Free investiture? That is not a wise choice, my good king. Yet, perhaps, with the low standing this Pope seems to have, it might work. For a while.
The Heavy Crown [Book the Third on the House of Wessex]
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I'd say he is less old and more drunk on power and success. His bold actions have not drawn much consequence - the worst of them, imprisoning his grandson, drew the ire of many but no real punishment beyond a somewhat brief falling out with his son. Otherwise, he's been able to murder with impunity, reshape the realm largely as he sees fit. And of course his boldest act, actually seizing the realm from his nephew, was mostly consequence free, even from his family!
Suffice to say, Eadward at some level probably thinks he can do no wrong. The pushback has been mild. Sure challenging the pope is something else entirely, but when it comes down to it, he's done far more reckless things than free investiture. So I'm not shocked a king who has plotted, schemed and murdered to solidify his control over the realm would also look to take control of the clergy within its shores as well.
I think that is right - secure in his position his instincts for potential dangers has gotten out of practice, as it were. The blade of his mind not so sharpened by the whetstone of experience, as it were.
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To all - I am pleased that the scene reads well because I must admit that it was a bit of a struggle to write. I wrote it some few weeks back and it was a day in which the words just were not coming to me. I was disappointed because this was another big issue and I wanted to do it justice but when I was finished, I was not sure I had done so. That said, I decided to just let it sit and when reading it again one more time after I got back, I figured I would leave it as is. We really don't have archbishops in the game (although I guess one might assume the bishop of Canterbury is said archbishop) but I thought this might be a good reason for Eadward to make such a step. It is not really a breaking of the church a la Henry VIII but perhaps more in line with Henry II struggles with Becket, though here he thinks he might be getting a pliable archbishop. Who knows - maybe this works better for him than Henry's decision in real life.
There is no doubt that these recent acts will have consequences so look for them coming up. Look for the next scene tomorrow. And as always, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
I think there is more accurate truism below but I will agree that Eadward is showing some signs of age and certainly preferential treatment to those that are in agreement with him (see Berold vs. Harold.)
I am curious why it might be a bad decision unless you really want the Pope's favor. I have spent a good deal of time trying to keep relations with my bishops high so I get full tax value and free investiture looked like it might assist that. You and other more experienced players - please tell me what the pitfalls are. Eadward is indeed getting bold with these recent changes and maybe all of them are not wise.
I believe that this is a more accurate consideration of Eadward's recent actions. I mean, even with the tyranny hit, the King does not seem to see too much trouble outside of his nephew Eadweald and even that has been quiet of late. That may change going forward but for the moment, Eadward is feeling very strong and indeed, as if he can do no wrong.
I think his mind is still sharp but not necessarily giving much care to potential dangers. The King is feeling strong right now and without pushback, he will continue to make such choices. It is somewhat ironic that he is the bold King here rather than Uhtræd as the older brother never pushed such things. Then again, Uhtræd was less secure on the throne and had his illness to deal with in his later years.
To all - I am pleased that the scene reads well because I must admit that it was a bit of a struggle to write. I wrote it some few weeks back and it was a day in which the words just were not coming to me. I was disappointed because this was another big issue and I wanted to do it justice but when I was finished, I was not sure I had done so. That said, I decided to just let it sit and when reading it again one more time after I got back, I figured I would leave it as is. We really don't have archbishops in the game (although I guess one might assume the bishop of Canterbury is said archbishop) but I thought this might be a good reason for Eadward to make such a step. It is not really a breaking of the church a la Henry VIII but perhaps more in line with Henry II struggles with Becket, though here he thinks he might be getting a pliable archbishop. Who knows - maybe this works better for him than Henry's decision in real life.
There is no doubt that these recent acts will have consequences so look for them coming up. Look for the next scene tomorrow. And as always, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
So the king goes for Free investiture. A well done scene to express what in the game is a rather mundane action.
Usually the only downside I have seen with it is that when a new king takes over the Pope will demand that you get rid of it or make a donation.
