Alnwick Castle, the Percy Estates

[Lucius Malfoy]

The castle was originally built in 1096 by the Baron of Alnwick, Yves de Vescy, to guard the road crossing over the River Aln. This castle has been the target of Scottish invasions for a number of years, witnessing sieges by David I and William the Lion. The de Vescy line eventually became extinct and went to the Bishop of Durham for a time. Thanks to his military accomplishments against Scotland, the land was eventually bought by Henry Percy, 1st Baron Percy, which greatly enhanced their standing in England. It wasn't till 1377 that Henry Percy, 4th Baron Percy, was made the Earl of Northumberland. The Percys have remained a powerful figure in the North with extensive land holdings in Cumberland, Northumberland and Yorkshire, having earned great prestige for their services against Scotland.

Character information

Name: Henry Percy, the Younger Titles: 4th Earl of Northumberland, 2nd Earl of Cumberland, 3rd Baron Egremont and 7th Baron Percy Age: 27 (b. 1449) Marital Status: married to Elizabeth de Vere, sister of the Lord Audrey de Vere (barren) Children: 2 daughters and 1 son - Eleanor Percy (b. 1469) (d. 1473) - Edmund Percy (b. 1471) - Elizabeth Percy (b. 1473) Traits (7 points): +1 Battle, +6 Duel, +1 Charisma, +4 Survival, +1 Wealth (5%) Possessions: - Partial Plate (+20 hp, +4 Duels, +2 Survival) - Single handed weapon and shield (+2 Duels, +4 Survival, +6 hp) ========================= Name: Henry Percy, the Elder Titles: N/A Age: 55 (born 1421) (d. 1476) Children: 2 sons and 3 daughters - Sir Henry Percy (b. 1449); married to Elizabeth de Vere, sister of the Lord Audrey de Vere - Margaret Percy (b. 1447) (d. 1472); former wife of King Edward IV (deceased) - Anne Percy (b. 1444), married to Sir Thomas Clifford - Elizabeth Percy (b. 1460); married to John Holland, Marquess of Dorset and son of the Duke of Exeter - Edward Percy (b. 1464); betrothed to Elizabeth the Good (the Simple), daughter of Lord Audrey de Vere Relatives of Henry Percy - Sir Ralph Percy, brother - William Percy, Bishop of Carlisle, brother ========================= Names: Edward Percy Age: 10 (b. 1464) Titles: Baron Poynings Martial Status: Betrothed to Elizabeth de Vere, daughter of Audrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford Traits (4 points): +1 Survival, +1 Duel, +1 Charisma, +1 Joust Possessions: - Partial Plate (+20 hp, +4 Duels, +2 Survival)

Percy Coat of Arms

1. Coat of Arms for House of de Percy, Lords of Topcliffe (before 1300). 2. Coat of Arms for House of de Percy, Baron-Lords of Alnwick (before 1300). * * Later adopted by Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland 3. Coat of Arms for House of Percy, Earls of Northumberland. 4. Coat of Arms for House of Percy, Earls of Northumberland. * * Grand quarters variant. 5. Coat of Arms for Henry 'Hotspur' Percy, son of the 1st and father of 2nd Earl of Northumberland. * ** * Grandfather of the 3rd Earl of Northumberland. ** Title of Northumberland attained due to rebellion committed by Hotspur. Coat of Arms dropped as a result. 6. Coat of Arms of Henry 'Harry' Percy, son of the 3rd Earl of Northumberland.

