Pleshey Castle, Buckingham's Estates

[Lucius Malfoy]

When Thomas of Woodstock was married to Eleanor de Bohun in 1376, he was given Pleshey Castle, along with a portion of the de Bohun inheritance, as a result of the union between Plantagenet and de Bohun, forming the foundations for the House of Gloucester. His fortunes did not end there, for within the next few years, Thomas, the youngest son of Edward III, was knighted and made Earl of Buckingham (1377). In 1385, elevated to the Duke of Aumale and the Duke of Gloucester, the latter became his primary title. He has remained a notable member of the realm, serving as a royally appointed official and leading campaigns during the Hundred Years War.

Character Information

House of Gloucester - Branch of House Plantagenet The House of Plantagenet has ruled the lands of England for over three hundred years. Fathered by Geoffrey Plantagenet, the Duke of Anjou, the dynasty would propel itself into a grand inheritance, starting with Henry II. From him, a number of great kings would follow; Richard the Lionheart, Edward the Longshanks, and Edward III are among them. Presently, the House of Plantagenet is separated by the various sons of Edward III, the youngest of these branches is led by Thomas of Woodstock. Thomas of Woodstock is the youngest of five sons born of Edward III and his wife, Philippa of Hainaut. In 1376, the young Plantagenet was married to Eleanor de Bohun, who brought with her a portion of the estates belonging to the de Bohun family. Yet a dispute arose when her sister, Mary de Bohun, was married off to Thomas's nephew, Henry of Bolingbroke. A year after his marriage, Thomas was knighted and made the Earl of Buckingham. Almost ten years later, he was granted a pair of dukedoms; Gloucester and Aumale. He is noted, among the sons of Edward III, for campaigning extensively in favor of John IV, who was the Duke of Brittany, on and off, throughout the phase of the Hundred Years War, conducted by Edward III. In light of recent events, the Duke of Gloucester has risen to become the leader of the Lords Appellant, whose desires were to wrestle power from Richard II and remove those favorites that tainted the English government. Supported by Arundel, Warwick, Nottingham and Derby, Woodstock made his move in 1387, launching an armed rebellion that resulted in de Vere fleeing for Ireland, leaving the road open for London. In 1389, after a bloodless counter-coup, Thomas of Woodstock was arrested and attained for high treason. As a result, he was executed for his misdeeds against the Crown and his titles of Gloucester and Aumale were forfeit. That very same year, however, Humphrey Plantagenet was named the 2nd Earl of Essex and Buckingham, having inherited the whole of his father's estates. Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester (deceased) Name: Thomas of Woodstock, fifth son of Edward III Titles: 1st Duke of Gloucester, 1st Duke of Aumale, 1st Earl of Buckingham, 1st Earl of Essex and Knight of the Garter Age: 32 (b. 1355) (d. 1389) Marital Status: Married to Eleanor de Bohun Children: - Humphrey Plantagenet (b. 1381) - Anne of Gloucester (b. 1383) - Married to the Earl of Stafford - Joan Plantagenet (b. 1384) - Married to the Lord of Furnival - Isabel Plantagenet (b. 1385) - Unmarried Humphrey of Buckingham Name: Humphrey of Buckingham, son of Thomas of Woodstock, grandson of Edward III Titles: 1st Duke of Buckingham, 2nd Earl of Buckingham and 2nd Earl of Essex Age: 19 (b. 1381) Marital Status: married to Joan Stafford (1378), sister of the Earl of Stafford Children: - Eleanor of Buckingham (b. 1400) 61-80 is a healthy child; +2 against all diseases/plagues and natural causes death rolls. Females get +5 on birth rolls. Skill(s) (6 points): +2 Survival, +3 Charisma, -1 Duels, -1 Joust, +1 Detection, -5% movement Speed, +1 Infantry Commander Temperament: Phlegmatic (Dominant) - Empathic: +2 to AI reaction rolls, -1 to battle/joust/duel rolls. - Reserved: +1 battle rolls, -1 to AI reaction rolls. Melancholic (Subservient) - Meticulous: +1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed.

Building Information

Tier 1 1. Tenant Homesteads: +10% estate income 2. Monastic Sponsorship: +1 charisma, +1 AI interactions with Clergy 3. Blacksmith Charters: -5% troop upkeep and recruitment cost Tier 2 1. Rented Properties: +15% estate income

Demense & Income Information

Total Income - £3,450 (8 Average and 3 Prosperous) With modifiers = £3,795 (+10% from buildings) Essex: - Chelmsford/Pleshey - Prosperous Income. - Braintree - Prosperous Income. - Dunmow - Prosperous Income. Buckinghamshire: - Wycombe - Average Income. - Aylesbury - Average Income. - Winslow/Bolebec - Average Income. - Buckingham - Average Income. - Wing - Average Income. Berkshire - Wantage - Average Income. Northamptonshire: - Brixworth - Average Income. - Daventry - Average Income.

