Richard the Mason

Richard is the Mason that they will eventually have to hire, since John and Edmund, the other two who will be mentioned, are currently busy, John with Richmond castle, and Edmund with repair work on York Minster. Richard is an arrogant bastard, and thus hardly ever gets employment. As a result, he tends to be poor. Still, he will not work for less than sixpence a day, and demands complete control of the project. He is shabbily dressed, but stands on his dignity. He does not drink, and his rooms, in a house in the poor end of town, are covered with designs scribbled on the walls in charcoal.

He is a brilliant mason, with Mastered Skill, Int +3, and a skill of 7. He is also a good overseer, with the Presence needed to control the men. As a result, he builds cheaper and better than just about anyone else. He is not an architect as such: he builds what he is told to build in terms of rooms and walls, but the way that he builds them is entirely his own, and truly brilliant. He will brook no interference, however, and will throw people off the job for very little reason. He is also prone to resign if his judgement is questioned, and storm off in high dudgeon. An apology and a bonus will draw him back, since he has enough common sense to realise that he does need the work.

He is also prone to interfere in other matters, and offer unsolicited advice. This is offered in the same arrogant manner as his advice about building, although it is much less good, and he can become highly insulted if it is not taken. Not to mention highly insulting. If the magi hire him, he will generally get on their nerves from quite early on. Anyone who helps will be considered as under his command, even if they are magi. In fact, if he discovers the true nature of the magi, he will demand at least ninepence per day, to compensate for the danger to his immortal soul. He will also get through labourers at a fair rate, and after a year or so, the disaffected workers will cause trouble.

His dream is to meet an architect with a genius comparable to his own, who knows how to work with a mason. If he ever does, they will build one of the wonders of the world. If they can find someone who can put up with them, and pay up for them.

For �500, he can build a castle - a walled complex with towers - which will accommodate all the magi and covenfolk. For �750, he can put in room for expansion, and a good library, great hall, and defensive measures. For �1000, he can build a castle with a central keep, containing ample space for the magi and significant expansion. He will discuss the design with the magi, offering advice and opinions, as well as discourses on the best techniques to use.

He does not have a good reputation, unless they actually talk to John, who will say that he is a brilliant mason, but an arrogant bastard. John is not the jealous sort and besides, he is a very good mason with a royal contract. He has his eye on Westminster Abbey, and will, indeed, get some of the work.

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