Betchworth Castle, Shrewsbury Estates

**The Mad Skylord** · February 22, 2017, 05:55 AM

Betchworth Castle was built as an earthen work fortification in the 11th century. In 1373 the castle was granted to Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel. His son, John FitzAlan, 1st Baron Arundel, was given license to fortify the earthen works and turn it into a stone castle in 1379. Since then, it has passed into the hands of his son, John FitzAlan, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, 2nd Baron Maltravers and 2nd Baron Arundel.

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**Gandalfus** · February 27, 2017, 09:33 AM

The Earl of Hereford arrives at Maltravers Manor, accompanied by a party of retainers wearing Lancastrian or Bohun livery. They request to be admitted into the Baron's presence.

**The Mad Skylord** · February 27, 2017, 06:17 PM

The Earl of Hereford is welcomed into Betchworth Castle with as much ceremony as can be mustered. Not very close observation will reveal a lack of any of the hordes of servants and luxuries that the Earl of Arundel had liked. The Baron of Maltrevers was positively spartan by contrast. Baron Maltrevers sat at a desk, munching and apple and reading a book. He motioned for Hereford to take a seat as he poured out two goblets of wine. "My lord" crunch, crunch "How can I help you?"

**Gandalfus** · February 28, 2017, 04:13 AM

Hereford took the seat opposite Maltravers, gingerly taking a sip from the goblet.

"Maltravers." Hereford began, "My father told me of your proposal to institute a set of provisions, similar to the provisions of Oxford and Westminster." Old Gaunt had of course not approved of this, but Bolingbroke's own mind swam with possibilities, especially after the King began talk of appointing a Holland as his heir. "I would be interested in introducing such a proposal, even though my father was not."

**The Mad Skylord** · February 28, 2017, 09:11 AM

Instantly Bolingbroke had the full attention of Maltrevers, who closed the book sharply, with a loud wumpff! and almost comically threw his half eaten apple out of the window to the small stables below. "I never would have imagined your interest, Lord Henry, seeing as you were lucky not to lose your head like three of the Appellants."

He took a sip of wine thoughtfully. "Are you interested in genuine reform or wrestling power from Richard II?" he waved dismissively. "Not that it matters, if performed with a greater degree of competence than Woodstock, it will achieve both."

**Gandalfus** · February 28, 2017, 10:44 AM

"The King has shown his favouritism to a select few courtiers who actively dominate political matters. That is my concern." Answered Hereford abruptly, annoyed by FitzAlan and his nonchalant attitude to such a weighty matter.

**The Mad Skylord** · February 28, 2017, 04:56 PM

FitzAlan became a little more serious as he nodded slowly. He leaned forwards. "The King will reject any proposal made and he will outright hang the signatories if he wishes too. Achieving this goal will be difficult, but not impossible."

Maltravers leaned back and sighed lightly. "My initial thought was to have such a motion passed through the Commons - easy enough to do if you grease the right wheels. I am not quite sure how to force its implementation from there."

**Gandalfus** · February 28, 2017, 05:45 PM

"The Commons wouldn't have the power to pass such a law." Bolingbroke acknowledged, glad that they were finally getting down to serious business. He tapped his fingers on the table rhythmically. "The King would have to consent to these provisions, if we wish reform to be passed. Though you overestimate his power, he cannot execute us for simply speaking out, if there are many in support of this motion." With the Appellants, few had supported their cause, which led to their weakness. It had been a chance to seriously weaken the power of the monarch. "We may have to be patient, bide our time, covertly gather allies."

**The Mad Skylord** · February 28, 2017, 06:42 PM

Arundel unconsciously tapped his foot at the same rhythm as Bolingbroke's drumming fingers. "Which brings us to an important decision. Who can we trust enough to form the inner core of this motion? No doubt we can find signatories, but we must have men who are with us all the way, men resolute and trustworthy."

FitzAlan paused and looked out the window, thinking. "There is Mowbray. Courtenay. Beauchamp. Perhaps Thomas Mortimer. I am unsure of whom we can begin to initiate."

**Gandalfus** · March 01, 2017, 10:08 AM

"Mowbray." Bolingbroke nodded his assent. He considered the now Earl of Norfolk a like-minded ally, perhaps even a friend. "Beauchamp is but a child. Courtenay is an option, though the Earls of Devon have not involved themselves in the realm's politics much of late. Perhaps one of the northern lords... Percy?" Neville was a king's man, and would certainly not work against Richard while he continued to be in his favour.

**The Mad Skylord** · March 01, 2017, 04:10 PM

Arundel tapped the desk idly. "There are two Beauchamps. As for Percy, I am unsure of the man's affiliations. He certainly managed to descend into the south to fight the Earl of Arundel's open rebellion. I can understand the southern lords, but Percy was hundreds of miles away. Perhaps de Clifford?"

Maltravers took a sip of wine. "We should also recruit the Bastard Uncle of Mortimer. He is a hard man, sympathetic to the original cause of the Appellants and he is deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ireland - opening the doors for us to gain support with the Norman-Gael families."

OOC: I know Clifford is NPC, btw.

**Gandalfus** · March 01, 2017, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by The Mad Skylord

Arundel tapped the desk idly. "There are two Beauchamps. As for Percy, I am unsure of the man's affiliations. He certainly managed to descend into the south to fight the Earl of Arundel's open rebellion. I can understand the southern lords, but Percy was hundreds of miles away. Perhaps de Clifford?"

Maltravers took a sip of wine. "We should also recruit the Bastard Uncle of Mortimer. He is a hard man, sympathetic to the original cause of the Appellants and he is deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ireland - opening the doors for us to gain support with the Norman-Gael families."

OOC: I know Clifford is NPC, btw.

"So two knights and Mowbray. Not the most promising start." Bolingbroke chuckled ruefully, considering their options. Perhaps this effort would simply be wasted on nothing. "We may be able to convince Salisbury, though forcing the man from his self-imposed neutrality will be a task in itself."

**General Brewster** · March 07, 2017, 10:32 AM

A letter arrives carrying the seal of York.

Lord Maltravers,

You are hereby invited to Sandal Castle for a dinner.
We expect you attend.

Signed by,
Edmund the Duke of York, KG, Lord High Steward.

**The Mad Skylord** · March 07, 2017, 10:53 AM

Maltravers raised an eyebrow. Expected? He'd soon see about that.

**Oznerol** · April 03, 2017, 07:03 AM

A royal clerk and several guardsmen arrive with a sealed document before witnesses: Maltravers is to pay what he owes the Crown immediately, or proper measures will be undertaken. The payment has been waiting for four years.

**The Mad Skylord** · April 09, 2017, 03:58 PM

Maltravers swaggered down the stairs of Betchworth Castle and glanced at the Royal Clerk thoughtfully. He was bored of loitering around England, waiting for Bolingbroke to make his move. Leaning on the banisters, he arrogantly looked down on the guards, his sword hand twitched. He wondered if he could single handedly kill them. "I shall accompany you to London to pay my dues."

He suddenly had a rather brilliant idea. He glanced at one of his own guards. "Go and fetch my Uncle from York, Robert. I've had an excellent idea." He strolled off to mount his horse.

**Gandalfus** · April 23, 2017, 11:59 AM

An envoy arrives from Lancaster. The message is a very simple request: if Maltravers is still interested in what was previously discussed, then he should come to Halton, Cheshire.

**The Mad Skylord** · April 23, 2017, 06:23 PM

Maltravers heard the envoy out with delight. It did not take long for the Baron to spring from his chair. "Bring me arms and armour! Prepare the horses for the march! We're off to Halton with haste!"