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Chapter 4.2 - Invasion of Ireland (517 AD)

Posted by Teller of TalesFor group 0
Teller of Tales
GM, 734 posts
Fri 25 May 2018
at 00:11
  • msg #1

Chapter 4.2 - Invasion of Ireland (517 AD)

The knights have a couple of weeks to prepare and say their goodbyes before they head up to the City of Legions to catch the ships that will ferry them across the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle.

The journey North takes several weeks as the roads are choked with other large groups of knights heading off to war.  Forage is scarce, as are accommodations, requiring the occasional night of camping.  Still, there is a great deal of camaraderie among the knights, who swap stories, boast of past conquests on the field of battle or in bed.

Everyone stops at the Lambor Castle, which sits astride the King's Road heading North and the trade road to the City of Legions.  About a third of the army is camped there when the knights from Salisbury arrive.  Sir Kay and Blamore de Ganis, the Baron of Lambor, organize the incoming knights into sections of the field.  Each section consists of some 100 knights and will travel together at precise intervals to the City of Legions.  The intervals are organized in order to reduce congestion on the road and ensure proper quarters for the knights as they travel this last leg of the land journey.  It also ensures that the ships taking the knights to Ireland are expeditiously loaded and there are not too many knights in the City of Legions to cause trouble.

Any plans during the journey or at Lambor Castle, where you spend three days?  If not, feel free to write about your journey, thoughts, etc.  Next stop, the City of Legions.
Sir Dalan
player, 446 posts
Silver Tongued
Lowborn
Sun 27 May 2018
at 01:31
  • msg #2

Chapter 4.2 - Invasion of Ireland (517 AD)

Sir Dalan has much to think about. His poor performance at the tournament has left his spirits  at a very low level and parting from sweet Ellowyn is no cause for celebration.

Still he has men to lead now and after linking up with his knights he tries to spend as much time with them as possible, getting to know their tempers, strengths and weaknesses, all the while concealing his own doubts. His heraldry of the rampant golden panther on blue soon becomes familiar to these men.

Of course it is not simply the Dover's Crossing knights he shall be leading but the command of the troops of Cardiff as a whole. A dizzying honour!

During the long trip North Sir Dalan tries to seek the advice of his more battle hardened knights, especially those who have frequently led men in battle. Though he might tactfully listen to Earl Robert's advice what he really seeks are tales from veterand.
Sir Gracian
player, 560 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Wed 30 May 2018
at 19:36
  • msg #3

Chapter 4.2 - Invasion of Ireland (517 AD)

Sir Gracian arrives at Lambor Castle with his men. During the journey he has gotten to know his men but once there his focus switch to Brother Cadfael. Brother Cadfael had been send by Sir Imchad as promised by him at the Pentacost Tournament to act as an advisor and tutor to Sir Gracian.

Sir Gracian may not be the smartest man, but he is an eager pupil and interested in getting to know both the language and customs of the island they are to invade.
Sir Garym
player, 404 posts
Thu 31 May 2018
at 16:02
  • msg #4

Chapter 4.2 - Invasion of Ireland (517 AD)

Garym first traveled to Bod Dynal with Arianwen. He hated leaving her, but duty called. Her nephew called him forward asking him to act as marshal for the forces of Bod Dynal. In an invasion this large; their forces were quite small in comparison to those provided by men holding greater peerage. Still, Baron Baedd showed him yet another honor. In turn, Garym chose Sir Hua to act as his body knight. The young knight had proven himself to be quite capable in the fairy realm when need was great.

Each night on the journey to Lambor Castle; Garym made sure he spoke to each knight in his retinue. He wanted to develop a personal connection as well as assess each knights skills, so that he could better utilize them in the battle ahead.

