Emete
Location: Ravin Hundred, Noreashire, Kanday
Holder: Sir Nicholas of Merek
Liege: Sir Willem of Tast, The Constable of Ewen
Population: 230
Date: Larane 720
History
Sir Nicholas has held this typical large manorial fief for only four years. Until 716 the Lecon clan held the fief. The Constable of Ewen at that time was Sir Collin of Cound, a corpulent and unscrupulous man who placed the primacy of his clan over his duties as Constable. A number of disputes over manorial boundaries were inevitably resolved in favour of clan Cound. Sir Collins younger brother was chamberlain to the Sheriff and his eldest son was Bailiff of Ravin Hundred. Appeals to higher courts were ignored or lost. The clan held the manors of Cound (now Lecona) and Eshet, which are adjacent to Emete.
When the holder of Emete, Sir Symon of Lecon died in Peonu 716 Sir Collin attempted to prevent Sir Symon's eldest son, Sir Edmund from inheriting. He was unsuccessful, but soon began an attempt to arrange the marriage of Edmunds sister, Elaine, to his youngest son Stephan. Both Edmund and Elaine vigorously opposed the match. In Nolus of the same year Sir Edmund and a man at arms, Toms of Bania were 'murdered by bandits' while out hunting. On receipt of the news of her brothers death Elaine sent messengers to her surviving brother Alain and to their mothers cousin Willem of Tast, an advisor to the Earl of Heroth.
Alain, accompanied by the messenger, Alveric of Bania (the 16-year-old son of the murdered man at arms) returned home immediately. The two had almost reached Emete when they were ambushed by four mounted knights, two blocking the path ahead while the other two cut off any retreat. Alain and Alveric charged the two knights blocking the path and rode through without taking a scratch. However on approaching Emete they were attacked by a crossbowman. Alain was wounded and the attacker fled into the woods. Alveric raised the alarm and the wounded Alain was taken into the manor. Based on the statements of her brother and Alveric, an angry Elaine confronted Stephan the following day and accused him of the attacks. Stephan appealed to the Constable, his father, for justice, demanding trial by combat and naming Johann of Herde, a feared mercenary knight as his champion.
The Cound clan moved quickly, arranging the trial for the following day. With no champion it seemed likely that the wounded Alain would be forced into a fight he would certainly lose. However, that afternoon Alains' squire, Nicholas of Morik, the son of a leatherworker from Menekod, arrived back from a personal errand. Nicholas volunteered to act as champion but was refused by Sir Collin as he was not a knight. Willem of Tast, accompanied by The Earl of Heroth, Sinel Cassean and Tamys Bakyth, the Sheriff of Noreashire arrived the same evening. They asked the neighbouring Knights for one among them to act as champion. When no-one stepped forward on Sir Alains recommendation, Nicholas was knighted. Sir Collin insisted, and was backed by the Sheriff, that Nicholas perform the Ritual of Tirannon. The next morning after a sleepless night in prayer and vigil Nicholas faced Johann. After a long hard fight Nicholas seriously wounded Sir Johann and accepted his surrender. The Cound clan were found guilty of murder, were stripped of their holdings and exiled. After the defeat, a number of other neighbours complained to the Sheriff about the former Constable. As compensation for the murders, and other injustices perpetrated by the Counds' against his clan Alain was granted title to the Cound holdings. Probably because of the cowardice shown by Alains' neighbours, none of whom had been prepared to stand against Johann of Herde, Nicholas, with Alains agreement was granted the fief of Emete. Alveric of Bania, for his and his fathers' service to the Lecon clan became esquired to Sir Alain at Lecona. Earlier in the year Alveric was replaced by Jason of Dorn, a nephew of Sir Willem of Tast as Alains squire. Alveric is now in Menekod with the Order of the Checkered Shield. Sir Willem replaced Sir Collin as Constable of Ewen. A little over a year later, in summer 717, Nicholas married Elaine. They have a young son, born early in 719, and Elaine is expecting a second child.
1. Emete Manor (Sir Nicholas of Tast)
The stone built manor house is well maintained as are most of the manor houses in the area. This is unsurprising given that Ravin Hundred lies on a loop in the Thard River between Rethem and the Thardic Republic.
