Herman Balsa

This article contains information on a **Non-playable Minor Character**.As these characters are often only mentioned in passing, all information is gathered from various canon sources then compiled here. Due to this nature, some **assumptions and theories** may be included and will be updated as more sources and information is revealed or discovered.

## Story Details

### Connected Characters

Major:* Luca Balsa (son)
* Alva Lorenz (friend and collaborator)

**Herman Balsa**, also known as **Herman Zeeman** is the father of Luca Balsa, and the former best friend and collaborator of Alva Lorenz.

## Appearance

Herman Balsa has pale skin and brown hair combed neatly to either side. He wears a dark green coat with cuffs and striped with gold over a collared white undershirt, an emerald brooch with a silk jabot, and a brown waistcoat.

## Story

Herman Balsa was born into a family of aristocrats, but dreamt of becoming a genius inventor instead.

While in school, young Herman met Alva Lorenz, a like-minded inventor. The two became the best of friends and collaborated together on projects and inventions, writing multiple manuscripts together.

At some point, Herman disappeared for two years before returning to continue his research. It was likely during that time that Herman settled down, married a noblewoman, and fathered a child. Herman's investments and inventions began to deteriorate, leaving him bankrupt.

As a last resort, he auctioned his manuscripts, which were bought at an unbelievably high price by Alva.

Unfortunately, Herman's efforts were in vain, and he was ultimately forced to auction his wife's dowry as well to pay his debts, causing his wife to die and his son to leave home, unable to forgive him.

Herman, after this event, wrote in his notes that Alva betrayed him, deprived him of his ideals, and destroyed his life. It is currently unknown what exactly occurred between the two of them. After this a fire would break out, killing Herman in the process. The cause of the fire is currently unknown but it likely occurred due to his experiments with the perpetual motion engine.

### Alternate Theories and Conclusions

* Given that "Prisoner's" Deduction #7 is named "Mutual Feelings", Herman Balsa and Alva Lorenz were most likely more than just collaborators, but also the best of friends and each other's confidants.
	+ Alva may have taken Luca in as his student because of his resemblance to his father, and due to the aforementioned "mutual feelings" with Herman.
* Herman was a genius, according to Luca.
	+ Therefore, it is unknown if Alva's "genius" was purely stolen from Herman, or if he simply wanted to continue his best friend's dream.
* As Herman is referred to as Herman Zeeman in the past, it is likely he took his wife's last name when they married.
	+ Alternatively, Herman could have taken on a false last name with his family to separate his private life from his work life.

## Mentions

### Deductions

* "Prisoner" (Deduction Quests 1, 4, and 7)
* Hermit (Deduction Quests 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10)

### Other

* Christmas 2022 Event (Day 2)
* In Hermit's animated backstory trailer
* Hermit's official website backstory

## Trivia

* Herman Balsa also uses the name Herman Balzac.

## Gallery

Identity V - Hermit Background StoryHermit's Backstory Trailer
## References

1. ↑ Herman is referred to as Herman Zeeman in Hermit's 3rd Deduction Quest
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The person killed in a fire mentioned in Hermit's 7th Deduction Quest was most likely Herman as it comes before Luca and Alva meet.
3. ↑ Hermit's Deduction #2: Polarity
4. ↑ "Prisoner's" Deduction #7: Mutual Feelings
5. ↑ The "young man who resembles Luca Balsa in expensive clothing" is indeed Herman, not Luca - In Hermit's Introduction Video (0:22), the mentioned photograph depicts Herman's image before disappearing into the fire.
6. ↑ Hermit's Deduction #4: Falsifiability
7. ↑ "Prisoner's" Deduction #3: Medium
8. ↑ "Prisoner's" 4th deduction claims she "died of anger." Interestingly, Hermit's 5th deduction claims she "died of heartbreak". It is unknown which is the true cause of death or if it is both.
9. ↑ "Prisoner's" Deduction #4: Tuning
10. ↑ Hermit's Deduction #6: Insulator