NOBILITY

It's 1460. The current ruler of the Duchy of Burgundy is Philip the Good. His reign is currently an impressive 41 years. He himself is currently 64 years old. His son, Charles Martin is next in line, at a respectable 27 years of age. He was a bit of a spectacle when born because he was the first and only (up until now) Knight of the Golden Fleece that was inducted at birth. (20 days after being born to be specific.) Philip the Good was known for many things, but one of the more notable things he did (for this game perhaps) is capture Joan of Arc in 1430.

Talking about the Order of the Golden Fleece, 6 years ago Philip the Good held the Feast of the Pheasant in an attempt to recruit more people for a crusade to the Holy Land. People swore oaths and declared to go, but in the end it hasn't happened yet. Philip still dreams of it and wants to go liberate Constantinople from the Ottomans. Regardless, the feast was so impressive that people are still talking about it now.

But that's all high up in the highest nobility of the kingdom. We are far away in the County of Rethel. This is in the Ardennes. The current count is Charles the First, Count of Nevers and Rethel. He has come under suspicion of practicing witchcraft to try and supplant Charles, Count of Charolais (and heir to the Throne of the Duchy). He has fled to France.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Mon 12 July 2021.

FASHION:

Fashion is of course a thing of nobility. There is a lot you could probably find about that, but I'll just get us started with this link.

I found a picture that kind of shows even how farmers would have looked, and how the rulers etc. might have looked. I will post it here as is but might cut out and translate pieces of it so it's more useful for those among us that do not know French.

Here is another picture showing some Burgundian knights and nobles and some Dutch Civilians. The actual Burgundian coat of arms and their knights might have looked like this or this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Mon 12 July 2021.

CASTE:

The medieval system had some strict classes in society, mainly enforced by a strong and powerful Catholic doctrine.

You've got Nobility, Clergy and Serfs. (there are people who fall outside of this, but they are basically beggars, outcasts and the like)

The Nobility have political privileges, the Clergy handles the spiritual (while the Pope still very much had political power, but by the time of our game his power was slowly crumbling) and the serfs ... serve. They are the common folk, the peasants, the workers, the tradesmen, etc.

Since the 11th century the Merchant class (Bourgeoisie) has arisen, organized in guilds and powerful through wealth. They will aid nobles and gain favor because of it. It's the only real way for a commoner to grow out of their usually poor lifestyle.

You can crash course here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...ty_and_economic_life
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Tue 13 July 2021.

ARTS AND CRAFTS:

Read about how trade, craftsmanship and art was important in de Dukedom.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Wed 14 July 2021.