By Kayla Matt

Fritz Warrenberg is a fun character to write and I wish I could boost him higher up the character food chain.  The truth is that he is strongest as a supporting character and shines in this role.  He is the brains, humor, heart, and curiosity of the heroes with a few interesting themes.

Unlikely Hero

Unlike the other characters, Fritz isn’t really a warrior or caster.  He hasn’t been trained to fight or steal.  All of his skills revolve around his ability to invent and the knowledge he has gained over the years.  This is why he rarely gets involved in the actual fighting.  When he does, it’s unexpected and unique because he brings in an invention to give himself an edge.  Other times, he uses his illusion magic with a surprising amount of cunning.

The Mentor Friend

While Selenia Hamilton and Kevin Masterson are Luke’s warrior mentors, Fritz acts as his friendship mentor.  It’s an interesting role that is very subtle and he does the same with Nimby and Aedyn Karwyn.  A little with Nyx too when he isn’t hitting on her.  Due to being a lot older than the other characters and retaining the same level of maturity as them, Fritz is a bridge for them to grow.  He becomes an advisor in the area of living instead of adventuring.  In one scene, he talks with Luke about his relationship with Kira and in another he helps Nimby realize his importance.  Fritz is definitely the clear mind of the group who helps the others mature.  This ranges from loosening Aedyn up to getting Luke to focus on more than simply being a hero.  Yet, part of his story is how they change him as well.

Rise of Technology

Through Fritz, you see the influence that gnome inventions are having on the world.  He’s the gateway with his own creations, which opens Windemere up to have other non-fantasy technology.  Thanks to Fritz talking about what he does and the advancements of his people, I can do more.  It shows that Windemere is at the beginning of a surge of technology.

Loyalty and Friendship

Fritz has the most to lose among the heroes.  Luke, Nyx, and Aedyn have been trained to fight in their varied styles.  Nimby is a thief who has experience with the darker side of society.  While Fritz has gone on adventures, it was as support of real warriors and to get supplies for his experiments.  So, he’s in over his head and has the highest chance of dying or losing his job at Selenia’s academy.  It’s something he’s very aware of, which is why the loyalty to his friends plays a great role in his development.  This is the only reason he continues with Luke and the others in Prodigy of Rainbow Tower.  It isn’t for glory, fame, riches, or heroism, but to stand by those that have become his friends.  In a way, Fritz is one of the bravest characters in the series because of this.