Warwick Castle, seat of the Beauchamps

[Barry Goldwater]

Warwick Castle had its origins as a fortress in a Saxon burh, though the first actual castle built on the site was a motte-and-bailey raised by the Conqueror in 1068 and handed off to Henry de Beaumont, William's constable and later 1st Earl of Warwick, soon after. This wooden castle was rebuilt in stone in the time of Henry FitzEmpress, the first Plantagenet king of England, and passed into the hands of the Beauchamp family nearly a century later when the Beaumonts and the Maudits who briefly succeeded them went extinct. The 11th Earl, Thomas de Beauchamp was responsible for the most recent upgrades to the castle 1330-60, comprised of two new towers, a gatehouse and a barbican all built to incorporate the latest advances in machicolation.

In the earliest parts of the 14th century, Warwick Castle was where Piers Gaveston - a famously sleazy favorite of King Edward II - was detained and eventually executed by a party of rebellious lords including the then-Earl of Warwick. No doubt this memory is something that Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick keeps in mind as he marches with the Appellants against another king surrounded by dubious flatterers...

Household

Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick Age: 50 (born 1338) Spouse: Margaret Ferrers (age 37) Traits: 6 pts to start +3 Battles +2 Personal Combat +1 (5%) Wealth Temperament: Phlegmatic/Choleric - 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. - 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. - Bloodthirsty: This character is hotheaded and loves to jump into fights, lethal or otherwise. This is not something others find endearing off the battlefield, though. +1 Battles, -1 to NPC reaction rolls. The 12th Earl of Warwick is a man in the mold of past Beauchamps, a stern warlord who cared little for the frivolous and idle pleasures of the royal court. He previously served under John of Gaunt in France, where they enjoyed unfortunately little success against the Fabian strategy employed by King Charles V and Bertrand du Guesclin, but where he sufficiently distinguished himself to be made a Knight of the Garter nonetheless; later, in 1385, he led a contingent of troops to join the King's ill-fated Scottish campaign. Needless to say, his personal experience in these failed campaigns haven't exactly given him much confidence in the abilities of King Richard's court to prosecute a war effectively. Still, the stoic, blunt and martial magnate may yet have been content to just pursue his own agenda and avoid direct confrontation with the king...if only Richard had not proven determined to make peace with the French, which would deny Thomas one of his great joys in life - war, and with it, opportunities for glory and enrichment. Thus did Beauchamp join the Lords Appellant, with whom he shared at least one common goal: restarting the Hundred Years' War and scuppering any efforts at peace talks for good, with the removal of the king's ineffectual and non-warmongering friends being a nice bonus. To that end, he now stands with the Appellants as they overthrow Richard's administration in all but name and impose their will on the country. Sir William de Beauchamp Age: 45 (born 1343) Spouse: None Traits: 6 pts to start +2 Battles +2 Personal Combat +1 Scout +1 Logistician Temperament: Choleric/Sanguine - Bloodthirsty: This character is hotheaded and loves to jump into fights, lethal or otherwise. This is not something others find endearing off the battlefield, though. +1 Battles, -1 to NPC reaction rolls. - Impulsive: This character acts before (sometimes, without) thinking. They might move and decide more quickly than others, but their recklessness can lead them to disaster as well. +5% movement speed, -1 to detection rolls. - 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). William de Beauchamp is the second son of the previous Earl of Warwick, also named Thomas de Beauchamp, and thus younger brother of the 12th Earl. A much more expressive man than his older kin, the tempestuous and emotionally volatile William is a bag of combined Beauchamp warmongering, gregariousness and irrepressible optimism. A less political figure, Beauchamp generally stays out of court intrigue (not that he's very good at it anyway) and is chiefly concerned with fighting wars in France and Wales, an activity which he considers to be the height of leisure. Other members of the Beauchamp household Warwick branch: Margaret Ferrers, Thomas' wife. Age 38, b. 1350. Richard de Beauchamp, Thomas and Margaret's son. Age 2.