As Garym arrived Lambor Castle; his tabard and shield bore a change from the his traditional heraldic device. He had added the truffle which is the family symbol of the rulers of Bod Dynal.
Teller of Tales
GM, 735 posts
Mon 4 Jun 2018
at 15:52
  • msg #5

Ireland

-- Lambor Castle --

The knights from Escavalon and Salisbury are housed in three adjacent sections (including Cardiff), with Stonewall and Bod Dynal knights being housed in an adjoining section along with part of the Gloucester forces.  Word is that Stonewall and Bod Dynal were supposed to be with Hereford but they arrived much earlier than expected and are already at the City of Legions.  Sir Perin is rather perturbed about this and spends much of the eleven days at Lombor complaining about not being allowed to proceed onward.

In order to maintain order, reduce drunkenness and rowdy behavior, and otherwise keep morale high, all knights are expected to be practicing for at least four hours a day and there are various activities to keep them engaged throughout the weeks.

Sir Dalan is in charge of 50 knights from Cardiff, including his own knights.  Over the weeks (as well as from previous meetings) he has gotten to know them all at least in passing.  He speaks with veterans, both the leaders and the followers, and there seems to be a theme running through the stories.  Treat your subordinates the way you want them to act and lead by example.  If you treat your knights like children, they will act like children.  If you treat them as if they are the best on the field, they will act that way.  But regardless of what you say, it is your actions that count.  If you tell them they can come to you with any problem and then berate the first who does, don't expect a lot of visitors.  If you flee, they will flee, if you stand, they will stand.

Sir Gracian spends most of his time with Brother Cadfael, who turns out to be a wealth of information.  Sir Gracian learns, however, that Brother Cadfael's perspective on things shows through regularly.  He looks at things from the commoner's point-of-view and his explanations for the various conflicts always seem to stem from Lords behaving unreasonably toward their peasants.  Nonetheless, Sir Gracian feels as if he has a better grasp on the general political situation and some ideas on where the key places are and who the key people are, although he is forced to figure some of this out based on Brother Cadfael's commentary on other subjects.

Sir Garym finds that his time is in rather high demand.  It seems to have been arranged that there are at least three Round Table Knights around Lambor throughout the bivouack.  Part of their duties involve being seen and talking to as many knights as possible so that over the course of their stay each knight has an opportunity to interact with at least one of King Arthur's chosen elite knights.  When time permits, he works with the Bod Dynal knights in order to know them better as well.

-- The City of Legions --

After a week-and-a-half, the knights head out in groups of two hundred.  The journey to the City of Legions is quick and uneventful.  This part of the journey is being well organized and is quite smooth.  The City of Legions has not changed since Sir Gracian and Sir Dalan passed briefly through on their way from the Wasteland.  All housing is arranged and each group arrives in the evening and sails the following day with the tides.

-- Ireland --

Likewise, the journey across the Sea to Ireland is relatively uneventful.  The weather cooperates and the seas are calm with light winds.  The ships land at Malahide, Dublin, and Monkstown in the northeast corner of Leinster near the border of Meath.  When they land, they disgorge their knights and supplies before heading back to England on the tide.

As in Lambor, things here are very well organized and the knights are sectioned off into areas of the field.  Approximately 75-80% of the army is in Ireland at this point and groups are being sent off to other areas of the country.  A day later, they are sent off to Kildare a bit farther west and prepare for the beginning of the battles to come.

Anything you want to do or thoughts before battle begins?
Sir Gracian
player, 562 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Tue 5 Jun 2018
at 17:04
  • msg #6

Ireland

Sir Gracian is aware that brother Cadfael's perspective sometimes cloud his description of things, yet the knowledge he possess about Irish matters are of great value to Sir Gracian that during the journey listen carefully what he has to say and encourage the monk to teach him Gaelic.

Once they land in Ireland Gracian spend as much time with his men. He has full confidence in them and their ability to wage war but he doubt his own ability to lead them into battle. He attempt to hide his insecurity and instead focus on making sure his men are well-fed and ready for combat and whatever useful knowledge that Gracian gains from the monk is passed on to his men.