Usually the only downside I have seen with it is that when a new king takes over the Pope will demand that you get rid of it or make a donation.
I liked the scene too. As a very raw player, I too would be interested in why some think it a dangerous or even ill-advised move. It seems to be one that plays better at home than in Rome - and rather in keeping with English history, too. Is it that the likely trouble with antagonising the Pope is worse than the local relationship benefit and discretion of free investiture?
Its the defualt move to make if you are a christian nation and you don't own the papacy yet. Hence why Galahad removed the pope from picking his bishops but later on I bring them back in because I take over the while system.
Basically, if you do not have complete control over the pope such that you cab cancel and abort all his action, remove his influence from your realm. If you have him as a vassal, keep him as a direct vassal beneath you and keep him on a short leash. Suffice to say is that its a negative opinion modifier and if you have a twitchy pope or a sinful ruler...bad things may happen.
(We will cover this eventually in Albion. I've realised as other games went on that having an empire like that means you can serve as a guide to literally every adavnced option in the game.)
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To all - the next scene follows and takes us on a journey to a character we have not seen for awhile. There are a few reasons that I do so, and hopefully you will enjoy.
No doubt this could trouble Æthelric's reign when the time comes. For Eadward, he is going all out to make the realm to his desire.
I agree that it was in my thinking that it would fit with the RL England of this time. Plus, the local effect was more important to me than the Pope, which may or may not come back to bite Eadward.
I will likely never have the chance to control the papacy so it was indeed what seemed best for England. Frankly, no one else seems to have issue with these changes as both the city tax law and this were rather quickly affirmed by the Lords.
To all - the next scene follows and takes us on a journey to a character we have not seen for awhile. There are a few reasons that I do so, and hopefully you will enjoy.
The Heavy Crown
Dresden, Meissen - March 1147
Earl Eadgar rode with his men through the melting snows until he reached Dresden in Meissen where his older brother held court. He was thankful for the milder winter of this past year for the winds were low and most roads passable. Yet he still felt disturbed by Oscytel’s letter for it was unclear what troubled him so. Whatever it was, his brother had made it clear that he had wish to see him straightaway but was unable to travel himself. As they arrived to the inner bailey at the castle in Dresden, Eadgar did not even bother trying to find his brother within. He knew well that Oscytel was likely in the chapel and if he was not there, then something was truly wrong.
When he entered, he did find his brother as expected kneeling before the altar. No one else was present and Eadgar allowed the prayers to continue as he leaned against the back wall. When his brother stood, the Earl suggested, “You always did wish to be a priest, Os.”
Oscytel of Wessex was now over fifty in age and it showed. When he stood, he did so with slowness and his face was wrinkled by time and stress. While he was still considered by many to be a Prince of England, he alone knew well that he was Duke of Meissen, independent of the Emperor, and master of his realm. The years had not been easy since their mother had died, but he had held out and kept his fortune sound against all that came at him. And now he looked on to his brother Eadgar with disdain upon his face, “You travel fast, brother. I did never think you to worry so much as that.”
“Despite your considerations...” Eadgar stepped forward with a smile, “...I remain with great care for you, sir. Your letter did speak of a disturbance and so I came as quickly as I might.”
His brother turned back to the altar and looked beyond it where their mother rested at peace, “As swiftly as our uncle might to assist you?”
Eadgar sighed and moved down the aisle to sit on the front bench, “Surely you did not call me here to speak on matters of England. If you had such care, you might have traveled there yourself so many years ago.”
“To take up my rightful place?” Oscytel kept his vision towards their mother’s tomb.
“I’ve not the time for this,” Eadgar stood and made to walk away but his brother stopped him.
“Of course you do not,” Oscytel finally turned, “It comes to my hearing that your sons have turned into a right handful. Think to lose your revered place amongst the English should you be away for too long?”
Eadgar turned back with a sadness to his eyes, “Os, you are an old and bitter man at the now. You had your chance and you turned your back on it. I have little desire to go on about it at the now. Those words have already been spoken and little good did they do. Why start it over?”
