WOTR Shire/Region bonuses:
NOTE: The county wide bonuses only apply to those who have their primary residence in said county. For example, John of Gaunt holds lands in multiple counties. But because his primary residence is in Lancashire, only the Lancashire bonus applies to him. However, the specific provincial bonuses apply to those who hold them on the map – Gaunt holds the province of Bolingbroke, so he’d have access to Bolingbroke castle.
There are some instances in which castles are listed in a province as belonging to a certain family/noble, when they may not "own" that province. This has no effect on the income of the province, but simply allows some diversity for player residences.
Southeast England | London (County):
Heart of England: Located upon the Thames, these fertile lands contain the capital of England, the beating heart of the crown. Those with estates located here undoubtedly benefit from the buzz and trade that thrives within England’s largest city. +10% estate income.
Provincial Bonuses:
London (Province):
Palace of Westminster: This palace has not just been the official meeting place of Parliament since 1295, but it is also currently the official royal residence of England's sovereigns. It is the centre of government for the entire country. Whoever controls it has quite the head-start on being considered England's legitimate monarch, not to mention control over the Kingdom's central administrative apparatus and access to Parliament. +2 Charisma, and grants the ability to call Parliament and raise taxes upon the populace. If the King loses this seat of power to a rival, he suffers a -5 malus to all AI interactions.
Westminster Abbey: This consecrated church is of special significance to the English Crown, as it is where England's Kings are traditionally crowned since Henry III (and long before him, Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror) and, also since Henry III, where most monarchs are laid to eternal rest. The controller gets +1 to reaction rolls when dealing with AI English nobles, and characters may also seek refuge within the abbey for up to 1 in-game year; unless permitted by the religious authorities, anyone who would do harm unto them on its consecrated ground will certainly have to face some consequences at the Church's hands. Control of this church is required to have a politically legitimate coronation: A King who has not been crowned here and does not control it suffers -5 malus to noble AI interactions.
The Tower of London: Built by the Conqueror on the northern bank of the Thames as a symbol of his power and a safe base of operations, the Tower of London is actually a castle complex shielded by two walls and a moat. The White Tower which gives the whole place its name can also (and famously did) serve as a prison for enemies of whoever happens to control London. In case London's outer defences falter, the surviving defenders can fall back here to hold out for another half-year (3.5 days). Prisoners locked up here also suffer -4 to escape rolls.
City of London: London is a fiercely independent city, and will refuse access to those who it does not favour - again, this is dependent on context, and will usually only occur in times of rebellion and warfare.
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Kent (County):
Breadbasket of England: Perhaps one of the most fertile regions in all of England, Kent is renowned for its prosperity, wealth, and manpower. Those with their estates located here will certainly reap the riches of this famously prosperous region. +10% estate income, and grants 1 knight sub-commander entirely free of cost or upkeep.
Unruly Populace: Kent is infamously a centre of unrest and upheaval, historically contributing heavily towards the Peasant’s Revolt and Jack Cade’s rebellion. +5 rebellion rolls in all circumstances.
Provincial Bonuses:
Eastry/Deal/Sandown:
Port of Sandwich: One of the Cinque Ports, granting the owner of this province a 5% bonus to estate income.
Elham:
Port of Hythe: One of the Cinque Ports, granting the owner of this province a 5% bonus to estate income.
Canterbury:
Canterbury Cathedral: This radiant monument to God's glory is the oldest cathedral in England, originally founded in Anglo-Saxon times and then rebuilt & expanded further by the Normans and Plantagenets. It holds special significance in the Catholic Church in England, and its Archbishop is the most powerful representative of said Church in the country. +10% income, +2 Charisma. Characters may also seek refuge within the Cathedral for up to 1 in-game year and, unless permitted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, anyone who would do harm unto them on its consecrated ground will certainly have to face some consequences at the Church's hands.
Dover:
Dover Castle: The single largest castle in the country, Dover Castle can be considered the 'Key to England' due to its significance to the defence of the kingdom from continental threats. Besides the usual towers and walls expected of any castle, a feature unique to Dover Castle is its underground forward-defence complex beyond the north gate, where the English successfully countered French attempts to tunnel under the walls during the invasion of Louis VII. +5 Siege rolls, -5 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).
Port of Dover: One of the Cinque Ports, granting the owner of this province a 5% bonus to estate income.
Lympne:
Port of New Romney: One of the Cinque Ports, granting the owner of this province a 5% bonus to estate income.
