Alnwick Castle, Percy Estates

[Lucius Malfoy]

The fortunes of the Percy family have come to their height with the acquisition of Alnwick Castle and, eventually, the granting of the Earldom of Northumberland to Henry Percy in 1377. The castle was built in the 11th century AD by the extinct de Vescy family before it fell into the hands of the Bishop of Durham for a time. It is in 1309 that Henry Percy, 1st Baron Percy, purchased the castle and its barony from the Bishop of Durham and made it the primary residence of the Percy family. It has since been rebuilt and remodeled to better suit itself as a bastion in the North against Scottish invaders.

Character Information

House Percy of Northumberland The House of Percy is descended from a Norman noble, William de Percy, who was made Baron of Topcliffe in Yorkshire for his services rendered to William the Conqueror. The family is well-known for their military services against the Scots on behalf of the Crown of England, serving either as the Lord Warden of the Scottish Marches or a commander capacity in any occasion. They have long defended the English-Scottish border, which helped them build up land and fame through these dedicated services. It was then the height of their family's power was achieved, when in 1377, Henry Percy, the 4th Baron Percy of Alnwick, was elevated to be the 1st Earl of Northumberland. He stands along two other notable Percys, Sir Henry Hotspur, his eldest son, and his younger brother, Sir Thomas Percy. The present ruler is Harry 'Hotspur' Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland and 5th Baron Percy of Alnwick, Topcliffe and Spofforth Henry (II) Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland Name: Henry (Harry) 'Hotspur' Percy, eldest son of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland Titles: 2nd Earl of Northumberland and 5th Baron Percy Age: 32 (b. 1364) Marital Status: Married to Elizabeth Mortimer, daughter of Edmund Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March (b. 1371) Children: - Mary Percy (b. 1390) (betrothed to Thomas of Lancaster) 96-100 is a golden god of genius and strength; Two free +2's in different skills of your choice upon the age of 16 (may also be 4 different +1's). Females get +10 on birth rolls. - Edmund Percy (b. 1394) - Maud Percy (d. 1397) - Henry Percy (b. 1398) (bad organs) - Alan Percy (b. 1399) (bad organs) Skill(s) (6 points): +3 Logistician (+20% movement), +1 Survival, +2 Infantry Commander, +2 Cavalry Commander, -1 Charisma, +1 rout rolls Temperament: Choleric (Dominant) - Bloodthirsty: +1 Battles, -1 to NPC reaction rolls. - Impulsive: +5% movement speed, -1 to detection rolls. Sanguine - Confident: +1 battle rolls, +1 to rout rolls. Additional Household - Thomas Percy (b. 1366), younger brother of Harry - Ralph Percy (b. 1369), younger brother of Harry - Alan Percy (b. 1375), younger brother of Harry

Building Information

Tier 1 1. Tenant Homesteads: +10% estate income 2. Increased Garrisons: Adds twenty soldiers (14 yeomen archers, 6 yeomen footmen) to the garrison of each castle you own. 3. Monastic Sponsorship: +1 charisma, +1 AI interactions with Clergy 4. Reinforced Gatehouse: +1 siege defence (primary residence only) 5. Blacksmith Charters: -5% troop upkeep and recruitment cost Tier 2 1. Rented Properties: +15% estate income

Demense & Income Information

Total Income - £2,550 (3 Average, 6 Sparse, 2 Poor) With modifiers = £3,188 (+0% from traits and +25% from buildings) Northumberland: - Norham/Berwick - Sparse Income. - Bamburgh/Belford - Sparse Income. - Alnwick/Warkworth/Dunstanburgh/Chillingham - Sparse Income. - Morpeth/Belsay/Mitford - Sparse Income. - Haltwhistle - Sparse Income. Yorkshire: - Northallerton - Average Income. - Helmsley - Average Income. Richmondshire: - Richmond - Average Income. Cumberland: - Penrith/Brougham/Armathwaite/Yanwath - Sparse Income. - Wigton/Rose - Poor Income. - Egremont/Ennerdale - Poor Income.

