Jedes
Location: Asolade Hundred , Oselshire, Kingdom of Kaldor
Government: Sir Shernâth Mirdârne
Liege: Sir Tróda alrí Dariúnè
Population: 300 (approx.)
Standing on the east bank of the River Kald, Jédes Keep is the first major settlement in Káldôr to be seen when moving upriver. The keep is held by the through his childhood friend constable, one of the earl’s most trusted advisors. Conscientious and well-organised, Sir Shernâth works extremely hard to ensure Earl Tróda receives his full due. Jédes is the chief settlement of Asólade Hundred, a renowned centre of horse breeding. Ostler Iriel of Haskew [p17] is the current guildmaster for eastern Hârn. The Jédes Horse Fair is the largest horse-trading event in Káldôr, drawing ostlers from across the kingdom to trade their finest horses.
Government
Constable: Sir Shernâth alrí Mirdârne
Liege: Sir Tróda alrí Dariúnè, Earl of Bâlim
Liege: Sir Tróda alrí Dariúnè, Earl of Bâlim
Districts
POLITICS
Jédes is a very small market town. It is, however, approximately twice the size of the surrounding manors and provides many guild services not available anywhere else within a day’s walk. Sir Shernâth has improved the roads to Kolôrn and Hútop. The town, and to a great extent Asólade Hundred, is run by the decree of the constable. As Jédes is used to ship much of the ore from the two mines in the hundred, the constable can also exert some influence over the Miner’s Guild. Jédes benefits from extra toll revenues from the lead and copper mines, and the guild has a contract with Sir Shernâth to provide guards. The Pelnala of Brómelèon Abbey takes little interest in secular affairs, while the Bailiff of the Hundred, Sir Arrys Maradýnè [Asólade Hundred p72], seems happy to do even less than his predecessor, Sir Boroman Maradýnè. This leaves the constable in effective control. Government For many years Earl Tróda Dariúnè has known that he can rely on prompt delivery of his feudal dues from his constable. To try to anticipate any problems, once each month, at Yaelah, the constable holds a feast at the keep, after which he discusses news, problems, and policies with his appointed advisors. These advisors, “the constable’s council”, are an eclectic group. Sir Shernâth values aptitude and efficiency over birth and right and, to the annoyance of some local nobles, makes his appointments accordingly. At the beginning of 720, the constable’s council consists of: Lady Helarn Poulty, Bailiff of Jédes Keep. Lady Helarn has lived in Asólade Hundred for all of her 56 years and is known and trusted by almost all of the noble families. She voices the concerns of the local nobility. Coner of Kleve [9] is the most experienced mercantyler in the hundred and is chairman of the hundred branch of the Mangai. Coner speaks for the guildsmen of the hundred. Iriel of Haskew [43] is Guildmaster Ostler of Eastern Hârn. His influence spreads far beyond Asólade. The Ostler’s Guild is the most important guild in the hundred; Iriel’s place on the council acknowledges this fact. Hamis of Guinas [30] is the local priest of Peóni. Hamis is a gossip and is not as discrete with his parishioners’ secrets as he should be, especially after a few cups of the constable’s finest perry. Anlë of Ornelt [14] is a local fisherwoman and coracle-maker. She ostensibly represents the unguilded freemen. In fact, Anlë is naïvely honest and often asks awkward questions of the others, a trait that the constable appreciates. Peser of Luren [38] is reeve of Jédes village. An unfree farmer, Peser is an excellent judge of the views of the local peasantry. In addition, his predictions of the year’s likely harvest are usually very accurate. Peser’s opinions allow Sir Shernâth to judge likely incomes from the surrounding fiefs. Regardless of their status, the advisory council are expected to make their case, whether or not Sir Shernâth agrees with their viewpoint.
RELIGION
As is the case throughout most of Káldôr, temples of Peóni and Laráni in Jédes are tax-exempt, though the only thing in the village resembling a temple is a small Peónian chapel. The main place of Peónian worship for residents of Jedes, and the hundred, is the abbey at Brómelèon. Most locals attend at least one service a month there.
The only representatives of the church of Laráni in Jédes are the keep’s chaplain, one of only three matakea in the hundred, and his acolytes.