Military Information

Tier 1 - Mounted Gentry - 60 Men-at-Arms Total: 60 men Tier 2 - Yeomen - 140 Yeomen Archers - 200 Yeomen Foot Total: 340 men Tier 3 - Knaves Total: 1,600 men (max)

Provincial Bonuses

Essex (Primary Residence) 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. 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 rol Buckinghamshire 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. Northamptonshire 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.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Two mounted men bearing the livery of Stafford -a red chevron upon an orange field- led the Earl's entrance into the London manor of Thomas of Woodstock. Thomas Stafford, the young new Earl of Staffordshire, dismounted and reached for his hankerchief. He dabbed his wet nose and sniffed, waving away the stable boy who took his reins. He wore clothes plain enough for a ride, but his status was betrayed by a large ruby ring on his finger and a gold chain hanging about his neck. His whispy beard attempted to conceal the scars of facial blemishes upon his face, betraying his youth. He hoped he would find Thomas within. His father's sudden passing in such a tempestuous time as this had left his house bereft of strong leadership and they had been conspicuously left out of this group of Appellant Lords. With the King caught off guard in the matter, it was not a time to be left behind.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Earl of Stafford was shown into the estate of the Duke of Gloucester and Aumale by the Duke's own guards. Once in the courtyard, a servant would bring Thomas Stafford to where His Grace was presently at; which was by a pond, feeding the fish with his young son, Humphrey, as well as his wife, the Lady Eleanor de Bohun. Humphrey was a boy of 7 and was amused by the fish that surfaced to eat the bread crumbs, tossed from his father's hands. It made Lady Eleanor smile to hear their son giggle and yell 'fish!' whenever one would rise up to grab a bite before diving back down. Eleanor then notices the Earl approaching, making her rise to get her husband's attention. The Duke of Gloucester turns to Stafford, beckoning for a servant to pick up their son and take him over to his mother. After cleaning his hands with a rag offered by another servant, Thomas approaches Stafford.

My Lord Stafford, welcome! Been a long time since we last spoke with each, when your father was alive unfortunately... it is still sad to think of his untimely death. Yet he is in Heaven and at peace, God rest his soul.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Stafford cleared his throat and offered his hand "Lord Gloucester." he began "My thanks, it is my hope that my father is, uh, within the kingdom of heaven." he wiped his running nose. "You are most kind." he concluded. "My fathers death has come as a shock, he was still a virile man at his age. The workings of the divine will are a mystery as ever. I trust that our arrangements remain intact however, and that my betrothal to your daughter will not be disturbed."

[Lucius Malfoy]

I am a man of my word, my Lord Stafford. The arrangements made between my daughter, Anne of Gloucester, and yourself still remain intact. I do not see any reason why they should be altered.

A servant approaches the two lords, offering a cup of wine to both the Duke and Earl. He motions for Stafford to follow him as they took a small stroll around the pond they were within proximity to.

It will be some time till Anne is of age of course, but I know she looks forward to do day that she can be your wife. Her mother speaks highly of you within Anne's presence.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Thomas took the wine, sniffing it and taking a small sip. "As I expected, it may be a decade or more, but I shall maintain a manly virtue in my vigil for her hand in marriage." He wanted to maintain an utterly Christian outlook in the matter of the marriage lest his virtue be called into question. "I have some other matter to discuss, Thomas." He said venturing into a less formal mode of address. They were nominally equals after all. "This business with the King, I am distressed that my House was not consulted. It rather smacks of...being ignored by the peers of the Realm."

[Lucius Malfoy]

You are young, Thomas, and have much to learn. I did not wish to involve you in something that you may not be fully ready for. After all, youth flies by and I thought that you would want to enjoy it without the burden of stately matters.

Yet, thought Gloucester, the Lords Appellant could always use more allies. The Staffords were a notable family and, though the betrothal was set in stone, where the young Stafford stood was still undetermined.

However, do you feel that you wish to be involved with this, Lord Stafford? If you feel like you weren't consulted, then I would like to hear your feelings on what has presently happened.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Thomas felt affronted and took a moment to gather his wits and his courage. "Re-regardless of my youth, I am the Earl of Staffordshire now. It is my duty as the head of my House and Earl and Lord of my lands to assert our interests in the Realm's affairs." Stafford sipped at the wine nervously. "It is obvious to me that the King has been misled as to the best interests of the Realm by those who stand in accusation. And yet, to speak out against those the King loves may be hazardous. I would want to be secure in my friends before I took such a step."

