Derby's Estates

[Gandalfus]

Though Henry of Bolingbroke's fortune is, for the most part, drawn from his wife Mary's extensive estates in Hereford and Northampton, Gaunt did grant his son Monmouth Castle to serve as the base of his power. Here, Henry's firstborn son and namesake, Henry of Monmouth, was born. This is usually where the couple and their children reside, though they own other residences such as Hereford Castle.

Character Information:

Henry of Bolingbroke HENRY OF BOLINGBROKE, EARL OF DERBY AND NORTHAMPTON Age: 21 Titles: 2nd Earl of Derby (by courtesy) 3rd Earl of Northampton Marital Status: Married, to Mary de Bohun (22) Children: Henry of Monmouth (4) Thomas of Lancaster (2) Blanche of Lancaster (1) Skills: +2 personal combat +2 battles +3 charisma +1 survival Temperaments: - Meticulous: This character loves to analyze situations down to the last minutiae before acting. On one hand this means they'll probably have a clear picture going in, on the other their decision-making abilities could easily become paralyzed as they spend too much time analyzing and not enough acting. +1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed. - Pessimistic: This character is always looking at the negative side of things. They may be right in some cases - when you suspect every man you meet to be a bad guy, you're probably right at least one out of ten times - but it doesn't exactly make them endearing. +1 to survival rolls, -1 to AI reaction rolls. - Reserved: This character is a stoic who generally keeps to him/herself and exercises strict control over their emotions. While this means they're not likely to make reckless moves in court or on the battlefield, they can come across as unfeeling robots to others. +1 battle rolls, -1 to AI reaction rolls. Mary de Bohun Mary de Bohun Countess of Northampton, Countess of Derby Mary de Bohun was born in 1368, as the second daughter of of Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford (who was also 3th Earl of Northampton, 6th and Earl of Essex) and his wife, Joan Fitzalan, daughter of Richard Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel and Eleanor of Lancaster. The Bohun family came to England, with the Norman conquest alongside William the Conquer. Her ancestor Humphrey was said to be a kinsman to William. Mary is a great-granddaughter of Edward I, as her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth of Rhuddlan was his eighth and youngest daughter. On her maternal side she is also descendant from a royal line. Mary is a descendant of Henry III, via her maternal grandmother, Eleanor of Lancaster who was the fifth daughter of Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, himself the grandson of Henry III. Mary also descended from the Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great through her mother. Llywelyn's daughter, Gwladus Ddu (Gwladus the Dark) married Ralph Mortimer, their granddaughter Isabella Mortimer married John FitzAlan, 7th Earl of Arundel, and they in turn became the great grandparents of Mary's mother Joan Fitz Alan. Aged just 5, Mary’s father died in January 1373, and his estates should have passed to their cousin Gilbert de Bohun because her father had had no sons. However, due to the influence of King Edward III, the estates of the 7th Earl of Hereford were divided between his two daughters. In 1376, Mary’s elder sister Eleanor married King Edward III’s youngest son Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Gloucester. The couple lived in Pleshey Castle in Essex and the young Mary lived there under Eleanor and Thomas’ care. She was instructed in religious doctrine in the hope that she would become a nun, which would cause her share of the de Bohun inheritance to go to Eleanor and Thomas. By the time she was 12, Thomas had pressured Mary into becoming a Poor Clare. This to great dismay of her relatives. Her mother Joan Fitz Alan plotted with John of Gaunt, third surviving son of Edward III, to abduct her from the care of his younger brother Thomas Woodstock. And so it was arranged that one of Mary's aunts took her from Pleshey Castle to Arundel Castle, home of her mother’s family. There, on July 27, 1380, 12-year-old Mary married John of Gaunt’s eldest son, 13-year-old Henry Bolingbroke. Four years later, Mary was given her share of the de Bohun estate, although Thomas and Henry still quarrel over the precise division of the estate. Almost everything Bolingbroke owns, comes from her inheritance. She always calls herself the 'Countess of Northampton', in recognition of her own inheritance, rather then the courtesy title 'Countess of Derby'. Mary remained with her mother at Arundel Castle after the wedding, to whom John of Gaunt made payments for her maintenance. Due to her youth, Gaunt had planned for the marriage between Mary and Henry to remain unconsummated until Mary had reached sixteen. But he had not taken in account, the feelings of the young couple. Mary was smitten by her husband, in a matter only a 14-year-old girl can be. So she and Henry disobeyed their father John of Gaunt and consummated their marriage in secret. The secret however quickly came out, as Mary instantly became pregnant, but the infant lived only a few days. Mary was devastated, and thought it was a punishment of God, because she didn't became a nun as she had promised and then disobeyed her new Father-in-Law. Now she is the mother of two young sons; Henry and Thomas, the jewels of her eyes. She is devoted to her husband but still mistrusts her brother-in-law, Thomas of Woodstock. Never truly forgiven him for stealing her share in her fathers inheritance. She on the other hand is thankful for her cousins at Arundel Castle for their role in her rescue. She plays mostly the role of mother to her children and hostess and caretaker of their castles, often following her husband between their estates. Age: 21 Titles: Countess of Northampton, Countess of Derby (by courtesy) Marital Status: Married, to Henry Bolingbroke (22) Children: Henry of Monmouth (4) Thomas of Lancaster (2) Blanche of Lancaster (1) Skills: +3 Survival +3 Charm Temperaments: Sanguine: - Sociable: This character is an extroverted social butterfly, capable of making friends left and right. However, they have little time for 'boring' matters like finances, and are more interested in buying flashy things to show off to their friends than managing their wealth. +1 to NPC reaction rolls, -2% income. - Upbeat: Nothing seems to get this character down. They're perpetually smiling and looking on the bright side of even the darkest developments, truly the kind of optimism that can be infectious...or delusional, if the situation is bad enough. +1 to surviving non-battle death rolls, -1 to post-battle rolls (captivity, death, wounding). Phlegmatic: - Empathic: This character is strongly attuned to the emotions of others and cares for them, making them great friends or kinsmen to have - but poor warriors and generals. +2 to AI reaction rolls, -1 to battle/joust/duel rolls.

