Percy Estates

[Lucius Malfoy]

Percy Household

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland Titles: 4th Earl of Northumberland, 2nd Earl of Cumberland, 3rd Baron Egremont and 7th Baron Percy Age: 32 (b. 1449) Marital Status: married to Elizabeth de Vere, sister of Audrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford (barren) Children: 2 daughters and 1 son - Eleanor Percy (b. 1469) (d. 1473) - Edmund Percy (b. 1471) - Elizabeth Percy (b. 1473) (betrothed to Arthur Tudor) Traits (6 points): +2 Battle, +2 Survival, +1 Logistican, +1 Personal Combat Temperaments: Choleric: - Bloodthirsty: +1 Battles, -1 Charisma. - Impulsive: +5% movement speed, -1 to detection rolls. Phlegmatic: - Austere: +5% income, -1 Charisma. Edward Percy, Baron Poyning Titles: 6th Baron Poynings Age: 17 (b. 1464) Marital Status: Betrothed to Elizabeth de Vere (b. 1464), daughter of Audrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford Children: N/A Traits (6 points): +5% Wealth, +2 Survival, +1 Personal Combat, +2 Charisma Temperaments: Phlegmatic: - Austere: +5% income, -1 Charisma. - Empathic: +2 Charisma, -1 to battle/joust/duel rolls. Choleric: - Ill-Tempered: +1 Duels, -1 Battles.

Income and Estates

Castle Possessions ​Northumberland Alnwick Castle (Main residence) Yorkshire Spofforth Castle Topcliffe Castle Cumberland Cockermouth Castle Sussex Poynings Manor Total Income - £2200 Yorkshire 22. Easingwold - Prosperous Income. Northumberland 1. Norham/Berwick - Sparse Income. 2. Bamburgh/Belford - Sparse Income. 4. Alnwick/Warkworth/Dunstanburgh/Chillingham - Sparse Income. 10. Morpeth/Belsay/Mitford - Sparse Income. Cumberland 2. Penrith/Brougham/Armathwaite/Yanwath - Sparse Income. 4. Wigton/Rose - Poor Income. 5. Workington - Poor Income. 6. Egremont/Ennerdale - Poor Income.

Levy and Household Guard

Northumberland Retinue 100 Yeomen Archers 200 Yeomen Footmen

Buildings

Northumberland0[B Tier 1[/B] - Tenant Homesteads: +5% estate income Poynings WIP

Regional Bonuses

Northumberland 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. 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).

This is a mega-thread as the overall Estates controlled within the same family. However, they will be controlled by a couple different landholders in the future.

If you wish to speak with Lord Northumberland, Henry (IV) Percy, his main headquarters will be at Alnwick Castle.

If you wish to speak with Baron Poynings, Edward Percy, his residence will be at Poynings Manor in Sussex.

[Gandalfus]

A letter arrives, penned in the neat hand of John Holland, heir to the Duke of Exeter. It expresses, firstly, concern over His Majesty's death, but then elaborates upon some better news. The Earl's sister was pregnant, and John had reason to believe that it was a boy - Holland wished to celebrate this joyous occasion somehow, though it is not explained in writing what Exeter's eldest son had in mind.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Percy had been well concerned about the death of the King as well for two reasons. The first and foremost being the border, if the Scottish Kingdom learned of this, certainly raids would increase. Such news forced him to put more soldiers on the border and keep regular patrols between encampments and fortifications. The second reason was the Woodvilles, who had constantly been an enemy of his family. Now rumors were abound that his sister was dead and Percy certainly blames the vile Woodvilles for it. Although Henry had kept his head down, they may still seek further retribution upon his family.

After reading the letter, he writes back to his good brother-in-law, showing equal concern in light of the King's death. He further shows his joy in becoming an uncle, speaking of a desire that his father had been around to meet his unborn grandchild. As for the latter point of a joyous occasion, Northumberland asked when and where. Recalling the alliances built by his father, Henry suspected that Tudor would certainly be invited as well.

[Gandalfus]

Holland's letter came in reply. The Marquess of Dorset suggested one of the manors in Saint Albans, where he had established his own household.

[Lucius Malfoy]

With the message in hand, Lord Percy leaves command of the north to his aged uncle, Sir Ralph, and a few trusted retainers. He gathered up an escort of riders, departing Alnwick by the end of the month for Saint Albans.