2. Yeoman/Beadle [Longbowman] (Rannulf of Pare) (m:56)
Rannulf's son Jonas (m:38) now performs the military service due. Jonas is married to Kilina (f:37) and they have three children; Egbert (m:17), Wilf (m:15) [both of whom are being given military training by their father] and Sonya (f:13). Jonas acts as village constable, he and his family have the honour of eating a meal at the manor once a month, on the 8th. Sir Nicholas uses the opportunity to discuss any problems with his Beadle. Jonas is 5'8" tall and stockily built. He is a good archer but, unlike his father, he is untested in battle.
3. Miller (Joseph of Trant) (m:48)
Size: 6 Quality: **** Prices: Average
Joseph guards Guild rights in the village. He lives with his wife Joan (f:44) two of their three children Peter (m:22) and Marie (f:13), together with Peter's new wife Rachel (f:20)and a fifteen year old appren-tice, Rogar of Wode. Peter has recently returned home having completed his apprenticeship. A journey-man miller he will no doubt inherit the two storey mill in time. Rachel is the granddaughter of Gavin of Thaly, the miller of Menekod, where Peter was apprenticed. Joseph's other son, Poll (18) is apprenticed to a master mason in Quivum.
4. Farmer (Norman of Sarce) (m:69)
The largest of the free farms. The farm is actually run by Norman's son Martin (m:45). Martin, though efficient, is both pompous and snobbish. Norman caught a fever over the winter and has never fully recovered. The two storey farm is home to a total of eleven people. In addition to the above are: Norman's wife Edina (f:66), Martin's wife Rose (f:44), Martin & Rose's children John (m:22), Christoff (m:17), Ann (f:15) and Jean (f:11), together with John's wife Glad (f:25), the eldest daughter of Joseph of Trant. They have two daughters Patience (f:4) & Honor (f:1). Glad is pregnant, the baby is due in Ilvin.
5. Farmer (Egbert of Nage) (m:50)
A sly & weasely man who is also a poor farmer, Egbert lives with his long suffering wife Emily (f:50), their large and bad tempered son Jake (m:27), timid & mousy daughter Eileen (f:25), together with Eileen's husband Wilbert of Askin (m:23), a small, wiry and industrious young man, and their children Eillynn (f:5) and Larra (f:3).
6. Yeoman [Light Footman] (Andrew of Cordar) (m:30)
Andrew has only recently (3 years ago) established this household. He lives here with his wife Rebecca (f:30) & their two children Florence (f:9) & James (m:8).
7. Priest (Steven of Crowp) (m:66)
Slight, bald, and rather effeminate, the Priest of Peoni is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the village. He is well known, liked and respected by the villagers and has been village priest for 40 years. A notorious gossip, he probably knows more of the everyday workings of the village that forms his parish than anyone does. Although Sir Nicholas and Lady Elaine are Laranians he has a standing invitation to dinner at the manor on the 10th and 25th of each month. Barring a major problem for one of his flock, he will always attend. When the meal on the 10th ends, the Hallmoot begins. Steven uses this meal to petition for leniency for anyone likely to be brought before the manor court.
8. Woodcrafter (Adam of Hinun) (m:24)
Size: 4 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Adam inherited the Guild rights from Edwin of Croft, his wife Gail's grandfather & his former master. He and Gail (f:24) have three children Nick (m:5), Clare (f:3) and Stennel (m), who was born in Nuzyael.
9. Salter (Willem of Sonnat) (m:44)
Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Willem lives with his wife Wilma (f:40) and a journeyman, Kreja of Toke (m:22). Willem sells salt and spices and his wife produces fine goatsmilk and sheepsmilk cheeses.
10. Villein/Herdsman (Hubert of Saftor) (m:52)
Hubert, his wife Mildred (f:44), daughter of Jason of Tefast (14 below), their sons Jack (m:26) & Joseph (m:22), Jack's wife Taria, the daughter of Turin of Velent (11 below), (f:23) and their children Rhonda (f:6), Donal (m:2) & Wilbert (m:1) share this large dwelling with Huberts widowed mother Emily (f:68). It is one of only four two storey dwellings in the village. Huberts father Donal died last summer. Hubert replaced his father as Herdsman. Mildred assists her mother at the births of any children in the village and will no doubt become birthwife when her mother chooses to relinquish the post. Some four months ago, in Nuzyael Huberts daughter Edina (f:20), married the widower Graeme of Glasten. Hubert's widowed sister Dareen of Comm (f:51) is a servant at the manorhouse. Joseph is courting Sara of Hinston.
