Staff

Role & Responsibilities

Benedict serves as both Eliander Fireborn’s personal valet and the head of the household, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the manor. He manages Eliander’s private schedule, personal affairs, and tailoring needs, while ensuring the staff maintain the estate to the highest standards. Benedict takes his role with utmost seriousness, treating it as an extension of his former military service.

Background & History

Now in his late 60s, Benedict once served in the Royal Guard in Niole Dra, acting as an assistant to the General Staff of Keoland’s army. As a low-born soldier, this was the highest rank he could achieve, a distinction he and his father—who held the same position before him—were immensely proud of.

The Fireborn and Benedict families have served alongside one another for generations, with Benedict’s father acting as a personal aide to Eliander’s father during their military years. Following tradition, Benedict transitioned into private service, taking on the role of valet and household steward when Eliander was appointed Captain of the Guard in Saltmarsh. Accepting this position in his retirement was a great honor—one he carries out with the same discipline and devotion as his military service.

Benedict is also an excellent archer with the longbow and occasionally goes hunting, if he finds the time.

Personality & Demeanor

Benedict is a man of strict discipline, sharp intellect, and unwavering loyalty. He rarely, if ever, laughs, preferring dry wit, riddles, and wordplay to outright humor. His impeccable grooming and attention to detail extend to every aspect of his work, ensuring that both Eliander and his household maintain an air of perfection.

• Disciplined & Loyal: Fiercely protective of Eliander, he will never allow unapproved visitors into the manor.

• Serious & Calculated: Never one for gossip, but always listening, gathering information with a trained soldier’s eye.

• Traditionalist Distrust: A staunch Loyalist, he tolerates the Traditionalists but holds no sympathy for their cause.

• Strategic Thinker: Enjoys riddles, puzzles, and games of strategy, treating his rivalry with Skerrin as a battle of intellect and influence.

Though he prides himself on being perceptive, Benedict’s biggest blind spot is Skerrin’s true nature, making their interactions a dangerous yet mutually enjoyable contest of deception and wit.

Benedict shares a friendly yet cunning rivalry with Skerrin Wavechaser, the valet and trusted butler of Anders Solmor. The two meet weekly for tea and chess, where their games extend beyond the board into a battle of wits and political maneuvering. On rare occasions, if their schedules allow, they indulge in a fine whisky at the Wicker Goat, always within the privacy of the Captain’s Quarters snug.

Benedict believes he has the upper hand, extracting information about the Traditionalists and applying subtle pressure to push Solmor toward the Loyalists. He carefully compiles reports of these conversations for Eliander’s review.

However, unbeknownst to him, Skerrin is a secret agent of the Scarlet Brotherhood—just as Benedict plays Skerrin, Skerrin is playing him. Their exchanges are an elaborate game of deception, riddles, and misdirection, where both men believe they hold the advantage. Benedict remains blissfully unaware of Skerrin’s true allegiance, thinking himself the sharper mind in their ongoing battle of intrigue.