Leeds:
Leeds Castle: A formidable royal castle, Leeds underwent considerable investment as the favoured residence of Edward I’s Queen, Eleanor of Castile. It was most recently used when Anne of Bohemia, Richard’s Queen, wintered here in 1381. +3 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
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Sussex (County):
Southern England: Sussex is amongst the most fertile regions of England, located adjacent to the capital. These estates benefit greatly from the bountiful crop yields. +5% estate income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Battle/Hastings:
Port of Hastings: One of the Cinque Ports, granting the owner of this province a 5% bonus to estate income.
Arundel:
Arundel Castle: Roger de Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror and the first-ever Earl of Arundel, first built this castle in 1067. It began its transition to a stone fortress during the Anarchy, when the Empress Matilda needed a place to stay and stone apartments were built for her there in 1139. Since the FitzAlans took over the Earldom in the 13th century, it has served as their seat as well. Although not an especially formidable fortress, Arundel's masters were granted the right to host two fairs within the castle's walls in the time of Edward I: an attraction that obviously made them wealthy. + 5% income, +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls.
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Hampshire:
Populous: Fertile and arable, the well populated county of Hampshire is a profitable area to hold estates. +10% estate income to those with their primary residence located here.
Provincial Bonuses:
Southampton
Island Town: Portsmouth is built on Portsea Island, making it England's only island city. Its natural defensibility was further enhanced with a series of fortifications by Kings who were keenly aware of its strategic value, including Portchester Castle (guarding the upper reaches of the city's harbor) and wooden towers built on opposite sides of the harbor. It further has a history of trade - though its citizens also enjoy significant mercantile privileges granted in the time of Richard the Lionheart, John Lackland & Edward III, including tax exemptions and a charter for a 15-day 'Free Market Fair'. +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls, +5% income
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Wight:
Fishing Industry: With Wight being a barren rock off the coast of southern England, the inhabitants of this island turn to fishing as their major industry. Allows the owner to construct fisheries if this is their primary residence.
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Berkshire:
Dense Woodland: Much of Berkshire is heavily forested, which makes it particularly difficult for enemies to navigate and farmland quite sparsely located. -2 to scout and raid rolls in this province.
Provincial Bonuses:
Windsor:
Windsor Castle: Originally built in the late 11th century, Windsor has since evolved from a simple motte-and-bailey castle into a strong stone fortress and a major royal residence. Famously, it was where King John holed up to shelter himself from rebellious barons prior to signing the Magna Carta. It is close to both the River Thames and Windsor Forest, a great hunting preserve of the Crown where royals can exercise and (or by) hunt God's creations. +4 Siege rolls, -4 Raid rolls.
Wallingford:
Wallingford Castle: A formidable fortress, this royal castle was given to Piers Gaveston, the favourite and possible lover of Edward II. After Gaveston was beheaded, the castle was granted to the young Prince of Wales, and has remained in the demesne of the Duchy of Cornwall ever since. +3 siege rolls, - 3 raid rolls.
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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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Buckinghamshire:
Chiltern Quarries: Southern Buckinghamshire is dominated by the Chiltern Hills, the highest of which are Coome & Haddington Hills. This area is also known for its resources, and so extensive quarrying operations have been undertaken to extract the chalk, clay, gravel, sand and flint here. Although not valuable in the same way as gold and gems, Buckinghamshire's resources are of obvious use in construction work. -10% Building costs.
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Southwest England | Gloucestershire:
Severn Valley: Located in the Severn Valley, Gloucestershire is extremely fertile farmland, and those who hold their estates here will excel at agriculture. +10% estate income.
Welsh Marches: Gloucestershire comprised much of De Clare’s estates, and formed a formidable demesne on the marches. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs.
Provincial Bonuses:
Gloucester:
City of Gloucester: Gloucester is of vital strategic importance. To secure access across the Severn, one must travel through it or bypass it.
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Wiltshire:
Drylands and Hilltops: Wiltshire’s most recognisable feature is the chalky hills that roll across the landscape. They provide easily defensible terrain to those who do battle in this region. +1 defenders in battle in this region.
Provincial Bonuses:
Salisbury:
Salisbury Plain: This 'plain' is a sparsely-populated chalk plateau whose most famous attraction is Stonehenge, an ancient set of standing stones that dates to pre-Roman times but which is currently popularly believed to have been built by Merlin thanks to Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. Nonetheless, several villages inhabited by tough folk and hill forts dating back to Roman and Saxon times do dot the landscape here. -5% to soldier recruitment costs.
Old Sarum: This hilltop settlement is the oldest part of Salisbury, dating back to Roman times. Although Old Sarum declined after its cathedral was moved to the lower plain (now Salisbury) in 1220 and few still call it home these days, its old walls and castle (abandoned by Edward II) still stand today, even if they have largely fallen into disrepair. If Salisbury's main defenses should fall, the defenders can hold out here for around a quarter of a year (2 days).