Worship of Haléa and Ilvîr is discouraged, but not prohibited. There are only two Haléans in Jédes: the metalsmith Alen of Asane and the mercantyler Cyrael of Urnelt. They keep their religion to themselves. The worship of Ilvîr is restricted to a few individuals in some of the more remote villages.
Worship of Ágrik, Môrgath, and Navéh is punishable by death.
Saint Bromel’s Fast
The proximity of Brómelèon Abbey, and the shrine to St. Bromel there, is beneficial to Jédes. St. Bromel’s Fast, a celebration of the saint’s life, takes place on 15 Savôr, drawing devout Peónians from all over Káldôr. Most of these pilgrims travel through Jédes to visit the holy site, often travelling by barge from Tashál, Kibân, and even Ólokand. Although the pilgrims spend little on the journey to Brómelèon, on their return, the fast over, many buy food, perry, and keepsakes.
ECONOMICS
Jédes market is held four times a month, on the 4th, 12th, 20th, and 27th. Most local guildsmen and many serfs bring produce to sell. Coner of Cleve, as chairman of the Mangai, is theoretically in charge of the market. However, his business interests often take him away and he subcontracts the duties to Cyrael of Urnelt [18].
Taxes
Property Tax (Residential)..............................6%/annum
Property Tax (Business)................................4%/annum
Hawking Fee ...................................................8% value
Bonding Fee ........................................2% value/month
Wharfage .......................................................¾d/ft/day
Imports and Exports
Jédes, like the surrounding settlements in Asólade, is fertile farmland. Jédes is the only settlement with a wharf. As the majority of linen and good-quality wool are imported by barge, as are all metals other than copper and lead, Jédes market is the focus for almost all trade within the hundred. Local exports of grain (including mustard seeds, flour, and oil), the local tarwyn cheese, and copper and lead from the local mines are all transported to Jédes for export by barge up the Kald.
Guilds and Factions
Jédes Guilds
There are about a dozen guildmasters in Jédes, including the bonded masters. There are some fifty additional masters in the other manors and villages across Asólade Hundred. The local guildsmen have a simple organisation. There is no Mangai Hall in the hundred; instead, the day after the end of each annual Jédes fair, the guildsmen meet in a “grand session” of the Mangai. The first event of the grand session is the election of a representative to the Mangai Council. The Council of the Mangai of Asólade Hundred consists of seven syndics (or hundred masters—the most senior master in the hundred). Four are automatic appointments and held for life; the remaining three are voted into post by the assembled masters. These elected councillors serve a three-year term, with one post becoming vacant each year. Only syndics can stand for election. The current four permanent members are: Torbrish of Halam, miller of Asólade; Iriel of Haskew, ostler of Jédes; Gefrin of Garyx, metalsmith of Bélgìe; and Terens of Tatib, woodcrafter of Asólade. The current three elected members are: Coner of Kleve, mercantyler of Jédes; Orsin of Baralis, hideworker of Bôry; and Toram of Agrael, salter of Ándrake. Toram’s term ends this year. At the each grand session, the seven council members elect a chairman from among their number. Coner of Kleve has been chairman since he was first elected to the council five years ago.
Cartographer..................................8
Clothier.....................Keep (bonded)
Hideworker.....................................1
Innkeeper.....................................16
Miller...............................................4
Mercantyler.................9 [Syndic], 18
Metalsmith.....................................3
Ostler..29, 43 [Syndic, GuildMaster],..................................Keep (bonded)
Potter............................................19
Weaponcrafter...........Keep (bonded)
Woodcrafter..................................11
Commoners of Tarwyn
Uniquely among royal forests, a number of individuals have grazing rights within the forests of Asólade Hundred. These thirty-seven named individuals are the Commoners of Tarwyn, all of whom are resident within the hundred. Royal foresters do not patrol within Asólade; the commoners carry out this duty, appointing five Agisters of Tarwyn.
