Even though Forspoken has undergone a difficult development with multiple delays, fans have finally had a taste of the game. The trailer released at the Game Awards 2022 announced that Square Enix was releasing a demo for the game, allowing PS5 users to take its unique magic system for a spin. Recent footage has also revealed the third of Athia's Tantas: Tanta Olas, a sorceress associated with wisdom. While Olas seems no less malevolent than her fellow matriarchs, she already stands out through her illusion magic and rather personal attack on Frey which traps her in a false version of New York City.
Tanta Olas seems like a special member of the Forspoken antagonist lineup for a few reasons. For one, her title implies a unique role in Athia's former government; "Tanta of Wisdom" doesn't imply a clear governmental role, which could open the door for a more mystical part. For another, Frey has a lot of special traits that need explaining. Even though Tanta Olas is presented as an enemy, she might turn out to be very useful for Frey if she knows things about the protagonist's past. If Frey doesn't kill Tanta Olas outright, she might turn out to be an excellent ally in the long run.
Tanta Olas Feels Unique in Forspoken's Cast
The previous two matriarchs have had very clear roles in Athia's world. As the Tanta of Strength, Sila commanded the armies of Athia, while Prav, the Tanta of Justice, managed the world's judicial system. In contrast, the Tanta of Wisdom feels more nebulous. It's possible that Tanta Olas' wisdom made her the face of Athia's government, dealing with day-to-day affairs, but descriptions of Olas' intelligence, cleverness, and magical power might suggest that she was simply the most knowledgeable person in Athia. Olas may have been the researcher and advisor that informed all of Sila and Prav's decisions.
If Tanta Olas is really so intelligent and wise, then she may be as useful to Frey as she is to the Tantas. Any amount of information could come out of her. Frey Holland is full of mysteries, particularly because she's mysteriously immune to the effects of the Break. Tanta Olas might also help explain the Break itself, even if she's been driven mad by it already. Perhaps most importantly, Olas might be the character who helps Frey figure out how to get back to New York, whether she does so out of goodwill or in an attempt to get her enemy out of Athia.
Because she has so much potential, the story of Forspoken might be better off if it keeps Tanta Olas alive. So far, it isn't clear if Frey has any hope of reversing the effects of the Break on the Tantas, but curing them might be more compelling than simply killing them. It could give the Tantas more character development as they try to atone for their cruel actions, and it could further Frey's narrative in surprising ways if she works closely with the Tantas. Even if Olas is the only Tanta that she cures, it would add nuance to the fight against the Break while giving Frey a new way to bond with Athia.
Despite all the Forspoken gameplay trailers released by Luminous Productions, the developer has kept much of Forspoken's story close to its chest. Frey's mission is clear, but how exactly the Tantas and other citizens of Athia stay involved is more mysterious. Hopefully the Tanta of Wisdom's curious title speaks to a special role in the story. While the Tantas look like formidable opponents, they would risk feeling two-dimensional if they're just deranged tyrants without any meaningful relationships or rounded personalities. Whether Tanta Olas becomes a teammate or remains Frey's enemy to the end, her wisdom ought to guide Frey on her journey.
Forspoken releases January 24, 2023 for PC and PS5.