Provincial Bonuses

Shire Bonus: 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. Province Bonuses: 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.

Buildings:

Tier I - Tenant Homesteads: +10% estate income

Demesne & Income Information:

Finances: Income from 14 provinces: £2100 Modifiers: +10% from buildings Total income: £2310 Expenditures: N/A Province Income Breakdown: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: £150 Total: £150 Towcester, Northamptonshire: £150 Brackley, Northamptonshire: £150 Total: £300 Tenbury, Worcestershire: £150 Strensham, Worcestershire: £150 Total: £300 Kinnsersley, Herefordshire: £150 Snodhill, Herefordshire: £150 Hereford, Herefordshire: £150 Wilton, Herefordshire: £150 Ledbury, Herefordshire: £150 Bromyard, Herefordshire: £150 Total: £900 Bridgenorth, Shropshire: £150 Total: £150 Newent, Gloucestershire: £150 Total: £150 Monmouth, Monmouthshire: £150 Total: £150 Total Accumulative Income: £2100

Military Information:

Company One Commander: Henry Bolingbroke, Earl of Derby and Northampton (PC) 1 knight 60 Yeomen Archers 20 Yeomen Foot 20 Men-At-Arms Total men: 100 Total upkeep: £630 Company Two Commander: Sir Richard Mullford (NPC) 1 Knight 60 Yeomen Archers 20 Yeomen Foot 20 Men-At-Arms Total men: 101 Total upkeep: £600

[Gandalfus]

A letter arrives at Monmouth, born by retainer; it is for the eyes of Mary only. It is clearly written in Henry's hand, terse and scrawled.

Wife,

I regret that I have been away from your blessed company for some months. I have kept you and our sons in my thoughts and prayers daily, and I miss you so, though I will be in London for some time thanks to the business of state. I would very much like you to join me at the house your father owned. Bring the children.

