Malahide Castle, The Talbot estates.

[General Brewster]

Malahide Castle, Seat of the Lord High Steward of Ireland, Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Waterford, Earl of Ormond, Baron of Talbot, Baron Strange of Blackmere and Baron Furniwall.

The beginning of the estate can be traced back to 1185, when Richard Talbot, a knight who accompanied Henry II to Ireland in 1174, was granted the lands and harbor of Malahide. The castle steadily grew into what it is today. 307 years of Talbot history lay stored within the castle and many generations are born within it.

The families estates

England Nottinghamshire: 1. Worksop - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Derbyshire: 2. Bakewell/Haddon - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 3. Chesterfield - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 7. Ashbourne/Mackworth - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Shropshire: 1. Drayton - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Staffordshire: 5. Uttoxeter/Alton - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Yorkshire: 9. Kiveton - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Blue = under construction Green = Built Ireland Leinster: 10. Annaghs/Slade - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 12. East Carrick - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 21. East Roscrea - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 22. Abbeyleix/Durrow - Average Income. TALBOT 23. North Urlingford - Average Income. TALBOT *Enfeoff-ed to my brother Gilbert Talbot. 26. North New Raugh - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Munster: 25. South Clonmel - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 27. Clogheen/Cahir/Burncourt - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 28. North Clonmel - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 29. Cashel - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 30. West Callan - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 31. Thurles - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: 32. South Roscrea - Average Income. TALBOT Tier I: - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Tier II: Meath: 2. North Rathdown - Prosperous Income. TALBOT. Tier I: Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income Blacksmith Charters: -1% troop upkeep and recruitment cost Increased Garrisons: Adds a garrison of twenty soldiers to the province (14 yeomen archers, 6 yeomen footmen) Tier II: Castle's and manors Castles: Malahide castle Alton Castle Talbot's Castle Goodrich Castle Manors: Alton Towers Wingfield Manor

Provincial Bonuses

England Nottinghamshire: Sherwood Forest: The site of the famed Robin Hood’s supposed rebellion, this thick woodland is notoriously difficult to navigate, for those who do not know the country. -3 hostile scout and raid rolls. Derbyshire: Lead Mining: The availability of lead within this county allows those who have their primary residences here to construct mines. Shropshire: Welsh Marches: Shropshire 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. Yorkshire: 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. Populated: Yorkshire is is the largest county in England and certainly among the most populous, boasting land that is extremely fertile. All those whose primary residence is located here gain +10% to estate income. Ireland Leinster: Wealth: Leinster is perhaps one of the most prosperous regions in all Ireland, granting those who have their primary residence here +10% to their estate incomes. Fishing Industry: With Leinster mainly being coastal, the inhabitants of this island turn to fishing as their major industry. Allows the owner to construct fisheries if this is their primary residence. Munster: Dairy Lands: Also known as the 'Golden Vein' and 'Machaire méith na Mumhan' in Gaelic, this stretch of top-notch pastureland covering parts of Tipperary, Cork and Limerick in Munster is the absolute best land in all of Ireland for dairy farming. The Galtee Mountains mark the western border of these green fields, while the Munster Blackwater cuts through the southern Vale. +5% income. Meath: Fertile: Heavily populated with English settlers and Irish locals alike, those who own their primary estates within this county receive a 5% bonus to estate income.