Cloth Trade: Salisbury is the centre of the cloth trade, and those who own estates surrounding the city will certainly benefit from this. +5% estate income.
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Dorset:
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.
Fishing Industry: Being a very coastal county, Dorset has a strong fishing industry. Grants the ability to construct fisheries to those with their primary residence within the county.
Provincial Bonuses:
Wareham/Corfe:
Quarrying of Purbeck Marble: This unique form of marble can only be found on the Isle of Purbeck, and is a popular novelty item for decorations. +5% estate income.
Corfe Castle: Originally built out of timber with only a little stone in a gap between chalk hills, Corfe was steadily renovated & rebuilt wholly in stone between the 12th to 13th centuries. In 1247, Henry III granted the right to host fairs and a market to the castle. Besides being a prominent symbol of royal might in Dorset, Corfe Castle is also known as a major supply depot for the English army, and was where Edmund Beaufort's forces were based prior to their advance to an eventual crushing victory at Wakefield in 1460. +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls, the castle can last for 3 more days than a normal castle due to its abundance of supplies, and if the outer defenses fall the defender can continue to hold out in the well-supplied keep for another year (one week).
Wimborne:
Poole Harbour: Dorset is blessed with a large natural harbor by the town of Poole, which was made a Port of the Staple in 1433. Wide and shallow with a few islands, it makes for an excellent trading port, and Poole regularly hosts traders from as far as the Baltics & Italy. +5% income.
Dorchester:
Market Town: Dorchester is a thriving market town and a centre of the textile industry. The holder of this is granted +5% income due to the trade from the nearby commerce.
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Somerset:
Somerset Levels: Between the Mendips and the Blackdown Hills lies an expanse of wetlands, which has been progressively drained by monasteries & local peasants throughout the Middle Ages to make way for productive farmland. The area is now dotted by peasant villages and is some of the most productive pieces of real estate in all of western England. +5% estate income, and grants 1 knight free of cost and upkeep.
Provincial Bonuses:
Bristol:
Trading Centre: Bristol is the centre of English trade with Ireland, which sometimes includes slaves. The prosperity generated by this port will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the nearby noble estates. +5% estate income.
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Devonshire:
Tin mines: Devon is renowned for its tin mining industry, which is a significant contributor to the shire’s wealth. Those with their primary estates here will be able to build mines.
Provincial Bonuses:
Tiverton:
Tiverton Castle: Originally built in 1106 as a simple motte-and-bailey castle, Tiverton has since evolved into a stone fortress under the eyes of the De Courtenay family which has held it since 1299. As Tiverton is now a mightier castle than their old seat of Okehampton, the Earls of Devon have chosen to reside there since 1335. +3 Siege rolls, -3 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).
Plymouth:
City of Plymouth: A chartered city, Plymouth is entitled to its own city militia that will defend the city in times of war.
Exeter:
Isca’s Walls: Over a thousand years ago Exeter was a Romano-British town called Isca Dumnoniorum, and the seat of the petty-kings of Dumnonia. Much of its walls were preserved past the disintegration of Roman authority in Britain and later formed the core of the city's medieval defenses, including Rougemont Castle which was built into the northwestern section of the old walls. +2 siege rolls -2 raid rolls.
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Cornwall:
Tin mines: Cornwall is renowned for its tin mining industry, which is a significant contributor to the shire’s wealth. Those with their primary estates here will be able to build mines.
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Eastern England | Hertfordshire:
Quarries and Bricklayers: Besides being famous as the site of the first battle of the Wars of the Roses (and a much later Lancastrian victory), St Albans is also known for its sand and gravel quarries. Furthermore, much of the clay found around St Albans goes to the nearby bricklayers at Bovingdon. Thus, those who have their primary estates in Hertfordshire will have both a significant supply of building resources & many experienced builders at his disposal. -10% to building costs.
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Bedfordshire:
Quarries and Clay: Bedfordshire is rich in sandstone, limestone and clay, making building costs -10% cheaper for those who hold their primary estates in this province.
Great River Ouse: One of the longest rivers in England, the appropriately-titled 'Great' Ouse flowing through Bedfordshire has long been important for drainage schemes in the area, as well as for commercial and transportation purposes. +5% income.
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Huntingdonshire & Cambridgeshire
Flat land: Remarkably flat lands, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon are favoured spots for attacking generals. +1 to field battles for attacking armies.
Provincial Bonuses:
Cambridge:
University of Cambridge: The second-oldest university in England, this institution dates back to 1209 when a number of Oxford scholars fled from the wrath of the townsfolk there and sought refuge in Cambridge instead. Ironically, despite their unfortunate histories together, the two universities banded together in 1334 to successfully petition King Edward to forbid the construction of other universities throughout England, effectively establishing a duopoly on higher education. 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.