The letter goes on to discuss the mundane matters of housekeeping, as Henry was wont to do. It simply finishes with a scribbled signature, a testament to its informality: "Henry".

[Alexandrine]

Mary had been busy running her household at Monmouth Castle and turned around when she heard she was addressed, a messenger came into the hall. She had hoped it was word from her husband; he did not write as much as she had hoped. But she knew she was being impatient. The grand men of the realm were always busy, while she was here stuck in the provinces. But she liked in a way. She regretted she wasn't with her husband, but she knew and had learned since she was a child; woman could govern lands, if their husbands were away. And most of their estates belonged to her, inherited by her, but in a way taken from her by her husband. She knew she had was lucky with him; he was kind and loving.

She ripped the letter from the retainers hands, broke the seal and quickly read it, and read it again. She then folded it, and commanded for her and the children's leave for London.

[Gandalfus]

The days had passed into the new year by the time Bolingbroke and his nephew approached the fortress of Trowbridge. The roads had been blanketed by a patchwork sheet of snow, trodden and ridden on until it had been reduced to a thick sludge, dirt and ice mixed. Southern England still retained a vestige of warmth when compared to the cold open spaces of Yorkshire and Northumberland, something Henry was thankful for. They'd travelled past London, through Humphrey's own Earldom of Buckingham, residing in rarely-visited manors that had once been part of the vast estates of his grandfather and namesake, the seventh Earl of Hereford. They were only too happy to oblige the young Lord, but were wary of Henry himself, for whatever reason that was. Bradwell was one such manor, the two Earls waiting out a rainstorm within its fortified walls; the dirt tracks had finally dried after a few days. Humphrey came down with a cold, and, petrified that the illness would worsen, Henry extended their stay, which he began to regret when he realised he'd gotten too used to the comforts of the indoors.

And so the Earl of Hereford had willed himself to leave the warm hearth, warm wine, and warm food of Bradwell in order to press on to Trowbridge Castle. As soon as they passed the gates, Henry had begun diligently arranging things for his charge. Experienced warriors, scholars, Franciscan and Dominican friars were all employed from Hereford's purse. The only company for the lad, for now, was Hereford's sons - Henry and Thomas, both at least five years younger than their cousin - the sons of retainers, and the tutors, all stern and pious. Henry had perhaps not considered that it would be more than a little lonely for the Earl of Buckingham, who had very few people his age, other than stableboys, to strike up a friendship with. They'd struck up a routine, with religious lessons, combat, riding and writing all taking up the majority of the young boy's time. Every evening, he joined Hereford for dinner, who had begun to grow bored of simply observing his ward diligently complete the tasks set for him.

One day, after perhaps a month or so after their arrival, Hereford entered the courtyard, interrupting his cousin's training, much to the irritation of grizzled master-at-arms that had been brought over from Monmouth.

"Humphrey." Hereford addressed him informally, stooping down to match the young boy's height. "How would you like to see the King, your cousin?" Henry smiled lightly. In truth, he'd grown bored of Trowbridge, and Wiltshire. Mary was in Windsor, with his newborn daughter, conveniently located in Richard's household.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Humphrey had been rather quiet during the ride for Trowbridge, most likely because he was still letting the reality of his situation sink in. His mother had explained it the best she could, hoping he would understand. The young boy was now the Earl of Buckingham and Essex, the last male of the House of Gloucester. His father had been attained as a traitor and executed as such. It was a lot to take in and the Plantagenet heir was still taking it all in. He sort of comes out of his thoughts, realizing they were somewhere else now. His uncle, Bolingbroke, having stooped down to match his height. Humphrey was presented a rather interesting question and it didn't take long for the boy to nod.

I would like to, Uncle Henry... er... I mean my Lord Hereford.

