de Mowbray estates, Warwickshire

[General Brewster]

Residence of the 'de Mowbray' family.

After William t he conqueror was crowned king of England on Christmas 1066 it was announced that Roger de Mowbray, now a baron would be granted lands in Warwickshire and Norfolk. Roger decided to built his first stronghold on a hill in Warwickshire.

Roger de Mowbray

Skills: +3 Personal Combat (Earned a +1 by killing de Vere) +2 Survival +2 Wealth +1 Battle Sanguine: - 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 against this character. Bio: Born 1030. Roger the Mowray spend most of his life in the shadow of his brother, Geoffrey de Mowbray. Roger saw little opportunity to become a landowner in Normandy and began to seek employ in the various European armies. He eventually ended up helping William retain his dukedom. Eventually he would be asked to join his voyage towards England. Roger was present on Williams flagship when they landed on the English shores. During the fighting at Hastings de Mowbray was in the thick of it but was nearly overwhelmed by the Anglo-Saxons until the Norman cavalry saved the day. Roger has one son, Roger II de Mowbray (b.1048) who joined him at the battle of Hastings. Little is known of Roger's mother, the records have been lost to time.

Estates

Warwickshire: Stratford/Breaudesert - Average Income Shipston/Halford/Whichford - Average Income Southam/Hanwell - Average Income Warwick/Coventry - Average Income Norfolk: Loddon - Rich income Norwich - Rich Income Yarmouth/Blofield/Caister - Rich Income Suffolk: Wainford/Mettingham - Rich Income Lothingland - Rich Income

Warwick Castle(Fully Upgraded):

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Stone Keep (3,000 upgrade) - Grants +7 siege defence and +4 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in, as well as +50% garrison size. Takes 1 week to construct and requires a Motte and Bailey for upgrade.

Stone Wall (5,000 upgrade) - Grants +10 siege defence and +5 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in, as well as +1 Demesne limit. Takes 1 week to construct and requires a Stone Keep for upgrade.

Norwich Castle(Fully Upgraded):

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Stone Keep (3,000 upgrade) - Grants +7 siege defence and +4 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in, as well as +50% garrison size. Takes 1 week to construct and requires a Motte and Bailey for upgrade.

Stone Wall (5,000 upgrade) - Grants +10 siege defence and +5 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in, as well as +1 Demesne limit. Takes 1 week to construct and requires a Stone Keep for upgrade.

Lothingland Castle

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Stratford Castle

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Loddon Castle

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Wainford/Mettingham

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Yarmouth/Blofield/Caister

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Southam/Hanwell

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Shipston/Halford/Whichford

Motte and Bailey (2,000) - Grants +5 siege defence and +3 to levy rolls in the province it is constructed in. Takes 1 week to construct.

Tier I:

Tenant Homesteads: +5% land income
Wooden Walls: +1 siege defence for caput
Castle Village: +5% land income
Enlarged Keep: Increase garrison size by 50%
Mustering Fields: +1 to levy call up rolls
Armed Peasants: Add 5 english bowmen and 5 english footmen to base levy
Local Blacksmiths: -5% to levy upkeep

Tier II:

Peasant Farmsteads: +10% land income
Castle Town: +10% land income
Food Larders: Increases siege holdout time by two days.
Fyrd Barracks: Adds ten fyrdmen to base levy

Tier III:

Rented Estates: +10% land income
Castle Market: +10% land income

[Barry Goldwater]

Between his occupation of Montgomery's Sussex estates and the return of the King, Aubrey de Vere allows himself a short jaunt to Warwick Castle per Mowbray's invitation.

[General Brewster]

Mowbray was overlooking the construction of the stone walls as he saw de Vere's banners approach. The entire region was a giant construction pit, Mowbray was in the process of building the largest castle in England, a feat that couldn't be denied. Hundreds of craftsmen were building the fortifications and the area was brimming with activity. The invitation for De Vere was not a pleasantry. De Vere had been commissioning royal castles since William first landed and Mowbray wished to impress him to find a way back into favor.

Mowbray came to meet the royal treasurer and hailed him "Lord de Vere, I welcome you to Warwick Castle. I do apologize for it's unfinished state for the moment. Summer next year will see the completion of the grand renovations to the walls and will mark the completion of my grand seat of power." Mowbray said enthusiastically. "Can I invite you into the recently finished keep?" he asked.

