I'm going back over this thread to see how this theory stands up to the new information we're getting.
With the dreamer being transitioned to the guardian, I think the idea that the dreamer isn't the manifestation of the tadpole holds up.
It leaves me wondering if the guardian is actually the sentience in the artifact though. Preparing for the reckoning and all.
Hmm. If we meet the guardian on the road in act II, in the physical world, then... I'm not sure.
The guardian in the fextralife scene dream scene said she "stole" the power that was keeping the character safe. That everyone else would transform in a moment when the command was given.