Buildings

N/A

Demesne & income

Warwickshire: 1. Alcester/Aston Cantlow/Studley - Average Income. WARWICK. 2. Stratford/Breaudesert - Average Income. WARWICK. 3. Shipston/Halford/Whichford - Average Income. WARWICK. 4. Southam/Hanwell - Average Income. WARWICK. 5. Warwick/Coventry - Average Income. WARWICK. 6. Rugby - Average Income. WARWICK. 7. Atherstone/Astley/Hartshill - Average Income. WARWICK. 8. Meriden - Average Income. WARWICK. Leicestershire: 4. Lutterworth - Average Income. WARWICK. 5. Leicester - Average Income. WARWICK. 6. Barrow - Average Income. WARWICK. 7. Bosworth - Average Income. WARWICK. 8. Ashby/Melbourne - Average Income. WARWICK. 9. Donington - Average Income. WARWICK. Worcestershire: 2. Kidderminster/Caldwall/Hartlebury - Average Income. WARWICK. 4. Worcester - Average Income. WARWICK. 5. Droitwich - Average Income. WARWICK. 8. Evesham/Elmley - Average Income. WARWICK. 18 x 150 = 2700 pounds

Provincial bonuses

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).

Livery & retinue

Knights: Livery & retinue:

[The Mad Skylord]

A rider arrives, requesting an audience with Sir William de Beauchamp.

[Barry Goldwater]

The rider is informed that Sir William de Beauchamp is not present, as he is currently marching with John of Gaunt.

[The Mad Skylord]

The Baron of Maltravers arrived to see the honourable Earl of Warwick.

[Barry Goldwater]

The 13th Earl of Warwick was a boy of fourteen this year, a glum and solemn lad for his age. Though he was growing tall and handsome, with his brown curls now growing past his ears and his childish flabbiness beginning to give way to the famous Beauchamp warrior's build thanks to rigorous training sessions, the loss of both his parents at such a young age - his mother from illness, and his father from execution - had weighed heavily on him, and was reflected in the foggy quality to his grey eyes. Richard Beauchamp's tutors noted that he remained aloof and subdued as he grew up, dutiful but loath to remain in public for any longer than necessary, and certainly not very receptive to the idea of hosting visitors to Warwick Castle.

Still, the lad had to grow up sometime, and two recent visits by certain prominent noblemen would provide him with such opportunities for growth...

The Baron of Maltravers arrived to see the honourable Earl of Warwick.

Maltravers is directed to the main hall, where Warwick awaits and where a light meal had been prepared in advance by the ever dutiful host. While Richard motioned for Maltravers to take the seat opposite him with his eyes, the boy didn't actually say anything, instead just waiting for the baron to open their conversation.

Lord Kent arrives to Warwick castle one afternoon, with several retainers. His joints were again aching, he was growing old and gout was taking a toll on him. Beauchamp was the only peer still without a bride, and if Kent had something was a steady supply of daughters and sons to be married. Certainly, none better.

Warwick would also receive Kent in the castle's main hall, where fruit and vegetable dishes were being served - a testament to the austerity of the Beauchamp household, perhaps a lingering influence of the ever-militaristic 12th Earl. The younger earl was polite but unsmilimg as he addressed as his elder with two words:

"Lord Kent."

[Oznerol]

Lord Kent arrives to Warwick castle one afternoon, with several retainers. His joints were again aching, he was growing old and gout was taking a toll on him. Beauchamp was the only peer still without a bride, and if Kent had something was a steady supply of daughters and sons to be married. Certainly, none better.

[Oznerol]

"My Lord Warwick"

Said the stout earl. He wore a white hart badge.

"I'm glad to see you in health"

[Barry Goldwater]

"My Lord Warwick"

Said the stout earl. He wore a white hart badge.

"I'm glad to see you in health"

"Thank you." Was Richard's laconic reply. He could notice Kent had the gout, but had been sufficiently trained in etiquette to not bluntly point it out. That said, he'd heard fruit and vegetables had a positive effect on those afflicted with the disease, so perhaps the day's snacks would be beneficial to more than just himself after all.

Warwick decided to go straight to business after taking his seat, and motioning for the Earl to take one of the other chairs at the table. "So, what brings you to Warwick Castle?"

[Oznerol]

"Umpffff"

He grunted, while placing his left foot slightly over the ground, using a pillow he had requested for that purpose. One of his hands was swollen, he tried to cover it. His former mass of muscle was turning fat increasingly fast and his hair was graying rapidly.

"I believe you are still unmarried. My daughter Joan, sweet as a dove, would be a fitting match, or so I believe, my Lord"

[Barry Goldwater]

"Umpffff"

He grunted, while placing his left foot slightly over the ground, using a pillow he had requested for that purpose. One of his hands was swollen, he tried to cover it. His former mass of muscle was turning fat increasingly fast and his hair was graying rapidly.

