Æthelan: Tale of Kings
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Asantahene: Thank you. It is indeed interesting to contemplate. After all, military technology is only as "advanced" as it is capable of achieving victory, and the battle could have easily gone either way.
Pelican Sam: Thanks for the compliment. I'll do my best to resolve that cliffhanger for you shortly.
Enewald: Patience, my friend. I aim to please, so I will see what I can manage.
BasileusIX: Haha! There's still plenty of opportunities for a rematch down the line...
Pelican Sam: Thanks for the compliment. I'll do my best to resolve that cliffhanger for you shortly.
Enewald: Patience, my friend. I aim to please, so I will see what I can manage.
BasileusIX: Haha! There's still plenty of opportunities for a rematch down the line...
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I am so sad I started seeing that again after RoI. I can't stand to play a game until it's fixed. :-(
Idhrendur: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Enlil: I'm afraid I'm not sure what you're referring to, but thanks for commenting!
Enlil: I'm afraid I'm not sure what you're referring to, but thanks for commenting!
There's currently a bug that causes a Grand Tournament to keep killing people until everyone is dead.
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?767157-Endless-Grand-Tournament&
Can't wait for the next update!
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?767157-Endless-Grand-Tournament&
Can't wait for the next update!
INTERLUDE: YEAR'S END, 1066
PART I: THE AFTERMATH
After a gruelling seven-hour battle, the Normans were finally driven from the field, with Duke William being found among the slain. Many of the more prominent Normans fell on the battlefield beside their lord, while most of the survivors were taken prisoner, including the Duke’s half-brother, Count Robert of Mortain, and William FitzOsbern, William’s steward and right-hand man. Those who escaped death or capture at Hastings quickly dispersed into roving bands of marauders, compelled to raid small villages for food as they desperately struggled to evade their pursuers and escape the kingdom. One contingent of fleeing Norman knights was soon cut off by Harold’s housecarls and defeated at a ravine called the Malfosse.
William’s would-be prize of England had now become a death-trap to his former companions. Few of the surviving Normans were able to flee across the Channel, as William had foolishly ordered most of his invasion fleet to be burned or dismantled as a symbolic gesture of bravery. The largest body of Norman survivors was able to succeed in retreating to the pre-fabricated wooden castle that William had built at his landing site at Pevensey. However, with little possibility of reinforcement or retreat, it was only a matter of time before they were besieged by the vengeful Saxons.
In the meantime, King Harold sent most of the fyrd back to their homes, so that the freemen levies could harvest their crops. The fyrdsmen had already been kept long past their time due to the threat of foreign invasion, and there was now a real danger of dearth and starvation if their crops were not harvested in time. All England mourned for their countrymen who had fallen in the three dreadful battles that had been fought during the year: Fulford Gate, Stamford Bridge, and Senlac Hill. Despite the great suffering they had endured, the people rejoiced in the hard-fought victories which their new king had won for them over the foreign invaders. Bloodied and battered, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of England nonetheless emerged from the harrowing year 1066 with her borders intact, her banners unsullied and her daughters unshamed.
PART II: THE NOBLE HOUSES
Key:
1 – Wessex, held by King Harold
2 – East Anglia and Oxford, held by Earl Gyrth
3 – Kent and the East Midlands, held by Earl Leofwine
4 – Sussex, held by Earl Wulfnoth
5 – Hereford, held by Earl Hakon
6 – Mercia, held by Earl Edwin
7 – Northumbria, held by Earl Morcar
8 – Northampton and Huntingdon, held by Earl Waltheof
9 – Bernicia, held by Earl Osulf
Since the Anglo-Saxons first arrived, England has always had many prominent noble families. At first, these noble houses were independent from each other, each ruling its own scrap of land. The more successful of these would eventually coalesce into the first Saxon royal families. Though the Vikings deposed a great many of these early kings, many of their descendants were kept on as ealdormen after the royal House of Wessex united all England under their rule. However, when Cnut of Denmark conquered England, he purged the nobility of potential rivals and traitors, choosing instead to divide the kingdom into four powerful earldoms, roughly equivalent to the four old Anglo-Saxon sub-kingdoms. Each of these was ruled by an earl from a different noble house, with Wessex going to the aspiring young Godwine, Mercia to the crafty Leofric, and Northumbria and East Anglia going to two of Cnut’s loyal jarls. When the two jarls died, Northumbria went to the formidable Siward, and East Anglia was passed around between members of whichever of the other three houses was most in favour at the time. Political power is still centred in these major families even now, in 1066.
