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John  | Count Guy de Bec has come a long way since the start of his career as a youthful bandit in the Rosswoods. After his band survived a cautionary skirmish involving the wood being set on fire, Guy led his band far and wide as mercenaries, fighting for Saxons and Vikings alike, fighting as a whole unit which has saved them when fighting in treacherous circles. Since his band agreed to fight for Duke William in Normandy, his actions have brought him much prestige and he now controls many lands, rising to the rank of Count. Recently, Count Guy went on a year-long crusade to the Holy Land as part of his education, leaving the Milites in the capable hands of Baron Adam de Broase.
In the freshly conquered, so-called “Kingdom of the English”, Count Guy controls lands around the Isle of Thanet and surrounding areas of Kent. There are rumours that his ambitions include rising to the title of Duke…
Keen to form alliances in the new land, the Milites have an alliance with the some of the Brennan of Wales’ irregulars. The Count is careful to invite his allies from far and wide to his banquets held in Thanet.
His favourite colour is blue, reflected in his gambeson of blue with yellow trim and the shields of most of his Milites. He has recently stepped down from his position of Group Leader of the Milites after 10 glorious years of running the Milites from ’91-’01 in order to concentrate on his wider duties as Count, leaving the day-to-day running of the Milites to a worthy successor. At the group banquet in '08, Count Guy transferred his titles and assets to his newly adopted ward, (now) Count Roger de Bec. Count Guy is presently acquiring new wealth in the holy land as a free-lance prince |  |
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Count Roger de Bec CB KLS (The Ruler Formerly Known as Roger de Clare) |
Roger, group Senior Noble, House of Clare, House of Bec, Knight of Ludicrous Speed (KLS)  | Sir Roger, once in the service of Baron Edwin, is the veteran of many battles. An inveterate maker of mail, he owns a stunning set of chain mail and coif with matching brass link trim.
Always ready to answer the call to arms, Roger dashed out of a tavern into the night in the village of Battle to go single-handed to the rescue of Adam de Broase’s travelling band which was in trouble several miles away in the surrounding countryside. Roger was part of the deBec team which won the ’01 Knockout Contest against six warbands massed to defend the shores of Fritton Lake in Norfolk, running 2 legs of the Assault Course carrying a heavy dummy simulating a wounded shield-mate and the shield-bearer race.
Sir Roger was knighted on the field of York in ’02 for valour following the deBec defeat of the Viking host.
Sir Roger has the services of Cottar Katla as punishment for her oath-breaking. Roger served as the group’s treasurer from ’02 until ’05.
Sir Roger was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. Sir Roger was elevated to the land-holding status of Baron by Count Guy deBec at Hastings in ’06. At the Milites de Bec banquet in 2008, Roger de Clare was attainted by Guy de Bec, for high crimes so secret that you shouldn't even ask. In his mercy, Guy adopted Roger as his heir, and promptly abdicated to pursue his fortune in the holy land. Roger is now known as Count Roger de Bec CB KLS. His status of count was publically acknowledged in a surprise Regia anglorum ceremony in York '09. The lands formerly held by Roger de Clare, now vacant, have been reclaimed as demesne land by Count Roger. |
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Sir Osbourne, Viscount de Rivier, UB, BP (blue), King's Thane
Jesper, current Group Leader / President, Head of the house of Rivier, former group Civilian Training Officer 
Photo: Michael Laing
Photo: Arabella Seymour
| The story of Osbourne's journey from his native soil of Ripa in Danmarkar (hence his surname "de Rivier"), to East Kent, is long and not all that exciting. Watch it! One day he may tell the story (yawn).
By the grace of God, Osbourne has lived well into his middle age, and is now a settled man, who prefers to let the keen youngsters of the Milites play the game of war, though he will join if his lord's interests are at stake, and certainly when there's a profit to be made (after all, there is a private pension scheme to maintain).
Osbourne has a host of peculiar stories about Vinland and its strange natives. Not only does he insist that the place exists, he actually claims to have been there. But that's another story…
Osbourne came up through the ranks of common soldiery eventually being squired and later knighted in the household of Baron Alwyn de Lo, collecting taxes and subduing unruly villains in his position as Sheriff of Dover (wot? all work? no fun?). Osbourne enjoys the occasional pot of ale and chatting with the priest - a handy acquaintance because Osbourne's ambition is to learn to read, maybe even to write. Choosing service over personal glory, in the field at Leeds, then-Sir Osbourne stayed behind to protect the Milites de Bec camp and the Serfs who were cooking the food and storing the spare arms and armour of the Milites as they ventured into battle.
For his services to the Milites and after petitioning from Baron Alwyn, Count Guy de Bec elevated Osbourne to the rank of Baron at York in ’03. In ’05 he retained Sgt Philip de Croy as a Man-at-Arms in his new household. He then raised him to Squire after the Battle of Hastings in ‘06
Osborne was the senior noble leading the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06.