[Barry Goldwater]

"By all means, my good lord of Warwick." De Vere had said with a nod. He'd regarded the castle under construction with approval - lords sometimes built castles to compensate for the size of their 'equipment' and to try one-upping each other, to be sure, but he didn't mind Warwick's efforts to build an especially large castle so long as it was also functional: then, it was just money well spent. "Remarkable work you've done here, from what I can see. Am I to expect a tour of the place?" Because Aubrey couldn't complain about that.

[General Brewster]

Mowbray politely smiled and replied. "I wouldn't have it any other way Lord de Vere.". Mowbray could see that de Vere was impressed with the construction and it stemmed him hopeful. After all.. a lot would depend on it.

After the horses were stabled the Vere was shown around in the recently finished stone keep, a marvelous building furnished with lavish furniture. The finest materials were used in it's construction and it showed. A particular nice room was the armory, boasting many weapons of war. The finest armors decorated the room and swords in all sizes were stored there. A antique Roman helmet, covered in some rust was also displayed there.

As they finished the tour of the keep they moved onto a section of finished stone walls, they were thick unlike anything ever seen in England before. Masters of building from across the continent had traveled to Warwickshire to work on it's defensive works and the Baron had spared no expenses. This castle and it's fortifications had been build as a projection of power, a snub to the anglo usurper King, a show of Norman sophistication and power in a hostile land.

Ontop of the completed section of wall Mowbray turned to de Vere after he had told some trivia about it's construction so far. "What do you think Lord de Vere?". He wondered greatly if de Vere had been impressed by the works.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Not bad, not bad at all. I'm sure the architects and laborers I've been commissioning for the coast's castles can learn a thing or two from yours, as could my own. That helmet in the armory was a nice touch, as well." Aubrey answered, folding his arms and nodding with approval. If Mowbray were one of those lords who built castles to compensate for a lack of manhood elsewhere, then he certainly succeeded at that here. And if not, well, the castle would still be a great and fearsome sight to behold once completed. "Have you considered hosting a feast for the realm once you've completed construction fully? Let all the peers of the realm, and even King Edgar himself, marvel at what you've built."

[General Brewster]

"Not bad, not bad at all. I'm sure the architects and laborers I've been commissioning for the coast's castles can learn a thing or two from yours, as could my own. That helmet in the armory was a nice touch, as well." Aubrey answered, folding his arms and nodding with approval. If Mowbray were one of those lords who built castles to compensate for a lack of manhood elsewhere, then he certainly succeeded at that here. And if not, well, the castle would still be a great and fearsome sight to behold once completed. "Have you considered hosting a feast for the realm once you've completed construction fully? Let all the peers of the realm, and even King Edgar himself, marvel at what you've built."

Mowbray politely smiled, "I have a passion for the ancient weapons of war. My men dug it up not far from here at the ancient Roman road. Of course you are welcome to loan some of the master builders in my employ if you ever have the need Lord."
Mission accomplished, Mowbray thought at the mention of a feast. de Vere had suggested what his aim was. This could only aid him now he thought. "Do you think the King would appreciate such gesture? A grand feast for the realm would be nice to host here when it has reached completion" Mowbray nodded, this was the opportunity he needed.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Sure, why not. Everyone loves food and having a good time, from the lowest peasant to our King himself." The soon-to-be Arundel answered with a shrug. "Have you considered traveling abroad to learn from greater builders beyond England's shores? To Iberia, perhaps, where the good Christians have little choice but to erect scores of castles to keep the Moors at bay, or to Constantinople where the Romans and their marvelous works still stand."

[General Brewster]

"Sure, why not. Everyone loves food and having a good time, from the lowest peasant to our King himself." The soon-to-be Arundel answered with a shrug. "Have you considered traveling abroad to learn from greater builders beyond England's shores? To Iberia, perhaps, where the good Christians have little choice but to erect scores of castles to keep the Moors at bay, or to Constantinople where the Romans and their marvelous works still stand."