Oscytel flinched at first and then stepped slowly to sit on the front bench himself, “I am not so old as that. Bitter...mayhap.”
“Bitter at what?” Eadgar moved to sit once more and looked to his brother, “You have held your Duchy free and clear...done your best. You have honored mother in every way. What have you to be bitter about?”
“Him,” Oscytel looked again beyond the altar with a furrowed brow.
Eadgar offered a faint smile, “That one be the wrong tomb, brother. The one you seek lies to Westminster where he rests as the bold King of England.”
His brother lowered his head when he replied, “You need not remind me.”
“What is this?” Eadgar looked on with care, “Do you become wistful as your hair turns?”
“Tis not regret,” Oscytel reached to his belt and pulled from it a wrinkled and yellowed parchment, “Mayhap some thing other. I know not. Perchance these many years have offered me a time to...reconsider. To forgive.”
Eadgar looked at what Oscytel was holding with some surprise, “Is that father’s letter to you?”
“His last,” Oscytel gave nod and then looked to his brother with sadness, “I come here every day...many times more than once...and I pray for forgiveness. I am often met with the spirit of our mother and she...I know that she would want me to not only offer prayers for her soul...but so too...for our father.”
“That seems a change from the woman that we remember,” Eadgar suggested with sympathy.
Oscytel showed a wide eye, “That is just it! For many years, it was not this way. It is only of late...the Holy Spirit compels me. When before, I was unable to let go of my spite...now...it is as if I see and hear the man that I once knew. The one you remember. My father...”
“I am happy to hear it,” Eadgar rested a caring hand to his knee, “For his memory remains alive within me.”
“It has not been easy,” Oscytel bristled at the touch and stood, “The grudge that I have felt...what his actions did cause our mother...the pain of his leaving.”
Eadgar remained seated, “Still, Os...as Christ did preach forgiveness, then you should listen and it is good that you do.”
Oscytel remained with his back turned but finally spun around with a pained face, “I truly did not want it, Eadgar! Neither should have our father, but...he did go. And he was King. Now...what has he left?”
“What matter is it to you?” Eadgar asked, “As you say...you did not want it and you have your lands.”
His brother moved to kneel again before the altar as he replied, “Oh, Eadgar...I do pray. I hear the word of God come to me in my prayers and He tells me that this England is no good place and full of evil! I was wise not to go, but father did! In his life, I did wish him ill and I repent of that every single day. Yet now that I see what has become of those lands...I do fear that our father rests in eternal hellfire for what he has left!”
“What mean you, Os?!” Eadgar now stood, “Our father was a kind and gracious King from all that I have heard. True, there were issues, but he was so very ill...”
Oscytel stood again with a worried look, “Divine judgment, brother!”
“You know that I hold to my piety as much as you,” Eadgar scoffed, “But I do believe that you are looking for devils.”
“Looking for devils?!” Oscytel looked on with wide eyes, “Do you mean the ones that have caused so many deaths of these great Lords of England? How many can you recall? Could you count them on one hand? I think not!”
Eadgar shook his head, “These were not under our father. Our uncle Eadward is King and he has seen this misfortune!”
“Is it his misfortune?” Oscytel stepped forward still with question, “Or is it his great gain? Think you not that I do not know my history, brother. Our father was very ill in his last days, though I did not wish to consider it. At the time, I had no care, but now...as I remember it all...a devil was loosed within England and all in our father’s name!”
“Is this what you asked me here to speak about?” Eadgar asked with an annoyed eye, “That you wish to poison me against our uncle and invite me back into the fold all for God’s glory?”
Oscytel kept a serious face, “Everything is for God’s glory, brother! I invite you to do nothing but look to the Almighty and consider your own plight. Your own sons...are they not infected by Satan’s power as they look to set you aside? You made your choice and you sided with our uncle. Do you think to see God’s grace shine upon you now or does the everlasting rain pour down over you from this England that you chose?”
Eadgar stood tall with a skewed face, “You might have put this in a letter so I could respond to it with the value that it requires.”
