Black Company Character Analysis: Raven

Race: Human (Jewel Cities)

Sex: Male

Faction: Black Company

Overall Rating: 5.4

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Arena Status: Active (S1)

Raven, a figure shrouded in mystery and draped in the somber hues of betrayal, survival, and a relentless quest for vengeance, emerges from the shadows of the Black Company series as a complex character whose journey intertwines with the darkest and most pivotal moments of the saga. His path, from a nobleman wronged to a warrior haunted by his past and entangled in the machinations of gods and men alike, offers a rich tapestry for exploration.

Raven

The Origins of Raven

Born into the aristocracy as Corvo, Raven's life was irrevocably altered by betrayal. His wife's infidelity and the subsequent loss of his titles, wealth, and almost his life at the hands of the Limper's machinations set him on a path of revenge. This act of treachery not only stripped Raven of his noble standing but also of his identity, pushing him towards the mercenary life of the Black Company.

Recruitment into the Black Company

Raven's introduction to the Company is marked by his lethal efficiency and a cold demeanor that masks a deeper, tumultuous sea of emotions and motivations. His prowess in combat, particularly as a knife fighter and archer, alongside a rudimentary knowledge of sorcery, positions him as a formidable force on the battlefield. Yet, it is his relationship with Darling, a deaf-mute girl he rescues, that unveils the complexity of his character— a protector, avenger, and ultimately, a man seeking redemption.

Desertion and the Quest for Redemption

After the Battle of Charm, Raven's desertion with Darling to Juniper signals a shift in his narrative, from a soldier embroiled in the eternal conflicts of the Lady's empire to a guardian standing against the encroaching darkness. His subsequent entanglement with the Dominator's influence and the tragic spiral into despair and isolation highlight the fragility of his quest for peace and the heavy toll of his battles, both physical and spiritual.

Entwined with the Dominator's Fate

Raven's accidental entrapment of his spirit within the Dominator's prison and his fraught involvement in the events leading up to and following the Battle of the Barrowland encapsulate his tragic trajectory. A man once driven by revenge becomes a pawn in a game of gods, his every action shadowed by the greater forces at play in the Black Company universe.

A Legacy Mired in Darkness

Raven's journey concludes in a manner befitting his tumultuous life. The climactic events of The Silver Spike, where his final act of desperation to protect Darling from the Limper's resurgence ends in his ultimate demise, serve as a poignant testament to his character. In the end, Raven is a figure who, despite his formidable skills and intentions, is continually undone by the very darkness he seeks to combat.

Raven's narrative arc is a profound exploration of themes such as loyalty, revenge, love, and the quest for redemption within the grimdark world of the Black Company. His story, rich in complexity and shadowed by tragedy, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of flawed heroes who navigate the moral ambiguities of their universe with strength, cunning, and a tragic sense of honor.

Raven's Raw Power

Described as a formidable fighter, his expertise lies in his mastery of knives and archery, complemented by a notable proficiency in tracking and minor sorcery acquired during his youth. Raven's combat prowess is not just about physical strength; it is also about his strategic use of his skills to survive and protect those he cares for, particularly Darling. His cold-blooded efficiency in eliminating enemies, coupled with his ability to move like a shadow, makes him a feared figure on the battlefield.

Despite his lack of grandiose magical powers or the ability to wield elemental forces, Raven's effectiveness in combat scenarios comes from his ability to leverage his training, experience, and the element of surprise. His tactical mind and the precision with which he executes his plans are as much a part of his "raw power" as his physical actions.

However, when compared to the vast array of fantasy characters across different universes, many of whom possess the ability to cast powerful spells, control elements, or exhibit otherworldly strength, Raven's capabilities are more subdued. His strength lies in the realm of human excellence and cunning rather than the fantastical. Given this context, maintaining Raven's rating at a 5 for "raw power" seems both fair and justified. This rating acknowledges his significant abilities within the human sphere of his universe while recognizing that, in a broader fantasy context, his lack of supernatural powers places him at a mid-tier level.

Raven's Tactical Ability

Raven's actions, often shadowed by a personal vendetta and a deep-seated drive to protect those he cares for, are marked by meticulous planning and an innate understanding of the dynamics of conflict and espionage. Raven's strategic acumen is not just in direct combat but also in his ability to navigate complex political and magical landscapes, making critical decisions that affect the fates of individuals and the course of events.

One of Raven's most notable strategic feats is his capacity for stealth and surprise, leveraging his skills in tracking and ambush to turn the tide in various skirmishes and confrontations. His decision to rescue Darling and subsequently desert the Black Company to ensure her safety demonstrates a long-term strategic commitment that goes beyond the immediate battlefield. This act alone signifies a depth of tactical planning, considering not just the physical execution of the plan but also the emotional and psychological toll such decisions entail.

