shapeshifter.
Who Was Harden? Origins, Family, and Rise to Power
Harden’s name carried weight long before he assumed his role as one of the Rebel movement’s most formidable generals. Though much of his early history remains shrouded in obscurity, his familial connections offer significant insight into his character. His cousin Whisper was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous members of the Circle of Eighteen, a master of deception and strategy who instilled fear even among the Lady’s highest-ranking officers. The city of Rust, a stronghold of Rebel influence, was closely associated with Whisper, suggesting that Harden himself may have had roots in the same region. His marriage to the sister of Raker, another powerful Circle member, only further intertwined him within the Rebel leadership—though his rivalry with Raker was legendary. The two despised each other, and Harden would often traverse the province of Forsberg purely to antagonize his brother-in-law.
Following Raker’s assassination and Whisper’s capture by the Lady, Harden emerged as the senior-most commander of the Circle. With his personal strength, sorcerous prowess, and a force of will that few could rival, he quickly consolidated power, leading the largest Rebel armies ever assembled against the forces of the Empire.
The Power of Harden: Sorcery and Battlefield Prowess
Harden’s might was not limited to strategic brilliance. As a sorcerer, he commanded devastating magical abilities that he wielded against the Imperial forces. His mastery of battlefield sorcery allowed him to summon immense storms, hurl bolts of lightning, and project illusions that sowed terror among his enemies. One of his most infamous displays of power occurred at the Stair of Tear, where he conjured his own massive face into the sky—an apparition of grotesque enormity, its scarred eye staring down upon the battlefield. His spells were no less formidable, taking on vibrant hues of violet, pink, and green as they coiled through the air in mesmerizing yet deadly waves.
Yet, for all his power, Harden was not invincible. His magic, though formidable, was met and countered by the Taken and their own dark sorcery. It was at the Stair of Tear that he clashed with the likes of Soulcatcher, Stormbringer, and the enigmatic Hanged Man. Though he pushed through magical storms and relentless assaults, Harden ultimately met his fate not through direct confrontation, but through treachery.
The Fatal Ambush: Harden’s Last Stand
Harden’s death was as dramatic as his life. After surviving prolonged sieges, brutal magical duels, and relentless campaigns against the Empire, he was finally cornered in a calculated ambush orchestrated by the Taken and the Black Company. At the height of battle, as he struck down foes with his violet sorcery and felled Imperial soldiers in single combat, he was betrayed by his own steed—revealed to be none other than Shapeshifter in disguise. The treacherous Taken trapped Harden’s arm in its shifting form, leaving him vulnerable at a critical moment.
Despite this treachery, Harden fought to his last breath. Even as he was restrained, he managed to hurl his sword with deadly precision, piercing the head of the Hanged Man—a feat no one else had accomplished before. In his final moments, he even overpowered Raven in single combat, punching him unconscious despite his wounds. However, the combined assault of the remaining Taken and Imperial forces was too much; he was ultimately hacked to death while immobilized by the shifting monstrosity that had once been his horse.
His assassination was a turning point in the war. The Rebel forces, leaderless and demoralized, were soon led into a deadly trap at the Stair of Tear, suffering massive losses at the hands of the Black Company and their allies. Harden’s death, however, left a lasting impact: he was the only warrior to ever land a killing blow on one of the Ten Who Were Taken, proving that even the most dreaded of the Lady’s generals were not invincible.
Legacy of Harden: The Sorcerer-General’s Enduring Impact
Harden’s role in The Black Company was more than that of a simple antagonist—he was a testament to the sheer force of will and unrelenting ambition of the Rebel movement. His death did not mark the end of the war, but it significantly weakened the Rebellion’s leadership, leading to cascading defeats that the Black Company and the Taken exploited to devastating effect.
In the annals of the Black Company, Harden remains one of the most formidable foes they ever faced, standing alongside Whisper and the Circle of Eighteen as some of the most dangerous enemies of the Lady’s rule. His legacy is one of defiance, cunning, and sheer, raw power—a warrior whose rage and sorcery shaped the fate of the Rebellion, even in death.
