The Canmore Clan (A CK2+ Scotland AAR)

[Saxon125]

The Canmore Clan
(A CK2+ Scotland AAR)

Well folks, its only been a few days since my last AAR ended due to stagnation, yet I've decided to have yet another crack at an AAR, this time using the CK2+ mod. I'll be starting in the good old Stanford Bridge start as a custom designed dynasty the Canmores, (hence the title) ruling the Duchy of Moray.

This AAR will be similar to my Italian Boot AAR, with the chapters being written in third person from the perspective of someone looking on the current character of the Canmore dynasty.

Rules: (subject to change at any time)
I will roleplay the characters based on their in-game traits, and will try to sometimes make irrational and self-defeating choices when it seems in-character.

I will seek to make marriages based on political strategy and equality of nobility (not based on considerations of eugenics!).

I will not educate my own heirs (or, if I do, I will educate them in-character).

Objectives: (subject to change at any time)
Get the Canmores on the Scottish Throne. (Done)

Reclaim all of de-jure Scotland.

Conquer the Kingdom of Ireland.

DLC:
All major DLC in use, bar Conclave or Horselords. Plus, a large amount of cosmetic and music DLC, which is too long to list.

Wish me luck, and feel free to suggest any rules or objectives as well as giving constructive criticism or just nice comments.

Index:

Prologue:
An introduction to the Canmore Clan, and Britannia:

Alistair Canmore: (1066 -)

Chapter I:
First Steps and Machinations: (1066 – 1068)

Chapter II:
The Calm Before the Storm: (1068 - 1069)

Chapter III:
The First Scottish Civil War: (1069 - 1071)

Angus Canmore: ()


​

 

[Saxon125]

Prolouge: An introduction to the Canmore Clan, Scotland and Britannia:

Little if anything is known about the Canmore clan before the year 1066. Their past is shrouded is mystery, what is known however is that they were descended from a line of kings and as such had a strong claim to the Scottish kingdom.

The first truly known Canmore was named Alistair, who ruled the Duchy of Moray in 1066. He was extremely well respected in the Highlands for his diplomatic skills and understanding of courtly politics. He was also known to be extremely ambitious and intent on claiming Scotland for his clan.

Alistair’s major opponent in this regard was the current king of Scotland Malcolm ‘III’ Dunkeld. Malcolm was supposedly a religious man, ironic given his lack of understanding of scripture as well as the fact that it was openly known that he was a cynic. Still, he was known to be diligent in his ruling, as well as openly wroth against any who angered him.

Yet, Alistair was not the only person in Scotland with a claim to the crown. Mulmure, Duncan’s legitimized bastard brother also had a claim to the throne. Though much like his brother he lacked a strong power base. Still he was respected for his theological knowledge, as well as for his kindness and his patience.

​

On the reminder of the British Isles war was brewing. England, led by Harold Gowinson was facing attacks from Norway by Harald Yingling, and William of Normandy with both rulers intent on claiming the English crown. Wales is a string of independent duchies and counties, while Ireland is spread amongst 7 petty kings.

Will the Canmores be able to claim Scotland and establish a dynasty? Only time would tell.

 

[Asantahene]

Always interested in a CK2 Scotland AAR. I'm in!

 

[Saxon125]

Always interested in a CK2 Scotland AAR. I'm in!

Thanks very much, my friend. I hope to have the next chapter done this weekend.

 

[guillec87]

subbed!

 

[Saxon125]

subbed!

Thanks very much

 

[Saxon125]

Well, played from 1066 to 1069 this morning, and we have changed little from our starting position. My attempts to bribe people into joining my war faction have failed and Malcolm's vassals quite like him. Still, I have a plot running to see him axed off hopefully, that will succeed and I can exploit the fact that there is a child on the throne to perform a coup.

 

[Saxon125]

A second session has resulted in me actually getting on the Scottish throne. though it's difficult to get more power on the throne, with the factions mechanic. Still I plan on doing the second chapter this weekend.

 

[guillec87]

great! your ladder to power was actually a short one

 

[ThaHoward]

Subbed! Just leave the pretty white lands in the north and golden inthe west alone

 

[bleedingreen925]

Subbed! Canmore is Stronk, all others weak.

 

[Saxon125]

great! your ladder to power was actually a short one

Yeah being a child on the throne in CK2+ is just asking for civil war.

Subbed! Just leave the pretty white lands in the north and golden in the west alone

Sorry, I have a goal to reclaim all of de-jure Scotland.

Subbed! Canmore is Stronk, all others weak.

Indeed, they are stronk, though I am sure you mean strong.

 

[Saxon125]

Sorry for not getting up a chapter this weekend as I said, folks. Schoolwork and Revision is an annoying problem. That being said, I break up for Easter this Thursday and plan to spend plenty of time over the holidays writing as well as doing schoolwork. So hang on just a bit longer.

 

[ThaHoward]

That's okay, then the Norwegian kingdoms will live a little while longer

 

[Saxon125]

The Reign of Alistair Canmore: Chapter I First Steps and Machinations: (1066 – 1068)

Early Steps:

The struggle to gain the Scottish crown would be a long and tenuous road. Yet Alistair had more then competent advisors to help him on the road to Kingship. A military coup was out of the question however, given the weakness of his forces. What Alistair needed was strong allies who could provide strong backing for his usurpation.

One such ally was found in the King of Denmark, or more specifically one of many daughters Sigrid. A lacklustre diplomat despite her education, she was still known for her lustful nature much like her father. Though the marriage was made mainly for the Danish alliance, much needed childbearing was a secondary factor.

News from the south quickly disturbed the Scots, as Harald Yngling had managed to usurp the English crown, but found himself fighting William of Normandy to hold onto it.

Machinations, and troubles in the south:

Alistair quickly moved himself into a position of influence by petitioning Malcolm, asking if he could serve as the royal chancellor. Unable to deny Alistair’s skills, despite his hatred of him Malcolm gave him the position and Alistair set to work plotting his downfall. While also at the same time wishing for a son to carry on the Canmore line.

Alistair quickly found an ally, in the form of Queen Denis, a woman feared for her intrigue and ambition, a quick gift of gold, brought her into the plot to slay Malcolm. Malcolm himself had found rumours about Alistair’s illicit activities but luckily not his murder scheme. Though, Alistair called his bluff enraging the king by all accounts. Following this Alistair took out a loan from merchants, as a precaution.

Further news from the south, caused fiction in the Scottish court, as word arrived that William of Normandy had conquered England though he faced a large internal revolt comprising of vassals near the Welsh border and part of central England…

 

[bleedingreen925]

Great update! Send that impostor to purgatory and take back what's yours!

 

[guillec87]

regain the throne! your forefathers demand it

 

[Saxon125]

Great update! Send that impostor to purgatory and take back what's yours!

regain the throne! your forefathers demand it

Don't worry I plan to reclaim the throne, you will just to wait a few chapters. I'll throw out the second chapter tomorrow, now im on Easter holidays, I can actually find more time to write.

 

[Saxon125]

The Reign of Alistair Canmore: Chapter II The Calm Before the Storm: (1068 - 1069)

Stirring the pot of discontent:

Alistair’s sources from aboard, revealed that the revolt was lead by Eadwin of Mercia, mostly likely trying to oust the foreign king from the once Anglo Saxon throne. William’s forces were strong however, and it seemed he would crush the revolt with little difficulty.

Alistair was the leader of the court faction within Scotland which dedicated to improving the strength of the vassals of the crown, be it through lands or council appointments. It was at a meeting between its members, that Alistair stirred great discontent against King Malcolm, citing the need for a strong ruler who was respected and powerful to hold the Scottish Crown. A sentiment which the members quickly ad headed to.

A tragic end:

Malcolm’s death quickly followed the faction meeting, for he fell off the balcony that was outside his bedchambers. His body would be found hours later, a truly mangled mess. While rumors were rife that Alistair did the deed there was no evidence to the contrary. Now, a young child sat on the Scottish throne, and it would not be long before Alistair staked his claim to Scotland…

 

[bleedingreen925]

Nice update! I'm working on the next chapter of Dragon of Scotland now, kind of as a break from my contest AAR