Framlingham Castle, the Mowbray Estates

[Jokern]

Originally a Norman motte-and-bailey castle stood where Framlingham Castle now stands, which was destroyed by King Henry II in 1148. It was replaced with the current castle by Roger Bigod, the Earl of Norfolk, an unusual piece of architecture for its time since it had no central keep. Instead, it uses the curtain wall with thirteen mural towers to defend the center of the castle, along with two meres outside the walls. It is a luxurious home, surrounded by parkland used for hunting, as well as extensive pleasure gardens within the castle. Framlingham Castle serves as the heart of the estates owned by the Mowbray family.

House of Mowbray

The House of Mowbray is one of the countless noble families that originate from Normandy, accompanying William of Normandy as he claimed the throne of England. While from humble origins, being founded by Geoffrey de Montbray, bishop of Coutances, are today among the most powerful influential families in England, as well as claiming descent from several Kings of England. However, time and time again have they rebelled against unpopular and tyrannical kings, from William Rufus to King John and Richard II. It was under Richard II that they were granted the title of Duke of Norfolk, through their descent from Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk and for aiding the king in getting rid of his rebellious uncle Thomas of Woodstock. During the War of the Roses, the Mowbrays sided with Richard, Duke of York, though swore allegiance to Henry VI after the Battle of Ludford Bridge. Aiding the young Edward IV to claim the English throne at the Battle of Towton, the family has enjoyed great personal favor with the Yorkist king, holding important positions on the Edward IV's council. However, their sun slowly set after the 3rd Duke of Norfolk tried to coup the king and rule as Lord Protector. Despite this betrayal, the Mowbrays were mostly spared and kept their titles and lands. With the passing of the old duke, John Mowbray, 4th Duke of Norfolk, served the Yorkist dynasty diligently as a commander during the latest war with France. John de Mowbray, 4th Duke of Norfolk John de Mowbray, 4th Duke of Norfolk, 1st Earl of Surrey, 10th Baron Mowbray, 11th Baron Segrave Name: John de Mowbray Titles: 4th Duke of Norfolk 1st Earl of Surrey 3rd Earl of Nottingham 10th Baron Mowbray 11th Baron Segrave Knight of the Garter Earl Marshal Age: 40 (born 1444) Marital Status: Married to Eleanor Neville (age 37 - born 1447) - barren Children: 2 sons; William de Mowbray (age 21 - born 1463), Edmund de Mowbray (age 19 - born 1465) Temperaments: Sanguine - Confident (+1 battle rolls, +1 to rout rolls against this character) - Sociable (+1 Charisma, -2% income) Melancholic - Meticulous (+1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed) Traits (6 points): Battles +2 Survival +1 Duel +2 Charisma +1 Equipment: William de Mowbray, Earl of Surrey William de Mowbray, Earl of Surrey Name: William de Mowbray Titles: Earl of Surrey (courtesy) Age: 21 (born 1463) Marital Status: Married to Elizabeth Holland, age 16 (born 1468) Children: None Temperaments: Sanguine - Confident (+1 battle rolls, +1 to rout rolls against this character) - Sociable (+1 Charisma, -2% income) Phlegmatic - Austere (+5% income, -1 Charisma) Traits (6 points): Logistician +1 Survival +1 Wealth +2 Charisma +2 Sir Edmund de Mowbray Sir Edmund de Mowbray Name: Edmund de Mowbray Titles: Knight Age: 19 (born 1465) Marital Status: Married to Anne Hastings, age 18 (born 1466) Children: Robert de Mowbray (age 0 - born 1484) Temperaments: Melancholic - Haggler (+7.5% income and improves loot from raid, -2 Charisma) - Meticulous (+1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed) Choleric - Bloodthirsty (+1 Battles, -1 Charisma) Traits (6 points): Battles +2 Pillager +1 Survival +1 Personal Combat +2 Mowbray family tree John de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk (1415-1472), married Eleanor Bourchier (1417-1473) John de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk (1444), married Eleanor Neville (1447) William de Mowbray, Earl of Surrey (courtesy) (1463), married to Elizabeth Holland (1468) Edmund de Mowbray (1465), married to Anne Hastings (1466) Robert de Mowbray (1484)

