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Just caught up with this and really liking it.
I would go for Leinster. It helps you box in Munster and keep an eye on the Welsh.
I would go for Leinster. It helps you box in Munster and keep an eye on the Welsh.
@ Rivus: Leinster indeed, I think. And you're right, it does make for a better chance of the northern three accepting peaceful vassalization.
@ Enewald: I think he's in his mid to late 50s, but I can't remember for sure. Not too old, but no spring chicken either.
@ Alfredian: Welcome aboard! An eye on the Welsh would be useful, too - especially given that there's a nice tasty Muslim province nestled in there that wouldn't require a title claim to attack.
I should have an update up either tonight or tomorrow night, US Central Time
@ Enewald: I think he's in his mid to late 50s, but I can't remember for sure. Not too old, but no spring chicken either.
@ Alfredian: Welcome aboard! An eye on the Welsh would be useful, too - especially given that there's a nice tasty Muslim province nestled in there that wouldn't require a title claim to attack.
I should have an update up either tonight or tomorrow night, US Central Time
12 September 1105,
It's time to decide what to do with Hoggy. I've raised one kid myself, and quite frankly, it was quite the hassle. My wife doesn't want him out with some random nobleman - she's paranoid about him being kidnapped and ransomed (or worse), for some reason. That leaves two options - a nanny or a monk. Well, we sent all our daughters to the monastery and they turned out fine, so why not send Hoggy there too?
13 February 1106,
My daughter Eua needs to be married away. She keeps complaining about being lonely and needing a husband. And, to be honest, there's no fun in having an overly-hormonal 16 year old running around the hill-fort whining and complaining. Much to my annoyance, there are no eligible bachelors in the Scottish royal family! I'll have to marry her off elsewhere...
7 March 1106,
Great news! It turns out investing in a Court of Justice in Mayo was a brilliant decision. The smugglers that had been plaguing the region were captured and executed after a hasty (but fair!) trial. No more shall their stain be upon Connacht's capital!
More good news on this day. Eua was successfully married off! Stigan Knytling, the second son of the King of Denmark, is the lucky groom. Connacht - conquering Europe through the womb!
26 June 1106,
The recruitment center has been constructed in Dublin. In a few months, there will be enough troops in Dublin and Mayo alone to overrun the island. I must being planning the invasion of the County of Laigin. On the 1st of February it will begin, that should give ample time to build up my forces and deploy them to the border.
Laigin is a two province county, also holding the Isle of Man. That's not really of interest to me, though, as it's part of Man and the Isles, not Leinster. I hope to be able to overrun it as quickly as possible, as to not deplete my treasury too much.
Their alliance might be a bit tricky though- they've cast their lot in with the Duchy of Deheubarth. While I was lucky and got away with an easy peace against them in the last war, this time might be different. Hopefully, though, our peace treaty will be enough to keep them sidelined in the impending struggle.
May God's grace and mercy shine down upon us!
It's time to decide what to do with Hoggy. I've raised one kid myself, and quite frankly, it was quite the hassle. My wife doesn't want him out with some random nobleman - she's paranoid about him being kidnapped and ransomed (or worse), for some reason. That leaves two options - a nanny or a monk. Well, we sent all our daughters to the monastery and they turned out fine, so why not send Hoggy there too?
13 February 1106,
My daughter Eua needs to be married away. She keeps complaining about being lonely and needing a husband. And, to be honest, there's no fun in having an overly-hormonal 16 year old running around the hill-fort whining and complaining. Much to my annoyance, there are no eligible bachelors in the Scottish royal family! I'll have to marry her off elsewhere...
7 March 1106,
Great news! It turns out investing in a Court of Justice in Mayo was a brilliant decision. The smugglers that had been plaguing the region were captured and executed after a hasty (but fair!) trial. No more shall their stain be upon Connacht's capital!
More good news on this day. Eua was successfully married off! Stigan Knytling, the second son of the King of Denmark, is the lucky groom. Connacht - conquering Europe through the womb!
26 June 1106,
The recruitment center has been constructed in Dublin. In a few months, there will be enough troops in Dublin and Mayo alone to overrun the island. I must being planning the invasion of the County of Laigin. On the 1st of February it will begin, that should give ample time to build up my forces and deploy them to the border.
