[OOC] Lords and Ladies of the Court (A medieval politics roleplay)

[Innovative Engimas]

(Note this is an alternate universe.)

1520 Britain, Edward the second has returned from a roughly successful campaign in France. Defending English occupied France from its late king, in a series of gruesome battles of attrition. Edward the sole male heir of his father has taken control of the throne, after both his mother and father contracted the sweating sickness. Crowned with mixed hopes of the people for the new king, since the Protestantism has taken various roots in the country from German bishops. Threatening to shake the vary island to its foundations. The unmarried sole heir to the throne under bombardment of a spouse, pending on the religion of his bride with shape the very future of England.

Note: This is a politics based roleplay, where cheating, lying, backstabbing and down right low down nonsense will either get you ahead or lose your head. Various positions are open, I will reserve judgment on the sheets pending on what you have written. You could be a lowly knight and rise to a duke or a scandalous man of the cloth. Ladies while not having to much 'Official' power can court, tempt and/or marry important figures to influence and get what you need. Note the King will also be available if you can rouse him.



Title:
Edward II, by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Lord of Ireland
Edward Henry Thomas Angevin
Age:
30 years of age

Bio/Personality:
Born to his father Charles the first and mother Duchess Lady Adelina of Porto, the middle child of three. Two girls and one boy, the pride of his father being a legitimate male heir and gem of his mothers eye. Raised by both parents, his father of the day and his mother of the night. Developing key traits that will define him later in life, but widely known as being mollycoddled by his mother from wrong doings. Being defined as his mothers son mostly, with a hint of his ruthless father.

In his youth the studies knighthood and politics fascinated him, being a cut throat world he was naturally inclined by nature to live dangerously. Though studies of region were never his strong suit. Yes he studied diligently to keep the wolves at bay but never really following its guidelines. Memorizing key lines that he would use, but never more. Though it is said recently he reads the good book on occasion, to his own ends mostly and a dying wish to his mother.

Becoming Duke of York and Prince of Wales at sixteen years of age. In his later years, it is quite known that he is a lustful man with a slew of lovers but never able to fully satisfy his grace. Several envoys from various countries had come in hopes of a marriage to attain an alliance and a union between the countries but never was able to find what he desired amount the courting ladies. The only exception was a young flower from his French counterpart but fell ill and was unable to see her before she passed from fever.

French incursions along English occupied France arouse, longing for excitement Edward was appointed commander by his father to put down the risings of the French. Leading several excursions against the French but unable to attain a victory due to bad information. Leading to large blood loss but was able to keep the lands in check. Soon after his campaign in France, he learned the the sweat was taking home by storm and was urged to stay to avoid contracting the disease. In doing so he losses both mother and father to the sickness. Returning home the new king.

[Mr_pink]

Title:
Robert I, Robert the Bruce, Robert Guardian of Scotland, Robert King of Scots

Age:

Personality:

Bio:

Obviously unfinished

I'll presume that because of the alternate universe I'll be allowed to get rid of the whole wars of independence thing and just have it so that the maid of Norways death wasn't as impactful as it was and the broken agreement because of it still remained in a sense. Essentially I'm saying that I don't want to be at war with you haha.

[Innovative Engimas]

Yea, I would like to prefer it centrally based if i could. But like I said I will reserve judgement

[Mr_pink]

It's just that having the king be Edward puts us at precarious place for the rest of the country as he was widely hated because of his methods of unification. Without specifically stating the the wars of independence never happened then there would be very little Scottish or Irish characters because of all the wars happening. But then again if we were going by real facts your edward would have been dead by about 200 years.

[Innovative Engimas]

No all fictional.

[Mr_pink]

Then I can be Bruce then? Just an allied version who does his work more in England than Scotland?

[iSuspect]

"I want to marry a man for who he is - Not for his crown or his wealth."

Name:
Mary Elizabeth Catholic.

Age:
26.

Personality:
Mary is very protective over her family and friends - She loves them very much, with all of her heart. Mary may look sweet and innocent at first glance but she is very vicious and will tear you to shreds with her words if approached incorrectly or if don't bow down to her when she is crossing your path. She is also highly intelligent of things going on and especially her surroundings. She is a flirt though then are some boundaries she will not cross at all, no matter how cute the other participant is. Mary is only out-spoken when her mother is not around - Other than that, she is quiet and likes to stay to herself.

History:
Editing..

[Innovative Engimas]

I have no problem with that pink

[Innovative Engimas]

He could be an ambassador

[Emma]

Appearance

-Full Name-
Johanna Thomasin Maria Grace Norbury

-Title-
Lady Johanna Norbury, Countess of Warwick.

