The Savoy

[Oznerol]

THE SAVOY

The Savoy, purchased years ago by Anthony Woodville to the crown, is an old palace, most famously being the residence of John of Gaunt during Richard II's minority. Ransacked by the angry populace, it was left a ruin for many years, only some structures being refurbished and repurposed. With Rivers' newfound wealth, the palace was given a new life. The residence has been extensively rebuilt in the last years. However, instead of having the formidable size of old, Rivers has chosen instead to have larger gardens overlooking the Thames, demolishing part of the former palace and digging out its foundations. Now, the grounds surrounding the building are covered in splendid gardens, second only to those of Plasentia in Greenwich; including a carefully organized orchard, a large pond and several pavilions. Flemish gardeners were brought from the very Burgundian court to planify the new grounds of the palace. The new Savoy has a cuadrangular planimetry, with an inner, stone-paved courtyard surrounded by a colonnade. It still has the stout towers of the old Savoy, but refurbished in the style of the time, with spires and larger windows. The small chappel has been completely rebuilt from scratch, with large windows covered by stained glass, one of which depicts the royal family in prayer. The residence of the said earl Rivers is splendid, storied, well-furbished and well-decorated. The complex has a private pier, providing its owner with a fast way of travel and connecting the residence with the royal palaces by the river, like the aforementioned Greenwich or Westminster itself.

