Powis Castle and the estates of Grey of Tankerville

[Barry Goldwater]

Originally built Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, the native Welsh prince of Powys Wenwynwyn, in the 13th century, Powis Castle has since passed by inheritance into the hands of the Cherletons and now the Greys of Tankerville and Powis. It is from here that they have administered their nearby estates throughout the 15th century.

Arms of Grey of Tankerville

Tankerville's household

Sir John Grey, 4th Earl of Tankerville and Baron Grey of Powis Age: 21 (born April 23, 1460) Spouse: Anne Herbert (17, b. 1464) Traits: 6 pts +3 Battles (base 2, +1 from 'Confident') +2 Wealth (17.5% income bonus total ,+7.5% from Haggler) +1 Scout +1 Logistician (5% movement speed) +1 Survival (from 'Upbeat') -2 Charisma (from 'Haggler') Temperaments: Sanguine - dominant: - Confident: This character is very self-assured, brimming with confidence and difficult to shake even under pressure. However, taken to an extreme, they can show a suicidal disregard for their life and the lives of others, and fail to take...well, failure into account when planning. +1 battle rolls, +1 to rout rolls against this character. - 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). Melancholic - subservient: - Haggler: This character is obsessed with getting the best possible deal for themselves, and ever watchful (even paranoid) for anyone trying to rip them off. This sort of fellow is rarely the sort others like, but none can deny their ability to sniff for gold. +2% income and improves loot from raids, -2 Charisma. John, the first Baron Powis and now fourth Earl of Tankerville, comes from an illustrious line of both English and Welsh magnates. Through his father he is the sole heir to the legacy of Humphrey Plantagenet, the Lancastrian Duke of Gloucester and youngest brother of the famed Henry V who (as far as the Greys were concerned, anyway) was unjustly persecuted by the corrupt Cardinal Beaufort of Winchester, 'Jackanapes' the 1st Duke of Suffolk and the late Red Queen Margaret of Anjou, for his paternal grandmother Antigone was Humphrey's legitimized daughter; and he is furthermore the senior descendant of the Mathrafal princes who once ruled Powys, as his paternal great-grandmother Joan de Cherleton was the elder daughter of Edward de Cherleton (Joan's younger sister Joyce married into the Tiptoft family, which has since died out in the male line and been replaced by the new House of Mercer), a female-line descendant of Powys' last sovereign ruler Owain ap Gruffyd through his daughter Hawys Cadarn. On his mother's side John is a descendant of the Hollands and the House of York, albeit illegitimately, as his maternal great-grandparents were Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent and his mistress Constance of York, only daughter of the 1st Duke of York. With such a pedigree, John is quite proud of his family history, and justifiably so. Moreover, having Anne Herbert, daughter of the same William Herbert who gained and lost the Earldom of Pembroke from/to the Tudors due to the arbitrary whims of Edward IV early in his reign, in 1471, John has further reinforced his noble Welsh blood. The girl's grandmother was after all none other than the Star of Abergavenny: Gwladys, daughter of the famous Welsh loyalist Dafydd Gam who died fighting at Henry V's side at Agincourt. The marriage was consummated at last on a cool winter night in Rouen 1479, where Anne had followed her husband to the war in France, and bore its first fruit a year later: a son, named Richard after John's father, was born to the couple in 1480. John's father Richard, the 3rd Earl of Tankerville, fought on the side of the House of York during the War of the Roses. For his loyalty to Richard, Duke of York and later Edward IV, the Earldom of Tankerville was attainted by the Lancastrian court in 1460, and to the Greys of Powis' irritation it was never resurrected even after the Yorkist victories at Towton and Wallingford. He thus died in 1466, known only as 'Lord Grey of Powis'. Despite his youth, Richard's proud and brave son John hoped to reverse that and reclaim Tankerville, especially with war with France on the horizon. His hopes were partly realized after the war in France, when the Earldom of Tankerville was indeed restored to him - though not the castle and village of Tankerville itself, which remained part of France. With one part of his inheritance restored to him, John now looks to the rest of it; that is to say, the other half of the Cherleton inheritance, and if another war with France is in God's plans for England - then, hopefully, finally Tankerville itself, which he had the agony of sighting without ruling while marching with the rest of the King's army in Normandy. Tankerville's family Anne Grey, née Herbert, John's wife - 17, b. 1464 Richard Grey, son of John and Anne - 1, b. 18 December 1480 Elizabeth Woodville, née Grey, John's sister and wife of Richard Woodville - 19, b. 29 June 1462