Military Information

Tier 1 - Mounted Gentry - 40 Men-at-Arms - 20 Hobelars Total: 60 men Tier 2 - Yeomen - 200 Yeomen Archers - 140 Yeomen Foot Total: 340 men Tier 3 - Knaves Total: 1,000 men (max)

Provincial Bonuses

Northumberland (Primary Residence) 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). Cumberland 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. Richmondshire 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. Yorkshire 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.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Alnwick had been relatively quiet since the violent usurpation of authority by the Lords Appellant. For a time, Henry Percy kept the North, keeping an ever vigilant eye upon the Scottish borders. Yet as time went on, his more energetic son, Hotspur, began to pester him on what they would do. The Percys owed their elevation to the Earldom of Northumberland to Richard II, who was now within a gilded cage in London. Henry respected the loyalty of his son, but feared that a wrong move could bring everything around them down. Deep down though, the meticulous nature of Percy was at large, analyzing how to best approach himself as a Royalist and aid the King.

One night, the Earl had made up his mind, calling forth his brother, Thomas, and his son, Henry, to his presence. It was a rather auspicious night as a thunder storm could be seen far off in Scotland; the bolts of lightning lighting up the sky and the dark grey clouds that loomed off in the distance. Northumberland stood upon the ramparts, watching the spectacle from the safety of his keep. When he heard the footsteps of brother and son arrive, Northumberland turns to them both.

It is time, Thomas and Henry. We must begin building up a Northern Army to field against the Lords Appellant. Word has gotten to me that the Duke of Lancaster is once more moving for England. We must be ready to meet him.

He turns to Thomas first, ready to give him directions.

Go to the Bishop of Durham, he is no friend of Gloucester surely. See if you can recruit him to our cause by whatever reasonable means necessary.

His eyes then turn to Henry Hotspur.

Go to your grandfather, the Baron de Raby, and try to enlist him as well. He and Durham will hopefully form the core of our royal army to field in the name of His Majesty.

Thomas and Henry nod to their father. In the mean time, Northumberland planned to send letters to the Duke of Lancaster, in the hopes of letting John of Gaunt be aware of their intentions. If he understood their reasons, then the Earl had nothing to fear. Yet in his mind, the meticulous man began to wonder about the Duke of York; surely he was no friend of Gloucester either, yet he sat upon the Privy Council. For now though, Northumberland would seek the aid of these three first.

[Gandalfus]

A message arrives, delivered by courier in the livery of Lancaster. It was sealed with the hound of Richmond, the livery badge of the Duke of Lancaster.

Honourable Northumberland,

I fear I cannot condone raising of arms against the so called Appellants who have broached their grievances with my nephew of England and taken up the mantle of government, for they have not yet proven themselves as the traitors they are accused of being. Nevertheless, I shall not forbid it, and encourage my lord to be ready to weather any such storm should His Majesty require thine aid in any conflict to come.

John, Duke of Lancaster.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Percy had gotten the response he needed. Though Northumberland will still attempt to gather disgruntled nobility in the mean time, he would wait for the storm to come. It was surely inevitable, thought Percy, as he once more looked northward, seeing a storm passing through Lothian over the English border. He would look once more at the letter, knowing that if anyone felt the King needed to be saved, it was the Duke of Lancaster.

[Gandalfus]

A second letter arrives from Gaunt, indicating that Arundel had entered open rebellion against the Crown. If there was any time to summon his soldiers, this was it, for surely the King needed his aid.

[Oznerol]

Thomas Percy is dispatched North with a letter:

To Lord Percy,

Thine request is granted, Thomas Percy shall deliver this letter by hand. Thou are to descend south and block the advance of the rebel to the Midlands or the North, thou may engage him in battle if confident of thine own force. Bring him in fetters, my Lord Northumberland.

In the name of God,

Richard, King of England, etc

[Mary The Quene]

A rider coming from Middelham castle arrives at the gates of Alnwick Castle bearing a letter for the Earl of Northumberland.