There are about a dozen guildmasters in Jédes, including the bonded masters. There are some fifty additional masters in the other manors and villages across Asólade Hundred. The local guildsmen have a simple organisation. There is no Mangai Hall in the hundred; instead, the day after the end of each annual Jédes fair, the guildsmen meet in a “grand session” of the Mangai. The first event of the grand session is the election of a representative to the Mangai Council. The Council of the Mangai of Asólade Hundred consists of seven syndics (or hundred masters—the most senior master in the hundred). Four are automatic appointments and held for life; the remaining three are voted into post by the assembled masters. These elected councillors serve a three-year term, with one post becoming vacant each year. Only syndics can stand for election. The current four permanent members are: Torbrish of Halam, miller of Asólade; Iriel of Haskew, ostler of Jédes; Gefrin of Garyx, metalsmith of Bélgìe; and Terens of Tatib, woodcrafter of Asólade. The current three elected members are: Coner of Kleve, mercantyler of Jédes; Orsin of Baralis, hideworker of Bôry; and Toram of Agrael, salter of Ándrake. Toram’s term ends this year. At the each grand session, the seven council members elect a chairman from among their number. Coner of Kleve has been chairman since he was first elected to the council five years ago.
Cartographer..................................8
Clothier.....................Keep (bonded)
Hideworker.....................................1
Innkeeper.....................................16
Miller...............................................4
Mercantyler.................9 [Syndic], 18
Metalsmith.....................................3
Ostler..29, 43 [Syndic, GuildMaster],..................................Keep (bonded)
Potter............................................19
Weaponcrafter...........Keep (bonded)
Woodcrafter..................................11
Commoners of Tarwyn
Uniquely among royal forests, a number of individuals have grazing rights within the forests of Asólade Hundred. These thirty-seven named individuals are the Commoners of Tarwyn, all of whom are resident within the hundred. Royal foresters do not patrol within Asólade; the commoners carry out this duty, appointing five Agisters of Tarwyn.
Points of interest
JEDES HORSE FAIR
The Jédes Horse Fair and Tourney takes place from 25 to 30 Kelén, during which time the keep is overrun with visitors. For a short time, Jédes is transformed from a quiet backwater into a bustling centre of trade. The Horse Fair Jédes is justly famous for its annual horse fair. For centuries horses have grazed on the fertile lands of the Kald River valley, and wild horses still roam in the forests of Asólade. Many are pure Chélni ponies, though there has been some interbreeding with Hodíri and imported breeds. Chélni tribesmen regard Asólade horses as impure. The Jédes Horse Fair is the largest of its kind in Káldôr and attracts top breeders from across the kingdom. Although much horseflesh is traded at the great Tashál fair, the best is found at Jédes, from donkeys and mules to the finest steeds. Everything from palfreys to hackneys, sumpters to warhorses, farm horses to unbroken colts is available at the fair. Demand outstrips supply; this is the driving force behind the horse trade. An unusually high percentage of Jédes steeds are grey or white, the most sought-after colours among the Káldôric nobility, who are the largest market for Asólade ostlers. In addition, most horses live short, hard lives; many nobles see horses of lower value as expendable, and bad harvests, war, poor veterinary care, and pestilence also take their toll. Good-quality horseflesh, therefore, can fetch high prices. Horse dealers congregate at Jédes days before the start of the fair. The fairground fills with fences and pens as horses are herded from across the hundred, and much farther afield, to be put up for auction to the large numbers of nobility or their agents who usually attend. Huge quantities of oats and hay are carted onto the grounds to feed the beasts, and enterprising farmers bring extra grain for sale. Despite the obvious opportunity, horse theft is rare; contingents of armed men and forbidding penalties discourage most would-be thieves. By law, sales of horses must occur at the fair and must be witnessed. In fact, it is illegal to buy, sell, or trade horses anywhere in Asólade Hundred during the months of Peónu, Kelén, and Nólus, apart from during the fair. Draught horses and other less expensive cart horses, donkeys, and mules are auctioned off first, saving the riding horses and quality warhorses for the last days of the fair. This gives prospective buyers good opportunity to examine and admire the beasts. Gradually the herds are winnowed, leaving only a few poor specimens. The buyer has a thirty-day period of grace after any sale: if at any time during the thirty days the horse shows symptoms of any sickness or displays any untoward behaviour, the seller must take it back. This can be the cause of many disputes, which in Asólade are decided by the Verderers’ Court. This is a lucrative source of income for the verderers. While horse trading is always the main event, the fair attracts merchants of all sorts. Food and drink in copious quantities are offered for sale. Entertainers, cutpurses, and prostitutes roam the fairground, each engaging visitors in the manner best suited to their occupations, with a mind to filling their own purses. Ostlers display their tack and saddlery, and noble visitors can spend huge sums on riding gear. Local merchants also sell cattle, hides, sausages, dried fish, furs, and the local strong, hard Asólade cheese. Asólade nobles and freemen buy many imported luxury items, such as fine dyed cloth, soaps, perfumes and scented candles. The horse fair was first held by Sir Dagrath of Dysarion, and many Asólade locals still refer to it as Dagrath’s Fair. It has been held annually since 430, with the exception of the years 603 to 605, after the removal of Clan Dysarion. In 679 Earl Scina Dariúnè introduced a tourney to the fair as a backdrop to the initial reconciliatory meeting between Torastra and Miginath. The added attraction of the tournament has since served to draw additional nobles to the fair. Depending upon his health, King Miginath and his court try to time their annual visit to coincide with the fair. During this time, the great hall is full of knights, squires, and their retinues.