Laigin is a two province county, also holding the Isle of Man. That's not really of interest to me, though, as it's part of Man and the Isles, not Leinster. I hope to be able to overrun it as quickly as possible, as to not deplete my treasury too much.
Their alliance might be a bit tricky though- they've cast their lot in with the Duchy of Deheubarth. While I was lucky and got away with an easy peace against them in the last war, this time might be different. Hopefully, though, our peace treaty will be enough to keep them sidelined in the impending struggle.
May God's grace and mercy shine down upon us!
"Let others make war; you, fortunate Connaught, marry"
(although please don't let this put you off invading/vassalising Laigin)
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@ JDMS: Aye, I'm hoping it'll be easy, but Deheubarth, should they heed the call to war, could pose some problems.
@ Alfredian: Don't worry, I shan't let it put me off, when I've got my mind on war I can be very stubborn!
@ Enewald: I have no idea, sadly my knowledge of Gaelic is limited to about three words.
As sad as it is to say this, it's time to think about wrapping this up. It's been a good run so far, and I hope the next few updates will be as well, but if/when I get the King of Ireland title I think it will be time to call it quits. I honestly never thought I would make it to the position of being in contention for the KoI title as Connacht, both because Connacht starts with no economy and limited manpower and because I'm not the best at warring, which is something of an inevitibility if you want to make the Kingdom of Ireland.
There should be a few updates left, as there might be some unexpected twists of fate before I can lay claim to the title, but it seems like things are starting to fall in place for the conclusion of this AAR.
I should have the next update posted sometime Tuesday or Wednesday night, US Central Time
@ Alfredian: Don't worry, I shan't let it put me off, when I've got my mind on war I can be very stubborn!
@ Enewald: I have no idea, sadly my knowledge of Gaelic is limited to about three words.
As sad as it is to say this, it's time to think about wrapping this up. It's been a good run so far, and I hope the next few updates will be as well, but if/when I get the King of Ireland title I think it will be time to call it quits. I honestly never thought I would make it to the position of being in contention for the KoI title as Connacht, both because Connacht starts with no economy and limited manpower and because I'm not the best at warring, which is something of an inevitibility if you want to make the Kingdom of Ireland.
There should be a few updates left, as there might be some unexpected twists of fate before I can lay claim to the title, but it seems like things are starting to fall in place for the conclusion of this AAR.
I should have the next update posted sometime Tuesday or Wednesday night, US Central Time
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Aw. Good run 
BTW in this period the King of Ireland would properly be called the "High King", which would probably be Ard Rí (Rí being "King").
As for King of Kings, Google translate points to the term Rí na Rí , while another Irish dictionary calls it Rí na Ríthe, although that seems to refer more to the Biblical term.
I don't think the idea of "Ireland" came up yet at this period (national consciousness being a much later concept) actually. "Hibernia" comes closest.
I'm building up material for my own Irish AAR.... probably soonish
BTW in this period the King of Ireland would properly be called the "High King", which would probably be Ard Rí (Rí being "King").
As for King of Kings, Google translate points to the term Rí na Rí , while another Irish dictionary calls it Rí na Ríthe, although that seems to refer more to the Biblical term.
I don't think the idea of "Ireland" came up yet at this period (national consciousness being a much later concept) actually. "Hibernia" comes closest.
I'm building up material for my own Irish AAR.... probably soonish
It might be a bit of time until there's another update, as I have a lot of work to do, plus finals approaching. Hopefully by the 17th I'll be free to put up an update (which will, in all likelihood (and barring some sort of disaster), be the second to last update.
To all of those who haven't, you might want to consider checking out Song of Eire: A Dublin AAR, by Rivus - he's had a lot more success on the emerald isle than have I. Way to show me up, mate
To all of those who haven't, you might want to consider checking out Song of Eire: A Dublin AAR, by Rivus - he's had a lot more success on the emerald isle than have I. Way to show me up, mate
23 July, 1106
I ordered the attack on Laigin today. It is several months premature, but my troops were ready and Laigin was looking particularly vulnerable. The total invasion force numbers just over 3,000, a little more than 2/3 of my military. I want to go in there, conquer Laigin proper as quickly as possible, and hopefully force them to surrender Laigin without forcing me to attack Man. May God have mercy upon the Army of Connacht, and may His hand guide us forth to victory!
