Black Company Character Analysis: Mogaba

Race: Human (Nar)

Sex: Male

Faction: The Protectorate

Overall Rating: 6.5

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Arena Status: Active (S1)

Mogaba stands as a testament to complex moral ambiguity and strategic brilliance in fantasy literature. His journey, marked by moments of unparalleled valor and profound betrayal, provides a compelling narrative arc that spans several books in the series. Warning: spoilers abound as we delve into the depths of Mogaba's story.

Mogaba, Great General of The Protectorate

Shadow Games: The Rise of Mogaba

Mogaba's saga begins in Shadow Games, where he is introduced as the leader of the 33 Nar warriors, an elite group from Gea-Xle, embodying the ancient spirit of the Black Company. His prowess in combat and leadership quickly garners the attention of the Company, especially Croaker, the Company's Annalist and Captain, who deems him the finest soldier he has ever seen. The Nar warriors' integration into the Company under Mogaba’s command marks a significant turn in the Company’s fortunes, as they embark on the perilous journey towards Khatovar.

Despite the initial perception of Mogaba as a potential threat, his military acumen and the Nar's fierce loyalty become invaluable. The Battle of Dejagore, however, exposes the first signs of Mogaba’s ambition and foreshadows his contentious path. Trapped and besieged, his leadership within the city becomes a double-edged sword, showcasing his tactical genius and his willingness to betray the Company for power.

Dreams of Steel and Bleak Seasons: Mogaba's Defection

In Dreams of Steel and Bleak Seasons, Mogaba’s character is further explored amid the backdrop of the Siege of Dejagore. His actions during the siege reveal a darker aspect of his ambition. The siege serves as a crucible, transforming him from a revered commander to the Company's most formidable traitor. His secret negotiations and eventual defection underscore a pivotal theme in the series: the fine line between survival and betrayal.

Mogaba’s defection is a critical moment, highlighting the complexity of loyalty and the consequences of ambition. His subsequent role as the antagonist against the Company he once served delineates a tragic trajectory of a hero turned adversary.

She Is the Darkness and the Kiaulune Wars: Great General of The Protectorate

As She Is the Darkness unfolds, Mogaba finds refuge and a new purpose under the Shadowmasters, only to rise to prominence again as the Great General of the Protectorate under Soulcatcher. His military strategies during the Kiaulune wars, where he repeatedly defeats the Company, underscore his brilliance and resilience. Despite his past betrayals, Mogaba’s tactical ingenuity commands respect, both from his enemies and from readers.

Mogaba’s transformation into the Protectorate’s Great General exemplifies his adaptability and unwavering pursuit of power, painting him as a survivor who thrives amidst the chaos of war and shifting allegiances.

Water Sleeps and Soldiers Live: The Final Stand

In Water Sleeps and Soldiers Live, Mogaba’s narrative arc reaches its zenith. His role in the intricate political and military machinations of Taglios, and his eventual secret rebellion against Soulcatcher, reveal a man driven by a deep-seated desire for autonomy against oppressive power. The battles at the Shadowlander cemetery and the siege of Taglios are testaments to his enduring legacy as a formidable strategist.

However, Mogaba’s journey concludes with a poignant reminder of the cost of ambition. His final moments, marked by betrayal and defeat, serve as a somber reflection on the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the inexorable march of the Black Company's saga.

Legacy of Mogaba: Master Tactician and Ultimate Betrayer

Mogaba’s character embodies the quintessential elements of high fantasy’s gray morality, offering readers a nuanced exploration of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. His transition from the Company’s finest soldier to its greatest adversary encapsulates the inherent unpredictability of war and power. Mogaba's strategic mind, coupled with his complex motivations, ensures his place as one of the most intriguing and polarizing figures in the Black Company series.

Mogaba's Raw Power

As an acclaimed leader of the 33 Nar warriors and the Company's finest soldier for a time, Mogaba's physical capabilities are beyond question. His strength, speed, and skill with weapons are repeatedly demonstrated through his command of the battlefield and personal combat achievements. For instance, Croaker, the Company's Annalist, remarks on Mogaba's unparalleled martial abilities, recognizing him as the most formidable soldier he has encountered. This acknowledgment from Croaker, who has seen countless warriors in his time, speaks volumes about Mogaba's combat effectiveness.