The story of Harden is one of relentless ambition, tragic downfall, and enduring influence. Though ultimately slain, his legacy lived on in the scars he left upon the battlefield and in the legends of those who fought against him. In the grand saga of The Black Company, few warriors were as feared, and even fewer left such an indelible mark upon the war against the Lady.
Harden's Raw Power
Harden’s 7.0 rating reflects his standing as a high-tier fantasy character in terms of raw power. His battlefield sorcery was devastating, his illusions and projections gave him an omnipresent terror over his enemies, and he could engage in combat personally when necessary. However, compared to the absolute highest levels of raw power across all fantasy settings, he lacked the ability to reshape reality, exercise divine influence, or wield infinite reserves of magic. His magic, while formidable, was not limitless, and his vulnerabilities as a mortal ultimately placed a cap on his power. Nonetheless, as a force of destruction within The Black Company universe, Harden stood as one of the mightiest sorcerers of his time, a fearsome warlord whose legend endured even in death.
Strength
Physically, Harden was an imposing figure, described as having a fearsome, battle-worn visage with a bearded, scarred face and tangled orange hair. However, there is little indication that his strength was a defining aspect of his power. While he was certainly a capable combatant with a sword, and physically imposing enough to engage in direct melee fights during his ambush, his true power lay in sorcery rather than sheer physicality. Unlike some warrior-mages who blend raw strength with magic, Harden relied primarily on his supernatural abilities in combat. This limits his effectiveness in direct physical confrontations against beings who combine brute strength with their magical prowess.
Magical Ability
Harden’s magic was characterized by its potency and aggression. He was one of the few Rebel sorcerers able to contend with the Taken on the battlefield, and his sorcery was known to be strong enough to counteract their influence. His signature magic was a violent violet-colored energy, which he wielded with precision and deadly effect. In battle, he projected destructive sorcerous attacks capable of crippling even the Taken, as seen when he temporarily immobilized three of them during his final stand. His control over battlefield sorcery extended beyond mere offensive capabilities; he was capable of launching large-scale magical assaults, such as the cascading banners of energy used during the battle at the Stair of Tear.
Beyond traditional destructive magic, Harden demonstrated advanced illusions and projection magic. His ability to create a massive, looming apparition of his own face in the sky was both a psychological and magical flex, showing that he could not only wield power but manipulate perception. His projection magic allowed him to extend his presence over vast distances, an ability that made him a terrifying force in warfare. However, while his magic was impressive on a battlefield scale, it lacked the reality-warping or multi-dimensional reach of the highest-tier sorcerers in fantasy fiction. He did not command cosmic forces, nor did he possess an inexhaustible well of power, which sets a ceiling on his ranking.
Combat Prowess
Harden was more than just a sorcerer; he was a battlefield commander who fought alongside his men when necessary. Unlike some sorcerers who rely entirely on minions or magical defenses, Harden engaged in direct combat, wielding his sword alongside his magic. He was experienced enough to cut down trained soldiers in melee, and his durability allowed him to shrug off minor wounds in the heat of battle. His skill in combat was demonstrated during his final ambush when, despite being severely outnumbered, he killed multiple enemies and nearly turned the fight in his favor before being betrayed.
That said, Harden was still primarily a sorcerer rather than a dedicated martial combatant. His combat effectiveness stemmed from his ability to blend magic with physical confrontation rather than raw physical prowess alone. Against an opponent immune to magic or capable of closing the distance before he could unleash his sorcery, Harden would be at a disadvantage.
Harden's Tactical Ability
Harden’s 6.5 rating in tactical ability reflects his status as one of the most dangerous military minds in The Black Company universe. His ability to command armies, adapt to battlefield conditions, and leverage both conventional and magical assets made him a formidable general. However, compared to the absolute greatest tacticians across all fantasy universes, he lacked the transcendent insight, supernatural foresight, or complete strategic dominance that defines the top-tier. He was a brilliant commander, but not an unbeatable one, and his eventual downfall underscores the limits of his tactical prowess. Nonetheless, his ability to challenge the Taken and their forces on nearly equal footing cements his place among the most skilled battlefield leaders in fantasy fiction.
