Crouching Bastard, Hidden Dragon ~ Welsh Stand in 1066

[NexusSix]

This is my first AAR ( be kind !! ) and its going to follow the path of the Duke of Gwynedd.
Im using the pre Hastings 1066 mod designed by Veldmaarschalk.
Well... lets kick it off then. Hope you enjoy !!




PROLOGUE : Meet The Fokkers ( Bleddyn Mathrafal's)

Well this is the Duke, a rough and tumble handsome bloke set for greatness ?
Well first thing to mention is his err... active loins.....

Handsome bunch, Wife is a bit of a moose, somehow the sly old devil has managed to cast her aside and keep her onside. Nothing like a loyal wet nurse I guess !!
Her male offspring seem to be classed as The born king, the porker and the hobbit. Not missing the free nun thrown in !

Now wifey #2 seemed to have lost her life , tradgically no doubt ! She did leave behind a small boy and a slag of a daugher ! Get in !

The current Mrs is has supplied us with two small boys

After looking at the previous 3 its no wonder ol Dukey had to go off and find a hottie to cuddle up with. Throw the 2 bastards into the mix !! That can only be described as a beard of destiny !!

This picture shows the current court set up as well as Duke Bleddyn's family. His brother who is un-married and his sister who is married to the chancelor with one son.
And then his brothers daugher (17) married to the Marshall (69) a guess the age is a sign of the times...... lucky bloke Id guess !
As you can see its one big happy ( for now ) family affair.
The Duke is also allied to The Duke of Lancaster.

Finally the lands

Count Bleddyn owns 3 pieces of territory ( it would take ages for me to spell them and a lot of phlem they are the ones with the flag and the 2 unoccupied)
The Duke of Dyfed claims the other 2 areas as his Vassel and the Duke of Lancs is to the North.



The current political situation sees Harold Goodwinson losing control of England with claims to his throne from Norway, Danmark, France and a certain bloke called Wills in Normandy.
Will the Duke Bleddyn ap Cynfyn Mathrafal be able to hold his realm together or even expand it ?? First thoughts are I should have chosen more spellable names !!
Let the saga begin.......

 

[unmerged(131989)]

Haha! No way! I'm in purely for the title! :rofl:

I look forward to reading this AAR. I've been meaning to play CK some more lately, so perhaps reading some AARs - such as this - will inspire me!

 

[unmerged(31881)]

Well, with a title like that and a beard of destiny, i'll definitely follow along. Best of luck against the Saxons/Normans/Pope Crazypants XIV/Norwegians/Sheikdom of Praha.

 

[LlywelynII]

Well, it's always good to see another Welsh AAR, but I do have to say I support the legitimate Aberffraws (the guy in exile in Dublin) over you Mathrafal usurpers. (Boo! Hiss!)

Any plans? Lancaster looks huge in this mod - are you going to make a bid for England? or planning on slowly moving the Cymry out somewhere sunnier?

 

[phargle]

I can't stay away from this title.

 

[Beamed]

I'll keep my eye on this one.

 

[Murmurandus]

Yup, count me in...

 

[NexusSix]

CHAPTER ONE : Sealing a Dynasty

Regardless of the future ( and out of character authors note... no Llewellyn I honestly have no real idea where im going as yet ) The Duke of Gynedd realised if any of his ambitions were to be met he needed to seal a strong dynasty. His active and sorded loins had left him eight sons and two daughters, so his first task was seeing to thier marriage and rise to maturity.

Recognising the strength of Cornish Culture, the Duke sent one of his sons to the care of Duke Cerniw and another un-noticied son, Cadwagan to experience the culture of Normandy. There was some contestion about who was Cadwagan's mother but Duke Bleddyn was certain of the father hood much to the anoyance of the bastards Maelog and Rhirid. Duke Bledynn took the son as his direct blood decendent, taking the son count to nine !

Rhirid was so incised that he lost his trust in others and took out his anger on his peers !!

The bastard brothers mood was probably not made any better when the notorious Count Dungal "Granny Shagger" Straithnith proposed marriage to thier 28 year old mother. Holding back the shock and giggles of amasement Duke Bledynn sang "Bye bye baby bye bye" as he bid his former lover adieu.

The next step was finding some blood strong enough or someone bloody stupid enough to give thier daughters up to marry his sons. The King of Denmark answered his call and a marriage was arranged between Maredudd (The King) and Rhiriyd (The Hobbit) and two of the Kings youngest daughters.

