Roleplaying: Merrie England - the game

The Game Room
41

Correction: last post should have read:

‘Finally come four troopers wearing Leather Armour with a dragon inscription. Three hold Halberds and one has a Heavy Crossbow.’

The door opens again and an Acolyte announces quietly “Do please take your seats for the High Priestess of Heimdall and runner-up in the Flower Arranging at the County Fayre - Edith Weston.”

As Edith enters (winking at Crumlin) she waves for everyone to take their seats and sits at the head of the table.

Sir Guy looks furious at her introduction, but calms down enough to say “Welcome, High Priestess. You know Lieutenant Grey. Oh, and this is …”
He waves in Curly’s direction and pauses.
Lieutenant Grey smoothly continues “…Cuthbert Brown, Your Grace. He likes to be known as Curly.”
Curly jumps up and bows at Edith, then clumsily sits down.

Edith says “Thank you all for coming.
As you know this is a meeting to settle the arrangements for our first ever election - for Sheriff of Rutland. I have the honour to be in charge and promise to act fairly and in the best interests of everyone in the County.
Now there are two candidates, Acolyte Crumlin and Serf Curly. I am sorry to tell you that Much the Miller has had to withdraw form the election due to injury.”

She pauses and sighs.
Sir Guy smiles.

Edith continues “We shall spend one week on this contest, starting today. As it’s Market Day today we can all speak to a lot of people here in Oakham. And with tomorrow being the County Fayre, things should go well.
I shall visit Oakham, Uppingham and all the villages. I will collect all the votes that I can myself.
However I have asked Lady Marian, as Senior Druid, to inform all the woodsmen and other forest residents about the election. She will gather their votes and bring them to me personally. Is that acceptable to both candidates?”

Crumlin nods firmly.
Curly looks hesitantly at Sir Guy, who says “On behalf of my candidate, we accept. I’m sure it won’t affect the result. And since Lady Marian is doing that for you, may I offer to collect all the votes of the miners, engineers and labourers at my mines?”

Edith looks uncertain. “Well, it would save some time. Perhaps we should take a short break and discuss it.”

42

Player question (the character would know) – is there a miners’ guild?

43

You can assume there are Guilds for practically all trades and professions, e.g. Miners Guild, Brewers Guild, Millers Guild.
The majority of members and training (depending on the nature of the activity) are usually in cities, with a representative in a country town.
For example, the Nottingham Magic Users Guild has one representative in Rutland.

44

Hallstein will remain hidden, observing all on the opposing side closely, watching for any hidden signals, whispers, and/or body language, etc.

He will remain hidden until all opponents have either left the room, or one of them does something requiring action of him.

45

At an opportune moment, Boadicea will say, “Sir Guy’s offer is most generous, but surely he has far more pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps the Miner’s Guildmaster could perform the task? And the other guildmasters, for their respective guilds? That would ease the burden on you, Lady, as well.”

46

Hallstein makes an Alertness roll.

He thinks Sir Guy is very tense, awaiting Edith’s answer on the mine vote count.

(I know Hallstein has succeeded in a lot of his rolls so far, but he’s been better than 85% to succeed in most of them. :cool:)

47

Edith looks happy. “I’m sure that could be arranged! And both sides would be happy with such eminent people helping us, wouldn’t they?”

Crumlin promptly agrees.

Curly looks bewildered and turns to Sir Guy, who grimaces and reluctantly nods. Curly then agrees as well.

Edith continues “I think that’s it then. May I wish both candidates a pleasant and peaceful week.”

She rises, waving her hands to show people needn’t rise for her this time and departs.
Sir Guy and his group then leave in silence.

Crumlin says "I think that went well! What about a spot of lunch? We can eat here in the Temple or visit one of Oakham’s inns.
The choices are ‘The Old Plough’ (it’s popular with local tradesmen + peasants) or ‘The Merry Monk’ (where Gisbourne’s men hang out).

We should tell people what we stand for.
According to Sir Guy, Curly should be elected Sheriff because:

*1. Law and Order (a strong leader)
What the area needs is a strong leader. It doesn’t matter how much it costs in taxes. Vote for me to see a lot of punishment.

  1. The Environment (we’re in charge)
    Don’t see scenery - see industrial opportunity. We need more mining and every open space is a potential landfill.

  2. Democracy (one man, one vote)
    Fortunately for you, I have strong backers, who will take care of democracy for you.*

What do you suggest I say?

48

Thinking mostly about point #2. “The Environment (we’re in charge)
Don’t see scenery - see industrial opportunity. We need more mining and every open space is a potential landfill.”

