[Abyss]

I just had an insane horrible wonderful thought...

It's been suggested more than once that there is a force or forces behind the Deck, the Houses, the 'rules' etc, basically enforcing order on otherwise uncontrollably powerful ascendent powers.

The Crippled God is basically anathema to this, trying to screw with things.

Paran was selected as MoD. It was suggested in GotM and MoI that Tayshrenn had been trying to have Tattersail become MoD, but that Paran ended up with it, possibly due to his proximity (read: sex) to Tattersail, although a different theory would run that Paran was always supposed to end up in the role and what Tayshrenn wanted was irrelevant.

Here's the kicker...

...what if Paran is just the interim Master of the Deck, a fake out, and in fact Fiddler is the real MoD, unseen/unsuspected by the Crippled God.

Think about it... everything Fid has done has worked out, the trek through 7C to Tremolor, just happening to come upon Icarium and Mappo, possibly the only ones who could help them, his soldiers are less prone to die (see Yghatan - his whole squad lived), his 'games' are hugely significant (Malaz city, Oponn themselves were afraid of what he was doing), if we want to stretch it, the way he reads the other soldiers during Beak's finale...

It makes a scary sense. One MoD actively opposing the CG, but a back-up, or 'real' Master of the Deck working behind the scenes, not even knowing it, just trying to keep his soldiers alive but consequently opposing the CG along the way.

It would even sideways explain why Fid's dirge at the end of TB seemed so significant.

- Abyss, now REALLY needs to get on with a re-read.

[Skywalker]

nice theory...

Just one detail to add to the mix: It was Fiddler's table that became Paran's card in MoI

[Xaspian]

That's... That's... Hmm.

So... That might explain why Paran's not too hot on his cards, too? He seems to end up getting the wrong person... Draconus instead of Rake, Hood instead of Mael...

Does anyone else know about this? What happens if they find out?

[Aptorian]

It's nice theory but it has already been established that Fidler is Traveller, who is nefarious bred, who is Grizzin farl, who is Fisher Kel'tath, who gave birth to fidler... wait that doesn't make sense at all.

Neither does the above theory, I'd expect more hints to have been given out if that was what érikson was going for.

I was toying with a notion like the above though, Fiddler, according to Beak has a Deck in his head. I don't know if that is how beak would have percieved any talented user of the deck or if that means that Fid is special.

I think Fid could take the place of Paran but I don't think he's been set up for that.

[cerveza_fiesta]

I'd say conceivable, and I like it, but still a tad stretchy. The only real thing that links him to the deck itself is his games with the cards, but he's by no means a master, just a reader with a strange technique.

The fact that everything worked out for him I think has more to do with machinations of the story, but there's no doubt that fid has a greater purpose. Why else would a character of his development level and stature in the series still be alive?

BUT he and hedge (or whoever) figured out a way to make the cards play out to their advantage by making a special table for gambling with the other BBs. This demonstrates some control and understanding of the deck's workings, but not a mastery....yet.

[Elan Morin Tedronai]

I would think that as a Master of the Deck, you would be able to influence it, make choices etc just like Paran is doing. Fid is just reading the Deck, playing his games every once in a while, but not using any sort of power in controlling the actual thing.

On which you could ofcourse say well maybe he would do that if he were to replace Paran as official MotD, but then he wouldn't be so 'behind the scenes' anymore

So, no, don't think this will be the case, imo Fid is just a very gifted reader of said Deck, but nothing more than that.

[Mentalist]

Hmmm.. Fiddler migth be some kinda tool of the Azath--after all, they're teh ones who made Paran MotD and all, and we all know that eh Hold of Azath has many unfulfilled positions...
But he def. doesn't know about his role, and he's def. not as crucial to the Azath designs as Paran...

[Abyss]

I'm not sworn to this theory or anything, but i can see it...

Book 10, last chapter or so, and everythings gone to hell, Azath dying everywhere, imprisoned insane ascendents busting loose all over the place, Liosan fighting Andii, the 14th near suicidally engaged against the KC (on skykeeps!), Bhargast and Seguleh at war, Hounds being used as chew toys by Deragoth, chunks of Kurald Emurlahn drifting around, dragons frying everyone, Tiam's latest orgy involves six soon to be draconic Jaghut tyrants and a mule, and somewhere, the CG sneaks Kallor past everyone and the evil dude stabs Paran thru the necessary bits... poof, what little control the Deck/Houses exerted is gone, Houses break, civil war amongst the gods, whole warrens being contested between forces of subverted demons and Wolf Gods' soletaken and other things, and in the midst of all the mess, Quick Ben has an idea, grabs Fiddler, and tells him to play a Game...