26 August, 1106
As I hoped, their army has crumbled before mine. My troops outnumbered theirs by a 3-1 margin, and the battle was more of a slaughter than a true fight. They've fled, but there are hardly enough of them left to pose a threat. I'll begin the siege at once - hopefully this can be finished before it has too bad an impact on the treasury.
5 October 1106,
Laigin is mine! The province fell easily, and with minimal damage to my army. Unfortunately, I don't think The Ua Mordhas will be quick to surrender their lands - a 500 strong army has landed from the Isle of Man, and is marching towards my force. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, and hopefully after the massive defeat we will, God willing, hand to them they'll be more inclined to see the benefits of giving up now.
27 October 1106,
Today was the day chosen for battle against the remnants of the army of Laigin. A combined force of 700 attacked by 2400 man army and was promptly beaten back. There will be no miracles for Laigin! I'm planning on pursuing the fleeing army to wipe it out once and for all.
11 January 1107,
The entire army of Laigin has been crushed, yet they still will not settle for peace that would cede Laigin to me! I've ordered my men onto the boats - we sail for Man. May God have mercy on any enemies we find there. My patience has run out with the Ua Mordhas.
28 March 1107,
This war is really beginning to look like a mistake. I'm almost 150 in debt, my army has been mustered for nearly a year, and the Ua Mordha family is showing its trademarked stubborness. I'm besieging Man now, hopefully in the end all will be worth it.
6 April 1107,
Foul news from the homeland! The peasants are up in arms in Mayo, rebelling against the Duchy! The troops in Mayo are here under my command, on Man, but I will call up the troops loyal to my mother, who is still acting as Countess of Sligo. They'll come to my aid, most certainly they will!
16 May 1107,
Today I received good news - the rebels in Mayo were crushed. And even better news - yesterday we succeeded in conquering the Isle of Man. I showed no mercy with my peace terms - Laigin would be ceded to me, I would be recognized as the legitimate ruler of neighboring Osraige, and the Ua Mordhas would be confined to the Isle of Man, where they would be vassals of the Duchy of Connacht. I dipped into their treasury a bit, too, to try to replenish my war debts. It will be a while before those get fully paid, though, unfortunately.
20 February 1108,
The past few months have been spent trying to get the treasury in order. I have been meaning to reward my mother, too, for her loyal years of service and help in quashing the rebellion in Mayo, and I thought of a fine way to do so - and in doing so, I could also move my capital to Dublin, which I've been considering for some years now. I granted her the titles of Countess of Mayo and Countess of Galway, meaning all of the coastal Atlantic provinces, those two and Sligo, which she has held for well over a decade, are under her control. The capital was indeed moved to Dublin, which is a better location for future expansion. It makes my realm a little more manageable, too - all the extra work was making me terribly stressed.
16 June 1108,
More good news. I sent an offer of vassalization to Urmumu a few weeks back, and the reply came in - they would accept to become Connacht's vassal. This, my court geographer tells me, means I need only one more province to call myself King of Ireland. Ulster is the natural target - I will plan my next move carefully. It might be the last thing I do as Duke of Connacht - I hope that if all goes well, I will be made King of Ireland.
I ordered the attack on Laigin today. It is several months premature, but my troops were ready and Laigin was looking particularly vulnerable. The total invasion force numbers just over 3,000, a little more than 2/3 of my military. I want to go in there, conquer Laigin proper as quickly as possible, and hopefully force them to surrender Laigin without forcing me to attack Man. May God have mercy upon the Army of Connacht, and may His hand guide us forth to victory!
26 August, 1106
As I hoped, their army has crumbled before mine. My troops outnumbered theirs by a 3-1 margin, and the battle was more of a slaughter than a true fight. They've fled, but there are hardly enough of them left to pose a threat. I'll begin the siege at once - hopefully this can be finished before it has too bad an impact on the treasury.