Grey of Tankerville's estates and honors

Merioneth 5. Penllyn - Sparse Income. TANKERVILLE 6. Edeyrnion - Sparse Income. TANKERVILLE Denbigh 1. Ceiriog - Sparse Income. TANKERVILLE Powys 4. Powis/Montgomery/Forden - Average Income. TANKERVILLE (seat) Income Poor (red): £200 per annum Sparse (orange): £250 per annum Average (yellow): £300 per annum Prosperous (light green): £350 per annum Rich (dark green): £400 per annum Poor: 0 x £200 = £0 Sparse: 3 x £250 = £750 Average: 1 x £300 = £300 Prosperous: 0 x £350 = £0 Rich: 0 x £400 = £0 Modifiers: 17.5% from traits/skills Total yearly income (unmodified): £1,050 Total modifiers to apply: +17.5% Total modified: £1,233.75

Buildings

N/A

Bonuses

Regional bonii - Powys 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. Welsh Marches: Powys is the where much of the Mortimer estates are located; a powerful family of marcher lords. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs. Provincial bonii N/A

[Bjorn]

A while after Tankerville's visit to Savoy Palace...

From a distance there came a group of horsemen. It was Sir William of Corwen, his son Sir Thomas and their companions. The old knight wore his best garments, as he usually did when going to visit his lord. His suit was meticulously well kept. His hair well brushed even though he was on the road. His hat with a green feather, the color of his house. He seemed a perfect gentleman, something that the white of his hair actually increased. Sir William was old, aye, but not dead. He was of a strong physique, a large man that seemed to have been quite intimidating at his prime. As he saw the gates to Powis he smiled to himself. Long time no see. I wonder how well young Lord Tankerville has been keeping the old fort. It has been probably months, if not a year, since he had last seen him, entrenched as he became to his own lands in Corwen. An old man has the right to some peace of mind, he thought. But he felt it was time to visit again. He had business to resolve and he needed his liege's help.

Sir Thomas of Corwen had a calm and austere visage. He did not betray any emotion as he gazed upon the gates of Powis. He was a man of few words. Unconfortable with long conversations and pleasentries. He missed Lord Tankerville's presence after so long taking care of the affairs of his old father, though it would not appear so from his face. Thomas was very plain and few things escape from inside his head most of the time.

They went towards the gate and Sir William said to a guard. Hail, collegue of arms! I bid ye inform our liege that Sir William of Corwen wishes to parley with the Right Honorable Earl, if it is to the Lord's volition to grant it. Our horses need for tending and my men for food, so please also fetch a servant to care for them my good sir.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Be welcome, good sirs." The gatekeeper replied cheerfully. Powis' gates were opened to these faithful supporters of his liege, John Grey of Tankerville. While the castle servants tended to the needs of Corwen's retinue and steeds, the old knight and his son were directed to Tankerville himself, who was practicing archery in the yard. The Earl, once reedy and feeble compared to most boys his age a decade ago, was now pulling bowstrings and hitting targets quite capably, the result of many a hard training session beneath the watch of Lord Rivers and then the war in France. The bookish boy had grown into a man skilled at arms, including archery, and would practice his aim and horsemanship with almost as much vigor as he displayed in a library.

"Good Corwens!" He said brightly when he caught sight of the pair. "Be welcome. What brings you to Powis Castle?" He set his bow down and motioned for the Corwens to accompany him back inside, where comfortable seats awaited and other servants were laying out various refreshments on a table.

[Bjorn]

Corwen and his son both graciously bowed to their liege lord, Thomas more stiffly than William. Both take off their hats in a sign of respect to the Earl. The two brothers, Red William and Lawrence, were close by, but awaited their turn to greet their father. The lord had precedence even in that.

William raised and with a smile said Thank you for the warm greetings. My, you have grown the spitting image of your father, sire. Gone is the boy, in came the man. It is good to see ye well. He then went to hug his two boys on a double bear hug. And ye critters from Hell best not be tarnishing my good name while in the Lord's company!

We're not, father. Don't worry. Said Lawrence calmly, clearly happy to see his father.

What is there to tarnish? Our name's worth less than those petunias you obsess about, old man. Responded Red William with a juvenile snigger.

