Tiverton Castle, the Courtenay Estates

**Xion** · October 07, 2016, 12:37 PM

Character Information

Provincial Information

Courtenay Military

**Mary The Quene** · October 07, 2016, 03:01 PM

Riders aligned to Lancaster approach Tiverton Castle in Devonshire and deliver a letter to the earl of Devonshire

Letter
Lord Courtenay.

You are summoned to march your troops as fast as possible to Bournemouth as soon as possible.

From Queen Margaret.

**Barry Goldwater** · October 21, 2016, 08:28 PM

The Earl of Cambridge rides into sight of Tiverton Castle's walls, accompanied by a small retinue. Unlike their previous mad rush to Canterbury, this time Cambridge & his men took their time and got some rest along the way, and thus the earl felt well enough to announce his presence & request to meet with the Earl of Devon without a herald.

**Xion** · October 21, 2016, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Barry Goldwater

The Earl of Cambridge rides into sight of Tiverton Castle's walls, accompanied by a small retinue. Unlike their previous mad rush to Canterbury, this time Cambridge & his men took their time and got some rest along the way, and thus the earl felt well enough to announce his presence & request to meet with the Earl of Devon without a herald.

The Earl of Cambridge and his retinue are allowed into the courtyard of Tiverton, where John and Henry Courtenay greet the earl. "Welcome to Tiverton, my lord Cambridge." "Unfortunately, our brother, the Earl of Devon is away in London at the moment...but we can meet with you in his stead."

**Barry Goldwater** · October 21, 2016, 09:37 PM

"Thank you for your hosp - what?!" The news that Devon was already in London knocked the smile right off Cambridge's face. "If your brother is in London, within Norfolk's reach...then we all have a problem, Sirs Courtenay. For, as you may or may not have guessed, the Duke of Norfolk lied about the King's illness and thus unlawfully assumed the Lord-Protectorate for unknown, but almost certainly nefarious, purposes." Kyriell's lips set into a grim, stern line.

"The King is alive and well in Windsor along with his brother the Duke of Clarence, indeed he is in rude health. When I went to seek an audience with him, he informed me that Norfolk poisoned his ears and banished him to Windsor Castle, so that he might officially seize the reins of the realm as its so-called 'protector'. God alone knows what Norfolk is planning in his heart of hearts, but if I had to guess, it would be to usurp the throne - he all but sat it prior to the King's banishment anyway, though His Grace means to change that for the better once he reclaims his rightful place in the order of things."

Cambridge reached into his pockets and produces Edward's signet ring, this time in a much smoother fashion than he had with the Archbishop of Canterbury. "To prove the truth of my words, I have here King Edward's ring, which he granted unto me as part of my duty to tell these truths to every lord in England who would hear. He calls on all loyal lords to prepare to support his return to London when he does set out, and when that time comes I hope your banners will be found among the party of true men riding behind him."

**Xion** · October 21, 2016, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by Barry Goldwater

"Thank you for your hosp - what?!" The news that Devon was already in London knocked the smile right off Cambridge's face. "If your brother is in London, within Norfolk's reach...then we all have a problem, Sirs Courtenay. For, as you may or may not have guessed, the Duke of Norfolk lied about the King's illness and thus unlawfully assumed the Lord-Protectorate for unknown, but almost certainly nefarious, purposes." Kyriell's lips were set into a grim, stern line. "The King is alive and well in Windsor along with his brother the Duke of Clarence, indeed he is in rude health. When I went to seek an audience with him, he informed me that Norfolk poisoned his ears and banished him to Windsor Castle, so that he might officially seize the reins of the realm as its so-called 'protector'. God alone knows what Norfolk is planning in his heart of hearts, but if I had to guess, it would be to usurp the throne - he all but sat it prior to the King's banishment anyway, though His Grace means to change that for the better once he reclaims his rightful place in the order of things." Edmund stopped speaking for a moment there to refill his lungs with a deep breath before continuing, "As I recall, Norfolk was never particularly kind to the House of Courtenay when he still had King Edward's ear, and your brother's name was missing from the list of lords who were rewarded in the aftermath of Wallingford; I cannot imagine he would be much kinder towards your family should he directly place the crown on his brow."

Cambridge reached into his pockets and produces Edward's signet ring, this time in a much smoother fashion than he had with the Archbishop of Canterbury. "To prove the truth of my words, I have here King Edward's ring, which he granted unto me as part of my duty to tell these truths to every lord in England who would hear. He calls on all loyal lords to prepare to support his return to London when he does set out, and when that time comes I hope your banners will be found among the party of true men riding behind him."

The two Courtenays exchange looks of concern, the last letter from Thomas had stated Norfolk had taken up the position of Lord Protector and that he would be leaving London soon to return to Devon. "We have heard of the establishment of the Lord Protectorate, Thomas mentioned it in his last letter along with informing us he would soon be returning to Tiverton barring something happening in London." "Why else would he declare himself Lord Protector but to rule with King Edward as a puppet or to seize the throne himself as there is no need for a regency." John nods. "You are correct, Cambridge. The royal decree stating the lords to be rewarded following Wallingford stated I was the Earl of Devon and was to keep the current holdings of the Courtenays. Thomas went to Westminister as we thought he was being attained, but Norfolk claimed it was an error." John thinks for a moment. "Perhaps it was not an error at all, and if he does place the crown upon his brow, we surely will be attained"

The two Courtenays inspect the ring for a moment to confirm it is truly Edward's signet ring. "I believe they will be, my lord. If Norfolk has done anything to our brother, we must avenge him by aiding in bringing about Norfolk's downfall."John nods in agreement.

