The Bishopric of Durham

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Bishopric of Durham

Bishop Walter Skirlaw

Born 1350 in Swine, East Reading of Yorkshire. Walter Skirlaw was transferred to the Palatine of Durham in 1387. Named Lord Chancellor of the Realm in 1389. Traits: +2 Charisma, +2 Survival, +2 Battles Temperaments: Melancholic: - 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 . Phlegmatic: - Austere: This character disdains pomp and pageantry, instead preferring a plain & simple (the uncharitable might say 'rigidly spartan') lifestyle. +5% income, -1 to AI reaction rolls. - 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.

Incomes and Estates

1. Sunderland/News/Hylton - Sparse Income. 2. Brancepeth/Lumley - Sparse Income. 3. Weardale - Sparse Income. 4. Durham - Sparse Income. 5. Darlington/Aukland/Cowton - Sparse Income. 6. Sedgefield - Sparse Income. 7. Stockton - Sparse Income. 8. Easington - Sparse Income. 9. Croft - Average Income

Levy and Household Guard

Men of the Levy Standing Forces

Durhamshire Improvements

Tier I 1. Tenant Homesteads: +10% estate income 2. Increased Garrisons: Adds ten soldiers (7 yeomen archers, 3 yeomen footmen) to the garrison of each castle you own.

Regional Bonus

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. Auckland Castle: The Fortified seat of the Bishop

[Mary The Quene]

Some weeks after the parliament session had been finished, Lord Neville wishes to speak with Bishop Durham, requesting an audience.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Neville was granted entry into the Bishop's offices where Walter sat behind a large oaken desk. He pushed back his seat and rose, presenting his Bishop's ring for the man to kiss.

[Mary The Quene]

Neville was granted entry into the Bishop's offices where Walter sat behind a large oaken desk. He pushed back his seat and rose, presenting his Bishop's ring for the man to kiss.

Lord Neville bowed and kissed the bishop's ring, as he is expected to do. Your Eminence, i have come here as promised. Lord Neville recalled the conversation he and the bishop had during the parliament session. I have come here for twofold reasons, one of it being a confession. Before he would start discussing politics he'd liked to have cleared his mind first about a what he did, it felt like he had to do it for his wife.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Edmund twisted his thumbs, he truly found it hard to share his feelings but knew the Bishop was a man of knowledge and logic. Some devout luck could do the Duke well. He finally found courage and said. "I fear it is about this.. this merciless parliament. With the lords appellant killing Simon Burley, my friend. I fear I have become disillusioned your eminence. The bloodshed cannot be good for the realm. I will say this the state of affairs in the realm before was not optimal either but it needed not the bloodshed there is now. " Edmund looked at the bishop with a sharp eye. "I know not what to do with this your eminence. The realm must prosper but can it with the endless bloodshed your eminence? Truly God cannot stand for endless bloodshed either? What would be best in your opinion my lord Bishop?"

"Men rightly convicted of crimes must be punished." Walter began "But these accused will not receive a trial, I think. They will be summarily executed. This is poorly done, if they are guilty they should be found to be sp by a jury of the peers. The manner of their exuxecution makes me think they may not be guilty."

Lord Neville bowed and kissed the bishop's ring, as he is expected to do. Your Eminence, i have come here as promised. Lord Neville recalled the conversation he and the bishop had during the parliament session. I have come here for twofold reasons, one of it being a confession. Before he would start discussing politics he'd liked to have cleared his mind first about a what he did, it felt like he had to do it for his wife.

"Very well, Neville." Walter replied. "We must step into my personal chapel" he said as he rose. A monk fetched his croff and mitre, as well as his purple stole which he kissed and draped about his shoulders. Soon he was led into a cool room lined with images of the saints. The stone steps sent echoes rebounding off the walls. Neville was ditected to kneel before the small altar. "In nomine patri, et filii, et spiritu sancti." he began making the sign od the cross

[Mary The Quene]

"Very well, Neville." Walter replied. "We must step into my personal chapel" he said as he rose. A monk fetched his croff and mitre, as well as his purple stole which he kissed and draped about his shoulders. Soon he was led into a cool room lined with images of the saints. The stone steps sent echoes rebounding off the walls. Neville was ditected to kneel before the small altar. "In nomine patri, et filii, et spiritu sancti." he began making the sign od the cross

Lord Neville likewise made the sign of the cross as he kneeled before the small altar, finally he begun his confession. Forgive me Your Eminence, for i have sinned, i have been unfaithful to my wife and shared my bed with plenty of other women. Neville had bedded aplenty with women out of wedlock, most of them harlots from the local taverns, one certain Elizabeth being one of his latest harlots he took ass mistress. I feel guilty because my own wife does not deserve this, always remaining faithful and kind to me. Neville felt truly some pang of guilt, but he doubted he would ever become a good and faithful man, he loved women too much for that, he loved his harlots too afterall.

[General Brewster]

After a long and wet ride the Duke of York arrives accompanied by his guards, the Knight's Sir Thomas Goffrey & Sir Robert Scorner. Rain dropped of the Dukes coat as Sir Thomas pounded on the gates of the bishopric requesting entry.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Duke of York is likewise admitted into Auckland Castle where he finds the Bishop seated in the Great Hall reading by one of the windows as the rain splattered against it. When he sighted York he rose. "Your Grace, welcome to Durham." he presented his ring. "Your journey must have been cold and wet, come warm yourself by the fire."

