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Skarpskytten
11-14-2010, 07:57 PM
Book of Battle, page 2: "Private troops Livery and Maintenance starts. In lieu of land, nobles pay their troops and dress them alike".

Book of Battle, page 9: "At the time that the royal court becomes divided into fractions the custom of livery and maintenance begins, wherein wealthy nobles gives money to their followers (that is, they maintain them) and the followers pledge loyalty, and wear the noble's colors and badge (that is, the leader's livery)".

This custom, clearly modeled on what happens in England in the 15th century, is supposed to start somewhere in the middle of the 540s if i read the Book of Battle correct.

But who does this work in practice, in Pendragon. Any suggestions. Are these guys knights or only ordinary soldiers (sergeants, archers, men-at-arms)? If they are knights, are they something like household knights? Or poorly paid mercenary knights? Or vassal knights paid in cash instead of land? Would their yearly salary be £4, £24, £6 or something else?

Happy for any input.

Greg Stafford
11-15-2010, 12:43 AM
High paid household knights
Figure, oh, L8 for the top guys



Book of Battle, page 2: "Private troops Livery and Maintenance starts. In lieu of land, nobles pay their troops and dress them alike".

Book of Battle, page 9: "At the time that the royal court becomes divided into fractions the custom of livery and maintenance begins, wherein wealthy nobles gives money to their followers (that is, they maintain them) and the followers pledge loyalty, and wear the noble's colors and badge (that is, the leader's livery)".

This custom, clearly modeled on what happens in England in the 15th century, is supposed to start somewhere in the middle of the 540s if i read the Book of Battle correct.

But who does this work in practice, in Pendragon. Any suggestions. Are these guys knights or only ordinary soldiers (sergeants, archers, men-at-arms)? If they are knights, are they something like household knights? Or poorly paid mercenary knights? Or vassal knights paid in cash instead of land? Would their yearly salary be £4, £24, £6 or something else?

Happy for any input.

Avalon Lad
11-18-2010, 07:43 PM
Wearing a livery should not be seen as indication of a lowly status.

Great nobles of the land would wear Livery collars and devices - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livery_collar to show allegiance to a particular leader.

This has some nice pictures of livery coats from the wars of the roses
http://www.historiclife.com/pdf/KASF2008/15thCenturyLivery.pdf

Chris