OOC: Basically Gracian just try to make sure his men doesnt run around raping and drinking :)
Sir Dalan
player, 449 posts
Silver Tongued
Lowborn
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 10:54
  • msg #7

Ireland

Before embarking for the Irish coast Sir Dalan gives a speech to his knights, having assembled them outside Lombor for this purpose. The young Banneret is momentarily taken aback by the hundred men gathered before him - though he has spoken to each knight individually and in small groups never has seen them all arrayed like this and with their squires. Still he rallies and raises his voice:

"My brothers we are bound for a strange and distant lands. Who can say what dangers await us there? Who can say what glory? I have faith my brothers: faith in the Almighty, faith in the King and faith in you. Some of you are knights of my own from Dover's Crossing, others are proud sons of Cardiff. You are all brothers in arms, the finest of men. Together let us prove what men we are!"

He gestures at a tall fair haired knight, one of his own from Dover's Crossing. "Brtave Sir Deniel you shall have the honour of carrying my banner - let the foe see the panther in his terrible glory!"

He turns to a knight of Cardiff: "Gallant Sir Perig; you shall carry the colours of Cardiff with all the splendour of your homeland."

Sir Dalan draws his sword and holds it aloft: "For God, the King and the knighthood!"



OOC: In Ireland Sir Dalan will pretty much try and keep his men behaving with honour towards the locals - as Sir Gracian says no plundering or raping!
This message was last edited by the player at 10:55, Fri 08 June 2018.
Sir Garym
player, 405 posts
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 14:08
  • msg #8

Ireland

Garym had spent most of his time doing his duties as a Round Table Knight, the Marshal of Bod Dynal and Knight to Salisbury, but as the time for battle drew nearer. He needed a few minutes to reflect on his life.

God had been kind to him in providing him Arianwen and the his station. Others had so much less than him. He felt shame that he would ask the Father to return him safely back home. He was not necessarily afraid to die. He had faced death many times getting to where he was now. He was more afraid of losing Arianwen, and life he had built.

He whispered softly in humble prayer before returning to his men. He needed to stand strong and brave because he knew that his men had the same fear of loss that he did. They had lives that meant just as much as his did to him. He had no speeches or grand gestures to make. He walked silently amongst them because they needed that to see that he stood with them both in life and death. As the signals were past down line for them to assemble. He gave his men a nod of respect. "Good Sirs, I will see you after we win this day. Stay strong and brave."

Teller of Tales
GM, 741 posts
Thu 19 Jul 2018
at 12:42
  • msg #9

Ireland

-- Battle --

It is not long before battle is joined, although it is not the grand affair one reads about in heroic novels.  For all of their large armies, the enemy does not have a lot of knights.  The first serious engagement involves some 500 footmen and 30 knights against 300 of Arthur's knights, with Sir Dalan, Sir Gracian, and Sir Garym commanding the left flank of the army.

Arthur's flanks charge, attempting to cut the enemy off from the woods but the footmen retreat into the forest and taunt the knights from the relative safety of the thick cover.  Although the enemy knights harry the left flank, they do not engage.  Overall, the battle is a draw and it seems clear that this will be a long campaign.  Everyone receives 20 Glory for taking part in the Battle of Killbeggan.

Arthur sends his right flank around the edge of the forest in an attempt to prevent the army from retreating but they are unsuccessful.  The Irish footmen retreat back to the North with their knights shielding them.

-- Tullamore --

The following morning, Sir Robert calls the knights to break their fast with him.  "I have just spoken to the King and he has requested that I assign some suitable knights to occupy some abandoned lands to the South.  There is a town called Tullamore that is well located and will be a good base of operations in this region.  He wants you to reestablish the town and castle and bring it up to 10 POP within 5 years."

You are sent off with a long caravan of supplies (worth 50£) and 360 peasants (3 POP).  This is obviously a long term (multiyear) project.  Look at the manorial improvements and think about how to spend the money.