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Ely:
Marshlands: The Isle of Ely is notoriously hard to conquer, being the powerbase for the rebel Hereward the Wake who frustrated the Normans for years following the conquest. -3 to scout rolls and raiding rolls against this province/forces stationed within it.
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Norfolk:
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.
Populated: Norfolk is one of the most populous regions of England, and is therefore able to produce a high agricultural output. Those who have their primary residence located there benefit from a +10% estate income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Norwich:
Large City: Norwich is one of the largest cities in England behind London and Bristol, and thus having estates located near to this great urban centre will surely see a benefit in commerce and income. +5% estate income.
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Suffolk:
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.
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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).
Pleshey:
Pleshey Castle: The former seat of the very powerful De Bohun earls, this castle is a formidable symbol of their legacy and has now passed into the hands of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester. +3 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
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Midlands | Lincolnshire:
Arable lands: Lincolnshire is famed for its fertility, and turns over particularly high yields in livestock and crops. +5% estate income for those with their primary residence in Lincolnshire.
Provincial Bonuses:
Bolingbroke:
Bolingbroke Castle: A castle built of greenstone by Ranulf of Chester, it has passed by marriage through to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. His son and heir, Henry of Bolingbroke, was born within these walls. Though it has no keep, it is a formidable obstacle to attackers. +2 siege defence, -2 raid rolls.
Lincoln:
Lincoln Castle: A formidable royal castle, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke defended it from the invading French backed forces. Previously, King Stephen de Blois was captured here by forces loyal to Matilda. It is a very well maintained royal stronghold, and control of it guarantees influence over the city of Lincoln and Lincolnshire itself. +4 siege, -3 raid rolls.
Lincoln Cathedral: The tallest building in England and indeed the known world at this time, this magnificent house of God is also famed as a pilgrimage site for Saint Hugh of Lincoln (one of the kingdom's best known saints) and the burial site of the viscera of Eleanor of Castile, Edward I's beloved wife, whose funeral procession started in Lincoln. Naturally the Bishop of Lincoln can count himself one of the more powerful clerics in England. Characters may seek refuge within the Cathedral for up to 1 in-game year and, unless permitted by the Bishop of Lincoln, anyone who would do harm unto them on its consecrated ground will certainly have to face some consequences at the Church's hands.
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Nottinghamshire:
Sherwood Forest: The site of the famed Robin Hood’s supposed rebellion, this thick woodland is notoriously difficult to navigate, for those who do not know the country. -3 hostile scout and raid rolls.
Provincial Bonuses:
Nottingham:
Nottingham Castle: Built with three baileys on a promontory near the River Trent appropriately titled 'Castle Rock', Nottingham Castle is a redoubt of strategic importance that has served as a royal residence and administrative centre in the past, including under Edward III. It's also popularly known as the site of the final confrontation between the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his archnemesis the Sheriff of Nottingham. +3 Siege rolls, -2 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).
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Northamptonshire:
Livestock: Northampton is particularly famed for its large, animal-rearing farmsteads, providing a decent source of income for those who have their primary estates located there. +5% income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Fotheringhay:
Fotheringhay Castle: Originally built by Simon de Senlis in 1100, Fotheringhay Castle has had many owners throughout history, from various Scottish princes to the Earls of Chester. It became a royal property since the 1220s until Edward III handed it to his fourth son Edmund of Langley, ancestor of the Dukes of York, shortly before his death in 1377. Langley extensively renovated the old and battered castle into a fortress worthy of a King's son, and it eventually became a favoured residence of a certain later Duke of York - Richard of York, one of the original major actors of the Wars of the Roses, whose youngest son Richard was born within its walls. While it keeps its original motte-and-bailey layout, the castle's defences now consist of a moat, a stone curtain wall with a fortified gatehouse, an inner ditch, inner ramparts built of stone, and a polygon-shaped keep on the raised motte at its heart. +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls, and if the outer walls were to fall the defenders can hold out in its keep for half a year (3.5 days).
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Leicestershire:
Greyfriars: One of the most notable priories in England, Greyfriars was established by some of the first Franciscans to arrive in the country before 1230, and got its name from the color of their habits (in contrast to the Dominican 'black friars' and Carmelite 'white friars'). Besides being a center of learning, medical treatment & spirituality like most other priories, Greyfriars is also infamous for its residents' tendency to meddle in politics: in 1402 a conspiracy to restore Richard II was discovered to have been centered within its walls. Those who own their primary residence in this county have access to the priory's medical facilities & trained physicians which grants -1 to death rolls & +1 to birth rolls.