However, when assessing Mogaba's "raw power" against the vast pantheon of characters across all fantasy universes, we must consider that his abilities, while impressive, do not include the fantastical elements often seen in other characters, such as spellcasting, elemental control, or telekinetic powers. Thus, in the realm of physical might and martial prowess alone, Mogaba shines; yet, when juxtaposed with characters who wield magic or otherworldly powers, his capabilities are inherently limited.

Given these considerations and the comparison across all fantasy universes, a rating of 6 in "raw power" remains fitting for Mogaba. This rating reflects his exceptional martial skills and physical strength, which, while formidable, do not extend into the supernatural or magical domains that would elevate him further on this scale. Mogaba's prowess places him above average among fantasy characters, acknowledging his mastery in combat, yet it also recognizes the limitations imposed by the nature of his abilities in a universe teeming with magic and otherworldly powers.

Mogaba's Tactical Ability

Mogaba's proficiency in strategizing, planning, and executing complex military operations is evident from his initial appearance in Shadow Games through to the climactic events of Soldiers Live. One notable instance of his tactical prowess is during the Siege of Dejagore, where despite being outnumbered and facing famine and disease, Mogaba's leadership prevents the city's immediate fall. His capability to lead sorties, manage scarce resources, and maintain morale in dire situations showcases his depth as a tactician.

Moreover, his role as the Great General under Soulcatcher, where he leads the defense against the Black Company's relentless advances, further cements his status as a master strategist. His ability to adapt to changing battle dynamics, exploit enemy weaknesses, and conduct defensive operations across the vast territories of the Protectorate demonstrates a high degree of tactical sophistication.

Given these considerations, compared to the broad array of fantasy characters who might rely more heavily on innate powers or magical abilities for tactical advantage, Mogaba's reliance on pure strategy and military tactics places him in a unique niche. When assessing Mogaba's tactical ability on a scale of 1-10, considering the previous rating of 6 and the comparative analysis across all fantasy universes, a revised rating of 7.5 is justified. This adjustment reflects his demonstrated strategic brilliance, particularly his ability to outmaneuver opponents and achieve military objectives under adverse conditions, without the aid of supernatural powers. His tactical ability, therefore, is not only a testament to his skill as a general but also indicative of his capacity to leverage human resources, terrain, and psychological warfare effectively.

Mogaba's Influence

Mogaba's influence stems primarily from his military leadership and tactical genius rather than traditional charisma or magical manipulation. He commands respect through his competence on the battlefield and his ability to make tough decisions under pressure. His leadership during the Siege of Dejagore, for example, highlights his capability to maintain order and command loyalty among his troops in dire circumstances, a testament to his influential presence.

However, Mogaba's methods to sway others occasionally veer into darker territories, including betrayal and political machinations, particularly evident in his defection to the Shadowmasters and later alignments. His capacity to negotiate, manipulate, and even betray to achieve his ends underscores a pragmatic approach to influence, prioritizing outcomes over loyalty or ethics.

Comparing Mogaba's influence to the vast array of characters across all fantasy universes necessitates a nuanced approach. Many characters wield influence through overt displays of power, magical abilities, or divine charisma. Mogaba's influence, rooted in human leadership qualities and strategic maneuvering, places him in a distinct category. His influence is significant within the context of his military and political environment but lacks the universal applicability or awe-inspiring force seen in characters with supernatural means of persuasion.

Given this analysis, and considering the broader context of fantasy literature, adjusting Mogaba's rating in "influence" from a 5 to a 6 is warranted. This acknowledges his substantial, albeit non-magical, ability to lead, strategize, and manipulate within his narrative universe. The revised rating reflects his effectiveness in wielding influence through purely human means, demonstrating that while he may not match the fantastical heights of influence seen in other characters, his prowess in leadership and manipulation is notable. This rating appreciates the subtlety and complexity of Mogaba's form of influence, recognizing its power in shaping events and commanding loyalty, even in the absence of magical or supernatural enhancements.