Strategic Mind
Harden excelled at large-scale strategy, commanding armies that not only outnumbered the Black Company and their allies but also pressed advantages through superior coordination and tactical flexibility. Unlike many members of the Circle of Eighteen, who often acted independently or vied for personal power, Harden was capable of uniting disparate factions into an effective force. His leadership during the siege of Lords demonstrated his ability to manage long-term military engagements, as he implemented siege tactics that eventually overwhelmed the defenses of the imperial forces. He understood both attritional warfare and decisive action, balancing prolonged assaults with well-timed magical and physical offensives.
His strategic vision extended beyond mere numbers. Harden anticipated enemy movements and adjusted his plans accordingly, forcing the Black Company and the Taken into a desperate retreat through the Windy Country. His understanding of the geography of the conflict allowed him to press his advantage, pursuing his foes relentlessly while maintaining the cohesion of his forces. However, his strategic mind was not infallible—he failed to predict the reinforcements at the Stair of Tear and was ultimately outmaneuvered in the final ambush that led to his downfall.
Resourcefulness
Harden’s ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions was one of his greatest strengths. When faced with overwhelming magical opposition from the Taken, he employed creative countermeasures, including coordinated sorcery attacks and battlefield illusions. His ability to project an enormous image of himself into the sky served not just as an intimidation tactic but also as a means of psychological warfare, disorienting and demoralizing enemy forces. He was not bound by traditional military doctrines, incorporating both conventional and magical assets into his strategies.
Even when setbacks occurred, Harden did not crumble. At the Stair of Tear, when his initial magical assault was neutralized by the Hanged Man, he quickly adjusted, shifting to a feint-and-flank maneuver that temporarily put the imperial forces on the defensive. His resilience in the face of unexpected developments highlighted his ability to improvise under pressure. However, his resourcefulness had limits—while he could adapt within the framework of conventional and magical warfare, he lacked the truly unconventional thinking that some of the greatest fantasy tacticians employ to completely upend the battlefield.
Resource Arsenal
Harden commanded one of the largest armies in the Rebel movement, giving him significant strategic leverage. His ability to deploy and manage vast numbers of troops, sorcerers, and logistical assets made him one of the most dangerous enemies of the Empire. He was not simply a powerful sorcerer—he understood the importance of supply lines, reinforcements, and combined arms tactics. Unlike some Rebel leaders who relied solely on numbers, Harden ensured that his forces were equipped and organized, enabling them to pose a legitimate threat to the Taken’s dominance.
His magical arsenal was equally formidable. Unlike some sorcerers who focused purely on personal duels, Harden employed magic as a battlefield-wide tool, using massive sorcerous storms, energy projections, and illusions to control the flow of battle. He leveraged the combined magical power of the Circle of Eighteen when necessary, orchestrating large-scale assaults that pushed the limits of what Rebel sorcery could achieve. However, his reliance on these resources ultimately contributed to his downfall—when his support network was disrupted, he was left vulnerable to the ambush that ended his life.
Harden's Influence
Harden’s 6.0 in influence reflects his status as a terrifying and authoritative figure within The Black Company universe. His ability to command, his fearsome reputation, and his unwavering determination placed him among the strongest leaders in his world. However, his influence was largely fear-based, and he lacked the charisma or near-mythic reverence of the most legendary fantasy figures. His authority was unquestioned in the Rebel cause, but his reach was not universal, preventing him from scoring even higher. He was a force to be reckoned with, but not an unassailable icon of influence across all fantasy settings.
Persuasion
Harden was not a subtle manipulator in the traditional sense; he did not win hearts and minds through charm or silver-tongued speech. Instead, his persuasion came through sheer force of personality. He had the ability to rally Rebel forces into coordinated efforts that many members of the Circle of Eighteen would have struggled to achieve, proving that his words carried weight. Though he did not often engage in direct negotiations, when he spoke, people listened, not out of admiration but because ignoring him was too dangerous.
Unlike some commanders who rule through respect alone, Harden relied on an iron grip over his subordinates, ensuring their compliance through intimidation and brute force. His history of antagonizing his brother-in-law Raker suggests that he was also capable of long-term political maneuvering, understanding how to wear down and isolate rivals while maintaining his own influence. However, his persuasive abilities were limited when it came to dealing with individuals outside of his immediate sphere of command—his leadership was respected within the Rebel cause, but he lacked the ability to turn enemies into allies through dialogue alone.