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Derbyshire:
Lead Mining: The availability of lead within this county allows those who have their primary residences here to construct mines.
Provincial Bonuses:
Codnor:
Codnor Castle: Dating back to the 13th century, Codnor is a stout castle with a three-story keep, a strong curtain wall, round towers, a deep moat and a lower bailey built by one of its later occupants. While greater and more formidable fortresses do exist throughout the country, Codnor Castle would still make a worthy seat for whoever holds it. +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls, and if the outer walls were to fall the defenders can hold out in its keep for half a year (3.5 days).
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Staffordshire:
Royal Forests: Staffordshire is known for being home to two large royal forests, Kinver and Cannock. Besides being quality hunting reserves that a bored sovereign could spend hours in, these forests obviously obstruct enemy advances and are difficult for even experienced scouts to navigate. -2 to enemy's scouting rolls, -1 to the controller's death rolls.
Tutbury:
Tutbury Castle: A sturdy fortress, this castle is one of the many in England that are owned by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Though previously ruined, it has been rebuilt over the past century by its Lancastrian owners. +3 siege rolls, -3 raid rolls.
Stafford:
Stafford Castle: Round and stout, this castle was built by Ralph de Stafford, the first Earl of Stafford, and it has since served as the symbolic home of that family. +3 siege rolls, -3 raid rolls.
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Warwickshire:
Textile Trade: Warwick makes most of its money from the textile industry, which will certainly benefit the purses of those who locate their prime estates within this county. +5% income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Warwick:
Warwick Castle: This fortress was first founded by William the Conqueror in 1068, but was upgraded into a stone castle in the 12th century and has served as the stout residence of the various Earls of Warwick since 1088. The 11th Earl, Thomas de Beauchamp, further strengthened the castle between 1330 and '60, making it into one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in England. +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).
Kenilworth Castle: The favoured residence of John of Gaunt, who extensively renovated it to mimic the style of the fabulous castles of Spain and reinforce his claim to the crowns of Castile and Leon. +5 siege rolls, with the castle’s central keep strong enough to hold out for half a year more after the outer defence falls (3.5 days)
Maxstoke:
Maxstoke Castle: This modest fortress is one of the principal residences of the Earls of Stafford. +2 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
Tamworth:
Tamworth Castle: One of the sturdiest fortresses of England, this was once the chief residence of Offa, King of Mercia. Since then, it has undergone extensive developments, and is now in the hands of the Baron Ferrers of Groby. +3 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
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Worcestershire:
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:
Malverin:
Malvern Chase: These forested hills are traditionally counted among the royal preserves of England. Besides being a high-quality hunting ground for bored royals, it also presents a good defensive position against any opponent, as they will have to navigate the woods and climb hills before reaching the surely better-rested defenders. -2 Scout rolls for an attacker, -1 Death rolls for the holder.
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Herefordshire:
Welsh Marches: Herefordshire composed much the De Bohun estates: a family of powerful Earls who were chiefly based in the marches. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs.
Fruits and Ciders: Herefordshire is well known for its production of fruits and ciders, which provide a healthy source of income for an otherwise sparsely populated county. +5% estate income to those who have their primary residence in this province.
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Shropshire:
Welsh Marches: Shropshire is the where much of the Mortimer estates are located; a powerful family of marcher lords. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs.
Provincial Bonuses:
Shrewsbury:
Shrewsbury Castle: Built out of red sandstone on a hill overlooking one of the River Severn's bends, Shrewsbury Castle makes for an impressive seat of power for the Earls of Shrewsbury and a sharp warning to any Welsh raiders looking for easy pickings in past centuries. Shrewsbury's town walls extend from it, further insulating the entire settlement from outside attack. That said, it doesn't have the most successful history - King Stephen's forces succeeded in storming it during the Anarchy, and Llywelyn the Great also took it in 1215. +3 Siege rolls, -3 Raid rolls, and if the outer walls were to fall the defenders can hold out in its keep for half a year (3.5 days).
Ludlow:
Ludlow Castle: One of the first stone castles to be constructed in England, this imposing fortress has stood on the Welsh border for centuries as a foreboding symbol of English power and authority. It is the principal seat of the Mortimer Earls of March, the foremost among the marcher lords in power and wealth. +4 Siege rolls, -4 raid rolls, and if the outer walls were to fall the defenders can hold out in its keep for half a year (3.5 days).
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Cheshire:
Royal Seat: Richard II has focused much of his influence here to establish Cheshire as a power base. Therefore, the region is unwaveringly loyal to the King, and will always assist him in times of war.
