Well, the lesson I learned here is never pass up a good and hearty feast for war. And in war, don't slip. 
Millennium's Eve - A CK2+ Ireland AAR
- Thread starter Nuada Airgetlám
- Start date
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Wow. One is unfortunate, two kings killed in battle is damned careless. Word to the wise: don't send your king's on meaningless ally wars on the other side of the world. That's what your Commanders and Marshal are for. Just saying
So how many kings is Kola really worth, anyway?
But seriously, that's a rather bad bit of luck there.
But seriously, that's a rather bad bit of luck there.
27. Faith and Fickleness
27. Faith and Fickleness
High King Domnall II of Ireland. He had dearly wished that was not his title. Now he had to pick up where his brothers had fallen.
Domnall had titles to defend, and his life too.
Domnall had not much swordplay to teach, but Domnall the younger was swiftly learning it all.
At least Nannid was still Tanist for now. His son only needed a few more years before he could face the Irish vassals as a man.
The council was less deserted than had become usual after a royal death. Domnall desired to do little more than fill seats, but needs must.
Keeping Amlaíb in his seat was sensible, Dub Tuinne and Máel-Eóin were sound choices. They weren't the problem.
Eochaid had been a pillar of support, a reliable commander and the best of men. Not only was Ailbe better suited to the grime of the spy rings of his native Cill Dara but Domnall had a more respectable task for his friend.
Should Domnall fall, whether in battle or otherwise, he could be assured that Eochaid would safeguard the throne. His son's throne. And not have to bother with Comgán's snide talk.
Abbán had better books. And knew the Pope and his Bishops in Rome! Ireland would need all of that aid to help save Norway from the heathen tribes.
Overall, the council was about as content as they were likely to get.
Caisséne, the quietly reckless scion, had finally consented to a betrothal. Thanks be to God, Norway would not be lost to pagans just yet.
It helped that she would not have so long to wait before the wedding.
Ailbe spoke of dark whispers. But not many.
While Domnall had Ailbe prepare requests to plotters to cease their sinning, he had Amlaíb go over requests to the two greater British thrones. Aethelraed perhaps inspired by his martyred brother Edward.
Royal replies arrived first, as was proper.
The sinners would sin no more, they said.
While waiting, Domnall prepared to march to war - after another round of royal letters.
Sverker would crown him. At least one Norse had proven themselves a fine Christian in the Saxon south-east.
One more sinner repented, as Congolach was placed on a pedestal.
Replies flurried in. The coronation would be well-attended.
Even if the Irish could not make up their minds about whom to crown after Domnall.
Alas, the coronation could not be rushed in time. War beckoned too soon.
Starkaðr lived yet, but not if Domnall could help it.
Enough voices claimed that Congolach should be unleashed upon the Norse that it swayed opinion back towards his claim.
The dynasty would advance regardless of whom currently was the favourite. Áed's betrothal to Uallach was now a marriage, and a tighter bond to Ulster.
And soon, fewer enemies.
High King Domnall II of Ireland. He had dearly wished that was not his title. Now he had to pick up where his brothers had fallen.
Domnall had titles to defend, and his life too.
Domnall had not much swordplay to teach, but Domnall the younger was swiftly learning it all.
At least Nannid was still Tanist for now. His son only needed a few more years before he could face the Irish vassals as a man.
The council was less deserted than had become usual after a royal death. Domnall desired to do little more than fill seats, but needs must.
Keeping Amlaíb in his seat was sensible, Dub Tuinne and Máel-Eóin were sound choices. They weren't the problem.
Eochaid had been a pillar of support, a reliable commander and the best of men. Not only was Ailbe better suited to the grime of the spy rings of his native Cill Dara but Domnall had a more respectable task for his friend.
Should Domnall fall, whether in battle or otherwise, he could be assured that Eochaid would safeguard the throne. His son's throne. And not have to bother with Comgán's snide talk.
Abbán had better books. And knew the Pope and his Bishops in Rome! Ireland would need all of that aid to help save Norway from the heathen tribes.
Overall, the council was about as content as they were likely to get.