The Talbot family

Prest d'accomplir Biography: The Earl of Shrewsbury Born in 1448 at Malahide Castle, John Talbot succeeded his father as Third Earl of Shrewsbury etc etc on 10 July 1460. Addiotionally he became the next Lord High Steward of Ireland. He was knighted on 17 February 1460-1 after the Second Battle of St Albans. He fought at the Battle of Towton 1461. He was the son of John Talbot, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury and Lady Elizabeth Butler. His maternal grandparents were James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormonde and Joan Beauchamp. Joan was a daughter of William Beauchamp, 1st Baron Bergavenny and Joan Fitzalan. The senior Joan was a daughter of Richard FitzAlan, 11th Earl of Arundel and Elizabeth de Bohun. Elizabeth was a daughter of William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton. The house of Talbot was relatively small in 1456; John took it upon himself to father many children so that his family may grow together with their influence. Initially he was successful and by 1472, he had two children however, a mysterious illness would take his oldest son John II Talbot and his youngest son William Talbot. John was at a loss and with him going off to Ireland soon, and having only a daughter at this moment (Elizabeth), he felt like drastic actions were in order. He handpicked two orphaned girls and took them too Shrewsbury castle. They came in the night so none that was not supposed to know would notice their arrival. Over the course of the following weeks, John had impregnated both, however when the children came one was stillborn and the other a daughter… Having no need for a daughter John became mad with rage… That night he slit both women their throats and finally killed his daughter too. The next day a farmer found the bodies of the women, child and two servants of the castle but an investigation failed to find a perpetrator. In the weeks following these events John’s wife Catherine gave birth to a little boy; John Talbot III. The pregnancy had gone unnoticed on Catherine and her midwives. A second daughter, Margret II would be born after John’s departure for Ireland. From 1467 onward John felt the need to develop Malahide into a local powerhouse. Almost all his income was diverted to the development of the region. Near the end of the decade, these efforts manifested in the completion of a large mine, granary and market square, greatly improving the local economy. Having secured his home base and greatly improved his financial situation John saw the content of his vault skyrocket. Around 1574 he had the money to improve his reputation on the field of battle. Opportunity arrived in 1475 in Ireland under the Duke of Clarence. During 1475, John was present at the battle of Blackwater river. Leading from the front, he fell into an ambushed by the Irish and ultimately taken prisoner, the English won the battle but the Irish were quick to move John back to their own lines. Keeping him as a prisoner of war, John underwent numerous acts of torture leaving him with heavy scars on his back. After a failed attempt to escape John’s jaw was nicked with a sword. A scar developed and in later years, John would grow a thicker beard to cover it. A year passed before Clarence negotiated a peace leading to the Irish submission and release of John. John knew he would be indebted to the duke of Clarence now but had also come to respect the man. Once returned to the English camp John learned he had been granted significant new estates in Ireland as part of the peace treaty. After a brief moment of recovery at Malahide Castle where John would finally meet his youngest children, John rejoined the Duke of Clarence. In 1477 the duke of Clarence deployed John along with Boleyn to secure the northern parts of Ireland. It was there when in 1478 the Irish acted upon the string of defeats the English encountered in France. John suffered multiple defeats in battle together with Boleyn, John blamed Boleyn for his indecisiveness in battle and grew distant with the man. However, he remained close with him, realizing they would need each other if they were to hold the North. Having retreated toward Lough Neagh later in the year John sits out the winter. During spring 1479, John was ordered by the duke of Clarence to command the Southern Army alongside Sir Stanley. Sir Stanley and John became good friends during this period. After the Lord Lieutenant passed a string of controversial laws of repression, John who had grown to outright hate the Irish during his captivity and torture had no problems with enforcing these laws. So much became clear during an infamous moment in Irish history. During a patrol South of Lough Neagh a large body of Irish locals were rounded up and impaled on John’s direct orders. Two children were kept alive to tell the tale and deter the Irish from rebelling once more. Eyewitness accounts form these children described John actively participating the act of impalement. The news spread quickly and earned John the nickname “Red John” across Ireland after a new impalement incident happened to the east of Lough Neagh. Historian’s today agree that at least 75 people were impaled during the the incidents that earned John his nickname. Irish mobs attempted to surprise and attack the camps south of Lough Neagh where John and Sir Stanley held camp in 1480 these attempts were halted with relative ease and retaliations including impalements were carried out by John. Later that year John participated in the absolute smashing of a rebel army on the road to Carrickfergus. 1481 passed by in relative peace for John, during a battle in West Lurgan however, John and Geraldine manage to capture some of the rebellion’s leadership who are escorted to Carrickfergus. A public trial and hanging ensued, much to John’s satisfaction who by then was widely recognized as Red John. Traits Sanguine: - 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). Choleric: - 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 Charisma. Traits: +3 Wealth +5 Battles +1 Rout rolls +1 Survival -1 Post Battle rolls -1 Charisma Current Earl's family Catherine Stafford/Talbot – Wife. (b 1437) John Talbot Junior - Son (b. 1467) - (d. 1473 by a mysterious illness) William Talbot - (b. 1472) - (d. 1473 by a mysterious illness) Elizabeth Talbot - Daughter (b. 1473) John III Talbot - Son (b. 1474) Betrothed to Cecily Fitzroy Margaret Talbot - Daughter (b. 1475) William Talbot - healthy child; +2 against all diseases/plagues and natural causes death rolls. Females get +5 on birth rolls. (b. 1484) Extended family Lady Anne Talbot/Vernon (b. 1445) - (d. 1481) Married to Sir Henry Vernon. Sir James Talbot (b. 1450.) - (d. 1471) *Lady Margaret Talbot/Mercer (b. 1451) - (d. 1462ish) Married to Lord William Mercer *Lady Elizabeth Talbot/Stanley (b 1451) Married to Sir John Stanley Sir Gilbert Talbot Sir Gilbert Talbot *Born 1452: 29 years old. Sanguine: - 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). Phlegmatic: - Austere: This character disdains pomp and pageantry, instead preferring a plain & simple (the uncharitable might say 'rigidly spartan') lifestyle. +5% income, -1 Charisma. Traits: +3 Duels, +4 Battles +1 Rout rolls +1 to surviving non-battle death rolls -1 to post-battle rolls Not much is known about Gilbert Talbot, beyond the family records. He was born in 1452 at Goodrich Castle, what is known is that from an early age soldiery fascinated him. It became apparent during his squire hood that he wasn’t particularly gifted, but his upbeat character combined with his Spartan lifestyle eventually made a proper soldier out of him. Some even started to say he would've made 'The English Achilles' proud. After being knighted moments after his older brother after the Battle of St Albans it became clear to Gilbert he would always stand in his brother’s, the earl’s shadow. His brother refused to give permission to Gilbert to leave for France, joining the armies heading for France as a mere soldier in disguise he was wounded in battle during the siege of Dreux. Back in England he maintained the Talbot estates in Yorkshire and resided in Goodrich Castle. Somewhere during his young adulthood Gilbert married Elizabeth Greystoke(b.1436), daughter of Ralph de Greystoke, 5th Baron Greystoke. The couple had two children in 1481. Gilbert Talbot Jr (b. 1468) Jane Talbot (b. 1480) Christopher Talbot (b. 1454. - (d. 1479) Sir George Talbot (b. 1456.) Lady Margaret Talbot (b. 1460) Married Thomas Caworth *Ahistorical

