The upcoming 2025 release of Fable has the gaming community buzzing with anticipation, especially after the unveiling of its latest official trailer. The spotlight wasn't just on the lush, reimagined world of Albion, but firmly on a new character named Humphry. To the keen-eyed fan, there was an immediate, undeniable sense of déjà vu. Humphry, with his self-proclaimed status as one of Albion's greatest heroes, seems to be channeling the spirit of a legend from another beloved fantasy realm: Varric Tethras from BioWare's Dragon Age franchise. While Fable and Dragon Age share only their fantasy roots, the potential for Humphry to be Playground Games' answer to the fan-favorite dwarf narrator is a fascinating prospect that has everyone talking. It's not just a case of copying homework; it feels more like learning from the best in the biz and putting a uniquely Fable spin on a proven formula. Let's unpack why this comparison isn't just a shot in the dark.
The Master Storytellers: From Kirkwall to Albion
Perhaps the most glaring similarity is their narrative role. In Dragon Age 2, Varric isn't just a party member; he's the heart and soul of the story. The entire game is framed as his tale, told under interrogation to the Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast. His voice guides players, offering witty commentary and personal flair to the Champion's saga. Fast forward to 2026, and Humphry appears to be stepping into an eerily similar pair of boots. In the Fable trailer, he directly addresses the viewer, setting the stage and narrating the action. The trailer cuts between epic scenes of Albion and intimate shots of Humphry relaxing by a fire, ale in hand, spinning his yarn. This isn't just a voiceover; it's a storytelling device. If Humphry carries this role into the full game, he could become the player's charismatic guide through Albion's history and secrets, much like Varric was for Kirkwall. It's a brilliant way to build a connection between the player and the world, making the lore feel personal and lived-in.
Personality & Style: Sarcasm, Chest Hair, and Ale
Beyond their narrative function, Humphry and Varric seem to be cut from the same cloth personality-wise. Let's break it down:
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The Wit: Both characters are defined by their dry, sarcastic humor. Varric's one-liners are legendary for cutting through the doom and gloom of Thedas. From Humphry's brief appearance, he delivers his lines with a similar world-weary yet amused charm, suggesting he won't be taking Albion's dangers too seriously, at least on the surface. 🍻
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The Look: Seriously, take a look at the image! The fashion choices are on point. Both heroes sport the "open-shirt-with-chest-hair-and-a-necklace" aesthetic. It's a look that screams "rogueish adventurer who has seen some things." While Humphry is shown in more modest attire at one point, the core vibe is unmistakably similar. It's a signature style that immediately tells you something about the character before he even opens his mouth.
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The Hobby: If there's one thing these two love almost as much as a good story, it's a good pint of ale. The Fable trailer makes a point of showing Humphry enjoying his drink, a classic pastime in the series. Varric, of course, is practically a fixture at the Hanged Man tavern in Kirkwall. This shared love for tavern culture reinforces their roles as communal figures, the kind of person you'd find holding court in the local pub with a tale for every ear.
What This Could Mean for Fable's Story
So, Humphry is shaping up to be a Varric-like figure. Big whoop, right? Actually, it could be a game-changer for Fable's narrative approach. Varric's success proved that a charismatic, involved narrator can elevate a story from a simple plot to a memorable saga. If Humphry is our guide, his personal history—particularly his hinted-at past with the game's main villain—could become deeply woven into the player's journey. We wouldn't just be learning about the villain; we'd be learning about the villain through Humphry's eyes, with all his biases, regrets, and dry humor intact. This creates potential for rich, personal drama and moral complexity, hallmarks of great RPG storytelling.
The comparison table below highlights their core similarities:
| Feature | Varric Tethras (Dragon Age) | Humphry (Fable) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Narrator/Storyteller, Party Member | Narrator/Storyteller, Presumed Hero |
| Personality | Charismatic, Sarcastic, Loyal | Dry Humor, World-Weary, Boastful |
| Signature Style | Open shirt, chest hair, necklace | Open shirt (in trailer), necklace, |
| signature necklace | similar adventurer aesthetic | |
| Favorite Pastime | Drinking & storytelling at the Hanged Man | Drinking & storytelling by the fire |
| Narrative Device | Framing device for DA2, occasional narrator | Framing device for trailer, potential in-game guide |
In the end, Humphry doesn't need to be Varric. The Fable series has always had its own unique, whimsical, and often cheeky tone. If Playground Games is smart, they'll use Varric's blueprint not to create a clone, but to build a character who serves a similar narrative purpose while being utterly his own man—a hero of Albion through and through. The trailer suggests they're on the right track. As we count down to 2025, one thing's for sure: the prospect of having a storyteller as compelling as Varric guiding us through a new Fable adventure is, frankly, bloody brilliant. We'll just have to wait and see if Humphry's tales are tall, true, or a glorious mix of both.