[Gandalfus]

"Good." Replied Hereford, who then nodded to a retainer. The servants had already prepared most of his baggage, and thus they would only require to pack some things for Buckingham. It would surely seem ironic that Humphrey had spent all that time settling in, only to simply move once again. "The servants will pack your things. Have you ever met His Majesty before?" Henry pondered what the boy would think of his cousin, the King. Richard was delicate and graceful, yet at the same time he could be wrathful, imposing, petulant. Bolingbroke had grown up in his household, and thus probably knew him better than most. "You look a little like him, I think." Humphrey certainly had the fair hair that was shared by most of the Plantagenets, a contrast to the darker hair of Bolingbroke and Gaunt.

[Lucius Malfoy]

No, I have not. Father had hoped to bring me to London once things had calmed down, but...

The boy's voice sort of trailed off, knowing that his father would not be there to present him as Thomas had hoped to do. Humphrey looks over at the servants who attended his luggage before turning to his uncle.

​What is the King like, Lord Hereford?

[Gandalfus]

No, I have not. Father had hoped to bring me to London once things had calmed down, but...

The boy's voice sort of trailed off, knowing that his father would not be there to present him as Thomas had hoped to do. Humphrey looks over at the servants who attended his luggage before turning to his uncle.

​What is the King like, Lord Hereford?

Henry grimaced visibly, not knowing how one could describe to Humphrey the man who ordered his father's execution.

"He's, uhm..."

What was he? Erratic? Petulant? Wrathful? Unforgiving?

"Gracious. The King's court is wondrous, filled with the many pretty things that catch his eye." That was probably the best description of Richard he could muster. Statues, paintings, singers, poets... And men, he thought harshly. "He's richer even than your uncle Lancaster. You'll see." ​Henry laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, hoping to reassure him.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry grimaced visibly, not knowing how one could describe to Humphrey the man who ordered his father's execution.

"He's, uhm..."

What was he? Erratic? Petulant? Wrathful? Unforgiving?

"Gracious. The King's court is wondrous, filled with the many pretty things that catch his eye." That was probably the best description of Richard he could muster. Statues, paintings, singers, poets... And men, he thought harshly. "He's richer even than your uncle Lancaster. You'll see." ​Henry laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, hoping to reassure him.

Humphrey nods quietly, looking a little nervous at the prospect of meeting the King in person. This was the very man who had arrested his father and charged him with high treason. Would he look upon him, the son of Gloucester, differently due to his father's deed? Would he see an innocent child or a boy tainted by the sins of the father? The young Plantagenet wasn't sure right now, but for now would trust the words of his tutor and uncle.

[Jokern]

The Earl of Nottingham arrives at Monmouth Castle with a few bannermen, requesting an audience with Bolingbroke.

[Gandalfus]

Mowbray's party is admitted through the gates and escorted into the main hall. It is clear that the Earl has recently returned from the hunt, caked in mud and sweat as well as being clad in his riding leathers. A servants hands him a cloth, which is duly used to wipe off the day's grime.

"Mowbray, good to see you." Hereford acknowledged the Earl, handing the dirty rag back to the servant. "What brings you this far west? You stopped here on the way to Gower?"

[Jokern]

Mowbray showed a small smile at Hereford. He liked the eldest son of John of Gaunt, even considering him an ally since the Lords Appellant.

"It is good to see you as well, Bolingbroke, I hope you had a good hunt, though from my experience there are mostly sheep in these lands. I am on my way to Gower, yes, got word from my bailiff about some matters that required my presence. Since Monmouth is on the way, I thought that I could meet with you to discuss another matter of import for the both of us."

[Gandalfus]

"Yes, precious little game, unfortunately." Hereford chuckled. Mowbray was right in that regard; these lands seemed to be filled with damn sheep. Good for wool, but not for hunting; no fun when your prey is easy.

"By all means, I shall hear it." Mowbray was fortunate to catch Hereford in the marches, as he was only briefly staying here to resolve a dispute between tenants before returning to Trowbridge, where his ward Buckingham was housed.

[Jokern]

"I had heard that you've recently been blessed with a daughter, and it is my desire to see my eldest son, Thomas, and her united in holy matrimony one day. I consider you a noble and good man, Henry, and a marriage between our children would be a fitting match. What do you say?"