[Oznerol]

Margaret Beaufort herself arrives to Percy's doorstep.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Percy, freshly returned from seeing his brother-in-law and sister in Dorset, had barely settled back down in Alnwick when a servant told his master the arrival of Lady Beaufort. Percy waves the servant away, after ordering the man to bring out the good wine and food for their guest. He proceeds to the courtyard of the castle, briskly. He could be seen coming down the hallway as the main doors open, flanked by a pair of guards, as he came to welcome Lady Beaufort personally.

Lady Beaufort! Ah, if only you had told me sooner that you were coming, I would sent an escort to bring you into my castle.

He gives a warm smile to the mother of Henry Tudor, who his father had helped in the past, by ensuring the Earldom of Pembroke returned to the Tudor heir. They were practically neighbors in the North, after all.

Come come! Let's get you out of this Northern chill and into my warm hall. How is your son, my Lord Richmond? I hear his marriage with Holland has brought him a few children, hasn't it?

[Oznerol]

"You are far too gentle"

She smiled kindly.

"My son's wife has indeed borne many sons healthy scions of his house. My good Arthur is growing into a promising lad: there is no subject he ignores in his studies, and no bow he cannot bend, even if he's shy of his nine year"

Said Margaret with pride.

"And two children followed: ruddy Henry and sweet Mary"

She grabs Percy's arm with familiarity, to walk by his side.

"But my, my, tell me how's everything here in the North, my dear Northumberland"

[Lucius Malfoy]

At one time, they could have been husband and wife, but Margaret had politely refused, due the condition of her own body after the birth of Henry. Yet Lord Northumberland still valued the Lady Beaufort, despite the arrangement never coming to being. It was all thanks to the efforts of their father, who in a short time and little royal favor garnered, had assured Henry Tudor of a dual inheritance. Percy knew to keep the Tudors close from there on.

What can I say, mi'lady, its cold up here. To the south, we see York and Durham, glistening gems of Northern England. Across the border... well a bunch of Scots. They keep to their side and we keep to ours, for now.

Henry grins at Margaret. Alnwick had known some peace since the attempt to reclaim Berwick from the Scots, a campaign that amounted to nothing in the end. Though skirmishes and raids still continued, March law had remained well enforced under Henry the Elder and now Henry the Younger. Hopefully the peace would continue for his son, Edmund, a boy of mere ten years old. He suspected the boy was playing somewhere, after having his necessary lessons for the day.

Henry, your son, is a fortunate man, Lady Beaufort. With such a name as Arthur, how could he not be a pinnacle of his household? How could not be the ideal son that every Lord of this realm desires?

As they pass a set of stairs, he glances up, suspecting Edmund was up above them somewhere.

My son, Edmund, flourishes. He is a born Percy, he brawls quite often with other children. Seems he want to show that he will remain a dominant lord of the North when he is Earl. My brother, Edward, has headed south to Sussex, where he lives as Baron Poynings. Mother's estates were quite extensive from what I saw, manors from Sussex all the way to Cornwall. He will have to get used to the South however.

[Oznerol]

"Such a nuissance, the Scottish raids. Had Edward the Lion triumphed over Bruce we would not face that eventuality"

She said with a smile.

"He is indeed, fortunate. All of us are for having him. I had never seen such a precocious boy, but still gentle and good-natured: he likes to dance most beautifully and sings with such a charming voice, so clear and pure as an angels' choir. God forgive my pride, I have to confess that is my sin of late, being prideful about my own grandchildren. Who wouldn't, tho?"

Margaret was pretty proud. Her touch was gentle, grabing his arm softly. The air was pure and rejuvenating in Alnwick, so far into the North, so close to the border.

"Ah! Arthur! He is so pure, naive and sweet, yet the blood of York and Lancaster flows through his veins. Quite a blessing, or a curse, God be merciful"

She pats Percy's hand.

"Boys will be boys, they need to be strong, to live up their legacy and someday rule over your lands, my Lord. But... don't you have any daughters? Those roses of Alnwick would greatly flower in Pembroke one day, I'm sure, if my son and your wife wish so"

Margaret chuckled.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry gestures back to the stairs they had just passed before speaking.

I have a daughter named Elizabeth, who is presently eight years old. I had another daughter, Eleanor... she died when she was four years old.

