Forneus

Biography

---

Forneus was an alchemist of high caliber that once resided in the ancient city known as Thabes. Aside from alchemy, he was known for enjoying star symbolism, which he used to predict the future. His predictions were always true, even if said truths were brutal in nature.
He was beloved by everyone he met, which included the Thabean Senate and his wife. He strongly believed that his work could help others, and he did everything in his power to do just that.
However, Forneus and his work harbored dark intent, unbeknownst to those around him.

At some point, Forneus had grown tired of the world and fell into depravity. His work became less focused on helping others and more grotesque in nature. Instead of helping those around him, he merely viewed others as potential test subjects. The love he once had for those around him turned into something twisted and wicked, although according to Forneus himself, he did still care about the wellbeing of others—so long as they produced results for him. He did not let this side of himself show until his wife died, which was when his true descent into madness began.
Forneus gradually became obsessed with the deceased and finding a method to revive them. He would accidentally create and then research a type of insect which he dubbed thanatophages. Forneus then invented the Death Masks so that their parasitic nature could be taken advantage of.
As his work consumed him, Forneus made his other goal known: He wished to create the perfect entity—one that, of course, defied death itself.
The Senate still trusted Forneus, despite the warning signs in his behavior, and thus they granted him the blood of a Divine Dragon for his experiments.

Forneus was completely successful in creating the perfect lifeform, which would later become known as the Fell Dragon, Grima.
One mage remained by Forneus's side up until they could not handle the torment that was the Demon Alchemist's work. This mage warned the Senate of Forneus's actions, which prompted them to send messengers, and eventually soldiers to intervene. Forneus killed every single person who dared to interfere with his work, and this is what led to him being sealed within his very workshop with the aid of the Sage's Shield.
Forneus remarked that the Senate was extremely gracious to have provided him with the cadavers he needed to continue his experiments—with the resources being those who were sent to check on him and thus disturb him. As if to mock them further, he called his army of "masks" his faithful and adorable pets.

Although his relationship with his creation was amiable at first, things would take a grim turn as Forneus grew more insane and paranoid. He placed restrictions on his creation, not allowing it to read certain scriptures or watch over him as he worked. Becoming weary of these rules, the creation went behind its creator's back and did everything he told it not to do. Things would come to a head when Forneus came to the conclusion that he would have to put an end to his creation's life. The two clashed, but Forneus was no match for his opus, and thus he perished.

The creation would later take control of Forneus's corpse since the two shared a blood pact, which was a precursor to the Fellblood.

Fire Emblem: Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

---

Role

Forneus technically does not appear directly in Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, instead being mentioned by various characters in Archanea as a part of the mystery surrounding Thabes in Act 6.
Glimpses of Forneus's actions can be viewed via the Memory Prisms scattered throughout the Thabes Labyrinth. It is revealed that Forneus had been manipulating the Senate for a majority of his time working with them, even if they believed themselves to be taking advantage of him instead. Much of Grima's past is also unveiled, with it attempting to reassure Forneus multiple times despite his mania. Forneus seemed to care much for his creation before succumbing to his declining mental state, almost treating the young Fell Dragon with something resembling compassion and love.
It is difficult to garner Forneus's feelings on his creation, but it seemed to pain him greatly when he attempted to end its life.

Forneus's experiments were what caused Duma to completely destroy Thabes. He is also responsible for the events that take place in Awakening, being the creator of Grima and the Risen. His legacy is what led to the destruction of Lucina's future, as well as countless other tragedies.

Although his research on the subject was unfinished, Forneus was close to unraveling the secrets of time travel via his alchemical knowledge. Grima was the one to complete Forneus's theory, allowing him to travel to the current timeline without the aid of Naga.

Messages left in Thabes related to Forneus

Stats

Forneus can be fought only on hard difficulty upon the fourth visit to the Thabes Labyrinth.

See also: Thabes Labyrinth § Tenth Basement

Personality

---

Forneus originally possessed a gentle and charismatic demeanor, at least outwardly. He was an intellectual at heart and prioritized knowledge over all else. Often blunt and sarcastic, he was known for never sugarcoating things but still offering a helping hand to those in need. In a way, he was similar in personality to Robin, sharing a love for reading and tactics.
He was extremely dedicated to those he cared for, such as his wife. Forneus would find himself getting lost in his alchemical endeavors and preferred to not be disturbed as he worked.

He had a tendency to speak in a hushed voice and keep his responses short in nature. Forneus was considered to be temperamental whenever he was taken away from his studies, and it can be said that there was something almost uncanny about this, given that he was seen as kind hearted by those in Thabes.

As his work grew more gruesome, he too morphed into something wicked and bitter. Forneus gradually lost his emotions as he transmuted them for the purpose of attaining more knowledge. He became apathetic about anything not having to do with his research and closed his heart to the world. These lack of emotions would be what led to his downfall, as well as the shaping of Grima's bleak outlook on humanity in the present day.

Etymology and other languages

---

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language	Name	Definition, etymology, and notes
English	Forneus	Forneus is a figure in mythology and a marquis of hell, and is primarily associated with knowledge and charisma among friend and foe. The mythological Forneus supposedly led twenty-nine legions of demons. This name was presumably chosen to relate to his knowledge as an alchemist and his desire for an undead army.
Japanese	フォルネウス	Forneus
Spanish	Forneus	--
French	Forneus	--
German	Forneus	--
Italian	Forneus	--
Dutch	Forneus	--
Korean	포르네우스	Forneus
Simplified Chinese	佛鲁奈伍斯	Forneus
Traditional Chinese	佛魯奈伍斯	Forneus

Gallery

---

Official Artwork

Heroes Artwork

Meet some of the Heroes Artwork

References

---