Provincial Bonuses:
Chester Walls & Castle: The old Roman walls and royal castle make Chester an extremely formidable obstacle to take by force. +5 siege rolls, -5 raiding rolls.
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Northern England |
Yorkshire:
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.
Populated: Yorkshire is is the largest county in England and certainly among the most populous, boasting land that is extremely fertile. All those whose primary residence is located here gain +10% to estate income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Pontefract:
Pontefract Castle: Originally built in 1070 by the Norman De Lacy family, this castle - also known as Pomfret Castle at this time - passed into the hands of the House of Lancaster in 1311 (its first Lancastrian holder, 2nd Earl Thomas, was executed and buried there after a failed rebellion against Edward II) and became one of their favored residences afterwards. John of Gaunt, who received it after the death of Henry of Grosmont, spent large sums renovating it. +4 siege rolls, -4 raid rolls.
Wakefield/Sandal:
Sandal Castle: An old estate of the De Warennes, it was granted to Edmund, Duke of York when he was age six. The Duke however preferred Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire as his home; this is nonetheless a stout abode worthy of a Duke’s household. +2 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
Conisborough:
Conisburgh Castle: This castle was once a royal residence of Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon King of England: in fact its very name is derived from what the Saxons called it, Cyningesburh or 'the king's fortress'. It gained its current form under William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey and close ally of William the Conqueror, and was held by his descendants before eventually reverting to the Crown in 1347 & being granted to Edmund of Langley, from whom the later Dukes of York inherited it. It's a strong fortress with a rounded keep and stone curtain walls overlooking its outer bailey, and if Yorkshire's holders lose the city for whatever reason, they can retreat here to hold out further. +2 Siege rolls & can hold out for 1/2 a year (3.5 days), can only be used if York falls to the enemy and the characters defending it succeed in their escape rolls.
York:
Walls of York: York's walls, originally built by the Romans and successively rebuilt & improved by the Vikings and English of the 13th-14th centuries, are noted for being exceptionally formidable and completely enclose the city from external threats. Four main gatehouses or 'Bars' - Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar - serve not just as fortified defensive positions during sieges, but also allows the city's master to extract tolls from those passing through it, which (on account of the city's status as a major economic powerhouse of northern England) translates to quite a few people indeed. +5 Siege rolls, -5 Raiding rolls, +5% income.
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Lancashire:
County Palatine: The Duke of Lancaster is, along with the Bishop of Durham, the only peer who can exercise authority equivalent to that of the King over a county. As Earl Palatine of Lancashire, the Duke holds unrivalled judicial and military authority over the county.
Provincial Bonuses:
Lancaster: This mighty castle has been part of the English Crown's demesne since 1164. It was strong enough to withstand Scottish sieges in 1322 and 1389, but that isn't the only thing it's famous for: the castle is also notorious as a secure prison, normally used by Lancashire's sheriff to detain petty criminals but now more than capable of safely containing the political enemies of its master. +3 Siege rolls; 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); and -3 to all escape rolls for anyone held prisoner here.
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Richmondshire:
Border Lords: Those whose estates are close to the Scottish border are used to dealing with raiders and invading armies. -2 raid rolls, -5% soldier cost and upkeep, +1 free knight commander.
Provincial Bonuses:
Richmond:
Richmond Castle: The symbol of royal power in this county, this castle was constructed from 1071 onwards after William’s brutal harrying of the north. Though a little outdated, it is still a sturdy enough fortress that benefits from a naturally strong location. +2 siege rolls, -2 raid rolls.
Middleham:
Middleham Castle: The principle seat of the Neville family, this massive structure is an ostentatious display of their growing power and influence throughout the north of England. It grants a +4 bonus to siege rolls and a -4 malus to hostile raid rolls, well as possessing a stout keep that will last for half a year (3.5 days) should the outer defences fall.
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Durham:
Border Lords: Those whose estates are close to the Scottish border are used to dealing with raiders and invading armies. -2 raid rolls, -5% soldier cost and upkeep, +1 free knight commander.
Bishop of Durham: As Earl Palatine, the Bishop of Durham can exercise extraordinary judicial and military power over the county, and rules almost as a king unto himself. He is the only clergyman able to recruit armies and hold secular lands.
Provincial Bonuses:
Durham:
Durham Cathedral: A fine example of Norman religious architecture, Durham Cathedral was first built in 1080 and completed in the 1170s. It is famed as the resting place of Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, making it one of northern England's major pilgrimage sites. The Bishop of Durham, while technically subordinate to the Archbishop of York, can therefore consider himself a powerful cleric in his own right. +5% income, +1 Charisma, and characters may also seek refuge within the Cathedral for up to 1 in-game year; unless permitted by the local religious authorities, anyone who would do harm unto them on its consecrated ground will certainly have to face some consequences at the Church's hands.