It had been a heartbreaking event for her mother, Elizabeth de Vere, who was now considered to be barren, like Lady Beaufort.

Elizabeth looks and acts a lot like her mother, kind and sweet, even to her belligerent brother, Edmund. She is a good child, her grandfather was happy when she was born. The two were close up until his death.

A pair of doors open, allowing both Northumberland and Beaufort to be seated at a table with some food and wine. Three additional chairs had been set up as well, indicating that Henry's family may be joining them shortly.

Has your son shown interest in marrying the daughter of Lord Northumberland? I suspect you have mentioned it to Lord Tudor at some point.

[Oznerol]

"Without gentle women to look after you, men, this world would be a land of ashes"

She said, half-jokingly.

"I'm sure she is a good child, undoubtedly"

Margaret sips some wine. Just a small sip.

"Oh, he does. My son did entertain the idea, I didn't have to convince him. A betrothal could be arranged, I believe Lady Elizabeth is close in age to my Arthur"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry taps his chin slightly before reaching to sip some wine from a cup.

I recall that Edmund was already two years when Arthur was born, the same year Elizabeth was born as well. So it is a match made by God himself, mi'lady.

Before Percy could drink some more wine, he hears a pair of footsteps running down the hallway, followed by a calmer feet trailing behind. He rises from his table to see Edmund run in, chasing the family's dog into the dining area. The dog barks a moment, playful in tone, hardly threatening. Edmund pouts, stamping one of his feet.

I will beat you some day!

Henry chuckles lightly, walking over to his son, who was soon joined by his sister, Elizabeth, and her mother, also Elizabeth, of the de Vere family, another house with deep Lancastrian ties.

I had heard voices below when you passed the stairs, Henry. A guest we have?

Lord Percy gestures to Lady Beaufort with a smile.

You remember our close neighbor, Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond and Pembroke.

Indeed, Lady Elizabeth did remember and kindly welcomed their guest. Lord Percy stood with his son and daughter as Lady de Vere brought Margaret to meet them. Henry gestures to them both.

Lady Beaufort, meet my son and daughter, Edmund and Elizabeth Percy. Children, show your respects.

Lady Elizabeth showed a very graceful bow while Edmund was a bit rough. One could not blame him for a boy who loved to roughhouse and brawl.

[Oznerol]

Henry taps his chin slightly before reaching to sip some wine from a cup.

I recall that Edmund was already two years when Arthur was born, the same year Elizabeth was born as well. So it is a match made by God himself, mi'lady.

Before Percy could drink some more wine, he hears a pair of footsteps running down the hallway, followed by a calmer feet trailing behind. He rises from his table to see Edmund run in, chasing the family's dog into the dining area. The dog barks a moment, playful in tone, hardly threatening. Edmund pouts, stamping one of his feet.

I will beat you some day!

Henry chuckles lightly, walking over to his son, who was soon joined by his sister, Elizabeth, and her mother, also Elizabeth, of the de Vere family, another house with deep Lancastrian ties.

I had heard voices below when you passed the stairs, Henry. A guest we have?

Lord Percy gestures to Lady Beaufort with a smile.

You remember our close neighbor, Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond and Pembroke.

Indeed, Lady Elizabeth did remember and kindly welcomed their guest. Lord Percy stood with his son and daughter as Lady de Vere brought Margaret to meet them. Henry gestures to them both.

Lady Beaufort, meet my son and daughter, Edmund and Elizabeth Percy. Children, show your respects.

Lady Elizabeth showed a very graceful bow while Edmund was a bit rough. One could not blame him for a boy who loved to roughhouse and brawl.

"Indeed, my Lord, quite a blissful match"

She granted, with a short bow. She arranged her shirt on the chair. Soon thereafter the boy and the dog arrived, acompanied by their mother.

"By blessed Saint Catherine, such fine children. They're fine scions to thine house, undoubtedly. A courteous and sweet lady and a rowdy boy fit for holding the North in the king's name"

Margaret nods and smiles.

"Glad to meet you both"

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Indeed, my Lord, quite a blissful match"

She granted, with a short bow. She arranged her shirt on the chair. Soon thereafter the boy and the dog arrived, acompanied by their mother.