THE HOUSE OF GODWINE
Named for the eponymous Godwine, Earl of Wessex (d. 1053), few houses have had a more meteoric rise than that which the House of Godwine has experienced in just a few short decades. Though they may have only recently come to power, the Godwines claim a noble heritage nonetheless. Earl Godwine was purportedly descended from King Æthelred I, elder brother to King Alfred, which gives the family a very strong claim to their power-base in Wessex. Godwine himself was a major supporter of Edmund Ironside in the war against the Danes, and must have been surprised when his erstwhile enemy Cnut rewarded his loyalty with an earldom. Godwine’s relationship with Edward the Confessor was not as amiable as the one he had enjoyed with Cnut, due to accusations levelled at the Earl concerning the murder of King Edward’s brother. This led to frequent disputes and, on one occasion, the whole Godwine clan was actually placed under a royal ban and exiled from the country! Nothing could deter Earl Godwine, however, and the family returned with a vengeance, coercing the king into giving them even more lands than before. Now they hold the crown itself.
Active Members:
• Harold Godwinson: King of England, formerly Earl of Wessex. Performed admirably as Earl of East Anglia in his youth. Succeeded his father Godwine in 1053 as the strongest and most influential nobleman in the realm. Served as King Edward the Confessor’s right-hand man for many years, effectively running the kingdom during Edward’s long dotage. Defeated and deposed the Welsh King, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn in 1063, bringing northern Wales under English suzerainty as a vassal state. Concurrently married to two prominent noblewomen: Edith Swanneck and Edith Ravenhair. Elected as king by the Witan upon the Confessor’s death in 1066, in order to defend the realm against multiple threats of foreign invasion. Defeated both Harald Hardrada of Norway and William the Bastard of Normandy within a three week period. Currently enjoys the support of almost all of England’s powerful earls through either kinship or marriage. Has earned considerable prestige at home and abroad for his many victories and magnanimous reputation.
• Edith Godwinsdatter: Dowager Queen of England. Widow of King Edward the Confessor and younger sister of King Harold. Bitter about being used as a political tool by her father and married to an old man. Harbours a grudge against Harold for the death of her favourite brother Tostig, who was recently slain in rebellion at Stamford Bridge. Resides at Winchester, where she persists in her role as châtelaine of the royal treasury and guardian of King Edward’s remaining family heirs. Not to be confused with either of Harold’s wives, who are both also named Edith.
• Gyrth Godwinson: Earl of East Anglia. Younger brother of King Harold. Appointed as Earl of East Anglia sometime after 1055, further solidifying the House of Godwine’s hold on England. Considered an able leader of men, if somewhat taciturn. Fiercely loyal to his brothers, for whom he would lay down his life if necessary. Renowned as a tough warrior, at times he can be courageous to a fault.
• Leofwine Godwinson: Earl of Kent. Younger brother of King Harold. Granted a hodgepodge earldom of several smaller shires to strengthen the Godwine family position. Many consider him to be almost excessively jocular at times, but nonetheless a skilled and loyal man.
• Wulfnoth Godwinson: Earl of Sussex. Youngest brother of King Harold. Given as a hostage to King Edward in 1051 as an assurance of his father’s good behaviour. Kidnapped by a Norman archbishop fleeing Edward’s displeasure, and given over to Duke William of Normandy for use as a political pawn against the House of Godwine. Released after William’s death by Duchess Matilda as a show of good faith. Newly appointed as High Reeve (or lesser Earl) of Sussex, specifically to defend the southern coast from any further invasion. Rather skittish after so many years in captivity.