Anthony Woodville, Duke of Bedford

SIR ANTHONY WOODVILLE Born 1440. Titles: 1st Duke of Bedford, Lord Protector Status: Married, to Elizabeth de Courtenay (born 1447). Children: Anne Woodville (born 1472), Anthony Woodville (born and died 1473), Lionel Woodville (born 1474), Jacquetta Woodville (born 1478), Humphrey Woodville (born 1481). Badges: A silver jar, a trifoil. Motto: "Nulle la vault" Possessions: Grafton Regis, the Mote (Kent), Carisbrooke Castle. Distinctions: Knight of the Garter. Member of the Privy Council: Lord High Treasurer and Lord Secretary of State. Traits (6): +3 Personal Combat. +1 Survival. +1 Charisma. +1 Wealth. Melancholic: - Meticulous: This character loves to analyze situations down to the last minutiae before acting. On one hand this means they'll probably have a clear picture going in, on the other their decision-making abilities could easily become paralyzed as they spend too much time analyzing and not enough acting. +1 detection rolls, -5% movement speed. - Pessimistic: This character is always looking at the negative side of things. They may be right in some cases - when you suspect every man you meet to be a bad guy, you're probably right at least one out of ten times - but it doesn't exactly make them endearing. +1 to survival rolls, -1 Charisma. Supine: - Idealistic: This person is a strong believer in higher ideals and the innate goodness of man. On the one hand they tend to be inspiring and uplifting figures, on the other they can be taken advantage of by those who live well beneath their expectations. +1 Charisma, -1 to rout/assassination/escape rolls. BIOGRAPHY: Anthony is the eldest son of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers and Lady Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Duchess of Bedford. Initially he was a Lancastrian, like his father, whose fortunes were aligned with the ill-fated king Henry VI, and fought in Towton on Lancaster's side. He already was reknowned as a man "of very great valour" during those stages of the war. The Woodvilles later become Yorkists, when the defeat of the Red Rose was apparent. The Woodville's influence in court has greatly expanded due to Elizabeth's secret marriage to the King, of which Anthony was one of the formal witnesses. Due the sudden death of his father, Anthony became Earl of Rivers at the age of twenty-seven, in 1467. Soon thereafter, his sister was aclaimed as England's only and rightful Queen, raising again the fortunes of her kindred, including Sir Anthony, who was married to the Earl of Devon's sister, Elizabeth de Courtenay, great-granddaughter of John of Gaunt. At the time of his marriage he started to use a variation of his father's arms as Earl Rivers, including a scutcheon for Courtenay. Anthony is considered quite skilled in arms, but also he is a well-known patron and bibliophile, owning one of the finest libraries among the peerage. His scholarly acomplishments are well-known, being a writer both in prose and lyric, author of balades and poems. Deeply pious, he has redacted several theological and religious texts, and is a fervent follower of the Virgin Mary. Dark-haired, tall and broad-shouldered, he takes after his father, Richard Woodville, who was said to be "very handsome and very well made" (as described by Enguerrand de Monstrelet) in his youth. Being described as one of the most gallant gentlemen at court, noneless Woodville is a well-known womanizer who mantains several mistresses, despite his seemingly peaceful, and already fruitful, marriage with Elizabeth Courtenay. Despite he isn't lacking in intelligence, Queen Elizabeth herself remains as the true force behind the Woodville's raise to fame and fortune. He acted as warden of John Grey of Powis, earl of Tankarville, with whom he soon mantained a very close and caring relationship, raising him as a true son, in his own household. Both shared numerous interests and Tankarville helped financing the entrepeneur Willaim Caxton and his printing press. The friendship was cemented with marriage, when Grey's sister was given in marriage to Richard Woodville, one of the younger Woodville brothers. Rivers has a meager demesne, without his grants, royal revenues and offices he would be unable to mantain a proper earldom, for her lands are mainly centered in Northampton and some sparse possessions in Kent, none of note. However, his proximity to the queen and his standing on the council makes sure his wealth isn't inconsiderable; reason why many despise the legendary Woodville rapacity. In 1481, the Queen, angered by the refusal of both Clarence and Gloucester to share the regency with her raised an army and deposed them both, without spilling a single drop of blood. Acknowledged as sole regent of her infant son, she raised Anthony to the position of Lord Protector of the Realm and granted him the duchy of Bedford, turning the initially obscure Rivers into of the most prominent magnates in all England. ... With displesaunce, to my grevaunce, And no suraunce of remedy. Lo in this traunce, now in substaunce, Such is my dawnce, wyllyng to dye. Family tree FAMILY TREE: Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers (1405-1467), married Jacquetta of Luxembourg (1415): -Elizabeth Woodville (1437), married Sir John Grey (1) and Edward IV (2): 1) Thomas Grey, Marquess of Winchester, Earl of Salisbury, Lord of Glamorgan, Baron Monthermer, Baron Astley (1453). Married Lady Anne Neville (1456): Edward Grey (1469), betrothed to Joan FitzAlan (1472). Eleanor Grey (1471-1473). Elizabeth Grey (1473). Anne Grey (1483). 1) Richard Grey (1457), married Lady Cecily Bonville, Baroness Harington and Baroness Bonville (1460). Anthony Grey (1481). Cecily Grey (1481). 2) Elizabeth of York (1465). 2) Edward of Grafton, Prince of Wales, Duke of Grafton, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, Earl of March (1467). 2) Richard of Westminster, Duke of York (1470). 2) Bridget of York (1472). 2) Edmund of York, Earl of Rutland (1473). -Lewis Woodwille, died in childhood. -Anne Woodville (1439). Married Roger Kyriell, Earl of Monmouth (1443): Elizabeth Kyriell (1470). Celily Kyriell (1472). Catherine Kyriell (1473). Gwyn Kyriell (1475). Richard Kyriell (1476). -Anthony Woodville, 1st Duke of Bedford, 2nd Earl Rivers (1440), married Elizabeth Courtenay (1449). Anne Woodville (1472). Anthony Woodville (1473). Lionel Woodville (1474), married Isabel Bourchier, baroness Scales (1471). Jacquetta Woodville (1478). Humphrey Woodville (1481). -Mary Woodville (1443), married Sir Thomas Bourchier, 1st Baron Conington (1442). Richard Bourchier (1471-73). Edward Bourchier (1473). -Jacquetta Woodville (1444), married Sir Edward Courtenay (1447). -John Woodville (1445-1477), married Katherine Neville, duchess dowager of Norfolk (1400). -Lionel Woodville (1447), dean of Exeter. -Martha Woodville (1449), married Sir Laurence Grey, baron Grey de Ruthyn. -Eleanor Woodville (1452), married Sir Thomas Stanley, Earl of Wiltshire, Lord of Mann, Baron Stanley (1437). Edmund Stanley (1471). Jacquetta Stanley (1472). -Richard Woodville (1453), married to Elizabeth Grey (c.1465). -Edward Woodville (1454). -Margaret Woodville (1454-1478), married Sir Thomas Howard (1443). Thomas Howard (1472-1473). Robert Howard (1474). Charles Howard (1477). -Catherine Woodville (1457), married Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1454). Henry Stafford (1475).