-Age-
22

-Bio/Personality-
Johanna is the only surviving child of the late Lord Henry Norbury, Earl of Warwick, and his late first wife Lady Helen of Austria. Her mother, Lady Helen had six previous miscarriages, three still born babes, and one daughter named Alice, who died four days after she was born. When Lady Helen grew pregnant with Johanna, she resorted to witchcraft and other such taboos, to ensure the life and health of her coming baby. Her husband Lord Henry, along with handfuls of servants witnessed her pagan ways, and when she was seven months pregnant she was confined to the tower, to await her execution for crimes of witchcraft and the murder of two young maids. Her execution was postponed until after she gave birth. Two months later, in late February, baby Johanna was born swiftly and effortlessly. And Lady Helen was beheaded the following week.

With Lord Henry’s wife forever now known as a witch, his once shiny reputation and respect became tarnished. Once a respected diplomat, known as a good childhood friend to King Charles, and a charitable Christian, he was now scorned by his peers, and felt unwelcome at court. So he left with baby Johanna and his household to live in his country estate.

Johanna was three years old when her father remarried to Lady Agnes. It’s was a reputation fixer on his part, marrying the homely Agnes. She was well-known as a devout Christian woman, and beloved by most, for her patronage within the church. In the ten years of their marriage, she bore Lord Henry no children, but was the perfect mother to Johanna, who she nicknamed ‘Marigold'.

Being an only child, her father and stepmother spoiled and coddled her. She spent her early childhood at the St. Mary’s convent where she received a good education. When she was nine her stepmother took personal charge of her education at home by hiring tutors, to which Johanna was taught to sing, paint, dance, read, write, spell and speak French, Latin, German, and Polish. So her education was considered above average for women of her class, and standing. Good manners, household management, arithmetic, history, court etiquette, horseback riding, archery, hunting, and card games were specifically taught to her by her doting stepmother.

When she was ten she was betrothed to a much younger boy, Lord Roderigo of Naples. The betrothal was broken off three years later, after the Lord Roderigo suffered a fall, which rendered him simpleminded, and mentally unstable. Sadly just one month after the engagement was broken off, Johanna's father died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of forty-nine. Only a short six months later, her stepmother Lady Agnes left become a nun. Johanna, almost 14 years old was sent to live under the care of her great aunt Marjorie, the Baroness of Clifton. Aunt Marjorie was very old, really dull, and spent most of her time embroidering, or falling asleep. Johanna's education became less rigorous and she basically had an unlimited amount of freedom, and endless time on her hands.

She spent her free time becoming the young woman she is today. Describe as bubbly, vivacious, cheeky, witty, and very charming, by most who met her, she is considered to be captivatingly beautiful, confident, and cheerful, but also rather prideful, and overly extravagant. Negotiations about her marriage began again under the control of her Uncle Richard, and her godmother, Dame Isobel’s proxy. She was desired by many men, which she reveled in, but as a young girl she had the typical girly ideals of being married for love, so she refused the three different marriage arrangements she was given. When she was sixteen she entered court for the first time, and this became her favorite thing of all time. She was a well-liked socialite, stylish and gorgeous, and quickly became one of the ladies-in-waiting to the eldest princess.

Now 22 years old and with her own household as countess of Warwick she has come into her own and feels ready for marriage, marring King Edward has become and ideal thought in the back of her mind.

--------------------------------------------

[World Traveler]

Archduke Arn Von Leitner Fourth Son of Emperor Nikola Von Leitner

25 Years Old

Family History

The Leitner family is a bloodline that has been traced back to the first Crusades. They assisted holy knights on there passage across the barbarian lands of Southeast Europe and were gifted large amounts of land as payment. Good favor from the church as well as key figures in the region allowed the family to sell his land and return from the Holy War to settle into what would become Vienna. Here the family flourished, bringing new farming techniques to its people as well as coffee and other trades from Turkey and other regions they encountered during their time in the Holy Land..

After several generations of continuous growth in both economic and political influence the Leitner family and the surrounding noble families broke off from its German ruler, seeing an opportunity arise. Germany was currently at war with the Polish Empire and could not afford to split their troops to try and reclaim what was now declared independent Austria. In achieving this independence there came even more wealth and power as the Leitner family rose to lead the new nation. It has now recently completed its conquering of Hungary and its outer territories. With that the head of the Leitner family now become an Emperor after the King of Hungary was allowed to keep his title, but submitting loyalty to the Leitner family and Austria.