11. Villein (Bartho of Timbet) (m:71)
This house is home to Bartho, formerly the village Reeve, his son Rabbyn (m:49), his wife Edina (f:49), her mother Clarissa (f:69), their son Poll (m:29), his wife Rhona (the daughter of Turin of Velent) (f:27) and their children Jon (m:11), Joanna (f:8), Jemima (f:6) & Jake (m:2). Bartho was disappointed when his son refused to become Reeve when he retired. Bartho's wife Ygraine died over the winter. Since her death he has become sedentary and withdrawn.
12. Villein/Reeve (Turin of Velent) (m:51)
Conscientious Turin takes his duties as the village Reeve very seriously, sometimes to the detriment of his own holdings. He shares his house with his ailing mother Aliss (f:71), his wife Ann (f:49), his sons Adam (m:30) and Bryan (m:28), Adam's wife Clare (f:30) and children Daniel (m:11), Edwina (f:9), & Fredrik (m:8) and Bryan's wife Gail (f:27), who is heavily pregnant, and daughter Harriet (f:5). He and his family are entitled to one meal a month at his lord's table, on the 9th. The meal takes place the day before the Hallmoot and Sir Nicholas uses the opportunity to discuss matters of crop, field and crime with Turin.
13. Villein (Amanda of Hicar) (f:36)
Amanda, the youngest child of Jason of Tefast, was recently widowed. The holding will remain in the wardship of Sir Nicholas until her eldest son Adam (m:13) reaches manhood unless she re-marries. Other residents are Amanda's grandmother Edna of Tarask (f:75) and her other children Francine (f:10), Graeme (m:5), Harold (m:3) and Ignetha (f:2). Aliss of Hicar (f:56) Amanda's mother-in-law is the cook at Emete Manor, a post she has held since before Lady Elaine was born. Aliss's granddaughter, Amanda's daughter Edwina (f:16) has also moved to the manor where she is scullery maid and housemaid.
14. Villein (Jason of Tefast) (m:65)
A tall (6'5") and burly man now running to fat, Jason was in the militia during Ezar's War. He lost his right eye at the siege of Imiden. The black leather patch he wore frightened his children, so his wife Jessica (f:68) embroidered a new one, covering it with coloured threads & glass beads. The colourful creation he has worn ever since has resulted in his grandchildren (and most other village children) calling him Grandpa Twinkleye. Jessica is the villages' birthwife. She has personally brought into the world almost all of the villagers under the age of 35. A fact which she uses to scold and cajole them all. Mildreds' daughters Mildred of Saftor, Maryon of Hinston and Amanda of Hicar have all attended births with their mother. Mildred, as eldest, is first choice and Jessicas' 'heir apparent,' should she decide to retire. Jason and Jessica share their two storey dwelling with their son Lewis (m:47), Lewis' wife Magret (f:43), Lewis & Magrets children; Mark (m:23), Nicholas (m:21), Owen (m:20), Percival (m:15) & Quentin (m:13), together with Marks wife Rosenna (f:17). Owen is softly spoken and rather effeminate. He is a great disappointment to his parents and grandparents, he dislikes farming and wishes to become a minstrel, a poet or an actor. Owen has recently spent a great deal of time in the company of Steven of Crowp.
15. Villein (Simun of Burby) (m:64)
Simun is the clanhead of the influential Burby clan, the largest in the village. He lives with his wife Anna (f:62), his eldest son Simun (m:44), young Simun's wife Bethany (f:42), their children Collin (m:23), Tomas (m:19), Susan (f:16) and Allun (m:14), together with Collins heavily pregnant wife Fay (f:21) and their daughter Polly (f:2). Still a powerful man, and with a fearsome temper, old Simun continues to rule his clan with a rod of iron. Clan justice can be harsh.
16. Villein (Owen of Tur) (m:67)
Owens sons Willem (m:45) and Peter (m:40) effectively run the holding with their wives Charmain (f:42) and Agnes (f:39) as Owen is crippled by arthritis. Peter an Agnes have 4 children; Andrew (m:14), Anna (f:12), Fiona (f:9) and Fredrik (m:8). Willem & Charmain are childless.