Demesne, Buildings and Income

Norfolk (Primary Residence) Provinces: - Wayland/Thetford - Prosperous Income (£350) - Depwade/Bungay - Prosperous Income (£350) - Loddon - Rich Income (£400) - Norwich- Rich Income (£400) - Yarmouth/Blofield/Caister - Rich Income (£400) - Smallburgh - Rich Income (£400) Buildings: Tier I - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income - Monastic Sponsorship: +5% province income (for clerical characters) - Reinforced Gatehouse: +1 siege defense to castle/manot - Peasant Patrols: -1 hostile raiding rolls in this province - Blacksmith Charters: -1% troop upkeep and recruitment cost - Increased Garrisons: Adds a garrison of 20 soldiers to the province (14 Yeomen Archers, 6 Yeomen Footmen) - Fishing Wharf (coastal or river only): 2% discount on the purchase and maintenance of ships Tier II - Rented Properties: +5% province income - Market Charter: +5 % province income - Priory Houses: +5% province income (for clerical characters) - Enlarged Towers: +2 siege defence to castle/manor - Militia Patrols: -1 hostile raiding rolls. - Armourers and Weaponsmiths: - 1% troop upkeep and recruitment cost. - Double Garrisons: Adds a further twenty soldiers (10 men-at-arms, 10 yeomen archers) to the garrison of this province. - Merchant’s Wharf: +5% province income, 2% further discount on the purchase and maintenance of ships. Tier III Province Income: £3,059 (+20% from buildings, -2% from temperament, +15% from regional bonuses) Suffolk Provinces: - Deben - Prosperous Income (£350) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £343 (-2% from temperament) Surrey Provinces: - Godstone - Prosperous Income (£350) - Merton - Rich Income (£400) - Dorking/Reigate/Esher - Prosperous Income (£350) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £1,133 (-2% from temperament, +5% from regional bonuses) Nottinghamshire Provinces: - Retford - Average Income (£300) - Newark - Average Income (£300) - Southwell - Average Income (£300) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £882 (-2% from temperament) Lincolnshire Provinces: - Axholme - Prosperous Province (£350) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £343 (-2% from temperament) Yorkshire Provinces: - Nidderdale/Ripley/Marmion/Knaresborough - Average Income (£300) - Ripon/Markenfield - Sparse Income (£250 - £125 due to overextension) - Flaxton/Crayke - Prosperous Income (£350 - £175 due to overextension) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £648 (-2% from temperament, +10% from regional bonuses) Monmouthshire Provinces: - Llanfair/Chepstow/Caldicot - Prosperous Income (£350 - £175 due to overextension) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £172 (-2% from temperament) Carmarthenshire Provinces: - Gower - Average Income (£300 - £150 due to overextension) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £147 (-2% from temperament) Total Income: £6,727

Military

Livery and Retinue 200 Men-at-Arms 200 Mounted Archers 200 Hobelars 400 Yeomen Footmen 400 Yeomen Archers Total: 1,400 men

Regional Bonuses

Norfolk Norfolk: Centre of the Wool Trade: This area is one of the centres of the English wool trade, and thus those who have their estates within these lands shall gain a 5% income boost to Wool ships. Populated: Norfolk is one of the most populous regions of England, and is therefore able to produce a high agricultural output. Those who have their primary residence located there benefit from a +10% estate income. Provincial Bonuses: Norwich: Large City: Norwich is one of the largest cities in England behind London and Bristol, and thus having estates located near to this great urban centre will surely see a benefit in commerce and income. +5% estate income. Suffolk Suffolk: 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. Surrey Surrey (County): Southern England: Surrey is one of the most fertile regions of England, and benefits greatly from bountiful crop yields. +5% estate income. Nottinghamshire 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. Lincolnshire Lincolnshire: Arable lands: Lincolnshire is famed for its fertility, and turns over particularly high yields in livestock and crops. +5% estate income for those with their primary residence in Lincolnshire. Yorkshire 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 gain a 10% boost to income from Wool Ships. Populated: Yorkshire is is the largest county in England and certainly among the most populous, boasting land that is extremely fertile. +10% to estate income. Monmouthshire Monmouth: Bastion of Englishness: Monmouthshire is mainly populated by English settlers, and is a bastion of Englishness in Wales. Those who hold their primary estates here get -10% troop recruitment and upkeep costs, as well as 1 knight commander free of cost and upkeep. 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 granted a 10% income bonus to wool ships. Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire: Centre of the Wool Trade: This area is one of the centres of the English wool trade, and thus those who have their estates within these lands will be granted a 10% bonus to the income of wool ships. Welsh Resistance: This county is home to a large population of native Welsh who chafe under English rule. +5 to all chances of rebellion.

[Gandalfus]

A letter arrives, with Exeter's seal attached. It contains a rather brief message concerning the fact that Exeter's daughter, Elizabeth, is now of age to wed, and that an agreement was signed some time ago that she would marry Norfolk's heir, the Earl of Surrey.