Personality

Arn is a quiet and reserved individual who is mostly interested in security and peaceful living. He has a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends him to often have a serious air about him and hold onto the motivation to follow through on tasks assigned to him. Organized and methodical in his approach, ge can generally succeed at any task which he undertakes.

Arn is very loyal, faithful, and dependable. He places great importance on honesty and integrity. He lives by the code of a "good citizen" who can be depended on to do the right thing for his family and people. While he generally takes things very seriously, Arn has been known to have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings where his people skills shine through.

Arn believes in laws and traditions, and expects the same from others. He is not comfortable with breaking laws or going against the rules. If He is able to see a good reason for stepping outside of the established mode of doing things, Arn will support that effort. However, he more often tends to believe that things should be done according to procedures and plans rather than open defiance against the rules put in place.

Arn is extremely dependable on following through with things which he has promised. For this reason, he sometimes gets more and more work piled onto him. Because Arn has such a strong sense of duty, He may have a difficult time saying "no" when he is given more work than he can reasonably handle. For this reason, Arn often works long hours, and may be unwittingly taken advantage of.

Arn will work for long periods of time and put tremendous amounts of energy into doing any task which he see as important to fulfilling a goal. However, he will resist putting energy into things which don't make sense to them, or for which he can't see a practical application. He prefers to work alone, but works well in teams when the situation demands it. He likes to be accountable for his actions, and enjoy being in positions of authority so as to make sure things get done. Arn has little use for theory or abstract thinking, unless the practical application is clear.

Arn has a tremendous respect for facts. He holds a tremendous store of facts within themselves, which he has gathered through both academic and social methods. He may at times have difficulty understanding a theory or idea which is different from his own perspective, but will seek out those that can explain it to him. However, if Arn is shown the importance or relevance of an idea to someone who he respects or cares about, the idea becomes a fact, which then Arn will internalize and support. Once Arn supports a cause or idea, he will stop at no lengths to ensure that he is doing his duty of giving support where support is needed.

Arn is not naturally in tune with his own feelings and the feelings of others. He may have difficulty picking up on emotional needs immediately, as he is presented. Being a perfectionist himself, he has a tendency to take other people's efforts for granted, like he takes his own efforts for granted. He needs to remember to pat people on the back once in a while.

Arn is likely to be uncomfortable expressing affection and emotion to others. However, his strong sense of duty and the ability to see what needs to be done in any situation usually allows him to overcome his natural reservations. Once Arn realizes the emotional needs of those who he is close to, he will put forth effort to meet those needs.

Arn is extremely faithful and loyal. Traditional and family-minded, he will put forth great amounts of effort at making his homeland and family run smoothly. He is a responsible brother, taking his role as a sibling very seriously. He is a good and generous provider to his family. He cares deeply about those close to them, although he usually is not comfortable with expressing his love. Arn is likely to express his affection through actions, rather than through words.

Arn has an excellent ability to take any task and define it, organize it, plan it, and implement it through to completion. He is a very hard worker, who do not allow obstacles to get in the way of performing his duties. He does not usually give himself enough credit for his achievements, seeing his accomplishments simply as the natural fulfillment of his obligations.

Arn has a great sense of space and function and artistic appreciation all giving him a unique talent in combat. While the weight of his actions in the Holy Land are still carried by him he has allowed himself to move forward by setting those actions under ones that were require of him to fulfill his duty to his land and family. His great respect for his adversaries often let to compassion on the battlefield often handed down to opposing military leaders.

In general, Arn has a tremendous amount of potential. Capable, logical, reasonable, and effective with his actions he holds a deeply driven desire to promote security and peaceful living, the Arn has what it takes to be highly effective at achieving his chosen goals - whatever he may be.

Personal History

Arn was born the fourth of seven children. He is the third oldest son of the Emperor and has an older sister along with his two older brothers. With his line to the thrown further back he was raised in wealth; however, the tasks ahead of him were seen to be one of a supporter of the future Emperor. This lead to a considerable amount of schooling and training from the time he was 5 years old to his 17th birthday at which point he was sent to the Holy Land to support the second crusades.

It was considered an honor to be selected for this position and Arn was excellent at fulfilling what was needed. He led several military campaigns which sensually gave clear security to the Holy Lands from its surrounding enemies. Arn was especially praised for his ability to listen to his advisors as well as local allies during his conquest. When he returned from his post in the Holy Land he was welcomed by his family and subjects with great excitement and energy.