Gis, "I don’t see how any could appreciate this statement. We should hammer him here. I suspect that the one man, one vote probably has little meaning so far and it is not worth directly pursuing as you have but a week to educate.

The strong leader part will have appeal if crime against the common man has been common or is common. Don’t be surprised if a small crime wave suddenly begins. Crime begets fear and fear often overrides reason.

I trust Sir Guy not at all and I would expect him to continue to try and win at all costs.

Finally you need your own positions and they need to be well reasoned. Explain how fair trials and citizens looking out for citizens is superior to the heavy gauntlet of unquestioned law.

Explain how to make use of a clean and productive environment and how to build to not upset the balance too far. Farms could be aided in times of famine is the environment is treated well as Druid will then help those that help nature.

Farms and animals do not do well with toxins landfills and mine waste."

Gis looks a little embarrassed at the passion he shows towards the end, he is obviously not use to speaking much.

49

Hallstein moves out of the shadows.

Hallstein to Gis: “Methinks you misunderstand and underestimate that lout, Sir Guy. The One Man, One Vote thing as he means it is potentially very big winning point for Crumlin here.”

“You see, in Curly’s mind, only one man has the one vote that counts. I’ve seen their lot before. They give Lawfuls a bad name, they do! I do like your ideas too, in their own little way, but showing the folks that under Curly the law is there only for Sir Guy, while under our boy Crumlin the law is there for everybody might hit 'em where it hurts!”

During this rant, Hallstein becomes more and more demostrative simulating what he’d like to do to Sir Guy and his followers.

Hallstein, more calm now “I still say we just watch them until they break the law, and round 'em up. It’ll save a lot of trouble in the end.”

“Something else to consider is the shear dimwittedness of all these common folk. All that fancy talk about cleanin’ up the environment and blah, blah, blah ain’t gonna mean a dang thing to most of them. We should just give each of them 5gp, and let them know that Sir Guy would never give them a cent since he’s only out for himself! While 'ere we are, taking care of everyone!”

“Complete brilliance is what that plan is, if I do say so myself!”

“Anyways, if you guys are gonna stand around yapping all day, I have an errand to run quickly before we start our campaign to get all these dang simpletons to do the only thing that makes any sense.”

If Hallstein has the opportunity to go visit the wretch in the stocks, he’ll slip away. If not, he’ll wait for a better opportunity.

50

Boadicea sits on the table, and says,

“While I might not agree with the phrasing of Squire Hallstein’s sentiments, I do think he’s right, friend Gislsson. We have very little time, so the simpler the message the better. Can you come up with a short, pithy saying that sums your feelings for the land? Something that folk will remember, almost a chant, perhaps?”

“As for the one man, one vote philosophy, I can see that it would have much appeal amongst those who have never before had the chance to determine their own fate. Perhaps Acolyte Crumlin should approach that matter by reminding the people that this is THEIR choice, and if they yield that choice to others now, they may never be given it again.”

Then she looks to Priestess Weston. “We must not allow Sir Guy to manipulate this election. Surely you sensed his evil, as I did.”

51

"A vote for Curly is a vote for Guy and Guy would kill the lands that feeds us all, as he crushes us below his heavy mailed fist. "

52

Player Question: Would Berg know why the hairs on the back of his neck were standing up?

53

Berg steps up beside Boadicea and addresses the room:

“I felt the presence of evil as well, Boadicea. I recognized one or more of Sir Guy’s companions as followers of Loki. I feel it necessary to alert The High Priestess Weston, that evil is walking unchecked in Thor’s Temple. I know he is quite displeased by these happenings and it cannot be allowed to continue. We must urge her to do something about it.”

Berg turns to Crumlin:

“Crumlin, as far as this election, all these ideas are good ones and I think we are right in assuming Sir Guy will do anything to get “his man Curly” elected. Your safety is definately a priority though. I agree with Hallstein that we are not to underestimate Sir Guy’s determination. Look what happened to Much the Miller. As far as the campaigning, I agree a simple phrase that all can remember is best. Perhaps what changes you intend on making. I’m sure between us, we can think of something”

As he turns back to the room, his stomach growls and an idea hits him. He smiles and says:

"Hallstein, would you be opposed if we all accompanied you on this great errand of yours. I don’t think we should separate given we are all now known as companions. The Marketplace is a great place for the lunch that was mentioned earlier. I think we could use this meal time to come up with something for Crumlin to start using in his campaign. After lunch, we could use the time for Hallstein’s errand try out some phrases on the folk we walk by. We will be able to gauge their reaction to what Crumlin is saying and see which ones work the best.