Mowbray smiled. "Then perhaps I should raise the matter to the king." He hopefully ushered, hoping on some support from the royal treasurer.
Listening carefully to de Vere's words Mowbray nodded, a trip abroad could prove a mighty useful to further expand the castles defenses. After all Mowbray intended to build a castle that could withstand the ages and as a student of military history he knew that for every fortification a military solution was thought off. "I have been studying locations to visit indeed. I would be very pleased to visit Constantinople and look at the marvelous Theodosian fortifications." He paused as he looked over the parts still under construction. "I intend that this place survives the test of times, people die and get forgotten, families parish during the test of time but building, buildings Lord de Vere survive if they are strong and magnificent enough. Warwick Castle shall endure long after I have left this world, and the world will know I have built it." Mowbray looked over the castle with confidence, this castle was not yet done.

[chesser2538]

Lord Mowbray receives an invitation to take part in a Northern Welsh Expedition, a war council is to be hosted by Lord d'Avranches and held at Chester Castle.

[Gandalfus]

From the walls of Lord Mowbray’s splendid castle a party of riders is spotted, followed by a vast train of servants and carriages. Armed men make up their vanguard, with one flying the banner of the lion that William himself had carried across the channel and used in war. As they approach, one rider speeds off ahead, shouting up the walls that Queen Cecilia and her son have arrived to break bread with the Lord Mowbray on their way north to Chester.

[General Brewster]

From the walls of Lord Mowbray’s splendid castle a party of riders is spotted, followed by a vast train of servants and carriages. Armed men make up their vanguard, with one flying the banner of the lion that William himself had carried across the channel and used in war. As they approach, one rider speeds off ahead, shouting up the walls that Queen Cecilia and her son have arrived to break bread with the Lord Mowbray on their way north to Chester.

Lord Mowbray stood among the battlements, inspecting them as he did every week when the banners of the King were sighted. Mowbray ordered his men to clear the courtyard and prepare the main hall. What on earth would they come to do here? he thought to himself. Having not forgotten he is not exactly in the King's good graces. As the host progressed further to the castle Lord Mowbray stood at the gate, with a party of his finest men.

"Your Grace" Lord Mowbray said as the Queen and her son arrived at his position. "Welcome to Warwick Castle" he said as he lightly bowed.

[Gandalfus]

Lord Mowbray stood among the battlements, inspecting them as he did every week when the banners of the King were sighted. Mowbray ordered his men to clear the courtyard and prepare the main hall. What on earth would they come to do here? he thought to himself. Having not forgotten he is not exactly in the King's good graces. As the host progressed further to the castle Lord Mowbray stood at the gate, with a party of his finest men.

"Your Grace" Lord Mowbray said as the Queen and her son arrived at his position. "Welcome to Warwick Castle" he said as he lightly bowed.

The male riders dismounted, a handful of them moving towards the carts they were escorting to see to their royal cargo - the Queen dowager, bride of the conqueror, was aided down from her seat to stand before the lord Mowbray. Mathilda was as short as they all said, but that did not diminish her presence just as age had only made her sculptured features more dignified. The gown of flowing silk dragging at her feet and the golden circlet that still rested upon her brow indicated as much. She was surrounded by ladies of her own, one holding a sleeping, red faced babe wrapped in thick cloth. Even in summer, heat was not guaranteed, so every precaution was taken to keep the young King warm. His mother was on horseback, surrounded by women of similar appearance, and when they dismounted and all stood together the resemblance was as clear as day.

Cecilia was the first to step forward. Being a head taller than her mother meant she was still quite short, but in appearance she was no child. The Queen was a confident women, and it echoed in her manner as she gracefully extended a dainty hand towards the Lord Mowbray. A great jewelled band was wrapped around her longest finger.

”Lord Mowbray, this fortress is magnificent.”

Her voice was high filuted and full of enthusiasm, the compliment accompanied by a radiant smile.

[General Brewster]

Lord Mowbray was joined by his son, who was conveniently called Roger as well. Both where plain clothed as they had not expected the visit, dirt was on their clothes as they had been working around the grounds all day. They were not the kind of lords who outsourced everything, perfection needs effort the elder Roger used to say. Lord Mowbray took the lady's hand and kissed it. A smirk followed, a lot of effort and especially money went into the construction of Warwick Castle, only recently the wooden walls that protected the village went up which made for an even grander appearance.

"Thank you my lady, a lot of effort went into it's construction." He said with pride before he looked at his son and back at the lady again. "May I introduce my son, Roger to you your grace?" Roger was in every way his father, his spitting image but still filled with the promise of youth.

"Your Grace." Roger said as he also kissed the ladies hand.

