TV-Series
Description
Gilbert F. Alstein, whose full name is Gilbert Franke Altstein, serves as the loyal butler and bodyguard to Klaus von Reinherz, the leader of the secret society Libra. He is an older gentleman with grey, wavy hair, pale skin, and a mustache, and his most distinguishing visual trait is the multitude of bandages that cover nearly his entire face and body, leaving only his eyes, mouth, and hair exposed. Despite his somewhat intimidating appearance, he is typically seen wearing a traditional butler's uniform. Gilbert is a member of the von Reinherz family's corps of combat butlers, a position that speaks to the prominence and unique nature of the family he serves. He relocated to the chaotic city of Hellsalem's Lot after the Great Collapse specifically to keep an eye on Klaus, becoming an integral part of Libra's intelligence network.
In terms of personality, Gilbert is a figure of calm and understated competence. He is often found in the background of Libra's activities, quietly performing his duties like serving tea while more bombastic members of the group attract attention. He is described as a warm and compassionate individual who is respected by his fellow members, though his expression can become genuinely frightening when he is angered. He maintains an even and subdued demeanor, which can lead others to underestimate his capabilities. Unlike the more reckless personalities in the series, Gilbert is careful and calculating, fully aware of the intricate and bizarre dangers that permeate Hellsalem's Lot. His primary motivation is his unwavering dedication to Klaus von Reinherz; he is the person Klaus trusts most, and the tea he brews is the only tea the Libra leader will drink. This loyalty drives his actions, as he wishes to protect Klaus and serve him effectively despite his own advanced age.
Gilbert's role within the story is multifaceted. While he is best known as Klaus's personal attendant, he is also a key operative for Libra. Alongside Chain Sumeragi, he handles much of the organization's intelligence work and non-combat support operations. However, when the situation demands it, he proves to be a formidable fighter. His most significant moment of development occurs in an episode centered on him, where a sudden monster assault injures his back, leading to a younger combat butler named Philip Lenore being assigned to assist him. Philip is initially naive about the true nature of Hellsalem's Lot, and his reckless actions lead to his capture by alien thugs who extract his brain. In the ensuing rescue mission, Gilbert reveals his true power and hidden depths. He demonstrates that he is a legend within the combat butler corps, driving a heavily armed custom vehicle and showing no hesitation in confronting the enemy. The event forces Philip to gain a new respect for the city and the diverse ways its inhabitants survive, while also showcasing Gilbert's experience and formidable will.
Gilbert's most notable ability is a form of superhuman regeneration. This power only activates when he suffers an injury that would cause instant death, such as having his head cleaved in two. While he can heal from virtually any wound, the ability does not nullify the accompanying pain, and it cannot be used to heal minor injuries like a strained back. He considers his body to be simply that of an old man, but appreciates his constitution for allowing him to continue serving by Klaus's side. In combat, Gilbert relies heavily on his custom vehicle, a Rolls Royce equipped with an arsenal from the company Visceral Heavy Industry. This includes a powerful three-eyed plasma cutter and Bethesda Firearms Death Caliber.50 machine gun turrets. The vehicle also possesses the ability to fly and can transform into a high-speed motorcycle. Beyond his combat and intelligence roles, Gilbert has a notable fear of mice, a fact that causes him hidden distress despite his calm outward reaction. His key relationship is unequivocally with Klaus, whom he serves with absolute loyalty. He also has a younger brother, and his immediate superior within the von Reinherz household staff is the Head Maid, Catherine Bates.
In terms of personality, Gilbert is a figure of calm and understated competence. He is often found in the background of Libra's activities, quietly performing his duties like serving tea while more bombastic members of the group attract attention. He is described as a warm and compassionate individual who is respected by his fellow members, though his expression can become genuinely frightening when he is angered. He maintains an even and subdued demeanor, which can lead others to underestimate his capabilities. Unlike the more reckless personalities in the series, Gilbert is careful and calculating, fully aware of the intricate and bizarre dangers that permeate Hellsalem's Lot. His primary motivation is his unwavering dedication to Klaus von Reinherz; he is the person Klaus trusts most, and the tea he brews is the only tea the Libra leader will drink. This loyalty drives his actions, as he wishes to protect Klaus and serve him effectively despite his own advanced age.
Gilbert's role within the story is multifaceted. While he is best known as Klaus's personal attendant, he is also a key operative for Libra. Alongside Chain Sumeragi, he handles much of the organization's intelligence work and non-combat support operations. However, when the situation demands it, he proves to be a formidable fighter. His most significant moment of development occurs in an episode centered on him, where a sudden monster assault injures his back, leading to a younger combat butler named Philip Lenore being assigned to assist him. Philip is initially naive about the true nature of Hellsalem's Lot, and his reckless actions lead to his capture by alien thugs who extract his brain. In the ensuing rescue mission, Gilbert reveals his true power and hidden depths. He demonstrates that he is a legend within the combat butler corps, driving a heavily armed custom vehicle and showing no hesitation in confronting the enemy. The event forces Philip to gain a new respect for the city and the diverse ways its inhabitants survive, while also showcasing Gilbert's experience and formidable will.
Gilbert's most notable ability is a form of superhuman regeneration. This power only activates when he suffers an injury that would cause instant death, such as having his head cleaved in two. While he can heal from virtually any wound, the ability does not nullify the accompanying pain, and it cannot be used to heal minor injuries like a strained back. He considers his body to be simply that of an old man, but appreciates his constitution for allowing him to continue serving by Klaus's side. In combat, Gilbert relies heavily on his custom vehicle, a Rolls Royce equipped with an arsenal from the company Visceral Heavy Industry. This includes a powerful three-eyed plasma cutter and Bethesda Firearms Death Caliber.50 machine gun turrets. The vehicle also possesses the ability to fly and can transform into a high-speed motorcycle. Beyond his combat and intelligence roles, Gilbert has a notable fear of mice, a fact that causes him hidden distress despite his calm outward reaction. His key relationship is unequivocally with Klaus, whom he serves with absolute loyalty. He also has a younger brother, and his immediate superior within the von Reinherz household staff is the Head Maid, Catherine Bates.