“You do not hear me, brother!” Oscytel reached out and grabbed Eadgar’s mantle, “Do you not see what these Lords of England do? How are they any better than the Emperor or his satanic disciples? I would not even mention the Godless French but for their spiral into hell. And this King of England...our uncle...with all that he does? If it be not our father that put down this road to damnation then surely it is he!”
“Again I ask of you...” Eadgar was quick to respond, “...what care do you have?! It was not our father that did any of this and so he may rest in peace. The rest of it...you chose not to be King, Oscytel!”
Oscytel offered a great sigh as he let go of his brother, “You do not understand. It is not the crown of England that I wish...I have not that desire. It is your eternal soul, Eadgar...and our father’s...”
“I am comforted by the grace that God allows,” Eadgar suggested quickly, “What more is...”
“What more is this, brother,” Oscytel stepped to him with a sharp eye, “Do you follow the Holy Father and give prayers to Saint Peter?”
Eadgar answered immediately, “You know well that I do!”
“Then look ye to this King that you serve!” Oscytel kept his sharpness, “If God does reside in England, then I know not how! The Lord’s servants are chosen by the Almighty...his Bishops...his clergy. The Holy Father in Rome is divinely inspired and his word is the direct word of God. Our uncle...he who might stamp out heresy...he is no less a heretic than those that he persecutes!”
“And you have more care of any man that I have known that did not reside there!” Eadgar turned again to walk away.
“I did not wish to be King,” Oscytel stood tall as he watched his brother move up the aisle to the chapel door, “Yet I would pray for their souls as I be certain that father did! I have come to my forgiveness and if our father does not reside in hell, then surely he still awaits that heavenly call for what he has wrought!”
Eadgar stopped at the door and turned to face his brother, “If you wish to be a Duke of England then say it, sir!”
“I do not!” Oscytel stood proudly, “And neither should you!”
“Then you are hopeless, Os,” Eadgar showed sadness, “And this journey has been for naught!”
Oscytel held his head high and looked on with disdain, “Then you will find your fiery road to eternal damnation and I can no longer help you, brother!”
The Earl and Prince of England in his own right left the chapel for there were no other words to say. Many thoughts...but no more words.
Oscytel is bitter indeed, perhaps more so that if he had honoured his father's wishes this pass would not be.
Oscytel dips into some truths which Eadgar is blind to, but to what end? He sees the Devil in every detail and every thing he does not like. A strange character, indeed.
Oscytel is right, of course, and it makes sense he of all people would be the angriest over free investiture. But he remains rather unlikable, because while his points are valid, he abdicated responsibility and then complains at the result (as Eadgar points out). I get the sense Oscytel would have been a rather ineffective king ala Henry III, but he didn't even get that far.
Evil triumphs when good men do nothing - or something to that nature.
Evil triumphs when good men do nothing - or something to that nature.
A magnificent trio of chapters sir! Loved the set up with the Prince and his cohorts and then the scheming Bishop prodding the king towards Free Investiture (that might come back to haunt you-have seen kingdoms put under interdict for such...) and the final scene with the pious and objectionable Oscytel-he might speak some truth but the sanctimonious way he does it is sure to repel all and his brother's reaction speaks volumes
Great stuff-I wont be commenting as often but this is one of a few stories I intend to try and keep pace with
Great stuff-I wont be commenting as often but this is one of a few stories I intend to try and keep pace with
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To all - I meant to get an update up yesterday but a busy day and then the first playoff game for my Braves kept me from it (and then they lost, dangit!) Have a little bit more time today as they do not play until 9:30 and three days in between is time enough, methinks. I hesitated to include Oscytel above but as I started thinking of how to present the information, I felt it best that he stays at least remotely part of the story - always out there even if far removed. Eadgar, of course, remains closer but also a conduit between the two branches of Wessex. This will matter in the years ahead, I promise.
The next scene will follow just after this and I remain more than appreciative of all that continue to read and comment as we move ahead. We are heading towards a rather big event coming up this year and then an even more momentous 1148. Stay tuned.