• Hakon Swegnson: Earl of Hereford. Bastard son of Harold’s infamous eldest brother Swegn, following the latter’s rape of the Abbess of Leominster. Given as a hostage to King Edward and later abducted to Normandy along with his uncle Wulfnoth. Rescued from captivity in 1064 by his uncle Harold, whom he idolizes. Recently appointed to succeed to his late father’s position of Earl of Hereford.
• Godwine Haroldson: Eldest son of King Harold and Edith Swanneck. Considered to be the most prominent Ætheling in the kingdom. Brave, jovial, friendly and clever, he possesses his father’s confidence but not his temperance. What he lacks in experience he makes up for in tenacity. If his star continues to rise, many expect him to succeed his father in the kingship.
• Edmund Haroldson: Second son of King Harold and Edith Swanneck. Feels inadequate compared to his father and brother, though some fear he has inherited his uncle Tostig’s dour disposition. Dislikes hunting and battles, preferring books and poetry. Expected by some to pursue a career in the clergy, although personally he might entertain rather different ambitions.
• Magnus Haroldson: Third son of King Harold and Edith Swanneck. Excitable, impetuous and athletic. Loves hunting and falconry to the exclusion of almost all other pursuits. Essentially the opposite of his brother Edmund, whom he is always trying to liven up.
• Gytha Haroldsdatter: Eldest daughter of King Harold and Edith Swanneck. As a young teenager, she has just barely made her debut at court. Takes after her mother in appearance, though whether she also shares her graceful temperament remains to be seen.
THE HOUSE OF LEOFRIC
The House of Leofric is the family of Leofric, Earl of Mercia (d. 1057). Their immediate ancestors were ealdormen in Hwicce, but the House of Leofric also claims distant descent from the old royal family of Mercia. When Cnut conquered England in 1016, Leofric was one of very few of the great old Anglo-Saxon nobles to survive his purges. A shrewd politician, Leofric was surpassed in his scheming only by his rival, Godwine of Wessex. Leofric is also remembered as the husband of the famous Lady Godiva. The old earl’s considerable accomplishments were nearly lost by his son, the irascible and foolhardy Earl Ælfgar, who made an alliance with the hated Welsh, got himself exiled, and ravaged Hereford in 1055. However, since Ælfgar’s death in 1062, England’s political climate has changed again, with the formerly competing Houses of Godwine and Leofric now united by a marriage alliance and sharing the realm between them.
Active Members:
• Edith Ravenhair: Queen of England, formerly Queen of Wales. Daughter of Earl Ælfgar. Married when still quite young to King Gruffydd of Wales, whom she disliked immensely, considering him to be a coward. Abandoned when her husband fled from Harold Godwinson’s successful invasion of Wales. Widowed when Gruffydd was killed by his own men. Married Harold soon thereafter. Has three children from her first husband, also recently gave birth to a son of Harold. Known to possess a sharp wit and an occasionally fiery temperament. Underneath her decorous exterior lies an ambitious heart. Not to be confused with Edith Swanneck, Harold's other wife.
• Edwin Ælfgarson: Earl of Mercia. Elder son of Earl Ælfgar. Succeeded his father as Earl in 1062. Something of a schemer, though he lacks both his grandfather’s cunning and his father’s treachery. Soundly defeated in 1066 by Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Fulford Gate, narrowly escaped with his life. Now allied to King Harold as his brother-in-law. So far, his political ambitions have been tempered by common sense.
• Morcar Ælfgarson: Earl of Northumbria. Younger son of Earl Ælfgar. Chosen by the Northumbrians to be their earl after their rebellion against the oppression of Tostig in 1065. More wilful than his brother but somewhat less clever. Also a better fighter than Edwin, but defeated alongside him at Fulford Gate notwithstanding his skill. Also brother-in-law to King Harold.