[General Brewster]

Edmund looked around the great hall. He had never visited it and was visibly impressed by the arts inside. The Duke made his way over to the Bishop near the fire. "My Lord Bishop" he said as he took to the knee, and kissed the bishops ring. "I fear it was very wet and cold" He replied to the Bishop, water dripping from his coat. "I cannot thank the Lord enough for this fire. I graciously accept your offer your Eminence." The Duke took a seat opposite the bishop. Being somewhat reluctant to speak as he was a man that kept to himself. Finally he found the courage to speak here under God's roof. "Lord Bishop, I need some guidance"

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Bishop regained his seat before the hearth and listemed. "I have counseled many, your Grace, it would be am honor to counsel you as well." the Duke was a man of rank, it would be good to count him as a friend.

[General Brewster]

Edmund twisted his thumbs, he truly found it hard to share his feelings but knew the Bishop was a man of knowledge and logic. Some devout luck could do the Duke well. He finally found courage and said. "I fear it is about this.. this merciless parliament. With the lords appellant killing Simon Burley, my friend. I fear I have become disillusioned your eminence. The bloodshed cannot be good for the realm. I will say this the state of affairs in the realm before was not optimal either but it needed not the bloodshed there is now. " Edmund looked at the bishop with a sharp eye. "I know not what to do with this your eminence. The realm must prosper but can it with the endless bloodshed your eminence? Truly God cannot stand for endless bloodshed either? What would be best in your opinion my lord Bishop?"

[General Brewster]

Edmund nods in agreement while stroking his freshly trimmed manly beard. "What do you, a man of God think about the current state of affairs in the realm my lord Bishop?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Lord Neville likewise made the sign of the cross as he kneeled before the small altar, finally he begun his confession. Forgive me Your Eminence, for i have sinned, i have been unfaithful to my wife and shared my bed with plenty of other women. Neville had bedded aplenty with women out of wedlock, most of them harlots from the local taverns, one certain Elizabeth being one of his latest harlots he took ass mistress. I feel guilty because my own wife does not deserve this, always remaining faithful and kind to me. Neville felt truly some pang of guilt, but he doubted he would ever become a good and faithful man, he loved women too much for that, he loved his harlots too afterall.

"Lust and adultery are grievous sins" Walter began "But the Lord our God teaches that those who ask forgiveness shall be forgiven." THe Bishop paused. "However, you must also make amends for these sins so that in the eyes of God your contrition can be deemed sincere." Walter inhaled deeply. "I absolve you of your sins, and your penance shall be supplication before the altar of the Virgin Mary, pondering on the chaste holiness of our Blessed Mother. You should also make a donation for the maintenance of that capella."

Edmund nods in agreement while stroking his freshly trimmed manly beard. "What do you, a man of God think about the current state of affairs in the realm my lord Bishop?"

"As a man of God I pray for the souls of the condemned, for there is not much else I can do for them. But as a Lord of the Realm I am cautious. War is looming whether we like it or not."

[Mary The Quene]

"Lust and adultery are grievous sins" Walter began "But the Lord our God teaches that those who ask forgiveness shall be forgiven." THe Bishop paused. "However, you must also make amends for these sins so that in the eyes of God your contrition can be deemed sincere." Walter inhaled deeply. "I absolve you of your sins, and your penance shall be supplication before the altar of the Virgin Mary, pondering on the chaste holiness of our Blessed Mother. You should also make a donation for the maintenance of that capella.

Lord Neville made the sign of the cross, it felt as a relief to be forgiven for these sins. Thank you, Your Eminence, i will make a donation worthy of 250£ for the chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and make a prayer there, i swear i will remain faithful to my wife now. Likely a lie, Neville himself knowing he gives in to lust too easily. Now Your Eminence, on a different subject, whats your opinion about the latest developments in the realm? Lord Neville being curious about the position of the bishop

[General Brewster]

Having been triggered by the man of faith using such strong words of war Edmund inquires. "What would a man of God like yourself do in the event of war? Guide me your grace."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Garrison my castle and wait for it to pass." he admitted

[General Brewster]

"Garrison my castle and wait for it to pass." he admitted

Edmund nods. Feeling he was well warmth up again to make the journey back home he got up and kissed the bishops ring again. "Your eminence, in the event of war I shall personally see upon it that you as a man of God are not drawn into it. So help me god."

[The Mad Skylord]

The Earl of Arundel arrived seeking the advice of thw Bishop of Durham.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Arundel is granted passage and an audience in the Bishops chamber offices within Auckland. The Bishop rose and presented his ring to the newcomer. "I do not believe we have met, though my brother tells me you are Earl of Arundel, and I recognize you as one I had disagreements with in parliament. I am Walter Skirlaw, newly appointed to this see."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I thank you for your vow. I think this conflict is one that I shall play no part in, and as such I should be left well alone. It might be I will better serve the victors with good counsel instead of bringing whatever forces I can bring to bear. Besides, none have asked for my aid." The Bishop stood and blessed the man