Edmund Graves
Name Given at Birth: Edmund Graves
Nicknames: Master Graves in my business dealings, but family and friends call me Ed, Eddy, or Deadmund (in jest only). In half-whispers, the gypsies are known to call me "Unchi Unul." The Hag…I mean, Mistress De Chiel has told me it means Unclean One in the Romani tongue. I’ve decided to charge the gypsies double should they require my services.
Hometown or where you were born: I was born in Dover, England.
Current Residence: Canterbury, England
Age: I am at the age twenty and four years.
Class: I am what is called Upper-Middle Class, as I own land, my house, and the shop in which I work.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I am the Undertaker here in Canterbury. I prepare the deceased for burial, and then work with the family and the clergy as to when and where the dead are interred.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: As a boy living in Dover, I oft took a swim during my few moments of leisure. But since Canterbury is landlocked I have not swam in near a decade. As for skinny-dipping, I am never without undergarments except for when I am in a bath.
Do you make fun of people: Nay, most of the people I meet are either dead or grieving and there is no jesting about that.
Favorite Color: Some would think black is my favorite color since that is what I wear, but truth be told I like red as it is the color of life and love.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Nay, I have not. Contrary to the rumor, I do not steal valuables from the deceased. However, unless specifically requested, I will remove valuables from the corpse and give them to the family. Should a corpse remain unclaimed for more than two days, I will bury them and then , if still unclaimed, will sell the valuables a week later to cover my costs.
Closest friends/How did you meet: All the villagers know who I am, however, stigmas about my profession allow me few personal friends:
Isabel – My wife was by far my closest friend, my soul is weakened by her absence.
Lord John Shelton – The Lord Mayor, though we rarely socialize informally, he is a good man and will oft stop by to see how business fares.
Master Nicholas McGawin – Nick and I were good friends growing up as we are both carpenters of sorts. But since his appointment to Guildmaster, he has rarely had time to indulge in a pint with me at the pub.
Friar Tuck – We first met while I was visiting the Bishop about some arrangements and is a jovial fellow. Since Isabel’s death, Tuck (as I call him) has made it a point to visit regularly around Supper time and is always willing to fill his mug with my ale.
One Pillow or two: I have two feather pillows, though one is without a head to rest upon it.
Pets: Though not a pet by normal standards, there is a rat that frequents just outside my shop I have called Whiskers. He is a timid one, but I toss him bits of food from time to time. I fear the Rat Catcher may soon find him.
Favorite Type of Music: After hearing sullen church hymns day in and day out, I quite enjoy the lively tunes played by the gypsy and their more somber tunes can weaken my soul and bring a tear to my eye.
Hobbies/Pastimes: Old Man Death never rests and so rarely do I; but when I do, I can be found sitting by the hearth working on a wood carving or mayhap strolling about town.
Personal Hygiene: I bath at least once every week else the smell of work would have me run out of town.
Favorite Food: Venison slowly roasted o’er a pit and basted with honey. My mouth waters at the thought.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My parents are very much alive and well in Dover. And yes, I have been fond of them for twenty and four years.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: They are not dead.
Favorite place to relax: There is a little knoll to the Northeast of town where you can see the woods and part of Canterbury. I will oft sit under the tree there and ponder things.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: All Saint’s Day is a favored of mine, often people come to the graveyard to visit their dearly departed, sometimes the guests will stop by the house to say thank you or leave a token.
Favorite Drink: For Isabel’s and my wedding, Father presented us with a bottle of Claret wine from France. Once we strained it, it tasted rather sweet, with a hint of rosemary I believe, and was very delicious.
What's your bedtime: I normally close the parlor around the hour of six, then clean up and prepare dinner. After everything is taken care of, I rest by the fireplace with my son, Gregory. Shortly thereafter, I put Gregory to bed and follow suit. Unless, of course, I have a body to prepare, then I tend to stay up much later.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I have a new pair of leather boots I purchased nigh onto a few months ago. The last pair was getting worn.
Are you married or single: I was married, but my wife Isabel passed away nearly 2 years ago. I have mourned her loss long enough and now seek a new love of my life and mother to Gregory.
Do you have a family / who are they: I do have a family. First, there is my son Gregory. My parents who live in Dover, my brother Matthew in Portsmouth, and my sister Elinor in Gravesend.