Having returned from a four year campaign Arn was given the task to travel the empire and assist in agriculture, trade, and infrastructure of the outer regions. During his two and a half year trip he made several key changes including major immigration reform as well as instituting a new tax for roads many of which were ideas he took from his time in the Holy Land. At first these changes were met with opposition; once the benefits became apparent, however, favor quickly changed.

His success has lead to a somewhat unfortunate rivalry between his older brothers who at times had made embarrassing or selfish choices. This rivalry was becoming an issue within the line of succession for the throne. Seeing it becoming a possible spark that could lead to civil war the second oldest of the sons brought a possibly solution to the Emperor. He proposed that Austria send Arn to London in hopes of creating a closer bond between their two nations. Arn was not oblivious to this being a method of removing him; however, saw it as the best move to help his family and country.

After several years of language lessons in Rome he returned home and was then sent off to England as an official ambassador. His tasks were to bolster the relationship between his country and England. His father has also said he expects Arn to return with a wife as it would be the best way to foster an extended treaty between the two empires. On this subject Arn has gone on record as believing it is a fools errands; however, he respects and adheres to his father’s wishes.

[Emma]

How many characters can we have?

[Innovative Engimas]

As many as you want just don't overdue it. You know.

[World Traveler]

Any feedback on my character is greatly appreciated. I tend to focus on my characters personality if it is a non action/daily life style role play. Since this one will likely require everyone to have a false understanding of all the players a detailed personality is what I assumed was desired by the GM and the other people role playing. If there is something about my character that doesn't make sense or that has to be altered I am happy to work with it and make all the desired changes.

World Traveler

[Innovative Engimas]

World Traveler you character looks excellent, I've got no problems with it personally. You want the false understanding but some elements of truth. Quoting Jack Sparrow "You lied about the truth!". A lot behind the scenes talking between characters will done in pm, the schemes and such. So in theory your really shooting in the dark about half of it and since my character is king I could falsely behead someone and they could be totally innocent.

[Emma]

-Name-
Rupert John Oldenburg

-Title-
The Most Noble Rupert Oldenburg, Lord of Denmark, Earl of Essex, and Duke of Schleswig and Holstein.

-Age-
32

-Bio/Personality-
Rupert was born at St. James Palace in London. He was the eldest son of Prince John of Denmark, and his first wife Princess Christine of England. His mother was the elder sister of the late King Charles, making Rupert his only surviving nephew, and one of King Edward II first cousins. Sadly his mother died two days after giving birth to his second youngest sister, Lady Edith Oldenburg, when Rupert was only nine years old.

His father remarried when he was ten, to a Lady Sophia. A rather uptight, and stoic woman. After his father’s remarriage, his new stepmother went on to take control of the household. Of his fathers seven children he had his first wife, only three survived past infancy, his oldest son, Rupert, and two youngest daughters, Lady Wilhelmina, and Lady Edith. His second wife brought her two children from her previous marriage with her, a sadistic son named Hedwig, and a spoiled daughter named Augusta. Rupert stepmother had him and his younger sisters sent to live in separate households, ‘for their education, and well-being.’ She would claim to their father, but really she just didn't want his first wife’s children in the picture, and she was not a fan of English people in general.

So from the age of 10 to 16 Rupert was raised, by his godfather in England, where he met his younger cousins. He and his cousin Edward the future king became best friends in there youth. He received military training, and undertook a grand tour of Europe spending several months in France, Spain, and Italy. Of course when Edward started his excursions and campaign in France, Rupert was right there beside him, leaving his new Italian wife pregnant in England. His wife Lady Teresa of Modena, was a beauty, but over-emotional and rather ignorant about the world, she also spoke hardly any English. A loveless but beneficial marriage to the English, that had been personally suggested to Rupert by his uncle King Charles. Over the next few years of their short marriage she bore him two daughters.

Rupert Returned to England for a short stay, to see his Sister Wilhelmina marry. Finding his wife pregnant, with what could not possibly be his child, seeing as he had been gone for months. She was confined to the tower of London, where she was questions and tortured several times until she confessed to her secret love with one of her servants, and that the unborn child was his. She was also questioned, about her two other children's legitimacy, and if they were even Rupert's. And she swore that they were Rupert's children till the very end. The Servant was hanged, and Lady Teresa was proclaimed guilty of adultery, and treason. After Giving birth to a son, she was locked in the tower for three months, and then beheaded for her crimes. The baby boy was sent to a convent, and Rupert's two young daughters Margaret, and Georgia, were sent to live in Denmark with their great Aunt.