"I believe you are still unmarried. My daughter Joan, sweet as a dove, would be a fitting match, or so I believe, my Lord"

The aloof Earl of Warwick had long disdained interaction (beyond what was absolutely necessary) with his adult tutors and boys his own age, much less girls. So, though he had been informed of the need to marry and father an heir to carry the Beauchamp name onward, being confronted so rapidly and out-of-the-blue with a marriage prospect predictably flustered him: the boy's face rapidly took on the color of a tomato, and he sputtered in a most ungentlemanly fashion, which he quickly tried to cover up with a coughing fit. 'You know you need a wife, you're of marrying age, and Father would approve of you siring grandchildren for him from his place at the Lord's side,' one part of his mind told him. 'That's mad, you don't even know this girl, and you're terrible at making friends so what makes you think you won't be a terrible husband?' another cautioned him.

Ultimately however, the Beauchamps were known for taking risky gambling gambits when they felt it necessary (even if it meant potentially losing everything, as was the case with the old Warwick), and in that regard Richard wasn't all that different from his old man. That, and he couldn't think of any other marriage prospects, though that was probably because - being an isolationist teenager - he had never bothered to research his fellow peers for that sort of thing.

"I...you are correct, my lord of Kent. I am still unwed, and I suppose that must change." Warwick cleared his throat. "I should like to meet your daughter sometime. Do - should we sign a contract for the betrothal, or something like that, in the meantime?" Realizing he sounded like a fool in those last two seconds, Warwick reflexively tried to justify himself. "I am not familiar with the conventions around marriage, unfortunately. But that is what I have heard." The earl was at his best when tilting at straw men on horseback or sparring with squires in the yard, and matters of love and wedding were practically allergens to him.

-----------

Edward of Norwich, the Duke of York Arrived at Warwick Castle with his 16 knight's. Taking a moment to look at the amazing castle, Edward had been a fan of castles since he was a little lad.

York is welcomed into Warwick Castle with little fanfare, as usual for the reclusive young lord of Warwick. In the main hall, Richard Beauchamp greets him in his typical laconic fashion, though he did manage to double the length of his welcoming statement from his previous interaction with Kent.

"My lord of York."

[Oznerol]

The aloof Earl of Warwick had long disdained interaction (beyond what was absolutely necessary) with his adult tutors and boys his own age, much less girls. So, though he had been informed of the need to marry and father an heir to carry the Beauchamp name onward, being confronted so rapidly and out-of-the-blue with a marriage prospect predictably flustered him: the boy's face rapidly took on the color of a tomato, and he sputtered in a most ungentlemanly fashion, which he quickly tried to cover up with a coughing fit. 'You know you need a wife, you're of marrying age, and Father would approve of you siring grandchildren for him from his place at the Lord's side,' one part of his mind told him. 'That's mad, you don't even know this girl, and you're terrible at making friends so what makes you think you won't be a terrible husband?' another cautioned him.

Ultimately however, the Beauchamps were known for taking risky gambling gambits when they felt it necessary (even if it meant potentially losing everything, as was the case with the old Warwick), and in that regard Richard wasn't all that different from his old man. That, and he couldn't think of any other marriage prospects, though that was probably because - being an isolationist teenager - he had never bothered to research his fellow peers for that sort of thing.

"I...you are correct, my lord of Kent. I am still unwed, and I suppose that must change." Warwick cleared his throat. "I should like to meet your daughter sometime. Do - should we sign a contract for the betrothal, or something like that, in the meantime?" Realizing he sounded like a fool in those last two seconds, Warwick reflexively tried to justify himself. "I am not familiar with the conventions around marriage, unfortunately. But that is what I have heard." The earl was at his best when tilting at straw men on horseback or sparring with squires in the yard, and matters of love and wedding were practically allergens to him.

"A contract would be required, of course, as any agreement should be binding by law"

Said Kent.

Where was this boy educated? The lords that should have warded him have completely neglected their obligations, sadly. At least I tried to taught some sense into Mortimer, and God be witness of my efforts, whatever he might think of me.

"You might meet my daughter whenever you want, Lord Warwick. The doors of my home are open to your Lordship, anytime"

He moved in the seat, uncomfortable, his swollen joints ached.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Lord Beauchamp" Edward coldly replied.