Madog (The Porker) was matched to King Harold of Englands second youngest bastard daughter. Count Bleddyn was happy enough to take her in and gained the presige that came at having a very tenuous link to the Throne of England ( Pigs might fly Bleddyn !! )

The resulting wedding ceremonies resulted in much frivolity of course the kids were not invited so young Rhiwallen took the time befreinding Rhys Morgan a young nobles son, over a game of confuse the drunken Wedding goer.

Young Iorwerth decided not to waste his time with such stupidity and dedicated himself to becoming a fearsome soldier.

Following the resulting hangover which was rumored to last a month Count Bledyyn looked to seal the future of his brother and his daughters. Petty Nobles in Ireland by the ton were asking for his youngest slag daughters hand as their was a rumor involving her and six young nobles. Duke Bleddyn was however coy about sarcrificing his assets.

Finally a great offer came from the Court of Normandy and Counth Bleddyn saw this as an oppertunity to have someone in his family keep half an eye on both the court and the young Cadwagon. The Bursary sent by the Duke was also a hefty 100 + Gold !

In a move which Ironically might eventually turn Count Bledyyn's hand in the future the local Count of Glamorgan refused the hand of his youngest courtier to Count Bledyyns brother so he was forced to look futher affield . Although she was not a young teenager the Count spoted young Edla Kamp in the King of Norway's court.

In the mean time Count Bleddyn was happy enough to have added an 100% Catholic stock to his court as well as the good news proving that women were doing what women do best. It was also rumored that a supply of Viagra had reached Gwynedd as old Marshall Rhys had managed to pull off the unthinkable !!!


With his family looking strong Count Bleddyn began to look at his alternatives in the area. Viable options seemd to be to attempt to unite Wales or seek his future in Ireland. King Harold seemed to have England locked down although the Duke of Lancaster was murmering about splitting away. Duke Bleddyn remembered the insult from the Count of Glamorgan and cast a scrutinous eye over the rest of Wales. His advasaries were the following.

With the Count of Glamorgan sending his niece off to marry the Count of Norfolk and The Count of Dyfred's obvious taste in allies it was clear that the current set of rogues did not have any respect for Welsh pride or culture.
The gears of war ( and futher baby making) were set into motion !!!

 

[unmerged(131989)]

Alliance building through marriage - so that's how you'll maintain peace. I look forward to seeing how long this lasts...

 

[Tommy4ever]

Fantastic AAR I'm following

 

[NexusSix]

CHAPTER 2 : Insults are not Forgotten !

Duke Bleddyn weighed up his options after reviewing his opponents. Their was a good chance that King Harold would declare war in the defence of his ally the Duke of Deheubarth. However the marriage between Harolds bastard and Duke Bleddyn's second son would surely add some stock?
Being a man of action the Duke made a bold move. He raised an army from Gwynedd and marched on Glamorgan, leading them personaly. As he marched he boldly claimed himself the rightfull Count of Glamorgan !

Duke Bleddyn made his war declaration as his army took its places on the battlefield. As expected the Duke of Deheubarth answered his vassel's call for help and mobilised.

Duke Bleddyn could not belive his luck when King Harold did not aid his ally. Infact Bleddyn was confused and shocked when the Duke of Lancaster declared war quickly followed by his leige !! King Harold himself !!!

Perhaps Harold truely loved his bastard daughter ? Or more likely the woman who gave birth to her !! Or perhaps he had found a better ally in the King of Germany. Regardless the armies of England began to mass towards Wales !


THE BATTLE OF GLAMORGAN

The fighting was long and bloody but Duke Bleddyn ap Cynfyn Mawthrafal , Duke of Gwynedd held the day with his vastly superior force. The Count of Glamorgan was forced to run to neighbouring Gwent to re-muster his ideas.

He issued his plea of peace. Duke Bleddyn answered saying "You know what is mine" as he settled into a nice long seige.

On the home front there were some interesting events as Rhys continued to move through the court. Why is he making so many links within our court and bloodline ? This youngman must be watched, carefully.

More worrying was the declaration of love between brother and sister !!

Much of the court put this down to puppy love, however Duke Bleddyn did not spend his time strengthening his line to have brother and sister begin such an abortion of a liason. This is something else to watch !

The troubles at home were of little matter as Marshall Rhys was mobalised in Perfwedlerlad to ensure the Duke of Deheubarth could not move his army to Glamorgan. They were sent south to Dryfrd as the Count of Gwent asnwered his leiges call. He was however pragmatic as a single volly from Count Bleddyn's longbow weilding archers sent him on a long march back to Gwent without a man lost. Obviously the Count of Gwent is not a stupid man !