I wanted to tread a fine line there with him being bitter at not just his poor decision earlier but also that he now feels as though he did wrong towards his father. Still, much of it for him still stems from his religious nature which has always been pious indeed. Perhaps too pious.
I am glad that I decided not to go with him but felt like I still needed to keep his presence. Also, he will play a part coming up.
I think that is right but as you say, Oscytel gave up that opportunity long ago. He tries to make Eadgar see the light, but the younger brother is still no0t having any of it (for now.)
I am really glad they all read as a piece because this was a stretch where I did not feel my writing was as strong for some reason. The scenes just were not coming to me as easily.
To all - I meant to get an update up yesterday but a busy day and then the first playoff game for my Braves kept me from it (and then they lost, dangit!) Have a little bit more time today as they do not play until 9:30 and three days in between is time enough, methinks.
I hesitated to include Oscytel above but as I started thinking of how to present the information, I felt it best that he stays at least remotely part of the story - always out there even if far removed. Eadgar, of course, remains closer but also a conduit between the two branches of Wessex. This will matter in the years ahead, I promise.The next scene will follow just after this and I remain more than appreciative of all that continue to read and comment as we move ahead. We are heading towards a rather big event coming up this year and then an even more momentous 1148. Stay tuned.
The Heavy Crown
Sussex, England - June 1147
Lord Berold sat in the solar and waited for the Earl as he sipped on some fine Flemish wine. He looked around and noticed that it was far more luxurious than the last time he had been there. Fine tapestries lined the walls and the floor rushes were sweet smelling. Surely this was not on account of his visit for it was on short notice. It seemed that the Lord of Sussex lived an enriched life, but the question remained...whose riches?
When Robert of Godwin finally entered, he showed the signs of his age. Still barrel chested, his hair was receding badly and was showing white all around. Surely nearing to fifty, Berold thought to himself. Yet the Earl still walked like a bull and moved instantly to pour himself a goblet of wine before turning with a snake like smile, “I might have planned a feast had I known earlier that the great Norman Duke would grace our humble presence.”
“There be no need for I shant stay long,” Berold replied without getting up from his chair, “I merely thought to pop in while on progress to see how you are getting on after your brother passed. We were all very sorry to hear about Lord Leofwine. A truly great man.”
Robert shifted to take a seat opposite as he held a grin, “Your commiseration is right thoughtful, my Lord. Who knew that a Norman cared so much for our House?”
“Tis not only I, my Lord Robert...” Berold suggested, “...but so too His Grace. The King does send his regard.”
“Indeed, our fine King...” Robert sat back and arched a brow, “...he does seem to send many regards these days. Though I am surprised that this comes from you and not the Lord Chancellor.”
Berold ignored the first part and answered the second, “The pending nuptials between the Prince and the Lady of York do take up much of his time.”
“I be certain that much is true,” Robert crossed a leg as he kept a keen eye to the Norman Duke, “We all do so look forward to the royal wedding. It is to be one for the ages, I be sure.”
“His Grace would spare no expense,” Berold replied before taking a sip.
Robert smiled, “Of course he would not. How often does one get to see a son married and most happy?”
“Or a daughter,” Berold now grinned, “How does your Heregyth, by the way? Adjusted to life in Germany yet?”
“Ahh!” Robert allowed a laugh, “Is this the topic at hand and the reason for the visit? Well, you may rest assured that this was no doing of mine. What care have I for Weimar or Gelre, my Lord? Heathens all.”
Berold kept his grin, “Care enough to marry such a heathen, it would seem.”
“My daughter married a man of Wessex, my Lord,” the Earl answered after taking a slow sip of wine, “Surely you of all people might see how this is advantageous.”
The Norman Duke skewed a brow, “Godwin and Wessex? Rarely do these go well together. Never a fine mix.”
Robert simply smiled in return, “I seem to recall stories of a fine match between the late Prince Beorhtmaer and his wife of Godwin. And then there is His Grace the King...”