Reverence
Harden was feared more than he was respected. His projection of dominance was so powerful that even the illusion of his presence—such as when Raven was magically disguised as him—was enough to strike fear into Rebel factions and compel immediate obedience. This level of psychological weight is a testament to his notoriety. His image was not merely associated with leadership; it was synonymous with the raw, unrelenting power of the Rebel cause itself.
His vast, floating visage appearing in the sky before battle—marked by its tangled orange hair and a scarred, half-closed eye—cemented his presence as an almost mythological figure among the Rebel forces. Those who followed him did so out of necessity and fear, knowing that disobedience could be just as deadly as the imperial forces they fought against. However, despite his commanding presence, Harden did not achieve the near-religious devotion that some figures in fantasy attain. He was neither a messianic figure nor a deity-like warlord, which keeps his reverence score from reaching the absolute peak.
Willpower
If Harden was anything, he was relentless. His willpower was formidable, allowing him to endure grueling conflicts, devastating magical counterattacks, and brutal battlefield conditions without faltering. Even when facing the Taken—beings of near-immortal sorcerous might—he did not waver or show hesitation. When ambushed in his final moments, he did not flee or beg for his life; instead, he fought with unwavering determination, killing multiple enemies even as the odds turned against him.
His ability to shake off powerful magic, such as the debilitating spell from the Hanged Man that left most of his followers choking on the ground, demonstrated his mental and physical resilience. Few men in the Black Company’s history have displayed such sheer force of will. However, he was not utterly immune to mental manipulation or fear—his eventual downfall came when he was caught off guard, proving that while his willpower was exceptional, it was not unbreakable.
Harden's Resilience
Harden’s 5.0 in resilience reflects his ability to endure both physical and magical punishment, his impressive stamina, and his capacity to resist some of the most devastating sorceries wielded in The Black Company. His strength of will allowed him to shake off magical debilitation when others could not, and his ability to push through exhaustion made him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. However, he was not invincible—his eventual downfall at the hands of multiple attackers proved that while he was resilient, he was not impervious.
Physical Resistance
Harden was no frail sorcerer who relied solely on magic to protect himself. While he was best known for his spellcraft, he was also a physically imposing figure, capable of wielding a sword in battle and engaging in direct combat when necessary. He fought through exhaustion and injuries without hesitation, demonstrating both endurance and pain tolerance well above that of a standard human. His ability to resist harm was evident in his final battle, where he was the only one among his men who could shake off the Hanged Man’s debilitating spell. This moment alone showcases that his body and mind were conditioned to endure sorcerous attacks that left lesser warriors incapacitated.
Despite this, Harden was still vulnerable to physical attacks from skilled combatants. While he could hold his own in a melee, he was not an immortal juggernaut. His resilience was high for a human but not supernaturally impenetrable, as he was ultimately cut down by multiple attackers after being restrained. His ability to withstand damage was formidable, but it fell short of those who possess inhuman durability or regenerative capabilities.
Magical Resistance
As a seasoned member of the Circle of Eighteen, Harden had extensive experience countering magic, both from rival sorcerers within the Rebel factions and the terrifying spells of the Taken. His ability to endure magical assaults was a critical asset on the battlefield, allowing him to survive attacks that could have annihilated lesser mages. His most notable moment of magical resistance was his survival against the combined attacks of multiple Taken, including powerful aerial sorcery from Soulcatcher. Even after enduring a relentless barrage of spells, he continued fighting and was able to unleash his own counterattacks.
However, despite his magical resilience, he was not immune to sorcery. He relied on his own power and battlefield awareness to mitigate magical threats rather than possessing an innate defense against them. When caught off guard, as in his final confrontation, he was ultimately subdued and overwhelmed. His resistance to magic was significant but not absolute, preventing him from reaching the highest possible tier in this category.
Longevity
Harden was a formidable strategist and sorcerer, but his lifespan was not artificially extended by magical means. Unlike some who achieve immortality or prolonged existence through sorcery, Harden remained bound by the limitations of human aging and mortality. He did not have any known methods of resurrection or revival, and his death in battle was final.