Caisséne, the quietly reckless scion, had finally consented to a betrothal. Thanks be to God, Norway would not be lost to pagans just yet.
It helped that she would not have so long to wait before the wedding.
Ailbe spoke of dark whispers. But not many.
While Domnall had Ailbe prepare requests to plotters to cease their sinning, he had Amlaíb go over requests to the two greater British thrones. Aethelraed perhaps inspired by his martyred brother Edward.
Royal replies arrived first, as was proper.
The sinners would sin no more, they said.
While waiting, Domnall prepared to march to war - after another round of royal letters.
Sverker would crown him. At least one Norse had proven themselves a fine Christian in the Saxon south-east.
One more sinner repented, as Congolach was placed on a pedestal.
Replies flurried in. The coronation would be well-attended.
Even if the Irish could not make up their minds about whom to crown after Domnall.
Alas, the coronation could not be rushed in time. War beckoned too soon.
Starkaðr lived yet, but not if Domnall could help it.
Enough voices claimed that Congolach should be unleashed upon the Norse that it swayed opinion back towards his claim.
The dynasty would advance regardless of whom currently was the favourite. Áed's betrothal to Uallach was now a marriage, and a tighter bond to Ulster.
And soon, fewer enemies.
Last edited:
Well, the lesson I learned here is never pass up a good and hearty feast for war. And in war, don't slip.
That all sounds very wise. Mael would have approved.
Wow. One is unfortunate, two kings killed in battle is damned careless. Word to the wise: don't send your king's on meaningless ally wars on the other side of the world. That's what your Commanders and Marshal are for. Just saying
I wouldn't say meaningless, given the shaky grip Caisséne had/has on Norway. But yeah, the Ua Maíl Sechlainn's have been taking a beating lately from leading from the front. And Domnall feels he has to live up to that, at least for now.
So how many kings is Kola really worth, anyway?
But seriously, that's a rather bad bit of luck there.
It's not even Kola that's being fought over, but a defensive war to keep Finnmark, another frozen swath of land.
Gotta stop with these keep getting isolated, even if your enemy! It's a bad omen. You reap what you sow.
Completely inaccurate representation of Patroclus in the film from the poem, but thought of this in the training swordsmanship moments
Completely inaccurate representation of Patroclus in the film from the poem, but thought of this in the training swordsmanship moments
28. Battles and Their End
28. Battles and Their End
Starkaðr ran before Domnall had a chance to react. The men would remember who stood.
He needed to keep his head on his shoulders, to fit a crown.
The Irish levies were coming in force, and he had to find them a victory.
The first of several.
Amlaíb found a different victory, keeping the Saxon king sweet.
While Teresa lost her own battle, and pneumonia claimed her before the spring was out.
Áed was left in a sour mood when the news reached him, and threw himself back into the fray.
Good news came from Rome, Abbán had the ear of the Holy Father.
Lucius II was very literally a holy father. Despite the best efforts of his confidant to keep the two Papal princesses from view.
The Irish forces were badly needed. Finnmark was being looted once again. It was a wonder that there was anything left to steal besides firewood.
And Domnall was in danger of becoming a prize himself.
Lucius had wasted little time in finding an ambitious German bishop to fill a vacant cardinal seat.
In the summer, the Irish fleet passed by peaceful Norwegian coasts.
Deceptively peaceful. Caisséne presided over a gaggle of pagan subjects, not least the chief who stood to lose Finnmark. But at least the Norwegian pagans had retaken Finnmark.
That saved the Irish some time, so they could focus on sweeping into the Kolan lands.
More good news, this time from Cill Dara. The baby of the family, Princess Aileann had come of age. Even if she had far to go to match the intrigues of the local mayor.
Domnall gave his blessing in absentia to her marriage to Jarl Rörek of Svidjod. Originally, she had been betrothed to Hrörker but he had died young. As had their father, the prior Christian king of Sweden, slain in battle.
The final march into Kola was unstoppable. Starkaðr was on the run.
Over the autumn, Domnall and Ben-Ulad grew closer to adulthood.
May God spare them from the pox, as the warning sounded from Ormond.