“I request we visit Her Grace first and inform her as to what we sensed and then head out? What do you say?”

54

Crumlin is horrified to hear about evil and Loki in a Temple of his beloved Heimdall (an firm ally of Thor).
He is ready to immediately bring the High Priestess back to hear the dreadful news.

Although that is his priority, he is grateful for help over the election too.
“I’m quite well known in Oakham, because I run the local Morris Dancing group (as well as working here at the Temple). But it would be good to have something memorable to say to people elsewhere in Rutland.”

Crumlin is also happy to help Hallstein with any errand. He says he likes the way Hallstein gets straight to the point!

55

Gis, “I will go request her presence.”

56

Gislsson and Crumlin bring the High Priestess back to the meeting room.

Boadicea and Bergthor explain how they know there was both Evil and a Loki worshipper at the meeting.

Edith is agitated.
“Such a thing - in the Temple itself! I can hardly believe the effrontery.”
(She pauses for thought.)
“Well, even though it involves the leading Noble in Rutland, I must act. I will write and demand that the culprit is both exposed and punished.”

She has paper, quill and ink brought and composes a short message. She seals it with wax, imprinting Heimdall’s Holy Symbol (a Horn).
An Acolyte is promptly sent to the Castle with the missive.

Edith tells the party that they have earned the right to be present when Sir Guy appears and asks them where they will be in the next hour or so.

57

If Hallstein thinks he has time to go visit the fellow in the stocks, he’ll say: “I do have something I need to attend to…and no, I don’t need any of you to come along to wipe me bottom for me! I won’t be long”

If he thinks he doesn’t have time, then: “I’ll be here, waiting to put that rake Sir Guy in his place if he breaks any of the rules! Oh, do you have anything to eat? A gnome could starve in this place before he sees any food, much less hospitality.”

58

Crumlin says “Hallstein, the Stocks are just round the corner from the Temple entrance, so you won’t miss Sir Guy’s reply.”

Hallstein promptly slips out.

…

Meanwhile Crumlin suggests to the others that they help him with election slogans and speeches.
He rattles off why he entered the election:

  • Curly is a pleasant chap, but he’s not bright; he’s never been out of Oakham and he does what people tell him.

  • Crumlin knows a lot of folk in the towns of Oakham and Uppingham, because of his Temple work and his Morris Dancing team. He doesn’t know many villages, but looks hopefully at Gislsson (who patrols all of Rutland).

  • Sir Guy owns all the mines. There is a growing pile of slag or mine tailings outside each one. Crumlin is a keen fisherman and states there are less fish in the rivers this year.

59

Hallstein arrives in the Marketplace.
Market Day is in full swing and (for example) he is offered ‘a real bargain - almost-new boots!’ by a cobbler.
The Jousting area (for the County Fayre tomorrow) is nearly finished.

Hallstein sees a human sitting mournfully in the Stocks. The man looks quite healthy, but has some fruit juice dripping down his leather jerkin.
Hallstein asks the man his story and it all pours out.

“Me name’s Bob and I’m a builder from Nottingham. I’ve gotta decent crew of labourers, right? They’re me mates … 'cos we’re also a tug-of-war team - and a pretty tip-top one too!
Anyway this bloke offered us a shed-load of cash to do a special job for him. He said it was secret - hah! - what do we care about blooming Nobles?
So they stuck us all in a wagon and make sure we canna see out. We travel for a couple of days - but the food was good and they threw in free ale!
Anyways, we came into town and I suddenly felt sick. So I nipped out the wagon and puked me guts up in an alley. But the ruddy wagon had gone!
Well I had a hangover, right? And we ain’t been paid, so I sat down and started asking for dosh. But then some guards came along, said I was begging and asked if I was a member of the Beggar’s Guild. Of course I ain’t! So they threw me in 'ere.
And I ain’t seen any of my mates neither.
Gissa hand, Mister. Ain’t you ever been down on your luck?”

Hallstein knows he can easily free the man from the Stocks (= very simple lock), but he’ll need a distraction - otherwise he’s breaking the law…

60

Gis, “I know the villages and I know some stout, honest folk in the villages. I can spread the good word and even spread the bad about Curly just being a tool of Sir Guy. However, I also fear that you will need protection from Sir Guy and his mailed fist. The Dreams we had, have me worried. I believe Sir Guy is behind the attack on Much the Miller. I will gladly escort and introduce you to the villages, but I think you will need a much protection as possible until the election is over.”