House Tablot's Employees

Employees Property Clerk: Able to assist in maximizing possible income from estates, these men, lowborn though they are, are key parts in the web of a nobleman's demesne. +1 to province limit (see over extension rules) x1 Shrewd Treasurer: Responsible for balancing the books, in the most cost-effective way possible. +5% estate income. x1 Harsh Quartermaster: this man can equip and feed a fighting force as cheaply as possible, which is a great advantage for those who are wary of the gross overspend that comes hand-in-hand with building an army. -5% troop maintenance. x1

The Earl's Written Will

In the name of God and the Holy Trinity, that are Three but One essence, I John Talbot, third Earl of Shrewsbury, declare that being sound of mind and body wish that in the time of my death, God have mercy of mine soul, my estates, lands and assets shall be divided this way: 1) John Talbot, my beloved son and heir, shall receive all my lands, honors and titles. 2) My noble wife, Catherine shall have an 1/3 share of my wealth. 3) My Eldest brother, Sir Gilbert Talbot shall have an 1/3 share of my wealth. Signed and sealed with our seal, before witnesses, including the bishop of Dublin, Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir George Talbot, Catherine Stafford(Talbot), Cecily Fitzroy. (ROWS OF WITNESSES AND SIGNATURES) (PENDING WAX SEAL)

[General Brewster]

Late at night John arrived back at Malahide Castle from Dublin, he had been named Lord Deputy of Ireland by his friend the Duke of Clarence. With Talbot's growing importance in the world he felt some arrangements needed better terms... The following morning birds were chirping and John took a stroll through Malahide's gardens. After some moment's of reflection and thoughts John instructed one of his clerks who were never far to fetch Cecily.

[Alexandrine]

Cecily FitzRoy, daughter of the king was a 'guest' at Malahide Castle for some time now. She developed into a real beauty; but she did little to make it flourish. She more often then not wore simple gowns in earthly colours. Today was no exception. She was about to focus herself on her studies, it was her only freedom in the world, as she hadn't left these walls for years now. But before she could concentrate on an extra lesson in German, she was fetched by one of the servants.

She bowed for Earl Talbot "My Lord Shrewsbury," she said to him and stroked a lock of her brown hair out of her eye, behind her left ear. "You called for me?"