**Barry Goldwater** · October 22, 2016, 07:21 AM

"'If' he has done anything to your brother? He already has, by leaving him with nothing in the way of rewards after you two captured the Red Queen at Wallingford, save what he already had. The two of us are very much in the same boat, in that regard - though the King personally appointed me to the flanking force that helped break Lancaster's left wing, I too received nothing." Cambridge answered, an edge of bitterness to his voice. What these two did on the field that day was dishonorable, but they got the job done. If they had not captured that French strumpet, we could have been facing another Lancastrian invasion today, and despite all the joy as I find in slaughtering Lancastrians even I don't relish the thought of facing that under our current...circumstances. And it was only fair that the Red Queen's own dishonor should be repaid with another, he thought as he reflected on their record at Wallingford. "Not only is it the righteous course of action, but it would also be in our best interest to work together to aid the King against Norfolk, if I might be so bold. Considering he had the King's ear at that time, he must have been responsible for the two of us getting screwed out of anything resembling a proper reward harder than Margaret of Anjou in the bed of the Beauforts, among His Grace's litany of questionable decisions leading up to his assumption of the Protectorate."

"But as I said and as you now know, things could still get worse unless we take action very soon. Which His Grace is planning to, naturally. The King should still be at Windsor, if you wish to seek an audience with him or declare your loyalty to him in person." He turned to look at the exit. "I am afraid I cannot linger much longer than I already have here, Sirs Courtenay. There are still other lords that I've yet to reach and speak these truths to. If there is nothing further, I must take my leave..." It is with these words that Cambridge began to turn and leave.

**Xion** · October 22, 2016, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Barry Goldwater

"'If' he has done anything to your brother? He already has, by leaving him with nothing in the way of rewards after you two captured the Red Queen at Wallingford, save what he already had. The two of us are very much in the same boat, in that regard - though the King personally appointed me to the flanking force that helped break Lancaster's left wing, I too received nothing." Cambridge answered, an edge of bitterness to his voice. What these two did on the field that day was dishonorable, but they got the job done. If they had not captured that French strumpet, we could have been facing another Lancastrian invasion today, and despite all the joy as I find in slaughtering Lancastrians even I don't relish the thought of facing that under our current...circumstances. And it was only fair that the Red Queen's own dishonor should be repaid with another, he thought as he reflected on their record at Wallingford. "Not only is it the righteous course of action, but it would also be in our best interest to work together to aid the King against Norfolk, if I might be so bold. Considering he had the King's ear at that time, he must have been responsible for the two of us getting screwed out of anything resembling a proper reward harder than Margaret of Anjou in the bed of the Beauforts, among His Grace's litany of questionable decisions leading up to his assumption of the Protectorate."

"But as I said and as you now know, things could still get worse unless we take action very soon. Which His Grace is planning to, naturally. The King should still be at Windsor, if you wish to seek an audience with him or declare your loyalty to him in person." He turned to look at the exit. "I am afraid I cannot linger much longer than I already have here, Sirs Courtenay. There are still other lords that I've yet to reach and speak these truths to. If there is nothing further, I must take my leave..." It is with these words that Cambridge began to turn and leave.

"That is true." John nods in agreement. "Indeed, he rewarded Exeter and Talbot, whose banners I did not see at Wallingford, instead of rewarding those whose actions secured his throne or victory on the battlefield." "You would be right, my lord Cambridge. Norfolk remaining in power would likely lead to him falsifying evidence to get our brother attained and reward some ally of his with Devonshire, Okehampton, and Plympton. If I remember the session of parliament following Wallingford, he was even against the King giving Courtenay even a small reward, despite other lords who turned their coats in battle like Lord Grey at Northhampton being rewarded with land in the past."

"We shall ride to Windsor, then." John calls over several servants and orders the servant to gather some supplies. "The least we can do for you is to provide some supplies for your journey to other lords." The servants eventually return with some food, water, and ale for Cambridge and his retinue.

**Xion** · December 02, 2016, 08:25 PM

"My lord, a rider from Plympton has arrived." A servant informs the Viscount de Courtenay. John turns to the man. "His report?""A squadron of royal navy warships have appeared in the port again, and unlike the prior two ships, these ones appear to be remaining outside of the commercial port instead of docking in the military section like those other two warships did." "Does Sir Phillip think there will be conflict?" "Possibly, sir. The rider mentions he mustered the militia of Plympton at Lord Devon's request." John pauses to think for a few moments. "Go to Sir Strode, tell him I want him to take fifteen knights and patrol the lands near Plympton and report back to me at once if he receives any word of further events in Plympton." "Yes, my lord."