“I did say rarely, my Lord. Exceptional men do make for exceptional matches,” Berold answered before taking another sip.
“Is our Lord of Gloucester so exceptional?” Robert grinned, “For he too finds the heady brew between Godwin and Wessex.”
Berold replied with a slight laugh, “You may have me there, my Lord, for I can find no answer. Yet I did not come here to speak on matters of marriage but to see to your spirit. His Grace is most concerned about Kent and the loss of your brother is but one more hardship after what poor Lord Eadric has gone through. How does your great-nephew after all of this tragedy?”
“Hmm...” Robert sat forward with a shrewd eye, “...now we find the meat on the bone. Come to test the mettle of our Eadric, have you?”
“Is he back to Dover?” Berold asked without flinching.
Robert answered quickly, “He is and searching for a new chancellor at the now.”
“And how does he do with his grief?” Berold held his goblet close to his lips, “Over your brother...and his late wife?”
“Likely as well as our Queen does, my Lord,” Robert replied as he sat back with a slight grin, “It has been many moons since that unfortunate day and all parties are surely finding their faith at the now.”
“Yet does Lord Eadric?” Berold asked before taking a sip and then sitting forward, “That was my question...my Lord.”
Robert held his smile, “Let us not dither in words, my Lord Berold. We two do practice the same profession and I know well that this was not your question. I do not think that you care much for my nephew and in truth...I do not either. Yet he remains my liege Lord and I am honor bound to serve him.”
“So you tell to me that you serve him at the now?” Berold asked as he looked around the fine solar.
With a chuckle, Robert stood to fetch the pitcher of wine, “I see that you notice my trappings, my Lord. Service and lordship have done me well, as has my name. Yet I always remain true.”
“True enough, it would seem,” Berold watched him as he turned back.
The Earl moved to refill Berold’s goblet with a smirk, “And it would seem that you still do not pose the question that you came here to ask. You wish to know if Eadric is faithful, yes?”
“Rather directly...yes,” Berold answered with a firm eye.
Robert smiled and then moved to sit as he refilled his own goblet. He drank some down and gave nod before looking back with curiosity, “Let us count...hmm...a young man does lose his wife, also young...finds that he loses his child to the forces that are Lancaster...makes haste to his home, the strongest fortress within the realm where he might sit and stew...and then loses the one man that has run it well over all of these years in his absence. And yet...His Grace does send his regard. How very thoughtful.”
“I might paint you a different picture, my Lord,” Berold too sat back with confidence, “A young and ambitious Lord forswears his ancient seat and looks to his betterment all the while until he finds such travesty. Already has he made move to put forward a known discontent but now finds that he loses both wife and child to matters beyond his young and meager control. The child is safe, thanks be to God, but he now has no control over him and must look to what is left.”
Robert smiled as he asked, “And what is left?”
“His ambition,” Berold was quick to reply with his own smile, “And mayhap a sense of revenge for wrongs done to him though he knows not from whom.”
“You are a shrewd man, my Lord,” Robert answered as he dropped his smile, “So you may see why I am to here at my keep rather than to Dover.”
Berold sat forward, “Then what comes to my hearing is true? Your great-nephew seeks to find some claim?”
“A fool’s dream,” Robert answered after taking a drink of his wine, “He remains bitter over his circumstance and he trusts me not.”
Berold gave nod, “The issue with Holy Church.”
“It was a ploy,” Robert was quick to answer, “Meant to return him home...where he should be! We all knew that they liked him not in the north and this land is everything to our House. You may take your Harolds and your Eadwealds with all of their claims for we have direct lineage to Godwin himself. Yet he was a fool then to back the Lord of Essex and he is a fool now!”
“And what of Lancaster?” Berold asked with suspicion still.
Robert calmed himself with a ready answer, “You ask me as if I know. My Lord, I do not. The young Duke is being raised by men that I may scarce trust and my nephew is cast out...away from their eyes and his away from his child...our Duke when such time may come.”
