Can Fred be trusted?

[TheOneZeelOne]

I get the sense that he's pretty well-liked and many would be a bit sad if he ended up being a traitor, and I think odds are very good he won't be. Buuut it's pretty clear from what we've heard of the lore that it's kind of a question we're expected to ask. So, why not ask, how do you guys think it goes down?

I'm of the assumption that he won't in the end, but that the story will likely toy with this a fair bit. A thought I've had for a while is they may play the old chestnut where he has bad intentions initially but has grown to care for Oleander after spending years with her and can't bring himself to harm her. The whole "lie becomes the truth" thing, y'know? That could be neat.

 

[bibliogeek]

They could go alot of ways with that storyline, and nearly all of them would please me.

 

[Discord Sparkle]

I'd say he can if for no other reason than Oleander would be unplayable without him if I'm understanding her fighting style correctly.

 

[Cannox]

Well, we don't really know what Fhtng's agenda is (as much as an evil, ancient book can have one). It's really up in the air for the moment.

But for me, personally? This may sound mean, but I kind of what him to be evil all along. If not to just subvert the whole "becoming the mask" thing that's going around, but to maybe teach a lesson that, hey, maybe as helpful as it may be, making deals with dark magic isn't going to work out for you in the end.

 

[OCisbestungulate]

Perhaps there's a story line in which Fred actually fuses with the final boss, and Olly has to face it either without her powers (thus with a different move list), or perhaps she finally accepts the friendships of the others and they have to bring the thing down.

 

[elekk]

or perhaps she finally accepts the friendships of the others and they have to bring the thing down

Because... y'know... Friendship is magic too ¬_¬

I think it's not like Fhtng have to hurt or betray her. Oleander already have signed a contract, she has nowhere to go. But I think these two will eventually travel that infamous dark path together, as a teacher and *ahem Star Wars ahem* a student.

 

[Lanxide]

I kind of what him to be evil all along

Glad I'm not the only person who feels this way. It makes thing way more dramatic and scenes more intense.

 

[LockeRobster]

I know nothing about Fred, but I trust him with my life!

 

[Efrath]

I personally would like it if he was neutral. Good and evil are subjective after all, and Dark magic doesn't necessarily have to do with anything murderous nor malicious intent.

 

[DShou]

I personally would like it if he was neutral. Good and evil are subjective after all, and Dark magic doesn't necessarily have to do with anything murderous nor malicious intent.

I'm one for a neutral perspective, it's fun dabbling in the dark arts from time to time after all.

 

[Anthony Rothstein]

He seems fairly laid back to be honest, like a fair few demons are.
Though his powers come from the dark, I don't think he straight up has malicious intentions. Ok, he's set to take Oleander's soul, but that's what demons do. He wants to have fun whilst doing it and isn't doing it to be cruel to her.
What does taking her soul accomplish in the end? If it's never ending torment when she dies, ok maybe he is a bit of a bad un. But I don't think it'll quite be like that.

 

[TheOneZeelOne]

Actually one theory I had is that he's not in the book by choice? It's actually kind of a curse, as he lost his own body long ago. Or maybe that isn't a theory and it's actually part of the lore already that I forgot, I dunno. ^^'

But anyway, if something like that is the case, his end goal could be to take her body for himself.
Typical guy right?

 

[Kyderra]

I trust Fred more then those puppies pom has.
Have you seen those snapping teeth?

 

[OCisbestungulate]

I trust Fred more then those puppies pom has.
Have you seen those snapping teeth?

Plus they eat other creatures. EAT LIVING, MOVING CREATURES.

 

[rod7post]

but fred and oleander have a cute relationship.. is best shipping *-*

i can't wait for more lore of oleander and fred, as their friendship grows, well... I think hope too any result will be good.

 

[Avering]

Fred? The book Fred? He is a spirit in a book about black magic 'n stuff and also gets Oleander into fighting. What's not to trust? (We all know he is just there to see Oleander's scrunchy face when she gets pummeled)

 

[Ultra Lucky Cat]

Actually, I wouldn't mind Fred being evil. I'd prefer if he were neutral, but I like the idea of him being evil all along. However, I want him to genuinely care for Oleander. Just because one is evil doesn't mean they don't have people they care for.

