The kingdom of the isles

[eranam]

After some researchs, I found that having de jure Scotland in the Hebrid and Man isles doesn't really make sense.
The area was ruled by Norse Gaels during more than a century, maybe even two, before 1066 and I think it should be de jure Kingdom of the Isles. I don't really see what claim Scotland would have on these province in 1066. After all, History wise, the Scottish only got them by buying them to the Norwegian king in 1266, which is two centuries after the starting date!

 

[jordarkelf]

Discounting the obvious that it would make the Empires of Brittannia and Scandinavia respectively really weird with Man belonging to the latter:

Technically they don't belong to Norway either, as Norway had virtually no control over them until the treaty of 1098, when after Scottish conquest they were 'returned' to Norway. Before that the local rulers were independent (as represented in-game).
Going by default game rules, it would become de jure part of Norway in 1199, but that discounts that parts of it defected effectively (became independent) in 1156.

To better represent the history there Innse Gall (the Hebrides) should become a direct vassal of Norway in 1156 and remain a vassal until 1266, when it returns as a vassal of the duchy.
Argyll should be in the Duchy ("Kingdom"), which ought to be independent again from 1156-1266 after which it becomes a Scottish vassal.

The biggest problem with that is that the Crovans (and Norway) only kept rule over the Outer Hebrides, whereas the Inner Hebrides were the seat of the 'Kingdom' from 1156 onwards, but the map likely won't be modified there to split Innse Gall into two provinces.

The current representation is the best IMO.

(edited: I mistakenly stated Man should be part of the duchy, it was actually ruled over by the Crovans. The real setup can't be done in-game as the Hebrides should be a nominal vassal of Norway, and Man nominally a vassal of England from around 1200 onwards, but owned by the same guy).

 

[Sleight of Hand]

I largely agree with jordarkelf, though I also think making The Isles their own de jure kingdom as part of Britannia could work. This would stop the Scots from eating them up by 1100 (they'd have to press claims or marry into inheritance) and also allow a duke of the Isles who's done well (bagged another duchy or two) to form his own kingdom.

Norway or Scotland could still absorb The Isles after a century of ownership, which is more or less how it should be.

Personally I'd also make Cornwall a one-duchy kingdom (there are some already, such as Brittany and Navarra) but I can see why Paradox decided to give it to Wales.

Both of these suggestions are historically plausible, though I guess Paradox will stick with the status quo.