"Any place we could perhaps talk in the private sphere?"

"My solar." Warwick replied, still as laconic as ever. Why does this man, who I do not know in the slightest, want a private audience? He wondered. He'd heard little of the Duke of York, save that he once got into an altercation with King Richard.

"A contract would be required, of course, as any agreement should be binding by law"

Said Kent.

Where was this boy educated? The lords that should have warded him have completely neglected their obligations, sadly. At least I tried to taught some sense into Mortimer, and God be witness of my efforts, whatever he might think of me.

"You might meet my daughter whenever you want, Lord Warwick. The doors of my home are open to your Lordship, anytime"

He moved in the seat, uncomfortable, his swollen joints ached.

"Excellent. I will try to visit as soon as I can." With that, Warwick realized he had nothing left to say. He relaxed slightly in his chair and made up his mind to wait for Kent to say anything else; if that did not come to pass, well, he wouldn't mind spending the rest of the meeting eating grapes and making idle small talk to the best of his ability, either.

[General Brewster]

Edward of Norwich, the Duke of York Arrived at Warwick Castle with his 16 knight's. Taking a moment to look at the amazing castle, Edward had been a fan of castles since he was a little lad.

[General Brewster]

"Lord Beauchamp" Edward coldly replied.

"Any place we could perhaps talk in the private sphere?"

[Oznerol]

"Uh, eh. Right"

Said Kent, slightly confused by his host's manners.

"I shall have a rest before leaving, my Lord, if that isn't an issue with you"

[General Brewster]

"Lord Beauchamp. I presume I may say Richard of course. To which degree are you ... updated on the events at court?" Edward asked while taking a seat. He looked over if there was any wine but he could not see it. A pity he thought.

"A pitty you were left fatherless at such an age." Edward noted.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Uh, eh. Right"

Said Kent, slightly confused by his host's manners.

"I shall have a rest before leaving, my Lord, if that isn't an issue with you"

"Not at all." Warwick replied simply. Despite his lack of social graces, even young Beauchamp knew better than to kick one's ailing future father-in-law out of his castle.

"Lord Beauchamp. I presume I may say Richard of course. To which degree are you ... updated on the events at court?" Edward asked while taking a seat. He looked over if there was any wine but he could not see it. A pity he thought.

"A pitty you were left fatherless at such an age." Edward noted.

"I am aware that you and the King got into some sort of altercation, a few years ago. Besides that, I cannot say I am up-to-date with matters at court. Reading, sparring and lessons of history and stewardship have kept me busy." Warwick crossed his arms. The last thing he wanted was to come anywhere near the pit of snakes that his father jumped into, and promptly died in. And speaking of his father, he hadn't failed to notice that York brought Earl Thomas up out of the blue, either, though he didn't respond - Warwick had no idea if the duke was playing at something, expressing his genuine sympathy, or some mixture of both, and consequently decided it'd be safest to withhold his comments for now. Instead he continued, "Why do you ask?"

[General Brewster]

Edward nodded in acknowledgement of Beauchamp's statement. Sadly, he still had not spotted any wine.

"Very much so indeed." Edward said.

"We should spar sometimes. I find myself proficient in it as well. Say Richard, the loss of your father must've provoked certain feelings of distrust in the courts?"

[Barry Goldwater]

Edward nodded in acknowledgement of Beauchamp's statement. Sadly, he still had not spotted any wine.

"Very much so indeed." Edward said.

"We should spar sometimes. I find myself proficient in it as well. Say Richard, the loss of your father must've provoked certain feelings of distrust in the courts?"

"Obviously." Was Warwick's curt reply. He didn't mean to be rude - just honest. How was he supposed to trust a court where the stakes of labyrinthine political machinations included his old man's head, after all?

Richard also did not fail to notice York glancing about, as if looking for something. As he was not a mind-reader nor had it occurred to someone as cloistered as he was that he should be serving wine (or really, anything at this point), he deigned to ask more politely, "Are you looking for something, Your Grace?"

[General Brewster]

"Yes" York quickly replied.

"I'm rather thirsty and hoped to spot a fine bottle of wine."

Edward coughed to demonstrate how thirsty he was.

"Lord Warwick, I am part of a larger group of men, spearheaded by the duke of Lancaster who oppose the tyrannical rule of the King. We thought you would perhaps have ... certain feelings against the king."