Hedingham Castle, the De Vere estates

**Barry Goldwater** · February 11, 2017, 06:14 PM

Hedingham Castle in Essex is the ancestral seat of the De Veres, built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries by the first Aubrey de Vere on land given to him by William the Conqueror. Though old, the keep is very well-maintained and underwent a partial transformation in the early 15th century, when its old pyramidal roof was removed to make way for an additional floor and a simpler flat roof. However, its defensive design has not been updated and the castle is in poor shape to resist the modern gunpowder artillery & siege tactics of the 15th century.

Despite residing at Hedingham, the Earls of Oxford are also masters of Oxfordshire far to the west of Essex, as one might guess from the very name of their title. Oxford dwarfs Hedingham's surrounding hamlets in wealth and prominence, in part thanks to the existence of the University of Oxford: England's oldest university, and its most prestigious alongside Cambridge. One could be forgiven for thinking the true root of De Vere power was in prosperous Oxford, rather than ancient and less well-known Hedingham.

Household

Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Marquess of Dublin, 9th Earl of Oxford

Age: 26 (born 1362)
Spouse: Agnes de Launcekrona (age 20)
Traits: 6 pts to start
+2 Personal Combat
+2 Survival
+2 (10%) Wealth

Temperament: Sanguine/Melancholic

- Confident: This character is very self-assured, brimming with confidence and difficult to shake even under pressure. However, taken to an extreme, they can show a suicidal disregard for their life and the lives of others, and fail to take...well, failure into account when planning. +1 battle rolls, +1 to rout rolls.

- Sociable: This character is an extroverted social butterfly, capable of making friends left and right. However, they have little time for 'boring' matters like finances, and are more interested in buying flashy things to show off to their friends than managing their wealth. +1 to NPC reaction rolls, -2% income.

- Haggler: This character is obsessed with getting the best possible deal for themselves, and ever watchful (even paranoid) for anyone trying to rip them off. This sort of fellow is rarely the sort others like, but none can deny their ability to sniff for gold. +2% income and improves loot from raids, -2 to AI reaction rolls.

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The (still fairly) young and handsome Robert de Vere is the Duke of Ireland, Marquess of Dublin, 9th Earl of Oxford and Lord Great Chamberlain of England, by the grace of God and King.

...well, that's what Robert himself would write for his own introduction, if only he could pen his own entry in an encyclopedia. After an uneventful childhood and obscure adolescent years under a distant and equally un-notable father, Robert found himself in the company of the even younger King Richard II, having found himself seated on one of the 'continual councils' that guided the King in the time of his quasi-regency. The good-looking and charismatic Oxford easily made friends (and perhaps became something more?) with Richard, with their love of beauty and sumptuous ceremony at court being one of the things that bound them together. Richard lavished his favorite companion at court with honors, including making him the first Marquess in England in 1385 and elevating him to Duke of Ireland in 1386, which provoked the envy of the more established senior magnates of the realm. That envy has now blown up to murderous levels, with a faction of the high nobility led by the Duke of Gloucester now attempting to seize the reins of the country and purge Richard's inner circle of upstart and/or flattering favorites in a less than peaceful matter. Naturally, Ireland has answered his King's call to arms, as much for his own survival as out of loyalty, and despite having zero battle experience he was assigned to head an army recruited from the royalist bastion of Cheshire to confront the Appellants. The resulting battle at Radcot Bridge did not end well for the Duke, who ordered his men to charge directly across the bridge into the Earl of Derby's pike line; was surprised when this masterful tactical maneuver failed completely; and abandoned his men after Appellant reinforcements showed up, resulting in a mass royalist surrender.

Robert is a flighty playboy, chiefly concerned with having fun: vain, frivolous, reckless and with an eye for both beauty and opportunities for self-enrichment (of course he'd argue that there's no such thing as an 'ugly' opportunity to make himself rich...) His natural charisma, easygoing manner and similar taste for extravagant ceremony quickly got him admitted into King Richard's inner circle...and some say, his bed as well. That said, the Duke can also be pompous and overly confident in his own abilities, particularly when it comes to war where he is utterly inexperienced and at best, naturally mediocre. He also has an irresponsible streak to him, best showcased in his messy divorce from his first wife Philippa de Coucy (a cousin of King Richard) all so that he could marry the more beautiful Czech lady-in-waiting Agnes de Launcekrona earlier in 1387. The incident roused the anger of the King's uncles, who were also Philippa's uncles, against De Vere and even aggravated his own mother Maud de Ufford, who sheltered the heartbroken Philippa beneath her roof while admonishing her wayward son. Of course, to the carefree Duke, these complaints were nothing but noise to be tuned out - a decision he is now fast regretting as the Appellants march to take Richard's powers away and send Ireland himself to the block.