Arriving at the remains of Tullamore, you find a large and fertile but untended valley with the remnants of three villages.  It was clearly abandoned a while ago.  An ancient and decaying fortress sits restlessly between two hillocks, commanding the area below.  The castle is composed of a standard square keep and a single curtain wall.  The other wooden structures have all deteriorated past safe use.

The castle's vast, empty halls echo menacingly when you arrive.  The castle is a mere shell of it's former glory and a great deal of work will be involved in getting things back in order.

Of the 360 peasants, a handful originally came from these lands.  They tell stories of the last lord of these lands, William Tullamore, who threw himself off of the battlements.  Some further prodding suggests that they think he may have been insane.  The peasants believe that the castle is haunted.

There are the remains of a small church (10£ to repair) but the mill and bakery have been gutted.  The population can be split among the three villages or placed in just one or two of them.  Various groups of peasants request the mill and bakery be rebuilt, the church restored, defenses be put up, more peasants be recruited, various officials be gathered (chief among them a priest), fields and herds be added, and other manorial improvements.

It is going to be a difficult winter if there is not sufficient food produced.  It seems likely that bandits or roving enemy soldiers will be a threat and you and your knights will frequently be off fighting to the North.

You will need to generate a fair amount of money in order to bring the population up.  So concentrating on improvements that increase revenue early is important.  You also need to protect the region and repel invaders, so improving defenses early is important.  The morale of the peasants will impact productivity, so rebuilding the mill, bakery, and church early are important.  Getting proper retainers will increase your productivity, so hiring them early is important.  :)
Sir Dalan
player, 455 posts
Silver Tongued
Lowborn
Thu 19 Jul 2018
at 14:11
  • msg #10

Ireland

Sir Dalan is taken aback to hear that he and his brothers-in-arms are to build a town but he loyally thanks the Earl. "You have my promise we shall not fail the King Sir Robert."

The first sight of Tullamore is not wholly encouraging, but Sir Dalan simply turns in the saddle to look at Sir Garyn and Sir Gracian, a thrilled gleam in his eye. "It will be hard work my brothers but just think - a town of our own! I suggest we explore first though I have a few ideas."

He gestures to the fortress first, as that brooding building dominates the valley: "Let us bring in a priest as soon as possible; we shall need one anyway for the church once it is rebuilt but he can lay any old ghosts to rest in that splendid old ruin. It is important for the peasants to know they have somewhere they can go to should we be assailed."
Sir Gracian
player, 567 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Sat 21 Jul 2018
at 08:07
  • msg #11

Ireland

Sir Gracian too is taken aback that he and his friends are to be send to the south to build a town. Gone are the chances to win glory in combat. Gone are the battles that that he so yearned for. Building a town mean time to think and he is afraid to slip back into the darkness he has just escaped.

But the journey to the south has slowly changed his mind. At first he figured he was send south because he had somehow failed his Earl or King but as the days pass in the good company of his shield-brothers his mood begins to improve and when Sir Dalan comment on the less-than-splendid-dump they are to rebuild Gracian can keep himself from laughing out load.

"Indeed! A town of our own ... if you can call it a town that is. I have seen Roman ruins that in better condition than this place so lets hope the King doesnt decide to stop by to be entertained just yet." he says with a grin.

"A priest sounds like a good idea. As part of my retinue I have an Irish monk named Cadfael. Perhaps he can be of assistance and see to our spiritual needs until some Bishop sends us a priest?

The church needs to be rebuild as soon as possible. Our peasants needs to know they are blessed and protected by the Lord. My guess is that most of them have seen hardship enough for a lifetime and perhaps a Church will bring them some comfort.

We need to explore the old keep of course. I dont like the sound of the place being haunted but we need to rebuild it at least so we are able to house our men there and use it as a base from where to strike wandering brigands.

