Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios' upcoming action RPG titleFableis the next installment in Lionhead Studios' most beloved series. Since the game’s announcement in 2020, the developer has been quite cryptic about the full extent ofFable’s gameplay and story, butFable’s latest official trailer, which was unveiled during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, has introduced a new character by the name of Humphry who may play a rather significant role in the game’s story. As it turns out, Humphry seems to share some similarities with Varric Tethras, the fan-favorite dwarf fromBioWare’sDragon Agefranchise, which may be a good thing considering Varric’s widespread popularity.
DespiteDragon AgeandFablehaving no connection to one another aside from their roots in the fantasy genre, Humphry is toFablewhat Varric is toDragon Age —at least, according to what has been revealed so far. Not much is known about Humphry apart from what he disclosed in the latest trailer forFable, but his appearance, demeanor, and presumed purpose seem to be an echo of Varric’s, especially Varric inDragon Age 2. If it turns out that these apparent similarities ring true about Humphry’s character, it could be a sign of things to come for the unfolding ofFable’s narrative and Humphry’s role in it.
How Fable’s Humphry and Dragon Age’s Varric Relate
Humphry and Varric Have Both Played the Role of the Narrator
Perhaps the most obvious way in which Humphry and Varric are similar is in the fact that they have now both played the role of narrator.Dragon Age 2begins with Varric being questioned byCassandra Pentaghastabout the Champion. Varric, being the storyteller that he is, proceeds to tell the tale of the Champion as a form of narration for the game. From there, the narrative either occasionally returns to the room where Varric is being interrogated by Cassandra, or Varric’s voice is heard over visual animations of the story he is telling. So far, Humphry has played a similar role, albeit only inFable’s most recent trailer.
In theFabletrailer revealed during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, Humphry addresses viewers and introduces himself as one of the greatest heroes of Albion to ever live. He then begins narrating the rest of the trailer as clips from the game show this version of Albion and the characters within it, with the scenes occasionally changing back to him drinking ale in his chair by a fire. In the trailer alone, Humphry has proven to be quite the storyteller, much like Varric is inDragon Age. It’s unclear whether Humphry will play the role of narrator again in the game itself, but it wouldn’t be too far-fetched considering much of his storytelling revolves around disclosing the history he shares withFable’s villain.
Humphry and Varric Have Similar Personalities and Interests
Another similarity Humphry and Varric share is their personality. While Varric may be a bit more charismatic than Humphry based on what has been revealed so far, both characters share a love for sarcasm and dry humor. Their personality also comes out in their wardrobe, which is nearly identical between the two. Both Varric and Humphry wear their shirts open to show their chests and very similar necklaces, though Humphry is shown wearing something a bit more modest at one point duringFable’s official trailer.
Humphry also seems to share Varric’s love for ale. Drinking has always been a common hobby intheFableseries, but there is a distinct focus placed on Humphry’s delight for the drink inFable’s trailer. InDragon Age, Varric is often found in the Hanged Man tavern enjoying a drink, awaiting the player with another story to tell. All in all, Varric and Humphry seem to be a lot alike, but more will be revealed about Humphry onceFablereleases in 2025.
Fable
WHERE TO PLAY
Fable is an RPG developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft. Set in Albion, the game challenges players to define what it means to be a hero.