Rupert's father died from smallpox, while Rupert was in France fighting alongside Edward. With the news of his fathers passing he made his way back to England again, at the age of 27 for the funeral, and he gained his inheritance, becoming the second most wealthiest man in Europe. He stayed in England after his fathers Death for the next two years, marrying his second wife, Maud of Ireland. Their loved blossomed and, she gave birth to a daughter they named Sarah. Sadly Maud passed away only three months later from a infection of the lungs. With the death of his second wife, he saw no reason to stay any longer in England, while Edward campaign in France. Leaving baby Sarah in the care of his sister Wilhelmina and her husband, he left for France.

Now he his back, his Cousin Edward the new King of England and France. He has sent for his daughters to come back to live in his household. He is on the look out for a wife for Edward, and possibly one for himself. He thinks his youngest sister Edith is quite perfect for Edward, and thinks its a perfect match, but then again, he can remember them bickering and fighting as children.

[Violettesaphire]

If you have space I have a few questions?

What are the countries that he is not in control of? I was slightly confused about his backround, so Im just trying to understand.

Do you want the bios to be like yours or would you care if I had a more indepth verison?

[Emma]

Finished Lady Johanna Norbury;s CS! :)

[Innovative Engimas]

Im going by what England held historically at the time. England held a part of France for a while. You can do in depth or a shorter version. I did mine curt cause I'm not gonna spill all the details. Cause you wanna have some hidden details. Good stuff Ema.

[Violettesaphire]

Preferred Name: Scarlet Farrel Rose
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Bi sexual
Titles: Englands Stray, Duchess of the courts, Wolf of the english courts, Duchess of Oxford
Affiliations: Daughter of the late Duchess of Oxford. Links to the english and french courts. Widow of the youngest prince of Scotland

Appearance

Hair colour: Dark blonde
Eye colour: Smokey gray
Skin colour: White, but not pale

Personality description: Scarlet is good at getting what she wants, but she is reserved when she can be. She is good at talking to people and convincing them that she is right, but dislikes talking to people and tends to avoid bad situations. She prefers to be alone and distrusts people, especially at night. Their are few people that can gain her trust and she is generally disliked by others. She is never shy and she has confidence in everything she does, but she is lonely and finds comfort in her loneliness. She can by sly and sneaking or quiet and reserved, but she always likes to get what she wants. Her curiosity can sometimes cause problems for herself and her hostility towards people she doesn't trust can cause issues for herself. She beleives that, for the most part, she is right and has a hard time admitting that she is wrong. She beleives that no matter how many rumors float around about her, she will always have strength in herself. She is confidant and brave, but things do set her off. When people talk about her family in an ill manner, she is very passionate and will fight with all her belief to prove them innocent. She dislikes it when people touch her and is afraid of being touched by other people. She tries not to think about her fears thought, and ignores her body and mind when it tells her she is afraid.

Brief Biography: Scarlet was the daughter of the Duchess of Oxford and an English peasant. Her mother had a fling with the mysterious man that she would meet every friday after sunset. She would sneak away from her life and try to discover herself in the town that she was forbidden to go to alone. The duchess left in the middle of the night at see the man she met in a bar and found out that she was pregant with a child who had no pure blood in her vains. Scarlets mother wasn't the blood eir of the line, but she was the only eir they had. So she was given the title, but was distrusted by the courts. When her daughter was born, she knew that the courts were not a safe place for the child to grow up, given her own reputation was dangerous. She gave the child to its father and Scarlet grew up in the streets with an unloving father, learning how to pay for her own keep. She worked as a waitress in her dads bar as soon as she could walk and was taught quickly how to be charming when she talked.

At the age of ten, Scarlets father was killed in an accidant and Scarlets mother took her in. She was taught refined manners and had to study every day to become a child of the courts, but her mothers reputation became her reputation. She became the 'wolf' of the courts following her mother who was once deemed the 'viper'. Scarlet spent the years following the courts with her mother and leading a new life. She spent time in both english and french courts, and althought she was held at a higher respect than most noblewomen, she was still gossiped about on a regular basis. Her mother passed away while returning to english courts when Scarlet was nineteen. Scarlet took on her mothers role and followed where her role took her, weather that was back to france or staying in her english home. Although, their was hate in both courts toward her, she also found friends and missed them while she was away from them for too long. She was told she was going to marry a year after her mother died, but the young prince was ill and past away before their wedding day. It furthered her reputation and she missed the boy that she had only met a few times before he was gone. It was only a political move through and for her to keep her own will was a nice thought.

Friends: A few ladies of the english and french courts, a few lower class in the english streets
Family: Mother, Victoria Rose, Late duchess of Oxford. Father, Richard, Street rat, deceased.