Now playtime is over for England's youngest Duke, and it remains to be seen whether he can survive in the chaotic environment now fast descending on the realm. After the debacle at Radcot Bridge, Ireland has fled to Wexford and is preparing to organize yet another royalist force there.

Sir Aubrey de Vere

Age: 50 (born 1338)
Spouse: Alice FitzWalter (age 36)
Traits: 6 pts to start
+2 Battles
+2 Survival
+2 Personal Combat

Temperament: Melancholic/Phlegmatic

- Haggler: This character is obsessed with getting the best possible deal for themselves, and ever watchful (even paranoid) for anyone trying to rip them off. This sort of fellow is rarely the sort others like, but none can deny their ability to sniff for gold. +2% income and improves loot from raids, -2 to AI reaction rolls.

- Meticulous: This character loves to analyze situations down to the last minutiae before acting. On one hand this means they'll probably have a clear picture going in, on the other their decision-making abilities could easily become paralyzed as they spend too much time analyzing and not enough acting. +1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed.

- Reserved: This character is a stoic who generally keeps to him/herself and exercises strict control over their emotions. While this means they're not likely to make reckless moves in court or on the battlefield, they can come across as unfeeling robots to others. +1 battle rolls, -1 to AI reaction rolls.

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Sir Aubrey is the second son of John de Vere, 7th Earl of Oxford, and thus uncle to Duke Robert. A much sterner and more imposing figure than his frivolous nephew, the diligent and stoic Aubrey worked in various capacities around the country while Robert partied the days away with the King and other friends. He was made steward of the royal forest of Havering in 1360, Constable of Wallingford Castle in 1375 and served as ambassador to France in the twilight years of Edward III's lengthy reign, among other duties and honors, and reportedly never gave cause to disappoint in his many jobs. In 1381, he was made a lesser chamberlain of the royal household (his nephew being the Lord Great Chamberlain, as was the hereditary right of the De Veres) and even served on the Privy Council for some time. Time will tell if his nephew's irresponsibility and excesses will drag him down, as well...

Other de Veres

Buildings

Demesne & income

Provincial bonuses

Oxfordshire:

Centre of the Wool Trade: This area is one of the centres of the English wool trade, and thus those who have their primary estates within these lands will be able to invest in the industry by constructing sheep enclosures.

Provincial Bonuses:

Oxford:

Oxford University: The oldest university in England, this institution dates back to 1096 and truly ballooned in size & importance in 1167 when Henry II banned English students from studying at Paris, forcing them to attend this particular university instead. It has something of a rivalry with the University of Cambridge, which was founded by scholars fleeing a dispute with the Oxford townsfolk that had taken a turn for the worse in 1209. Characters start with 2 extra trait points when coming of age here, and the controller further enjoys the services of educated physicians, providing a +1 bonus against death rolls and birth rolls. The owner of this province cannot construct the University great building.

Centre of Lollardy: This province, due to its learned populace, is a stronghold of Lollard beliefs, and is therefore a site of religious unrest that can be triggered in certain circumstances.

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Essex:

Forested: Plentiful woodland in this county provides those who hold estates here with a plentiful supply of timber. -5% on construction costs for those whose primary estate is located here.

Provincial Bonuses:

Hedingham:

Hedingham Castle: The best-preserved architectural relic of the Norman era, Hedingham Castle is a flat square keep built during the late 11th and early 12th centuries by the earliest De Veres. Though it still stands in good condition and its old pyramidal roof was replaced by a fourth floor in the 14th century, its design had already been rendered dreadfully obsolete by the 13th century when it fell in 1216 and again in 1217 after remarkably brief sieges, and it's not at all likely to stand well against 15th century besieging techniques. +2 to Siege rolls, -1 to Raid rolls and even if the external defenses should fall, the defenders can hold out here for around a quarter of a year (2 days).

Livery & retinue

**Gandalfus** · March 15, 2017, 05:44 PM

Robert de Vere is summoned to promptly appear at Gaunt's residence at Ely House.

**Mary The Quene** · March 25, 2017, 05:26 PM

Lord Westmorland arrives at Hedingham Castle, the lord wearing himself a splendid dress to show off his new rank as earl, he wishes to speak with Lord Ireland with a proposal in mind.

**Barry Goldwater** · March 25, 2017, 05:35 PM

Westmorland is welcomed into Hedingham with due pomp. De Vere himself both fancied himself a fashionista and was not a man to skimp out on ceremony, so naturally he had garbed himself in the best red-and-gold clothing he could buy, topped off with an argent houppelande with its edges dagged to resemble rays of stars - truly, it was a minor miracle that he could maneuver in the long and heavy garment at all - and a deep crimson chaperon. His wife Agnes was not present with him to greet the realm's newest earl, as she was still resting from her labor (which produced a son, to Robert's great celebration) some time ago.

