Eloff Carpenter

“Most people unquestioningly pursue what society tells them to pursue. A mindless herd. But then there are those that think for themselves. Only these stubbornly logical minds could join the Elevated Caste. I questioned everything I thought I knew, and felt prepared. But what use is that now, in a place that defies all logic?”

―Dr. Eloff Carpenter ~ Penumbra: Requiem

Eloff Carpenter
Died:	Presumably 2001
Sex:	Male
Nationality:	Unknown
Occupation:	Scientist at Shelter Research Station Greenland
Status:	Deceased
Appears:	Penumbra: Black Plague Penumbra: Requiem

Dr. Eloff Carpenter (/élôf ˈkärpən(t)ər/) is a minor, unseen character in Penumbra: Black Plague and a supporting character in Penumbra: Requiem. He was an Archaic Elevated Caste philosopher stationed at Shelter Research Station, Greenland.

Events of Penumbra: Black Plague

In the same room is a cassette player and a cassette. When Philip Buchanon inserts the cassette into the cassette player, Eloff begins to speak. Eloff's death can be witnessed on tape, while he is being murdered by a Tuurngait Infected.

Penumbra: Requiem

Eloff appears as one of the other three residents found in the Tuurngait Hivemind by Philip. Eloff's voice can be heard throughout the world. As with his role in Penumbra: Black Plague, he created audio journals to communicate his thoughts; however, in this case Phillip was able to listen to them without the need for a cassette.

It was mentioned that Eloff attempted to commit suicide by swallowing a cyanide pill as he was captured by one of the Tuurngait Infected during the last game. However, it was revealed to be a dud.

Like Philip, Eloff seems to have no idea what the world is but tries to understand it through his recordings. Eventually, Eloff realizes that Philip is listening to his thoughts and slowly descends into madness. He also reveals that he made contact with Tom "Red" Redwood, who he claimed to be "talking gibberish, threatening me."

Eloff was last heard during The Engine level, frantically warning Phillip to not make the same mistake as him, with Eloff claiming he was to spend an eternity alone in the world, trapped forever.

Description

As Eloff is never seen, it is unknown what exactly he looks like, only that he likely shares the uniform of most Archaic scientists found throughout The Shelter.

Trivia

• Carpenter claimed to have discovered the Infected's only existing weakness; however, as he was about to reveal it, one of them stormed the room, killing him before he could say anything.

Dialogue

Penumbra: Black Plague Cassette Name - Eloff Carpenter. Rank - elevated. Status - code C, imprisoned. Observing the Tuurngait movement, I predict it will be my cell they visit next. To my knowledge, I am the last remaining member of the elevated at this facility, and so it falls upon me to ensure that xeno protocol is not compromised. For that reason, I record here the only way I have discovered to neutralise the viral threat. The species' primary weakness is- No! Please- [scream] Penumbra: Requiem First encounter Name - Eloff Carpenter. Rank - elevated. Status - code C, imprisoned. We were so close, and yet, following the release of the Tuurngait virus nine months ago, my personal security has at last been compromised. Yesterday, an unfamiliar survivor arrived in the next door cell - it seems unlikely I will see him again. Second encounter Name - Eloff Carpenter. Rank - what does it matter. They came for me in the cell, just as I was recording my findings. I felt sure it was over, my cyanide capsule was dud. And then... I came to in this place. This monolith... it's unlike anything we've found so far. Most people unquestioningly pursue what society tells them to pursue. A mindless herd. But then there are those that think for themselves. Only these stubbornly logical minds could join the Elevated Caste. I questioned everything I thought I knew, and felt prepared. But what use is that now, in a place that defies all logic? Third encounter Name: Eloff Carpenter. Status: Code C - confused. Archaic Recommendation: Regardless of my own outcome, it now seems essential to me that this environment be documented to the fullest degree. I somehow doubt anyone capable of finding the entrance to this place will ever find the exit, but my responsibilities cannot falter. Yet another strange phenomenon - I have a feeling like being watched, only less direct. As if someone were listening to my thoughts. Yes, that's right, I hear you there, breathing, siphoning off my every notion like some perverted guardian angel! How are you in my head? Where are you? Show yourself! Madness and madmen - that seems all this place holds. Tom Redwood... I remember that name from somewhere. He contacted me on a radio I don't remember picking up, talking gibberish, threatening me. I would rather die than end up like him. Do you hear me, ghosts?! I won't let you take me alive! Third encounter Where... where am I? Can you hear me, still? He... promised me death, the madman, and I refused. My own life was the one thing I thought I could control. Do not make the same mistake as I - for I am trapped here. Eternal darkness...

Gallery

Penumbra: Requiem

Philip's mental image of Eloff, the location where Eloff was murdered by a Tuurngait Infected in the middle of recording the cassette Philip finds.