At least the cold kept smallpox at bay, or thus the rumour said. The men were too busy crushing Starkaðr's last stand to be afeared.
The jarl had fled at the last, but no matter. Finnmark had been spared conquest by pagans. But Domnall fumed that Caisséne's own pet pagans would keep it.
But that was a matter for the Queen of Norway. He had a coronation to finally assemble.
An Irish bishop to preside this time.
And no shortage of honoured guests, kings and princes included.
“The Ill-Advised” had lived up to his name and would be unavailable.
A pity. Domnall was fond of his father-in-law, and Eagyth would miss him.
Starkaðr ran before Domnall had a chance to react. The men would remember who stood.
He needed to keep his head on his shoulders, to fit a crown.
The Irish levies were coming in force, and he had to find them a victory.
The first of several.
Amlaíb found a different victory, keeping the Saxon king sweet.
While Teresa lost her own battle, and pneumonia claimed her before the spring was out.
Áed was left in a sour mood when the news reached him, and threw himself back into the fray.
Good news came from Rome, Abbán had the ear of the Holy Father.
Lucius II was very literally a holy father. Despite the best efforts of his confidant to keep the two Papal princesses from view.
The Irish forces were badly needed. Finnmark was being looted once again. It was a wonder that there was anything left to steal besides firewood.
And Domnall was in danger of becoming a prize himself.
Lucius had wasted little time in finding an ambitious German bishop to fill a vacant cardinal seat.
In the summer, the Irish fleet passed by peaceful Norwegian coasts.
Deceptively peaceful. Caisséne presided over a gaggle of pagan subjects, not least the chief who stood to lose Finnmark. But at least the Norwegian pagans had retaken Finnmark.
That saved the Irish some time, so they could focus on sweeping into the Kolan lands.
More good news, this time from Cill Dara. The baby of the family, Princess Aileann had come of age. Even if she had far to go to match the intrigues of the local mayor.
Domnall gave his blessing in absentia to her marriage to Jarl Rörek of Svidjod. Originally, she had been betrothed to Hrörker but he had died young. As had their father, the prior Christian king of Sweden, slain in battle.
The final march into Kola was unstoppable. Starkaðr was on the run.
Over the autumn, Domnall and Ben-Ulad grew closer to adulthood.
May God spare them from the pox, as the warning sounded from Ormond.
At least the cold kept smallpox at bay, or thus the rumour said. The men were too busy crushing Starkaðr's last stand to be afeared.
The jarl had fled at the last, but no matter. Finnmark had been spared conquest by pagans. But Domnall fumed that Caisséne's own pet pagans would keep it.
But that was a matter for the Queen of Norway. He had a coronation to finally assemble.
An Irish bishop to preside this time.
And no shortage of honoured guests, kings and princes included.
“The Ill-Advised” had lived up to his name and would be unavailable.
A pity. Domnall was fond of his father-in-law, and Eagyth would miss him.
Last edited:
Gotta stop with these keep getting isolated, even if your enemy! It's a bad omen. You reap what you sow.
Completely inaccurate representation of Patroclus in the film from the poem, but thought of this in the training swordsmanship moments
Oh, Domnall got lucky here. And then brought in enough troops to actually make sure of the outcome!
And that's a fun clip.
Argh! The alt-colours always take me by surprise in this AAR. But the wars in Scandinavia continue to go well. Where next for the Irish? Are they finally going to clean up the English Saxons or go to Iberia or the Holy Land?
29. Mustering Up
29. Mustering Up
The feast showed Domnall much. Tadg praised him greatly, not so subtly promoting why he ought to be made chancellor of the realm.
He found Giric and Aelfhelm to be both pious men with hearty appetites. Perhaps a little like old Mael.
Gilla-Críst too had appetite but ended his night shaming himself.
The feud of Eirikr and Cenn-Fáelad came close to bloodshed. Domnall managed to talk them down. He had sympathy for the latter, who had been nearly tricked into getting himself killed with Eirikr mocking the “plague-riddled lands of Ormond”.