Oh shush you. Don't you answer me in front of our liege. Is there no respect for the elderlies these days? Answered William with faned revolt. When his lord asked him of the reason of his coming, he answered with another bow. The reasons are two. First, I wanted to accompany my son Thomas as he resumes his duties as a knight in your retinue. I think I have already taken him for time enough. Secondly... And with this William paused fidgiting slightly with his hat, as if rather embarrassed at the request. I know you are a busy man, sire. I do not want to intrude. So if it is not in your will or way to do so, I would understand entirely. But... I am getting old. And that last word seemed to sting him slightly. As if by admitting to it he was conceding Old Age some form of victory over him. I am getting old and my sons and daughters remain unwed... I am not a man of great means. I am a simple knight. So I would ask your right honorable lordship to help me on this task that I must perform, which is to find suitable spouses for my descendents. If you help me in such endeivor, I will be more in your debt than I already am and would be very grateful. He bowed again.

By Thomas' expression, it hardly seemed like his father was talking about him. He was at rest, in a military stance, an old custom from the war. He gazed upon Tankerville. The lad had truely grown since the last time he saw him. His father was probably proud, watching from the Heavens. Thomas missed the old castle and its walls and was happy to be there again. The usual patrols, the hunting expeditions with his liege and brothers. Those were things dear to him. His face, however, showed none of these thoughts.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Now it's I who must thank you for your kind words," Tankerville answered, flattered. "Truly, it is a shame that my father did not live to see the Earldom of Tankerville restored to us. But perhaps he does, from his place in Heaven." By rights, the Greys had believed the earldom should've been restored to them when the House of York won the Battle of Towton - and with it, their crown - exactly twenty years ago, yet it was not until the war with France that they finally gained it, and by that time the Grey who had originally been dispossessed (John's father Richard, of course) had died. Still, better late than never.

"I would be pleased to help you however best I can." Tankerville replied when the topic moved on to marriages. The Corwens had served him and his kin loyally for many years, the least he could do in return was arrange some favorable marriages for them. "My lands border those of the Baron Grey de Ruthyn, though I am uncertain whether he has sisters available for marriage. To the south there are the Herberts, my wife's family; my brother-in-law has a daughter I believe, though that niece of mine is but...five, I think? And there are also the De Barrys, whose ancestral seat lies in Wales even though most of their holdings are in Ireland. Of course, there are many more barons in England proper." He paused there, having listed off all the nearest options of baronial status and opened the door for more. "Unless you already have a candidate in mind?"

[Oznerol]

Richard Woodville rides to Powis, he had killed two horses to arrive as soon as was humanly possible.

[Barry Goldwater]

"What trouble compels you to travel here with such haste, brother?" Tankerville asked, concerned, as he moved to greet Richard. As his sister's husband and brother to his former guardian, Woodville had been allowed into Powis without trouble and food and refreshments were prepared for him.

[Oznerol]

"Trouble"

Said Woodville.

"The king is on my sister's palace at Eltham, we snatched him before his uncles could ever glance his face. My sister has raised men in the defence of her interests and she will, in no time, try to oust the regents from London and make herself sole regent, with the provided counsel of several peers and lords"

He said so more less bluntly, he had no time for pleasantries.

"I'm sorry, pardon me brother, but haste turned my tongue blunt and dulled my own manners"

[Barry Goldwater]

"I take it this means you'll need me to raise an army to support your sister's, then." Tankerville said, once Richard had finished. Well, well - it looks like the Corwens would have more work to do, very soon.

[Oznerol]

"Of course, just as a precaution, my Lord. My sister wants to solve this bloodlessly"

As much as possible.

[Bjorn]

God bless his soul. Corwen answered when Tankerville mentioned his late father. The man's death never sat well with William. He had served the man for far too long. But t'is in life's nature to succumb. Old age. The thought returned to him. He sighed. He listened carefully as his lord gave his ideas and when he was about to answer he heard the movement of Lord Woodville. He turned to see as the man entered and started to talk with his lord. He looked at a servant and said Bring something for the lord to quench his thirst! And see to the tending of his horse. William used to attend Powis Castle and that part of him didn't die out. It seemed war was upon them again. A summer needs a winter after all. That was just part of life.

