Geffrye of Bayeaux

**Geffrye of Bayeaux** is a Guardian of the Grail and the architect of Aeternis.

## Background

Geffrye is a warrior, artist, and architect. As the architect and designer of Aeternis, he guided the excavation and construction efforts, as well as adaptation of proto-Byzantine chambers for the purposes of the Order. Geffrye is in fact responsible for discovering the underground dwellings, as he was sent down there together with Malik after Tobias learned from Niamh about the Byzantines. This expedition mapped out much of Aeternis' cave system, inspiring Geffrye to adapt these areas for Templar use, as well as discovering a ziggurat, a ruined Byzantine town, an underground lake, and most importantly, a place to house the Grail: On an altar on top of another ziggurat within a cave encrusted with pieces of grailstone, gleaming like stars. Though further exploration was halted by Tobias after realizing the extent of the time dilation effect, it formed the cornerstone of Aeternis - and subsequent madness of Malik, unfortunately.

Engaging and friendly, he is second in authority only to Tobias, and is responsible for the architectural style and "feel" of Aeternis. His duty was to make Aeternis a fitting home for the Holy Grail, and an awesome reflection of the power of the new Templar order. However, history decided otherwise and Geffrye was sealed beneath the ground along with the other eleven knights. While others succumbed to grailstone's influence, Geffrye is the only one to have retained mental normality. Beyond architecture, he is also one of the principal designers of Aeternis as a 'righteous' testing ground for the thieves to come. After the vision came to Tobias, Geffrye agreed that only a person of strength, cunning intelligence and, above all, humanity would know how best to use the Grall after its release. Their concern with Aeternis was that at present it was more a test of physical abilities only, favouring physical strength over intellect. For many days they pondered and agonised over the seemingly pre-destined fate of humanity, and the possible consequences of interference in such a delicate scheme. Eventually however they came to a decision. They would combine Tobias' magical abilities with Geffrye's artistic craftsmanship to construct a series of puzzles and tests. These would be placed around the Temple, and would be designed to test the intelligence (or otherwise) of each contender.

Geffrye's patience and standing were the subject of envy to other Guardians. Edgar in particular was deeply jealous of his (apparent) elevation beyond measure. The fact that he remained largely unaltered throughout the long years of seclusion (perhaps due to his artistic ability, managing his mental state through writing, drawing, painting, and even sculpture, like the grand statue of Tobias carved out of granite in his studio) is also treated with suspicion, most importantly by Phillip.

## Interactions

* Geffrye is first encountered after reaching the grain silo and entering his studio. He will then provide answers to some of the questions and generally appear to be sane. You can shoot him, but he will reappear later thanks to the grailstone.
* His next appearance is when you reach the area where Shield III is supposed to be stored. He will point you towards its real location, safely stored inside a theo carcass in the abattoir.
* His final appearance is after the cathedral is penetrated. He appears at the Baphomet chamber, where he urges you to not listen to Tobias, as he's concerned the Templar leader has gone mad and is tampering with the test. He will provide an alternate way to reach the orrery with Shield IV. If agreed to, he will open a chute leading to the poison-filled room full of luminous fungus and then to Malik's lab. True to his word, the lab will then lead to the ziggurat and the orrery.
* Geff will lead the player to the exit after the fight room, but will inevitably die: Tobias attacks him and takes the store of grailstone Geffrye stole from him. As the corridor extends beyond the aura of the grailstone, Geffrye turns to ash before your very eyes - and the way out lies open.

## References

1. ↑ Jack Sinclair: "*As I understand it, he was the architect and designer of this place. He generally keeps to the lower part of the temple. I don't hear him about much. He rarely comes up to the library.*"
2. ↑ Entry 19
3. ↑ Expedition log
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Design document: "*Geffrye is a warrior/artist and his role within the brotherhood has been to oversee the aesthetic development of the Temple. He is second in authority only to Tobias, and is responsible for the architectural style and "feel" of Aeternis. His duty was to make Aeternis a fitting home for the Holy Grail, and an awesome reflection of the power of the new Templar order.*

*Engaging and friendly, he is the only knight to have responded well to Tobias' patient care and treatment, and has made a complete recovery back to mental normality. A friendship developed between these two during this long period of rehabilitation, perhaps inevitable considering they were the only two sane humans left in Aeternis. Tobias eventually confided to Geffrye his secret vision of the future, and the important future role of Aeternis and Grailstone.*

*Together they talked for many hours about the defensive structure of Aeternis, not with a view to making it more impregnable, but to making ita 'righteous' testing ground for the thieves to come. For they believed that only a person of strength, cunning intelligence and, above all, humanity would know how best to use the Grall after its release. Their concern with Aeternis was that at present it was more a test of physical abilities only, favouring physical strength over intellect.*

*For many days they pondered and agonised over the seemingly pre-destined fate of humanity, and the possible consequences of interference in such a delicate scheme. Eventually however they came to a decision. They would combine Tobias' magical abilities with Geffrye's artistic craftsmanship to construct a series of puzzles and tests. These would be placed around the Temple, and would be designed to test the intelligence (or otherwise) of each contender. Rewards for correct answers would vary depending upon the room and the complexity of the puzzle, but all would relate to further puzzles closer to the grail, and give inside information, sometimes regarding secret passages, short-cuts or chambers.*"
5. ↑ Edgar: "*Geffrye is a craven whelp. Highly favoured by Tobias. He is his right hand. True, his genius is evident all about us in the formation of Aeternis from the gutrock of the caves that were once here, but even before that great work began, he was elevated beyond deserving. As a knight and defender of the grail, he has always been a yelping cur.*"
6. ↑ Phillip: "*Geffrye. I don't trust him. He was the architect of Aeternis. He seems unaltered by the long years in the light of Grailstone. (BREAK) By this very token, I suspect him. No one can live down here without that evil substance corrupting or torturing them in some way.*"