Moreover, Raven's engagements with powerful sorcerers and entities, despite his relatively limited magical training, showcase his ability to strategize effectively in scenarios where he is seemingly outmatched. His ability to fake his own death twice, evading the grasp of both allies and adversaries, underscores a strategic mind adept at manipulation and subterfuge.

Given the broader spectrum of fantasy literature, where characters often wield vast, world-altering powers or command legions with the flick of a wrist, Raven's tactical ability, grounded in human cunning and martial skill, merits a nuanced evaluation. Raising his rating to 6 acknowledges his strategic prowess within the Black Company series and his significant, though not omnipotent, capacity to influence outcomes through planning and execution. This rating positions Raven as above average in tactical ability, respecting his achievements while recognizing the extraordinary strategic geniuses present across the fantasy genre. It highlights Raven's role as a master tactician in a human context, adept at leveraging his skills and intellect in a world rife with magical and supernatural forces.

Raven's Influence

Raven's influence is most notably seen through his relationship with Darling, the deaf-mute girl he rescues and becomes fiercely protective of. His dedication to Darling not only shapes his path but also significantly affects the narrative's direction, especially considering Darling's own crucial role in the series. This protective guardianship and the lengths to which Raven goes to ensure Darling's safety showcase a form of influence that is deeply personal yet impactful on a larger scale.

Moreover, Raven's ability to elicit strong reactions from those around him, both allies and adversaries, speaks to a form of influence that operates through respect, fear, and sometimes, enmity. His interactions with members of the Black Company, enemies, and other key figures are charged with tension and consequence, illustrating how his presence and actions steer the dynamics of relationships and alliances.

Raven's capacity for decisive action, such as his daring rescues, strategic desertions, and confrontations with powerful foes, further exemplifies his influence. These actions, driven by a complex mix of motives, underscore his ability to affect outcomes and change the course of his and others' destinies.

Considering the broader fantasy universe, where characters often wield vast powers or command legions, Raven's more subtle form of influence might seem limited, and is therefore assigned a 4. This rating reflects an understanding of influence not just as a measure of overt power or leadership but as the capacity to affect change and sway the course of events through personal action and determination.

Raven's Resilience

Raven's journey is fraught with adversity, from being betrayed by his wife and left for dead, to his confrontations with powerful sorcerers and the physical and psychological scars they leave. Physically, Raven survives numerous life-threatening situations, including direct confrontations with the series' most formidable sorcerers. His recovery from wounds that would have killed a lesser man speaks to his physical resilience. Additionally, Raven demonstrates a profound mental and emotional resilience. He navigates the loss of his family, status, and even his identity with a grim determination, channeling his pain into a relentless quest for vengeance and protection of Darling.

Raven's ability to fake his death twice, escaping the notice of friends and foes alike, further illustrates his resilience. These acts are not just physical feats but are also indicative of his resourcefulness and psychological resilience—his capacity to reinvent himself and adapt to new circumstances in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Considering the vast array of fantasy characters, many of whom possess magical abilities that grant them enhanced healing or immortality, Raven's resilience is notably grounded in his humanity. His rating of 6 acknowledges the depth of his resilience, which, while lacking the fantastical elements of some characters, is remarkable for its depth and realism. This rating recognizes Raven's strength in enduring and overcoming the physical, emotional, and existential challenges he faces, marking him as a character whose resilience is defined by his ability to confront and survive the darkness both within and around him.

Raven's Versatility

Raven's versatility is a cornerstone of his character within the Black Company series, encapsulating his adaptability, skillset, and the various roles he undertakes throughout the narrative. His background as a noble, combined with his experiences as a warrior, a protector, and a survivor, endows him with a unique set of skills that enable him to navigate a wide array of situations with a certain finesse and pragmatism.

Raven's martial prowess is evident in his proficiency with both the knife and the bow, making him a formidable opponent in combat. His skills are not limited to the battlefield, however; Raven also possesses a rudimentary knowledge of sorcery, a remnant of his privileged education in his youth. This blend of martial and magical skills is complemented by his exceptional abilities in tracking and stealth, allowing him to execute complex plans and escape from perilous situations, including faking his own death on two occasions.

Furthermore, Raven's capacity to care for and communicate with Darling, a deaf-mute girl, using an advanced form of finger speech, showcases an emotional and intellectual flexibility that is as much a part of his versatility as his combat skills. His role as a guardian and mentor to Darling, coupled with his ability to navigate the political intrigues and moral complexities of his world, underscores the depth of his adaptability.