TOURNEY
The tourney consists of several events over the six days of the fair. It opens at noon on the 25th with an archery contest. This is open only to freemen, which severely restricts the number of entrants, but with thirteen families of yeomen archers within the hundred, competition for the 60d prize is always fierce. The archery contest is followed by the inter-village tug-of-war, which brings the peasants of the hundred to Jédes in vast numbers. Each village in the hundred, including the monks of Brómelèon, enter one team. The only settlement unrepresented is the leper colony at Poýnter. Last year’s final, between the monks and their neighbours, the miners of Ôrofal, was an epic struggle. The miners won. The joust takes place from the 26th to the 28th. It is a popular contest and is becoming more so, as over the last six years a tradition has been established of awarding the winner a white palfrey bred by Iriel of Haskew. The master ostler, well-known for the quality of his warhorses, breeds riding horses famous for their speed and light colouring. The victor of the joust also has his blazon hung on the west wall of the great hall until the following year’s tournament. The melee takes place on 29 Kelen. Contestants join one of two sides, red or white, by drawing a scarf from a box. Heralds note the names and colour of all participants. Swapping scarves is forbidden. The last day of the tourney consists of four horse races, which attract a huge amount of gambling. Sir Shernâth believes in the maxim “don’t outlaw it, tax it”. The year after his appointment, the constable decreed that all gambling must be licensed. He now issues licenses at 10s (120d) per person to any bookmakers. Any unlicensed bookmakers are fined £1 (240d). These gambling licenses make a huge profit for the constable. Each race starts outside the Fallen Tower Inn and finishes at “Ostler’s Well” (the well north of Iriel of Haskew’s premises [43]). The first two races cover almost two full circuits of the tourney green, a total distance of 10 furlongs. The third race is three circuits, 15 furlongs, and the fourth is almost four circuits, 20 furlongs. The first race is for nobles only; the others are open to all. The nobility rarely participate in the open races, but many nobles sponsor a rider. Many members of the Jédes light horse squadron, as well as several yeomen and ostlers, take part in the open races. If someone not already a member of the light horse squadron proves to be an exceptional rider, they are likely to be invited to join the squadron.
The Jédes Horse Fair and Tourney takes place from 25 to 30 Kelén, during which time the keep is overrun with visitors. For a short time, Jédes is transformed from a quiet backwater into a bustling centre of trade. The Horse Fair Jédes is justly famous for its annual horse fair. For centuries horses have grazed on the fertile lands of the Kald River valley, and wild horses still roam in the forests of Asólade. Many are pure Chélni ponies, though there has been some interbreeding with Hodíri and imported breeds. Chélni tribesmen regard Asólade horses as impure. The Jédes Horse Fair is the largest of its kind in Káldôr and attracts top breeders from across the kingdom. Although much horseflesh is traded at the great Tashál fair, the best is found at Jédes, from donkeys and mules to the finest steeds. Everything from palfreys to hackneys, sumpters to warhorses, farm horses to unbroken colts is available at the fair. Demand outstrips supply; this is the driving force behind the horse trade. An unusually high percentage of Jédes steeds are grey or white, the most sought-after colours among the Káldôric nobility, who are the largest market for Asólade ostlers. In addition, most horses live short, hard lives; many nobles see horses of lower value as expendable, and bad harvests, war, poor veterinary care, and pestilence also take their toll. Good-quality horseflesh, therefore, can fetch high prices. Horse dealers congregate at Jédes days before the start of the fair. The fairground fills with fences and pens as horses are herded from across the hundred, and much farther afield, to be put up for auction to the large numbers of nobility or their agents who usually attend. Huge quantities of oats and hay are carted onto the grounds to feed the beasts, and enterprising farmers bring extra grain for sale. Despite the obvious opportunity, horse theft is rare; contingents of armed men and forbidding penalties discourage most would-be thieves. By law, sales of horses must occur at the fair and must be witnessed. In fact, it is illegal to buy, sell, or trade horses anywhere in Asólade Hundred during the months of Peónu, Kelén, and Nólus, apart from