"By blessed Saint Catherine, such fine children. They're fine scions to thine house, undoubtedly. A courteous and sweet lady and a rowdy boy fit for holding the North in the king's name"

Margaret nods and smiles.

"Glad to meet you both"

Henry looks at Elizabeth, the Mother, before looking at their daughter, Elizabeth. He nods to Lady Beaufort.

Lady Beaufort recommends a marriage between our two houses; our daughter would be betrothed to Lord Richmond's heir, Arthur Tudor. Both of whom were born during the same year.

He reaches down with one hand, ruffling the hair slightly of his daughter to make her smile.

Tell your son, Lady Beaufort, that we would be happy with the arrangements. I believe Elizabeth is the perfect match for your grandson, Arthur.

Soon they would all be seated once more. Yet Henry rises again, picking up a cup of wine, which his wife followed suit. He turns to Lady Beaufort, raising his cup in a toast.

To the future of our children, to our grandchildren, to the North, to our families, to this marriage and to our King. Long may they all live in happiness!

[Oznerol]

"To them!"

Even if my king is not the one sitting at Westminster. But it shall do, for the time being. The Red Rose was plucked from its bed, but it shall grow again.

Margaret sips again, just a bit.

"I hope I will live to see the marriage. I'm not as young as I used to be, you know, my Lord Northumberland"

[Mary The Quene]

Eventually the Lady FitzRoy and her companion (Lady Mary Paston) with her temporary guardian (Sir Knyvett) board from their ship to a nearby dock not far from Alnwick Castle and after some time this small group arrived to the gates of Alnwick Castle, requesting to be allowed entrance and speak with the Earl.

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was dusk when Eleanor FitzRoy and her party arrived at Alnwick. In fact, Henry Percy had gone to bed early that night, and was awoken by a guard who informed him of his niece's arrival. Lord Percy jumps out of bed practically, rushing downstairs to where his niece and two guardians were. Henry approaches his niece, pausing for a moment to notice the features of his sister etched upon his face. He walks over, places his hands on her shoulder before embracing her.

Oh merciful God, it is you! Thank god you are away from London.

Having heard word of a standoff far to the South, Percy kept away and desired only to keep watch over the Scottish border. He brings Eleanor, Lady Paston and Sir Knyvett into his household. Servants brought out food and drink for all three.

Eleanor, how did you get away from London? Are not the Queen and her army attempting to move into the city?

[Mary The Quene]

''Thank you, uncle of me.'' Said the Lady FitzRoy while Henry embraced her, it felt good even, she felt much better now being so far away from London and all of its troubles, the fresh air, the beautiful landscape was a welcome change in her life.

''Lord Buckingham smuggled me out the tower and his retainer brought me here by ship, seems like London is in problems with that woman making her moves'' Lady FitzRoy said so with a hint of reluctance in her voice, if Lord Buckingham was to believed things would have not ended well for her she believed herself, maybe she would even have ended like her mother. ''But it doesn't matter now, now i am here, a little piece of your sister still alive'' Lady FitzRoy said emotionally, with tears even while they were embracing each other.

[Lucius Malfoy]

''Thank you, uncle of me.'' Said the Lady FitzRoy while Henry embraced her, it felt good even, she felt much better now being so far away from London and all of its troubles, the fresh air, the beautiful landscape was a welcome change in her life.

''Lord Buckingham smuggled me out the tower and his retainer brought me here by ship, seems like London is in problems with that woman making her moves'' Lady FitzRoy said so with a hint of reluctance in her voice, if Lord Buckingham was to believed things would have not ended well for her she believed herself, maybe she would even have ended like her mother. ''But it doesn't matter now, now i am here, a little piece of your sister still alive'' Lady FitzRoy said emotionally, with tears even while they were embracing each other.

I will have to speak with my Lord Buckingham when I have the chance. He has ensured your safety from the lair of London and I thank God for his kindness.

Henry continues to embrace his niece before bringing her inside to Alnwick. A servant goes to wake up the Lady de Vere and see if the children were awake as well. Lord Percy sits at the table with Eleanor and her two guardians, offering them food and drink. It was a great risk to the bastard child of his sister lingering within his halls, an even greater risk for Lord Buckingham who ensured her escape... but Eleanor was family.

Please, all of you, have your fill. I suspect it has been a long and stressful journey from London. What has been going down there? I have heard terrible news.