Findlay and Cynewulf – two bitter old men. But with enough veneer of civility and grace to give no true excuse for flinging them out. Domnall forced smiles as necessary.
And eventually basked in the cheers of others.
The Holy Father continued to hear whispers of his piety.
And a new English rebel lord wanted the widow Adela's hand for his son and heir.
Aetheling Wulfheah may not live long enough to inherit much. Best not to infuriate a seated ally, even if “Ill-Advised”.
Best to keep Adela close, along with her claim to Breizh. Art would need a wife and why not her?
Speaking of marriage, Caisséne might reach hers without a proper crowning. Was she trying to be overthrown?
The next high king may not have to deal with her foolishness.
The bulk of the forces took until the summer to all return to Ireland to the growing displeasure of their liege lords. At least the pox had burned out in Ormond and Deasmhumhain.
At least the court intrigue was quiet. A fine time to oversee the expansion of Cill Dara.
When questioned, Cathalán repented and swore to embezzle no more.
Perhaps news of orderly Ireland finally inspired Domnall's niece to action. She would finally hold a ceremony.
She had grown comfortable in her southern capital of Bornholm. Thankfully, few pagans had seen fit to march south to attend.
Abbán would have to find a living ear to speak to. Innocentius II was now Holy Father, .
Aethelraed finally drank himself to death. And died without title, having being forced to give them all up to his son.
Eadwulf was vaguely pious in a child-like way but had little else to distinguish him besides his inheritance. Amlaíb would have to get creative.
Eadgyth did not speak of it too often, but she did have many claims that could be pressed given the parlous state of her brother's throne. Domnall hated to disappoint his wife, but he could not countenance warring upon a child. And what if Ireland lost? What then?
Domnall had much to consider.
Ben-Ulad took to the sword. A skill that it seemed all Maíl Sechlainn's would need, given wars sprouting like mushrooms.
Or if the moneylenders ever got too insistent.
At least Ireland would be ruled well, without favour! Even if fear was there.
Judhael had a similar army to his own. Given England's troubles, similar allied forces. Seizing Breizh would be tricky but Adela was so insistent that the region belonged to her and Sébdann. And thus Ireland.
Congolach's daughter Sisuile feared for her own future, but perhaps took inspiration from Adela. Domnall gave her assurances.
Though how much he had listened was debatable, given that he was rounding up support for increased strength for the throne.
And falling out of favour with vassals.
He renewed foreign ties as best he could.
In Scotland, he had an ally in the very bedchamber of Donada. Who had not bothered to remarry, Irish or Scot.
What Giric's wife Lorna made of this, or if she did, he could not say.
Domnall continued to muster up his men and his courage.
The feast showed Domnall much. Tadg praised him greatly, not so subtly promoting why he ought to be made chancellor of the realm.
He found Giric and Aelfhelm to be both pious men with hearty appetites. Perhaps a little like old Mael.
Gilla-Críst too had appetite but ended his night shaming himself.
The feud of Eirikr and Cenn-Fáelad came close to bloodshed. Domnall managed to talk them down. He had sympathy for the latter, who had been nearly tricked into getting himself killed with Eirikr mocking the “plague-riddled lands of Ormond”.
Findlay and Cynewulf – two bitter old men. But with enough veneer of civility and grace to give no true excuse for flinging them out. Domnall forced smiles as necessary.
And eventually basked in the cheers of others.
The Holy Father continued to hear whispers of his piety.
And a new English rebel lord wanted the widow Adela's hand for his son and heir.
Aetheling Wulfheah may not live long enough to inherit much. Best not to infuriate a seated ally, even if “Ill-Advised”.
Best to keep Adela close, along with her claim to Breizh. Art would need a wife and why not her?
Speaking of marriage, Caisséne might reach hers without a proper crowning. Was she trying to be overthrown?
The next high king may not have to deal with her foolishness.
The bulk of the forces took until the summer to all return to Ireland to the growing displeasure of their liege lords. At least the pox had burned out in Ormond and Deasmhumhain.
At least the court intrigue was quiet. A fine time to oversee the expansion of Cill Dara.