[Gandalfus]

Blanche was only a newborn, Hereford mused, and he'd not yet thought of a match for her. In his mind, it was too early to think of such things, as children often became ill and weak whilst still in the cradle.

But, he recognised this gesture as a mere formality. A necessary requirement for an alliance between Nottingham and himself. He could see the benefit of that.

"I can consent to that." The Earl nodded, draining a cup full of ruddy brown ale. "When they are both more of age, we can discuss a proper marriage contract. An informal agreement will do for now, I trust?"

[Jokern]

Mowbray smile and nodded.

"Fair enough, an informal agreement then. May the Lord watch over our children, and let them grow up strong and healthy. For Mowbray and Lancaster."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Humphrey, the Earl of Buckingham, was a young boy of 11 years. This year marked the 2nd full year since being taken under the wing of his uncle and cousin, the Lord Hereford. As with any typical education for a male of the House Plantagenet and a landed noble, Humphrey went through his regular routine of lessons. Unlike his more martial father, who had campaigned extensively in Brittany during the reign of Edward III, Buckingham showed little in ability when it came to sword-handling, yet had a reserved attitude that was slowly being imprinted upon him, indirectly, by Lord Hereford, yet he was empathic, making fast friends with his uncle's children and those around him. His diligence at his studies and lessons showed a meticulous nature, which impressed the tutors as they taught him Latin and French.

Yet every Sunday, Humphrey would be within the local chapel for long hours. He seemed to be highly religious, focusing much of his free time of reading the Bible and texts involving various saints. Especially Edward the Confessor, the last King of the House Wessex. Letters came almost daily from his mother, asking her sister's husband how Humphrey was doing. Yet lately she had been inquiring upon the matter of an arranged marriage. With Humphrey slowly coming towards maturity, the question of marriage would come quicker than expected.

Today, Humphrey was outside, watching his archery instructor on how to use a bow and arrow, which would come in handy if Lord Buckingham had an appetite for hunting at all. It had started off as quite a struggle for the young boy, almost taking his eye out a couple times. His bow arm was getting steady, but his aim was still off. Humphrey kept up with the practice, even if he felt down or became frustrated with not being able to hit the target precisely as instructed.

[Gandalfus]

Hereford had found much of his time of late had been spent away from London and the royal court, which was now in Gaunt's firm grip. Where they stayed varied. Quite often, they'd reside at Trowbridge, but there were times when they made use of Buckingham's own network of castles and manor houses. A long, warm summer had given way to the falling of the leaves, and now winter was upon them. The first snows had not yet fallen, but it was foolish to go out uncovered by at least two layers of clothing.

"Straighten your back." The Earl called out. Hereford's own son, the younger Henry, was standing alongside. At seven, he'd begun to look to Buckingham as an older brother, the way younger children often do with older relatives. Though too young to train with the longbow, Bolingbroke's heir had shown early promise, often playing games and brawling with the other squires. Hereford folded his arms, watching on to see if Humphrey would perform any better this time - the last five or so arrows had been more than a little wide of their mark.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Humphrey straightens his back at the remark made by his uncle. He adjusts his arm as well, taking a deep breath before leveling his aim at the target. Buckingham recalled all the tips and lessons that he had gotten so far, before pulling back the bowstring. The young Plantagenet eases his breath, before letting the arrow loose. The tip founds its mark in the ring above the center. If Humphrey had aimed only slightly lower, he would have gotten it on the target. He sighs deeply, feeling defeated at the sixth arrow now that didn't hit the mark.

I wonder how father managed to learn this...

[Gandalfus]

"Its all in the arms. Not easy for a boy of eleven." By law, every yeoman in England was required to train in the use of the bow, starting at around Humphrey's own age. It trained a special set of muscles, so an unpractised archer, no matter how strong, would struggle to pull the string. For the nobles, it was primarily for hunting and sport. "Like anything, it takes practise. But you've done enough for today, I think." Any fool with eyes could notice that Buckingham didn't look especially enchanted with archery.

"Your mother wrote to you, again." He changed the subject, observing as the archery equipment was carefully carried away by the servants.