I know the peasants want the mill and bakery be rebuild and I dont blame them but we also need income and we need to increase the population. So we need to tend to the fields so we can plant crops and I was thinking the land around here would be good for sheep. Isnt Ireland known for their sheep?"

Sir Garym
player, 409 posts
Sat 21 Jul 2018
at 14:40
  • msg #12

Ireland

Sir Garym knew that he was no steward. He was glad to have his a steward managing his affairs back home, or he was sure that his lands would wither away to waste. "I agree with much that has been said. Exploring the keep and surrounding lands for danger as well as possible resources must be our priority. These villagers are of course mostly Irish, and they must see us as invaders not interested in their well being. Changing this perception is one of the most important tasks that we have. I believe that this is done by determining what roles each of us will play in this endeavor. We will need one to act as the Lord, another to act as sheriff, and finally the last the steward. This will provide stability in the protection, law, and direction that each of these positions hold. We than also need to incorporate them into the what we do. Making sure we offer opportunity to those skilled in the tasks that we do. Finding a mayor and village council shall give them a voice that can tell us of problems that we have no means of knowing about amongst the people we rule. The last thing in this manner we need to determine a way to reward them for efforts that lead to our success even though we have scarce resources. This is how Arthur has ruled his land. He made everyone part of something greater. He brought to their lives opportunities such as fairness and justice that they have never had. This is what we must do for these Irish. We are not invaders, but liberators from the tyrants that they had before."
Sir Gracian
player, 568 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Sun 22 Jul 2018
at 07:42
  • msg #13

Ireland

"I am not sure they will ever see us as liberators, and why should they? But if we give them security, peace, prosperity and a chance to raise their kids without having to fear about war, injustice and famine then they will gladly accept us as their Lords even if we are invaders."

Gracian looks across the land and sighs. "No offense, brothers, but we have all prefered to let our wives manage the land we live on because womenfolk seems to understand numbers better than we do. So the role of Steward is probably the one we all fear the most." He laughs a bit and shakes his head while considering just how doomed the three of them are.

"But your idea of splitting our duties into three is sound but leaves us with the question of who does what. Any suggestions?"
Sir Gracian
player, 576 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Thu 2 Aug 2018
at 06:54
  • msg #14

Ireland

Without waiting for the others to reply Gracian continues. "I suggest ... and this is only a suggestion ... that we make use of what we do best. Our brave Sir Garym should be the Sheriff and perhaps we can prove his theory of warning beacons valid here in gloomy Tullamore so it can be adopted back in fair Salisbury. And with the war waging we will need your skill in battle and combat, my friend. And you, most noble Sir Dalan, should be Lord of Tullamore because we need your wisdom and silver-tongue if we are to rebuild this dark land and bring it into the light - and keep the peasants from killing each other.

And that leaves me to act as Steward of Tullamore and to be honest that scares me almost as much as it should scare you. But I will try my best not to fail you and our gracious King that for some reason see something in us ... God knows what ... and do my outmost to make this land prosper.

Gold, my friends. Glory and Gold."
he finishes with a huge grin on his face.
Sir Dalan
player, 460 posts
Silver Tongued
Lowborn
Fri 3 Aug 2018
at 22:27
  • msg #15

Ireland

"Wise words my friend," Sir Dalan replies, a smile flitting across his face. "I thank you for the confidence you show me. One other matter I think is that we will need to learn at least a smattering of Gaelic if we are to administer over the locals - aye, that and study the laws here to know where they differ. For both matters we absolutely need a son of Ireland in our camp." 
Sir Gracian
player, 578 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Fri 3 Aug 2018
at 22:35
  • msg #16

Ireland

"I am ahead of you my friend. Do you remember the Irish knight Sir Imchad? As part of the preparation for our journey to Ireland I asked Sir Imchad if one in his retinue would teach me Gaelic and he was kind enough to offer me the service of the monk Cadfael. He is a bit eccentric but he has been trying to teach me the language for some time now and I am certain that by the end of the year I will master it ... to some extend."
Teller of Tales
GM, 744 posts
Thu 9 Aug 2018
at 00:43
  • msg #17