5 October 1106,
Laigin is mine! The province fell easily, and with minimal damage to my army. Unfortunately, I don't think The Ua Mordhas will be quick to surrender their lands - a 500 strong army has landed from the Isle of Man, and is marching towards my force. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, and hopefully after the massive defeat we will, God willing, hand to them they'll be more inclined to see the benefits of giving up now.
27 October 1106,
Today was the day chosen for battle against the remnants of the army of Laigin. A combined force of 700 attacked by 2400 man army and was promptly beaten back. There will be no miracles for Laigin! I'm planning on pursuing the fleeing army to wipe it out once and for all.
11 January 1107,
The entire army of Laigin has been crushed, yet they still will not settle for peace that would cede Laigin to me! I've ordered my men onto the boats - we sail for Man. May God have mercy on any enemies we find there. My patience has run out with the Ua Mordhas.
28 March 1107,
This war is really beginning to look like a mistake. I'm almost 150 in debt, my army has been mustered for nearly a year, and the Ua Mordha family is showing its trademarked stubborness. I'm besieging Man now, hopefully in the end all will be worth it.
6 April 1107,
Foul news from the homeland! The peasants are up in arms in Mayo, rebelling against the Duchy! The troops in Mayo are here under my command, on Man, but I will call up the troops loyal to my mother, who is still acting as Countess of Sligo. They'll come to my aid, most certainly they will!
16 May 1107,
Today I received good news - the rebels in Mayo were crushed. And even better news - yesterday we succeeded in conquering the Isle of Man. I showed no mercy with my peace terms - Laigin would be ceded to me, I would be recognized as the legitimate ruler of neighboring Osraige, and the Ua Mordhas would be confined to the Isle of Man, where they would be vassals of the Duchy of Connacht. I dipped into their treasury a bit, too, to try to replenish my war debts. It will be a while before those get fully paid, though, unfortunately.
20 February 1108,
The past few months have been spent trying to get the treasury in order. I have been meaning to reward my mother, too, for her loyal years of service and help in quashing the rebellion in Mayo, and I thought of a fine way to do so - and in doing so, I could also move my capital to Dublin, which I've been considering for some years now. I granted her the titles of Countess of Mayo and Countess of Galway, meaning all of the coastal Atlantic provinces, those two and Sligo, which she has held for well over a decade, are under her control. The capital was indeed moved to Dublin, which is a better location for future expansion. It makes my realm a little more manageable, too - all the extra work was making me terribly stressed.
16 June 1108,
More good news. I sent an offer of vassalization to Urmumu a few weeks back, and the reply came in - they would accept to become Connacht's vassal. This, my court geographer tells me, means I need only one more province to call myself King of Ireland. Ulster is the natural target - I will plan my next move carefully. It might be the last thing I do as Duke of Connacht - I hope that if all goes well, I will be made King of Ireland.
And one king to rule them all...
All hail the mighty king-to-be who can raise almost 6000 men!
All hail the mighty king-to-be who can raise almost 6000 men!
From Dutchy to plotting to be King of Ireland in 40 years? Not bad, not bad at all.
6000 men will see you through. Ulster doesn't really stand a chance. All power to Connacht!
All power to Connacht!
If I was an earl in Ulster I would be offering allegiance now, to ensure I hung onto what I already have.
Bit worried about granting all that land to the Duke's mum though. Normally when I do that sort of thing they decide to give it all away to dodgy courtiers or the church.
Bit worried about granting all that land to the Duke's mum though. Normally when I do that sort of thing they decide to give it all away to dodgy courtiers or the church.
@ Enewald: 6,000 might not seem like much, but it's a far cry from being able to raise 500 or so like in the first few years.
@ El Pip: My thoughts exactly - my target date for the acquisition of the King of Ireland title was by 1125, so I finished ahead of schedule. That being said, I was a bit too generous with my deadlines...
@ JDMS: Maybe if I continue the game at a later date. At this point, though, it was just for flavor purposes - Dublin makes a better capital of Ireland than does Mayo.
@ Rivus: They stand no chance indeed!