When questioned, Cathalán repented and swore to embezzle no more.
Perhaps news of orderly Ireland finally inspired Domnall's niece to action. She would finally hold a ceremony.
She had grown comfortable in her southern capital of Bornholm. Thankfully, few pagans had seen fit to march south to attend.
Abbán would have to find a living ear to speak to. Innocentius II was now Holy Father, .
Aethelraed finally drank himself to death. And died without title, having being forced to give them all up to his son.
Eadwulf was vaguely pious in a child-like way but had little else to distinguish him besides his inheritance. Amlaíb would have to get creative.
Eadgyth did not speak of it too often, but she did have many claims that could be pressed given the parlous state of her brother's throne. Domnall hated to disappoint his wife, but he could not countenance warring upon a child. And what if Ireland lost? What then?
Domnall had much to consider.
Ben-Ulad took to the sword. A skill that it seemed all Maíl Sechlainn's would need, given wars sprouting like mushrooms.
Or if the moneylenders ever got too insistent.
At least Ireland would be ruled well, without favour! Even if fear was there.
Judhael had a similar army to his own. Given England's troubles, similar allied forces. Seizing Breizh would be tricky but Adela was so insistent that the region belonged to her and Sébdann. And thus Ireland.
Congolach's daughter Sisuile feared for her own future, but perhaps took inspiration from Adela. Domnall gave her assurances.
Though how much he had listened was debatable, given that he was rounding up support for increased strength for the throne.
And falling out of favour with vassals.
He renewed foreign ties as best he could.
In Scotland, he had an ally in the very bedchamber of Donada. Who had not bothered to remarry, Irish or Scot.
What Giric's wife Lorna made of this, or if she did, he could not say.
Domnall continued to muster up his men and his courage.
Ireland might have been able to overthrow Eadwulf and seize England. But Domnall both thinks it immoral and too risky if it goes wrong.
There is a claim to Breizh through the strong-willed figure of Adela, the former High Queen. Breizh is also a far easier target. Thus that's his current focus.
If he's reluctant to take England outright (yet), then Brittany probably is the next best move -- wisest to ring a potential threat with vassals and allies for the time when a final reckoning can be had.
Of course, that's assuming that all these fractious factions can be kept in line while Domnall puts his schemes in motion...
Of course, that's assuming that all these fractious factions can be kept in line while Domnall puts his schemes in motion...
Nonsense! England now and forever. Turn it green and reverse history in fitting fashion!
Though in battle I'm sure we'll see someone slip or get isolated!
I've been banging the Brittany invasion for ages...no one wants to take it aside from me.
Brittany seems to be the kingdom that nobody wants in CKII. I rarely see it invaded, attacked or do anything at all. It's sort of like Switzerland since the actual one doesn't appear in the game.
.Brittany seems to be the kingdom that nobody wants in CKII. I rarely see it invaded, attacked or do anything at all. It's sort of like Switzerland since the actual one doesn't appear in the game.
I've gotten back to Millennium's Eve long enough to make use of the new threadmarks forum feature and set those up for the existing chapters. A new chapter soon.
A visit to Breizh is definitely coming up.
A new chapter soon.Nonsense! England now and forever. Turn it green and reverse history in fitting fashion!
Though in battle I'm sure we'll see someone slip or get isolated!
I've been banging the Brittany invasion for ages...no one wants to take it aside from me
Brittany seems to be the kingdom that nobody wants in CKII. I rarely see it invaded, attacked or do anything at all. It's sort of like Switzerland since the actual one doesn't appear in the game.
A visit to Breizh is definitely coming up.
30. To Seize Breizh
30. To Seize Breizh
Domnall knew he had to get into fighting shape. He had a dinner to attend.
Gormflaith had a quiet marriage to Earl Máel-Muad of Deashumhain. And even if he did not think much of his king, his invitation was surely proof that he was willing to show respect. So Domnall accepted.
He could not be distracted by foreign courts right now.
Muirchertach II of Ulster tried to emulate Máel-Muad’s offer. But trying to clash dates did not work out for him. And besides, it could be a dangerous meal.
