Some correspondence and role play behind the campaign

I thought I might share, for the readers, some of the unseen play that goes on behind the campaign reporting that I produce. There is some excellent role play from the group, not suprising as we have played RP together as well, for over twenty years.  What I wil reveal, not all the players have seen, but its impact will have passed by the time it is published.  There's a few new photos too :)

So first a view of the sort of thing one has to put up with as leader of an alliance which is moving to curb the power of the House of the People and intending to install an executive committee for the day to day running of government and pushing legislation at the house;

Dear Sir
We are writing in the hope that you will swiftly resolve this current danger. Your party within the House of People implores you to come back to the capital and continue this dispute througth debate rather than force or arms.  You have been and remain dear to the House. All here respect you as a leader of a party contending for democratic control of policy. So, we urge you, free the arrested members who have offended you and set aside this idea of a Lord President and Council. The House fears that it will become another King and Royal Chamber, the very thing that you championed the cause against.

Thus sir, we ask you to consider, again, this stance that you have taken and the many lives that will be lost if we should have war again along with the disruption to trade. The nation will weep.  If you will not step back from this brink, sir, then the House will appoint its officers to persecute the neccessary war against you and bring you to justice before it.

We remain your humble servants

 Sir Charles treated this with the disdain he felt it deserved yet we still find him speculating as to whether it might be pulled back from the brink as he writes to his old friend and ally, Sir Ralph Hopton;

Sir Ralph Hopton, Earl of Shellborough

Lord Hopton,  I have been warned to lay down and allow the fat cows of the House vote as one mind while hiding behind empty benches, and parading a wooden actor around with invisible puppeteer strings.

The thoughts of my countrymen, who lost their lives to depose one problematic leadership, would haunt my every waking moment should I allow a larger problem to replace the old.

I yet hope to reach Thomas Kirby and end this before it really begins, but we must ready ourselves if he is resolute and unforgiving.  Know I have secured help from the north, and am certain of help near the capitol.

Yours in Arms,

Sir Charles Langley, Earl of Sedgewater

Sir Ralph, however, is now in the mood to hurl aside such thoughts with the battle lines drawn and his patience at an end;

Sir Charles,

The time for talking is done, these men will not listen to reason so it is time that we make them understand in a different way. It is unfortunate it must come to this, but I share your view that to continue as we are would be to go against everything we previously fought for. 

XXXX (redaccted information on his marching orders and some other information) XXX

I am ready should this come to war and remain your humble servant.

Sir Ralph Hopton

Warboys Foot in their traditional powder green

An exchange between the two then concludes where each will be and their initial targets.

Meanwhile, as preparations on the House side are taking place, a courier puts a letter in the hand of Lord Stewart, Sir Patrick Sterling of Kenwick;

Lord Stewart
My old friend, we face potential issues, here in Greysby Glen and Carrigmore Glen. Our former ally, Sir Wallace Campbell has gone over to Lord Langley and become close with Sir Arthu Laidlaw of Chelby. We must move swiftly if we are going to raise forces here and meet up before we are cut off.

Tread carefully in the north, my old friend. It would not serve our alliance, the House or the people of this nation if you were seized before you have sufficient men around you to fight your way clear.

I look forward to joining hands in the near future.
Yours in faith and friendship
Connal
Lord Murray

The reply was short requiring Murray to raise a horse unit and get out of the Glen to rendezvous  with other forces in the area. At this point, the new release of notes revealed some settlements had declared their allegaince.  Sir Connal's return note pleads;

My Dear Patrick
We are short on time. Already, I hear that Chelby and Greysby are raising troops for Langley's cause and I expect Sir Wallace Campbell to oppose us in Carrigmore, also. I will supply the cavalry you request but, my good friend, send enough resources to arm and march a foot unit from the glens before it is too late and this source is closed down. We may have to fight our way to you.
Connal

But will it be too late.  The players are about to see the first skirmish of the war. Taking Langley's order to suppress House recruitment in the Glens, Sir Wallace Campbell, himself a rival clan head has used the opportunity to march the Greysby Horse and Chelby foot into Greysby Glen and start arresting known supporters of Murray, the McKays and McKenzies who the Campbells despise.  Reacting to this, Connal Murray, being a much more charismatic leader than Sir Owen Kentigern took control of forces in Wendlemore and marched at quick time on Greysby Glen.  As Campbell pulled crofters and clansmen from their beds, the House forces arrived at the head of the Glen.  Trapped, Campbell had no option but to turn and try to break through the opposing army.  Outnumbered nearly two to one, he did have the experienced Greysby horse rated 5/6 whereas the new recruits of Chelby and all three units from Wendlemore were 2/6 raw rated.  Murray, however, had his clan lancers and that was a force that Campbell knew by reputation would never surrender.

 Murrays Lancers heading off to war

Similarly, in other parts, Sir Charles was presenting a stiff message. In reply to some information and questions about the capital from Sir Bryndham Hale in Halton, the letter is unequivocal in its tone;

Sir Bryndham Hale,

I am certain you have heard the threats of battle bouncing off the capitol walls.  Your position is precarious, at best, but be not troubled as you have my support, financially, and when opportunity presents itself you will find other halls come under your own.

We must not allow the House to rule with unbounded authority.  As I helped put them there, so shall I help to block their abuses.

Sir Charles Langley,  Earl of Sedgewater

 Meantime, the allies on the House side have been communicating their movements. Sir Thomas Kirby, writing with heavy heart on the eve of the conflict to Lord Steward - some parts redacted as they have not yet come to attention of the opposition;

My dearest friend, Patrick, Lord Stewart,

I have been pondering our current situation, regarding our mutual, misguided friends, and find find that they have been allowed a certain freedom to frolic and dance about as they see fit. I find this a most worrisome development, especially concerning our compatriots-in-arms whom might have more difficulty than ourselves in finding themselves in sufficient defensible positions.

As such, and feeling that further delay on my part would cause undue damage to our just and worthy cause, I have considered and acted upon the following:

Firstly, XX and so be prepared against any troops that might be raised by Langley.XX

(redacted as still relevant)

As you know, we need to reach our friends swiftly, and bring Langley and Hopton to battle early on before their greater reach gives them an advantage in this war. As such, I look forward to your thoughts on how to proceed well.

Eternal and fondest regards,

Sir Thomas Kirby

The stage is set, the players have opened the drama with some exhanges, more of which will be posted soon as they fall out and become known to both sides.  As the forces begin to march and objectives have been agreed with sub commanders, it's going to heat up, quickly.  Will the four remember they were friends and allies no long ago as were many of those who will side with them again.

Hope you enjoyed reading these even if much of the content has been withheld.