First appearance: S3E9 — Fire Heart — Alyndra Morlynn v Minh Lý · watch it on YouTube
Theodore is a goblin on the household staff of The Dread Fortress, and one of the gentlest souls ever to set foot in an arena built for murder. He first appeared as the Fortress’s resident painter, capturing two champions in watercolour stick figures moments before they tried to kill each other. Later he turned up with a tea tray. He also has the Grandmaster’s personal protection: he is very nice, and he is not to be hit.
Story
Fire Heart
Theodore’s debut came in S3E9 — Fire Heart — Alyndra Morlynn v Minh Lý. Before the fighting began, he ran out into the arena carrying a small easel and set about painting the two champions, Alyndra Morlynn and Minh Lý. His one instruction to them was firm: “Don’t move.” Alyndra politely asked whether she could at least move her mouth, just her mouth. She declared her hope “to bring forth the power of the stars,” and the Grandmaster answered, “may the stars be in your favor.”
Theodore paints in watercolour stick figures. He is paid through a work-study programme and is being sent to art school, and the proceeds of that episode went toward his scholarship.
Shadows Reign
Theodore appeared again in S4E1 — Shadows Reign — Atalantos v Kaja, when the Fortress had fallen under the shadow of The Shadow King. During the duel between Atalantos and Kaja, the Grandmaster (“Oh, my hip”) clapped her hands. A small goblin hurried out with a tray of freshly brewed Earl Grey for Kaja and stood at her side as a living serving table. The tea also gave her a small lift for the fight.
The Grandmaster made the house rules clear at once: “They’re not to be hit. That’s Theodore, and he’s very nice.” The Shadow King asked whether she always interferes. Kaja took a final sip and set the tea aside.
Personality and Abilities
Theodore is small, eager and devoted to his work, whether that means rushing an easel into a live arena or holding a tea tray steady beside a champion in the middle of a death duel. He takes his art seriously enough to order armed warriors to hold still, even though the results are stick figures. He has no known fighting ability. His real gifts are hospitality, watercolours, and the fact that the Grandmaster vouches for him personally.
Relationships
- Grandmaster Elusia Skypiercer: His employer. She summons him with a clap and forbids anyone to hit him.
- Kaja: He served her tea during her fight with Atalantos.
- Alyndra Morlynn: One of the champions he painted before the Fire Heart match. She asked permission to move her mouth.
- Minh Lý: The other subject of his pre-fight portrait.
Memorable Quotes
- “Don’t move.” (S3E9, to the champions he was painting)
- The Grandmaster: “They’re not to be hit.” (S4E1)
- The Grandmaster: “That’s Theodore, and he’s very nice.” (S4E1)