Wise monks were safer company, outside of family.
During the summer, a demand out of the blue. Leinster to Máel Ruanaid of Connachta. Or else war.
The Duke had many men and was not alone. Eagyth could not guarantee that her family would support Domnall if things came to a head. What if he lost?
So Domnall signed away Leinster.
At least Máel Ruanaid would not enjoy his new lands in peace. Tadg of Munster desired acquisitions of his own.
Since Abbán had been lost to the throne along with Leinster, a new court chaplain was needed. Or in this case, an old one. Bishop Comgán returned to his seat of many years, being less brutal than his rival.
That said, Comgán did not need to serve *in* the court. Perhaps he might stray into contested territory outside of the Papal State. One could only pray.
The men of Connachta and Munster were on the march, with the latter having a distinct advantage in numbers.
Domnall had his doubts about carousing with his niece’s husband, but he saw a better man than he had hoped in Máel-Muad.
Tadg of Munster was now facing against Tadg of Connachta. Who might have held a grudge against the Ua Briain’s if he could stomach the thought of crossing one.
On the morning of 30th September 1025, Domnall finally felt ready. He had an official declaration of war written and sent to Duchess Judhael. Breizh would belong to Adela, and thus eventually to Tara.
A little later that day, Síthmaith entered the world. Prince áed’s firstborn child.
As the forces of Ireland gathered whom not currently smashing each other, Muirchertach of Ulster made his move. The council seats would now be for life. And he clearly expected one of these for himself. And Domnall was in no position to refuse.
At least the nobility was better satiated for now. There was even an initial landing of hot-heads who had made it to Breizh ahead of the main force and Scottish allies.
And whom were promptly assaulted by the best of Breton commanders.
The plans for landing were shifted once news of this looming disaster reached Irish shores. The cast-off fleet would head further south to link up with the Scots and whatever survivors escaped the raging battles.
Domnall felt the need to hold the centre personally. The commanders would have to trust in their arms and God.
Even more so when Kastell-Paol turned out to be the disaster expected .
The Scots had already begun building siege works by the time the main Irish fleet arrived.
Adela had not been pleased by the way Domnall was conducting the war. And so, she intended to prosecute her own.
No one in the court wished to oppose the fearsome Breton in gathering a host.
Thus with Domnall’s distant blessing, Adela was granted gold and leave to gather more. Besides, she would soon be an ally both in war and the peace after.
Perhaps a critical one, as even with Scottish aid her countrymen were proving dogged fighters.
As the fighting in Gwenrann grew intense and the allies were driven back, Domnall himself came under attack from the notable ‘Hesren the Hunter’.
Domnall fled from the bellowing Breton as fast as he could.
Donada had witnessed the collapse of the battle and had to plan her next move.
Domnall knew he had to get into fighting shape. He had a dinner to attend.
Gormflaith had a quiet marriage to Earl Máel-Muad of Deashumhain. And even if he did not think much of his king, his invitation was surely proof that he was willing to show respect. So Domnall accepted.
He could not be distracted by foreign courts right now.
Muirchertach II of Ulster tried to emulate Máel-Muad’s offer. But trying to clash dates did not work out for him. And besides, it could be a dangerous meal.
Wise monks were safer company, outside of family.
During the summer, a demand out of the blue. Leinster to Máel Ruanaid of Connachta. Or else war.
The Duke had many men and was not alone. Eagyth could not guarantee that her family would support Domnall if things came to a head. What if he lost?
So Domnall signed away Leinster.
At least Máel Ruanaid would not enjoy his new lands in peace. Tadg of Munster desired acquisitions of his own.
Since Abbán had been lost to the throne along with Leinster, a new court chaplain was needed. Or in this case, an old one. Bishop Comgán returned to his seat of many years, being less brutal than his rival.
That said, Comgán did not need to serve *in* the court. Perhaps he might stray into contested territory outside of the Papal State. One could only pray.
The men of Connachta and Munster were on the march, with the latter having a distinct advantage in numbers.
Domnall had his doubts about carousing with his niece’s husband, but he saw a better man than he had hoped in Máel-Muad.