 

[waspennator]

I'm betting ten bucks that Fred somehow ends up becoming the reason why the carnivores are invading Foenum

 

[OCisbestungulate]

Well, the why is pretty simple methinks. It's the why of how they're doing it that's the question, I think...

 

[Sir Wombat]

Oleander's goal is to show that dark magic is not inherently evil. If Fred did turn out to be a bad guy, her whole quest would be completely pointless.

 

[cesarb]

Blue and Orange morality. Fred's objectives might be incomprehensible to us.

I apologize for linking to tvtropes.

 

[Feanor]

I'd say he can if for no other reason than Oleander would be unplayable without him if I'm understanding her fighting style correctly.

It would be nice to avoid such a cliche... Here I thought I was the only one who thought it for my fanfic : P
I like what you are saying here though. Just depends how long the lore continues for after game release, because - as someone mentioned - it would mean playstyle and model changes to take him out of the picture if we had expansion lore.

 

[Feanor]

Oleander's goal is to show that dark magic is not inherently evil. If Fred did turn out to be a bad guy, her whole quest would be completely pointless.

True, especially considering where he may come from. So far he seems to have a sort of Lovecraftian vibe that would support this theory. He is also a book, which might give you a bit of a different outlook on life

 

[Feanor]

Well, the why is pretty simple methinks. It's the why of how they're doing it that's the question, I think...

Perhaps that would be a good thing. If everyone succeeds all the time, things get predictable and stale. G. R. R. Martin always keeps you on your toes in that regard, and might be a good example here to follow. There is always the potential for a redemption story as well.

 

[Feanor]

Fred? The book Fred? He is a spirit in a book about black magic 'n stuff and also gets Oleander into fighting. What's not to trust? (We all know he is just there to see Oleander's scrunchy face when she gets pummeled)

Im with you

 

[Feanor]

He seems fairly laid back to be honest, like a fair few demons are.
Though his powers come from the dark, I don't think he straight up has malicious intentions. Ok, he's set to take Oleander's soul, but that's what demons do. He wants to have fun whilst doing it and isn't doing it to be cruel to her.
What does taking her soul accomplish in the end? If it's never ending torment when she dies, ok maybe he is a bit of a bad un. But I don't think it'll quite be like that.

Shhh. Don't spoil my fanfic idea.

 

[StopShot]

It just took me just now to remember Fred is the demon in Oleander's book...

I'm just afraid Fred's going to scare the life out of Pom. :<

 

[Kushala Daora]

I sincerely doubt FTNG's evil, but I wouldn't qualify it as a force of good, either. As shown in many media, Dark influences, while often just as natural as Light ones, can warp and bend wills, personality, and even form if left unchecked, and how Oleander handles the powers she comes into contact with will make or break things. We don't even know what FTNG's actual agenda is, should there be one.

Does it want a mortal's soul?
Does it desire a vessel to corrupt and ultimately commandeer for its own uses? Perhaps, use her to find a more compatible host?
....Does it just want a friend who won't keep it on the shelf because "*unicorn gasp* DARK MAGIC BAD!!!"

 

[Zocarik]

My hypothesis:

1. Fred is like Bob the Skull from The Dresden Files. He is loyal to Oleander, but does not have any grasp of morality.
2. Fred was evil, got sealed in the book, and has gradually gone so far crazy that he came out sane. Serving/helping Oleander gave him some way to interact with the world.
3. Fred was a contingency plan laid down by the Prophet ages ago, specifically to monitor the situation with the Hold, and to find a counter should the predators ever begin to escape.

 

[Masterweaver]

First of all: Feanor, you can reply to multiple posts in one post, and it is generally considered rude to doublepost in forums.

And back on topic: I believe Fred can be literally trusted, but that does not necessarily make Fred trustworthy. Exact words will be the name of the game here; Fred will do what Fred says Fred will do and not what it seems Fred says Fred will do.

 

[Super jorsour64]

It's really hard to tell right now, with only the small bit of gameplay we've seen of Oleander in past streams and her book of lore chapter. That being said however, i think both situations could be interesting to see. Maybe having Fred fully intend on betraying her only to later realize the loneliness that he would have without her companionship? or Fred being the recipient of another curse and wanting to be freed from his "prison" The Unicornomicon? who knows?! (well we WILL know at some point down the line...)