Mogaba's Resilience

Physically, Mogaba demonstrates considerable resilience. He survives numerous battles, sieges, and physical hardships, including the grueling Siege of Dejagore, where he not only endures the physical siege but also the psychological strain of leadership under extreme conditions. His ability to maintain his command effectiveness, despite the dire circumstances, speaks to his robust physical and mental endurance.

Mentally, Mogaba's resilience is manifest in his strategic comebacks and adaptability. After facing setbacks, such as his initial betrayal by the Company and later challenges in his military campaigns, he consistently regroups, rethinks his strategies, and returns to the fray with renewed vigor and determination. This aspect of his resilience—his refusal to accept defeat and his capacity to adapt to changing situations—is a hallmark of his character.

Comparing Mogaba's resilience to characters across all fantasy universes requires acknowledging the spectrum of resilience displayed in these narratives. While many characters exhibit supernatural or magical forms of resilience, Mogaba's resilience is rooted in human strength and determination. It's a testament to his character's depth that his resilience comes not from fantastical powers but from his sheer willpower, strategic mind, and physical conditioning.

Given this analysis and considering the broader context of fantasy literature, it is appropriate to adjust Mogaba's rating in "resilience" from a 6 to a 7. This revised rating better reflects his demonstrated ability to recover from setbacks and injuries, showcasing a level of resilience that, while lacking in magical augmentation, is remarkable for its sheer human tenacity. This rating acknowledges the comparative rarity of such a grounded, human form of resilience in a genre dominated by characters who often rely on non-human aids to bounce back from defeat. Mogaba's resilience, characterized by his ability to endure, adapt, and overcome a variety of adversities, positions him as an exemplar of human resilience in the fantasy genre.

Mogaba's Versatility

Throughout his journey, Mogaba transitions from the leader of the elite Nar warriors to a commander in the Black Company, then to a formidable adversary as the Great General of the Protectorate. This trajectory showcases his ability to adapt to different roles, from a loyal commander to a strategic antagonist. His tactical versatility is evident in his conduct during sieges, open field battles, and guerrilla warfare, adapting his strategies to the forces at his disposal and the challenges he faces.

Moreover, Mogaba's ability to navigate the political and military landscapes of the series, aligning with various factions and employing both direct and indirect methods of conflict, underscores a pragmatic versatility. His engagement in political machinations, strategic betrayals, and alliances highlights a complex understanding of power dynamics beyond the battlefield.

When juxtaposed against the broader canvas of fantasy characters, Mogaba's versatility, though impressive within his human limitations, encounters the boundary of his non-magical nature. Many characters in fantasy literature possess a versatility that extends into the supernatural—ability to cast spells, change forms, or wield elemental powers—offering a broader range of adaptability to different scenarios.

Given this perspective, and considering the expansive scope of versatility in all fantasy universes, Mogaba's rating in this category can justifiably be adjusted from a 5 to a 6. This acknowledgment reflects his significant, yet predominantly human, range of skills and his adaptability to various military and leadership challenges. The revised rating appreciates Mogaba's tactical flexibility and strategic acumen while recognizing the inherent limitations imposed by the lack of supernatural abilities. It positions him as above average in versatility among fantasy characters, crediting his adeptness in navigating the complexities of warfare and leadership with the tools and talents available to a character of his nature.

Mogaba's Alignment

Mogaba's actions are often guided by a strict personal code and a sense of duty, characteristics typically associated with a "Lawful" alignment. He demonstrates a strong commitment to the military structures and hierarchies he is a part of, whether as the leader of the Nar, a commander within the Black Company, or the Great General of the Protectorate. His strategic thinking, planning capabilities, and the disciplined manner in which he leads his forces underscore a respect for order and a preference for operating within established systems and rules. However, his willingness to betray, manipulate, and realign his loyalties for strategic advantage or personal gain challenges the notion of him being purely Lawful.