[Mary The Quene]

At a certain day Sir Ralph Neville arrives at the gates of Savoy Palace and wishes to speak with the 'Good' Lord Rivers.

[Oznerol]

Lord Rivers barely remembered who this Ralph was, so the chamberlain returned to the gate asking whose relation this Neville was.

[Mary The Quene]

Lord Neville replies in kind that he is a relation to the senior Neville lineage whose uncle had been Earl of Westmorland once. (And should have passed to him since his children died prematurely if they had not been attained during the Lord Protectorate of Norfolk).

[Oznerol]

Rivers welcomes Neville on the lordly solar, overlooking the Thames. The palace has been extensively rebuilt in the years since Wydeville was granted the ruinous complex. However, instead of having the formidable size of old, Rivers has chosen instead to have larger gardens, demolishing part of the old palace and digging out its foundations. Now, the grounds surrounding the urban palace, are covered in splendid gardens, second only to those of Plasentia in Greenwich; including a carefully organized orchard, a large pond and several pavilions. Flemish gardeners were brought from the very Burgundian court to planify the new grounds of the palace. The new Savoy is a cuadrangular estructure, with an inner, stone-paved courtyard surrounded by a colonnade. It still has the stout towers of the old Savoy, but refurbished in the style of the time, with spires and larger windows. The small chappel has been completely rebuilt from scratch, with large opennings covered by stained glasses, one of which depicts the royal family in prayer. The residence of earl Rivers is splendid, storied, well-furbished and decorated. The solar where he welcomed Neville had a carved and painted ceiling.
Rivers himself is a truly towering man, of imposing size, one of the best and most reknowned English knights, and certainly one of whose intellectual pursuits can't be doubted; he has a sizable personal library, enlarged by the titles the Caxton's printing press continuously released in Westminster, including few by his own quill. He also has several precious, illuminated books, one of which has been comissioned and illuminated in Flanders for the earl himself.

Woodville welcomes Neville with a nod, arms akimbo, hands resting on his hips. Bare headed, he nodded.

"Sir Ralph Neville, what has brought you here? I was hugely surprised to be told of your arrival, certainly I did not expect you"

[Mary The Quene]

What a nice palace, damn i must have one too for future use at some point!

''My Lord Rivers'' Neville replied with a slight courteous bow, though his face did not betray any kind of emotion he did like this palace.

''I have originally wanted to visit your noble sister, Her Majesty, firstly but i felt i would disturb her with my presence during these hard time for Her Majesty'' Neville believed the Queen would have no ears to business for now, not now when she grieves for the king still.

''I think His Grace knows what had befallen my line as of late, and i do feel the need to move away from the Holland household....., Lord Exeter has become quite erratic as of late you see'' He'd supposed that would interest him. Neville tried to subdue any emotions in his face, trying to stay indifferent.

[Oznerol]

"She is indeed distressed, sir"

Said Rivers, still curious my the sudden appareance of this Neville.

"You are from the line of the Westmoreland Nevilles, yes? Througfully disposessed for their support to Lancaster..."

It seemed like the interview would end there. But...

"However, I served under Lancaster myself and my own sister married the late Sir John, who was a staunch followed of the Red Rose. That almost ended us all..."

That was almost a lifetime ago, when Wydevilles were largely insignificant knights, whose only fortune came from an uneven marriage.

"I didn't know you were part of Holland's household. I have indeed heard Lord Exeter's behavior is troublesome of late"

He clasped hands behind his back.

"What brings you here, though?"

[Mary The Quene]

''I would wish back my rightful lands and title's that have been taken away by that troublesome junior line of my Neville family, so i may move away from Holland's Household'' Surely, every good soul in this realm knew how much the senior and junior Nevilles loathed each other with an unknown hatred.