Ireland

-- Tullamore --

The peasants are at present neutral toward you.  You are English but you are also returning them to their homeland and you have lots of knights with you.  How they will feel in another season is largely up to you.  :)

Cadfael is familiar with the language and can provide advice when requested, free of charge.  He is not from these parts, so his knowledge of customs will be only mostly accurate and he does not have much knowledge specific to these lands and its history, although he may know a few tidbits.  He can certainly interface with the locals with ease.

The peasants move into the local village and are able to bring it up to base standards.

You have up to 50£ to spend now on projects that can be completed this year because I am a nice person.  Because you have a lot of work to do with limited funds, I am relaxing the building requirements so that as long as you are not raided, you can more easily complete projects that you initiate.

As per the House Rules Thread:

quote:
Use any extra money to purchase equipment, hire retinue, or build manorial improvements (http://www.eisinger.net/pbem/S...manorimprovement.pdf)

Clearing land, developing a herd or fishing right, or other source of food costs 5£ and requires peasant labor.

Increasing the population of a town by 1 POP costs the amount the town generates in a year. (POP 1 = 4£, POP 2 = 9£, POP 3 = 14£, POP 4 = 19£, POP 5 = 24£, etc.)


In addition to your duties in rebuilding, you will also be fighting periodically, either as part of Arthur's army or locally to discourage bandits or enemy incursions.

Next steps:

Determine what you want Cadfael to do.  For instance: obtain retainers, determine peasant needs/desires, learn about local history, etc.

Determine how much money you wish to spend and on what.

Determine basic defensive plans for when you are in town and when you are away.

Anything else that strikes your fancy.

Sir Gracian
player, 582 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 23:02
  • msg #18

Ireland

Gracian works tirelessly to get the peasants settled in the new land, supervising the reconstruction of homes and structures while doing his best to led by example. He readily rolls up his sleeves and help the peasants in the hard work as much as possible hoping that his example overcomes his lack of understanding of the language. He push himself as hard as possible from dawns first light and till the sun sets, sharing simple meals with the peasants and trying (slowly) to learn the language and their customs.

One late evening not long after they have arrived at Tullamore Gracian have a meeting with his brother-knights.

"I will leave the defensive plans to you, Sir Garym, because of us you are the one most skilled in the art of battle. Yet I feel it is important that we make sure to scout the surrounding land for we are not surprised by raiders and brigands.

But when it comes to Tullamore I have given it some thought - and no jokes here. I can actually think!"
he adds with a grin.

"In regards to brother Cadfael I feel it is important that he focus on what needs and desires the peasants have. Yes retainers would be wonderful but if we do not know what needs our peasants have, then hiring retainers could prove to be a waste of money. So let us first focus on the needs of our peasants, so we can have them form some kind of village council that may assist us in the years to come.

And then there is the ruin people call Tullamore. I suggest we start by rebuilding the small church and build a mill. It will give them hope for the future. But we also need income so I suggest we start by buying sheep and begin logging in the local forest. It will earn us an income and at the same time put food in our stomach and provide lumber for Tullamore.

Now I would love to rebuild the castle but I dont think we can afford it and nor do I think we have the manpower for such a project. But If we could build a simple ditch and rampart then we will be able to have some kind of protection if we are attacked.

What do you think?"