River Wear: Originating in the Pennines to the west, the River Wear flows past Durham itself and is a riverine route of trade whose natural flow can take goods down to the port of Sunderland on the eastern coast. +5% income.
Raby:
Raby Castle: Recently built by the Nevilles of Raby, this serves as their base of power in the county of Durham. +3 siege rolls, -3 raid rolls.
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Northumberland:
Border Lords: Those whose estates are close to the Scottish border are used to dealing with raiders and invading armies. -2 raid rolls, -5% soldier cost and upkeep, +1 free knight commander.
Provincial Bonuses:
Alnwick:
Alnwich 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).
Bamburgh:
Bamburgh Castle: A sturdy fortress originally built in the Anglo-Saxon era, it is now a medieval castle that effectively stamps the mark of royal authority upon the region of Northumberland. +4 siege rolls, -4 raid rolls.
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Westmorland:
Border Lords: Those whose estates are close to the Scottish border are used to dealing with raiders and invading armies. -2 raid rolls, -5% soldier cost and upkeep, +1 free knight commander.
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Cumberland:
Border Lords: Those whose estates are close to the Scottish border are used to dealing with raiders and invading armies. -2 raid rolls, -5% soldier cost and upkeep, +1 free knight commander.
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Mann:
Fishing Industry: With Mann being a barren rock off the coast of southern England, the inhabitants of this island turn to fishing as their major industry. Allows the owner to construct fisheries if this is their primary residence.
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Wales | Wales:
Powys:
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.
Welsh Marches: Powys is the where much of the Mortimer estates are located; a powerful family of marcher lords. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs.
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Monmouth:
Bastion of Englishness: Monmouthshire is mainly populated by English settlers, and is a bastion of Englishness in Wales. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs, as well as 1 knight commander free of cost and upkeep.
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:
Grosmont:
Grosmont Castle: Built by Hugh de Burgh as one of the ‘Three Castles’, this castle eventually passed into the hands of Edmund of Lancaster, 1st Earl of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, John of Gaunt’s father-in-law, was born within these walls, and now this formidable fortress has passed into his hands. +3 siege rolls, -3 raid rolls.
Abergavenny Castle: Held by the Hastings Earls of Pembroke, this formidable fortress was built to overlook the Usk and so guard the lowland areas to the south against incursions from the hills. +4 siege defence.
Monmouth:
Monmouth Castle: A typical marcher castle, it too came into the hands of the Earls of Lancaster, and was passed through him to John of Gaunt. His son Henry of Bolingbroke holds this sturdy fort as his principal residence upon the Welsh marches. +3 siege rolls, -3 raid rolls.
White Castle: One of the ‘Three Castles’ that fell into the hands of the Earl of Lancaster, this fortress was named as such due to the whitewash that was used upon its stones. +3 siege rolls.
Skenfrith: One of the ‘Three Castles’ that fell into the hands of the Earls of Lancaster, this fortress is located right upon the Welsh border with Hereford, and needs to be bypassed, accessed or captured to enter England through Monmouthshire. +3 siege rolls.
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Glamorganshire:
Welsh Marches:
Glamorgan was the centre of the formidable De Clare estates. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs.
Provincial Bonuses:
Cardiff/Caerphilly:
Caerphilly Castle: Constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century, Caerphilly is the second largest castle in all of Britain, and has perhaps the most elaborate water defences, being surrounded by artificial lakes. The concentric rings of walls add an additional layer of defence, making it extremely difficult to attack an already formidable set of defences. After the death of Gilbert’s son, a large portion of the de Clare lands, including this castle, passed into the hands of the Despenser family. +5 siege bonus, -5 raid rolls. Enemies need to cross the lakes to attack the castle.
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Carmarthenshire:
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.
Welsh Resistance: This county is home to a large population of native Welsh who chafe under English rule. +5 to all chances of rebellion.
Provincial Bonuses:
Carmarthen:
Staple Port: The Staple Port of Wales, Carmarthen imports a wide variety of wines, foodstuffs, and other exotic goods that would surely benefit those who hold their estates nearby to it. +5% estate income.
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Pembrokeshire:
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:
Pembroke:
Pembroke Castle: Owned and rebuilt by the famed William Marshall, this castle is now in the hands of the Hastings Earls of Pembroke, and stands as a fortified bastion to protect against invasion or rebellion. It grants +4 siege rolls and -4 hostile raid rolls. Furthermore, should the outer defences fall, the great keep will be able to house defenders for another half a year (3.5 days) before supplies run out.
