Rule Britannia: A Britannic Empire AAR

[StalinSenpai]

Report from the Stephen Hawking Dimensional Research Lab, orbiting Alpha Centauri, to the United Nations of Earth Science Council.

Transmitted September 6, 2245

By Chief Scientist Elizabeth Carnegie, PhD.

Yesterday, we had our biggest discovery yet from the other dimension: a book. One of our scientists, Dr. Alexander Vasquez, was monitoring the dimensional rift when the book, roughly 13 x 20 cm, passed through the portal into the containment area. Security video from the incident is attached with this report. Using a robot arm, it was removed from the containment area, and then analyzed for any hazardous chemicals or pathogens by staff in hazmat suits. When none were found, it was removed from containment.

The book itself is hardcover and made of non-anomalous materials. The title Portraits in Power: A History of House Dál Birn 769-1453. On the cover is a portrait of a man in elegant robes and a crown, identified on the dust jacket as Emperor Niallán I ‘the Bloodhound,’ a ruler who does not exist in any known historical sources. The style was matched by a computer to Celtic illuminations of the Early Medieval Period, although a search of all known portraits in this style was also unable to locate it. The author is Cynewulf Edgarson, who the dust jacket claims is a professor of history at the University of Osraige. No such university exists, at least in this dimension. The book is divided into chapters, each of which discusses the life and times of a ruler of House Dál Birn.

Our preliminary speculations are that this book is a history from an alternate universe wherein House Dál Birn, which in this timeline was a surname for the descendants of an Irish King of Osraige, instead became Emperors who controlled large amounts of territory in the British Isles, and Western Europe in general. Indeed, the book refers to the continued rule of an “Empire of Britannia,” which implies its continued existence at the date of the book’s publishing (listed as A.D. 2002). As we are physicists and not historians, we are transmitting the entirety of the book back to the Council, with the hopes that other academics more suited to the task can unravel the mysteries of this text.

We eagerly await the results of our colleagues working on this question, and we will report any additional dimensional anomalies as they are recorded.

-Elizabeth Carnegie, PhD.

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Hello all! I'm guessing you thought this was a Stellaris AAR based on the intro text, but this is actually my AAR from a still-in-progress playthrough of CK2. I've played from the start to around 1160, and I feel comfortable enough to begin the writing process. This is my first AAR in CK2 - I've previously done AARs for Civilization 4 on another forum, but this will be a learning experience for everyone involved.

I'm planning to write a chapter for each ruler as the intro mentioned, and each chapter will be accompanied by screenshots depicting events as they are described in the story. I'm going to write this in a historical style - downplaying any supernatural events, and discussing this playthrough not in gameplay terms but instead as if I were Cynewulf Edgarson, a historian writing about these events centuries later.

The first chapter will be up soon(TM) and I eagerly look forward to your reactions to the introduction. If you didn't like the style or content, that will work out great for you since the rest of the AAR will be different.

 

[stnylan]

Very nice introduction. A fun twist.

 

[Nikolai]

Lovely premise .

 

[Jokerang]

That's one of the better introductions I've seen. I'm curious if you'd go beyond CKII into EU4 or later, to see what this "alternate history" would look like further down the road.

 

[StalinSenpai]

It turns out that soon(TM) was sooner than I thought! I had some time to put this together on Christmas Day. Since I started the game with good ol' Toim, there isn't a whole lot to discuss here, but I've tried my best to make this readable.

I also wanted to thank you all for your kind words about the intro!

And to answer Jokerang's question, I've certainly considered porting it when we get to that point. I've done a similar campaign in the past however, and the porting didn't go well. I'd probably ask for help in modding the game to make the worldbuilding more realistic and in tune with the world at the end of the CK2 playthrough. I'd also need to buy expacs for EU4, as I don't have any at the moment.
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Author’s Note​

This work is, first and foremost, a biography of many different individuals. Biography has many advantages over a more conventional history. For one, it personalizes history, so that any layman can empathize and sympathize with historical figures who are often viewed as marble busts more than actual people. This book spends many of its pages discussing the particular quirks and foibles of the men and women of House Dál Birn, both those who ruled and those who did not. This book also, of course, spends much of its time discussing the impersonal forces such as economics and the environment that also have so much influence over the course of history, but as this book is intended for use by laymen as well as academics, this discussion is mostly non-technical.

A few notes on formatting: at the beginning of every chapter, I have included the issue of the ruler, a portrait (if one exists) and a brief discussion of their marriages. Then I proceed to their full regnal name – and the development of the official titles and honors of House Dál Birn is discussed. Next is mostly chronological account of the subject’s reign, discussing the marriages, wars and personal events that made up their life. At the end, there is a brief discussion of how they died, as well as a discussion of how their contemporaries and later historians have viewed their reigns.

I have followed the tradition used by modern historians of the Empire by counting every Dál Birn ruler when calculating ordinal numbers; e.g. Emperor Niallán ‘the Missionary’ is denoted as Niallán II, even though he was technically the first emperor by the name, because he is the second ruler of House Dál Birn by that name. The Old Irish word “mac” means “son of” and “nic” means “daughter of,” which was used in all Irish names. Naming conventions in other languages, such as Old English or French, are explained as necessary later in the book.