[Barry Goldwater]

William Catesby, one of Richard of Gloucester's closest servitors, arrives at Framlingham's gates to seek an audience with the Duke of Norfolk, having split away from Ratcliffe in Norfolk itself. He makes it clear that his message is urgent.

[Jokern]

William Catesby, one of Richard of Gloucester's closest servitors, arrives at Framlingham's gates to seek an audience with the Duke of Norfolk, having split away from Ratcliffe in Norfolk itself. He makes it clear that his message is urgent.

Norfolk was found outside the castle together with his retinue of knights, servants and his two sons. They were armed with bows and spears, about to move out on a hunt in the nearby woods of Suffolk. John Mowbray, dressed in green and brown hunting clothes, went to meet with Gloucester's man.

"Hail, sir! What does a man of a royal uncle seek here in Suffolk? Does noble Gloucester wish to join in the hunt perhaps?"

While outwardly welcoming, Norfolk was aware of the more probable reason for Catesby's presence. He had read the proclamation supposedly made by young King Edward, though oozing with Woodville intrigue and plotting. The question, what would the other side offer?

[Barry Goldwater]

"If only he could, great lord of Norfolk." Catesby replied gravely, courteously bowing before the Duke as he did so. "Alas, His Grace is presently distracted by the coming fracas in the capital. The Queen and her affinity have, as you may know, taken possession of the King and issued a proclamation in his name dissolving the Protectorate and naming her regent, with a board of regents that includes Your Grace." Catesby paused there, clearly dancing around the known and storied tensions that existed between Mowbray and Woodville. How curious that he should be among the men named to the regency, given his family's adamant opposition to her ascension in the first place.

[Jokern]

"If only he could, great lord of Norfolk." Catesby replied gravely, courteously bowing before the Duke as he did so. "Alas, His Grace is presently distracted by the coming fracas in the capital. The Queen and her affinity have, as you may know, taken possession of the King and issued a proclamation in his name dissolving the Protectorate and naming her regent, with a board of regents that includes Your Grace." Catesby paused there, clearly dancing around the known and storied tensions that existed between Mowbray and Woodville. How curious that he should be among the men named to the regency, given his family's adamant opposition to her ascension in the first place.

"And as I supported His Grace and Lord Clarence during the reading of His Majesty's will, I presume that Lord Gloucester seeks my support then?"

A few of Norfolk's retainers had begun gathering around the two, including William and Edmund Mowbray. They watched Catesby suspiciously, still carrying their bows. The Mowbrays had been out of politics for a good while, their latest grand endeavor outside their estates being the war in France. Ever since the current duke's father had tried to seize power in a coup d'etat and been betrayed, though graciously forgiven by the king, courtly intrigue had left a bad taste in the mouth for them.

[Trot]

A short time after the coronation a cartridge arrives outside Farmlingham Castle bearing William Hastings to discuss some business with the Duke of Mowbray.

[Jokern]

The Earl Northampton is welcomed by the duke in the courtyard, who takes his son's father-in-law to the garden so that they may discuss their business in peace.

"Welcome, Lord Hastings. I hope that everything is fine with your family and your estates. We've been well enough. Now, what did you wish to discuss with me?"

[Trot]

Hastings nods respecfully to the Duke. "My family is well thank you." He says, "I find myself in need of a deputy for Wales. I thought your son William might want the honor." Hastings starts bringing the first matter he wanted to talk to the Duke about.

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[Jokern]

Norfolk was a bit curious at the request, though honored on his son's behalf for the offer. While Hastings' lands were not near Wales as far as he remembered, John felt there were something else behind it all.

"I am sure my son would be honored by the position of deputy, though what stands in the way of you yourself serving there, Lord Hastings?"

[Trot]

"The queen has not yet seen fit to throw me off the regency council she appointed." Hastings says. "Not that I expect her to be seeking my advice for much." He adds his tone of voice saying what he thoight of the queens 'council'. She was the real power in London and all knew it.

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[Jokern]

"Very well then, I shall bring word to my son. If he accepts, he should be in Wales in no time."

Norfolk was quite certain that William would heartily accept. The lad was young and in need of opportunity to prove himself. Norfolk himself had held the right flank at Towton after Warwick's death at that age, and the son always had to prove himself better.

[Trot]

Hastings nods happy with the agreement. Now it was time to move to more sensative topics. "What do you think of the queens actions Lord Morway? Lord Stafford's arrest seems odd does it not?"

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[Jokern]

Hastings nods happy with the agreement. Now it was time to move to more sensative topics. "What do you think of the queens actions Lord Morway? Lord Stafford's arrest seems odd does it not?"

