The Celts Unleashed: A Scotish AAR (1419)

[Braedonnal]

Present day, Glasgow

"How did Scotland ever manage to become so great, father?"

Shamus peered at his boy. A chip off the old block, this one, he thought to himself. Maybe he'll grow up to be a historian too.

"Well, yilhafta do your readins. You'll get no free scores from me."

"I did read it but I don't understand the Auld Alliance and what part it played in the Hundred War's War. And your Irish is showing through again, father."

"Boy, you keep it up I'll hafta box yer ears." Shamus paused to let that sink in. "At least it seems you have been readin. You know of Agincourt, right?"

"Of course, that's where the English under Henry V massacred the French."

"Good! Now, after such a defeat what do you suppose the French did?"

"Surrendered at the first opportunity they could get?"

"Har-har, lad. That was a good un. They actually asked the Scots to honor the Auld Alliance and lend aid as they were now without armies. As you know, no Scot ever missed a chance to fight the Anglish, same as us Irish really. Anyways, some 15,000 Scot mercanaries made their way to fight with the Dauphine in France and some even served as the guard of the Maid of Orleans. In Scotland, the king, James I, made preparations for an invasion of Angland with his general, Buchan Douglas. You see, Buchan had a plan to deal with the Anglish general of Northumberland, Beauchamp..."

The settings:

EU2 (1.07) March 2nd beta
AI Difficulty: Very Hard
AI Aggressiveness: Furious

 

[unmerged(21523)]

No fair! Posting a teaser and then leaving us hanging like that. We demand action! Count me tuned-in.

 

[Farquharson]

Weel, all Ah can say is, ye's better blooter they English aff the face o' the earth pal, cos if ye's dinnae, Ah'll blooter ye's aff it masel'.

Delightful to see another Scottish AAR on the go! Good luck, and lang may yer lum reek!

 

[Semi-Lobster]

Scottish AAR's are great! Good luck Braedonnal!

 

[Braedonnal]

Sorry, my body demanded sleep and there is nothing like a good teaser to draw people in.

 

[Braedonnal]

Along the Anglo-Scotish frontier, January 1419

"...and when the Anglish move through the Lowlands, we fall upon them from the hills, my king."

"What of those Scots living there, Buchan? It's better that we fight them in their own lands."

"In Northumberia? That's exactly what Beauchamp hopes for. That's how the Anglish king shreaded the French like wheat before the scythe at Agincourt. We must make them march first. As for our brethren, they burn what cannot be moved. Let the Anglish starve in Lothian."

"That we will not do. We will hit the Anglish as they begin to siege. It will be a single battle in the Lowlands that decides this war. If victorious, a battle greater than Bannockburn, but if we lose..."


Present day, Glasgow

"Lad, look here in your text. I know you like the war stuff."

"So, 25,000 Scotsmen fought against the Anglish rather close to Edinburgh and the Scots won a great victory and pursued the few survivors to Northumberia but lost a battle there, as the Anglish had bin reinforced yet after the battle only a thousand Anglish remained. The general Beauchamp decided to pursue the fleeing Scots with this few men but Scotish cavalry reinforcements plus the retreating men of the Royal Army slaughtered them on the plains of Lothian and then the reduction of Anglish strongholds could begin."

"Read that sidebar o'er there. You young folk never bother ta read 'em but that's where the answer you seek lies."

"Oh! The French had sent horses to Scotland in return of the fighting men. So that's how the Auld Alliance played such an important part during the war." Shamus looked at his son has he digested this information. "Father, King James the First was pretty farsighted was he not? I mean, he knew he would need cavalrymen to fight the wars in Angland so he traded men for horse."

"Lad, he was farsighted indeed but his actions would have other consequences, determential ones for Scotland's economic and political development. Armies are not cheap, not even what basically was a feudal army and Scotland was not a wealthy land at all. You see, the treasury..."

 

[Braedonnal]

Northumberia, 1419

"We must make peace, sire. We cannot possibly maintain the forces we have."

"I know this but musn't give up just yet. The war in France goes poorly for France and we must keep up the pressure here."

"We'll all be paupers and be recovering for generations!"