THE HOUSES OF UHTRED AND SIWARD
Before they ever came to govern Northumbria, the family later known as the House of Uhtred served as High Reeves of Bernicia, the land their ancestors once ruled as kings in days of yore. After the unification of England by the Cerdingas, the House of Uhtred served as ealdormen in the northernmost shires. Uhtred (d. 1016), their most prominent scion, was actually the last Ealdorman of Northumbria prior to his murder by order of Cnut. When the Danish Earl Siward (d. 1055) was appointed by Cnut to take over the rule of Northumbria, he married one of Uhtred’s daughters to better secure his position. Siward was a bold, independent earl, growing his power and lands over the years and even intervening in the politics of neighbouring Scotland on occasion. His death caused a large political power shift, with Northumbria going first to the House of Godwine and then the House of Leofric. Now the once great House of Uhtred is divided between the old Saxon claimants and the heirs of Siward.
Active Members:
• Osulf of Bamburgh: Earl of Bernicia. Last surviving heir of Uhtred in the male line. Appointed by Morcar to be High Reeve of his old family lands in Bernicia as a conciliatory gesture, after the former became Earl of Northumbria. May have developed a touch of paranoia as the last of his line, though none can blame him given the fate of his kinsmen. Hates the descendants of Siward as blood-traitors.
• Waltheof Siwardson: Earl of Huntingdon and Northampton. The exuberant teenage son of Earl Siward, also his last surviving male heir. Being too young to succeed his father in Northumbria, King Edward granted the boy a small earldom of his own in token of his father’s long and illustrious career. Generous and friendly, he seems unaware of his elder cousin Osulf’s ardent rivalry.
• Gospatric of Lothian: One of very few surviving heirs of Uhtred, although his claim is through a female lineage. Also kin to the King of Scotland through his father’s line and a descendant of Æthelred the Unready through his maternal grandmother. Recently exiled from England as one of the chief lieutenants of the infamous Earl Tostig. He is being watched carefully from afar.
THE HOUSE OF CERDIC
The House of Cerdic has a truly ancient heritage, claiming descent from the legendary Cerdic (d. 534), the first King of the early West Saxon tribe known as the Gewisse to settle in Britain. The old Kings of Wessex stemmed from these early beginnings, and the House of Cerdic rose from being the last Anglo-Saxon kings independent of Viking control to eventually unite all of England. Having ruled for nearly two centuries, the descendants of King Alfred the Great have remained the most prominent of the Cerdingas, although among others, the Godwines also claim descent from Cerdic through Alfred’s elder brother. The surviving heirs of Alfred’s line were forced to flee after King Æthelred lost his kingdom to King Cnut, but a few were able to return to England in subsequent years, most notably King Edward the Confessor and his nephew Edward the Exile (although the latter died shortly thereafter). While their lineage has been greatly weakened in the past several decades by the incompetence of Æthelred the Unready and the impotence of Edward the Confessor, the few remaining heirs of Alfred’s old royal line are fast becoming persons of considerable influence.
Active Members:
• Edgar Ætheling: Only son of Edward the Exile, nephew of Edward the Confessor. The very last surviving heir of Alfred the Great in the direct patrilineal line. Raised in distant Hungary and brought back in recent years as his great-uncle’s prospective heir. Passed over by the Witan in favour of Harold Godwinson due to his inexperience. Awkward and shy, raised at the court of his aunt, Dowager Queen Edith.
• Margaret of Winchester: Elder daughter of Edward the Exile. Raised on the continent during her father’s exile, where she picked up rather prim fashions and manners. Very devoted to her faith. Beautiful and demure, considered by many to be the most eligible young woman in all of Britain.
• Christina of Winchester: Younger daughter of Edward the Exile. Even more pious than her sister, if such a thing is possible. Disgusted at the thought of being married off for political purposes, she desires nothing more than to enter a convent so that she can offer her devotions to God without interruption. Her highest ambition is to one day become an abbess.
• Harold of Ewyas: Only child of Ralf of Mantes, Earl of Hereford and Edward the Confessor’s sister’s son. Born the same year his father died, the youthful Harold was raised by his father’s kin, the Norman landholders of Hereford, from whom he has inherited French customs and mannerisms. Alhough unlikely to ever succeed to the throne, young Harold has an expectation of one day succeeding to his father’s Earldom of Hereford. Also Harold Godwinson’s godchild, after whom he is named.
PART III: FOREIGN RELATIONS
• Gwynedd: Only two years have elapsed since Harold Godwinson broke the power of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, King of All Wales. The dead king’s half-brothers, Princes Bleddyn and Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn, now hold Gwynedd and Powys as vassal states of King Harold. Whether their loyalty will endure remains unproven. Should Bleddyn decide to throw off the English yoke, Rhiwallon would almost certainly follow.
• Deheubarth: The sudden fall of King Gruffydd allowed Prince Maredudd ap Owain to seize southwest Wales for himself. Harold Godwinson has permitted this so far, as Maredudd’s control of Deheubarth maintains the Welsh balance of power. Maredudd and his brother Rhys will likely remain loyal collaborators as long as it is within their interests.
• Leinster: King Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó has long been an ally of the Godwine family, even sheltering them for a time when they were banished by Edward the Confessor. Diarmait has ambitions of his own, however. He and his son are preparing to claim the coveted title of High King of Ireland from their base in Dublin.
• Alba: King Malcolm Cenn Mór is by no means a friend to King Harold, having recently sheltered the rebellious Earl Tostig. The well-known Scottish raids into Northumbria continue to occur on a yearly basis. Nevertheless, at the moment Malcolm is more interested in subjugating his unruly neighbours in Moray and Strathclyde than meddling in the affairs of England.
• Normandy: The death of Duke William has left Normandy in utter disarray. His eldest son Robert Curthose has claimed the title of Duke, but the powerful Norman barons are not likely to recognize the authority of a weak-willed teenager. If Robert is to maintain his hold on the duchy, he will need to deal with multiple threats from without--and within.
• Brittany: Duke Conan was ever a rival of William of Normandy, but his relations with Harold Godwinson had been polite until Harold joined William on campaign against Brittany in 1064. When William announced to his neighbours that he would be invading England to press his claim to the throne, the recalcitrant Conan promised to exploit William’s absence by invading Normandy. William swore in his wrath to have Conan killed, but he died in battle before he could make good on his threat. Conan, in the meantime, has been true to his word--his troops have already crossed the frontier into Normandy.
• Anjou: The Counts of Anjou usually take very little notice of events transpiring across the Channel. However, the death of William the Bastard has most certainly caught Angevin attention. Anjou could exploit Normandy’s weakness if they were stable enough, but Count Geoffrey the Bearded has recently developed a fierce rival in the person of his younger brother, Fulk the Surly. Even so, it is likely that Angevin forces will exploit Normandy’s weakened state to take back the disputed County of Maine.
• France: Before claiming the throne, the Capetians were mere Dukes of France, and little seems to have changed since then. The French king amounts to little more than the first among many great regional nobles. Only fourteen, King Philippe has just barely managed to assert himself and throw off the hold of his regents. At this point in his life, Philippe seems to be more interested in fair damsels than skilled soldiers. However, a very significant obstacle has been removed in the person of William the Bastard, which Philippe may be able to exploit provided he can keep his raging hormones in check.
• Flanders: One might surmise that Count Baldwin would be the enemy of King Harold, considering that his sister is the widow of Earl Tostig and his daughter the widow of Duke William. Moreover, a contingent of Flemish mercenaries was present with William’s invading army. Nevertheless, the prosperous Flemish textiles trade is completely dependent on a steady supply of English wool, so relations with Flanders have remained civil, if not amiable.
• Holy Roman Empire: Having just turned sixteen, King Heinrich IV of the Germans has taken it upon himself to assert his reign and get married, though he has yet to be crowned Emperor by the Pope. Nevertheless, all is not well in his Empire, for Heinrich is troubled by many potential rivals in the forms of strong regional nobles and clergymen. Like most teenagers, Heinrich can be quite impetuous, although he could develop into a worthy ally for England should both parties prove amenable to the idea.
• Norway: With the flower of Norse nobility dead alongside Harald Hardrada, Norway has seen better days. In the land that had once been the terror of Europe, Hardrada’s sons now squabble over the succession. Though severely destabilized by their defeat at Stamford Bridge, the Norse may be able to rely on their inhospitable climate for protection. Even in their weakened state, these Vikings won’t go down without a fight.
• Denmark: Being the nephew of King Cnut on his mother’s side and Harold Godwinson’s cousin on his father’s, King Svein Estridsen definitely has blood ties to the English crown. There was some concern in 1066 that he might choose to press his claim alongside Harald Hardrada and William. However, with his old enemy Hardrada dead and Norway severely weakened, Svein might choose to turn his gaze to the north.
***
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Fantastic stuff. I predict that at least one of Harold's brothers will prove rebellious.
Marvellous! Simply marvellous. A great exposé. Of all this is going on in the realm
Enlil: Thank you!
SplendidTuesday: Thanks, old friend. It's certainly possible. After all, the other Godwinson brothers didn't exactly enjoy a great track record: Swegn was a rapist and a kinslayer, and Tostig a despot and a traitor.
Asantahene: Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
SplendidTuesday: Thanks, old friend. It's certainly possible. After all, the other Godwinson brothers didn't exactly enjoy a great track record: Swegn was a rapist and a kinslayer, and Tostig a despot and a traitor.
Asantahene: Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great update!
I noticed that you listed Diarmait as mac Maíl na mBó (which is the proper historical dynasty) instead of Ua Cheinnselaig (which is the in-game dynasty). Are you playing with a mod that has changed this to the proper dynasty, or is this something that you've elected to change yourself so it fits better historically?
I noticed that you listed Diarmait as mac Maíl na mBó (which is the proper historical dynasty) instead of Ua Cheinnselaig (which is the in-game dynasty). Are you playing with a mod that has changed this to the proper dynasty, or is this something that you've elected to change yourself so it fits better historically?
Shouldn't you be avoiding the term English/England and rather use (Anglo-)Saxon and Anglia?
Also you make too much fuss about background information, more stuff plz concerning the actual events.
Also you make too much fuss about background information, more stuff plz concerning the actual events.
Olligarchy: Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.
Pelican Sam: Thanks. I'm glad you noticed that little historical flourish. Yes, I prefer not to pigeonhole my characters like that if it can at all be avoided. Re: mods, I am actually on the modding team for an Anglo-Saxon/Celtic Improvement pack, although it's still a work in progress. You can find the link in my signature.
Enewald: Why? The Anglo-Saxons were no less English than subsequent generations--in fact they were the originators of the term. I used "Ængland" and "Ænglish" (as well as Anglo-Saxon place names) in the previous iteration of this AAR as a stylistic choice, but that seemed like too much fuss to me this time around. I may still use "Ængland" and/or "Ænglaland" on my maps though. Also, I'm sorry you don't like the level of detail I've provided, but I've only just barely set the stage for the rest of the story. The next update will take place in 1067. Thanks for commenting!
Pelican Sam: Thanks. I'm glad you noticed that little historical flourish. Yes, I prefer not to pigeonhole my characters like that if it can at all be avoided. Re: mods, I am actually on the modding team for an Anglo-Saxon/Celtic Improvement pack, although it's still a work in progress. You can find the link in my signature.
Enewald: Why? The Anglo-Saxons were no less English than subsequent generations--in fact they were the originators of the term. I used "Ængland" and "Ænglish" (as well as Anglo-Saxon place names) in the previous iteration of this AAR as a stylistic choice, but that seemed like too much fuss to me this time around. I may still use "Ængland" and/or "Ænglaland" on my maps though. Also, I'm sorry you don't like the level of detail I've provided, but I've only just barely set the stage for the rest of the story. The next update will take place in 1067. Thanks for commenting!
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Ha, I have nothing against lot of details, as long as I am fed with also other kinds of updates.
More of everything is always better!
More of everything is always better!
Ha, I have nothing against lot of details, as long as I am fed with also other kinds of updates. :cool.
More of everything is always better!
I think you should let him write in the style he wants to write in Enewald-works just fine for me!