Theophilus
| Theophilus The Butler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Character Type | Minor Character |
| Affiliation | Atreides |
| Status | Alive |
| Added in Version | 1.1.0.0 |
Location
Journeys
| Journey |
|---|
| The Janusian Faithful |
Dialogue
Theophilus the Butler: Do forgive the mess. They died as they lived--loudly, and with abysmal table manners.
Player: You are?
Theophilus the Butler: Butler to the late Lordlings of this doomed affair. My talents include wine pairing, corpse counting, and feigning deference.
Player: What happened here?
Theophilus the Butler: It began as a toast. Ended as a cautionary tale. You may pick whichever part offends you the least.
Player: I need a little more than that.
Theophilus the Butler: It's simple. Wine was poured. Conversation flowed. Then, so did the convulsions.
Player:
1. A few questions about the guests.
2. I need to ask you some questions.
3. Thank you for cooperating. I'll be going.
Theophilus the Butler:
[1] Ah. Just when the silence was beginning to heal.
Player:
1. Masks hide more than faces here. What's their story? Where do they come from?
2. You have been of great help. Thank you.
Theophilus the Butler:
[1] Where do they come from? Same place as the lies they're meant to hide--born in the rotting vanity of those too cowardly to show their true selves.
Masks are just another way to pretend nobility isn't a disease.
Player: So you don't know.
No, I don't. Forgive me--my training prioritized service over tracing the costume habits of people born allergic to labor.
[2] (He says nothing. Conversation ends.)
[2] (If chosen before talking to the Dying Noble) You will forgive my impertinence for pointing out there is a noble here who still draws breath, and her breaths are more important than my breaths. It would behoove you to speak with her while you can. I shall remain here, utterly loyal and inconsequential. [2] (If chosen after talking to the Dying Noble) Nothing in this vast universe would please me more than to answer your questions.
Player: 1. Were you present when the toast was raised? 2. The table was set for thirteen guests, but I only count eleven bodies. Do you know who left? 3. Do you know if Sub-Prefect Tors was here?
Theophilus the Butler: [1] While I was in the room diligently pouring the wine, just prior, I'm afraid I was away during the actual toast. Player: Where were you? I was checking on the status of the soon-to-be-served meal. You do understand my station, don't you? I was present for work not leisure. [2] Pains me to point out the obvious to one of such... cunning, but I was too busy performing my duties to note the ingress and egress of each guest. I was instructed to set the table and pour the wine for that amount of guests, and I did so. I did not, however, perform any sort of headcount. [3] I'm afraid I do not know of whom you speak. I certainly was not instructed to care about whom that name belongs to.
[3] (He says nothing. Conversation ends.)
Specific Questions Regarding Guests
Theophilus the Butler: Oh joy, you've returned.
Player: There's a note on the guest, a placement change for Agade Yimari. Why is that?
Theophilus the Butler: She was prone to a serious allergic reaction to a species of plant in our flower arrangement. She wished to sit as far away from it as possible.
A common reaction to that particular flower. The wealthy choose aesthetic over practicality or safety. It's a wonder we can keep any of them alive.
Player: Do you recall the color of her mask?
Theophilus the Butler: Alas, nothing pains me more than being unable to do your job for you, but I do not recall. I merely changed her seating arrangement prior to the gathering.
Player: Do you happen to have that seating plan?
Theophilus the Butler: I regret to say that the seating arrengement was the casualty of a wine-spilling incident by someone already deep in their cups.
Player: I'll go investigate those flowers then.
(Conversation Ends)
Theophilus the Butler: Oh joy, you've returned.
Player: I have some questions about Roella Ramsby.
Theophilus the Butler: That name does not mean anything to me, but I will endeavor to answer as best I can.
Player: I understand you passed a note to Roella Ramsby on behalf of Ambrose.
Theophilus the Butler: On behalf of whom?
Player: Ambrose Lucifera. Tall man. Goatee. Colorful clothes and demeanor.
Theophilus the Butler: Ah yes, the drunken peacock.
Player: Drunken peacock?
Theophilus the Butler: The man dresses like a walking dessert tray and talks like he's auditioning for a play no one asked for. What would you call him?
Player:
1. Just Ambrose. In any case, did you hand anyone a note?
2. A person of interest. Anyway. The note?
3. You've captured his essence perfectly. Did you deliver a note for this intoxicated poultry?
Theophilus the Butler: Now that you mention it, I did. The recipient was a woman wearing a terracotta-colored mask.
Player:
1. But... there are two masks matching that description.
2. Any idea what it said?
Theophilus the Butler:
[1] Correct.
Player: Is... is that all? Theophilus the Butler: Afraid so. Player: I'll go investigate their bodies then. (Conversation Ends)
[2] UNK
Lore
Theophilus is the butler for the Janusian Faithful, a secretive group of nobles who came to Arrakis and mostly kept to themselves. He was present during the deadly banquet in Arrakeen and survived the attack. During the investigation, he gives the player useful details about the seating changes, the ruined seating plan, and a note he delivered between two guests, helping piece together what happened.
Gallery