When Tankerville mentioned that they were going to war, he could see Red William snigger lightly, clearly delighted. Lawrence seemed less than happy. One could not tell what Thomas thought. He would wait for the Lords to pause and say My liege... with your permission, I shall assemble the troops at once. It was clear to him that this was a matter of urgency. While I do so, father, grab every man you can from Corwen. His father nods and awaits for Tankerville to give him leave.

[Oznerol]

OOC: Will make this more detailed tomorrow.

The queen requests Lord Tankarville to come with full force to Hampshire, where a loyal host is awaiting allies, including Grey, to move against the unlawful traitors.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sir Owen arrives from Raglan, wearing the affinity and appropriate badge of House Herbert, three lions rampant argent. He requests to meet with Sir John Grey.

[Barry Goldwater]

Herbert's retainer is greeted by Tankerville, newly released from imprisonment by the Appellants now that they have been reconciled with the King.

"Be welcome, Sir...ah, you must be one of the Herberts or their affinity, yes?" John asks amiably. He always had time for his in-laws, for his own wife was a Herbert. "What news from Raglan?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

"That is correct my Lord." He began "My Lord of Raglan has departed to join the Royal Navy, some months past. This was before we were aware of the coming Lancastrian storm. My Lady Margaret has bid me to seek her sister-in-law's family and determine what should be done. The Realm prepares for war, and we believe a united front would be best." It was intentionally vague. Lady Margaret was not a sophisticated woman, but with her husband's absence she was determined to maintain the efficacy of his estates. For his part, Owen knew a conflict like this could quickly turn neighbor against neighbor and family against family.

[Barry Goldwater]

"As soon as I can review this year's accounts, I'll be raising as many men as I can and marching them to support York. Hopefully, I won't be accosted by the foe while they're still training, this time." Tankerville answers dryly, with a cheeky smile. Fortunately his lands were in northern Wales, far from where Lancaster landed. "Our families have faithfully supported the House of York. I for one have been given no reason to discontinue that support, and though he was defeated and captured by the so-called 'appellants' as I was, I'm sure my friend of Bedford would agree; fighting the rightful King's uncles is one thing, fighting the rightful King himself - in support of a pretender who hasn't set foot in England for 20 years and has brought nothing but fire, vicious mercenaries and misery to a land that had been unspoiled by conflict until very recently, and has no reason to love me or your liege - is quite another."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I am glad to hear it, I was unsure where things stood after your uh, unfortunate imprisonment." Owen replied. "We are inclined to oppose the usurper's claims as well. I have been empowered to raise a small force by Lady Raglan, and I would ask to join your force as we move south. There is strength in numbers and if what I hear from Devonshire is true, the Lancastrian forces seem to be somewhat dispersed in the countryside. Depending on their trajectory, we may encounter some pockets of roving foes."

[Barry Goldwater]

"Absolutely. I would be more than happy to march with my in-laws' host, to do what my father did and help smash the scion of Lancaster into the dirt where he belongs." Tankerville said cheerfully. "As for this news that Lancaster has split his vultures into multiple ravaging flocks...well, we're both fortunate to be too deep in Wales for them to harm us, Sir Owen. If nothing else, they'd have to go through Monmouth's lands first."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I do not fear overmuch for our lands; why march north when all the prizes lie east of his current position? I feel confident, from a tactical standpoint, to drain Wales of the majority of its fighting strength in order to join the King. I shall raise contingents of archers and men-at-arms for my part, a force capable of making a stand against a moderately sized foe should we meed any of the wastrels upon the southern roads. Their point of landing was well considered in Devonshire, somewhat of an underbelly, eh?" Owen was beginning to feel the usual combination of excitement and fear tug at him at the prospect of going to war.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Well put, good sir." Tankerville said, nodding. The earl had always been better at the more cerebral aspects of warfare than physical combat, and agreed with the Welsh knight's assessment of the broader strategic picture: it'd take a while for the Lancastrians to get into Wales, and they would probably have to get through the royal army first. "I will be fair to our opponents' own strategic acumen: Devonshire was a natural place for them to land, not only because of its suitable estuaries, but also because it is a groundswell of Lancastrian sympathy, even if its masters betrayed them in such a blatant fashion twenty years ago. Fortunately, it is also nicely isolated in one corner of the country, and with a little effort the royal army can contain the foe there. That also means we'll have the time to gather our forces, and march to join said royal army with all due haste."