"My lord of Rab -- Westmorland!" Ireland quickly corrected himself, having grown far too used to thinking of the Nevilles as the Barons of Raby and almost forgotten that Ralph had been made Earl of Westmorland fairly recently. "Be welcome. What brings you to Hedingham? To be perfectly honest, I was not expecting guests this close to the time of my departure for Ireland. Again." The duke clearly didn't sound too fond of the island whose name was part of his title.

**Mary The Quene** · March 25, 2017, 05:52 PM

Lord Westmorland smiled, he assumed that the peers have yet to get used to his new title, Westmorland himself wearing a read dress with golden decorations. Everyone knew De Veres as the kings favorites as do the Hollands, the Nevilles having recently intermarried with the Hollands, so an marital union with De Vere would bring the Nevilles even closer to the king's inner circle. My Lord Ireland. Westmorland began to reply with a nod, noticing Ireland was not fond of the name Ireland, Westmorland himself wearing a fancy hood. I did not knew about your upcoming trip to Ireland. Ireland is backward place Neville thought. I am interested in an marital alliance. He continued, an alliance would be beneficial, though Westmorland too had heard to rumors about sodomy, but he quickly shrugged these thoughts away. I am aware of a son from your uncle, sir Aubrey named Richard who is aged nine years old? he inquired

**Barry Goldwater** · March 25, 2017, 06:21 PM

"It's a dreadful business. Old Lancaster has come to believe it would be a grand idea to send me there, to subdue the Gaels in Leinster. Bah! Ireland's colder and wetter than England, and has so many more bogs. And I'm quite certain the local cuisine was what gave me dysentery in the first place." Finishing off his list of complaints with a disapproving tsk and a shake of his head, Ireland finally went on to address everything else Westmorland had said.

"Right, my dear cousin Richard..." Truthfully, Robert had largely forgotten his uncle and cousin existed. And there would definitely be problems telling his son Richard apart from Cousin Richard, as well. But he could always deal with that another day, as he liked doing with all of his problems. In any case, Westmorland's star was rising and they were both widely known to be faithful supporters of the king, so what harm could there be in connecting their two houses? "He's too young for a marriage, but a betrothal is not out of the question. Who do you have in mind?"

**Mary The Quene** · March 25, 2017, 06:34 PM

Bah, Ireland, that place is accursed, i wish you much success in that land, though i'm certain old Lancaster send you there to keep you away from the king. Lord Westmorland having himself no appetite for Ireland, but it made sense for Lancaster to do so, well now to the point of this meeting Westmorland thought. Yes, little Richard, i have in mind my daughter Alice who is aged ten years old, it is about time i give her a proper and good match. Westmorland said, scratching his chin, also wondering what De Vere thought about that boy of a Mortimer.

**Barry Goldwater** · March 25, 2017, 06:59 PM

"Probably," Ireland huffed. It was readily apparent that Gaunt never liked him or his 'special' relationship with the King, after all. Still, even that old codger couldn't complain about his triumphal return to England if he (or, more accurately, his friends in Ireland) could subdue the people of Leinster as ordered. "Well. On the subject of my cousin's betrothal to your daughter - that would be acceptable to me. Was there anything else, Westmorland?" Please say no, Ireland thought. He would rather they kill the rest of the day chatting about nothing and drinking all the fine wine and mead (made from honey, as the monks who brewed it insistently pointed out to his servants) he'd accumulated in Hedingham's cellar than talk more politics.

**Mary The Quene** · March 26, 2017, 06:01 AM

One more thing, Lord Ireland. Westmorland said, perhaps Ireland was not as bad as rumors wants you to believe, Westmorland smiled. The matter of the dowry, i propose it to be 4000£, if that does satisfy you. 4000£ is pretty cheap for an earl to duke alliance, but all starts would be good, 'now please accept this sum' Westmorland thought, for his sister's dowry to Holland had already cost him more than enough.

**Barry Goldwater** · March 26, 2017, 08:15 AM

"It doesn't." Ireland replied tersely and frankly, suddenly serious for once. He may be an incompetent at many things, and was acutely aware of it in some areas (war especially), but self-enrichment was not one of those - as his ascent to power under King Richard demonstrated. "I can only settle for £5000 and not a farthing less, Lord Westmorland." Though he had a son, Robert knew that that son was the only thing standing between him and cousin Richard eventually inheriting his titles and estates, and there were too many unforeseen potential disasters in the future to think that just one son would be enough to secure his lineage.