THE BATTLE OF DYFED

The victory at Dyfed was overshadowed by the sevre injury to Marshall Rhys. Half of the court had pleaded with the 69 year old who was expecting his first son not to make the march but he stubornly refused to give up what he saw as his duty. Following the victory the force was sent onto assist the seige of Glamorgan as Marshall Rhys was rushed back to his young wife.


THE BATTLE FOR GLAMORGAN

Count Cadwagan returned to Glamorgan with his beleagured force. With a salute of as much contept rather than respect he ordered the advance. His host was slaughtered to a man as he made a hasty retreat.

Following the battle the plea for peace was sent from The Duke of Deheubarth . A glorious victory for house Mawthrafal ! However the English were laying seige to Dyfed.

As the dust settled and the forces of Duke Bledyyn, now Count of Glamorgan returned to thier homes there was a feeling of loss rather than victory.
What had the Duke done ? In his plea for revenge and control he had given open invitation for his beloved Wales to be ravaged by English forces. This and the betrayal of the Duke of Lancaster would not be forgotten lightly ! The alliance had been broken as the Duke of Lancaster continued his own nefarous plot.

What will the future hold ?
The bastards will soon come of age...
The English rape and pilage Wales with no claims on Welsh titles.
What is the next move for Duke Bleddyn ?

 

[Murmurandus]

The vast number of 'loin-products' and their marriages got me confused already... nevertheless I'm stuck to this story...

 

[Enewald]

Drive the invaders out from every Welsh village and town!

 

[NexusSix]

CHAPTER 3: The Count of Perfeddwlad

Duke Bleddyn wept as he was helpless to watch his beloved Wales raveged by forign invaders. He did not have the funds to raise an army following the last campaign and could do nothing but watch with clenched fists. In an action which was probably more sympathy and hatred for Engalnd The Scottish King, Maelcolvin extended his hand in frienship, something the Duke accepted willingly.

Then the un-thinkable happened. The English forces withdrew. At first it was expected that it was purely an expeditionary force which had withdrawn to allow greater numbers to enter Wales, however the months passed and the English relaxed and forgot about Wales. Obviously it was just a slight distraction. Duke Bledyyn swore to make the Duke of Lancaster pay for his mockery of an alliance and began to plot, he however had more pressing issues at hand.

The former Duke of Glamorgan Cadwagan ap Maurig Morgan was still alive and held a claim to the title, he had fled to his father in laws court in Aragon.

The Duke of Dheubarth's line was running weak and Duke Bledyyn held a claim of succession. This progress would have to be watched and perhaps guided with an assassins blade.

The Dukes wife gave birth to another son, causing the Duke to have to remain at home.

With the extra lands taken the Duke appointed his eldest son, Maredudd the Count of Perfeddwlad.
Maredudd began to create himself a court and settle the affairs taking some pressures from Duke Bedyyn.

This prompted a plea for land from Bledyyn's second eldest son which was tactically ignored. Luckily Madog seemed apeased and remained quiet about the matter.

These events were overshadowed with an inevitable tradgedy. Marshall Rhys who had been releaved of his duties died from the injury taken at the Battle of Dyfed. He left his pregnant wife behind.

Duke Bledyyn took pity on his neice and married her on to the newly apointed Marshall , who was also her cousin.

The sulking son Madog spent his time hunting and managed to make a very influencial friend in his father in law. Perhaps denying him land was a good thing ? Duke Bledyyn had no doubt of his sons loyalty but was now worried about giving his son a title in the future. If Madog was to align himself to England it could very well underpin everything he was aiming toward. However having a friend of King Harold in his court was a different matter entirely !

Everything was begining to pan out for the best until The Count of Perfeddwlad made a move which showed his youth and in-experience. He apointed the former steward of Glamorgan as his own steward. Ironically Gwargant ap Ithel Morgan was the father of Nest, who's refused marriage arguably started the whole war with the Count of Glamorgan. Gwargant bought his eldest son as Spymaster and his four grandchildren with him as well. The Court of Perfeddwlad was worryingly begining to look a lot like that of Glamorgan. When questioned Marradud angrily retorted " I am the Count of Perfeddwlad father, this is my land I shall appoint who I please" With a fearfull look Count Bledyyn took a backstep to allow his son to make his own mistakes.

 

[NexusSix]

CHAPTER 4: Bastards and Daggers

The Duke of Gwynedd looked to home and his children for comfort while he attempted to take a backseat and allow Maredudd to control his own affairs.
His first move was to marry off his bastard sons. Now although they were technically bastards the Duke loved thier mother very much and had nothing truely against them, however he did not love them enough to claim them legitimately.