Osborne was given the position of Viscount by Count Guy de Bec after the Battle of Hastings in October of ’06. The duties of viscounts are to represent the Count in the Duke’s court at Rouen and return with the latest laws and administration for the Count’s lands. For his sins, now-Viscount Osbourne succeeded Baron Simon d’Evreux as Group Leader of the Milites in ’07, becoming directly responsible for the day-to-day running of the group in the field, god help him! Appointed King's Thane by Regia Anglorum at Detling '10. | 
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Sir Adrian Iron-Hide, Baron de Saltwood, RtB Adrian, group Military Training Officer, national Deputy Military Training Officer  | Named Iron-Hide because he is rarely seen not wearing his armour, rumour has it he never takes it off...
A very experienced Knight from Breton, with his own colours of a Black cross on a White field.
On a raiding party to England he came across Milites de Bec in the Kentish area.
Now he lives in Canterbury and fights with de Bec on a regular basis, having been given the rank of First Knight above all other Knights in the group. He fights under the joined colours of a yellow cross on a blue field edged in white and black, which reminds him of his own personal colours.
He is also known to go off campaigning independently, reverting back to his own colours, but he savours his time with de Bec returning after each campaign with new stories and captured trophies for all to see. After years of intense service, at Nottingham in '10, Sir Adrian was granted tenancy of various lands, including the recently erected castle in Saltwood. It's a nice plot, and we're sure Sir Adrian and his heirs will build something suitably impressive there. Sir Adrian was also inducted into the order of bastardry, with the entry dishonorific of Right Bastard. | |
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Sir Alwyn, Baron de Lo Chris, Head of House of de Lo, Lord Warden of Dover Castle, former group Lawspeaker (etc.) 
| Recently married, the Baron is often seen standing in the middle of the practice grounds shouting at the novices or using his bow…
His emblem is a rearing horse on blue field. He has served the Milites faithfully as the Law Speaker until ’02 when this role was taken up by Viscount Adam de Broase.
Baron Alwyn successfully mentored his protégés to positions of high office in the Count’s lands – he petitioned Count Guy to raise his long-time Knight, Sir Osbourne de Rivier to the rank of Baron to stand on the Baronial Council as an equal at York in ’03 after years of faithful service as the Sheriff of Dover. Baron Alwyn also took Simon d’Evreux from Man-at-Arms, Squirehood and Knighthood until he was made a Baron in his own right at Hastings in ’06.
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Sir Drako, Baron de Brun Lukas, Most Psychotic Novice ‘01 
| A mercenary from the Bohemian lands in Central Europe. Drako took the field as part of the Milites deBec light infantry at the battle of Senlac Ridge. Under the command of Baron de Columbière, the light infantry, mostly peasants armed with spears pinned the Saxon armoured centre by forming a three-rank-deep phalanx. Although unable to get through the Saxon shieldwall protecting Harold Godwinson’s huscarls, Drako learned the important lesson that a well-disciplined peasant force can give even the battle-hardened veterans of Stamford Bridge pause for thought…
After a year of training and showing a disturbing enjoyment of scram-fighting and charging into the thick of battles, Drako was voted Most Psychotic Novice Of The Year at the deBec Banquet ’01. He was promoted to Soldier at York in ’02.
Drako was promoted to Veteran (twice – long story) and finally to Serjeant at Shrewsbury in ’03 when he killed a large number of entrenched raiders in the woods of Pimm Hill by crawling underneath thick bushes to jump the raiders from behind, slitting many throats and opening the door for the main force. Not surprisingly, he has been retained by Sir Gerard d’Artois.
Drako, was promoted to Man-at-Arms in ’05 at York for outstanding body-guarding services to his noble lord. His shield has his lord’s Wyvern symbol rendered with artistic painting accuracy...
Drako was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06.
Drako was knighted on the field of Hastings in ’06, by Count Guy deBec himself, elevating him past the rank of Squire. Sir Drako was then entrusted with Sir Gerard’s household and retained Henry de Foret-Noir. He is also one of the founding members of the Equites deBec. |  |
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Sir Jean-Pierre, Baron d’Abascy Bryn, Head of the House of d’Abascy, Holder of Fordwich, former group Lawspeaker  | Jean-Pierre is noted for his booming laughter and his battlelust for blood. A dark figure of little reflection, Jean-Pierre was famous for ordering his sword, named “Elizabeth”, to be made by a blacksmith during a bout of delirium. J
Jean-Pierre ran away from home to join the military (unfortunately, he claims, he found deBec first!) He hid what wealth he had until his fit of delirium then there was no way of hiding and so he improved his equipment, but claims it was just a pity he did not improve his fighting ability. An oddly well-spoken man, Jean-Pierre is renowned for never cursing or swearing and when wounded in one battle was heard to exclaim, under great anxiety, “Flip!”