Seeing Roger step back, Lord Mowbray said "Perhaps we can show you around if it pleases you after you are rested of course."

[Gandalfus]

Lord Mowbray was joined by his son, who was conveniently called Roger as well. Both where plain clothed as they had not expected the visit, dirt was on their clothes as they had been working around the grounds all day. They were not the kind of lords who outsourced everything, perfection needs effort the elder Roger used to say. Lord Mowbray took the lady's hand and kissed it. A smirk followed, a lot of effort and especially money went into the construction of Warwick Castle, only recently the wooden walls that protected the village went up which made for an even grander appearance.

"Thank you my lady, a lot of effort went into it's construction." He said with pride before he looked at his son and back at the lady again. "May I introduce my son, Roger to you your grace?" Roger was in every way his father, his spitting image but still filled with the promise of youth.

"Your Grace." Roger said as he also kissed the ladies hand.

Seeing Roger step back, Lord Mowbray said "Perhaps we can show you around if it pleases you after you are rested of course."

Roger was likely older than herself despite her relative youth, but it did not seem to phase her. Motherhood has a way of accelerating maturity, or so her own mother had told her. Matilda of Flanders stood by her left hand side, smiling to herself. She remembered Mowbray as one of her husband’s vassals, apparently one of the few that didn’t deny her son’s right to the kingship after William had fallen in battle.

”We would be honoured, my lord.”

The King’s wetnurse came forward, and Cecilia took her now waking son into her arms, nuzzling him before returning her gaze to Mowbray.

”But first, my son needs tending to. If you would take us to our lodgings, we would be most grateful.”

[General Brewster]

Roger was likely older than herself despite her relative youth, but it did not seem to phase her. Motherhood has a way of accelerating maturity, or so her own mother had told her. Matilda of Flanders stood by her left hand side, smiling to herself. She remembered Mowbray as one of her husband’s vassals, apparently one of the few that didn’t deny her son’s right to the kingship after William had fallen in battle.

”We would be honoured, my lord.”

The King’s wetnurse came forward, and Cecilia took her now waking son into her arms, nuzzling him before returning her gaze to Mowbray.

”But first, my son needs tending to. If you would take us to our lodgings, we would be most grateful.”

Roger exchanged a look with Cecilia she had a particular beauty that attracted his gaze. Lord Mowbray spotted this and said "Of course your majesty, Roger will be so kind to escort you and our King." He said with a stern face directed at his son. Roger fell in line and gracefully gestured Cecila in which direction they should walk, into the even grander stone keep.

"My Queen" Lord Mowbray said politely towards the widow of the conqueror. "Are you needed or could I perhaps invite you for a walk my lady?" Mowbray was happy to see a familiar face after all this time.

[Gandalfus]

Roger exchanged a look with Cecilia she had a particular beauty that attracted his gaze. Lord Mowbray spotted this and said "Of course your majesty, Roger will be so kind to escort you and our King." He said with a stern face directed at his son. Roger fell in line and gracefully gestured Cecila in which direction they should walk, into the even grander stone keep.

"My Queen" Lord Mowbray said politely towards the widow of the conqueror. "Are you needed or could I perhaps invite you for a walk my lady?" Mowbray was happy to see a familiar face after all this time.

If Roger was indeed admiring her then Cecilia made a show of being unable to notice. She offered the older Mowbray a kindly smile before her and her train of ladies followed his son within the stone keep that had first caught her eye as she arrived.

Matilda stayed behind, noting that the Lord had asked for her own presence at his side. William's widow still dressed like a Queen in her own right, and around those she trusted she still acted like it.

"I'm certain my daughter will cope without me, for a time."

Cecilia turned and gave her a puzzled look, but the Queen dowager ushered her inside with a dismissive gesture. She did not look back. Matilda took her place by Mowbray's side, and looked about her surroundings with a faintly amused expression.

"Quite the fortress, Lord Mowbray. I believe any lord, or even a King, would be proud to call it his home."

The tone was genuine, but all was still not as it seemed.

"I believe your enemies would think twice before trying to attack you here."

[General Brewster]

If Roger was indeed admiring her then Cecilia made a show of being unable to notice. She offered the older Mowbray a kindly smile before her and her train of ladies followed his son within the stone keep that had first caught her eye as she arrived.

Matilda stayed behind, noting that the Lord had asked for her own presence at his side. William's widow still dressed like a Queen in her own right, and around those she trusted she still acted like it.