Any academic acquainted with this field will realize that I have made omissions and oversimplifications. This is sadly necessary due to the nature of this book – I could have written books of similar lengths about many of these rulers alone. The rulers of House Dál Birn were unusually long-lived, often reigning for decades. When evaluating this book, I ask that you remember both the more pop-historical nature of the book as well as the constraints of space and my editor.

Most of all, I hope that the reader finds this book entertaining as well as informative. Although my writing experience is almost entirely academic, I have attempted, I think successfully, to avoid the traditionally dull and ponderous prose sadly common to academic writing. This book has been a labor of love, and I hope that you enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoy researching and writing it.


-Cynewulf Edgarson, May 12, 2001, Waterford, Britannia.

The Reign of Chief Tóim Snáma mac Fland Dál Birn, the first of his name, Chief of Leix and Osraige (b. January 1, 715, d. January 6, 777; r. January 1, 761 – January 6, 777).​

Spoiler: ”His issue”

· Duke Máel-Cein mac Tóim Dál Birn, the first of his name, called ‘the Weak’, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Osraige, Leix and Urmhumhain (b. 745, d. 817, r. January 6, 777- December 9, 817) Became Chief after his father died, married a Welsh courtier named Addiena for her genius. Died of cancer in 817 at age 72.

· Chieftess Aróc nic Tóim, Chieftess of Fiobha and Srath Èireann (b. 746, d. 779) Married into House Uíb, minor landholders in Scotland. House Uíb reigned as dukes in Scotland, and later as Counts of Zeeland, although her branch died out. Died in a dysentery outbreak at age 33.

· Euginia nic Tóim (b. 747, d. 796) Never married and died of gout in 796 at age 49 with no issue.

· Slébíne mac Tóim (b. 748, d. 780) Never married and died under suspicious circumstances at age 32 with no issue.

· Caisséne nic Tóim (b. 770, d. 817) Never married and died of Cancer at the age of 47

Tóim Snáma I was born in 715 to Chief Fland of Leix, about whom we know very little. It appears that Chief Fland inherited the Chiefdoms of Leix and Osraige in 712, but died due to unknown causes in 717. His cousin, Ailill, succeeding him as Chief, but was deposed in 724 by Chief Cellach Raigni, one of the few rulers of Osraige who was not a Dál Birn in recorded history. The Chiefdom passed for thirty years afterwards to a branch of the family that was extinct by 761, which caused the inheritance of Tóim at the age of 46.

Tóim Snáma I was not a reign of great conquests or brilliant battles. The man himself was rather ordinary, and without the distinctive personalities of many of his descendants. This may cause the reader to question why this book begins with his reign, and this is for three primary reasons: because he started The Chronicle of House Dál Birn in January, 769, because he was the first Dál Birn ruler to seek to conquer Ireland, and because he enacted the tanistry succession law. Each of these achievements is discussed in this chapter.

The Chronicle of House Dál Birn is the most important source in Britannic history, especially in the early periods. It has recorded the history and achievements of the House for over a millennium. Diligently updated to this day by the Royal Chronicler, it is a work of astonishing length. Due to the continuity of House Dál Birn’s reign, it is mostly intact, although several sections were lost due to fires over the centuries.

The Chronicle, like any source, is biased and requires critical examination. Especially in the early years, it records many fantastic events, such as dragon sightings in Osraige. As well, due to its very nature, it is often uncritical of the royal family and serves as a propaganda document. It consistently upholds the current and past leaders of the House as paragons of virtue, bravely and wisely leading their people, even when this portrayal does not bear resemblance to actual reality. The Chronicle is still a very useful source in spite of all of its problems, especially given that it is a primary source written concurrently or shortly after the events it describes. Tóim established The Chronicle in 769, and the only information we have about his reign comes from this source. After establishing The Chronicle, he reigned for 8 more years before dying and passing the throne on to his son.

Tóim I was also unique in that he was the first ruler to establish the goal of becoming King of Ireland, a goal eventually achieved around 70 years after he set this goal by his granddaughter Queen Sébdann I. House Dál Birn became the Kings of Ireland through a combination of conquest and persuasion. Tóim himself did not fight in any wars, although his son Máel-Cein I fought many to expand his realm. Indeed, due to Tóim’s age, much of his reign was spent preparing his son to assume responsibility. He invested money in improving his realm as well as preparing a marriage for his son.

Spoiler: King of Ireland

Spoiler: Internal Improvements

Spoiler: Marriage

The Welsh courtier Addiena of Wales was not noble, yet she still managed to impress both Chief Tóim and his son enough to cause them to arrange a marriage between the dashing young courtier and the heir to Osraige. Her intelligence was acknowledged by every contemporary source which exists, and it is clear that her marriage with Máel-Cein was very happy. Her children and life are further discussed in the next chapter.

Finally, perhaps the greatest of Tóim’s innovations was the introduction of the Tanistry system of succession.