17. Villein/Woodward (Daveth of Sidurnell) (m:62)
Daveth and his wife Emily (f:62) share this house with their sons Joseph (m:43) and Micky (m:39). Micky is a half-wit, though a friendly and helpful soul, he is rather clumsy and can only be trusted with simple jobs. Most days Micky collects dropwood from the manor woods. His brother Joseph is extremely protective of his brother, describing him as slow rather than foolish, and he has been involved in a number of fights with people teasing or bullying Micky. Joseph is married to Katryn (f:33) and they have 4 children; Katy (f:13), Davveth (m:11), Emmaline (f:8) and Terry (m:6). Katryn entrusts her children to her mother in law and to her eldest daughter Katy for much of the day, as she is one of the servants at the manorhouse.
18. Villein (Lastar of Lamblair) (m:64)
Lastar lives here with his wife Dorra (f:67), their son Gorran (m:42), his wife Javielle (f:42), their sons Mikar (m:24) and Percival (m:20), together with Mikars wife Sanna (f:24) and daughters Varrinna (f:4) and the new born Jocasta.
19. Villein (Phillip of Burby) (m:38)
Phillip lives here with his wife Glynis (f:36) and children Jack (m:19), Jill (f:16), Jacob (m:14), Jason (m:12), Joseph (m:10) and Geoffrey (m:8). Phillip is attempting to arrange the betrothal of his eldest son Jack to Ann of Sarce (3 above), this could make him a freeman. Unfortunately, neither Jack nor Ann appear keen on the match.
20. Villein (Kurt of Wellcleugh) (m:38)
Kurt's parents both died last year. He lives here with his wife Learne (f:32) and daughter Maryon (f:6).
21. Villein (Artor of Tamshiel) (m:38)
Artor lives here with his wife Susan (f:37), the sister of Kurt of Wellcleugh and daughters Patience (f:9) and Harriet (f:3).
22. Villein (Rhys of Hinston) (m:45)
Rhys is married to Maryon (f:42), a daughter of Jason of Tefast (13 above). They share the house with their children Owen (m:21), Sara (f:16), Emily (f:14), and Owens wife Rhianna (f:18). Rhianna is expecting a child any day now. Rhys' eldest daughter, Anya (f:18) is one of the servants at the manor house.
23. Half Villein (Ostle of Fodderlee) (m:59)
A widower, Ostle has given over much of the running of his lands to his son Milton (37), daughter-in-law Mary (35), and grandchildren Stuart (19), Rodney (16) and Joan (12).
24. Metalsmith (Philip of Brundean) (m:59)
Size: 6 Quality: **** Prices: Average
The Brundeans have been village metalsmiths for longer than anyone can remember. Philip is the clanhead. he lives here with his wife Dierdre (f:58), son Roy (m:36), Roy's wife Edina (f:35) and their two daughters Tessa (f:9) and Ella (f:2). Philip is desperate for a grandson to continue his line and blames his daughter-in-law for being unable to produce a boy. This is causing some strain between father & son.
25. Farmer (Roy of Carry) (m:33)
Technically, Roy is the clanhead of this tiny clan. In practice he does what his aunts tell him. Roys parents died over 20 years ago. Until he reached maturity this free farm was held in wardship and run by his fathers' two sisters, Ethel (f:59) & Agnes (f:56). The two sisters rule the roost and constantly bully the easy-going and softly spoken Roy. The fact that he has never married is entirely due to the influence of his aunts. He is currently involved in a clandestine relationship with Chastity of Henshaw.
26. Half Villein (Philip of Askert) (m:28)
Phillip shares this house with his wife Nikola (f:27) and their three children Dyffed (m:10), Yvan (m:7) and Gwenhyfar (f:5).
27. Half Villein (Philip of Fodderlee) (m:54)
Philip shares this house with his wife Dareen (f:50), his son Joffrey (m:31) and Joffrey's wife Gwenhyfar (f:30). The younger couple are childless, to their sorrow.
28. Half Villein (Arran of Coultard) (m:34)
Arrans' wife died in childbirth two years ago, he lives here with his widowed mother Tessa (f:56) and sons Stuart (m:8) and Kurt (m:2).
29. Half Villein (Matty of Thirlwall) (m:39)
Matty shares his cottage with his wife Nanda (f:37), son Quentin (m:12) and daughter Emily (f:6).
30. Half Villein (Edmund of Askert) (m:25)
Edmund lives here with his wife Dierdre (f:24) and their son Alain (2). Dierdre's mother is Mildred of Bania, the manor brew-wife. Mildred lives at the manor.