[General Brewster]

Red John smiled, he had been absent from Malahide for years, missing the developing beauty that was Cecily... While John had sinned before, he could never love someone else but his wife Catherine but Cecily's beauty could make any man's heart weigh heavy. "The beautiful Cecily" John said while he kissed her hand. He saw her simple gowns and was let down. "Say Cecily, do your servants pick these gowns for you?" Surely the ward of the Earl of Shrewsbury could be bought better clothing... John continued to inquire "How are you finding Ireland Cecily?"

[Alexandrine]

She smiled shyly towards the Earl. She didn't really know him. She was officially his ward, but had no idea who the man was. She had heard vicious rumours about him from the castle servants, but she didn't exactly know what she should believed to be true. She didn't particularly liked gossiping either. She looked to het dress. Was something wrong with it? "No my lord.." Perhaps he didn't find it flashy enough, but she didn't cared about her dress much. It was not like many people outside their household ever saw here. So se only gave answer, without explanation.

How she.. liked Ireland? well.. "I liked it better than expected." she said. "The world seems big, wide and green from here. Living near the sea is also quite nice." she said to him. She had heard awful stories about the Irish but hadn't had a bad experience yet. "Of course.. I only saw little of Ireland yet."

[General Brewster]

Hmm, it would seem she enjoyed dressing like a commoner then. If it was her preference could or should John push her into an other direction then? After all she'd be a Talbot soon enough.. some affinity with the masses could be applauded! John opted to smile as reply to Cecily. The girl had whit John was told so best to leave it at that he thought.

When she continued about Ireland John couldn't help but think she's not telling the whole truth. He replied "The country can be beautiful, if only there were no Irish in it" John said jokingly, in truth he wished there truly were no Irish around. "Would you enjoy seeing England again soon? I have many castles and manors in England and it could be aranged without issue. I hope you never got the idea of being a prisoner of my family Cecily" John said while taking the girls hands to prove his point. He continued "I know that I haven't been around and you hardly know me but I've heard a lot of good things about you."

[Alexandrine]

Hmm, it would seem she enjoyed dressing like a commoner then. If it was her preference could or should John push her into an other direction then? After all she'd be a Talbot soon enough.. some affinity with the masses could be applauded! John opted to smile as reply to Cecily. The girl had whit John was told so best to leave it at that he thought.

When she continued about Ireland John couldn't help but think she's not telling the whole truth. He replied "The country can be beautiful, if only there were no Irish in it" John said jokingly, in truth he wished there truly were no Irish around. "Would you enjoy seeing England again soon? I have many castles and manors in England and it could be aranged without issue. I hope you never got the idea of being a prisoner of my family Cecily" John said while taking the girls hands to prove his point. He continued "I know that I haven't been around and you hardly know me but I've heard a lot of good things about you."

Perhaps the Irish wouldn't be so tiresome if we had kept out of their lands, Cecily thought, but wasn't foolish enough to say it out loud. She had grown up a reserved woman, staying out of other peoples business, for God knew, she and her family had been betrayed too often. She certainly didn't feel like joking about the Irish. She didn't know them, she never had seen one here in the castle, so deep into safety of the Pale.
She watched him, studied him, while he talked to her about visiting other castles in England. As if she was a free woman. But they both knew she was not. She was a prisoner at this castle, whatever they had called it. Yet they had seen value in her, otherwise the earl hadn't promised her hand to her son, who could have made a most fortunate marriage, not to some bastard girl. "Everyone has been kind to me." she replied out of duty. It wasn't a lie. They had been kind. But nobody knew what to do with her. She was noble, but she wasn't really one of them. In some way she was above them, in another way she was below them. She wasn't family, but in another way, she was as their heir's bride to be. She was a permanent guest, who had no liberty to go. But she wasn't exactly locked away either, but where would she go? She had real choice but to stay here, she couldn't walk into The Pale with nothing and no one. "I am pleased that your family has told you good things about me. I try to be of service to them" she said. She didn't hate them, they were her only friends in this world. "I hope I will not displease you either." she said, knowing that the earl was one know keep a friend.
"England hasn't given me anything to long back for," she honestly answered. The earl certainly knew how life had treated her. "But I do long for my siblings; I would like to know if they are alright. I would like to go back to England, to have a chance of seeing them again."

