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Thaddeus Carminus

Thaddeus Carminus is the 92-year-old former owner of a noodle bar in Meridian Market, in the heart of Nivalis. He is the first major character the player meets and serves as the catalyst for the entire game. With retirement looming after a lifetime behind the counter, Thaddeus passes his noodle bar to the player, setting the story in motion.

Appearance and Age

Thaddeus is old and grizzled, with a long grey beard that speaks to decades of hard work. The demands of his long career show on him. At 92, he is not frail or feeble, but he is clearly a man who has been worn down by a lifetime of labor. He is described as "very tired of life in Nivalis," which comes across in his posture, his speech, and his general attitude toward the city he has called home for nearly a century.

Personality

Thaddeus is a study in contrasts. He is gruff but friendly. Impatient but thoughtful. He has worked his whole life for very little reward, and that has left him with a dry, direct way of speaking. He does not sugarcoat things and does not have time for nonsense, but underneath the rough exterior, there is genuine care. He wants the player to succeed, not just because the noodle bar represents his legacy, but because he sees something worth investing in.

One of Thaddeus's defining traits is his respect for player choice. He will not judge you for the type of person you choose to be. Whether you are cunning or kind, selfish or generous, Thaddeus accepts your approach without trying to steer you in a particular direction. This makes him an unusual mentor figure: he gives you the tools and the opportunity, then steps back and lets you make your own decisions.

Quotes

Thaddeus is one of the most quotable characters in Nivalis. Two of his key lines capture his philosophy and his weariness:

• "I lived my whole life behind that hot plate. It was my whole world. Now it's time for me to find another one."

• "Be cunning or be kind. That's all I can say to you. If you're kind, make sure you don't let them walk all over you. And if you're cunning, don't let them catch you out. Cunning, kind, selfish, saintly, whatever type of person you want to be, be smart. Be smart and you'll make it."

The first quote reveals how completely the noodle bar defined his existence. For Thaddeus, the hot plate was not just a job; it was his entire identity. Passing it on to the player is both a gift and a farewell to the only life he has ever known.

The second quote functions as his advice to the player and, in a sense, a mission statement for the game itself. Nivalis does not force you into a good or evil path. It lets you choose, and Thaddeus's words make it clear that any approach can work, as long as you are smart about it.

Role in the Story

Thaddeus appears early in the game, during the player's introduction to the city. The player has a familial connection to Thaddeus, though the exact nature of that relationship is part of the story's setup. Despite not knowing the first thing about running a business, the player's affection for Thaddeus makes them want to keep his dream alive and give the noodle bar a real chance.

Thaddeus's retirement is not just a plot device. It represents a passing of the torch that carries emotional weight. He has spent his entire life in Meridian Market, and walking away from the noodle bar is the hardest thing he has ever done. His hope that the player will succeed where he simply endured gives the opening hours of the game a personal stake that goes beyond profit margins.

Connection to Meridian Market

The noodle bar Thaddeus runs is located in Meridian Market, a busy area in the heart of the city. This means the player's starting business is positioned in one of the more active and accessible parts of Nivalis. Meridian Market's central location gives the player exposure to foot traffic and a solid customer base from the very beginning, even if the noodle bar itself starts in rough shape.

Legacy

Thaddeus is not a character you interact with throughout the entire game. His role is concentrated in the opening act. But his impact on the player's journey is permanent. Every dish you cook, every business decision you make, and every upgrade you add to the noodle bar connects back to the opportunity Thaddeus gave you. He is the reason you are in Nivalis, and even long after he has left, his words stay with you.

Character Details