Spoiler: Tanistry

Used for centuries by House Dál Birn to select its ruler, this unusual succession system allowed the vassals of the realm to vote on the heir, who could be any member of the royal family. This heir was called the tanist, from the Old Irish word for “second.”

In effect, this system could amount to agnatic primogeniture – that is, the eldest son inherits. However, while this was the norm, there were many different lines of inheritance. Sometimes a grandson or brother was chosen, especially if the Chief had no children of age to take the throne. This system also lead to female rulers when the dynasty had no male heirs of age – the Queen Sébdann I and Sisuile I were selected in lieu of male members of the dynasty, and the Empress Lucia I also inherited the crown due to a lack of male heirs. House Dál Birn’s use of tanistry has historically been identified as a major element of its success, and with good reason.

This method ensured stability, as the most able heir was chosen, and it also ensure that the lands of the Chief remained unified after his death, unlike the gavelkind system used by many other tribal chiefs around Europe at this time. Many realms united by a great chief were soon splintered among his sons upon his death, and the work of unification was lost. House Dál Birn benefitted greatly from the use of tanistry, ensuring that the acquisitions of previous rulers were kept unified in the family. Tanistry also ensured that only able and capable rulers were selected – the throne would never pass to a ruler who was not capable of impressing his vassals. If a candidate could not show his (or her) ability to perform the duties of the office, they would not become Chief. This system also accounts for the comparatively low amount of civil war in the history of House Dál Birn – as every vassal had a say in the selection of the ruler, they were less likely to be displeased with the ruler’s conduct.

After these three vital actions, the rest of Tóim’s reign was rather unimportant. We know from the Chronicle that his wife, the Chieftess Sétach, gave birth to a daughter in 770 named Caisséne, Caisséne’s life was rather insignificant; she never married, and died of cancer at 47. Indeed, of Tóim’s five children, three of them never married: Euginia, the middle child, Slébíne, the younger son, and the aforementioned Caisséne. Euginia died at 49 from gout, and Slébíne was most likely assassinated at age 32, probably by his elder brother, the future Duke Máel-Cein. Máel-Cein’s life and reign are discussed in the next chapter. The daughter who did marry, Aróc, married the heir of the King of Pictland, the beginning of a long and complex relationship between Scotland and House Dál Birn that would eventually result in Scotland’s absorption into House Dál Birn’s lands.

Spoiler: Marriage Alliance

She died in a dysentery outbreak in 779, and her husband, Chief Tarla, also later died of dysentery in 798, three years after he and House Uib were deposed by Unuist II ‘the Usurper.’ His house, House Circinn, ruled Scotland for another 130 years before King Niallán I ‘the Bloodhound’ inherited the kingdom.

Death​

According to The Chronicle, Tóim contracted cancer in 772, a disease which he battled with for another five years before finally succumbing to it. It is uncertain what type of cancer killed him due to the paucity of records from this period, and his body was burned after death, so it is now impossible to know the truth. He passed the Chiefdoms of Osraige and Leix to his son, Máel-Cein, who is discussed in the next chapter.

Spoiler: Press F

Summary​

Tóim, due to the lack of information about his reign, is mostly not considered at all by later archivists and historians. From what we do know of him, he made the correct decisions by establishing The Chronicle and instituting tanistry, but it is hard to make definitive judgements about his character and actions. Thankfully, in later years there is more information about the rulers we will discuss, which allows much more than mere hearsay and conjecture.

 

[ferunnico]

Great first chapter! I love the casual mentions of seemingly very important and involved later events (like the relationship with Scotland), which are obviously common knowledge in some alternate dimension, but leave us all the more curious about the story of House Dál Birn. Great premise for an AAR and very well executed!

 

[Nikolai]

A very nice first chapter! Your chronicling reminds me of my old Norgesveldet AAR, only more detailed.

 

[Jokerang]

I like the story book format intertwined with screenshots showing how it all translates in game. One wonders how this family of Irish lords will form the British Empire.

 

[StalinSenpai]

Sorry for my lack of posting but I've been in New York on vacation the past few days without my computer, so I haven't written anything. Hopefully I'll have a new chapter up later this week.

Great first chapter! I love the casual mentions of seemingly very important and involved later events (like the relationship with Scotland), which are obviously common knowledge in some alternate dimension, but leave us all the more curious about the story of House Dál Birn. Great premise for an AAR and very well executed!

Thanks! Something I learned doing Civilization AARs was to play out the game at first - I remember one time I started a game, and within the first update I found I was on an island alone, so I had to abandon the entire thing. I've been wanting to write this for ages, but I held off so I could insert references to later events. I think that this adds to the "history book" style I'm using, since a historian is looking at the big picture, and not just the minutiae.

A very nice first chapter! Your chronicling reminds me of my old Norgesveldet AAR, only more detailed.

I like the story book format intertwined with screenshots showing how it all translates in game. One wonders how this family of Irish lords will form the British Empire.

Thank you both for the comments! I think the screenshots add a lot to the story, since it can be hard to see what's actually happening in game when I describe it in the story.