Provinces information

Northumberland (Primary title): Income: Average Income, 30,000 crowns Militia: Large Militia, 1,500 men Cumberland Income: Poor Income, 20,000 Militia: Small Militia, 500 men Baron Percy: Held by the Percy family. - Average barony (5,000 crowns), 200 men Baron Egremont: Held by the Percy family. - Average barony (5,000 crowns), 200 men Baron Poynings: Held by the Poynings family (Percy jure uxoris). - Average barony (5,000 crowns), 200 men Additional Castles and Manors - Topcliffe Castle (Yorkshire) - Warkworth Castle (Yorkshire) - Sheriff Hutton Castle (Yorkshire) - Wressle Castle (Yorkshire) - Cockermouth Castle (Cumberland) - Leconfield Manor (Yorkshire)

Building Info (Northumberland)

Tier 1: - Reinforced Wall: +1 Siege Defence Rolls, -2 raiding Rolls. - Chapel: +5% to income for clergymen, +1 Charisma for Nobles. - Grain Mill: +5% income, +1 Charisma - Castle Smith: -5% professional troops’ upkeep and recruitment cost. - Market Square: +5% income.

Provincial Bonuses

Northumberland Bonus(s) Border Reivers: As the northernmost county in England, Northumberland forms the country's first line of defense against the Scots. It has also historically hosted numerous English raiders, called 'Border Reivers' much like their Scottish counterparts, who would harass Scottish border towns (whether in retaliation for Scottish raids or just because they felt like it) and cross blades with the Scottish reivers. In times of war, these men would surely be willing to offer their services at a premium to Northumberland's controller - why charge too much up front when you can ask your boss to let you pillage some land richer than the Scottish side of the Borders, after all? -5% discount on hiring mercenaries. Alnwick Castle: Originally built in 1096 by Yves de Vescy, Alnwick Castle came into Percy possession in 1309 and has served as their residence ever since. It is a large and strong castle, which has only been taken by storm once in 1136 by the Scottish (technically it also fell to English royal forces in 1403, but its defenders surrendered instead of facing a bombardment & assault then). It's protected by the River Aln to the north, its baileys are divided by tall stone walls dotted with towers and it also has one of the first non-square-shaped keeps in all of England, where the defenders can shelter if the outer walls are lost. +4 Siege rolls, -4 Raid rolls, and the castle's central keep is strong enough that a defender who loses its outer walls can hold out there for half a year more (3.5 days). The People of Newcastle: Newcastle-upon-Tyne has served as the center of England's northern armies since Norman times, and people flocked to the safety of its walls until by 1175 it had gained its first charter courtesy of Henry II and by 1275, it had become England's sixth-largest wool exporting port. Its people successfully clamored for another charter in 1400, granting the growing city the right to have its own sheriff and have its administration separated from the larger county of Northumberland. They will surely fight hard to defend their equally hard-won rights. d2*d1000 Militia (75% Militia Longbows, 25% Militia Footmen) will spawn when the city comes under attack unless its people happen to actually like the attacker more than its present controller and are confident that they won't sack the place upon victory. Cumberland Bonuses Inglewood Forest: This great forest between Carlisle & Penrith is one of the hunting haunts of the English Kings, who can always find a ready supply of deer and boar beneath its trees. According to Andrew of Wyntoun's 1420 account, it was also the true setting of the Robin Hood legend. -2 to scouting rolls.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Twang... thud.

Another arrow went flying, only to hit a tree as the deer darted off to the left this time. The Earl of Northumberland curses under his breath before grabbing the reins of his horse and riding after the prey. The hunting dogs barked loudly as they trailed the deer as well, following by the horses of Northumberland, Exeter, their retainers and huntsmen of Percy's land. The dogs sniff the ground for a moment before darting further to the left, making Henry ride in that direction.

Good to be hunting deer instead of being hunted by Yorkists, huh, Holland?

His eyes spy the deer, making him draw his bow once more. The arrow barely grazed the deer as it darted to the right and went through some dense bushes.

Tricky bastard... I am seriously rusty at this.

[Gandalfus]

"Little turd!" Exeter laughed, as he too missed a shot, the animal skittering off into the undergrowth, out of sight. "Indeed, its damned better than trudging through the snow at the beck and call of that French witch and the fool Beaufort." He then growled, the moment of enjoyment lost as the troubling memories passed through his mind. "More fool them. We have kept our lands unscathed."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Surely Beaufort will return with a foreign army... just what England needs.

Henry dismounts from his horse as the dogs sniff around the undergrowth, trying to catch the scent of their deer once more.

