In-game year: 480
missing synopsis, inferred from memory and other entries
Summary
After the Purdue Forest ambush, Sir Jerem’s delegation reaches Winchbank Castle, seat of the Baron of Winchbank, to continue the investigation of Lady Ellen of Winchbank as a potential bride for Count Roderick. Winchbank is the opposite of Silchester: fully staffed, well-defended, and quick to welcome the party.
Their injured companion Assterius is treated by Lady Rachel of Carbonog, a lady-in-waiting renowned for healing. Her methods are partly pagan—chants, mistletoe, and a foul-smelling preparation of boiled ox urine—but they save Assterius and stabilize his wounds.
Investigating Lady Ellen
The squires gather information across the castle and town. They learn Ellen is fourteen and the sole surviving heir: her three brothers died (accident/war/illness), her mother died when Ellen was young, and she was largely raised by the household. Townsfolk speak warmly of her generosity (including giving gifts to mothers on St. Crispin’s Day), yet rumors persist that she behaves unconventionally: riding her own horse, ignoring some courtly expectations, and spending significant time riding in the woods.
Coin and carousing
The squires receive 16 denarii each as their share of ransom money taken from a captured Saxon huscarl. Some spend it drinking, bribing stablehands, and gathering rumors—learning that knights from Silchester have recently arrived in Winchbank (possibly the same riders who shadowed them earlier).
The joust and the secret
After Liam unintentionally provokes Winchbank squires during the previous night’s drinking, a jousting challenge is arranged. With blunted lances, Liam rides before Sir Jerem, the baron, and a crowd. Liam lands several strong blows, but is ultimately knocked from his horse by his opponent. Investigation afterward reveals the opponent was Lady Ellen herself, disguised as a squire—skilled at horse and lance and bold enough to compete secretly, yet protected by a carefully kept secret.
The Baron of Winchbank and Sir Jerem appear unaware of what happened. The squires debate whether revealing Ellen’s secret would dishonor her—or whether it is simply their duty when reporting back to Count Roderick.
The Feast
That evening, the baron hosts a feast in honor of the visiting knights and squires. At the feast, the squires:
- intervene in disputes among guests
- attempt to impress the court through dancing, courtesy, and conversation
- learn more about Lady Rachel of Carbonog and the customs of Winchbank
Beneath the music and celebration, the central question sharpens: what should Salisbury be told about Lady Ellen—a brave, capable heir who does not fit neatly into expectations?
Scene / Beat Log
- Arrive at Winchbank Castle; welcomed; castle fully staffed
- Assterius treated by Lady Rachel of Carbonog; stabilized
- Investigate Lady Ellen’s background, reputation, and rumors
- Receive 16 denarii each (ransom share); carousing/bribes for intel
- Rumor: knights from Silchester recently arrived
- Joust arranged; Liam performs well but is knocked down
- Reveal: Lady Ellen jousted in disguise
- Debate: tell Sir Jerem / Count Roderick vs protect Ellen’s honor
- Feast at Winchbank; courtly impressions, disputes, more intel
Consequences & New Facts
- Lady Ellen is competent, bold, and unconventional; she may resist typical court expectations
- A healer in the household (Rachel of Carbonog) uses pagan-leaning methods and is effective
- Silchester knights may be present at Winchbank (potential political tension / surveillance)
- The squires now hold a dangerous secret about Ellen’s identity in the joust
- The report to Count Roderick could shape Ellen’s future role (conventional noble vs hidden warrior)
Timeline entries to add
- (480) — The delegation reaches Winchbank; Assterius is saved by Rachel of Carbonog’s unorthodox healing. (Source: Session 004 - The Lady’s Secret and the Feast at Winchbank)
- (480) — The squires learn Lady Ellen is sole heir and widely liked, but unconventional. (Source: Session 004 - The Lady’s Secret and the Feast at Winchbank)
- (480) — Liam jousts; the victorious opponent is revealed to be Lady Ellen in disguise, raising a dilemma about what to report. (Source: Session 004 - The Lady’s Secret and the Feast at Winchbank)
- (480) — The baron hosts a feast at Winchbank; the squires navigate courtly opportunities while debating how to describe Ellen to Salisbury. (Source: Session 004 - The Lady’s Secret and the Feast at Winchbank)