As I said, I hope to have the new chapter up sometime this week - it'll be longer than the first one, since Duke Mael-Cein I had a long reign with much to discuss. I'll see y'all then!

 

[stnylan]

No worries

Hopefully it was a good time in the Big Apple.

 

[alscon]

There's perhaps not much known, not much to be told about Tóim, but that which is known really set the stage for the future of the Dál Birn. I'm intrigued to see how they went from these humble beginnings to rulers of an empire .

 

[N1ghteyes]

Very good start.
Good luck with the full AAR. Any news on finishing the playthrough?

 

[StalinSenpai]

Very good start.
Good luck with the full AAR. Any news on finishing the playthrough?

My current save is at 1241 - I've been playing a lot recently and taking screenshots the whole time.

This isn't dead btw - I had to help my dad move apartments, and my semester started up last week so I didn't have time to write anything. Tonight I wrote some more for Duke Máel-Cein and I hope to post it by this weekend.

 

[blitzthedragon]

Alright, color me intrigued.

 

[StalinSenpai]

Hi all! The promised update is finally here. This one had to be split into two parts becaus This covers the 40 (!) year reign of Máel-Cein I 'the Weak,' who was actually one of my best rulers despite his epithet. I really loved writing about the dog and cat at the end - I've been missing my own dog and cat since I started college. I hope you'll enjoy the bit of sentimentality along with the story of a man who brutally conquered and assassinated countless people in his quest to rule Ireland.

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The Reign of Duke Máel-Cein mac Tóim Dál Birn, the first of his name, called “the Weak”, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Leix, Osraige and Urmhumhain (b. 745, d. December 9, 817, r. January 6, 777- December 9, 817)​

Spoiler: ”His issue”

• Tanist Tóim Snáma mac Máel-Cein (b. October 27, 769, d. July 9, 807) Married Judith Beorhtricsdohtor, daughter of Duke Beorhtric ‘the Inquisitor’ of Wessex, one of the first of many subsequent marriages between English dukes and House Dál Birn. Heir apparent to the throne for his father’s reign until he died suddenly in 807 at the age of 38. The cause of death is recorded simply as “poor health.” His two sons would both become Dukes. His issue is discussed below:
  • Gormflaith nic Tóim (b. November 3, 800, d. July 3, 866) Married King Uuroid ‘the Cruel’ of Scotland, of House Circinn, the first of several royal marriages between the Kings of Scotland and House Dál Birn. Her issue includes King Uudrost the Careless of Scotland

• Duke Máel-Cein mac Tóim Dál Birn, the second of his name, called ‘the Silent’, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Leix, Osraige, Uí Maine and Urmhumhain. (b. July 3, 802, d. June 16, 836, r. December 9, 817 - June 16, 836) Married Aethelraeda Ecgfrithsdohtor, daughter of Duke Ecgfrith ‘the Witch Hunter’ of Mercia. His issue is discussed separately. Died under ‘suspicious circumstances’ at the age of 34.

• Duke Scandal mac Tóim Dál Birn, the first of his name, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Leix, Osraige, Uí Maine and Urmhumhain. (b. March 3, 806, d. March 24, 842, r. June 16, 836 - March 24, 842). Married Desiderata de Genoa, an Italian renowned for her intelligence and beauty. Died comatose in bed due to a head wound at the age of 36 with no issue.

• Queen Sébdann nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn, the first of her name, Queen of Éire, Duchess of Laigin and Mumu, Countess of Leix, Muaidhe, Osraige, Uí Maine and Urmhumhain. (b. February 27, 774, d. March 10, 848, r. March 24, 842 - March 10 848). First member of House Dál Birn to claim authority over all Ireland, as well as the first female ruler and head of the house. Married King Witiza of Asturias, who died in battle in 800, and then was re-married to King Liuvericho I of Asturias before his death due to Cancer in 815. She remained unmarried the rest of her life. Her issue is discussed under her reign.
• Crístina nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn (b. November 27, 776, d. October 12, 813). Never married and has no issue. Died at 37 due to poor health.
• Caitilín nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn (b. September 27, 781, d. April 3, 834). Never married and has no issue. Died at 53 due to “Great Pox” (most likely syphilis).

Summary:​

The reign of Duke Máel-Cein I was marked by the rapid expansion of Osraige’s territory, almost entirely through conquest. Máel-Cein himself was a brave warrior as well as a skilled commander, which seems ironic given his later epithet ‘the Weak.’ This name was given to him at the end of his reign, as he lay dying from the cancer that also killed his father, and was spread among vassal nobles, many of them jealous due his successful conquests.

This image of an old man at the end of his life is what was passed down to us, but an examination of the historical record reveals the ruthless cunning and military valor displayed by the Duke. Máel-Cein used every trick in the book to expand his realm – he had his chancellor fabricate documents showing that he had a claim on the territory of Urmhumhain to his west. He also famously asked the Pope for a claim on the territory of Mumu, in the southwest of Ireland, claiming that the young queen Aethelswith could not rule it. He conquered her lands, and later assassinated the queen due to her continued plotting against his realm. It is much more accurate to history to view him as a cunning, ruthless and skilled politician.