**Mary The Quene** · March 26, 2017, 08:52 AM

Westmorland grinned with a smile, well he tried atleast, it seemed Ireland was atleast not incompetent on that part so Westmorland conceded the matter. Alright, 5000£ seems fair enough, money enough in my pockets afterall, i concede. Westmorland said concluding the matter of marriage. Do we have an agreement then? he asked to be sure. Now lets get to drink eh? Westmorland enthusiastically said.

**Barry Goldwater** · March 26, 2017, 10:15 AM

"We do indeed," Ireland answered brightly. "And let's! Much more fun than talking boring politics." Within minutes, a table had been prepared for the two nobles and their entourages, and servants in De Vere colors were bringing out an assortment of dishes and drinks.

**The Mad Skylord** · April 22, 2017, 03:26 PM

An associate arrived to Hedingham Castle, with his chances of advancement in Ireland destroyed by the departure of De Vere, Sir John Stanley had decided to take matters into his own hands. He sought to speak to his benefactor - for without Stanley, how in the name of God could Robert de Vere wage war?

**Mary The Quene** · April 22, 2017, 03:56 PM

Likewise Westmorland accompanied by his eldest daughter (Alice Neville) pay a visit to Hedingham Castle at some point, they obviously came for the arranged marriage between his daughter and the son of Ireland's nephew.

**Barry Goldwater** · April 23, 2017, 04:50 PM

Stanley & the Nevilles are lazily welcomed into Hedingham with De Vere's typical nonchalant pageantry. At completely different times, of course.

**Mary The Quene** · April 23, 2017, 05:20 PM

My Lord Ireland. Westmorland began the conversation, his daughter standing next to him. We are happy to say our daughter is of age to marry to thyne nephew's noble son. he said, with the annulment from the pope his eldest daughter sired by former wife Margaret Stafford she was technically a bastard, but better not to mention that. Westmorland fixed his gaze at his daughter indicating she had to introduce herself.

I am honored to marry thyne nephew's noble son, My lord. Alice said, slightly unnerved by the many rumors she heard about the man.

**The Mad Skylord** · April 23, 2017, 06:36 PM

Stanley bowed curtly. "Well, Your Grace, it certainly has been a long time. I haven't seen you since you left Ireland - I went to Nicopolis shortly afterwards. Not much of a fun trip, I'm afraid." The elderly knight paused. "Do you still have room for me in your service, my lord?"

**Barry Goldwater** · April 24, 2017, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Caterina Sforza

My Lord Ireland. Westmorland began the conversation, his daughter standing next to him. We are happy to say our daughter is of age to marry to thyne nephew's noble son. he said, with the annulment from the pope his eldest daughter sired by former wife Margaret Stafford she was technically a bastard, but better not to mention that. Westmorland fixed his gaze at his daughter indicating she had to introduce herself.

I am honored to marry thyne nephew's noble son, My lord. Alice said, slightly unnerved by the many rumors she heard about the man.

"That's swell. My cousin Richard will be honored to marry you as well." Oxford replied casually, ignorant of the girl's discomfort. "We can hold the wedding in Hedingham's village church within a week or two, unless you would prefer to hold it on your lands instead."

Originally Posted by The Mad Skylord

Stanley bowed curtly. "Well, Your Grace, it certainly has been a long time. I haven't seen you since you left Ireland - I went to Nicopolis shortly afterwards. Not much of a fun trip, I'm afraid." The elderly knight paused. "Do you still have room for me in your service, my lord?"

"Ah." Ireland had heard about that the recent crusade ended in calamity in the lands of the Bulgarians...it would seem the sin of sloth actually benefited him, again. He had not heard that Stanley was involved, though. "Well, of course I do. Though I've not heard of any conflict that might require our attention on the horizon."

**Mary The Quene** · April 24, 2017, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Barry Goldwater

"That's swell. My cousin Richard will be honored to marry you as well." Oxford replied casually, ignorant of the girl's discomfort. "We can hold the wedding in Hedingham's village church within a week or two, unless you would prefer to hold it on your lands instead.''

I would be honored to marry thee cousin in Hedingham Church. Alice said visibly distressed, many rumors surfaced about the man before her, her father made a pat on her shoulder to comfort her. The Dowry is paid aswell, My Lord Ireland. Westmorland said, with that paid nothing was withholding them from marrying.

**Barry Goldwater** · April 27, 2017, 12:14 PM

"Very good. In a week, then." Ireland folded his arms, thinking business was done, but even he couldn't fail to notice the expression of distress on the bride-to-be's face. Despite not knowing why that was the case, he offered reassurance anyway. "Don't worry about my cousin Richard, by the by." Robert said in a relaxed tone, "He's a quiet and kindly lad. Certainly he's never caused me any trouble."