"I fear we are already at the brink. To give up now gives us nothing but dead that died for nothing. I won't sell their lives for nothing, would you?"

"I would, if it meant that Scotland would be strong and free."

"Free we might be but strong? If Henry leaves France and comes here how strong do you think we would be? We will continue as we need at least Northumberia as a new border with Angland."

Present day, Glasgow

"...was neigh run out. Scotland was not a wealthy country, son. Loans were being takin faster then they could be repaid and this would have terrible consequences. The first bankruptcy hit in 1421, and was followed by another in late 1422. Peace with Angland was achieved in 1423 and Scotland was doubled in size, receiving Northumberia, Yorkshire, Lancastershire and Meath but it was too late and another bankruptcy would strike in 1424."

"Economics, I dread it."

"You might dread it but it is vital in understanding Scotish history in this period. Your mother might know more about it. You know she has a better head for figures than I.

Anyways, James chose this time to deal with the Highland Clans after his ransoming as he had been captured by those that were furious at his irresponsible handling of the nation's resources. A worse time he could not have picked and revolts became a way of life in Scotland. It should have been a time of great celebration but instead became a great time of misery and death especially amongst the poor.

Of interesting note is that the Irish decided that serving Scotland would be in their best interest. Why tie yourself to a nation racked with national bankruptcies and revolts, I know not, but sometimes the Irish mind is a bit unfathomable, even to other Irish."

"Maybe they were just glad to not have to live in fear of Anglish aggressions?"

"Hmm, that's possible and a good observation on your part. Then again, perhaps they feared the potential of Scotland and wished closer ties to it. Whatever the reason was they became vassalized in 1427."

"This would not be the only war with Angland, right?"

"Sadly, no. War would resume in 1431, you see..."

 

[Braedonnal]

Screenie, because I know everyone loves a nice map.

Scotland on the eve of The War for Welsh Independence (1431-1435), also known as The First War of Scotish Aggression to many Anglo-Saxons.

 

[Braedonnal]

Oh, one other thing, to the historical purists out there, forgive the liberties I take with Scotish history. Mostly due to my ignorance on the matter but I'm learning. I'll explain certain events in other terms, like James I running about. You see, he wasn't captured until later...much later!

 

[unmerged(21523)]

Great Scot! It looks like England has captured large parts of France and the Lowlands despite their reverses in the north. Next update should be interesting. Welsh War of Independence, eh?

 

[unmerged(26934)]

great stuff, I eagerly await the next updates. But what happens when the reformation hits in 80 years? will scotland go protestant? great AAR

 

[Braedonnal]

Zach: Very true, once Beauchamp was gone, England left their lands open to Scotish raping and pillaging and eventually stopped building on the Isle altogether which was wise given the complete dominance of Scotish cavalry on the plains. It seemed Henry wanted new wealthy territories in Continental Europe rather than freeing his rightful subjects.

Knowledgable Scots, and the Free Welsh Movement and certain radical Anglo-Saxons call the war, 'The Welsh War of Dependence'. Some even call it 'The Great Scotish Land Grab'.

Raf: To tell now would spoil the surprise. I haven't played up to that point yet but I do have an idea what I will choose.

Farq: I just read your wonderful Scotish AAR. I can only hope to match such an entertaining AAR.

Semi-Lobster: We'll see how great it is. The jury is still out!

I will say this, I am an inflation nazi and having multiple bankruptcies made me want to cry but with my strategy of waiting until England moved to Lothian I really had no choice. Starting with 49 in the bank and starting at war didn't help and by March 1st, I had already taken a loan. I knew I could never pay it back so 'in for a penny, in for a buck' so we say in the USA.

I'm worried that I have crippled my tech research but no worries, I'll stick it out. I'm as stubborn as any good Irish-German should be! :rofl:

 

[Amric]

Well inflation can be a problem, but stick it out for awhile...once you get some of the richer English lands you'll be able to slowly repay your loans and get yourself out from under...especially if you luck out and get a couple of deflation events...

 

[coz1]

Great stuff. I always love a good Scotland AAR and so far, this has not disappointed!! And inflation is a bitch, but methinks Amric is correct. With some luck and extra territory, you can afford it.

 

[Farquharson]

Glad to hear you read my Scottish AAR - I hope to see you surpass me! Hopefully you picked up some tips, for example don't (as I did) annex London before it becomes a CoT - it doesn't become one if it's Scottish!

 

[Braedonnal]

I planned for that eventually, thankfully. A free CoT and shipyard is too dreamy to pass up. I got another surprise from Anglia also but I'll wait to tell you that in the AAR, when I get there, that is.

And now, back to the lesson!

Present day, Glasgow.

"the Welsh had been under Anglish rule for nearly 150 years. Maybe rule is a bit of a stretch. Mostly, Anglish dint much care a fig about them as long as day paid the tax and kept trainin the longbows."

"So the longbow was a Welsh invention, father?"

"I dint say that! The longbow is an auld weapon. The Germans that invaded Rome even had em but using em to dominate warfare was more of an Anglish innovation. They knew better den anyone what they could do havin bin on the other end of em. An arrow from a longbow could pierce plate, the padding beneath the leg and bone and the padding and plate on the other side and then rest in the horse's flank!"

"Oh, kinda like the gun of the time."

"I guess you could look at it that way. Hmm, you like all the war toys too much and are gitin me offtrack! Anyways, the Welsh are a celtic people, like Scots, Irish and Bretons and the nobles git this idea to 'free' the Welsh. Even more likely in my opinion is the Scotish nobles were hungry for even more land and the Welsh Question was just a weak attempt to cover up the real reason."

"Propaganda?"

"Exactly, lad! Here, come with me if you got nothing on. [Note: Irishspeak for come with me if you don't have other plans, NOT! come with me if you got no clothes on :rofl: ] I've got another text you should see. It's just a copy of an official log of the start of this war.

Shamus and his son walk to their home and then to the study.

"Ah, ere it be! Take a look.

1431-11-00 : December 1, 1431 : Our stability dropped.
1431-11-00 : December 1, 1431 : Scotland declared war upon England.
1431-11-00 : December 1, 1431 : Burgundy joined the war on the same side as England in their war against Scotland.
1431-11-00 : December 1, 1431 : Navarra joined the war on the same side as England and Burgundy in their war against Scotland.
1431-11-00 : December 1, 1431 : Bavaria joined the war on the same side as England, Burgundy and Navarra in their war against Scotland.
1431-11-10 : December 11, 1431 : Royal Scottish Army has arrived in Lincoln.
1431-11-10 : December 11, 1431 : We have initiated a siege in Lincoln.
1431-11-10 : December 11, 1431 : Yorkshire Regiment has arrived in Midlands.
1431-11-10 : December 11, 1431 : We have initiated a siege in Midlands.
1431-11-27 : December 28, 1431 : Yorkshire Regiment has arrived in Wales.
1431-11-27 : December 28, 1431 : We have initiated a siege in Wales.

"Hmm, pretty dry log entries. This guy needed some imagination. Ok, so we came at them at numerous places. So?"

"Well, if the war was about Wales why blitz through the entire frontier?"

"Oh, and why timed so well. This proves that this was most likely very well-planned and pre-meditated attack then, right?"

"Exactly right! Scotish terms for Anglish surrender were pretty harsh. They wanted Wales, the Midlands and Lincolnshire but the Anglish refused this several times and the war dragged on and Meath was besieged and taken from the Scots. To celebrate their liberation of that province, the Anglish sued for peace on

1435-12-5 : December 6, 1435 and Scotland accepted peace with England on the following terms : Wales to Scotland, Cornwall to Scotland, Lincoln to Scotland, Wessex to Scotland & Midlands to Scotland.

So ended the poorly named War of Welsh Independence, as Wales has never been independent after the Scotish takeover."

"So it mostly ended there, right?"

"Well, the Anglish were certainly no threat to the Scots at that moment but they still held many lands on the continent."

I suppose I should mention this though. James had built up more din a few enemies back home. Between purging the Highland Chiefs and the bankruptcies and the two lengthy wars he was just about tapped out and the people were beyond poor and the nobility much richer with all these new lands in Angland. The people chose a dire course and one that would effect all future rulers of Scotland, nay, all of Europe. They committed regicide and because of this would come the early stages of absolute monarchy.

1437-01-02 : February 2, 1437 : The assassination of James I happened to us.
1437-01-02 : February 2, 1437 : Our stability dropped.
1437-01-02 : February 2, 1437 : Our stability dropped.

But for the present, the people and the nobility were locked in a struggle for dominance and in a state of rebellion and during this time of uncertainty, England would grow stronger and...

 

[Braedonnal]

Glasgow, 1437

"It's fair spucketing taday."

"Aye, laddy. Might put out all the fires."

"Bloody peasants always gotta burn stuff. Boo-hoo, I'm mad, I'll burn my house down and show ya!

"Har! That's a gud un! Suppose we oughta do anythin aboot it?"

"Na, that's why we got a king for."

"Aye, young kings are good for the nobles. You oughta know that!"

"Why would I know that?"

"Cause Scotland always has young and mostly non-existant kings."

"Well, yes, but you see I'm Irish."

"Ack! One of those! What be yer business here?"

"Well, your last king vassalized us so din be blamin me none and besides, this is MY island."

And the fires soon were burning even brighter.

Stephen, leader of the 'Ireland is my island and so is this island Rebellion', seen shortly before his death.

Present day, Glasgow

...look to Scotland to reclaim what they lost. Scotland was in complete turmoil, boy, peasants killing kings, nobles killing peasants, peasants burning everything starting with their homes and the king musta been playin wit those Tinker Toys. Look here.

1439-04-04 : May 5, 1439 : We went with Let them fight it out. in Noble Families Feud.
1442-01-05 : February 5, 1442 : We went with Let them fight it out. in Noble Families Feud.
1445-04-08 : May 9, 1445 : Meteor Sighted happened to us.

Terrible times, but some time after the meteor blazing across the sky, the King finally decided to put away his toys and be a man and Eire submitted to Scotland in its entirity.

1446-06-00 : July 1, 1446 : Eire are now part of our nation!

At least, the Irish-Scotish nobles feuding died down after that. It was none too soon."

"Why's that?"

"Ack, lad, if you'd let me finish! Angland naturally! See, they were having problems with all their new territories overseas and Gelde rebelled and were warring against the Anglish. Angland didn't see interested in taking it back at all but built a whole lot of troops in Anglia, some 50,000!

The Scotish army was much smaller than that, maybe some 15,000. You see, the nobles spent their time putting down rebels and even the Irish. The were also deciding what to do about the Bristol Corridor."

"I think I remember that. Our last territorial demands on the Anglish."

"Right again! 'Peace in our time and all that rot'. It did make sense that the Scots wanted to connect their lands though. I can't fault that at all. I do fault them for not being ready to fight the Anglish though. Victory disease, I suppose. Hubris. Scotland got it's comeuppance or rather got caught with their pants down."

"Well, we wear kilts so that can't happen."

"Auld Flutter Guts! That's you!! You want me help or no?"

"Continue on, talespinner."

 

[unmerged(15337)]

I like your style, with the old man telling the tale and the young lad interrupting him. And that Scottish blue is so pretty! I look forward to reading how the Anglish caught the Scots with their pants down. Carry on with the story, lad!

 

[Farquharson]

Heh, heh! Things seem to be coming along nicely here! Now that you swallowed up the Irish, any chance of doing the same with Brittany? Get yourself a toehold on the continent and all that...

 

[Braedonnal]

Thanks, jwolf. It's a new style for me, an experiment. I'm glad you like it.

I enjoy writing it, Father, an Irish historian teaching in Glasgow yet still mostly Irish and the son, brought up in Scotland and Scotified listening to the half-truths of the history he knew being shattered. I'm not sure if I'll bring mom in but she is Scotish through and through. We shall see.

Farquharson: I was surprised that the Irish submitted so easily, more so after they gave you such trouble. I clicked annex and poof there they were, first try no less. Brittany is on the list but things developed strangely on the continent.

I added a pic of the Irish rebel, you should all know him well. I love that Scotish blue. I have to admit that during long periods of peace I turn on the political view and just stare at it. Hmm...colors... o