''Naturally, as brother of Her Majesty, i know you have great influence at court, thus so i hoped His Lordship could help me in regaining the rightful inheritance of my uncle, god rest him.'' Certainly the Lord Rivers could help him, perhaps it is about time to bring up a certain Montagu. ''I won't deny the past mistakes of my family but my line would be ever grateful to the rising house of York if i were to be restored in my honors, we would be grateful and support House York in any case, that can't be said about that Montagu who has been so disgraced for his theft, likely vengeful now.'' Oh yes, Neville and no qualms to talk about that kinsman of his.

[Oznerol]

"My sister has little love for the marquess of Montagu, who despoiled his own nice, my nephew's wife, Lady Anne"

Said Rivers with a grunt.

"However, my Lord, she cannot afford alienating the peerage any further. Neville has still many friends at court and we cannot simply take away those lands he holds since your line's attainder"

He crossed arms over his ample chest.

"And he has given no reasons to doubt his loyalty to the house of York. I'm afraid, sir, that your petition is currently beyond my own influence and quite unlikely. However, steps can be taken into your restoration in blood, which undoubtedly would bring back some lands or at least a title"

Woodville scratched his bearded chin.

"However, I cannot and will not act of good will solely in these troubled times, with my brother the king dead, God be Merciful"

[Mary The Quene]

''Then, My Lord of Rivers, we shall do so in steps'' Neville replied, he subdued any kind of emotion, for showing emotions outwardly is but a sign of weakness in his mind, but inwardly he had hoped better results.

He'd was not out of cards yet, perhaps a marriage, personally Neville found it distasteful for a child of his to marry a Woodville but life could not always grant what one wants and compromise must be reached. ''If His lordship would help me with these steps and if God wills it if i recover a portion of my inheritance then i would happily form ties through blood with the Good House Wydedville.'' Neville said, betraying no thoughts.

[Oznerol]

"Like? Excuse me, sir, but I do not know if you have any children to call your own. I can only presume you do"

Said Rivers, piqued. There was something all Woodvilles loved, and it was a good prospective match. No matter how low were the Nevilles currently, but their blood was old and any marriage to members of the peerage would cement Woodville standing among them.

"I have two daughters and a son. God be thanked, my wife is with child again"

[Mary The Quene]

"Like? Excuse me, sir, but I do not know if you have any children to call your own. I can only presume you do"

Said Rivers, piqued. There was something all Woodvilles loved, and it was a good prospective match. No matter how low were the Nevilles currently, but their blood was old and any marriage to members of the peerage would cement Woodville standing among them.

"I have two daughters and a son. God be thanked, my wife is with child again"

''I have one son who is yet unbetrothed, Ralph, who turned five years this spring, a fine reminder of my late wife'' Though Neville didn't love her nor did he find her a suitable match he did respect her for giving a son. ''I will want a good match for him ofcourse.'' Neville continued, in reality he didn't view a Woodville match as something good, but they could be helpful for now.

[Barry Goldwater]

At some indeterminate point in time...

The Earl of Tankerville reaches the gates of Savoy Palace, where his old mentor and friend the Earl Rivers lived. John Grey had come far from the lanky youth he was when he first came under Rivers' wing: years of hard training and then the war in France had made him tall and muscular, and even gave him a dark beard to match his still-unruly hair. Of course, none of that had changed his true passion - literature and the arts of the mind, which had been the foundation of his genuine friendship with Anthony Woodville.

Among Tankerville's retinue were Sirs William (the 'Red') and Lawrence Corwen, knights of the Corwen family that had long served his own.

[Oznerol]

The chamberlain guided them through the hallways and corridors, once they had traversed the courtyard. The ceilings were painted and carved with many motiffs, like the white rose of York or silvery jars. Tapestries, fine frescoes and geometrical designs covered every inch of the walls not actually covered by the carved wood. They arrived to a small audience chamber, in the opposite wall was exposed the silver and golden dishware of the earl, as was fashionable. Rivers arrived soon enough, with hands behind his back. Despite he was forty he looked as ruddy and rowdy as ever.