On another note, i'm curious what you guys think of in terms of VA's for Fred. Who do you imagine could voice him well? I'll start my list:

My hypothetical VA "wishlist":

• Gilbert Gottfried
• David Hayter
• Stephen Merchant

 

[Avering]

My hypothetical VA "wishlist":

• Gilbert Gottfried
• David Hayter
• Stephen Merchant

Logan Cunningham (Narrator from Bastion) maybe? Though his voice may be a bit too badass for a happy go lucky book.
--edit--
Why not one of FlimFlamFilosophy's character? He makes some amusing voices.

 

[Anukan]

Logan Cunningham (Narrator from Bastion) maybe? Though his voice may be a bit too badass for a happy go lucky book.

I have wanted to work with Logan Cunningham ever since Bastion came out, and every time the possibilities of having a male character (Any male character, anywhere, for any reason), Logan's always my first suggestion. Narf, I'd be completely okay with having him voice Velvet too!

I do hope at some point we get to work with him. Probably not for Fhtng, (or probably yes, who knows!), but I'd most certainly love to have him voice someone for an M6 project.

 

[Avering]

Narf, I'd be completely okay with having him voice Velvet too!

Bloody hell, now he needs to audition for Velvet! We MUST hear him talking like a lady.
Also, you are in early deelopment, Ahem *I'm pretty sure you can show some recordings to Lauren and maybe have her come up with a fitting character. Ahem*

 

[Super jorsour64]

Logan Cunningham (Narrator from Bastion) maybe? Though his voice may be a bit too badass for a happy go lucky book.
--edit--
Why not one of FlimFlamFilosophy's character? He makes some amusing voices.

I have wanted to work with Logan Cunningham ever since Bastion came out, and every time the possibilities of having a male character (Any male character, anywhere, for any reason), Logan's always my first suggestion. Narf, I'd be completely okay with having him voice Velvet too!

I do hope at some point we get to work with him. Probably not for Fhtng, (or probably yes, who knows!), but I'd most certainly love to have him voice someone for an M6 project.

Wow I forgot about him! He did do a great job in Bastion! That would be an interesting possibility to see either Fhtng or another character voiced by him. Yeah FlimflamFilosophy is great too

 

[Rich Jammer]

Fred's pretty cool

 

[TheOneZeelOne]

Man, Fred would make for a cool lucha mask...

 

[GLaD for you]

Fred can be trusted to change/corrupt Oleander from a Unicorn into a Eldritch Abomination/Tentacle Monster.
Yes, yes.

 

[CrpCrwls]

I personnally like the idea that Fred is Evil, and has his own agenda... however that doesn't mean he iscompletely untrusthworthy or that he can mind control Oleander. If he want her to do something he has to convince her. I like to think the predators provided a good leverage to get her to agree to the pact but in the long term Fred doesn't want them to be set free either. I'm picturing his objective being more along the lines of worl domination, so the chaos and the killing created by the arrival of the predators would be detrimental to him. I think he might turn out to be the kind of evil ruler you can live with, you know, doesn't bother the population too much, just does his thing and goes after the heroes.

 

[AuruM]

I could see Fred not being trustworthy and genuinely being more bad than neutral, using Oleander with an ulterior motive that if fulfilled would be bad for Foenum, some possiblities being escaping the binds of the Unicornomicon to wreak havok or mischief, and/or making Oleander a thrall directly under his control.

However, Oleander would be wary of Fred's manipulation, having knowledge of the dangers of consorting with such a being, and successfully use him to further her own aims, staying one hoof ahead of his wiles most of the time. Their relationship, while amicable and banterous, would be a prolonged intellectual power struggle and function as a kind of egoistic symbiosis, with Olly doing her best to hold the reins steady in her favour.

In the end, after challenges and setbacks, Oleander would be shown to have been on the right path, and her assertion would be vindicated - dark magic may be used for good, when wielded with caution and wisdom. Dark magic, like fire, may be dangerous and rightly associated with destruction, but can be tamed and turned to beneficial use.