​One thing is for certain, the Queen will ensure a French army returns to England with her. Its a matter of when, you and I both know this well.

[Gandalfus]

"First France, then Berwick. She and her favourites have given away half of Henry's kingdom! Poor wretch, a good priest he would've made, but not a good king." Exeter lamented. Henry was his kin, a poor, innocent soul that had been burdened with things he did not understand. Inevitably men like Jackanapes and Beaufort had taken advantage of him, with Richard of York protesting the terrible governance. "Aye, a French legion, or a Scots rabble. Lancaster is in my blood, but I am married to York."

[Lucius Malfoy]

I wouldn't be surprised if they gave Calais to the French and territory to the Irish just to gain support for Henry VI. We already lost much because of Henry V's death.

Percy re-mounts his horse and pulls on the reins, turning the steed around as the undergrowth was too thick for them to traverse. Northumberland looks at Exeter for a moment.

One thing is for certain, Your Grace, Somerset cannot remain in power as he did before. We lost the support of the people, of London and the clergy, forced Warwick to side with the Yorkists and lost Towton because of his leadership.

[Gandalfus]

"Somerset and de la Pole forced Salisbury and Warwick into the arms of York. They made this kingdom bleed, and I shall not forget it." Exeter shook his head, realising his voice had raised. "Somerset is probably in Scotland, or France. Away from England, with his lands in the hands of York. It is a shame that our worst enemies lie in our own camp."

[Lucius Malfoy]

In any case, Your Grace, we will need to act fast when the core of the Lancastrians return. Beaufort lost his face and we should use that our advantage.

Percy looks away for a moment to see Alnwick Castle coming into view. He then looks to Exeter as they leave the trees.

If we can hold Henry VI and his son in our hands, the Queen and her favorite will be powerless. Foreign armies will prove unpopular. It will be their undoing, Your Grace and you will become the first man at court and among the peerage as you should be.

[Gandalfus]

"We are trusted by few, Percy. To Yorkists we are untrustworthy cowards, to Lancastrians we are traitors. We shall need to bide our time, that is certain. Forge alliances, weaken the power of the crown. Henry will not take back England by force alone, so we shall need a good deal of cunning to turn it in our favour." Exeter mused upon whether or not it would even be beneficial to restore Henry, that weak monarch. They would have to remove half of his support for it to be worthwhile.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Then let us make one step towards such a plan, Your Grace. I have heard news that you have a son now, to which I must offer my congratulations. I have a daughter in my family, a girl of two years, named Elizabeth Percy. Certainly she would be an ideal wife for your son, a lass of the North and of my noble household. Not only this betrothal bound our houses together, but be a manifestation of our pledge to restore Henry VI and tear down those who have made him look like a fool than a King.

It was treasonous words to speak towards the Queen and the Duke of Somerset in such a way, but Percy felt slighted greatly by the appointment of the Earl of Surrey and by Somerset, whose leadership cost them Towton.

[Gandalfus]

"A son of Lancaster and York." Exeter smiled wryly, as if privy to some great revelation. "I of course accept such an offer. Lancaster is the rightful ruler of fair England, a land tainted by the foolish misery of evil men. Our union shall be the first step to realising the vision of a country united under the House of Lancaster, the heirs of John of Gaunt."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry was pleased with the words of the Duke of Exeter. A good marriage for his daughter was secured with the newborn son of Holland.

Then let us dine tonight, Your Grace. To celebrate this betrothal and the hope that, one day, the true King of England will return to his rightful place.

[Mary The Quene]

William Herbert, earl of Pembroke, lord of Raglan castle, Lord Chancellor of Wales arrives at Alnwick castle hoping to speak with Henry Percy.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lord Herbert is shown to an outdoor area of the castle where some attendants were with the Earl of Northumberland and his son. Henry watches his son, Henry, draw his bow and fire an arrow at the target. He rises from his spot and pulls out his bow.

"Like this, Henry. Watch."

The Earl draws his bow and fires it almost dead center. He pats his boys shoulder before turning to see Lord Herbert approaching with one of his servants. He looks at his son.

