Prospects in Essex

[Jokern]

Arthur Plantagenet, after having acquired a substantial loan from the Archbishop of Canterbury, rides to Tendring. The viscount from neighboring Colchester had been seeking ways to increase his personal wealth for a while, and starting in closer to home seemed like the best option. After all, he knew Essex well enough and he would be able to protect his property far easier the closer they were to each other.

However, he was aware that his father-in-law were out on similar business, so he had decided to act quickly. The archbishop's words riled him up when the memory returned. He dared make threats at him, the son of King Edward? Bastard or not, his honor was on the line.

Viscount Bourchier makes his way to the local township, seeking out local landholders about the prospect of buying property. He makes no effort in hiding his identity, wearing a badge depicting his arms on his doublet - one quarter depicting the royal coat of arms quite visible.

[Gandalfus]

The local landholders have formed some kind of cabal, and agree upon a set price to avoid being undercut by their peers: five times the annual worth of the land would suffice for the purchase.

[Jokern]

After hearing the landholders' deal, Arhtur simply thanked them and told them he would think about it. Arthur returned home to Colchester to rethink his strategy. The current price was too high for his liking but it would remain so as long as the landholders were united in their efforts. While trying to grease the wheels with gifts and feasts was a tempting idea, it would nonetheless put a strenuous weight on his already meager coffers. Something else would be needed, Arthur thought as he went out to stroll through his garden. Thinking back to his childhood under Bourchier tutelage, the only option he could think of was using tactics familiar to him. War and politics were closely related he had heard somewhere, after all.

Three days later, having read through old books and going over his strategy, the Viscount Bourchier returns to Tendring and takes in at a local inn. He begins buying a few drinks to the other guests and listens intently for any gossip or rumors about the wealthiest landholders in the area, particularly concerning any rivalries, old and new feuds, family relations and scandals. He even pays out a few coins to subtly get any information available.

[Gandalfus]

(Totally forgot about this, sorry)

Bourchier, unfortunately, doesn't find anything of note in terms of information that he can hold over the head of the landholders. The area is quite peaceable, with the only notable feud having died out some time ago with the expiration of one of the rival families.