[General Brewster]

Perhaps the Irish wouldn't be so tiresome if we had kept out of their lands, Cecily thought, but wasn't foolish enough to say it out loud. She had grown up a reserved woman, staying out of other peoples business, for God knew, she and her family had been betrayed too often. She certainly didn't feel like joking about the Irish. She didn't know them, she never had seen one here in the castle, so deep into safety of the Pale.
She watched him, studied him, while he talked to her about visiting other castles in England. As if she was a free woman. But they both knew she was not. She was a prisoner at this castle, whatever they had called it. Yet they had seen value in her, otherwise the earl hadn't promised her hand to her son, who could have made a most fortunate marriage, not to some bastard girl. "Everyone has been kind to me." she replied out of duty. It wasn't a lie. They had been kind. But nobody knew what to do with her. She was noble, but she wasn't really one of them. In some way she was above them, in another way she was below them. She wasn't family, but in another way, she was as their heir's bride to be. She was a permanent guest, who had no liberty to go. But she wasn't exactly locked away either, but where would she go? She had real choice but to stay here, she couldn't walk into The Pale with nothing and no one. "I am pleased that your family has told you good things about me. I try to be of service to them" she said. She didn't hate them, they were her only friends in this world. "I hope I will not displease you either." she said, knowing that the earl was one know keep a friend.
"England hasn't given me anything to long back for," she honestly answered. The earl certainly knew how life had treated her. "But I do long for my siblings; I would like to know if they are alright. I would like to go back to England, to have a chance of seeing them again."

John fainted a smile. God what was this woman clever the thought to himself. So calculated in her every move, making it hard to see what was truth and what was false. John was a little captivated it seemed, Cecily was so gorgeous and young... John hadn't seen such a beautiful English woman since he married his own wife. After some moments of silence in which John took Cecily's hand as the gentleman he was and they started to move through the gardens. John had found peace there in these moment's of civil security and prosperity, to whatever extend that existed in Ireland. "You will accompany me to England then. We shall stay at Goodrich Castle, my brother Gilbert maintains that ancient seat of my family. I shall see if I can arrange visitation with your siblings Cecily.." John couldn't help but fantasize about what he would do were he not married. "Elizabeth, John and Margaret will accompany us as well, and my dear wife of course." John hadn't been sleeping in the same bed as Catherine for years, first due to the campaign later due to the unrest he had while laying down. Nightmares hunted him from his time in captivity.. He rarely slept anymore and wished not to burden Catherine with it.. or anyone else for that matter. He had to project power to those around him. "I must add though Cecily, my son John will likely remain in England while you will not... John must squire and I will try and arrange for him to be the squire of the Duke of Clarence. However, when we return and take up residence in Dublin Castle I will make sure daily walks are arranged for you. It's time you broaden your horizon."

[Alexandrine]

John fainted a smile. God what was this woman clever the thought to himself. So calculated in her every move, making it hard to see what was truth and what was false. John was a little captivated it seemed, Cecily was so gorgeous and young... John hadn't seen such a beautiful English woman since he married his own wife. After some moments of silence in which John took Cecily's hand as the gentleman he was and they started to move through the gardens. John had found peace there in these moment's of civil security and prosperity, to whatever extend that existed in Ireland. "You will accompany me to England then. We shall stay at Goodrich Castle, my brother Gilbert maintains that ancient seat of my family. I shall see if I can arrange visitation with your siblings Cecily.." John couldn't help but fantasize about what he would do were he not married. "Elizabeth, John and Margaret will accompany us as well, and my dear wife of course." John hadn't been sleeping in the same bed as Catherine for years, first due to the campaign later due to the unrest he had while laying down. Nightmares hunted him from his time in captivity.. He rarely slept anymore and wished not to burden Catherine with it.. or anyone else for that matter. He had to project power to those around him. "I must add though Cecily, my son John will likely remain in England while you will not... John must squire and I will try and arrange for him to be the squire of the Duke of Clarence. However, when we return and take up residence in Dublin Castle I will make sure daily walks are arranged for you. It's time you broaden your horizon."

At first she was a bit alarmed about him holding her arm and hand, but she relaxed a bit more the longer it took. She gently lead him lead her through his gardens. She knew this place well, she walked this paths often. Talk about visiting Goodrich Castle, the seat of his brother Gilbert and his family excited her. "I would really enjoy visiting your brother at Goodrich Castle. It sounds really exciting to travel some more." she said honestly. "There is so much in the world yet to see and explore.." she nodded at the words that the whole family would join. She was not overly attached to the children, she liked them, but they were still just children, in comparison to her adolescence. It was particularly awkward to see her husband-to-be grow up. She couldn't imagine to be his lady wife once. She couldn't even imagine him as a man. Let alone to be her man. "Squiring for the Duke of Clarence sounds like a very fine position." he was her uncle, but she didn't knew him. "Are we going to Dublin Castle after England?" she inquired softly. "Did you get a new position?"