31. Half Villein (Urwin of Halleypike) (m:30)
Urwins wife Rayla ran away from home five years ago and has not been seen since. He lives with his widowed mother Una (f:54), and daughters Tara (f:8) and Katy (f:6). Rumours around the village are that Rayla ran away because she had been beaten once to often. He certainly treats his daughters with a heavy hand.
32. Half Villein (Roy of Hinston) (m:20)
Roy is the younger son of Rhys of Hinston (21 above), he is married to Jessica (f:19), eldest daughter of Philip of Burby (18 above). They have three healthy children, Roxanne (f:2), Jack (m:1) and the newborn Jakob.
33. Half Villein (Joseph of Henshaw) (m:48)
Josephs wife Chrysta (f:40 ) is the daughter of Bartho of Timbet (10 above). They have two children, Chastity (f:19) and Ernest (m:18) neither of whom live up to their names. Chastity suspects that she may be pregnant and is trying to work out possible fathers.
34. Half Villein (Graeme of Glasten) (m:30)
Graeme is a tall strong and hardworking man. His first wife Jocasta died in childbirth 5 years ago. Graeme was struggling to bring up his 3 children Kay (f:12), Ella (f:9) and Jay (m:7). However, he re-married in Nuzyael, to Edina, daughter of the village Herdsman Donnal of Saftor, and has been granted additional land by Sir Nicholas, making him a half-villein.
35. Cottar (Leonard of Doff) (m:40)
Leonard lives here with his wife Tessa (f:36), son Mykel (m:19) and Mykel's wife Magret (f:18), daughter of Lewis of Tefast (13 above).
36. Cottar (Vernon of Snab) (m:29)
Vernons cottage is somewhat rundown and his farming skills are not the best, nevertheless he manages to keep his wife Wenda (f:27), the youngest daughter of old Simun of Burby (14 above), and children Axa (f:8) and Zoe (f:3) fairly well. Due to his trapping skills Vernon is a supplier of rabbits (and other meats?) to his family & other villagers. Wenda is some six months pregnant.
37. Cottar (Davveth of Fozy) (m:32)
This small but well kept cottage is home to the hardworking Davveth, his wife Sara (f:31) and their children Tomas (m:14) and Una (f:12).
38. Cottar (Karl of Wellcleugh) (m:30)
Karl lives here with his wife Laura (f:30) and their daughter Dellenn (f:13)
39. Cottar (Davveth of Burby) (m:23)
Formerly a labourer for Joseph of Trant, Davveth was reluctantly adopted into the Burby clan and married to young Simun's (14 above) eldest daughter Angharad (f:24) when she fell pregnant to him. Angharad has a misshapen broken nose and a well scarred back, the result of the beating she got as punishment for her shaming of the clan. The child was subsequently miscarried and Angharad became wetnurse to Sir Nicholas & Lady Elaine's son.
40. Cottar (Dyffed of Askert) (m:67)
Dyffed, the uncle of Philip (25 above) and Edmund (29 above) lives here with his wife Brythwen (f:63). They are childless. Dyffed is, however, the Clanhead.
41. Cottar (Goff of Grubbitt) (m:60)
Goff lives a hermit-like existence alone in this small cottage. Tensions between Davveth, Angharad and the rest of the clan remain high. Angharad is one of the servants at the manorhouse, she is now pregnant again.
Emete Manor
Ground Floor
The walls around the manor courtyard are some 8 feet high. The small stone gatehouse to the north east of the gate is the quarters of Tomas of Aynge. The manor gates are open from dawn to dusk and are guarded by Tomas, a man-at-arms employed by Sir Nicholas. In inclement weather Tomas is likely to be sheltering in the open door of the gatehouse.
South west of the gate is the stable, which currently holds Sir Nicholas' warhorse and three palfreys. The horses are tended and exercised by Sir Nicholas' squire, Barras Morton (when he is reminded of his duty). Barras is the fifteen year old third son of Sir Anders Morton, Bailiff of Umpeldy.
Northwest of the stable is a store building. Grain, for next years planting, wool and surplus food for export (if any) are stored here. This building also serves as the manor's brewhouse. The manor brew-wife, Mildred of Bania keeps a close eye on anyone entering.
Northwest of the store building is the manor's well, it is some 15' deep and is the only source of water within the manor walls. The manor itself stands in the eastern corner of the manor yard. The ground floor is solidly built of stone, with walls two feet thick. The tower on the eastern corner of the manor house has walls three feet thick.