[Lucius Malfoy]

You must take risks sometimes, Lord Stafford. I am able to take such risks due to my own reputation through the campaigns in Brittany during the reign of my father, Edward III.

The Duke of Gloucester sips his wine, strolling calmly beside the young Stafford.

True, to go against the King and even speak against him invites trouble, yet the King is beholden to the realm of England and Parliament. If Parliament were to vote in favor of the Lords Appellant, then the King must comply or else risk angering the whole of the realm. And given those around me that share my views of those evil councilors that corrupt the King, His Majesty would be more willing to comply given the power we hold.

He then pauses and turns, offering a smile at Thomas.

Yet know that we seek to right the wrongs, not to obstruct the King in any way. England must not be seen weak, yet it has been made weak by these wicked men that surround the King.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Stafford pondered this for a moment. Not to intend the King slight and to slight the King were not the same thing. "As you say, my lord." he replied. "All the same, I would support your position in parliament provided all our prior arrangements concerning marriage are left uninterrupted and that in future I may be invited to participate long before events come to a close. I am young but not without education."

[Lucius Malfoy]

As I said before, you shall be counted as my son by law and marriage one day. Just as Humphrey will one day count you as his brother.

The Duke of Gloucester smiles as he continues to drink his wine. He glances across the pond to his son and wife where Humphrey was being educated to read by one of his tutors.

I will see to it that you are invited to join us then, Stafford. You represent a powerful family, nonetheless. Your backing will still go a long ways.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Thank you, Your Grace." He concluded, setting the empty wine cup down gingerly. "When Parliament assembles you may expect my support."

[The Mad Skylord]

A rider arrives from Arundel, demanding to see a representative of the Duke.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The representative of the Duke turned out to be his wife, Lady Eleanor de Bohun. She had been seeing that her family was well and safe in light of the recent arrest of her husband, the Duke of Gloucester. From the gatehouse, the Lady de Bohun speaks.

​Speak, messenger! What do you want from me?

[Gandalfus]

A letter arrives at Pleshey, delivered by a man in Lancastrian colours. It is sealed with Gaunt's personal badge.

Noble Duchess,

I am aggrieved to hear of my brother's arrest for treason and subsequent attainder that has deprived your son of his ancestral lands. I assure thee, my lady, I shall do my utmost to unsure my dear brother Gloucester is granted a just but merciful sentencing by my nephew of England, and defend the rights of his heirs should, God forbid it, anything befall him.

John of Ghent, Duke of Lancaster.

[Gandalfus]

Lancaster arrives before Pleshey, escorted by a sizeable retinue that visibly carries his standard. The Duke requests entry, with the intention of speaking with his brother's wife.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The gates of the estate are opened to the Duke of Lancaster even as his soldiers are spotted by the gatehouse guards. The Lady de Bohun arrives to see her brother by law, standing next to her was her son and Lancasters nephew, Humphrey. Eleanor bows to the Duke, with her son following suit.

"Your Grace, you are most welcomed. Do you have any news of my husband? How is he being treated? What is to happen to him?"

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[Gandalfus]

The gates of the estate are opened to the Duke of Lancaster even as his soldiers are spotted by the gatehouse guards. The Lady de Bohun arrives to see her brother by law, standing next to her was her son and Lancasters nephew, Humphrey. Eleanor bows to the Duke, with her son following suit.

"Your Grace, you are most welcomed. Do you have any news of my husband? How is he being treated? What is to happen to him?"

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"My sister of Gloucester. Nephew." Lancaster greeted the Duchess and then in turn, Humphrey. "I come bearing hope for thee: my brother Gloucester is to be put on trial before the realm's Peers. I shall preside over said trial, so at least he has a chance to try and prove his innocence." Though that's more than he offered to Burley. Gaunt mused darkly. "By all accounts, he resides in relative comfort in the Tower, under guard."

[The Mad Skylord]

The messenger replies;

"My Lady, the Earl of Arundel has raised arms in an effort toto rescue your husband from certain execution! He requests that you aid in this effort by providing troops!"[/color]

[Lucius Malfoy]

@Sky:

"I have been assured of my husbands safety and defense by his brother, the Duke of Lancaster. To send troops against the rebelling Arundel would only ensure his death. I cannot risk my husbands life in such circumstances."

@Gandalf

The Lady Eleanor sighs in relief, having been stressed over the life of her husband and the future of her children. To know that Lancaster, who was sympathetic to Gloucester's innocence, was to preside over the trial made her hopeful.

"I can rest easy now, but I fear more though than just that. A day ago, a messenger from Arundel came, demanding soldiers from me! I could not dare give soldiers only to sentence my husband to certain death. For I could never betray my husband and King only to give up my husband's life."

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