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Cardiganshire, Merioneth, Flintshire, Anglesea:
Welsh Resistance: This county is home to a large population of native Welsh who chafe under English rule. +5 to all chances of rebellion.
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Merioneth:
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.
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Cardiganshire:
Cambrian Mountains: The mountain ranges that Wales is famous for originate here. Naturally, they pose a significant natural obstruction to any army that would attack the province, perhaps even more-so than the Green Desert beneath their cliffs. +2 to battle rolls for the defender.
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Caernarvonshire:
Centre of Englishness: This is the centre of English Wales, being the seat of the Principality that is traditionally granted to England’s heir. Those with their estates focused around this area receive 10% bonus to land income, and 2 knights free of cost and upkeep.
Provincial Bonuses:
Caernarfon:
Caernarfon Castle: As the administrative centre of Gwynedd and the base of the Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle must by all rights be the greatest fortress in Wales - and its builders did not disappoint. Originally raised by the Hammer of the Scots, the castle wound up taking until 1330 to complete (sans a few extra internal fortifications) and cost more than two of the most impressive fortifications standing at the time, Dover Castle & Chateau Gaillard. It is also directly connected to the walls of Caernarfon itself. +5 Siege rolls, -5 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).
Conwy:
Conwy Castle: A walled fortification constructed by Edward I to tighten royal authority upon north Wales, this project cost the crown a huge £15,000. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294, proving its worth as a notable English castle. +3 siege, -3 raiding rolls.
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Ireland |
Ulster:
Irish Clans: Rebellious and divisive, the Irish will rebel against a foreign overlord should one infringe upon their local authorities.
Fishing Industry: With Ulster mainly being coastal, the inhabitants of this island turn to fishing as their major industry. Allows the owner to construct fisheries if this is their primary residence.
Provincial Bonuses:
Carrickfergus:
Carrickfergus Castle: The toehold of England in Ulster, this formidable castle surrounded mostly by water remains the centre of the Crown's administration of this province, though the Earldom itself collapsed half a century ago. Its strategic location allows it access to the sea, and its amphibious defences render it nearly impregnable. +5 siege rolls, -5 raid rolls in this province. If the outer defences fall, the keep can hold on for another half a year (3.5 days). As this is a coastal castle, access to the port must be cut off for the defenders to be starved out.
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Meath:
Fertile: Heavily populated with English settlers and Irish locals alike, those who own their primary estates within this county receive a 5% bonus to estate income.
Provincial Bonuses:
Dublin:
Centre of English Ireland: The base of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, much of that position's legitimacy rests upon the continued influence over Dublin, Ireland's largest city. To be considered the legitimate overlord of Ireland, the English crown must keep hold of Dublin. Should it fall, Ireland would certainly descend into rebellion.
Dublin Castle:
Built in 1204 by King John, Dublin Castle now stands as an icon of English might on the Emerald Isle and is the official residence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, making it the Lordship's administrative center. It is shielded not only by great walls which are connected to the rest of Dublin's defenses, but also the River Poddle along two of its sides. +4 Siege rolls, -4 Raid rolls, +5% income.
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Leinster:
Wealth: Leinster is perhaps one of the most prosperous regions in all Ireland, granting those who have their primary residence here +10% to their estate incomes.
Fishing Industry: With Leinster mainly being coastal, the inhabitants of this island turn to fishing as their major industry. Allows the owner to construct fisheries if this is their primary residence.
Provincial Bonuses:
Wexford:
Wexford Harbour: This naval base located at the mouth of the River Slaney is conveniently situated at a junction of the Irish Sea, the Western Approaches and the Atlantic, and its sandbanks & narrow channels also make a naval attack ill-advised. The local shallow-draft cargo ships have little issue navigating the challenges of the bay to export fish, cloth, wool and hides, however. +5% income.
Viking Legacy: Wexford was originally founded by the Vikings, who held it until they were finally brought down by a combined army of native Irish and Anglo-Normans invited by Diarmait Mac Murchada of Leinster (ironically, he wound up dooming Ireland to English influence in later centuries with this action). Their blood still runs in the veins of many of the locals, who are thus more predisposed to fight on foot like their ancestors did. Wexford's owner has a 5% discount on purchasing Livery & Maintenance infantry.
Munster:
Dairy Lands: Also known as the 'Golden Vein' and 'Machaire méith na Mumhan' in Gaelic, this stretch of top-notch pastureland covering parts of Tipperary, Cork and Limerick in Munster is the absolute best land in all of Ireland for dairy farming. The Galtee Mountains mark the western border of these green fields, while the Munster Blackwater cuts through the southern Vale. +5% income.
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