The ground floor tower room cannot be accessed from the ground floor of the manor. The tower room is cold and rather damp, it is used to store ale, wine, and salted meats. The chamberlain is responsible for ensuring the security of the goods stored there.
The main part of the manor is the large great hall, with its central firepit. The great hall is used to entertain guests and to hold the monthly Hallmoot, where Sir Nicholas dispenses justice. Between spring and autumn it is well used. Over winter, however, unless a large number of guests are in attendance the smaller and warmer solar, on the first floor, is used. The great hall also serves as bedchamber for many members of the manor staff (and any guests of low stature. Lady Elaines' Lady in Waiting, Jenanne, sleeps under the stairs. The Chamberlain and his wife sleep next to her, under the balcony. Nicholas' Squire, Barras, sleeps under the balcony next to the entrance doors. This is the coldest, and most draughty corner of the hall.
During the Hallmoot Nicholas and Elaine sit on the ground floor. Only one table is set out for the Hallmoot. The seating is always the same, as is the order of business. From left to right when looking at the table from the main part of the Hall sit:
Tomas of Aynge; Cordar of Nasman; Turin of Velent; Steven of Crowp; Lady Elaine; Sir Nicholas; Jonas of Pare; Hubert of Saftor; Daveth of Sidurnell; Jenanne Inkather and Barras Morton. Cordar of Nasman calls the moot, and asks if anyone knows if any person is absent. He then brings the meeting to order and asks the Beadle to rise and give evidence of any crimes. Cordar then sits and begins to take notes. Jonas reports any crimes and they are dealt with. Turin reports any problems and fines levied. Hubert reports any stray animals and fines levied. Daveth reports on the state of the manor woodlands. Cordar then asks if there is any other business, or any crimes to report. Any such matters are dealt with. Cordar then closes the Moot and calls everyone to attend in one months time.
A door leads off the great hall to the kitchen, this room has been the domain of Aliss of Hicar for almost thirty years. She has carried out all of the cooking at the manor for that period as her families feudal due. Aliss has little time for the manor baker, Edwin of Harrath, although she grudgingly admits he can bake a good loaf. Edwins father is baker at Lecona. Elaines brother recommended Edwin and his wife for posts at the manor. Aliss and the Brewwife Mildred of Bania sleep in the kitchen.
The other three manor servants, Dareen, Anya & Edwina, sleep in the pantry, which adjoins the kitchen. The large pantry is used for everyday food storage. By late autumn this room is full of flour, fruits and salted meats for consumption over the winter.
Adjacent to the manor is a garden, tended by Lady Elaine. Gardening is one of Elaines favourite occupations and the garden is well stocked with herbs and vegetables. Elaine also grows a number of wall flowers against the manor wall. A hedge and a number of rose bushes form the boundary of the garden. A number of brambles grow along the north-east wall, they usually give a good crop of blackberries, as well as discouraging people from climbing the wall.
First Floor
The windows to the main hall of the manor house are at this level and are face onto the courtyard walls and to the south east.
The balcony of the main hall is wide enough at its north east end to accommodate a few tables. On the three occasions each year that the entire village is invited to the hall for a feast (Restoration Festival, Angyla and Harvest Home) Sir Nicholas and Lady Elaine (and any other important) guests sit here above the commoners. The stone tower on the north-west corner of the manor can only be accessed from the door at the top of the stairs.
The tower room on this level has recently been turned into a nursery for Nicholas & Elaine's son. His nurse, Agnes of Harrath and her husband also sleep here.
Around the balcony is the Solar. This room receives more light than any other in the manor and is used as a sewing and sitting room by Lady Elaine, Jenanne and Vera of Nasman. Manor residents also use the room as a dining room over winter. Jenanne has recently suggested that the room could also be used as a bedroom 'for someone of gentle birth.'
Second Floor
This is the bedroom of Sir Nicholas and Lady Elaine. Jenanne Inkather has suggested that she moves into this room, 'to better serve my lady.' Sir Nicholas' opinion on this idea is unknown.
Third Floor
The tower roof. Although the manor house is in a small valley, the roof gives a good view of the village and fields.
Residents
There are thirteen residents of the manorhouse, they are:
Sir Nicholas Morik
Lady Elaine Morik
Tunart Morik, Nicholas' son and heir
Jenanne Inkather, Elaine's Lady in Waiting.