**Xion** · December 03, 2016, 04:13 PM

One of the knights sent to Plympton arrives at Tiverton. He is ushered in to meet with John and Henry de Courtenay. "My lord..the Royal Navy's ships, after repeatedly demanding our surrender and clearly ignoring the fact there were open berths for their vessels, deciding to bombard the port and town. The Castellan was slain in the bombardment, along with the port and town suffering damage. We man-" "So that is how it will be. We should seize the Royal Army's equipment and use it against them." Henry interrupts the knight, followed by John shaking his head. "All that would do is provide more problems, and I don't really know what is within the warehouses our brother granted to them. Instead.." John turns to some of the knights in his employ present. "ride to every town, village, and hamlet in Devonshire. We shall raise the militia so it is ready for when our brother arrives from London once word reaches him." "Indeed, then we will plan our revenge on this new Bonville." John nods in agreement as his knights ride out to carry out their orders.

**Xion** · December 25, 2016, 04:44 PM

A few days after the order to begin the recruitment of the Courtenay's personal army, the Earl of Devon meets with his uncle, the Viscount de Courtenay to discuss the creation of a uniform for the soldiers, the earl being inspired by the Royal Army's uniforms for each commandery. Hugh presents his first idea of a uniform, a red cap with a gold feather, a blue tunic, and yellow hose. "The red and yellow represent our coat of arms, while the blue represents the arms of the de Redvers that is quartered with ours in the arms of the earl." "Besides the cap, it is very similar to the Western Commandery's uniform. I'd suggest to make it a bit different as to avoid our soldiers being mistaken for those of the Royal Army." "What would you suggest, uncle?" John thinks for a moment. "Perhaps have the cap, hood, or coif be blue with a gold and red feather, a red tunic, and the hose remain the same color." Hugh shakes his head. "Perhaps we should instead focus on the red and yellow of Courtenay instead. We could always have one of the feathers be blue to represent de Redvers instead." "Probably for the better. So, what is your next idea for a uniform, nephew?"

The second idea of the Earl of Devon is a uniform consisting of a yellow cap with three red feathers to represent the torteaux of Courtenay, a red tunic, and then yellow hose. "I believe now our soldiers would look similar in uniform to those of the Welsh Commandery as the only difference is the cap between your plan and their uniform." "Uncle, is white or black used in any uniforms of the royal force?" "I believe a few commanderies have white as part of their uniform." "I do have a third idea that uses black, yellow, and red inspired by a description of the arms of the Counts of Sens consisting of alternating black and gold chevrons or chevrons that were both colors, but with the color alternating in each chevron." "Interesting. So, what would this uniform look like?" Hugh presents his uncle with the sketch he had done for the uniform, along with his notes. This design calls for a black cap with three red feathers representing the three torteuax, or a coif or hood that is either gold or black in coloration, a black and yellow striped tunic, and red hose. "I think this would be the best option at the moment." "I agree, oncle." Hugh writes a letter and hands the letter and design to a retainer to deliver to the industries the earl had contacted to provide his force with a uniform.

After the retainer had left, the Viscount drinks from his goblet of wine before speaking. "So, did you order your men to seize cannon from the Royal Army's part of the arsenal?" "Only two falconets, and I did compensate them for taking the cannon..they were not being used, so I saw no issue with it?" "At least you compensated them for it..although I do have to ask why you did it." "The man my father brought into the service of the Hose of Courtenay as a gunsmith said he would only be able to complete the order of handguns for the army, and the other gunsmiths I contacted would only be able to make the culverins and two of the falconets by the time I told them I wanted the cannon. Once this war with France is over, we will be reforming the army of Courtenay to have the gendarmes my father intended along with other improvements...perhaps pikemen." "Perhaps, but for now I suggest you see to the training of your men so they will be ready for war." "That is what I have oncle Henry, Sieur de Pomeroy, Sieur Strode, and our kinsman William for. If you wish to help, you are more than welcome to, oncle." "I will at least inspect the troops once to ensure they are not just a bunch of rabble, well, well-equipped rabble. Now, if you will excuse me nephew, I have to see the Western Commandery's equipment stores for the coming conflict.." Hugh nods, and his uncle leaves the earl's study.

John passes by the groups of soldiers being trained by two Courtenays and two notable retainers of the Earl, although it seems only those being trained by the Earl's uncle and de Pomeroy seem to be heeding the orders being given. Strode's company look to be only slightly better than a rabble of peasants marching to battle, while William de Courtenay has to duck as a wild shot from an arrow almost hits his left arm. "You there!" He shouts at the man who fired the shot as he approaches the man, before going off on a rant and screaming at the officer of the company as well. John shakes his head and continues on to the part of the Arsenal granted to the Royal Armory to inspect the supplies and equipment for the Western Commandery. "Captain-General!" one of the men on duty says as he salutes the Viscount. "I already know what my nephew has done, send someone to commission two new cannon with the funds he compensated you with." "But, sir.." "I am sure the Chevetaine has more important matters to deal with in regards to preparation of the coming war that he does not have the time to deal with two cannons being purchased by the Earl of Devon." The soldier simply nods and follows the Viscount as he begans to inspect the Arsenal.