Given the broad spectrum of characters across fantasy universes, many of whom exhibit a vast range of magical abilities, shape-shifting capabilities, or otherworldly powers, Raven's versatility, while impressive, is rooted in the realms of human capability and cunning. Adjusting his rating to 6 recognizes his above-average versatility within these confines. This rating acknowledges his broad skill set and his ability to adapt to different challenges, positioning him as an exceptionally versatile character in a human context, while still acknowledging the limitations compared to characters with more fantastical abilities.

Raven's Alignment

Raven's "Chaotic" aspect is highlighted by his disdain for authority and societal norms, evident from his initial introduction where he seeks revenge against those who wronged him, including his own wife, in stark defiance of the legal and social structures of his world. His readiness to desert the Black Company along with Darling, and his ability to navigate and survive through cunning, stealth, and the occasional ruthless decision, further underscore his disregard for established rules and hierarchies. Raven operates on the fringes of society and moral structures, guided by his personal sense of justice and survival, making choices that often defy conventional expectations.

Raven's "Neutral" stance is underscored by his actions being primarily self-serving or aimed at protecting those he cares about, such as Darling, without a clear inclination towards traditionally defined good or evil. His motivations are complex, driven by a mix of vengeance, protection, love, and survival. While he commits acts that could be considered morally ambiguous, they are often rooted in a personal sense of right, rather than malice or altruism. This alignment reflects his willingness to cross moral lines for personal reasons, navigating a grey area where the ends justify the means.

Raven's classification as "Chaotic Neutral" is a fitting encapsulation of his journey and character within the series. It acknowledges his individualism, flexibility, and the personal code that drives his actions, free from the constraints of societal expectations and traditional moral dichotomies. This alignment paints Raven as a figure who values personal freedom and direct action, making decisions that align with his immediate needs and desires, while remaining indifferent to the broader categorizations of good and evil. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

Raven's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season	Rank
1 (2023-2024)	#97 (of 107)

Overall Conclusion on Raven and Position Across Planes of Existence

In assessing Raven's standing within the pantheon of fantasy characters across diverse universes, the rating of 5.4 acknowledges him as an above-average entity, distinguished not by otherworldly powers or dominion over magical realms but by his human cunning, tactical prowess, and profound resilience. This evaluation encapsulates his journey in the Black Company series—a narrative replete with moral complexities, betrayals, and a relentless quest for personal redemption and protection of the vulnerable.

Raven's raw power, while devoid of the spectacular magics often seen in fantasy literature, is formidable in its own right. His expertise in combat, marked by proficiency with the knife and the bow, positions him as a lethal adversary. However, it is his tactical ability that truly sets him apart, allowing him to navigate a world dominated by sorcerers and ancient evils with a blend of strategy and stealth. This knack for survival and influence, even in the absence of overwhelming magical might, speaks to a resourcefulness and adaptability that are rare even among more conventionally powerful characters.

His influence, though not marked by leadership of vast armies or dominion over kingdoms, resonates through the personal bonds he forms and the lives he directly alters—most notably, Darling's. Raven's decisions ripple across the narrative, affecting the outcomes of conflicts and the fates of individuals with whom he shares no allegiance save that born of empathy and shared adversity.

Raven's resilience is perhaps his most defining trait, enabling him to endure physical and emotional hardships that would break lesser characters. His capacity to recover from near-death experiences, navigate the loss of his nobility and family, and continually adapt to new threats underscores a tenacity that is all the more remarkable for its grounding in the human rather than the supernatural.

Moreover, Raven's versatility as a character—evident in his varied roles as a warrior, protector, and reluctant participant in the machinations of gods and men—further justifies his above-average rating. His ability to shift roles and strategies, coupled with his survival and protective instincts, showcases a breadth of skills and adaptability that are invaluable across the myriad challenges he faces.

Adjusting Raven's rating to 5.4 reflects a nuanced understanding of power in the realm of fantasy. It recognizes that while he may not wield the cataclysmic magics or command the mythic forces that some characters do, his combination of combat skills, strategic thinking, influence through personal connections, resilience against overwhelming odds, and versatility in facing various challenges renders him an exceptional figure within his own narrative and across the broader landscape of fantasy literature.

In conclusion, Raven's journey through the Black Company series illustrates the profound impact a seemingly ordinary individual can have within a universe filled with extraordinary powers and entities. His rating of 5.4 as an above-average character across all fantasy universes is a testament to the depth and complexity of his character—a reminder that strength is often found not in the magic one wields but in the choices one makes and the resilience one shows in the face of darkness. 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.