"My Lord!"

He said, happily.

"Didn't expect your Lordship this time of the year"

[Bjorn]

Red William looked at the great Savoy palace from a distance as they came closer. He found the architecture pretty impressive. William scratched his red beard as he grinned.

Nice house, ay M'lord? He says to John, impressed. Your friend is a lucky man, if I may say so.

Lawrence had a natural smile almost always present on his face. This time was no different. He seemed very interested in meeting the lord of such estate. He was only a year older than John and was recently knighted. I heard the library is one of great size and richness.

[Barry Goldwater]

Red William looked at the great Savoy palace from a distance as they came closer. He found the architecture pretty impressive. William scratched his red beard as he grinned.

Nice house, ay M'lord? He says to John, impressed. Your friend is a lucky man, if I may say so.

Lawrence had a natural smile almost always present on his face. This time was no different. He seemed very interested in meeting the lord of such estate. He was only a year older than John and was recently knighted. I heard the library is one of great size and richness.

"You're both correct," Tankerville responded brightly to his knights as they approached the Savoy Palace. "Lord Rivers is an intellectual, as I am, so naturally he would have a great library. But that's not all: he's the sponsor of William Caxton, England's first printer! He and I have no need to travel across the continent to stock our libraries now, when we could just have Caxton print an English translation of whatever we want in no time flat."

The chamberlain guided them through the hallways and corridors, once they had traversed the courtyard. The ceilings were painted and carved with many motiffs, like the white rose of York or silvery jars. Tapestries, fine frescoes and geometrical designs covered every inch of the walls not actually covered by the carved wood. They arrived to a small audience chamber, in the opposite wall was exposed the silver and golden dishware of the earl, as was fashionable. Rivers arrived soon enough, with hands behind his back. Despite he was forty he looked as ruddy and rowdy as ever.

"My Lord!"

He said, happily.

"Didn't expect your Lordship this time of the year"

"Rivers!" Tankerville exclaimed cheerfully. "To be honest, I wasn't expecting to come to Savoy at this time either. There are a few things I'd like to discuss - but we can talk over a goblet of fine wine later. How are you, my friend?" He moved to engage his former guardian in a manly embrace.

[Bjorn]

"You're both correct," Tankerville responded brightly to his knights as they approached the Savoy Palace. "Lord Rivers is an intellectual, as I am, so naturally he would have a great library. But that's not all: he's the sponsor of William Caxton, England's first printer! He and I have no need to travel across the continent to stock our libraries now, when we could just have Caxton print an English translation of whatever we want in no time flat."

Father would probably have enjoyed to be here. He hardly ever gets a chance to read a good book. Said Lawrence thoughtfully, refering to the old Sir William of Corwen, their father.


If you can get the old man away from his petunias, you mean. Said Red William. I swear I'll never understand the fascination of a grown man with his garden...

As they approached the gates and were hailed by the guards, the Corwens assumed a more formal position, showing the professionalism expected from soldiers.

[Bjorn]

When they have come before the presence of the Lord Rivers, the Corwen brothers maintained themselves a bit behind Sir John, giving the two friends space to interact.

[Oznerol]

"I will indeed consider him a match for my youngest, Jacquetta, called after mine mother, the duchess of Bedford"

Said Anthony. His sister would indeed appreciate any kind of argument against Montagu, so... He writes something on a parchment and seals it with his ring.

"Take this, Sir Ralph, and bring it to my sister's atention at Eltham's. You will be duly welcomed in an audience"

[Mary The Quene]

"I will indeed consider him a match for my youngest, Jacquetta, called after mine mother, the duchess of Bedford"

Said Anthony. His sister would indeed appreciate any kind of argument against Montagu, so... He writes something on a parchment and seals it with his ring.

"Take this, Sir Ralph, and bring it to my sister's atention at Eltham's. You will be duly welcomed in an audience"

''Thank you, my Lord Rivers.'' Neville made a slight bow before taking the parchment in his hands. ''Glad to meet you, My Lord.'' Neville bowed once more before retiring.