Alfred as one of the three playable characters.

Inspired by Pure Miriam's thread, also in response to the recent Kickstarter Update #51.

The poll is entirely optional.  You needn't vote until more information on this character is provided.

Alfred (アルフレッド)
Age: 57

"Alfred is one of the alchemists responsible for the demon-summoning uproar ten years ago. He was Johannes' mentor, and a father figure to both Johannes and Miriam, but he's lost his former self as he heads to the castle seeking the Book of Logaeth in Gebel's possession. Quiet and intelligent, Alfred's alchemic ability was unmatched even among his fellow alchemists."



ROLE IN STORY

Whether or not Alfred is playable, his role in the main story is apparently connected to a certain book in Gebel's possession (which may or may not contain Enochian language).  We already know from his description that he's one of the alchemists responsible for the initial demon-summoning, and that he was both a mentor and father-figure to Johannes and [more of the latter to] Miriam.  He has lost his former self for unknown reasons, possibly related to summoning demons in the first place, but does his search for this "Book of Logaeth" have any connection to the Curse that both Miriam and Gebel are afflicted with?

 - So how powerful is he, exactly?  All we know is that, as an alchemist, he was unmatched even by his peers who also participated in the demon-summoning.  He's either the leader of the alchemists, or he was simply exceptionally talented.  Could it be possible that he knows how to help rid Miriam and Gebel of their curse?

 - How will he interact with the other characters?  If Alfred has "lost his former self", then I'd personally say it's clear what his banter with Gebel would be like (covetous greed for an item in Gebel's possession, perhaps).  He just might remember something of his time spent with Johannes and Miriam, and could genuinely offer to help them... or he might manipulate them.  It's entirely possible that his encounters with Dominique and Zangetsu may be met with relative hostility, judging by their occupations.

 - Exactly why does he want the "Book of Logaeth"?  Maybe he's become power-hungry?  Maybe the book contains the way to stop demons from entering our world?  ...Does he even remember why?  If he's playable, part of his involvement in the story could be recovering his memories, possibly with the help of Miriam and Johannes.  Maybe Alfred being an enemy, or not remembering his reasons, would be part of a Bad Ending which results from his death? (Assuming he isn't the true final boss)

 - Is there any significance to that rose motif on his robe?  I've noticed that Alfred has a similar rose-petal design, on the front of his robe (I don't know what that "tie" is called), to the magi-crystal curse that appears on the skin of Miriam and Gebel.  Perhaps it's possible that he is either directly responsible for their curse, or it's a [not so] subtle hint that he's also suffering from the same curse (Though we can't tell at the moment, because most of his skin is hidden under his robe).  Point is; Whether he's an antagonist or a playable character (or possibly both), it seems evident that he's hiding something.

(I'm going to avoid the term "Barlowe-expy", even though being part-expy is what I personally love about Bloodstained's characters, because there are a few glaring differences about this character.  ...I can't help but hear Lament to the Master in my head when speculating about Alfred, though.)


GAMEPLAY

I've noticed that Alfred carries a Tome with him.  As an accomplished alchemist, I'd say he'd at least keep a record of various alchemical recipes and their effects, notes of research, how to summon certain demons, etc.

I would personally hope that Tome he carries serves more than a scholastic purpose.  I'd hope he also uses it as a weapon, to cast Spells and fight in a similar manner to both Charlotte Aulin and Barlowe of the Castlevania series (obviously not a total copy/paste and mix of the way they fight).

In-fact, I had already devised a list of "Tome" weapon ideas quite a while ago.  If it's the case that Miriam will not have access to them, I'd say Alfred should use these as his primary weapon of choice instead.  Some of the specific names & descriptions for different Elemental Tomes I came up with could be changed to reflect Alfred's scholarly interest in Alchemy and Demons.

I know I'd prefer, if he's made playable, that he not be reduced to a "bonus/extra" character.  In an Alfred playthrough of Bloodstained, he would ideally have access to equipment menus for weapons/armor, whatever stands in for "Relics", and possibly Shards as well (similarly to Miriam).  If he can't use Shards, then the latter-most option for equipment should at least include Alfred's likely ability to summon Demons.