"Keep practicing."

He walks away and moves towards Herbert. What was a bloody Yorkist doing here. Bad enough that Surrey stole his position from him. Henry keeps a relaxed posture and smiles slightly.

"My lord Herbert. To what do I owe this pleasure of you visiting my abode up here in the North?"

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[Mary The Quene]

Lord Herbert is shown to an outdoor area of the castle where some attendants were with the Earl of Northumberland and his son. Henry watches his son, Henry, draw his bow and fire an arrow at the target. He rises from his spot and pulls out his bow.

"Like this, Henry. Watch."

The Earl draws his bow and fires it almost dead center. He pats his boys shoulder before turning to see Lord Herbert approaching with one of his servants. He looks at his son.

"Keep practicing."

He walks away and moves towards Herbert. What was a bloody Yorkist doing here. Bad enough that Surrey stole his position from him. Henry keeps a relaxed posture and smiles slightly.

"My lord Herbert. To what do I owe this pleasure of you visiting my abode up here in the North?"

Lord Herbert addressed Lord Percy carefully

Lord Percy, you have hunting time?, i wish to discuss matters privately.

In truth Herbert did not like Percy at all, he defected in Towton when tide turned against him, not a man that would fight for its king to the death he though

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Several weeks later Queen Margaret wrote a letter in reply, it got delivered by the same riders.

Letter

To P. (Percy) The loss of the Cliffords in the North is unfortunate indeed. I encourage you to continue building connections with other lords, try to convince those whose loyalty is questionable to Edward, try to convince lords to defect to us when the occasion arises. Once the scots arrive in the North it would be wise to join them to strengthen their force. That being said i have had no reply from Lord Holland, could you perhaps address him about the matter and convince them as you are close to eachother? Signed M.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lord Herbert addressed Lord Percy carefully

Lord Percy, you have hunting time?, i wish to discuss matters privately.

In truth Herbert did not like Percy at all, he defected in Towton when tide turned against him, not a man that would fight for its king to the death he though

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Several weeks later Queen Margaret wrote a letter in reply, it got delivered by the same riders.

Letter

To P. (Percy) The loss of the Cliffords in the North is unfortunate indeed. I encourage you to continue building connections with other lords, try to convince those whose loyalty is questionable to Edward, try to convince lords to defect to us when the occasion arises. Once the scots arrive in the North it would be wise to join them to strengthen their force. That being said i have had no reply from Lord Holland, could you perhaps address him about the matter and convince them as you are close to eachother? Signed M.

@Margaret:

Henry crumples the letter up and burns it as well, pondering upon what the Queen had said. Was Holland thinking of defecting or was he hesitant because of what happened at Towton? Percy needed to find out.

@Herbert:

The Earl glances back at his son before gesturing to Lord Herbert, indicating a direction that took them parallel to the castle.

Let us walk then, my lord. The North is beautiful at this time of year so we might as well enjoy it while we talk.

[The Mad Skylord]

An exhausted Thomas de Clifford arrives to speak to Earl Northumberland.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Earl of Northumberland was inside his castle when a servant said that a Thomas de Clifford was here. Henry's eyebrow was raised slightly, having heard reports that the Clifford's castle had recently been damaged by a fire. Rumor was that the Cliffords did it themselves, others say it was intentionally done by Edward. Nonetheless, Thomas is brought before Northumberland who looks at the young man.

​What can I do for you, Thomas?

[The Mad Skylord]

Thomas had never met the Earl of Northumberland, he had been confined at Clifford Tower while his brothers went to war. He did, however, know that Henry Percy was a good friend of John. "Earl Percy, Robert has burned down Clifford Tower, gathered our troops and fled to Kielder Forest, he currently stands in open rebellion to the crown."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry sighs deeply, having been confirmed the reports. The Earl waves to a servant who brings wine for him and his guest. Henry remains silent for a long time, only breaking it after the wine was poured.

"And I am guessing that Robert is looking to me for aid then? Why else would you have come to my castle. Am I correct?"

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