"I'm certain my daughter will cope without me, for a time."

Cecilia turned and gave her a puzzled look, but the Queen dowager ushered her inside with a dismissive gesture. She did not look back. Matilda took her place by Mowbray's side, and looked about her surroundings with a faintly amused expression.

"Quite the fortress, Lord Mowbray. I believe any lord, or even a King, would be proud to call it his home."

The tone was genuine, but all was still not as it seemed.

"I believe your enemies would think twice before trying to attack you here."

Roger was disappointed, ah well best not to middle in some nests he thought. He brought the lady towards the chambers they would be staying. "Can I provide something for you your grace?" Roger asked, hoping he could help the lady with something.

Meanwhile back down inside the fortress Lord Mowbray walked over the ground with the Queen-dowager.
He listened to her, happy to see a friendly face once more.

"Your words are kind my Queen." He said politely before adding, with a serious tone "... And enemies I have a lot these days I fear your Grace so I hope they do indeed think twice." Mowbray sighed as he looked at the walls of his fortress. He started to feel the years and he was rusting away at his castle. With a smile he turned to the Queen-Dowager and said "Perhaps this fortress will be my only lasting legacy. How things could've gone if life had not been deprived from people to great to walk among us" Mowbray said philosophically, of course hinting at King William and Mowbray's fallout with the current King.

[Gandalfus]

Roger was disappointed, ah well best not to middle in some nests he thought. He brought the lady towards the chambers they would be staying. "Can I provide something for you your grace?" Roger asked, hoping he could help the lady with something.

Meanwhile back down inside the fortress Lord Mowbray walked over the ground with the Queen-dowager.
He listened to her, happy to see a friendly face once more.

"Your words are kind my Queen." He said politely before adding, with a serious tone "... And enemies I have a lot these days I fear your Grace so I hope they do indeed think twice." Mowbray sighed as he looked at the walls of his fortress. He started to feel the years and he was rusting away at his castle. With a smile he turned to the Queen-Dowager and said "Perhaps this fortress will be my only lasting legacy. How things could've gone if life had not been deprived from people to great to walk among us" Mowbray said philosophically, of course hinting at King William and Mowbray's fallout with the current King.

"That will be all, thank you."

The Queen responded, kindly. They would spend the next few hours settling the King into his new chambers before attending to themselves. Likely they would see Mowbray soon regardless for dinner.

---

"My husband now watches us from heaven, at our Lord's side."

Matilda smiled sadly, and then exhaled. The years had allowed her to come to terms with William's death, but the disappearance of her eldest son still caused her great pain.

"Perhaps Robert, too, though I know not what has happened to him. Every inquiry is dismissed."

She knew in her heart of hearts that her son must still live. It was inconceivable that he should be dead.

"But no matter. William's own legacy is our grandson."

The words felt flat, and she looked up at the taller man almost pleadingly.

[General Brewster]

"That will be all, thank you."

The Queen responded, kindly. They would spend the next few hours settling the King into his new chambers before attending to themselves. Likely they would see Mowbray soon regardless for dinner.

---

"My husband now watches us from heaven, at our Lord's side."

Matilda smiled sadly, and then exhaled. The years had allowed her to come to terms with William's death, but the disappearance of her eldest son still caused her great pain.

"Perhaps Robert, too, though I know not what has happened to him. Every inquiry is dismissed."

She knew in her heart of hearts that her son must still live. It was inconceivable that he should be dead.

"But no matter. William's own legacy is our grandson."

The words felt flat, and she looked up at the taller man almost pleadingly.

Mowbray fained a smile. The woman spoke the truth but this should not have been the way affairs should have moved forward.
"The almighty works in mysterious ways your Grace. "

Mowbray slowly spun around and overlooked the gigantic entourage of the royals.
"My wife, god have her soul used to tell me something. She said that when our boy Robert went missing, which he did often the little rowdy kid. She would always feel what happened, if he were hurt or not. This one time I told her to calm down and it turned out he had fallen from a tree and hurt his arms." Mowbray brought little conciliation he himself was still troubled by the fact his wife had died. "My words do not bring comfort your Grace, I know it. Losing a loved one and having no contact with those whom remain burden the soul. This is hard but how we let the tests of the lord define us, that's the real test your Grace." This was not Mowbray's forte...