Deuce, on Jan 11 2008, 10:37 AM, said:
Another reason would have been in Memories of Ice we got a glimpse of what lies beneath through his discussions with Whiskeyjack. It's like Cotilillion in the way how we think of them as the definition of badass yet there is more to them than that and it travels rather deep. We get insights on their views of matters shaping around them and how they both feel the burden of their actions and what path they must walk.
Eh, just my two cents.
Mentalist, on Jan 11 2008, 06:04 PM, said:
and incidentally, there were 3 (4) others--of the dragons battling Raest, only Silannah was a pureblood Eleint...
Rake is fascinating. Most of all, i think it has to do with his position. We are used to think "Dark=evil, bad, must hate, desise, etc". Yet in GotM, as we slowly realise that High ZHouse Dark is NOT the root of all evil, we also see him being a "hero" (rescuing the "damsel in distress" Apsalar from the clutches of the Rope), plus the overall badassitude.. and this discrepancy between the cliche and reality is what makes it memorable... and the feats of badassness, Dragnipur, and the way everyone quakes when they think of him just adds to that...
Menandore, on Jan 12 2008, 11:01 AM, said:
I have to agree, he's the best character of the series IMHO. I also agree that it's got a lot to do with other characters building him up. He's not been directly in the story line much except in MOI but even in GotM the focus wasn't on him much. But he's mentioned a lot. Often little snippets of information that just leave you wanting more.
Fiddler, on Jan 16 2008, 07:06 AM, said:
For instance, if Rake had a POV in the books and was constantly going on in an interior monologue about how to use his power for the good of his people, we'd still like him, but might think he's a touch whiny. Or even liken him to outspoken and idiotic fundies. Or even worse, Rake's interior monologue shows us his doubts and fears and he ceases to be the very stuff badassery is made of!
All of the above, quoted for truth.
thesalus, on Jan 16 2008, 04:53 AM, said:
I think a lot of it is in the name itself alongside the sheer number of variations in his name and his worldwide renown.
As well as Elder Gods having an emergency contingency plan especially for Rake.
Contributes to his badassery. Epic win, on his part.
redJAKO, on Jul 19 2009, 09:34 PM, said:
I wish post-GOTM Rake still possessed, even to high mages, that "pressure" that incapacitated people when he arrived..such was his powa
He has it in MoI, and later. Just not mentioned as much, as he doesn't arrive by warren very often.