Letter

Lord Northumberland I have purchased troops and have summoned my levies aswell, i will arrive shortly with my men to Alnwick to link up with troops of yours. Signed, Lord Neville.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Percy troops have been gathered alongside the levy of Lord Percy's lands, accumulating to a force of some 700 men. The arrival of Sir Thomas, the Earl's brother, ensured that Northumberland had two able commanders to take command of his two main companies. Awaiting the arrival of the Neville troops, the Percy soldiers would begin their march for the Midlands, aiming for Lincolnshire as their initial goal.

Percy Army - 702 men
Commanded by Henry Percy, Harry Hotspur and Thomas Percy
2 Knights
40 Men-at-Arms
120 Yeomen Archers
40 Yeomen Foot
375 Levy Archers
125 Levy Footmen

[Mary The Quene]

The Neville troops arrive at Alnwick Castle alongside the Levy of Lord Neville's lands, accumulating to a force of roughly


Neville Army : 1303 men
Commanded by Ralph Neville (+3 survival, +2 battle's, +1 personal combat)
Full Plate Armor (+20 hp, +8 Duels, +4 Survival, +5 post-battle condition rolls) - Covering oneself from head to toe in the best plate available brings significant advantages and drawbacks. While slightly hindering mobility, the wearer becomes a tank that is almost impervious to attacks. Favored by knights taking to the battlefield, knowing their main role in such an event will be to present the heaviest possible mass atop a horse to plough through enemy troops in a formation of massed heavy horse, this is a set of armor for surviving a major battle rather than a set for everyday wear or single combat.

Hand-and-a-half Weapon (+4 Duels, +3 Survival), the most common name for large single-handed weapons, are typically used without shields but are lighter and thus more mobile than two-handed weapons, giving the user the ability to position themselves faster and exploit the situation with more agility, at the cost of reduced reach and less power than a two-handed weapons, but superior reach and power to a single handed weapon

3 Knights:
50 Men-At-Arms
220 Yeomen Archers
140 Yeomen Foot
668 Levy Archers
222 Levy Footmen

[Lucius Malfoy]

Word comes to Alnwick from the south, informing Henry Hotspur of the events transpiring within the capital. Knowing well his father's motives, Hotspur makes his move to muster the men for a march south.

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[Mary The Quene]

Riders arrive coming from Middleham castle bringing a letter written in feminine hand to lord Percy.

To Percy

To Lord Percy.

I am writing you in place of my husband who is residing in London for the moment.

My husband has been unresponsive to any communications since weeks and has locked himself up in his manor, horrible rumors abound that his mistress and bastard child died during childbirth. I think my husband will not take part in intrigue as he is still greatly hurt by that loss, my husband informed me in his last letter that he gave temporarily all authority to me aslong as he is in grief.

As for my self i am lost upon deciding what to do is the right path, i'm not sure what to do, perhaps you or your son can visit me to convince me?

Lady Margaret Neville (née Stafford), Baroness de Raby.

[Gandalfus]

The response comes from Bolingbroke. He advises caution in all matters, though he does desire for Neville to be won to their cause by any means necessary.

[General Brewster]

A letter arrives for the honorable lady Margaret Percy.

Letter

Dear Lady Margaret,


Your father the most honorable Lord Northumberland has granted me to privileged to write to you.
I shall shortly introduce myself M'lady. I am Edward of Norwich, and I wish to obtain your permission to write to you on a regular basis. I hope you would grant me this request.

Signed & Marked by the seal of York,
Edward of Norwich, 2 Duke of York, 2 Earl of Cambridge, Lord Warden of the Clique Ports, Lord High Steward, Knight of the Garter.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A will was written by Henry (Harry) Percy before his departure from Alnwick Castle: witnesses include his wife, his brothers, and notifications sent to his brothers-in-law, the Duke of York and the Earl of March.