- Abyss, forgot to work the kitchen sink in there, but you get the idea...

[Elan Morin Tedronai]

Abyss;223813 said:

I'm not sworn to this theory or anything, but i can see it...

Book 10, last chapter or so, and everythings gone to hell, Azath dying everywhere, imprisoned insane ascendents busting loose all over the place, Liosan fighting Andii, the 14th near suicidally engaged against the KC (on skykeeps!), Bhargast and Seguleh at war, Hounds being used as chew toys by Deragoth, chunks of Kurald Emurlahn drifting around in the kitchen sink, dragons frying everyone, Tiam's latest orgy involves six soon to be draconic Jaghut tyrants and a mule, and somewhere, the CG sneaks Kallor past everyone and the evil dude stabs Paran thru the necessary bits... poof, what little control the Deck/Houses exerted is gone, Houses break, civil war amongst the gods, whole warrens being contested between forces of subverted demons and Wolf Gods' soletaken and other things, and in the midst of all the mess, Quick Ben has an idea, grabs Fiddler, and tells him to play a Game...

- Abyss, forgot to work the kitchen sink in there, but you get the idea...

Fixed

[Mentalist]

Interesting... but wouldn't work: You forgot to factor in Karsa...

[Abyss]

kud13;223820 said:

Interesting... but wouldn't work: You forgot to factor in Karsa...

Abyss;223813 said:

I'm not sworn to this theory or anything, but i can see it...

Book 10, last chapter or so, and everythings gone to hell, Azath dying everywhere, imprisoned insane ascendents busting loose all over the place, Liosan fighting Andii, the 14th near suicidally engaged against the KC (on skykeeps!), Bhargast and Seguleh at war, Hounds being used as chew toys by Deragoth, chunks of Kurald Emurlahn drifting around in the kitchen sink, dragons frying everyone, Tiam's latest orgy involves six soon to be draconic Jaghut tyrants, a mule and Karsa Orlong, and somewhere, the CG sneaks Kallor past everyone and the evil dude stabs Paran thru the necessary bits... poof, what little control the Deck/Houses exerted is gone, Houses break, civil war amongst the gods, whole warrens being contested between forces of subverted demons and Wolf Gods' soletaken and other things, and in the midst of all the mess, Quick Ben has an idea, grabs Fiddler, and tells him to play a Game...


- Abyss, forgot to work the kitchen sink in there, but you get the idea...

ReFixed.


- Abyss, tries to keep everyone happy.

[Crow Clan Baby]

I like the theory, it's certainly not beyond the bounds of possibility. Definitely the case that Fid has some kind of uber power that hasn't really been accounted for, and that can't really be explained away by the fact that he's a Bridgeburner (otherwise why not Hedge, Mallet or Trotts?)

Also, this ability has been there since before the BBs ascended, so that's not it either.

[Zanth13]

Interesting.... dont think it will happen but interesting...

more importantly it does got me thinking bout Fiddler more... what will be his purpose in the books...Is it safe to say he has been givin more camera time then any other character yet... with Karsa comming in a close 2nd??

[Aptorian]

Quick, Kalam and Fiddler would be the most exposed players... I think. Karsa not really that much (ignoring first book of HoC).

[Cougar]

I thought Fiddler was the Soldier of HH Life, no evidence just a gut I think.

[Aptorian]

Cougar;223957 said:

I thought Fiddler was the Soldier of HH Life, no evidence just a gut I think.

I think he gave himself that card in the on ship game in BH, no?

[Abyss]

A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.

- Abyss, repeat, repeat, repeat...

[SiriusL]

Let's look at Fiddler's talents.

1) He has the aforementioned Deckability, for whatever it's worth.
2) He can play a song with a fiddle that makes even Kalam feel sad--from a mile away.
3) He is the master munitions expert left in the world.
4) He shoots a mean crossbow.
5) He is arguably the most capable field commander in Malazan history.

If we put all these together, what can happen?

Fiddler is going to be the Shield Anvil of the Queen of Dreams, and will blow up the Crippled God then absorb his pain and sorrow by playing a song. Poof, no more angry CG.

[Zanth13]

Abyss;223982 said:

A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.
A position in a House and a position in a Deck reading are not the same thing. Repeat.

- Abyss, repeat, repeat, repeat...

DEJA VU....nope that has to be a completely new Idea that has never been brought up before... good job Abyss...

[Aptorian]

SiriusL;223983 said:

5) He is arguably the most capable field commander in Malazan history.

???

He's a good sergent and he can handle himself in a fight. That doesn't make him Dassem Ultor. Contrary to what we see in the book there's a lot more to being a field commander than looking grim and pointing once in a while.