http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/Alarak
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Mitth'raw'nuruodo
Now these two fit the ideas of "strategist" and "evil". By comparison, Swain feels like a minnow in a lake compared to those two big fish.
Ebonmaw Dragon1 votesCalling Swain "EVIL"... Typical demacian.
Warlord Dienekes1 votesThrawn I can see. Thrawn is amazing.
But what the hell does Alarak have to do with it? In SC2 you basically kick his ass every mission, then help him get a throne because your goals are vaguely aligned. Hell even in his dialogue he mostly views things as his own personal might rather than being a brilliant strategist.
Focus on Thrawn. One of the best fictional depictions of a military mastermind ever.
Or, just look at real military masterminds. Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Hell it's a bit different in tone. But even Yi Sun-Sinh could be a reference. Remember, Swain's soldiers love him. And Admiral Yi was a master at motivating his men.
darkdill1 votesTry checking out this short story by Blizzard: http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/ascension/1
That should show you some of Alarak's true cunning.