My suggestion for The Plan (Year 1):
  • Rebuild Church (£10)
  • Build Mill (£15)
  • Buy Sheep Herd (£5)
  • Set up Logging (£1)
  • Build Ditch and Rampart (£5)
  • Cadfael (set up Village Council)

Sir Garym
player, 418 posts
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 20:41
  • msg #19

Ireland

"Your plans are solid. You will need to find additional stewards to act as overseers for the projects. I think it is important to support the peasantry with the mill and church, but we need to also focus an basic training of them because we shall be a target for every bandit and mercenary knight because they will realize our vulnerable position. They will seek out the many resources that we are investing into these projects."
Sir Gracian
player, 586 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Fri 17 Aug 2018
at 08:22
  • msg #20

Ireland

Gracian nods in agreement. "I believe you are right. There are too many projects for me to handle on my own so we need additional stewards. Hopefully we can hire some loyal to our side because I would hate having spies among us. Anyway I think two stewards working with me on this should be enough to handle our affairs ... with a litte luck that is.

But do you think we need to focus on basic training for the peasants? I mean I can certainly understand the need but considering we dont know yet if the peasants are going to stay loyal or shove a pitchfork up our backsides then I dont know if we should actually turn them into a fighting force just yet?

Of course if you insist then I trust you completely on this Sir Garym. You are the one wisest in the skill of warfare and without your skills Tullamore will surely fall and we will fail."

Sir Dalan
player, 463 posts
Silver Tongued
Lowborn
Sat 18 Aug 2018
at 19:23
  • msg #21

Ireland

Sir Dalan, who has been listening closely now smiles and speaks up. 'Sound thoughts my brother and I agree with them. Regarding the castle though, even if we do not yet have the money to rebuild I strongly suggest we explore it and make sure it isn't haunted after all. If nothing else it will reassure the local people that we do fear any grim spectres.'
Sir Gracian
player, 587 posts
Glory 4844
Barstard Son; Roman
Sat 18 Aug 2018
at 21:20
  • msg #22

Ireland

"But indeed it must be explored. We must show the peasants that they have nothing to fear - and that you, their Lord, is fearless!" He looks at the others before continuing.

"Lets us dispatch riders to bring back stewards and let us ask Cadfael to pick a few good and trusted men to serve as a village council. Let us set our plan into motion and as soon as we can spare time away from our duties then we explore the ruins of Castle Tullamore.

What can possibly go wrong?"

Teller of Tales
GM, 749 posts
Wed 22 Aug 2018
at 23:26
  • msg #23

Ireland

Sir Gracian begins work on the various projects the three knights have agreed upon and it is more than he can do to manage them all.  He has no time at present to help in physical tasks with so many projects in need of his attention.

The following projects are underway: Rebuild Church (£10); Build Mill (£15); Buy Sheep Herd (£5); Set up Logging (£1); and Build Ditch and Rampart (£5).  Sir Gracian can handle the castle improvements but getting 2-3 additional stewards to cover the other projects would be wise.

Cadfael assembles a group of three villagers to act as a council, including a farmer, a craftsman, and a shop owner.  They determine that defenses are the most critical need followed by a mill and rebuilding the church.

No decision on training villagers was made but as a general matter you can raise approximately 10% of the population (30 people currently) as militia.  This will, of course, prevent them from doing other work.

The knights live in the castle and have as yet noticed nothing out-of-the-ordinary about it, other than it being rundown.  It is a very rough and mundane existence unless you provide staff for the castle.  You will have to spend time cooking your own meals, taking care of administration, washing and mending your own clothing, etc.  The villagers avoid the castle when possible and seem fearful when forced to be there.

Both stewards and priests cost 1£ per year.  Costs for other help can be found in the link in my previous post.

A week after settling in, a messenger arrives notifying you that you and your knights are needed to help contain a body of Irish footmen to the North.  You currently have the three of you plus the knights from Cardiff (50), Stonewall (6), and Bod Dynal (30) for a total of just shy of 90 knights.  Although you are not given the particulars, it seems that you are to patrol the enemy's right flank, preventing them from escaping or attacking Arthur's left flank.  You are not told how many knights to bring.

What retainers would you like to hire?

How many knights are you bringing North and are any of you remaining behind?

What if any defensive plans are you preparing during your absence?

Anything else you would like to do?

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