Favorite Entertainment: Besides watching those who have drunk more than their fill at the tavern, I enjoy the occasional game of chess or draughts.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Mathematics and Measurements, it was my greatest sorrow that my tutor put the least amount of emphasis on this subject.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Latin. I decided if I was not going to use it on a daily basis, I would have no need for it. I have essentially lost the knowledge through disuse.
Favorite Sport: I enjoy playing billards and bowling, though I do not claim to be good at either
Most Humiliating Moment: While I was still courting Isabel, I would oft get swept away in day dreams about spending time with her. One such dream caused me to improperly measure a coffin for a patron and it ended up being too small. Luck was with me for I found out before the night’s end and spent all night and part of the next day making a new one that fit properly.
Proudest Moment: I know it will sound morbid, but my proudest (and saddest) moment was preparing my dearly departed wife Isabel for burial. None could have done it with more respect and love than I. I spent countless hours perfecting my works, I bought lavender incense (her favorite) from France and wrapped her in the finest linens from London. I buried her on a little hill overlooking the rest of the graveyard.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Master Malvito, his general demeanor is oddly refreshing compared to the good and wholesome facades displayed by most. If only he was not so predisposed to physical violence, he might make more enjoyable company.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: I found everything I never knew I wanted in my late wife Isabel. Perchance this time I will find someone less superstitious.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": Truth be told, I answer directly the Lord Mayor, as my business reflects the general welfare of the townspeople; though in matters of finance and business practices, I do follow the Guildmaster’s advice.
Favorite Sport to watch: I’ve watched a game of Tennis on occasion, and I often watch the Joust, though I am rarely there for pleasure.
Do you remember your first kiss: Yes, when I was ten, still an apprentice to Master Brampton, he introduced me to the Carpenter, Master Ashton, and his lovely daughter Isabel. She held my heart as soon as she smiled at me. A few days later, I was on an errand and saw her at the well fetching some water. I walked up, asked for a kiss, and then continued with my chores in a half-daze for the remainder of the day.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Those in Dover, nay. You can not take 5 strides in Canterbury without seeing a childhood friend, especially when you are walking in the graveyard.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Everyday I do not have to bury someone or prepare to bury someone is a vacation to me. On those occasions, I will find myself a nice spot on the knoll just outside Canterbury over looking the forest.
Have you ever been overseas: Nay, I have never had cause to leave England.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: My house and parlor both have wooden floors.
What is your bed made of: My bed is a linen mattress stuffed with wool and feathers.
How many people sleep in your bed: Only I lie in my bed now.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. Isabel died near two years ago. We were walking along a wooded path when a black cat crossed in front of us. Isabel, being very superstitious, refused to take another step for fear of bad luck. Moments later, a large tree branch fell on her head, killing her instantly.
2. Father was a Gravedigger in Dover, he took over the Undertaking business from the previous owner when he "retired". The Graves family had been gravediggers as far back as can be remembered.
3. I came to Canterbury at the age of 8 to apprentice Undertaking here with the then Undertaker, Master Brampton. He died 7 years ago without an heir so I was chosen by the Lord Mayor to take ownership of the business.
4. I am a skilled carpenter but due to the popularity of family crypts amongst the nobles, I have also applied myself to doing stone masonry as well.
5. There is a rumor that there are faeries and other mythical creatures in the forest. It is utter nonsense, faeries do not exist. Now spirits on the other hand…
6. I am a Dean of the Sorrowful Order of Entombers and Morticians. I am responsible for ensuring guild members in Southeastern England receive summons for our twice yearly meetings in London as well as ensure members are following the policies set by the Order. Our symbol, a black cross, hangs around my neck at all times.
7. In the year of our Lord 1528 (five years ago), seven thousand residents of Canterbury died from the Sweating Sickness, including one of my apprentices and two of my gravediggers. Needless to say, I was very busy that year and that is also when I acquired the bulk of my wealth.
8. I met an interesting man a few weeks back by the name Tobias Addams. He is an Executioner from over in Somerset. He expressed interest in my craftmenship and made note that he had a beautiful young daughter, but that stigmas about his profession prevented him from finding a viable match to her. Perchance I will visit them soon and see if she could be a match for my Gregory…
9. I received a missive from my sister, Elinor, which states she intends to visit Canterbury during the Harvest Festival. I’m thoroughly excited at the prospect of seeing my little sister.
10. Though I am slightly troubled by our recent split with the Church, I have yet to see any changes that would affect my business and the Bishop assured me that it is "business as usual", so all is well I suppose.