Mogaba's actions and motivations veer towards self-interest and power, often at the expense of others, which aligns more closely with an "Evil" disposition in traditional moral alignment systems. His betrayal of the Black Company and subsequent service to entities like Longshadow and Soulcatcher further highlight his willingness to side with morally questionable or outright malevolent forces to achieve his objectives. Yet, his adherence to a personal code, his effectiveness in leadership, and occasional moments of honor suggest a complexity that transcends a simplistic labeling of "Evil."

Considering the above aspects, a revision of Mogaba's alignment to "Lawful Neutral" might be more apt. This adjustment acknowledges his strict adherence to personal and military codes and his disciplined approach to leadership and strategy, which are hallmarks of a Lawful character. At the same time, it recognizes the pragmatic, often morally ambiguous choices he makes in pursuit of his goals, reflecting a Neutral stance on the Good-Evil spectrum. Mogaba operates within a framework of order and discipline, but his actions are guided more by pragmatism and survival than by a commitment to good or evil ideologies.

In summary, Mogaba's alignment as "Lawful Neutral" captures the essence of a character who is strategic, disciplined, and adheres to a personal code of conduct, while navigating the morally gray areas of power, loyalty, and ambition. This reevaluation considers the breadth and depth of his character arc across the Black Company series, offering a balanced view of his complex personality and moral standing. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

Mogaba's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season	Rank
1 (2023-2024)	#82 (of 107)

Overall Conclusion on Mogaba and Position Across Planes of Existence

Mogaba's overall ranking at 6.5 (a huge jump from the original 5.6), placing him above the average power level across all fantasy universes, is a nuanced assessment that takes into account his multifaceted character traits as portrayed in Glen Cook's Black Company series. This conclusion synthesizes his raw power, tactical ability, influence, resilience, versatility, and moral alignment, providing a comprehensive view of his strengths and limitations within the vast landscape of fantasy characters.

While Mogaba does not possess the fantastical or magical abilities that characterize many individuals within fantasy universes, his exceptional martial prowess, physical strength, and combat skills set him apart. His capabilities in a traditional combat scenario—where physical might, skill at arms, and tactical acumen play critical roles—are formidable. This positions Mogaba as a significant force on the battlefield, capable of influencing outcomes through sheer martial skill and strategic planning.

Mogaba's tactical genius is arguably his most defining trait, elevating his status across fantasy realms. His ability to strategize, plan, and execute complex military campaigns showcases a level of intellectual and strategic prowess that is rare. This, combined with his leadership skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, significantly enhances his effectiveness and impact, marking him as a standout strategist who can rival more conventionally powerful characters.

Mogaba's influence and leadership capabilities further bolster his standing. His ability to command loyalty, even in the face of moral ambiguity and shifting allegiances, speaks to a profound capacity for manipulation and leadership. This trait allows him to marshal forces and resources effectively, compensating for any lack of supernatural abilities with human cunning and strategic manipulation.

Mogaba's resilience, both physical and mental, underscores his capacity to endure and bounce back from setbacks. This quality, essential for survival and success in the often brutal and treacherous environments of fantasy worlds, enhances his overall effectiveness. His versatility, though rooted in the non-magical realm, demonstrates a commendable adaptability to a wide range of challenges, further supporting his above-average rating.

Mogaba's Lawful Neutral alignment reflects a character driven by a personal code and discipline, navigating the moral complexities of his universe with a pragmatism that allows him to operate effectively across different planes of existence. This alignment underscores his ability to pursue his goals with a unique blend of order and flexibility, making him a formidable player in any conflict.

Mogaba's character arc, marked by betrayals, alliances, and survival against the odds, adds depth to his character, suggesting a level of complexity and adaptability not captured by power levels alone. His journey from a loyal commander to a pragmatic strategist and leader in a world rife with magic and supernatural powers, without having such powers himself, emphasizes his reliance on human strengths and ingenuity.

In conclusion, Mogaba's 6.5 rating is a testament to his exceptional tactical ability, leadership, resilience, and versatility, balanced by his limitations in raw magical power. Within the context of all fantasy universes, where characters often wield vast supernatural abilities, Mogaba's achievements and capabilities highlight the power of human determination, strategic genius, and adaptability. This makes him a uniquely compelling character, capable of holding his own and even excelling in a landscape dominated by magical and supernatural entities. 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.