Jenanne is the 16 year old daughter of the Bailiff of Teverny. Jenanne is 5'10" tall and skinny with mousy brown hair. She loves tales of chaste and courtly love. Jenanne is a dreamer and lives for the day that a handsome and chivalrous knight falls in love with her. She is, however a good girl who performs her duties well.
Barras Morton, Nicholas' Squire.
Barras is fifteen. He is rather slow witted, forgetful and accident-prone. He is something of an embarrassment to his family. Offering him to Sir Nicholas as a squire was a good idea from the families viewpoint (but not from Sir Nicholas').
The Chamberlain, Cordar of Nasman, a scribe. (m:34).
Cordars' father was Chamberlain to Lady Elaines' father. When he died two years ago Cordar was asked to take this post. The fact that his wife is a member of the clothiers guild was another good reason to appoint him. Cordar is a clever, dark haired and swarthy man. He is of average build and some 6' tall. He is unfailingly polite and correct to Lady Elaine but, while never rude, gives an impression of disdainful tolerance for Sir Nicholas.
Vera of Nasman, Clothier. (f:32)
Cordar's wife is the manor clothier. Vera is a quiet, easy-going woman. She is a good seamstress, but only an adequate embroiderer. She is 7" shorter than her husband and weighs some 10 st. She has mid brown hair and bright blue eyes.
Aliss of Hicar, the Cook. (f:56)
Aliss has been at the manor for thirty years, she has served Elaine's family faithfully for all of this time. She is not as deferential as she should be to Sir Nicholas, but she respects him as Elaines' saviour & husband. Alis is only 5' tall and lightly built, but the kitchen is hers.
Edwin of Harrath, the Baker (m:27)
Edwin arrived shortly after the birth of Elaine's son, with his wife Agnes. They had served Elaines brother in Lecona. When Agnes miscarried and Elaine needed a wet-nurse for her child Alain gave her & her husband leave to go to Emete. Edwin is a fine baker and is up well before dawn each morning making fresh bread for the day. The cook Aliss tolerates his presence as he is usually finished his duties and cleaned up by mid-morning. Leaving Aliss to cook the meals. Edwin is 5'9" tall, black haired and surprisingly thin given his profession.
Mildred of Bania, the Alewife (f:43)
Mildred is the daughter of an innkeeper in Aleath. Her husband was a man at arms in the service of Elaines' family. He was killed along with Elaines' brother. Mildred is a quiet, industrious woman. She often flavours her brews with herbs. Mildred is 5'6" tall and weighs some 10 st. She is grey haired and has bright green eyes.
Agnes of Harrath, Nursemaid to Tunart (f:22)
Agnes is an intelligent young woman who dotes on her young charge. She is plain with black hair, a hook nose and a jutting chin. Agnes is a little over 5' tall.
Tomas of Aynge, a former Meken of the Checkered Shield and now Man at Arms for the Manor. (m:50)
Tomas is only 5'6" tall but is massively built and still very strong. He is almost bald and regularly shaves his head. Tomas has seen a great deal of action and his code for survival is 'take down the opposition as quickly and violently as possible.' He is a quiet good-natured man who, when necessary turns into a vicious (and extremely dirty) fighter.
Five servant girls, three of whom, live in the manor, they are:
Dareen of Comm (f:51). Dareen, with Anya, Edwina, Katryn and Angharad, keeps the manorhouse tidy and clean. The three women, dust, brush and wash. By virtue of her age, Dareen is in charge, she is a bright eyed and sprightly woman some 5'4" tall and grey haired. She is, not the strongest of women and uses the other servants to do any heavy work.
Anya of Hinston (f:18).
Anya is a slim, attractive young woman with dark blonde hair. She is 5'6" tall. She is also a little slow, and easily led. Aliss, Mildred and Dareen keep a close eye on her.
Edwina of Hicar (f:16).
Edwina is the newest recruit to the manor staff. Edwina is of average appearance, she has dark brown hair, is 5'7" tall and weighs some 10 st.
There are also two non-resident servants, married women who work within the manor but return home each night. They are:
Katryn of Sidurnell (f:33).
Katryn is 5'4" tall and slightly built. Her black hair is beginning to grey. She is a clever and trustworthy woman and is sometimes entrusted to duties 'above her station' by Lady Elaine.
Angharad of Burby (f:24).
Despite her broken nose Angharad is an attractive young woman. She is 5' 5" tall and sturdily built with, almost white, blonde hair. She is also surprisingly strong.