Comments on: Cage Match 2010: Finalists!

By: Ahimsa

Ahimsa — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:09 +0000

I think Martin’s toughest characters come from Tuf Voyaging. If Tuf get’s the seedship, that’s a weapon on par with channeling, at the least.

By: Ranorian

Ranorian — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:05:38 +0000

Martin actually doesn’t have any god characters in his works, really. The closest you could get to that would be Daenaerys Targareyn (I just know I’m messing that name up), who right now has three semi-grown dragons at her beck and call.
For me anyway it’s part of the reason I love his books…no single person can just go BLAMO and wipe everyone out, everything is a nasty, dirty, bitter struggle to survive and triumph. Not a critique of anyone else, just a reason I like Martin.

By: forum_lurker

forum_lurker — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:38:37 +0000

Pardon me, NOT familiar with Martin’s work…

By: forum_lurker

forum_lurker — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:08:34 +0000

So with this trial of seven idea … I count at least three god-like characters from Jordan and Sanderson’s work (the Creator, the Dark One, the guy who absorbed the fusion of Ruin and Preservation at the end of Mistborn 3). Given that there’s no narrative presented on what the limits of their powers might actually be (nor those of some of the other largely undefined WoT heavy hitters like Shaidar Haran, Isam/Luc, Padan Fain, or Jearom the historical uber-blademaster), how are we even supposed to judge such a contest?
I’m familiar with Martin’s work beyond what’s on wiki about aSoIF, but presumably Martin must also have some God-like characters up his sleeve to suggest this.
No disrespect to the author, but I don’t think bringing in six backup characters who totally outclass the actual ‘main’ entrant makes much sense. Loading up both sides on enough supporting firepower to destroy the entire universe instantly kind of invalidates the challenge aspect – even worse than “balefire, bitches!”.

By: lakesidey

lakesidey — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:22:34 +0000

That’s a bit harsh Though I admit the agony of waiting is telling on my nerves too. Still and all, I would rather have a good book than a hastily written one – if he can live up to the levels of “Storm of Swords” I shall be a happy man*.
*that is, if he lives up to it in my lifetime. But since he is at least 30 years my senior, I assume that if he manages to write it, I shall live long enough to read it!

By: magniloquent

magniloquent — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:37:34 +0000

Are these simply characters from the universe, or people who would actually fight on behalf of the character in the cage match. I have not read Martin’s books, but people give me the impression that Jaime is a bit of an unliked bastard.
If you are just picking chars from the books, what is to stop rand from rolling in with Shadar Haran (you can’t use magic on him, or near him, and he will crush you) or Ishmael, who just rips peoples souls from their bodies. Hell, how bout bring the dark one himself.

By: Thomas J. Thomas

Thomas J. Thomas — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:24:15 +0000

Before we plunge into the my Hero’s power/magic/looks is more awesome than your Hero’s power/magic/looks debate, perhaps we should take a moment to consider what gives a fictional character power (and I do not limit this to fantsy/SF characters).
In short: we do (or at least our imagenations).
An author may create a world bending character with God like powers but if the character lies flat on the page, it remains powerless over us. Characters that engage/inspire/enrage us have almost Inkspell like powers to come off the page and impact our lives.
Ser Jamie Lannister beat Chtulu becasuse it made a better story than God awakes steps on Jamie and then goes back to sleep (see GRRM’s description of the battle for contrast).
Beowulf v. Grendal
St. George v. the Dragon
Hamlet v. well …. Hamlet
Frodo v. Sauron
Cersari v. Ned Stark
The winner never had the most Hit Points but always made the better story.
So let the winner be the character that most changes us, entertains us or just plain sticks with us.
TomT

By: GG

GG — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:07:38 +0000

Seven! Seven! Seven! SEVEN!!!!!!!!!!

By: shadow'bane

shadow'bane — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 13:27:56 +0000

if Dragons from SOIAF are to be allowed ,then the Dark One from WOT also should be allowed; he also is a character from WOT BOOKS,

By: Heffaloo

Heffaloo — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:22:06 +0000

I’d like to see a Trial by Seven. I’d even be willing to handicap the Wild Cards options by limiting it to George’s own creations. Of course, that means Hiram Worchester can make Rand’s arms too heavy to aim any balefire, while THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TURTLE kicks the asses of everyone else. Then Jaime can come walking up like the King at the end of Dragonslayer, and claim victory.