Tadg of Munster was now facing against Tadg of Connachta. Who might have held a grudge against the Ua Briain’s if he could stomach the thought of crossing one.
On the morning of 30th September 1025, Domnall finally felt ready. He had an official declaration of war written and sent to Duchess Judhael. Breizh would belong to Adela, and thus eventually to Tara.
A little later that day, Síthmaith entered the world. Prince áed’s firstborn child.
As the forces of Ireland gathered whom not currently smashing each other, Muirchertach of Ulster made his move. The council seats would now be for life. And he clearly expected one of these for himself. And Domnall was in no position to refuse.
At least the nobility was better satiated for now. There was even an initial landing of hot-heads who had made it to Breizh ahead of the main force and Scottish allies.
And whom were promptly assaulted by the best of Breton commanders.
The plans for landing were shifted once news of this looming disaster reached Irish shores. The cast-off fleet would head further south to link up with the Scots and whatever survivors escaped the raging battles.
Domnall felt the need to hold the centre personally. The commanders would have to trust in their arms and God.
Even more so when Kastell-Paol turned out to be the disaster expected .
The Scots had already begun building siege works by the time the main Irish fleet arrived.
Adela had not been pleased by the way Domnall was conducting the war. And so, she intended to prosecute her own.
No one in the court wished to oppose the fearsome Breton in gathering a host.
Thus with Domnall’s distant blessing, Adela was granted gold and leave to gather more. Besides, she would soon be an ally both in war and the peace after.
Perhaps a critical one, as even with Scottish aid her countrymen were proving dogged fighters.
As the fighting in Gwenrann grew intense and the allies were driven back, Domnall himself came under attack from the notable ‘Hesren the Hunter’.
Domnall fled from the bellowing Breton as fast as he could.
Donada had witnessed the collapse of the battle and had to plan her next move.
Good, good...destroy the Bretons! Strike them down with all of your hatred and join the dark side of CKII writing (which is apparently invading Brittany)!
Trouble at home and abroad for Domnall. He's had to make concessions to placate the fractious Irish lords in order to prosecute this war, which he now seems to be losing... Let us hope these reverses prove to be temporary.
And, as always, glad to see you writing again
And, as always, glad to see you writing again
Yeah, it does seem strange that Brittany isn't a target more often. Perhaps the blue blob to the east is a cause?
Trouble at home and abroad for Domnall. He's had to make concessions to placate the fractious Irish lords in order to prosecute this war, which he now seems to be losing... Let us hope these reverses prove to be temporary.
And, as always, glad to see you writing again
Things are a bit tough now, but the war isn't a done deal yet.
And cheers.
Best to not get into the habit of not writing.
31. Might and Right
31. Might and Right
Whom was high almoner seemed unimportant.
Now commanders, those the kingdom had need of. And Congolach was still sore about having been deprived of command even temporarily.
Thus the Irish heir led Irish forces to the French coast.
And straight back onto the ships, once word filtered through of the pursuit to the north.
A desperate sail, to the save the Scots.
And at the worst time, news of a new war against Norway. By the Kaiser, of all men!
Domnall’s jaw slacked when he realised what had transpired. Caisséne…Caisséne had been thrown out of the church, her soul condemned to hell for her crimes on earth.
Perhaps there was some mistake. Perhaps this was pure politics. But Domnall was already struggling with one war. A second was unthinkable, not least against the ruler of the Germans and Italians!
And Domnall had no hold over the Norwegian patriarch.
Of course, the patriarch had reason to be enraged at the Queen. One of her direct vassals titled himself Godi and ruled over a temple. This when neighbouring Swedish Christians were all but lost in the heathen’s ‘Vilkinaland’.
No, his niece would have to be saved by her own decisions. Domnall meanwhile, was fully occupied in Cill Dara.
Mortain was where the Irish were to save the Scots. But it was clear that this is where both would be routed once again.
Another defeat, and one Congolach did not lead the survivors from.
Ailbe’s informants brought word – the prince lived. Though now his cage was literal and unyielding.