Jean-Pierre was part of the deBec team which won the ’01 Knockout Contest against six warbands massed to defend the shores of Fritton Lake in Norfolk, running 2 legs of the Assault Course carrying a heavy dummy simulating a wounded shield-mate and running the Pillaging Scramble.
Squire Jean-Pierre was raised to the rank of Knight by Count Guy on the field of Hastings in ’02 and led the charge against the Saxon host. His new lands of Fordwich, which used to belong to Falc de Worthie, have been given to him by Vicount Adam. He promises that he’s just looking after them…
Jean-Pierre was elected the Lawspeaker of the Milites deBec in ‘05
Sir Jean-Pierre was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. Sir Jean-Pierre was elevated to the land-holding status of Baron by Count Guy deBec at Hastings in ’06.
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Sir Simon, Baron d’ÉvreuxMark, House of d’Évreux, current national Missiles Officer, former Group Leader / President, former group Military Training Officer 
| Sir Simon was originally recruited into the Milites deBec by his master, Bertran d’Évreux. Simon spent a year away in the northern Saxon lands learning the arts of war as taught there. He has brought into the House of de Lo in ’00 and is expanding his military knowledge fighting alongside the Baron de Lo and (then Sir) Osbourne de Riviere and won his spurs on the field of York in ’02 where he and Sir Osbourne commanded the Milites. Sir Osbourne was Sheriff of Dover whilst in Baron Alwyn’s household and keen to learn the art of tax collection from the Sheriff of Dover, Sir Simon was easily located by the rising pall of smoke…
Renowned and denounced as not a good singer, his quick recitation of lyrics won him Best Bard at the deBec ’01 Banquet, his balance and co-ordination won him all four out four Feats of Agility on behalf of his lord and his quick reflexes have saved him from a savage beating. Not at his best in the mornings, Simon spent some time once in a remote mountain tribe who gave him the tribal name of “Awakens Badly”, an exaggerated pictogram of which was on his tent. His main possession is a 5th Century Roman silver ring with Latin Christian inscriptions. When wearing his new helmet, he has been mistaken for a mother duck by a clutch of local ducklings who followed him around the training courtyard.
Sir Simon, the only d’Évreux currently serving in the Milites deBec, took over the Training Officer duties after Sir Edwin’s elevation to Group Leader in ’01 and again succeeded Sir Edwin as Group Leader in ’04 to ‘07. Having some understanding of Saxon and a great deal of patience, Sir Simon was appointed Ambassador to the Saxon High Witan – and looked forward to seeing what mayhem was covered by diplomatic immunity! Sir Simon was part of the deBec team which won the ’01 Knockout Contest against six warbands massed to defend the shores of Fritton Lake in Norfolk, running 2 legs of the Assault Course carrying a heavy dummy simulating a wounded shield-mate and the Pillaging Scramble.
Sir Simon has 1 retainer, Roland de Colecestra. Sir Simon took over the duties of Sheriff of Dover after Sir Osbourne was given a Barony by Count Guy and introduced plans for left-handed mutant taxes, an end to self-assessment and pioneering tax incentives for the use of renewable, non-fossil fuels such as Saxons until he was discharged from his duties upon receiving his Baronetcy.
Sir Simon was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. Sir Simon was elevated to the land-holding status of Baron by Count Guy deBec at Hastings in ’06 since when he has taken to riding around his new-found lands on a variety of horses. | |
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Sir Arwulf “The Sarge” de LisieuxDan C, group Lawspeaker, House of Abascy  | A Norman whose mother was a Saxon, was raised in England until the age of 9, when he ran away and travelled across the Channel to rejoin his father and learn the ways of war. Upon reaching Lisieux, he found his father had died. He was left with no home and nowhere to go, so he ran into the woods and lived there for 10 years, learning to live off the land and fight off wild animals with a big stick.
At 19, he found the Milites and due to his great skill with big sticks was welcomed into the group, though now they have found out that he really isn't very good at it. In fighting at Gloucester he proved his mettle with spear and showed interest in the traditional woodman’s weapon, the hand-axe. By the battles of Fritton Lake in ’02, Arwulf had mastered the hand-axe, risen from the ranks of the common soldier to Serjeant and begun sword-training in earnest. He has been taken as a retainer by Viscount Adam de Broase.
Arwulf has taken on the responsibilities of Sergeant of Novices from Hugh deVere in ’03. His deputy, a “Corporal of Novices” is James de Caen.
Arwulf was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. He was ennobled as a Squire at Hastings in ’06.
In '07, Arwulf exercised his Squirehood privilege and took Herman d'Eppinga into his household. He was Knighted on the field of battle at York in ’08 after the victorious defeat of the Vikings.
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Sir Geoffroy de BernayBarry | | During 9 days of fighting Viking invaders on the shores of Fritton Lake ’01 in Norfolk, Geoffroy proved his mettle with his spear and was inducted into the ranks of the deBec soldiers at York in ‘02.
Geoffroy was part of the deBec team which won the ’01 Knockout Contest against six warbands massed to defend the shores of Fritton Lake in Norfolk, running 2 legs of the Assault Course carrying a heavy dummy simulating a wounded shield-mate and the Pillaging Scramble.
By the battles of Fritton Lake in ’02, Geoffroy had advanced to the position of Serjeant and then to Man-at-Arms for leading the fighting against the Saxons at Pevensey. He has been taken as a retainer by Baron Edwin de Columbiere and elevated to the noble rank of Squire at York in ’03.
Sir Geoffroy was knighted on the field of York in ’04 for services rendered to Baron Edwin.
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Sir Mattieu de Point RougeMatt, House of de Clare, former group Military Training Officer  | Mattieu is a rarity in the ranks of the novices – he owns a mail shirt and a helmet – better kit in places than many of the professional deBec soldiery.
His belief in his invulnerability frequently leads him into trouble where he breaks off to fight overwhelming numbers single-handedly.
Mattieu was one of the deBec hardcore who fought in the Night Battle at York in ’03. For excellent work with the spear fighting raiders in the woods in Pimm Hill in ’03, Mattieu was inducted into the ranks of the deBec soldiery.
Mattieu has acquired the sobriquet “Stool Splitter” after managing to break Squire Hugh “Axe Bender” de Vere’s camp stool at Norwich ’04.
At York in ’05 Mattieu received a mention in dispatches for his Scramseaxe fighting style and the skilful way in which he brought a much larger enemy warrior down from behind before slitting his throat.
Mattieu was promoted to Veteran status at Horton-cum-Studley in Jan 06 after a winter of training the Count’s new intake of peasants and trying to make soldiers out of them. He has been retained by Squire Hugh de Vere and raised to Serjeant at York in ’06 after it became known about his previous military experience with the Milites prior to the date the Milites’ records officially have as his start date.
Mattieu was voted the Group’s Military Training Officer in ’06, beating RON into 2nd place.
Mattieu was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. He was promoted to the rank of Man-at-Arms at Hastings in ’06. In ‘07, the newly promoted Viscount de Rivier appointed Mattieu as Man-at-Ams-Major in response to cheeky Squires demanding to be called “Sir” despite not being Knights. Man-at-Arms-Major Mattieu can now turn the tables on them by demanding that they call him “sir”… Mattieu was promoted to the rank of Squire at York '07 in return for his successfull service as miltary training officer for two and a half years. Mattieu was promoted to Knight at York '08 and presented with the task of defending Sandwhich castle by his noble Lord Count Roger deClare (not a castle full of Sandwhiches as he would have liked). Sir Mattieu has now welcomed his first retainer into his house-hold Serjeant Cyril de Calweton and allowed his sister Mable to also dwell within the castle of Sandwhich. | |
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Sir Morkere de SorkVirginie, French Military Attaché, current EquestrianTraining Officer 
| Morkere hails from the small village of Sork and joined the Milites in ’04 and impressed the Milites at Oystermouth ’04 by holding a flank against 3 senior Saxon warriors and then tagging Sir Gerard with a spear during a friendly contest.
Morkere coined the term “Walish countryside” giving rise to the epic chronicle “Operation Walish Storm”.
Morkere was formally inducted into noviciate-ship with at York ’05 and was one of the hard-core who fought in the night battle. Morkere then impressed the military training officers at Shrewsbury and was formally inducted into the Count’s Milites at Fritton Lake ’05. He is currently learning how to fight with a sword.
Morkere is currently answering a call-to-arms in his Frankish homeland for ’05-’06 to sort out a skirmish in the North. The campaign is expected to last 10 months, although we may see Morkere during any lulls in fighting. Morkere insists in an outrageous Frankish accent “Sacrebleu! Ouane day I shall riteurne!”
Morkere was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ‘06
Morkere was promoted to Veteran at Islip in ’07 and formed the Equites deBec, the Milites cavalry wing in ’07. He was then further promoted to Serjeant at Detling in ’07 and rapidly promoted to Man-at-Arms at York in ’08, being retained by sir Roger, made a squire at York '09, and remaining in sir Roger's household (and giving Guyom a beasting) Knighted at Hastings '09, in front of 200+ sweaty Normans. | |
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Reeve AstridDeborah, head of the Group Leader Sanity Assurance department  | Astrid holds nearly a village in land granted to her in her status as Vavasseur. She is frequently seen around the campfire and tents of the deBec civilians, employing her skills to a wide range of tasks from the feeding of the horde to netmaking and some exquisite needlework.
Astrid is under the personal protection of the Sheriff of Dover, however whilst he commands much military might (and tax collecting), as a Vavasseur within the deBec battle camps, Astrid wields considerable influence in her own right. Having the power to see to it that a soldier gets fed, or not, or has tentage, or not, leads to a situation where suggestions about camp chores to idle warriors are enthusiastically volunteered for.
Likewise, such is the influence of the Vavasseurs, Bordars and Villeins that if anyone offered one of them any cheek or insult, there would be a stampede of volunteers eager to display their displeasure to the unfortunate individual...
Astrid served with the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06 and was entitled as a Vavasseur at Waltham Abbey in ‘07 Ennobled at the Milites de Bec banquet in 2008, as the reeve of Sir Osbourne, thus becoming the first civilian noble in the group. |
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Squire Philip “Mr Stabby” de CroyJo, former group Treasurer, House of de Rivier 
| The younger brother of Isabella decided to go in search of his older sister when she ran away from her proposed alliance. After many months searching he came across Milites de Bec where Isabella had sought refuge. Having found his beloved sister content with her new life he decided to remain with her.
Philip was promoted to the rank of Soldier at Fritton Lake in ’02 after showing a good grip of spearwork and is also learning hand axe.
At York in ’03, Philip was dubbed with the nick-name “Mr Stabby” for his innovative use of a shorter 7’ spear in the second row of the spearwalls, surprising and killing many mailed warriors who burst through the front rank and who didn’t see him as a threat. Philip was one of the deBec hardcore who fought in the Night Battle at York in ’03.
Philip was promoted into the ranks of the Veterans at York in ’04 and further to Serjeant at Norwich for a uncompromising display of aggression with an axe – at one point surprising a much taller enemy warrior by reaching over his raised shield to strike him on the back. Philip spent most of ’04 learning the use of a longbow and the tactical use of the phrase “You don’t call me ‘Sir’, I’m a Serjeant – I work for a living!”
At York in ’05, Philip was retained as a Man-at-Arms by Baron Osborne de Rivier. Philip served as group Treasurer from’05 to ’07 bringing a new terror to tax-collection; when asked whose money it was, he always replied “Mine!” irrespective of whose money was being discussed.
Philip served with the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. Philip was raised to the nobility on the field of Hastings in ’06 as a squire in the household of Viscount Osborne de Rivier. |
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Squire Roland de ColecestraPeter, House of d’Évreux, former group Civilian Training Officer 
| Roland has been inducted into the ranks of the Count’s Novices, training hard to join the Milites’ soldiery.
Aside from the training at the deBec winter quarters in Thanet, Roland has seen garrison duty in the Norman keep at Oystermouth and fought with the Milites against Vikings at York in ’04 which earned him his promotion to Novice.
Roland is usually the first member of the Group to get up at ungodly hours of the morning and voluntarily sets the military encampment’s fires ready for the day.
Roland was inducted into the ranks of the Milites’ soldiery at York in ’05, has acquired a mail, a helmet, an axe and a mad gleam in his eye…
Roland was promoted to Veteran status at Horton-cum-Studley in Jan 06 and has been retained by Sir Simon d’Evreux. Roland’s younger brother, Peter, has recently joined the Milites despite Roland’s best efforts.
Roland was recently raised to Serjeant at York in ’06, mainly for surviving 40 days of campaigning, for staying alive and because no-one better could be found. After learning to memorise the Serjeant’s Mantra “You don’t call me ‘Sir’, I’m a Serjeant – I work for a living!”, he was then retained in Bayeux as Man-at-Arms to Sir Simon.
He was further taken on as a Squire in the newly formed household of Baron Simon d’Evreux at Hastings in ’06. Squire Roland took over as Civilian Co-ordinator in ’07, managing the non-combatants on the Milites’ Military Encampment. |  |
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Man-at-Arms HrothgarRob, | | Holder of the (dubious) group record for disassembling structures with two-handed axe. Was made a man-at-arms at Saint Ives '10 after passing yet another test.
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Man-at-Arms AelfmaerAfter several years' absence (we don't know, but we speculate he went to the Holy Land), this seasoned veteran is back in the ranks with renewed vigour and heavy armour. Promoted to man-at-arms at Detling '10 due to his long and faithful service. |
Man-at-Arms Alfred "Shield Breaker" Emi[ly] H, Alfred, in spite of his slight build, is noted for his scary ability to break quality built shield over his unarmoured body. Wisely retained by sir Adrian. Promoted to man-at-arms at Ashby '10 for his incredible persistence against all adversity. |
Man-at-Arms Geoffrey de HautvilleAndrew 
| Geoffrey was enrolled into the Milites’ Novices at the Battle of Hastings in ’06 and is keenly studying the use of both axe and spear.
Geoffrey passed his spear test at Islip in ’07 and was formally inducted into the Milites’ soldiery. Passed his axe test at Wychurst '09 and was retained by Sir Adrian. After being passed over for promotion (due to some messy monks misplacing the attendance scrolls), he was finally elevated to Man-at-Arms at Nottingham '10. | |
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Man-at-Arms Cyril de Calweton + Vavaseur MableEmily C, current group Civilian Training Officer, former Serjeant-of-Novices  | Cyril was born in Cornwall where he was apprenticed to an artisan. Discontented with this life he devised a plan to elope with his beloved, only to be cheated when she failed to follow. Unable to go back and with no plans of where to go, he wandered until he was picked up by a passing troop of conscripts heading east. By these means he ended up in Canterbury, a member of the Milites de Bec under Count Guy. Love and art behind him he fights now for his Lord and King behind a shield of bright yellow, wielding a double handed spear. Recently promoted to Novice at York in ‘08. In '09 Cyril became group Civilian Training Officer beating RON into 2nd place. At Wychurst '09 Cyril has been welcomed into the house of Sir Mattieu de Point Rouge dwelling at the castle of Sandwhich - Mable is also allowed to visit from time to time - as long as she darns him some socks. Promoted to man-at-arms at Ashby '10. Mable: Raised in Orpedingetune she moved to Canterbury when the land was ceded to the monastery there. A multi-purpose seamstress, leather-worker and craftspersons in metal, she whiles away her hours making clothing and objects for her fellows. When the long hours become too monotonous it has not unknown for her to dress in man’s garb and join the Milites de Bec in their endeavours, though unofficially of course. Mable was promoted to vavvaseur at Detling '10.
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Man-at-Arms Drogo of WinghamJoe,  | Risen through the ranks, Drogo is noted for outrageous stunts in local taverns and warrants for the arrest of his alter-ego, the infamous “Captain Brown Eye.”. A deft knifeman, Drogo has surprised many a swordsman with a well-placed knifepoint.
A serious carouser, Drogo is notable for having won at the game of “shield-surfing” in a Viking camp and even managed to call their bluff when they suggested doing so in the style of Celtic berserkers…
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Man-at-Arms Falc de WorthieMichael, former group leader of Milites de Canturia, Jarl of St Albans, former Thane of Fordwich, former group Military Training Officer. 
| Falc as been around for a long, long time (unfortunately). He goes by many names (we are not sure that Falc de Worthie is his real name, he has also also been known in the past as Falc Swagon and Falc Off. He does have other names but those are not mentionable in public.
He spends most of his time creating magic pictures now days and is rarely seen treading the battlefield. If you do see him on the field of battle, please stab him as the world would be a better place with out him. Falc is not a Norman (he goes to great pains to point that out) and is the Jarl of St Albans and a long time honorary member of The Guild (though they have been more successful at hurting him over the years than practically anyone else (something they should be congratulated for)). Falc refuses to be promoted within the ranks of Debec and is happy with being top scum. Though he does occasionally remind people he is a Jarl, when the 'nice stuff' is being handed around.
Falc is not very good at most things but he does have the uncanny ability to hit and kill people. He generally would prefer to stab them in the back (safer for him) but he has gained a fierce some reputation for being able to use a sword (many say he isn't that good and only wins because he is left handed [mutant!], but as he pointed out to many an old warrior "people have had up to 15 years to learn how to beat me and they still can't do it"' so have gained some skill over the years). Falc specialises in competitive circles (fighting till the last person standing, be it honourable or with treachery). He thinks that he has probably been in more finals than almost anyone else in Regia over last 8 or so years (maybe even longer) though he thinks that he only wins about half.
Falc has taken the unpresidented step in retaining the loathsome and despicable Peter de Colecestra (another person who should be killed on sight). Fortunately Falc's method of training Peter De Colecestra generally involves lots of beatings and abuse (for which he should be congratulated [possibly there's a grant for this worthy cause?]). Falc does take a hand in trying to teach other people how to fight and is well known for teaching spear (though he is a bit rubbish himself).
Well that is all I really have to say about Falc. Generally not a very nice person, who if you so happen to have a bow and arrow handy, should be shot in the back immediately! [and then shot again, just to be sure] After announcing his retirement from active re-enactment at Hastings '09, Count Roger (despairing that gold watches wouldn't be invented for several hundred years) appointed Falc as Castellan of Chartham Castle. PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING: Falc is still highly contagious and should not be gone near, ever! | |
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Man-at-Arms GuyomDan H, 
| Guyom, or “Guy” as he encourages others to call him (but we daren’t in case the Count finds out) has been inducted into the ranks of the Count’s Novices, training hard to join the Milites’ soldiery.
Aside from the training at the deBec winter quarters in Thanet, he has seen garrison duty in the Norman keep at Oystermouth and fought with the Milites against Vikings at York in ’02 which earned him his promotion to Novice.
Returning to the same area in ’05, Guyom impressed the warriors with his spearwork at Islip and was formally promoted into ranks of the deBec soldiers at York.
Guyom was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ‘06
Guyom was promoted to Veteran in ’07 for demonstrating his prowess with single-handed spear and to Serjeant at Waltham Abbey in ’07 for basically surviving this long and not getting dead.
Guyom was raised to the household rank of Man-at-Arms at York in ’08, being retained by sir Roger and given regular beastings by the rest of the Clare household (no reason, rank hath its privileges). | |
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Man-at-Arms Herman d'Eppinga / EmilieEmily R,
| Herman originally set off to Canterbury from his home town in Epping Forest with the intention of becoming a monk at the Abbey. Instead, he ran into the Milites deBec...
Herman was inducted into the Count’s Novices at York in ’06 and was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06.
Herman passed his spear test at Islip in ’07 and was formally inducted into the Milites’ soldiery. At Waltham Abbey, later that year he was promoted to Veteran for his services in that season’s campaign.
1 year after joining, Herman has now been retained by Arwulf de Liseux in '07 and is now a member of House d'Abascy. He was made a Serjeant at York in ’08 for persistent valour in battle and still not getting dead, and Man-at-Arms in the autumn of 2008 for persistent persistence.
Herman has a sister, Emilie, who has been known to go on campaign with her brother. | |
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Freeholder Sybil "the Wise"
Carol, head of PR (Puncture Repair), current deputy Civilian Training Officer |
Freeholder BaldwinLen, current group Treasurer |
Serjeant Alexander Le QuantHenry 
| Alexander joined the Milites in the fall of ’06 and passed his spear test at Wychurst the following summer in ’07
After much waiting, he was finally promoted to full Soldier by the Tequila Ceremony at Detling in ‘07. Retained at Hastings '09 | |
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Serjeant Peter de ColecestraLawrence  | Peter is the younger brother of Roland de Colecestra and the family resemblance is uncanny… more evidence, if evidence be needed, of a Norman clone trooper factory.
Peter was inducted into the Count’s Novices at York in ’06, again, despite everything his older brother could do to stop it.
Peter was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ’06. Peter passed his spear test at Islip in ’07 and was formally inducted into the Milites’ soldiery. Despite many attempts to kill him – or even catch up with him – on the battlefield, he survived long enough to be promoted to Veteran at Waltham Abbey in ’07. | |
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Villeine RoheseArabella, Deputy group Miliitary Training Officer (water supply) Rohese is the natural daughter of a landless Norman mercenary and a Saxon mother, whose needlework skills led her to be chosen as one the embroideresses of the Bayeux tapestry, when commissioned by Odo, Ealr of Kent. Rohese's father, who came ot England in Duke William's army, was a younger son of a minor branch of the Chevequers (the Barony of Chevequer being responsible for on of the wards of Dover castle). Though Rohese is the offspring of unmarried parents, both now dead, she has ambitions to improve her relatively humble station in life by dedication and hard work at the skills taught to her by her mother, and rise above her disadvantaged beginnings. |
Veteran HrolfLawrence, Deputy society Missiles Officer, deputy group Military Training Officer (archery), former deputy Serjeant-of-Novices. Hrolf possesses the strange ability to merge in and out of crowds without the knowledge of those around him. However he is equally capable of remaining in plain sight, spreading his knowledge of weapons and armoury to any who stray near. His particular fondness for projectiles got him noticed, which when coupled with pyromaniac-like tendencies, has lead to his participation in many boat burnings. A Skilled arrow maker and fletcher he is a multi-skilled craftsman who is just as often seen to be making or repairing kit as using it on the field of battle. Retained into House de'Clare by Guyom at Wychurst '09. |
Veteran VictorRoss 
| Arriving in Canterbury just in time for a banquet, Victor has since then made quite a name for himself and his rather large appetite. Rumour has it that he will eat just about anything, in any quantity, especially after battle. After being promoted to the rank of Novice and converting to the glorious cause of Norman enlightenment by changing his viking name to something more *ahem* suited to the Count's purpose and pleasure [ed. world domination], Victor made his way to the rank of Soldier by bravely facing our slightly unpredictable Lord Bishop Oswui at Castleton '09. He was seen wielding a hand-axe at Hastings '09. Victor joined the Equites de Bec in September '09 and, as yet, has managed to stay on his horse.
