Culling Scottish Ambitions

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Bishop of Durham assembled his troops in order to join Henry Percy in the raids against Scotland.

+2 Survival
+4 Battles

284 Yeoman Footmen
40 Men-At-Arms
142 Yeoman Archers
57 Mounted Archers

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Earl of Northumberland, along with other retainers of the Percy family, arrives from Alnwick, at Carlisle Castle, the headquarters of the Lord Warden of the North.

100 Yeomen Archers
200 Yeomen Footmen

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland
Traits (6 points): +2 Battle, +2 Survival, +1 Logistican, +1 Personal Combat
Temperaments:
Choleric:
- Bloodthirsty: +1 Battles, -1 Charisma.
- Impulsive: +5% movement speed, -1 to detection rolls.
Phlegmatic:
- Austere: +5% income, -1 Charisma.

===========================

He rides up to the Bishop of Durham, looking northward.

We have two ideal places to hit, Teviotdale and Dumfriesshire. To our northwest, Annan and Langholm sit on the border. To our northwest, Broughton.

He looks to Sherwood.

I say we hit Dumfriesshire to the northeast. Agreed?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sherwood mulled over the options "Aye, it has he most targets and wealth. It is the ideal location to begin." THe Bishop looked little like a Bishop in the noonday sun, save for a silver cross hanging from his neck he looked like any other peer in the kingdom. "Let us hope that few innocents will lose their lives over this necessary act. I will pray for their salvation upon our return."

[Lucius Malfoy]

When you live upon the Northern borders, Your Grace, prayers are not enough to save the innocent and weak.

Henry had seen war, as well as his father, and his father's father and so forth down the line. The very diligence of their service along the border ensured that money was accumulated to buy Alnwick from a previous Bishop of Durham. From there, their fortunes would sprout, climaxing under the 1st Earl of Northumberland, who had been elevated from the family title of Baron Percy, by the grace of King Richard II. They knew of what little mercy existed in the North and there would be none given.

We ride for Annan then, my Lord Bishop!

His soldiers form up and move out as the Lord Warden begins to ride off for the Scottish border, miles away.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Very well my Lord." he replied with a smile. It was good to be doing something less...churchly for once. He barked an order and his men responded. 100 Yeoman footmen and 100 Yeoman Archers accompanied the bishop, while the rest of his forces formed a rearguard that would not take part in the raid itself.

[Gandalfus]

The Scots are apparently more prepared than anticipated, perhaps expecting English action over the border - a runner reports the news of the raid to the local castle, which usually meant some form of retaliation. A few had surely recognised Percy's banners, for they were well known upon the border, but Durham's own device was less notable.

But, for their part, the English didn't struggle with the Scots too much. Durham and Percy would only lose a few men (3% casualties). However, the loot was fairly meagre, with the total value of items plundered only coming to £140. It seems the Scots were not an affluent folk, at least not here in Annan.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Bishop was surprised to see organized resistance forming. It confirmed in his mind the need for such raids, if they were willing to fight for their meagre wealth they would be prepared to volunteer to march south with whoever was lord of these lands. Maybe this show of strength would lessen their resolve. He ordered his archers to form a line and begin loosing volleys into the peasant lines. Soon it became clear that their resistance would not last. "Infantry, advance." he commanded as the men began to move forward, soon they would close and the affair would be over with minimal losses.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Percy examines what minimal wealth had been gathered. Despite the frequent trade along these borders, there wasn't much to be had. Reports came in that twenty-one men, from the combined forces of Durham and Percy, had fallen against the resistance. From Annan, there were a few more choices to hit; Dumfries to the west, Lockerbie to the north and Langholm to the northeast. All of them minimal in wealth from what he recalled. He rides back to the Lord Bishop.

Now the choice is, move further into Scotland or remain along the border. Dumbries and Lockerbie are situated inland, but I don't recall them having much wealth. Langholm stays on the border, but again, minimal wealth.

[Pontifex Maximus]

John shrugged "Not much wealth in these lands, aye, but that's only one objective. I shall defer to your lordship, but I suggest Dumfries might be the best option. We could give the Lord Crichton of Sanquhar (a bit off our timeline but only by 4 years) a run for his lands. After that, an orderly withdrawal would be in order before we raise too much concern."

[Lucius Malfoy]

It will indeed have to be a quick raid, else we might be cornered within Scottish territory.

Henry orders the raiding loot to be hauled to Carlisle to be kept safe. The Lord Northumberland remounts his horse, pulling on the reins.

Form up! We move for Dumfries!!

[Gandalfus]

The Scots are caught completely by surprise - obviously they hadn't expected Percy and Durham to move onto Dumfries at all, nevermind as swiftly as they did. They take no losses and plunder £675 in goods from the locals, who were clearly a good deal more affluent.

[Pontifex Maximus]

As the Bishop's men withdrew from the bloody fray, though substatially less bloody then when resistance was offered, the Bishop rejoiced. He made his way back to Henry's side. "What a splendid enterprise!" he exclaimed "How shall we divide up the spoils, my lord?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry was quite pleased by the haul this time. In total, there was now £815 to be split. Upon inquiry, Lord Northumberland had already considered the fair shares.

We have now 815 pounds, I will take my fair share of 400 and you can have the remainder, my Lord Bishop. Perhaps we can hit Langholm on the way back to England, by passing through Annan and moving northeast before bending back south to the border.

Langholm was not rich, but money was money nonetheless.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Three for the charm!" the bishop replied, almost drunk on the bloodlust "I shall follow your lead, my lord."