Tripp Helmuth is a former Yale student and member of Skull and Bones.[1]
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Tripp Helmuth is a third generation Bonesman, having been born into a wealthy and influential family. Along with Skull and Bones, Tripp Helmuth is a part of the Yale sailing team.[1]
Tripp was constantly bullied by his cousin, Spenser. On Tripp’s eight birthday, he was bullied at his pool party by Spenser insisting Tripp needed to hold his breath for 20 seconds. Spenser refused to let Tripp come up for air, and Tripp awoke coughing up water and almost drowning. Later, Tripp repays this by refusing Spenser aid when he falls overboard on a fishing trip in a storm.
Ninth House[]
Tripp Helmuth was there to greet Alex Stern as she entered SSS Hall, slouched near the doors as the rest of the Skull and Bones delegation conducted the Winter prognostication. He was high that night, indicated by his blood shot eyes, and Alex guesses the elder Bonesmen stuck him for guard duty as a result.[1]
He was there when Alex emerged after the prognostication was over, straightening from his slouch. Tripp offered to slip Alex some of the finance tips when they get transcribed, smirkingly stating they could take the edge off some student loans. Alex reacted with irritation, knowing that Tripp came from a wealthy family and would be just fine no matter what he did. Alex questioned his bandaged sleeve, prompting Tripp to reveal his new tattoo, a bulldog bursting out of a blue Y. Tripp then asked about the whereabouts of Darlington, which Alex noted came from genuine friendliness toward Darlington, as opposed to his mere toleration of Alex.[1]
On Friday during her talk with Detective Turner, Alex discovers that Tara Hutchins had Tripp Helmuth in her phone logs, potentially tying her murder to Skull and Bones.
On Sunday, Tripp would be sitting in the dining hall with his friends, all rich and wearing loose shorts and fleeces, when Alex found him. After agreeing to talk, Tripp followed Alex out of the dining hall, up the stairs to the reading room. Tripp acted defensive when Alex started asking about his connection to Tara Hutchins, leading to Alex to put pressure on him. Tripp reveals that Tara and Lance did deal weed to him, describing their product as the "lushest, greenest shit,"; he reveals that he did hook up with Tara a few times, always meeting at Tripp's place. Believing that he had a lot to lose, Tripp reluctantly reveals to Alex the students he knew dealt with Tara and Lance. Having everything she needed from this interrogation, Alex then asked him if she could borrow his bike.
Almost a month later, after Blake Keely was arrested for the murder of Tara Hutchins, Tripp would see Alex again on the New Haven Green, bleeding from her nose. He thanked Alex for keeping his involvement with Tara quiet and Alex accepted his thank you, even though she did no such thing. He comments on the unfortunate situation with Blake Keely, observing that "some guys are just made mean," surprising Alex with his aptness. The conversation doesn't continue however, as the Bridegroom began repeatedly passing through Tripp to get Alex's attention, causing Tripp to shiver from the cold.
Hell Bent[]
When Dawes, Alex, and Turner use a spell to find a murderer, it leads them to Skull and Bones, where they find Tripp hiding out, stealing the food. Tripp, afraid to be arrested by Turner, admits he did not graduate and was cut off by his father. He chose to remain in New Haven, working and saving up to complete his studies. Knowing Tripp must have murdered someone, they agree to keep Tripp’s secret in exchange with his help for something for Lethe house.
Tripp then performs the gauntlet with Alex, Turner, and Dawes. While they fall, he shares the darkest moments of his life with the other three, sharing in the murders they have committed and the others seeing his. It is revealed that, while fishing, Tripp chose to take the rescue line away from his cousin, Spenser, not performing a normal rescue, leaving him to die, and essentially murdering him. When they return, he is haunted by a demon taking the form of his cousin Spenser, taunting him. In order to protect him, Dawes performs a spell that gives each of the four a protective talisman. For Tripp, this takes the form of an albatross.
When the others realize they need to travel the gauntlet again, Tripp is unresponsive, and they fear his demon got the best of him, and decide to go by his apartment after they send the demons to Hell. When they return, they find that instead of being destroyed by the demon, Tripp’s albatross protected his soul, allowing him to survive as the demon, essentially turning Tripp into a vampire. He shares that he has spent the last week playing video games and eating bugs, while still maintaining his love of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Due to his obvious personality, he is spared by Alex and Darlington, and Alex sends him back to Il Bastone, telling him to “try not to eat anyone”.
Personal Attributes[]
Personality[]
Tripp was amiable to almost everyone, with the purpose of networking and building a good reputation.
Physical Description[]
Tripp Helmuth has sandy hair and tan skin, described as a purebred golden retriever—"dopey, glossy, and expensive.” Tripp has a tattoo on one forearm, a Yale bulldog bursting through a blue Y.[1]