@ Alfredian: To be honest, I didn't think much about that when I gave her that land. Duke (soon to be King) Muircheartach is her first heir, and his son her second, and she's getting up there in years, so I hoped just to get the land off my hands for a few years, until she kicks the bucket, at which point I could (if still playing) determine how to divvy it up properly. Unless she does something daft like giving a title to a random non-family person or something of that sort.
@ All:
I'd like to thank you all for following this little project of mine. It's been fun for me, and hopefully for you, too. This will be the last update - I have accomplished my goal of becoming King of Ireland. Things went a lot smoother than I expected, which was both great and a bit disappointing. I'll keep the save file tucked securely away, in case I want to continue this at a later date - but it will be under a different title, and if I do give it a go, it probably won't be until summer at the earliest. Without further ado, the last (and regrettably, shortest) update!
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24 July 1108,
What a joyous day! The Chancellor, who I sent some weeks ago to the court of Ulaid, has returned bearing great news - the County of Ulaid has, quite wisely, agreed to enter into a vassalization. I now have all I need to make the King of Ireland title! Now I need only to sit back and gather money.
29 June 1109,
The Kingdom of Ireland has been created! What joy! This is truly a grand day for the island, and one a long time in the making. To think, just years before me my grandfather, Duke Aed, struggled even to survive, and now his grandson is the King of Ireland! Fate has shown its toothy grin, and it is a glorious sight for we, the brave defenders of the O'Conchuir line.
This diary will end now. The diocese bishop has given me a new blank collection of parchment bound in gem-encrusted silver - a diary more befitting the King of Ireland. May God's grace be upon us, now and forever.
@ El Pip: My thoughts exactly - my target date for the acquisition of the King of Ireland title was by 1125, so I finished ahead of schedule. That being said, I was a bit too generous with my deadlines...
@ JDMS: Maybe if I continue the game at a later date. At this point, though, it was just for flavor purposes - Dublin makes a better capital of Ireland than does Mayo.
@ Rivus: They stand no chance indeed!
@ Alfredian: To be honest, I didn't think much about that when I gave her that land. Duke (soon to be King) Muircheartach is her first heir, and his son her second, and she's getting up there in years, so I hoped just to get the land off my hands for a few years, until she kicks the bucket, at which point I could (if still playing) determine how to divvy it up properly. Unless she does something daft like giving a title to a random non-family person or something of that sort.
@ All:
I'd like to thank you all for following this little project of mine. It's been fun for me, and hopefully for you, too. This will be the last update - I have accomplished my goal of becoming King of Ireland. Things went a lot smoother than I expected, which was both great and a bit disappointing. I'll keep the save file tucked securely away, in case I want to continue this at a later date - but it will be under a different title, and if I do give it a go, it probably won't be until summer at the earliest. Without further ado, the last (and regrettably, shortest) update!
----------------------------------------------------------
24 July 1108,
What a joyous day! The Chancellor, who I sent some weeks ago to the court of Ulaid, has returned bearing great news - the County of Ulaid has, quite wisely, agreed to enter into a vassalization. I now have all I need to make the King of Ireland title! Now I need only to sit back and gather money.
29 June 1109,
The Kingdom of Ireland has been created! What joy! This is truly a grand day for the island, and one a long time in the making. To think, just years before me my grandfather, Duke Aed, struggled even to survive, and now his grandson is the King of Ireland! Fate has shown its toothy grin, and it is a glorious sight for we, the brave defenders of the O'Conchuir line.
This diary will end now. The diocese bishop has given me a new blank collection of parchment bound in gem-encrusted silver - a diary more befitting the King of Ireland. May God's grace be upon us, now and forever.
Uuh, shiny coat-of-arms!
Watch out or leprechauns might steal it!
Or some drunken Norman!
Watch out or leprechauns might steal it!
Or some drunken Norman!
Encore! encore!
I see that England and Scotland are in rife with rebellions. perfect chance to expand outwards first, then deal with Munster later...
would love to see you continue this if you can (at a slower pace)... or start a new one.
I see that England and Scotland are in rife with rebellions.
perfect chance to expand outwards first, then deal with Munster later... would love to see you continue this if you can (at a slower pace)... or start a new one.