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Norfolk's brow furrowed. Riders had been constantly making their way throughout the kingdom, delivering news more troubling than the last. Lord Stafford's imprisonment was a curious one, a once trusted lord serving as Constable of the Tower. Was the Queen Regent getting rid of those that opposed her? If so, the Mowbrays could be on her list of enemies.

"I was shocked when I heard the news. Lord Stafford always seemed a loyal to me, and high treason is a most grievous charge. I would like to know the reason for this accusation against a noble duke, but there it has been silent. Have you been privy to any details, Lord Hastings? It's concerning that a lord can be arrested like that without any issue."

Henry Percy, the Lord of Northumberland and an old acquaintance of the de Mowbray family, arrives to speak with the Duke of Norfolk.

Northumberland is welcomed by Norfolk, and they seat themselves in the parlor of Framlingham Castle.

"It's been quite a while, Lord Northumberland, since you so rarely make your way down south. How are things along the border, do the Scots make any noise?"

Norfolk took a cup of wine and sipped a little.

"I presume you've heard the news? Lord Stafford arrested, the Archbishop of Canterbury replaced as Lord Chancellor and the subsequent excommunication of the Queen Regent? I never imagined we would fall into chaos so quickly."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Northumberland is welcomed by Norfolk, and they seat themselves in the parlor of Framlingham Castle.

"It's been quite a while, Lord Northumberland, since you so rarely make your way down south. How are things along the border, do the Scots make any noise?"

Norfolk took a cup of wine and sipped a little.

"I presume you've heard the news? Lord Stafford arrested, the Archbishop of Canterbury replaced as Lord Chancellor and the subsequent excommunication of the Queen Regent? I never imagined we would fall into chaos so quickly."

We managed to kick their nest around a bit in some recent raids. Got quite a bit of coin from it.

Henry Percy had learned of what was happening in London as he departed Alnwick. Thank God his niece was away, but Lord Stafford must have been arrested due to his actions.

If our fathers were still alive, my Lord Norfolk, they would certainly see the Queen as the reincarnation of another woman they once served.

Margaret of Anjou was that woman hinted.

The realm most certainly is grumbling now, Your Grace. Such people being arrested and removed from power, the nobility is going to chafe under the rule of upstart peasants, no question about it.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Percy, the Lord of Northumberland and an old acquaintance of the de Mowbray family, arrives to speak with the Duke of Norfolk.

[Gandalfus]

Holland sends a few stewards to treat with Norfolk; they come with letters of credit, which is clearly involving the matter of Elizabeth's dowry. The sum is four thousand pounds, to be paid to Norfolk from Holland's coffers at the former's convenience.

[Trot]

Hastings shakes his head slowly. "No I have heard nothing more on the matter than he was arrested for treason." He had no idea what to think of the mater. "All I know is it came on the heels of the queen taking control of London." Mowbray had been there for the tail end of that mess. "He was the queens brother in law so many there was a familial dispute although for the queen to level such a charge for a small mater would be disturbing indeed. I hope when I return to London I can learn the exact details of his imprisonment." He sighs shaking his head. "I worry for the unity of the realm if the queen is allowed unchecked power."

[Jokern]

Norfolk pondered for a moment, his gaze fixed on some speck on the wall. When he answered he spoke slowly, carefully weighing each word in his mind before speaking.

"Lord Hastings... the Queen Dowager has been through a lot since the passing of her beloved husband, along with removing the royal uncles from their regency dictated by King Edward. Perhaps Her Majesty's senses have been strained to a point where she is unfit to serve as regent? To go against her husband's last will, her overprotective nature of His Majesty, the removal of Lords Clarence and Gloucester, and now the arrest of Lord Buckingham... it is most troubling, most troubling indeed."

John turned to look directly at Hastings, his son's future father-in-law.

"Should we as loyal peers of England just sit by when we seem to be entering another crisis?"

[Trot]

Hastings shakes his head slowly, "I fear we can not. We could return to our holds and sit aside and watch it play out, but what would that make us? No I don't intend to sit by while the realm descends further into chaos." He sighs shaking his head. "Clarence seems to have retreated to his estates and Gloucester marches on Scotland that meas we must take charge of seeing the realm does not fall to pieces, and I can not see a way to avoid that if the queen remains in power." He pauses taking a moment to collect his thoughts, and then meets his fellow Lords eye. "Lord Norfolk, I intend to return to London find others to oppose the unchecked power the queen is wielding, but I will have to tread carefully lest I end up in a cell next to Stafford. If we are to stop the realm from descending into crises we will need to be united together."