Beneath the Golden Moon

Seneschal Petrys of Skrikau

Name and position
Petrys of Skrikau, Seneschal of Menekod

Physical description
Petrys is a man of average height and build. His sandy brown hair is well kept, and curls just above his collar in the current fashion of those who must, occasionally, wear helms. He normally wears a rough cut brown tunic over-top a finer white shirt. His legs are covered by either leggings, if he must travel, or hose, if he is staying at home. His riding boots are knee-highs, with no detail or decoration. His shoes are equally unadorned. His brown tunic has a thin line of embroidery around the neck and cuffs, but appears understated when compared to the finery of most merchants and nobles he deals with.

In prominent view around his neck hang two symbols, one just above the other. The first is the symbol of Larani - it is not colored, nor very large (something smaller than the palm of your hand), the second is his seal of office. He wears them both with pride, and is reluctant to hide either of them, even if it may mean his life.

He sports a dagger on his right hip, and another in his boot (when he is wearing them). Beside his dagger is his purse, which rarely has more than 10 drams in it at any one time. His brown eyes seem ever-watchful, but may confuse a newcomers, as his piercing gaze is in stark contrast of his welcoming grin and warmer words.

His hands are callused from hard work, and yet he wields a pen as finely as a master swordsman may wield a sword. He can read and write, a necessary skill in his position. He can wield sword, pike and staff equally well, but prefers the sword of the lot. He rarely wears much arms or armament, unless traveling through a dangerous area - preferring to leaving the guarding to those younger knights whom, he fears, do need the practice of the occasional battle.

He is not quite middle-aged, and carries it well. His hair is light enough to hide the white that creeps slowly in, and he does not yet have the receding hairline that so many his age sport. He is clean shaven as there is, to his dismay, more read than brown in his facial hair - giving him (in his own opinion) a rather comical look when he grows a beard.

Personal history
Petrys was originally a Melana in the Order, before becoming seneschal some years ago.

He is considered friendly by most people who deal with him. He has a history for being punctual, although there are a few tales when he's been late for meetings for a variety of reasons. His one true vice is neither women, nor drink - nor even song. It's riding. He has a fine steed that is chestnut brown who he named "Trzar". The horse has white stockings, and a white patch on its forehead and the standard fondness for apples that most of his kind have. This steed is well versed in the combat arts, and is practiced daily. Trzar is known amongst the stable boys to be fiercely loyal to its master, and reluctant to carry anyone else, without the master present.

He has rarely been seen in the company of ladies without Melana Susyne of Ranastir on his arm. There are rumors that the wedding will take place this fall, but the date has not yet been officially announced.

Duties
Petrys looks after the Menekod estate, and oversees the management of all the holdings of the Order. He is also involved in the daily administration of the keep, though he is not directly involved in military affairs.

As seneschal, it is his duty to oversee all business transactions either with the lord of the manor, or the deputy Chabla. He is an accountant as well as a records keeper, and often has to visit the surrounding lands several times a year to make sure all is well. He takes these duties very seriously, and likes to know (personally) most all the merchants that deal with the Order - from the very rich (and large) to the very poor, and infrequent visitors.

Newcomers will often find him close by during most all of their visit. At his friends requests, he has begun training two young lads of the Order in his duties. While he finds this form of apprenticeship very morbid, he realizes that should he be injured or die, neither Menekod, nor the Order should be so inconvenienced by his departure.

He prefers the morning sun for bookkeeping, and tends to do as much as he can in the pre-dawn light. He is a very early riser, and while he can function late at night, prefers to be abed before moon-set. His duties occasionally call him from bed at any hour, and he rises without complaint and awakens quickly. His trick is to keep cold water at the bedside, and wash his hands and face immediately upon waking.

Friends and associates
Petrys is engaged to Melana Susyne of Ranastir. In his position as seneschal he works closely with Deputy Chabla Geldard of Megar. Otherwise, he spends his time with the nobles at Menekod, including the Melana, which he used to be a member of.

Personality

Recent history

Gossip
Some claim that Petrys and Chaplain Leda are having an affair, given that the two spend a fair bit of time in each other's company. Whether Susyne, his fiancée, knows about this is anyone's guess.

It is known that Petrys keeps extensive records, as part of his duties as Seneschal. Some also say that he keeps all manner of personal information in these volumes, information that must go back years.