The eldest of the two, Maelog made a political marriage to the sister of the Duke of the Isles, Gudrod Crovan. He was allied to the cursed Duke of Dehbrath. However Maelogs son would be second in line after his wife's brother to the title of Duke of the Isles.

Rhirid, who was begining to follow a pious path was married to the daughter of a Bohemian Duke of small stature.

Regardless of these mariages the two brothers were still looked at with disgust by outsiders.

Count Bleddyn appointed Rhirid his Bishop and Maelog asked to become Marshall. The former Marshall, Owain ap Edwyn son of the former Chancellor left for the Court of Perfwedladd with his wife ( who is also his cousin ) thier daughter and the former Marshall Rhy's son.

Following thier depature Owain's father triggered a strange course of events. After demanding he was re-instated as chancellor he had a public row with Duke Bleddyn who left the engagement shaking with rage. Regretablly the former chancellor died in his sleep that evening leaving his former wife, Bleddyn's own sister a widow. In a political move designed to ensure Maredudd was supported from within his court she was married off to his steward.
This left 2 more people of Bleddyn's blood and the loyal former Marshall Owain ap Edwyn in the court of Perfwedladd to support Count Maredudd.

The Cabinet at Gwyfed was begining to take shape.

Duke Beddyn turned his attention back to his legitamate sons and choose to marry them both off to subtible wives.
Llywarch, who was in love with his own sister was married to a real lustfull girl in an attempt to take his attention away from his sister.
While Iorwerth was married off to an equally loose woman from the powerfull court of Normandy.

Tradgedy soon struck Duke Bleddyn as his son Maredudd Count of Perfwedladd confronted the duke about his son Iestyn. The claim was that a courtier had informed him that the boy was not his and infact the love child of the Duke Bleddyn and Maredudd's wife Ingrid. She had already claimed her chastity in the event but Maredudd was enraged. He bastardised his first born son before storming out of Gwfyed threatening his independence. Duke Bleddyn had never entertained the chance of fielding forces against his own blood and ordered Marshall Maelog to raise an army. Luckily, the Dukes sister and Maredudd's Marshall Owain defused the situation with worse news regarding the mysterious bearer of bad news.

The worm, Cadwagan ap Maurig Morgan had returned from Aragon with his wife and sons and was residing right under Duke Bleddyn's nose ! Fearing unsettling his son Maredudd futher the Duke choose to stab Cadwagan in a similar fasion rather than send his assassins.

Duke Bledyyn anounced the marriage of his youngest daughter and the mysterious Rhys Morgan, Cadwagan's unknown younger brother who had been growing to maturity the entire time in Duke Bleddyn's court. He was fiercely loyal to the Duke and had an extra special hatred for his elder brother.

The Duke of Gwyned watched and waited as relations between him and his son Maredudd sobred and returned to thier normal state. Cadwagan Morgans plot had failed but he still had the ear of the young Count of Perfwedladd.

A unlikely benefactor also showed up at the court in the shape of Ingrid's mother who like any good mother calmed her daughter and defused the situation. The result was that Ingrid was soon pregnant again with Maredudd's third child. Although Maredudd still refused to recognise his first born.

The Duke of Gwyned relaxed a little and began to return his attention to his previous goal's rellying on allies in his son's court to keep things on the straight and narrow. Attention returned to re-claiming Wales. However first the Duke had to replace his own aging wife. With the stroke of the assassins blade Duke Bleddyn was soon marrying his sixth consort. She quickly fell pregnant.

The Dukes eye fell back over Wales.........

 

[NexusSix]

Mathrafal Family Tree

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9794/fam1.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3750/fam2.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9148/fam3p.jpg


(This has been complied due to the complexity of the family. Bear in mind I couldnt fit them all onto one page so thier are 3 in succession. Also note that Rhirild has remarried and Bedyyn has had a daughter with his new wife Agnes, this will be covered in the next instalment of the story. Hope people are still enjoying reading as much as im enjoying playing. I would love ideas questions, input or anything else about my AAR. )

 

[LlywelynII]

Well, so far, so good. But when do we get to the kung fu and your family's rivalry with the Scottish Bruces, the Norman Lees, and the Frank Jacques de Channe?

 

[Teep]

That is a nice AAR title, its a bit sad that your lord hasn't got a nickname based on his 'prowess'.

 

[Murmurandus]

As expected an impressive family tree...

 

[Enewald]

Your dynasty won't die out soon I see. :rofl: