>>5410911The only reception is an old, sharp featured woman. She manages a thin smile and spreads her arms in welcome.
“Sir Carouliti! And good men of the Church! A hearty welcome to you!”
She introduces herself as Claudine, your seneschal, the steward of your household and administrative aid; your own familiar servants remained at home, your new demesne already hosting a full household you are expected to work with.
The Church laymen ride ahead of you to unload your personal effects while Claudine gives you a very brief overview of Deveché. Lumber, carpentry and charcoal are your main sources of revenue. Food is largely imported, bought from other villages: only so much can be grown in the plots or foraged from the woods. Many of the locals hunt or trap, finer furs and hides sometimes fetching a good price at market.
“Of course, the hunting rights of the forest are yours,” Claudine assures you as you pass by two locals skinning an unwholesome animal you do not recognise. “But the people of the manor are used to being permitted free access to the woods and its game, and while you are entitled to change that arrangement…” She trails off as one of the trappers acknowledges you for the first time, by throwing a dirty look in your direction at the mere hint of ‘changing the arrangement.'