[The Mad Skylord]

Sir William Stanley arrives to Malahide at the summons of Talbot.

[General Brewster]

Sir William Stanley arrives to Malahide at the summons of Talbot.

He is escorted to Malahide's famed gardens. It would seem Sir Stanley was much earlier than anticipated. The green fields immediately before the castle was brimming with activity. It would seem a great feast was being prepared. The servant escorting Sir William spotted Lord Talbot from afar, pointing out to Sir Stanley where he was she left and let the two gentleman engage in conversation.

John was looking at some colory plants he had no freaking clue about what they were. Suddenly without turning to Sir Stanley he said. "If it isn't the intolorable Sir Stanley." John turned, looked at the man who didn't seem to flinch in the slightest and started laughing. "Good to see you old friend" John added while still laughing. He placed a hand on Stanley's shoulder. "How times have changed haven't they William?" John walked passed Stanley now, continuing the path through the gardens. "Clarence is gone, most barons are in England, we're low on knights in Ireland and FitzGerald seems to be a grudge holding man.. You should've seen his face when Clarence announced I would be the Lord Deputy." John sighs for a moment. "I'm in need of allies here William, can I count on you as I could during the wars? As the new Lord Lieutenant we should project power and above all fear toward those stinking Irish."

[The Mad Skylord]

William strolled along quietly, as he was won't to do. Pondering. "Well, John, it would all depend on a few factors..." his voice idly trailed off as he looked around the gardens. "Is the position of Chancellor of Ireland still open?" The question was asked idly, though one could perhaps here a slightly different query beneath the surface...

[General Brewster]

John remained silent for a moment, looking over the gardens. "I suppose it is." he finally said.

[Mary The Quene]

A weary Boleyn arrives at the gate Malahide castle after Talbot had invited him by letter. He'd swore he'd never would return to ireland yet he is here now

[The Mad Skylord]

An interesting prospect, power. A mere knight could never hold any significant power in England, but in Ireland the strength of a man's sword arm eclipsed all. Sir William Stanley knew that and he enjoyed the prospect of rising above his station - enough even to extort position out of his own friend. "Well, John, if I am to be of any use to you at all, I will need a position with which to exert authority. I, currently, am your best choice for Chancellor."

[Xion]

Sir Thomas FitzGerald is sent to represent his brother at this meeting called by Talbot.

[General Brewster]

At first she was a bit alarmed about him holding her arm and hand, but she relaxed a bit more the longer it took. She gently lead him lead her through his gardens. She knew this place well, she walked this paths often. Talk about visiting Goodrich Castle, the seat of his brother Gilbert and his family excited her. "I would really enjoy visiting your brother at Goodrich Castle. It sounds really exciting to travel some more." she said honestly. "There is so much in the world yet to see and explore.." she nodded at the words that the whole family would join. She was not overly attached to the children, she liked them, but they were still just children, in comparison to her adolescence. It was particularly awkward to see her husband-to-be grow up. She couldn't imagine to be his lady wife once. She couldn't even imagine him as a man. Let alone to be her man. "Squiring for the Duke of Clarence sounds like a very fine position." he was her uncle, but she didn't knew him. "Are we going to Dublin Castle after England?" she inquired softly. "Did you get a new position?"

John smiled, happy that Cecily seemed to cool down and feel comfortable. Even surprised she could show him around the gardens in such a manor. John hadn't seen them in a long time. "Excellent to see you so excited. Perhaps you will remain with my brother for a while so I can facilitate the family reunion. I have business in the capital and can't remain outside Ireland too long. As I have been appointed the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. In short I am the executive power of the crown in Ireland now."

A weary Boleyn arrives at the gate Malahide castle after Talbot had invited him by letter. He'd swore he'd never would return to ireland yet he is here now

Boleyn is sent into the Earl's study. He's behind his grand desk scribbling some papers on matters of state. He remain silent for a solid two minutes before finally looking up. "Ah Sir Boleyn, I had not expected you this soon." John finished his paper before he stood and offered a seat near the fire to his guest. "I'm sure you saw the preparations for the feast, of course there is a seat for you at the table." John poured a drink and offered one to the Knight. "Perhaps you have no heard, I assume you do however. I am the new Lord Lieutenant. I fear I had been a little short staffed with knights and earls."