“And Eadric?” Berold questioned, “You do not know his mind?”
“I know it, my Lord,” Robert was quick to reply, “It is surely no good thing. Not my uncle’s mind...not his son’s. I’ve done all I might to counsel but he will not hear me. God’s grief! That the lands of Æthelmær could come to this!”
“Find your calm,” Berold suddenly found some sympathy, “We two do work in the same trade and you do right well at it. This is beyond your control. Allow me my worth and I will see to it that it goes no further. You have been honest with me and so I shall be honest with you. His Grace has no desire to punish...not even your Lord. I did ask and you have answered and so we shall find our solution.”
Robert sat straight, “I have ambition as well, my Lord. You may look around and see that. I will not be dragged down by a foolish child!”
“Nor will you,” Berold replied, “You shall not have need. His Grace will see to it. I shall see to it.”
“I would like to trust you,” Robert answered with reserve, “But I am not a fool myself.”
Berold found a slight smile as he gave nod, “I do promise you, my Lord...the King does look elsewhere at the now and you are safe. Let us continue to work together and you will find no thing wanting.”
“No thing wanting of Godwins?” Robert asked with a wide eye, “That is a far stretch!”
Berold leaned forward to place a firm hand on Robert’s knee, “You may keep your honor, sir. You have earned it this day.”
Eadric ... needs to learn to cure his ambition.
And he is right - Godwin and Wessex do not always make fine bedfellows, though sometimes - of course - they have.
And he is right - Godwin and Wessex do not always make fine bedfellows, though sometimes - of course - they have.
Ah, another hungry pike in the pond, that mistakes itself for a bigger fish. Young Eadric will find himself on a hook: whether caught and released or put on a serving plate will depend on his reaction. Some excellent knowing banter tinged by a little raw emotion in that episode. Top form, old chap!
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I am pleased that you liked it because it was one of the few scenes at this time that I really felt I had a hold on the characters. We are a long way from the beginning and I cannot deny that at times, I am not always certain what to say. I know these people and I know what I want them to do but it does not always come to me as readily as I would like. This scene was not that though I do think that I made Robert a bit more angry at the end than I intended. One might call it letting the character speak for himself (which I do) but it was also a case of getting from point A to B.
I really had to think when it came to the mix of Godwin and Wessex. Beo and his wife was a success. Eadward and Judith too. In truth, most of these pairings have been successful with some ill effects after the fact. I rather enjoyed going back over the history because by this time, it is long. There are really only three Houses still keeping power - Wessex, Godwin and Normandy. As mentioned in the post, every mixture is a heady brew.
I do promise that the Eadric thing will play out, though it might be different than how you think it might. However, what I really want to comment upon is your use of the word "banter". A great word and only makes me think of this:
I am pleased that you liked it because it was one of the few scenes at this time that I really felt I had a hold on the characters. We are a long way from the beginning and I cannot deny that at times, I am not always certain what to say. I know these people and I know what I want them to do but it does not always come to me as readily as I would like. This scene was not that though I do think that I made Robert a bit more angry at the end than I intended. One might call it letting the character speak for himself (which I do) but it was also a case of getting from point A to B.
There's always some noble who decides to fabricate on the throne. Kent though? Doesn't seem to be much of a threat, especially given the circumstances of the realm at the moment. (The biggest landowner, and his most likely ally, his son, can't join factions for a looong time) Though, I think the king can use that as an excuse to imprison and confiscate his lands without a tyranny penalty?
I could have developed a bit more plot here and have Eadric responding to Ada's death by this play, but I decided to leave it a bit more cloudy. He really does not know what happened and surely does not suspect the King in her death. As to using this faction to imprison him and confiscate lands, I'm not sure I was able to do that in the vanilla version. It might have been possible but I did not try. At this time, Eadward's eyes were elsewhere as Berold suggests.
To all - the next scene follows and provides us with yet another summer fair. I wanted to do a bit of a walk and talk with it and hopefully it works. Thanks, as always, for your excellent comments all along the way!