That said, his presence in the war endured far longer than many of his contemporaries. He outlived multiple members of the Circle and remained a dominant force in the Rebel movement even after the deaths of Raker and Whisper. His ability to persist through years of brutal conflict speaks to his resilience, but ultimately, his mortal nature places a cap on his longevity rating.
Harden's Versatility
Harden’s 6.5 in versatility reflects his ability to shift between different modes of warfare, his capacity to adapt to political and battlefield challenges, and his occasional ability to surprise his enemies through psychological intimidation and sheer resilience. However, his skill set remained primarily focused on sorcery and leadership, without a broader range of abilities that would allow him to operate in multiple vastly different scenarios. While he was a capable battlefield commander and sorcerer, he lacked the diverse array of skills or hidden advantages that could elevate him to the highest tiers of versatility.
Adaptability
Harden demonstrated adaptability in both magical combat and large-scale warfare, shifting tactics to counter unexpected developments. When faced with the loss of key allies such as Raker and Whisper, he adjusted to a new role as the leading commander of the Rebel forces, reorganizing the war effort and pressing the attack with renewed vigor. His ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape of the Circle and consolidate power further showcased his adaptability.
On the battlefield, Harden altered his strategies based on the forces at his disposal. He effectively deployed large-scale magical barrages when he had support from other Circle members but was equally capable of commanding more conventional military tactics when necessary. His pursuit of the Black Company through the Windy Country demonstrated this flexibility, as he continued pressing the attack despite severe magical interference from the Taken. However, his reliance on brute force tactics—often favoring overwhelming power over nuanced strategy—suggests that while he was capable of adjusting to new challenges, he was not infinitely flexible.
Luck
While Harden was undoubtedly a formidable figure, he did not seem to benefit from extraordinary luck. His successes were largely earned through power, strategy, and persistence rather than fortuitous circumstances. In fact, he was often the victim of bad luck, particularly in his final battle. The ambush at the Stair of Tear was meticulously planned by the Black Company and the Taken, and despite his formidable resistance, he was ultimately outmaneuvered.
However, his ability to survive as long as he did in the brutal world of The Black Company—where powerful sorcerers and commanders were routinely betrayed, assassinated, or bested in battle—suggests that he had at least some fortune on his side. He avoided major disaster for a significant period, even as many of his contemporaries fell. While he was not exceptionally lucky, his ability to navigate multiple deadly situations without immediately falling victim to misfortune places him slightly above average in this regard.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Harden had a few hidden advantages, but they were not of the overwhelming, game-changing variety that some characters possess. His greatest "shaved knuckle in the hole" was likely his fearsome reputation and the intimidation it afforded him. His image as a brutal, unpredictable leader gave him an edge in psychological warfare, forcing his enemies to second-guess their decisions when engaging him in combat. This advantage was evident in Oar, where a rebel faction immediately submitted to the mere illusion of his presence, allowing a disguised Black Company team to infiltrate their ranks.
In direct combat, his greatest hidden strength was his ability to resist debilitating magical attacks when others could not. In his final battle, he was the only individual able to shake off the effects of the Hanged Man’s deadly spell, proving that his willpower and raw magical resistance were higher than many of his peers. This nearly allowed him to turn the tide against three of the Taken, an achievement few could match.
However, despite these advantages, Harden lacked an ultimate trump card that could elevate him into the highest tiers of versatility. He had no secret ability or hidden magic that could allow him to escape from a doomed scenario, nor did he have access to an ability that could fundamentally change the course of battle. Once cornered by superior forces, he had no last-minute gambit to save himself.
Harden's Alignment
Harden, a human sorcerer and one of the most powerful members of the Circle of Eighteen, was a ruthless battlefield commander and a formidable wielder of sorcery in The Black Company. He led one of the largest Rebel armies against the Empire of the Lady, making him a pivotal figure in the ongoing war. His character was defined by his volatile temper, brutal tactics, and relentless pursuit of victory. While he possessed a degree of strategic cunning, he was ultimately an authoritarian figure who sought power through conquest and terror.