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Veteran Werwulf de la Knobés HMoK / WiteRoberta "Hairy"
| We would like to announce the arrival of Werwulf (aka Snuffles or Hairy) de la Knobés and his marginally younger but far more beautiful twin Rudolf (whether he likes it or not) de la Knobés, with their cousin, 3 times removed (and brought back again, 3 times, kicking and screaming), Wulfred de la (Petites) Pois to the service Count Guy de Bec. Our brief history is as follows: Wulfred grew up in Germany (gaining the name Ulf as disguise) but due to family misfortune (ie they were eaten) he fled to join his French relations where he first wished to join a Monastic order. However he was dissuaded by his carnal desire for Pea soup which he would be unable to consume as a Brother. Fortunately Werwulf and Rudolf welcomed him as an honourary Knobés despite his Petites problem. Since then they have developed a strong bond and hope to do well raping and pillaging... ahem, fighting knobly for their Lord (for the good of all inc. peas - a small but worthy minority). Amen.
Snuffles, Rudey and the Podmeister (although she is currently denying her involvement in the underhanded activities of her fellow handmaidens) ALL HAIL THE KNOB!
Werwulf was inducted into the Milites Novices for military services at Oystermouth ’04 and York ’05. He was made a Veteran at York in ’08.
Werwulf has a sister, Wite (pronounced Wit-uh) – named after a very lovely yet deceased Saxon who now has a Church and a well named after her (heals eye problems apparently) and once was a huge place of pilgrimage to her tomb. | |
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Soldier JamesAlex Promoted to Soldier at York '10 on passing his spear test. |
Soldier EdmundEllie, Most Psychotic Novice '08 Promoted to Soldier at Ashby '10 on passing his spear test in the most entertaining manner - by running the national Military Training Officer ragged. |
Soldier Thorbjørn / Tristram
Lisbet Promoted to Soldier at Ashby '10 on passing his sword test (he's an immigrant, so he's got dispensation). |
Soldier HugoSarah O'D Hugo passed his spear test by terrorising (though not bruising) the national Military Training Officer, and was promoted to soldier at Detling '10. |
Bordar Isabella de CroyJo Beckwith 
| Being born out of wedlock in the small hamlet of Croy to a principle landowner and a local barmaid, Isabella de Croy found that she had little to aspire to. Barely recognised by her own father she lived a life of servitude in his household until plans were talked of concerning an arranged marriage to a certain well to do landowner of her father's acquaintance.
Having met her prospected husband for the first time and finding to her horror that he was old enough to be her grandfather and that he was known to be a violent man when drunk, she fled from Croy to save herself from the terrible life that would have been her fate.
Travelling for many miles, begging just enough food to stay alive she finally reached the camp of the Milites deBec and having been befriended by some of the civilian populous decided to stay and begin her life again forgetting her unpleasant past. At Leeds, Isabella and Juliana le Chandler set up the field camp for the Milites, under the protection of Baron Osbourne, and provided a warm fire and food for the Milites to return to, a hazardous service for which Count Guy rewarded them with an additional benefice strip of land for themselves and raised them from the position of Serf to Bordar.
Isabella has a younger brother now serving in the Milites deBec, Philip de Croy and is seen occasionally on the deBec Military Encampment.
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Soldier Quentin de FolcanstanNathan,  | Quentin was inducted into the Count’s Novices at York in ’06.
He was one of the “Kent Fyrd” mercenaries who fought in Bayeux, Normandy in ‘06
Quentin fought the Saxons at Hastings, was wounded and had his spearhead chopped off by an axe-wielding Saxon huscarl. Quentin passed his spear test at Islip in ’07 and was formally inducted into the Milites’ soldiery.
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Soldier RobertLaura, group messenger-at-large 
| After much training, Robert passed his spear test at Saint Ives '10 and was promptly promoted to Soldier. | |
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Soldier TreguardTaylor, Emissary to West Vinland Treguard was inducted into the deBec noviciates at York in ’08. He is a keen horse-man. Recently appointed to the honourable (and not at all dangerous, oh, no, no, no) position as lead scout in the Count's latest business enterprise, the West Vinland settlement. |
Cottar IngridIngrid
| | Cottar Ingrid was with the deBec forces in York in ’08 and is another deBec rider. | |
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Novice Jarnstein (Ironstone)Jake |
Cottar Petronella + Novice DudeSarah H |
Novice ReinaultEmma Joined us in '10 and soon saw his first action in Saint Ives, which got him promoted to Novice. |
Novice Baldric / ArletteCharlotte
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Novice MalletHannah Passed his spear test at Detling ' 10 and is eagerly awaiting promotion to soldier. |
Novice StephenStephen, former deputy Serjeant-of-Novices |
Unknown Peasant or SerfCalum |
Unknown Peasant or SerfChris E |
Unknown Peasant or SerfKatarina |
Unknown Peasant or SerfLewis |
Unknown Peasant or SerfMasoud |
Unknown Peasant or SerfMike |
Unknown Peasant or SerfGeoff |
Unknown Peasant or Serf
Krzysztof |
Unknown Peasant or SerfRussell |
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