An interesting prospect, power. A mere knight could never hold any significant power in England, but in Ireland the strength of a man's sword arm eclipsed all. Sir William Stanley knew that and he enjoyed the prospect of rising above his station - enough even to extort position out of his own friend. "Well, John, if I am to be of any use to you at all, I will need a position with which to exert authority. I, currently, am your best choice for Chancellor."

John grinned. "I've always respected your loyalty William." John now moved towards the castle. "I have business to attend to in England. While I don't wish it to become public knowledge I will inform the lords present at the feast of course. " by now the two man had neared the castle, John stopped so only they would hear what John would say. "Since I doubt the Earl of Kildare will make an appearance I'm tempted to leave you as Lord Deputy. However short my absence may be there must be someone at the helm. After that I have a delicate task for you if you don't dissapoint me."

Sir Thomas FitzGerald is sent to represent his brother at this meeting called by Talbot.

FitzGerald is sent into the main hall where by now the feast was underway. Sir Stanley, Boleyn and now a Fitzgerald were seated.
"Gentleman" John began while raising his glass. "To Ireland's pacification and to their damn use of coin instead of livestock!" John added that list bit as a joke.
"I shall inquire before we move on, have you Sirs anything to report or discuss?" John wanted complete attention on his own information to share with the Sirs in attendance.

[Mary The Quene]

Boleyn is sent into the Earl's study. He's behind his grand desk scribbling some papers on matters of state. He remain silent for a solid two minutes before finally looking up. "Ah Sir Boleyn, I had not expected you this soon." John finished his paper before he stood and offered a seat near the fire to his guest. "I'm sure you saw the preparations for the feast, of course there is a seat for you at the table." John poured a drink and offered one to the Knight. "Perhaps you have no heard, I assume you do however. I am the new Lord Lieutenant. I fear I had been a little short staffed with knights and earls."

''Yes, Lord Shrewsbury, i've seen the preparations, i'm delighted to take part in the feast'' Said Boleyn without any note of enthusiasm.

''And yes i have heard about your promotions, congratulations, My Lord.'' Said Boley, did he really came all to Ireland for this?, he had better things to do..

I hate Ireland

[Xion]

FitzGerald is sent into the main hall where by now the feast was underway. Sir Stanley, Boleyn and now a Fitzgerald were seated.
"Gentleman" John began while raising his glass. "To Ireland's pacification and to their damn use of coin instead of livestock!" John added that list bit as a joke.
"I shall inquire before we move on, have you Sirs anything to report or discuss?" John wanted complete attention on his own information to share with the Sirs in attendance.

Thomas raises his glass when Talbot calls for a toast. "I have nothing to report, Lord Lieutenant. The clans in Kildare and Desmond seem to be rather subdued for the moment."

[General Brewster]

''Yes, Lord Shrewsbury, i've seen the preparations, i'm delighted to take part in the feast'' Said Boleyn without any note of enthusiasm.

''And yes i have heard about your promotions, congratulations, My Lord.'' Said Boley, did he really came all to Ireland for this?, he had better things to do..

I hate Ireland

While Shrewsbury indicated the man to follow he continued his conversation. "Thank you, I'm glad you're here now. As I'm sure you are aware, as the King's representative here in Ireland I am the executive branch of our government. " John paused while the two man went down the stairs.
A great spiral staircase leading up to the small tower Malahide has. The Earl liked the view while he worked. Anyway he continued. "I've given a long thought about this damned cattle influx in Dublin and I've decided to appoint you to Head Treasurer in Ireland. "John said while they reached the end of the staircase and the hall leading to the main hall. Music could already be heard, something which annoyed the earl. "Your main task will be introducing a new taxation system that limits the influx of cattle and increased the influx of coin." John stopped at the large door that separated the main hall from the hallway. "This of course, means you're obliged to stay in Ireland for the time it will take you to make those stinking Irish listen of course." John now opened the door and went to take his seat, ending the discussion for now. He had a feast to open.

OOC: This is before I do the toast naturally.

Thomas raises his glass when Talbot calls for a toast. "I have nothing to report, Lord Lieutenant. The clans in Kildare and Desmond seem to be rather subdued for the moment."

John nods with a smile, it was good news those pesky rebels had admitted defeat, at least for now. "Glad to hear it, remain watchful and may God protect your family and you."