Harden was a human, likely originating from the eastern city of Rust, given his close familial ties to Whisper, who was long associated with the region. As a high-ranking member of the Circle of Eighteen, he stood among the most dangerous Rebel sorcerers resisting the Lady’s rule. While the Circle was known for its internal rivalries, Harden was able to rise to a position of dominance after the loss of figures like Raker and Whisper, cementing himself as the leader of one of the most formidable Rebel armies.
Harden’s alignment can best be described as Lawful Evil. He was a strict military commander who led large, organized forces with discipline and efficiency. His leadership, though tyrannical, followed a structured chain of command, and he did not act purely on impulse. Unlike a chaotic figure who might revel in destruction for its own sake, Harden sought power and control through conquest, adhering to a clear and structured approach to warfare. His actions suggest that he viewed the war as a means to an end—his dominance—rather than an anarchic free-for-all.
However, his methods were undeniably cruel. Harden was known for instilling fear in both his enemies and his own forces, often ruling through intimidation. His reputation for brutality preceded him, and he showed little regard for mercy or ethical considerations in his pursuit of victory. He was willing to sacrifice men and employ devastating sorcery without hesitation, demonstrating an ends-justify-the-means mentality. His lack of moral restraint and willingness to slaughter those in his way place him firmly in the evil spectrum.
While he did not act out of sheer malice, nor did he indulge in the sadism of some of the Ten Who Were Taken, his pursuit of power at all costs, combined with his authoritarian nature, solidifies his position as Lawful Evil. His leadership was effective, but it was built on fear, subjugation, and ruthless pragmatism. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Harden's Trophy Case
Arena Results
Titles & Postseason Results
Halls of Legend Records
Overall Conclusion on Harden and Position Across Planes of Existence
Harden’s ranking of 6.2 on the power scale reflects his status as a formidable yet ultimately limited force when compared to the highest tiers of fantasy characters. While he is a powerful sorcerer and an accomplished battlefield commander, his abilities do not reach the level of reality-warping or godlike entities that exist in some fantasy universes. His rating is a recognition of his considerable magical talent, strategic acumen, and the sheer force he commanded on the battlefield, but it also acknowledges his vulnerabilities, both physical and tactical.
Harden was a battle-tested leader, capable of marshaling vast armies and wielding sorcery to devastating effect. He could contend with the Taken, an elite class of sorcerers who had served the Dominator, and his campaign against the Black Company demonstrated his strategic persistence. His command over sorcery was sufficient to launch large-scale magical attacks, manipulate the battlefield through illusions, and directly challenge powerful individuals like Soulcatcher. Yet, despite his prowess, he was ultimately outmatched by superior magical forces and unpredictable opponents, highlighting his place in the middle-to-upper echelons of power rather than among the absolute strongest beings.
In terms of raw power, Harden was strong, but his abilities were not on par with the most elite magical figures in fantasy literature. His magic was potent but not unlimited; he did not bend reality to his will in the way that the most powerful beings in fiction can. His ability to project an enormous image of his face into the sky and manipulate his forces with violet-hued magic was imposing, but it did not grant him invulnerability. He was not invincible in close combat either, and his physical resilience was still bound by human limitations.
From a tactical perspective, Harden was a strong, but not infallible, strategist. He was able to organize one of the most powerful Rebel forces and press the advantage against the Black Company and the Imperials. However, his inability to account for supernatural elements such as Shapeshifter’s deception led to his downfall. His methodical, military-minded approach was effective in standard warfare, but against opponents who wielded chaos, deception, or overwhelming supernatural force, he found himself vulnerable. This lack of complete adaptability prevented him from standing alongside truly legendary tacticians in fantasy fiction.
While Harden commanded respect and fear, his influence was bound by the nature of the conflict he was engaged in. Unlike figures who ascend to godlike reverence, his power stemmed from his battlefield presence rather than a vast, unshakable following. He was a feared and hated figure rather than a universally recognized icon, meaning his sway was limited to his military campaigns rather than an enduring legend across time and cultures.
Ultimately, Harden earns his 6.2 ranking as a strong but not top-tier power. He was a major player in The Black Company universe, but his limitations—his mortality, the constraints of his magic, and his downfall at the hands of supernatural trickery—underscore why he cannot be considered among the most powerful figures in all 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.