during the fair. Draught horses and other less expensive cart horses, donkeys, and mules are auctioned off first, saving the riding horses and quality warhorses for the last days of the fair. This gives prospective buyers good opportunity to examine and admire the beasts. Gradually the herds are winnowed, leaving only a few poor specimens. The buyer has a thirty-day period of grace after any sale: if at any time during the thirty days the horse shows symptoms of any sickness or displays any untoward behaviour, the seller must take it back. This can be the cause of many disputes, which in Asólade are decided by the Verderers’ Court. This is a lucrative source of income for the verderers. While horse trading is always the main event, the fair attracts merchants of all sorts. Food and drink in copious quantities are offered for sale. Entertainers, cutpurses, and prostitutes roam the fairground, each engaging visitors in the manner best suited to their occupations, with a mind to filling their own purses. Ostlers display their tack and saddlery, and noble visitors can spend huge sums on riding gear. Local merchants also sell cattle, hides, sausages, dried fish, furs, and the local strong, hard Asólade cheese. Asólade nobles and freemen buy many imported luxury items, such as fine dyed cloth, soaps, perfumes and scented candles. The horse fair was first held by Sir Dagrath of Dysarion, and many Asólade locals still refer to it as Dagrath’s Fair. It has been held annually since 430, with the exception of the years 603 to 605, after the removal of Clan Dysarion. In 679 Earl Scina Dariúnè introduced a tourney to the fair as a backdrop to the initial reconciliatory meeting between Torastra and Miginath. The added attraction of the tournament has since served to draw additional nobles to the fair. Depending upon his health, King Miginath and his court try to time their annual visit to coincide with the fair. During this time, the great hall is full of knights, squires, and their retinues.
TOURNEY
The tourney consists of several events over the six days of the fair. It opens at noon on the 25th with an archery contest. This is open only to freemen, which severely restricts the number of entrants, but with thirteen families of yeomen archers within the hundred, competition for the 60d prize is always fierce. The archery contest is followed by the inter-village tug-of-war, which brings the peasants of the hundred to Jédes in vast numbers. Each village in the hundred, including the monks of Brómelèon, enter one team. The only settlement unrepresented is the leper colony at Poýnter. Last year’s final, between the monks and their neighbours, the miners of Ôrofal, was an epic struggle. The miners won. The joust takes place from the 26th to the 28th. It is a popular contest and is becoming more so, as over the last six years a tradition has been established of awarding the winner a white palfrey bred by Iriel of Haskew. The master ostler, well-known for the quality of his warhorses, breeds riding horses famous for their speed and light colouring. The victor of the joust also has his blazon hung on the west wall of the great hall until the following year’s tournament. The melee takes place on 29 Kelen. Contestants join one of two sides, red or white, by drawing a scarf from a box. Heralds note the names and colour of all participants. Swapping scarves is forbidden. The last day of the tourney consists of four horse races, which attract a huge amount of gambling. Sir Shernâth believes in the maxim “don’t outlaw it, tax it”. The year after his appointment, the constable decreed that all gambling must be licensed. He now issues licenses at 10s (120d) per person to any bookmakers. Any unlicensed bookmakers are fined £1 (240d). These gambling licenses make a huge profit for the constable. Each race starts outside the Fallen Tower Inn and finishes at “Ostler’s Well” (the well north of Iriel of Haskew’s premises [43]). The first two races cover almost two full circuits of the tourney green, a total distance of 10 furlongs. The third race is three circuits, 15 furlongs, and the fourth is almost four circuits, 20 furlongs. The first race is for nobles only; the others are open to all. The nobility rarely participate in the open races, but many nobles sponsor a rider. Many members of the Jédes light horse squadron, as well as several yeomen and ostlers, take part in the open races. If someone not already a member of the light horse squadron proves to be an exceptional rider, they are likely to be invited to join the squadron.
Founding Date
603
Type
Village
Population
300
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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