“Knights come a’knockin,
on chickens a’struttin’.
Nobles are a’scroungin’
while the generals are a’plottin’.
A jester dancing,
courtiers prancing.
All this commotion –
a castle in motion!
There’s not a moment’s
rest in this house!”
Viellhuys Krikkebant
Krikkebant is probably the smallest kingdom in all of Bos, ruled by Kwinkkepluym Swelvvet*, and known for its absolute neutrality. Being surrounded by Kratat fiefs, peasant republics and mercantile principalities the kings of Krikkebant have managed to uphold their independence by crafty networking and shrewd diplomacy in both trade and politics. This central role in the regional goings-on has made the Krikkebant Toor (the only building in the realm, apart from a pigsty and a smelly outhouse) a gathering place for freelancing Ruyters*, adventurous merchants, and daring diplomats. On top of that, King Kwinkkepluym has opened up his fortified home to all who wish to reside there, effectively turning it into the most luxurious Veelhuys* in all of Bos.
Some notable residents of the tower are:
Ruuf Klenggerd, world famous jester and inventor of the Messedangs*
Kjerre Nieslingkke, the Mad Maiden of Maakker, who is neither mad nor a maiden. She’s actually quite nice in person, despite of controlling the steel & iron trade in these parts.
Greggerre Sloesoeppe, the Bearded Chef, whose fusion kitchen recipes combines the best tastes Bos has to offer.
Pipsse Knoeiyaart, the ‘Mouse looking for his spouse‘, experienced journeyman who has travelled the far reaches of the world.
Tjolle Marktelaer, the Lady in Exile. She is the last surviving member of the Marktelaer-family who ruled the great city of Kratat before the Fromagenet usurpers.
Ruuf Klenggerd, world famous jester and inventor of the Messedangs*
Kjerre Nieslingkke, the Mad Maiden of Maakker, who is neither mad nor a maiden. She’s actually quite nice in person, despite of controlling the steel & iron trade in these parts.
Greggerre Sloesoeppe, the Bearded Chef, whose fusion kitchen recipes combines the best tastes Bos has to offer.
Pipsse Knoeiyaart, the ‘Mouse looking for his spouse‘, experienced journeyman who has travelled the far reaches of the world.
Tjolle Marktelaer, the Lady in Exile. She is the last surviving member of the Marktelaer-family who ruled the great city of Kratat before the Fromagenet usurpers.
Notes
Swelvvet — meaning the Twelfth. Chances are his ancestors cheated a bit by skipping a few generations here and there. If he were the actual twelfth in this line that would make his the longest uninterrupted royal bloodline in Bos.
Toor — A fortified tower that serves as residence and main hub to influential individuals, organizations or guilds.
(From Dutch: toren, ‘tower’)
Viellhuys — meaning Plentyhouse. A Vielhuys is any large building that has been opened up to the public in order to provide public services, to accomodate pilgrims and travellers or to provide safety and refuge for the homeless. It could also be a foster home or daycare center. Often these are old fortifications, built to last but no longer needed for military purposes
(From Dutch: veel, ‘veel’ and huis, ‘house’)
Ruyters — a caste of scholar-knights.
Kratat — city of considerable importance
Messedangs — Dagger dance, a risky juggling act involving dagger or poignards. Quickly became all the rage among soldiers and mercenaries across the Kratat Dominion.
(From Dutch: mes, ‘knife’ and dans, ‘dance’)