Thus, the following inheritances will occur should Harry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland, die, unless a new will is written out before the time of his death:

• The only proper heir of Harry Percy, Edmund, son of Harry Percy and Elizabeth nee Mortimer, is to receive the entirely of his father's lands and is designated the successor to the titles, the Earldom of Northumberland and the Baron Percy. If the child is underage, Sir Thomas Percy, Harry's brother and the widow, Elizabeth nee Mortimer, are declared the regents over his lands and titles. In addition, both regents will oversee his education and ensure the proper upbringing of the young heir. Both shall also share in the duty of ensuring a proper match is found.
• If in the event that Edmund dies, noting that if this occurs in the case that Harry Percy is already dead and Edmund is declared his successor, the will states that the lands will be split between his two daughters, Mary and Maud. As such, Alnwick and lands attached to the Baron Percy (Northumberland and Yorkshire) shall be inherited by Mary Percy, as the eldest daughter, while the lands in Cumberland will be granted to Maud Percy. If in the event Mary dies, Maud shall inherit as sole heir.
• Afterwards, if in the event that all legitimate offspring of Harry Percy die, succession shall fall to Sir Thomas Percy and descend down the line through Harry's younger brothers.
• Margaret Percy, Duchess of York, will be granted 1/4 of the Earl's coffers upon her brother's death.

As such, by this document, the line of succession is set as:
1. Edmund Percy
2. Mary Percy (split with Maud)
3. Maud Percy
4. Sir Thomas Percy
5. Sir Ralph Percy
6. Sir Alan Percy
7. Sir Thomas Percy (Uncle)

There are no other mentioned recipients.

[General Brewster]

Some time after the former Earl of Northumberland had departed this world, Edward of Norwich, the Duke of York arrived to visit his extended family. Duchess Margret Percy-York of course also joined him.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Harry Percy was presently away from Alnwick when the Duke of York arrived. Elizabeth nee Mortimer, his wife, told the Duke and Duchess that he would be back in the afternoon as he was presently on his way home from inspecting Carlisle Castle, the headquarters to the Lord Warden of the Scottish Marches. Around two in the afternoon, Harry came returned to Alnwick with a train of mounted men-at-arms, his brother, Sir Ralph, and a couple other retainers. He knew someone was visiting when he noticed the new horses in the stables. The Lord Northumberland heads into the castle with Sir Ralph, finding his brother-in-law and sister being entertained in the main hall. He bows his head.

Welcome, Duke of York, I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. If I had known you were coming, I would have postponed my inspection.

Harry walks over to a servant who offer him a bowl of water to clean his hands and a towel to dry them with.

[General Brewster]

Edward & Margret had a nice conversation with Elizabeth, York raised from his seat to greet his brother in law.

"No need for the formalities Harry, we are family, no need for the apologies either. You could not have known we were coming. It was a visit long overdue so I made the call to just make the journey, see a little of the country."

Edward sighed, knowing he had to bring it but it pained him to do so. "I had great respect for your father Harry, it pained me deeply he died so shortly after the feast at Sandal... I felt like I perhaps asked to much of him, perhaps the journey's had a greater impact on his health. Never the less if I can ever do something for you, do tell me so!"

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was old age, Lord York. He always had the energy of his youth, I never once saw him tired.

Harry would walk over and take a seat at the table, joining his wife and the Duke and Duchess of York. He snaps his fingers as a servant rushes off to bring the Lord Northumberland and his guests some food and drink.

I thank you for the offer, my lord, but we will manage up here. Like we always have.

[General Brewster]

It was old age, Lord York. He always had the energy of his youth, I never once saw him tired.

Harry would walk over and take a seat at the table, joining his wife and the Duke and Duchess of York. He snaps his fingers as a servant rushes off to bring the Lord Northumberland and his guests some food and drink.

I thank you for the offer, my lord, but we will manage up here. Like we always have.

"Edward please." He replied while taking a bite of a freshly offered apple.

Edward said "Excellent apples Harry. " he really did enjoy the apple. He never thought they would be so good up in the north.

"Say Harry, Margaret and I had some... business with your father. Any chance he informed you on it?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Unfortunately no. My father kept to London during the remaining days of his life.

Harry would watch as food and drink were set out, allowing Northumberland to begin eating immediately.

I know he spoke to you and Lord Lancaster often. But as my duty was up North, I was never involved.