Replacement commanders of any real calibre were thin on the ground. Carthach ascended out of a poor pile.
Donada had seized the reins of the allied forces in Congolach’s stead. But she was not his match on the field at Angers.
The allies faced commanders, low-born and noble alike, who showed the best of Breizh.
While sieges raged on back in Ireland.
With hungry, injured, and worn out men, the conclusion was foregone.
Though more Irish were dying in Ormond than in Angers.
The situation was grave. A few more defeats, and Ireland would be driven from Breizh, claims lost. She faced too many enemies, some who had yet to show. Though at least Leon had not yet been roused.
And then the solution hit Domnall – why not ask his in-law Eadwulf for aid?
No reply could have been sweeter to read.
And on Nannid’s birthday too!
Caisséne and Nannid’s wedding was held, the Queen referring to the original agreement and with Nannid's complicity. The young man’s desire for a crown had outweighed his good sense. Domnall blamed himself. He knew that he should have firmly and publicly denounced the excommunicate in the first place.
At least there was now hope for one war across the sea.
Judhael would have to be forced to release Congolach and Comhaltan. If she could be found.
She certainly wasn’t going to have many children with Alfonso if she stayed on the run.
The beauty of Judhael’s sister was legendary and she also had one of the potential heirs to the Breton lands.
A voice whispered: “Seize her!”
And the voice was crushed. Might and right would win this war, or nothing would.
Whom was high almoner seemed unimportant.
Now commanders, those the kingdom had need of. And Congolach was still sore about having been deprived of command even temporarily.
Thus the Irish heir led Irish forces to the French coast.
And straight back onto the ships, once word filtered through of the pursuit to the north.
A desperate sail, to the save the Scots.
And at the worst time, news of a new war against Norway. By the Kaiser, of all men!
Domnall’s jaw slacked when he realised what had transpired. Caisséne…Caisséne had been thrown out of the church, her soul condemned to hell for her crimes on earth.
Perhaps there was some mistake. Perhaps this was pure politics. But Domnall was already struggling with one war. A second was unthinkable, not least against the ruler of the Germans and Italians!
And Domnall had no hold over the Norwegian patriarch.
Of course, the patriarch had reason to be enraged at the Queen. One of her direct vassals titled himself Godi and ruled over a temple. This when neighbouring Swedish Christians were all but lost in the heathen’s ‘Vilkinaland’.
No, his niece would have to be saved by her own decisions. Domnall meanwhile, was fully occupied in Cill Dara.
Mortain was where the Irish were to save the Scots. But it was clear that this is where both would be routed once again.
Another defeat, and one Congolach did not lead the survivors from.
Ailbe’s informants brought word – the prince lived. Though now his cage was literal and unyielding.
Replacement commanders of any real calibre were thin on the ground. Carthach ascended out of a poor pile.
Donada had seized the reins of the allied forces in Congolach’s stead. But she was not his match on the field at Angers.
The allies faced commanders, low-born and noble alike, who showed the best of Breizh.
While sieges raged on back in Ireland.
With hungry, injured, and worn out men, the conclusion was foregone.
Though more Irish were dying in Ormond than in Angers.
The situation was grave. A few more defeats, and Ireland would be driven from Breizh, claims lost. She faced too many enemies, some who had yet to show. Though at least Leon had not yet been roused.
And then the solution hit Domnall – why not ask his in-law Eadwulf for aid?
No reply could have been sweeter to read.
And on Nannid’s birthday too!
Caisséne and Nannid’s wedding was held, the Queen referring to the original agreement and with Nannid's complicity. The young man’s desire for a crown had outweighed his good sense. Domnall blamed himself. He knew that he should have firmly and publicly denounced the excommunicate in the first place.
At least there was now hope for one war across the sea.
Judhael would have to be forced to release Congolach and Comhaltan. If she could be found.
She certainly wasn’t going to have many children with Alfonso if she stayed on the run.
The beauty of Judhael’s sister was legendary and she also had one of the potential heirs to the Breton lands.
A voice whispered: “Seize her!”
And the voice was crushed. Might and right would win this war, or nothing would.
Last edited: