The Sword, the Cross, and the Harp - An Irish AAR

[B5Alpha]

Almost everyone who plays CK2 has spent time in Ireland, it is often referred to as tutorial island in the 1066 start due to its forgiving nature for new players. Many soon move away to explore the vast opportunities, while those of Irish descent stick around long enough to take at least one crack at revenge against the English, myself included. Many players also attempt to rebuild the Roman Empire, one of the greatest empires in history. This will not be attempt to rebuild what once was; this will be the story of the Irish, a people rarely mentioned in world history textbooks, creating an empire larger and stronger than any to come before it.

700 years is a long time, long enough for an empire to rise and fall, elevate to new heights, or perhaps be invaded before it even begins. The focus of this AAR will be on the island of Ireland and its (hopefully vast) holdings, but interesting events outside of the realm will also be shown. This is my first AAR, so constructive criticism is encouraged, but I have read other AARs before and English is first language (but everyone needs spellcheck once in a while) so this should be relatively smooth sailing. Images will be put into spoilers so that I can be more liberal with their usage without interfering with mobile readers. There will be no save scumming, but I am not in Iron-man mode in case a bug occurs or a save get corrupted. Feel free to ask any questions, and enjoy!

Table of Contents​

1. King Brian of Éire [former Chief of Deasmhumhain and King of Mumu] (769-810)
   • Humble Beginnings
   • Blood Shall be Spilled
   • Moving Up in the World
   • Born to be King
   • Raiding is Dangerous Work
2. King Doedgus "the Just" of Éire (810-870)
   • Define "Kinslayer"
   • Never Give Up on Raiding
   • Map Update 831
   • Home is Where the Conquest is
   • Truces are Optional
   • A Eulogy
3. King Artúr of Éire (870-878)
   • Following Footsteps
4. King Rúadacán of Éire (878-910)
   • Claim, Conquer, Repeat
5. Emperor Ruarcc of Éire [former King of Éire] (910-934)
   • Long and Winding Road
6. Empress Siobán of Éire (934-969)
   • For the Empire!

 

[B5Alpha]

Chief Brian of Deasmhumhain: Humble Beginnings (769-780)
​

We have already established Ireland as the center of this campaign, but Ireland is fractured in 769. Deasmhumhain was chosen randomly, but it proved to be a valuable choice, it contained a few building in the tribal ground, where as many other tribes have nothing, giving Brian a valuable advantage. As many of the Irish earls are insignificant, I created a custom ruler to begin the journey. His given name is inspired by Brian Boru, the only king of Ireland. Our initial (and hopefully only) dynasty name is O'Brien, a slight bastardization of his first name, as many Irish surnames are taken from the first name of the dynasty's founder. While now only an earl, this will in the future be the dynasty of kings, emperors, diplomat, generals, comedians, and transporter chiefs. Now that that's been covered, let's begin.

Spoiler: Images

This man is the start of something greater.

The men who shall guide him.

A wife almost as cunning as him.

An easy decision when you have all the say.

After the death of the previous chief, who had no heirs, Brian, the rather young marshal at the time, seized control of the tribe through his cunning. Through his ambition and military prowess, he dreams using his new found power to not only ruling the southern tip of Ireland, but all of it. He also will come to appreciate the extra helpings at dinnertime. His first action is to establish a new council to advise him and aid him in managing the chiefdom. Chancellor Bresal is sent north, to lay the groundwork for the incorporation of lesser chiefdom's into Deasmhumhain. The marshal and steward are assigned to recruiting an army for when said incorporation is a valid option. And the spymaster and court chaplain are sent to handle more menial affairs.

With basic administrative duties being done by the council, Chief Brian searches for a wife. Not knowing the secret to immortality, he would prefer one of his spawn to continue his legacy instead of another military coup. A very small player on the European stage, he has slim pickings for marriage. With these meager options, he chooses a local debutante, Aìbinn de Cluain, as his wife, who is honored to marry the Chief. As an added bonus she too gets more than enough to eat. With a stable council and modest wife, Brian even has time to increase organize the tribal to be less chaotic, and is starting to enjoy the perks (meat on the menu every day) of being the chief.

Spoiler: Images

All suited up and no place to invade.

One man does not a dynasty make.

However, there is still only one man.

Some men say a woman's place is in the kitchen, but then she quickly becomes dangerously good with a knife. Also, the chaplain convincing himself to like me more is hilarious.

Soon, a feud develops, one that is effecting the stability of his council. A minor quarrel between the fathers of the steward and marshal has become very serious, and despite their sons' pleas, they will not put it aside. In fact, Brian begins to hear around the tribe that Artgal, father of the steward, is plotting to kill Fergal, the marshal's father. However, he dismisses these accusations, deciding to leave it to them and their sons to make peace with each other. He is more focused on increasing his coffers, despite lacking the means to do so. A trip to the market remedies this, as he take a loan from Jewish moneylenders, and invests it in expanding the marketplace to draw new vendors. He first attracts warriors willing to fight in his name. Alas, with no claim on his neighbors, Brian is forced to send them home with their swords before they become too rowdy. A few days later even better news arrives, Aìbinn is pregnant with child.

As the days pass, a claimant and warrior arrives in Deasmhumhain, the tribe weathers through consumption, and construction on the marketplace is expanded even further, but the earl is still not satisfied by his meager income. He sees the riches of the Bishopric of Cluain, and wants them for himself. He befriends the bishop, Court Chaplain Doedgus, and asks the man to pray until God convinces him to like the earl more. Soon enough, the bishopric no longer sends money to distant Rome, but to the local tribe instead. The chief's wife gives birth to a daughter, Cnes, so seems unhealthy at first but soon strengthens. The earl wanted a son, but there is plenty of time still for more children, so a healthy daughter is a great joy. Once his wife recovers, Brian decides to make her his new spymaster, and he has to replace his marshal, since the quarrel is now effecting his council's ability to function.

Spoiler: Images

Perhaps the inspiration for Mercutio. Blood feuds are no laughing matter.

That frown on his face is so satisfying.

A match made on Earth.

Reading is very healthy for you.

The dungeon master still wishes she finished the job.

Empires are forged in battle. This will be the first of many battles.

Brian soon develops a cough, and his illness prevents his from keeping close detail on the happenings of his realm. Not satisfied with the removal of Fergal's son as marshal, Artgal creates a new vacancy on the council by murdering Aìbinn for reasons unknown yet certainly not good enough. Cnes will never know her mother, but she will know the face of the man who took that from her. Artgal is thrown in the dungeon, and the dungeon master grumbles about actually having to guard a prisoner now. A new spymaster is hired, and Brian, still lacking an heir, remarries, this time to a Lombard, Varberga, who is as ambitious and hungry as himself. She nurses him back to health, and in return he buys her all the romantic poetry he can find, still needing a son after all.

Back on his feet now, Brian continues to centralize the tribe as he and his new wife become more affectionate with each other. His daughter, now six, needs a mentor, a role he enthusiastically fills. If unable to produce a son, he will force the tribe to accept Cnes as his heir. A few months later he discovers the young lass coming out of the dungeon, covered in blood. He expected her to exact revenge eventually, but not at this age. He teaches her her lesson that day, a lesson in bravery and honor. Soon, after all, she will be a big sister; his wife Varberga is now pregnant. Months later the earl is a bit disappointed to be father to another ill infant daughter, who he names Gormflaith. His somber mood evaporates when his chancellor returns with a claim for him on their northern neighbors. With some legitimacy to his plans of expansion, he calls together his tribe and calls on all warriors to come forward. It is time for war.

 

[Asantahene]

Love it. The irreverent and mixed style are intriguing. I'm in!

 

[B5Alpha]

Chief Brian of Deasmhumhain: Blood Shall be Spilled (780-789)
​

For his good work, Chancellor Bresal is sent to Rome to relax and forget about the ensuring bloodshed that he will be responsible for. And also maybe talk to the Pope about how spectacular a Catholic his chief is. He never does get around to that last part. Brian gives his courtier Selbach command of the bishopric's forces, and tell him to guard the left flank, in case of sea monsters on their march up the coast. Two weeks later they make contact with the Tuadhmhumhain army, and the first battle ignites. Due to their lesser combat training and being fewer in number, but mostly because of Chief Brian's military prowess, the entrenched defenders are defeated and rout. Brian decides to push his advantage and chases them through the forests. In Urmhumhain, the armies again engage in battle, and the scattered Tuadhmhumhain soldiers stand no chance. They run towards home, but there they find only brief respite. Brian's army is still on their heels, and easily secures another victory.

Spoiler: Images

When in Rome, don't do your one job.

No sea monsters. So far, so good.

100% win rate.

He came, not on a horse, but on a silver platter.

Afterwards, Brian is planning the siege of the tribe's encampment, when his soldiers hand him the enemy chief practically on a silver platter, having been captured in the previous battle. There is no need for a lengthy siege now, Brian forces the enemy chief to step down, and as he and his sons embark to the North, Brian declares himself Chief of Tuadhmhumhain. Local custom requires him to take a concubine from the conquered tribe to solidify his leadership, but he and his wife Varberga are still passionate, and she dissuades him from following custom. Living in such close proximity to each other, the tribes are very similar, so there is no threat of rebellion. The only threat is an adventuring by one of the former chief's sons, each of whom Varberga promises to keep an eye on.

Few a few months, it appears that the people of both tribes can settle back into their daily routines, but heresy is afoot in the Emerald Isle. The Chief of Laigin, a young lass by the name of Rudgal, is a Cathar, and not a Catholic faithful. His people are good, simple Catholics, suffering under his incompetent rule. Luckily, Brian is willing to remedy of their unfortunate situation by removing Rudgal from his position. The warriors are again assembled in the center of Deasmhumhain, again with Brian leading and again Selbach at his flank. God favors them, as they make it to Laigin safely, free of ambushes from bandits or sea monsters. Laigin's army is even smaller than Tuadhmhumhain's was, and they crumble to the veteran Deasmhumhain warriors. A short siege occurs, during which surprising reinforcements arrive. The Chief of Dublin and his kinsmen have taken up arms against Laigin in their own holy war, but they are willing to allow any good Catholic to liberate the tribe. The tribe succumbs to Earl Brian, and the bishopric shortly after. The tribesmen are so grateful of having a Catholic chief again that the concubine custom can again be ignored. In the period of just over a year, Brian's demesne has tripled in size.

Spoiler: Images

The Irish tribes unite for once... against an Irish tribe.

This is what he gets for being an easy target a heretic.

He's definitely compensating.

Only through intense prayer can the chaplain cleanse himself of thought-crime.

With the wars won, Chief Brian spends the spoils further improving his tribes military and economic capability, to perpetuate his tribe's dominance in Southern Ireland. Chancellor Bresal is replaced, having become lazy during his stay in Rome, and his replacement is sent to Osriage, in an attempt to connect the lands of the chief. Months later Bresal demands to replace Bishop Doedgus as the court chaplain, claiming that he is more pious, but Brian simply laughs him away at that proposition. Brian soon becomes full of pride about his military prowess, to compensate for still lacking a son. He also begins spending more time with his eldest daughter Cnes. Over the next few years, minor affairs are dealt with as the tribes of Chief Brian enjoy the peace, either as subjects or conquerors.

Then a courtier tries to usurp Varberga's position on the council by talking to the Chief. Trying to replace the Chief's wife as spymaster is a most ridiculous proposition, and he is luckily that neither of them kill him. Bishop Doedgus passes away, and the new bishop, Bishop Corbán, is soon given two honors. First, the honor of forcing himself to like the chief more through prayer. And second, he begins tutoring the chief's daughter Gormflaith. Unsurprisingly, he quickly begins a big supporter of the chief. Cnes is caught kissing her first boy as 13, and Brian is shocked, not realizing how quickly she is growing up, and how weird it is that he still hasn't a single son. He gives her the talk, but she is more concerned about having been caught, and slowly becomes paranoid. After all these years with just Brian and his horny wife, Varberga is finally pregnant again.

Spoiler: Images

A few form of suicide attempt: pissing off the Chief AND his spymaster wife.

K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

The day we've all been waiting for.

Just who does he think he is? Oh yeah, the Basileus' brother.

Brian didn't realize until now that the guest list was so short.

Brian is blessed, because when Varberga gives birth, he now has a healthy son. He names him Doedgus, after the deceased bishop, for this is surely a miracle. Brian tells his court chaplain to nominate that man for sainthood as he holds his new son. He is born on October 8th, 787, exactly eight years after Varberga's other child Gormflaith was born. Coincidentally, Brian and Varberga's anniversary is on January 8th. Days later, Cnes has come of age, taking much after her father. He still cares deeply for her, so he has her married to Prince Eudokimos, brother to the Byzantine Emperor. Prince Eudokimos soon becomes Steward Eudokimos due to his excellent managing skills, and Bresal becomes chancellor again after his replacement passed away. After celebrating Doedgus' first birthday, Chief Brian holds a feast to revel in the knowledge that his son will survive infancy. It is a small gathering, with only two bishops arriving, but it is a most merriful one.

 

[MiasmicMoose]

Subbed, good luck!

 

[Saxon125]

Intresting AAR, and nice start on the Emerald Isle, only Ormond remains, before you can form Munster... and Lenister is also within your grasp.

 

[B5Alpha]

King Brian of Mumu [Formerly Chief of Deasmhumhain]: Moving Up in the World (789-799)
​

Once again, Deasmhumhain enjoyed a quiet respite while Chief Brian dealt with administrative duties and family matters, and while the Chancellor took his dear sweet time fabricating claims. Little Gorm was betrothed to the young King Ildiches of Lombardy, mostly to increase the Chief's prestige; feudal lords care little for the struggles of tribes. Later that year, Chief Brian was given his first grandchild of Cnes, a girl named Lígach O'Brien. The lack of sons really must run in the family; after all, Chief Brian had no brothers. Better news follows shortly after. Chancellor Bresal returns from Osraige, telling of their weakness, and spreading word that Chief Brian is the descendant of a former chief. The armies of his three tribes all converge of their encampment, and it is hardly a fight.

Spoiler: Images

Brian is getting old, being a grandfather now.

The time is finally right for a concubine. Even if it is one that hate Brian.

I'm honored, but war is about having more soldiers, not having more leaders.

Under gavel-kind, Brian is better off with fewer sons anyway.

To the South, however, the opportunist Chief of Urmhumhain, Indrechtach, gets the foolish idea that Osraige should be his. He sends his men there, and they are defeated in battle as Chief Brian claims another military victory. Then Osraige is sieged into submission, and the province joins Chief Brian's tribal network, as the former chief's wife, Dúinsech, is taken as his concubine. But Indrechtach will not simply accept that Osraige will not become his. He continues the battle against Chief Brian, counting on his allies to reinforce his meager army. They do not arrive, and Urmhumhain's warriors fall alone when Brian marches south, still undefeated in battle. Varberga visits his siege camp in Urmhumhain for a night of passion, and the visit results in another child for the couple. At the end of the siege, Indrechtach is forced to revoke his claims to Osraige, allowing Brian to return home in time to witness the birth of his daughter Aíleann. Chancellor Bresal wins his bet against Prince Eudokimos that the child would be a girl, and collects his two ducats.

Rumors start to travel that the Northmen have began raiding settlements from their ships and calling themselves Vikings. Brian does not worry, but he does receive an idea upon hearing this news. He travels to the marketplace, seeking another loan from the Jews. They refuse him, citing that he has made no attempt to repay his first loan. In retaliation for these vicious comments, he expels the Jews from his markets and coming near his tribes, confiscating their gold as they leave. Flexing his power and ambition, he uses the money to declare himself King of Mumu, the new title of the lands of his tribes. He then continues on his original plan, building a shipyard so that he may emulate these Viking raiders.

Spoiler: Images

Let the raids begin.

The new crown was awfully expensive.

Beg! Beg for it!

This is not the face Brian married.

The rite of passage for any true Catholic ruler.

Doedgus is six years old now, and Brian decides to educate him in the ways of leadership and battle himself, but the Chief is very busy and unfortunately his little time for his only son, who spends more time learning Intrigue from his mother. Speaking of his mother, Varberga is sent to Cornwall to get some fresh air and a change of scenery, and perhaps bring back some of their technology. The timing is poor however, because the air is foul with smallpox, which she soon falls ill with, but thankfully recovers from. Now a king, Brian gives Chief Indrechtach a chance at redemption by offering him a chance so wear his loyalty, an offer Indrechtach graciously accepts. Bresal, who had been spending time up in Connachta, returns with another claim now his king to press. Brian assembles his warriors once again for what is now becoming a routine affair of conquest.

Before departing, King Brian relieves Bresal, who is becoming too old and weak from his work, of his spot on the council and gives it to Bishop Cailech, who is sent to Bréifne, to do what Brian's chancellors do best. Chief Indrechtach and his tribesmen join up with Mumu's main army, and Connachta suffers the same fate as those before it. What follows next is a case of, pardon Brian's Frankish, déjà vu. His he chooses a woman from Connachta named Aíbinn as his new concubine, for she reminds him a little of his former wife. His other concubine gives him his second son, Áedán. Meanwhile, Chief Flann of Dubhlinn, friend of Domnall, former Chief of Connachta, presses his friend's claim for Bréifne, overwhelming their smaller army. Brian still has a truce with Domnall, so when the bishop returns with a claim, he is forced to wait.

Spoiler: Images

It's a common name.

A raiding we will go! A raiding we will go!

Maybe the Bishop will be able to speak kind words about Brian to the Pope.

Truce? Brian's a tribal king! Those Jews must have cast some magical spell.

Having vassals was a bad idea anyway.

Having no vassals means the king makes all the rules.

King Brian's warriors will not be dissapointed for long, though, for the shipyard in Deasmhumhain has recently finished producing a trio of seafaring vessels; it is time to go raiding. 300 of his best men are gathered together and board the ships with him, which chart a course for Iberia. When they arrive they find the Umayyad Sultanate overwhelmed with rebellious emirs and Catholic uprisings; they are the perfect target. Landing in Silves to scout out the area, the local count mistakes them for Vikings and attempts to repel them. Wiping out a force the tenth their size, King Brian's men are victorious, and the count apologizes for the misunderstanding. The Irish raiders move into Muslim lands, where they fill the ships full of plunder, before they are chased off of land. Returning home, they are greeted as champions, and prepare for more raids, as their king waits for a truce to end.

 

[Lord Momus]

Great start! I eagerly await the next chapter of The Great Irish Empire!

 

[DeamonBlackfyre]

FOR MUMU!

 

[Saxon125]

The rite of passage for any true Catholic ruler.

So true.

Otherwise, good land grabbing and consolidation soon the whole of Ireland will be yours.

 

[B5Alpha]

King Brian of Mumu: Born to be King (799-808)
​

It would be a long eight years until Brian to bring Bréifne into his realm, he needed a way to kill all that time. He had his wives and two concubines, but they wouldn't do him when they were pregnant, and he was starting to get sore. So he took up hunting game to pass the time. He did have two more sons, one legitimate (Gormán) and another from his concubine Dúinsech, who still hates him. Perhaps that is why she gave him a weakling, Dallán, who can barely lift a dagger and is always ill. At least now King Brian has more time to raise his sons, especially his eldest son Doedgus. He receives news that his chancellor, Bishop Cailech, is now Cardinal Cailech. Whatever he said to the Pope must have really struck a chord.

Spoiler: Images

He sure won the Pope over.

A weakling will not live to be very old, but his life expectancy will surely decrease when Brian dies and his brothers want his land.

What are the odds of meeting a hunter on the hunting grounds?

This little piggy ran ALL the way home.

Then the shipbuilder announces the completion of two new vessels, and it's time to prepare another raiding party. They return to the old spot on the west coast of Iberia, where the plundering is good. Brian and his men nearly fill the ships to the brim before they are chased back to them by the Umayyad army. Upon returning home to add the loot to the treasury, the White Stag is spotted by a peasant in Urmhumhain. The raiders return home as Brian gathers his hunting party, eager to prove he is as adept at killing animals as he is at killing men. Out in the woods, Brian makes a new friend. Airfhannán the Hunter joins the hunting party, but even by their hunting powers combined the White Stag eludes them. A normal stag does scare Brian though, and he promptly runs away, sending his party into a laughing fit.

Cnes gives Brian a fifth grandchild, Rúadán. From the moment he was born Brian could tell there was something special about the boy. He knew that this boy had the potential to do great things. Doedgus was his rightful heir, but there surely was a place in his kingdom for Rúadán. As if all these little children running around weren't enough, Varberga gives her husband Brian a puppy. At least when it grows up though, it can help him hunt, unlike Dallán. He names the puppy Faithful, after his wife, a Lombard who has accepted the fat that his husband must take concubines under Irish tradition.

Spoiler: Images

He would have made a great Basileus if his father ever had the balls to try to seize the throne.

Puppies!

Now he's old enough to plot and fight.

What enemy has Brian created?

Steward Eudokimos dies, leaving Cnes alone to raise their five children. Good thing Mumu has so many bishops that would be honored to educate the king's grandchildren. She is remarried to a bastard from the Karling dynasty, who dies a few months later. Doedgus comes of age, taking a lot after his father. A new pope is selected, from a small dynasty known as the von Habsburgs. He only lives a few more years before Brian new chancellor, Cardinal Muirgius, is chosen to become Pope Silverius II. Unfortunately, he never really liked Brian that much. And he is from the same dynasty as the chief of Bréifne, which could pose a problem. But now is not the time for worrying about problems, now is the time for raiding.

Brian establishes an annual raiding season in Mumu, where he gathers as many men as can fit on the boats, and they sail south to take all the gold they can from the Muslims. It's their way of being pious Catholics. They found rich new raiding grounds on the east coast of Iberia and along the northern shores of Africa. Their Islamic targets either had armies too few in number that suicide charged the better commanded Irish raiders, or larger, slow armies, that the Irishmen could easily escape from. For several years, raiding and his women were all Brian needed. When he was away the High Chiefdom's affairs were managed his wife and son, Doedgus, who had gotten married, to the granddaughter of neighboring Pictland's king. Unfortunately, she had grown up to be quite the sinner, and had little interest in men. To make matters worse, her father died and his brother inherited the kingdom instead, so no alliance was forged. Cnes had also gotten remarried, and ran away to the Isle of Manu with the man, leaving her children behind. None of that mattered though because finally the truce between Mumu and Bréifne was expiring.

Spoiler: Images

"I married a lesbian sinner for an alliance that fell through."

Now I know Brian is getting old.

From a petty chief to a grand king.

They shall be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

On King Brian's 57th birthday, war was declared. His army was ten times the size of his enemies, and was better trained, equipped, and commanded. The war was over in a month, before the pope had time to do any meddling. Brian had saved money in the treasury from all of that raiding, and he used that money to forge the Emerald Crown. The Emerald Crown was a dark gold band, decorated with some of the finest emeralds. Compared to feudal crowns in was rather drab, but this was a true tribal crown. With the crown he proclaimed himself King of Éire. Most of the Irish chiefs took note and pledged their allegiance to him, before their tribes were conquered and their wives made concubines. All except for two chiefs, who were more concerned about some foreign war. Ignoring the new King Brian was a decision they would come to regret.

 

[Saxon125]

Congrats on forming Ireland, Scotland or Wales next perhapes. That Irish Pope worries me somewhat. But hopefully you can keep him on your side.

 

[RossN]

Enjoying this a lot; it's been a long time since I've played Ireland so it is educational. Congrats on becoming king!

 

[Deaghaidh]

I've obviously always enjoyed Ireland. It gets a bad rap as Tutorial Island.

I'm not sure, it's been a while, do the celtic tribes start with Tanistry succession? I remember at one point they did not, which meant you had to go feudal and only then try to change the law, which irked me terribly. Tanistry is seriously underrated.

Unsolicited advise, unless a truly irresistible opportunity arises, resist the impulse to expand beyond Ireland for a while. It's very easy to overstretch, and then find you self in trouble when a neighbor consolidates power in England or Scotland.

 

[B5Alpha]

I've obviously always enjoyed Ireland. It gets a bad rap as Tutorial Island.

I'm not sure, it's been a while, do the celtic tribes start with Tanistry succession? I remember at one point they did not, which meant you had to go feudal and only then try to change the law, which irked me terribly. Tanistry is seriously underrated.

Unsolicited advise, unless a truly irresistible opportunity arises, resist the impulse to expand beyond Ireland for a while. It's very easy to overstretch, and then find you self in trouble when a neighbor consolidates power in England or Scotland.

It's really only tutorial in 1066, when England is preoccupied and the Vikings have almost vanished. Other start dates are more challenging, like this one.

They start with Gavel-kind. It's better than Elective Gavel-kind, but I plan to switch to tanistry once I feudalize.

It is tempting to attack England while it is divided so heavily, but they are all feudal and I am tribal, so that is unlikely. Since the alliance with Pictland fell through, they would make a good target if I find them weak, otherwise I may start attacking the Vikings so that when I feudalize I'll be free of their raiding. I Don't think I'm strong enough to take on the Muslims yet, maybe if they continue fracturing.

Also, thanks to everyone who is following this journey so far.

 

[B5Alpha]

King Brian of Éire: Raiding is Dangerous Work (808-810)
​

Brian was getting old, and his heir needed children of his own, but Doedgus' wife Elen wasn't going to give him any, at least not anytime soon. Being the sinner she was, it wasn't very difficult to find others in his court who agreed with him, and one day she took a fall off a balcony. More importantly, Ireland was not completely unified just yet. Two chiefdoms were still independent, so war was quickly prepared against Dubhlinn. The war was again no trouble for Brian, but before he could claim victory, the chief reorganized his tribe and finished construction of a castle, and began calling himself an earl. While still Irish, he was no longer quite like the rest of us and he would be a difficult vassal to manage in the future. Seeing this show of force though, the last chiefdom submitted himself and Ireland was unified at last.

Spoiler: Images

In my opinion, she was a rotten fruit.

He rushed feudalism for this?

Ignoring the bastard and lover's pox, the chance at a strong heir is worth it.

Brian built a kingdom, now Doedgus must make it endure.

After Doedgus was remarried to Lucrezia, daughter of an Italian patrician, it was time to return to raiding the Muslims. It was another successful raiding, although it required more retreating than usual, but the filled the boast up again. But there was an accident. When returning to the ship, Brian fell overboard, and he was getting too old to keep himself afloat. His son Doedgus leaped in after him as quick as he could, but it was too late. The King was dead. Doedgus was in charge now. So he sent them sailing home, a mood of joy after successful raiding replaced by a somber one.

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Didn't expect that to be so short. I can probably have the first chapter of Doedgus' rule up today. I am busy over the weekend, but if I have the time I may write some vignettes from the POV of Brian's courtiers. Regular updates will resume next week.

 

[B5Alpha]

King Doedgus of Éire: Define "Kinslayer" (810-820)
​

Upon returning to Deasmhumhain to give the bad news, King Doedgus received some good news. His wife Lucrezia had brought a son into this world, a strong and healthy boy named Ercáed. He no longer had to worry about any of his pathetic brothers taking the throne if he died, at least not without a few untimely deaths first. But now was the time for him to create untimely deaths. High Chief Áedán of Laigin was hardly his brother, same with that weakling Chief Dallán; Varberga is not their mother, so they do not deserve his father's lands. He could at least tolerate his brother Gormán, for the sake of his mother. The two half-lings would be disposed of, but first he began to mentor both of them, so that they would be in his court, with no protection.

Spoiler: Images

The Jews are back in town.

A worthy, and awesome, heir.

I'm surprised he knows what an ostrich is.

Always find a fall guy.

Several of Doedgus' courtiers, including a chief from Ulaidh, sided with him against Áedán. Together they sent him flying over a fall, but unfortunately some looked up and saw the push. Despite his protests that the brat was not really his brother, despite sharing a father, many in the realm considered their new king to be a kinslayer. He blamed the chief of Ulaidh for being caught, and had him imprisoned. Deciding he was no longer worthy of the land, Doedgus took the province for himself; after getting his half-brother's land, he had now doubled his holdings from just the High Chiefdom of Mumu. Meanwhile, his brother-in-law, the King of Italy, was embroiled in civil war, but Éire didn't have the ships to send enough troops to make an impact.

After being caught the first time, Doedgus decided that stabbing people in the back was not his thing; anyway, he had eliminated the largest threat to his rule. Round this time, he experienced a much sadder death, that of his mother, Varberga. His vassals hardly respect her death, because the chief of Tír Eoghain starts a faction to place Gormán O'Brien on the throne. Doedgus sends spies, seeking a way to remove that nuisance of a man from being a threat to his reign. Meanwhile, he begins his first raid since the death of his father; now having twelve ships, leading to more gold and more prestige. Upon returning home successful, his spies had dug up proof of the traitor Chief Áed's treason. But when the marshal was sent to imprison him, he rebelled with his two tribes.

Spoiler: Images

How did she even get Great Pox?

Begin evil laugh now.

Infinity win-loss ratio.

Of course, Doedgus still had his father's armies, so it was a pointless affair. Once again, offshore allies did not play any part, and the traitor chief was imprisoned. Tír Eoghain was taken from him, and he had to buy his own ransom, sent to live out the rest of his days with his tribesmen in Airgíalla. The chief of Cill Dara also set up a faction, Chancellor Domnall, but he was imprisoned and he was replaced on the council by a Jewish courtier, Yuda, for one of Doedgus' first acts as King was to allow their return; he wanted more technological development to catch up with the rest of Europe.

Having trouble ruling his vassals, who were still upset over the murder of his brother, Doedgus was very surprised to see a Papal emissary arrive one day. The Pope was willing to absolve him of this sin, should he make a small donation to the church. He graciously accepted, and while the people of Ireland could not forget the murder, they were willing to forgive him if the Pope was. While his raiding continued, Doedgus focused on creating a larger family. His only son was now old enough to be tutored by him, and one heir was too dangerous. Unfortunately his second son, Uargal, had a lisp, but that was only a minor setback. Ercáed was growing up to be an heir great enough to make any man proud. He even had him betrothed to the duchess of Flanders, and while she was an idiot, she could still give Ercáed children who would add the duchy to the lands of Éire.

Spoiler: Images

The Irish Pope was never this nice to me.

Remember him? He is now the marshal and is married.

It's all about that land.

It is more convenient, and the Pope doesn't seem to mind.

Christian loot is just as valuable as Muslim loot.

With the Muslim raiding grounds drying up due to Christian uprisings and conquests, if Irish raiding was to continue to happen every year, Christians would have to be raided. Doedgus made the easy choice, Brittany. Many of he and his father's enemies had allies there, even if they were never actively involved in the wars; and it was much closer than the north coast of Africa. One ruler sent a smaller army to try to repel the raiders, for he had not encountered Irish military dominance yet. They were squashed, and the raiding party faced no further resistance filling up the ships, and they returned home to glory, where Lucrezia was giving birth to twins, Martha and Artúr.

 

[Saxon125]

Once king dies, another rises and he is a Kinslayer. Nice consolodation, hopefully you can become fedual soon, and then expand to perhapes Wales, or Pictland if they are weak enough.

 

[B5Alpha]

King Doedgus of Éire: Never Give Up on Raiding (820-831)
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A feast was held that year in celebration of all the kingdom's good fortune, and everyone but the Chief of Airgíalla, who hated the king, was in attendance. The food was delicious and bountiful, the entertainment was excellent. and almost everyone had a wonderful time. During the celebration Ercáed was caught while trying to sneak his first kiss. Doedgus educated him about virtues and sins, but just like his aunt Cnes, he only ended up becoming paranoid. Afterwards it was time for more raiding, and the Shipbuilder in Deasmhumhain received an upgrade.

Spoiler: Images

Never be cheap as a tribal king, prestigious kings are not dead kings.

As long as it wasn't Stacy's mom.

Conspiracy theories run in the family.

The raids became more daring, with attacks on West Francia, the Byzantines, Italy, and the petty Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Nothing was off limits for the raiders of Doedgus, it was all about bring in a stream of money and prestige. While terrorizing the people of other shores, Doedgus was very fair to his own people, earning the title of "the Just" from them. Having given up on his Chancellor, that Jew, to fabricate claims in Pictland, he decided that maybe it was time to invade the Vikings, his raiding competition. Chancellor Yuda was sent to Skåne to work on that. Refugees show up, the royal family of Dál Riata, an Irish kingdom that recently had been conquered by Pictland. Recently, Airgíalla had changed hands several times, so Doedgus revoked the chiefdom and gave it to Glún-Iairn from Dál Riata.

Spoiler: Images

It's all a matter of perspective.

Maybe Pictland should be one day called Northeast Ireland.

FOR THE HOMELAND!

Now, it was time to take that land back for the Irish. With warriors that had recently sworn allegiance to King Doedgus, war was declared between the two kingdoms. His vassals were eager to assist in reclaiming Irish land, and together their numbered swelled to dwarf the Pictish. Airer Goídel was quickly sieged, while the Pictish army had sailed into northern Ireland. The Irish army returned to Ireland to defend the homeland, destroying the Pictish army, and singlehandedly winning the war. The chiefdom was returned to Irish control, now under the protection of the Kingdom of Éire, while Pictland would become plagued by Fraticelli heretics and Viking invasions.

Spoiler: Images

See in background, Pictland being crushed for not calling in it's allies.

Like father, like son.

A tradition of military domination.

Doedgus had two more daughters, Lígach and Ablach. In the middle of a minor argument with Yuda over wheat, all his Jewish friends were thrown out of the kingdom. Still angry, Doedgus decided raiding would take his mind off of it by raiding. Unfortunately, the defending armies began to serve him defeat after defeat, until the raiding party was only a fraction of the size. Returning home head held low, though, he was not about to give up. After marrying Ercáed to his new wife, Uusbail, he began planning the biggest raiding party yet.

Spoiler: Images

Was raiding, wasn't a war, doesn't count, still undefeated, can't stop me, etc.

Wait, how did he not get kicked out?

Glory for Ireland!

With over 2400 men and 25 ships, the largest raiding party yet in Ireland set out to prove their might. Beginning of the northern coast of West Francia, they moved into the Western Mediterranean, where many large cities were ripe for the picking. Chancellor Yuda fabricated a claim on Skåne, after one too many Hanukkahs, and he was kicked out with his kind afterward and replaced by Lugh, Doedgus' nephew. Attacking cities like Tunis, Pisa, and Genoa, the raiding party returned with the most loot ever, a treasure trove of gold. This was a great victory, and soon they would show their might to the Norsemen. After all, Doedgus had grandchildren now, and they would need land of their own to rule over.

 

[B5Alpha]

Map Update 831

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Here is the first map update. Charlemagne killed Karloman, but everyone found out and put Karloman's son Pepin in charge. Despite having two sons in elective, Pepin's son Mainard inherited it all except Germany, which went to a German amrried to Lígach, daughter of Eudokimos and Cnes. Umayyads are dissolving to Christian rebellions. East Africa has remained firmly Coptic and has expanded, but has recently become the target of the Caliphate. Zunism remains in one province. Zoroastrianism is quickly disappearing as well. Feel free to ask any questions.