However, Máel-Cein’s reign was marred by the early death of his son, the Tanist Tóim, who died suddenly at the age of 38 in 807 A.D. His cause of death is still debated, as the Chronicle of House Dál Birn simply lists his death as caused by “poor health.” Some historians theorize that he contracted a sudden illness, while others instead suspect assassination by one of his siblings or other relatives. Because of his premature death, his children are also listed with Máel-Cein’s issue because two of them would eventually inherit the throne. The expansion of Osraige, the development of the feudal system as well as Máel-Cein’s personal life are discussed in the next chapter.

The Expansion of the Duchy of Laigin:​

The key priority of Duke Máel-Cein I upon his ascension was the expansion of his family’s lands. His father had held the counties of Laigin and Osraige for all of his reign, but Máel-Cein wished to grow his territory. He vowed to become King of Ireland, and while he did not achieve his goal, he did expand his territory to all of southern Ireland.

Spoiler: Ambition

As mentioned, he sent his chancellor in order to fabricate a claim on the Chiefdom of Urmhumhain, a minor territory to the west. Máel-Cein’s chancellor was successful, producing this claim within three years of his ascension to the throne.

Spoiler: Claim Fabricated

Máel-Cein waited for almost a decade, securing his rule and preparing his men for battle. In 788, he declared war on Chief Indrechtach, aiming to vassalize the Chief under his rule.

Spoiler: Declaration of War

At this point, it is helpful to discuss how war worked in pre-Britannic Ireland. Bands of men, most likely numbering below a thousand, would meet in one battle that would most likely decide a war. These men would most likely be armed with primitive leather armor (if they had any armor at all) and poor-quality iron spears, with some of the chief’s retainers and relatives perhaps having access to swords and axes instead. These weapons took two much iron and therefore were too costly for a simple foot soldier to afford. In the chaotic melee of this type of warfare, Máel-Cein excelled.

Spoiler: Máel-Cein's Prowess

Máel-Cein led his troops personally into battle, as every chief was expected to. He was particularly skilled in personal combat; he became famous among his court and in Ireland because of this skill. He would kill several enemy commanders in personal combat before the end of his life, as well as suffer numerous injuries.

Máel-Cein led troops for the first time in the Battle of Loígis, where he successfully defeated an enemy force led by Chief Indrechtach. He pursued the enemy successfully into Urmhumhain, where he defeated that army again in front of the hillfort of Urmhumhain. After briefly sieging the hillfort, Máel-Cein successfully induced Indrechtach to surrender and swear fealty.

Spoiler

Plunder from this war as well as an increasing tax base soon gave Máel-Cein enough money to formally create the Duchy of Laigin (Leinster) on January 2, 791. This creation, sanctioned by the Pope himself, vastly increased the prestige of House Dál Birn. This elevation of status, especially sanctioned by the Vicar of Christ himself, was very useful in later decades, as House Dál Birn consolidated final control over Ireland.

Spoiler: Duke Máel-Cein

Less than a year after become Duke, Máel-Cein made war against Chief Forbasach of Laigin, a coastal province to the east of the Duke’s lands. This claim was based off of the numerous economic, cultural and historical ties that the county of Laigin had with the Duchy that borne its name. In 791, Máel-Cein called his banners and invaded Laigin, intended to subjugate Forbasach as he had Indrechtach.

Spoiler: Declaration of War

However, Forbasach had the support of Chief Donnal of Cill Dara, to the north of Leix. Their combined forces slightly outnumbered Máel-Cein’s forces, and defeated Máel-Cein at the Battle of Cluain Mhic Nois. Little is known about this battle other than its name that Máel-Cein was forced to retreat with substantial losses. Cluan Mhic Nois, a plain near the historic castle of House Dál Birn, would see countless battles in the coming centuries, as enemies sought to capture the family’s seat of power. Máel-Cein retreated into Urmhumhain and recovered his strength while his enemies sieged Leix.

Spoiler: The War Rages

The war went poorly for Máel-Cein during 792. His enemies successfully besieged hillforts in Leix, while the Dál Birn forces could do little more than watch. Many of his courtiers and councilors suggested concluding a truce with the allied chiefs, but Máel-Cein vowed to hold the course and rebuild his strength. In January of 973, he led a surprise attack on the enemy besieging Osraige. Although his men were outnumbered, Máel-Cein successfully lead his men to victory in the battle of Osraige Tribe. He pursued his enemy into Laigin, besieged hillforts there, and eventually accepted the surrender of Chief Forbasach in 794.

Spoiler: Sweet Victory

It was most likely in this phase of the war when the Tanist, Tóim Snáma, was disfigured. While the timing of this is uncertain due to the lack of historical sources (the Chronicle does not mention it at all), the first mention of Tóim Snáma’s hand and face being disfigured in war are in 798. We do know that he served as a commander in his father’s wars against Urmhumhain and Laigin, so most historians conclude that he was maimed in one of the battles or sieges of these wars.

Spoiler: Disfigurement

For the next decade after conquering Laigin, Máel-Cein focused on domestic affairs, covered elsewhere in this chapter. This included preparations for new conquests, such as funding improvements in his new lands. In 803, he successfully petitioned the Pope to grant him a claim on the Petty Kingdom of Mumu (Munster). This kingdom, ruled by the child-queen Aethelswith, was located to the west of Máel-Cein’s domains, and its weakness made it a very attractive target for conquest. Shortly afterwards, his Chancellor, the defeated Chief Indrechtach, successfully fabricated a claim on the county of Deasmhumhain, to the southwest of Máel-Cen’s lands. This began the second phase of conquests in his reign, as Máel-Cein consolidated control over southern Ireland.

Spoiler: Claiming Territory

In November 803, Mael-Cein declared war on the young Queen of Munster and solicited the aid of King Aelle ‘the Wise’ of Wessex, whose marriage alliance is discussed later in this chapter. King Aelle accepted, and combined with Máel-Cein’s forces, the war proceeded swiftly against Mumu. In late December 803, Máel-Cein’s forces met with levies from Mumu in the Battle of Dun Caiseal, inflicting a defeat upon Mumu’s forces. With the aid of the Anglo-Saxons from Wessex, Mumu was soon subjugated, and Queen Aethelswith swore fealty to Máel-Cein in 804. Despite the best attempts of Máel-Cein to marry his grandson to the Chieftess, she refused, and eventually plotted treason against Máel-Cein.

Spoiler: Alliance and Expansion

After this conquest, Máel-Cein was increasingly focused on managing his new lands – suppressing a peasant revolt and imprisoning rebellious chiefs were the two biggest concerns, but he also had to consider the succession after the death of his heir, the Tanist Tóim Snáma. He ordered the invasion of Deashumhain in 817, which he had laid claim to decades before. However, he never invaded the county, nor forced its chief, Dunlaing, to swear fealty to him. Despite his advanced age of 72 years, Máel-Cein still personally led his troops, and according to the Chronicle even killed an enemy commander in personal combat, although this stretches credibility. The war with Deashumhain was still raging when Máel-Cein died in December 817 and would have to be finished by his heir Máel-Cein II.

Spoiler: Unfinished Business

This map shows the timeline of expansion under the rule of Duke Máel-Cein I.

Spoiler: Map

​

 

[StalinSenpai]

Feudalism and Other Changes: Máel-Cein’s Reign in His Lands:​

Perhaps one of the most important changes during Máel-Cein’s reign was the formal codification of feudal laws and duties. This was a gradual process, but by the end of his reign, his direct vassals were feudal vassals, as opposed to the traditional tribal systems. This process took many decades to spread through the British Isles, but feudalism and its reciprocal relationships soon became the law of the land. One of the many long-term trends as House Dál Birn extended its rule was that power was centralized in the hands of the Duke (later King and Emperor). Powerful vassals still plotted and even revolted several times, but the Duke soon had sovereignty over major decisions such as imprisonments, banishments and declarations of war.

Many of these changes, however, would occur under later rulers. Máel-Cein first started these trends, but they were not fully realized until much later. Máel-Cein’s rule did, however, see many changes to the structure of tribal relations, and all of them were centralizing. For instance, in the new feudal system, vassals were required to answer the summons of their lord in war. This previously had been voluntary, and much of the effort of a chief was focused on ensuring good relations so that in times of war they would have sufficient force to protect their realm. Máel-Cein increased the power of House Dál Birn enough to enforce these new feudal laws.

Spoiler: Tribal Authority

The fundamental nature of feudalism is reciprocal; all interactions between rulers and the ruled involved mutual exchanges. The ruler protected his vassals, in exchange for taxes and an oath of loyalty. The ruler also holds territory of his own, called his demesne, which he rules directly. Part of Máel-Cein’s success in ruling was because of the large amounts of money he put into constructing buildings in his demesne. As Máel-Cein expanded his realm and centralized power, he successfully enforced these reciprocal relationships.

Spoiler: Infrastructure

However, these building projects are all extremely modest compared to the infrastructure of later Dukes, Kings and Emperors. These projects matter because they represent the growing centralization of the state, not so much in their scope nor due to any archaeological or architectural importance. This centralization of authority in the hands of the Duke is a key theme in the overall history of House Dál Birn and Britannia as a whole. Despite the political and military battles over the crown’s prerogatives, the broad trend is the centralization of legal and political power in the sole hands of the sovereign. Much space in these later chapters is dedicated to discussing affairs between the Duke and his vassals.

Few and far between were the reigns wherein no vassal was arrested for suspected treason, or some cabal of noblemen attempted to declare independence or lower the authority of the crown through rebellion. Máel-Cein himself imprisoned Chief Scolaige of Laigin for treason in 806. Wishing to avoid the political cost of executing the Chief, Máel-Cein ordered him assassinated in prison. While the assassin succeeded, Máel-Cein’s involvement was found out, causing a political scandal. He also arranged for the assassination of Chieftess Aethelswith in 813 because of her disloyalty. Her disloyalty is perhaps understandable given that Máel-Cein had recently conquered her land.

Spoiler: Happy Little Accidents

Another important internal event in Máel-Cein’s reign was the first recorded peasant revolt in Britannic history. In 816, peasants lead by a man named Garalt rose up in Leix and led a revolt against high taxes and the abuse of the Duke’s officials. Dozens of revolts would follow in the centuries, almost all of them immediately crushed with no long-term effects. Many heretical sects would also cause civil strife, such as the Waldensians, Cathars and Lollards, all of whom revolted at one point or another against both royal and papal authority. Garalt and his peasants were smashed in one brutal battle, and Garalt was soon executed for treason.

Spoiler: Peasant Revolt

Marriages and Máel-Cein’s Family:​

In the first years of his reign, Máel-Cein's brother, Slébíne, died mysteriously. His death is merely given a passing mention in the Chronicle, and few other sources give information on why or how he died. It was suspected in later years, and is currently the majority opinion of academic scholarship, that Máel-Cein had his brother assassinated as a potential threat to his power. This fits in with what we know of Máel-Cein's character (he was ambitious and very unscrupulous) and the timing is also very suspicious. The death was also framed as an accident, which was an assassination method that Máel-Cein used later when assassinating Chief Scolaige, as mentioned above. There is no smoking gun and there is likely to never be one, but it is the most likely option that Máel-Cein assassinated Slébíne.

Spoiler: Cain and Abel

Duke Máel-Cein attempted to marry off his children in several advantageous matches. However, many of his daughters never ended up married due to the premature deaths of the groom. The first betrothal, made between Prince Froila and Princess Crístina when they were both children, never was fulfilled due to the young death of Prince Froila in battle against the Muslims to the south.

Spoiler: Betrothal

A more important marriage was the arrangement between King Witiza of Asturias and Princess Sébdann. Although Witiza soon fell in battle, she was hastily remarried to his cousin Livericho I, who inherited the throne upon Witiza’s death. After his death, she returned to Laigin, where she eventually was elected Duchess and formally crowned herself the first Queen of Ireland.

Spoiler: Marriage and Marriage 2: Electric Boogaloo

One of the more important consequences of Máel-Cein’s reign was the marriage of his son, the Tanist Tóim Snama, to the daughter of the King of Wessex, Judith. She bore him three children, including two future Dukes of Laigin.

While this marriage was important in the short-term because it ensured the continuation of the family dynasty, it also marked the beginning of the relationship between House Dál Birn and the kings of the Anglo-Saxon states to their east. This relationship ultimately culminated in the famous Oath of Aethelwulf, King of Hwicce, who swore fealty to the Emperor Conchobar in 1011, completing the conquest of the British Isles. The fact that Hwicce was the last Anglo-Saxon Kingdom to swear fealty to House Dál Birn, and that Aethelwulf joined through persuasion, and not through battle, are still points of pride among those in the south of England.

While this relationship ultimately culminated in the Oath of Aethelwulf, this of course was centuries away. The reason why Tóim Snama and Judith married was to cement an alliance between their families – indeed, it is only because of the aid of the King of Wessex, Beohrtric the Inquisitor, that Máel-Cein successfully defeated the child-queen Aethelswyth.

Spoiler: Alliance + Marriage

These marriages were not so important in Máel-Cein’s reign, but they became much important later.

Máel-Cein’s Death and Legacy:​

Duke Máel-Cein I ‘the Weak’ died of a combination of cancer and wounds sustained in the Battle of Tuadhmhumhain on December 9, 817, at the age of 72, after a reign of 40 years. His chosen successor was his grandson, the fifteen-year old Duke Máel-Cein II, who would later earn the epithet ‘the Silent.’ The issue, reign and life of Duke Máel-Cein II is covered in the next chapter.

Overall, Duke Máel-Cein showed many impressive characteristics during his long reign. The expansion of his realm, despite his lack of scruples, was very effective and gave a power-base for his descendants to build upon. His daughter was the first Queen of Ireland, but without Máel-Cein’s guile, bravery and ambition she could not have accomplished this. He left his realm larger, more prosperous and stronger than it ever had been before.

In the long annals of the rulers of House Dál Birn, Máel-Cein I merits special recognition due to his long, prosperous reign and successful conquests. He stands with greats such as King Niallán I ‘the Bloodhound,’ the Emperor Conchobar II ‘the Wise’ and his namesake Emperor Máel-Cein III ‘the Great.’

Personally, Máel-Cein was known as a poet. While sadly none of his work is extant, his works are praised in other sources from this time period. He apparently wrote about mythical battles in the history of Ireland, surely an attractive subject for a man as skilled in combat as he. He was also apparently a hunter, and he is known to have owned both a dog and a cat, both of which he doted on.

Spoiler: Hunting

Spoiler: Pets

His dog, Hunter, died peacefully shortly before Máel-Cein himself did. However, the fate of his cat is unfortunately not recorded in any extant source. It is known that the cat once snuck into Máel-Cein’s saddlebags and, according to an old folk story, comforted wounded soldiers during the Battle of Clone. This story goes on to claim that the cat was hit with an arrow while performing this task, and that Máel-Cein, despite his advanced age and progressing cancer, was sent into such a rage that he dueled the enemy commander himself. He was defeated, and soon afterwards died, his cancer certainly exacerbated by the wounds he suffered.

Given that the sources of the time do not devote any time to discussing this incident, it is perhaps not literally true. It has been noted by several scholars that this bears resemblance to many other folk tales, many of them bolstered by conventional sources, told about the rulers of House Dál Birn and their animal companions. Whether Máel-Cein started this tradition or if the folk-tale has been mistakenly applied to him by later storytellers, it is rather comforting to think that someone who lived in a vastly different time than we do felt the same devotion that we do with our own pets. This story, and others like it, were the inspiration for the classic children's book The Royal Pets which tells the story of the dogs and cats of House Dál Birn.

The site of the Battle of Tuadhmhumhain still bears a statue of a cat in remembrance of this story.

Spoiler: The Life of Hunter the Dog

Spoiler: The Life of the Royal Cat

Spoiler: The Duke is Dead, Long Live the Duke!

 

[stnylan]

Some very deep and important changes happening during his time. Rather nice that the detail about the story of cat. Probable invention, but has great verisimillitude

 

[StalinSenpai]

Another update! This one wasn’t as long as the last one thankfully. Máel-Cein II was not as able as his father, but he did a decent job. The next update won’t take nearly as long.

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Spoiler: ”The Issue of Duke Máel-Cein II”

The Issue of Duke Máel-Cein mac Tóim Dál Birn, the second of his name, called ‘the Silent’, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Leix, Osraige, Uí Maine and Urmhumhain:

· Caitilín nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn (b. March 16, 823, d. March 8, 873). Never married and has no issue. Died at 50 due to “Great Pox” (most likely syphilis).

· Emer nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn (b. April 16, 827, d. October 18, 889). Twins with King Ioseph. Married King Casnar ‘the Young’ of Asturias, remained married until his death in battle in 876. Her issue includes Queen Menenda of Asturias, who also died in battle. Died of severe stress at the age of 62.

· King Ioseph mac Máel-Cein Dál Birn, the first of his name, King of Éire, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Leix, Iarthar Connachta, Muaidhe, Osraige, Uí Maine and Urmhumhain (b. April 16, 827, d. February 17, 855; r. March 10, 848 - February 17, 855). Twins with Emer. Married Sadb nic Fergus, a daughter of the Chief of Deasmhumhain. Only reigned for 7 years before dying of an infected wound at age 28. Left no issue.

· Fíne nic Máel-Cein Dál Birn (b. October 16, 828, d. August 5, 887). Never married and died with no issue. Died at the age of 59 due to cancer.

· King Tóim mac Máel-Cein Dál Birn, the second of his name, called ‘the Wise,’ King of Éire, Duke of Laigin and Mumu, Count of Cill Dara, Dubhinn, Leix, Iarthar Connachta, Muaidhe, Osraige, Uí Maine, Ulaidh and Urmhumhain. (b. October 16, 832, d. October 20, 883; r. February 17, 855 - October 20, 883). His first marriage was to Aibilín, the daughter of the Bishop of Clone. She was unfaithful to him and had two children by other men as well as the two Tóim II fathered, including the future Blessed King Conchobar I. She was most likely killed by him and he remarried an Italian woman renowned for her intelligence named Felicita. They had five children together. Tóim II died of severe stress at the age of 51 after reigning for 33 years.

Summary:​

Duke Máel-Cein II’s reign was in many ways an extension of his grandfather’s. He (more accurately his Regent, his mother Judith Beorhtricsdohtor) successfully finished the conquest of Deashumhain started by his grandfather, and successfully waged a war against the Chiefdom of Uí Maine to the North. He also married a daughter of the King of Mercia, further strengthening the ties to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms begun under his grandfather’s reign. Indeed, examining the historical record, it is hard to distinguish between the two reigns; some later records even confuse the two as the same person.

While Máel-Cein II was able, he did not have the skill of his ancestor; while he conquered territory, his grandfather had conquered more; and while he reigned prosperously for almost two decades, his grandfather had ruled for twice that. Máel-Cein II never really seems to have found a way out from under his grandfather’s shadow. Perhaps it is this overshadowing that led to his taciturn nature, as his epithet always has been ‘the Silent’ for his legendary reticence.

One key development in Máel-Cein II’s reign was the first conflict between the Catholic Church and House Dál Birn. On the behest of the Duke of Connachta, a rival state to the north of Máel-Cein’s lands, Pope Hadrianus I excommunicated Máel-Cein from the church. This was almost entirely a political move; Máel-Cein was no saint, but certainly not any great sinner. Despite his best efforts, at the time of his death he was still excommunicated. This event foreshadowed the eventual conflicts around coronations, which eventually culminated in the Antipapal War fought by Emperor Dubh the Just in the eleventh-century, although of course this was centuries after the excommunication. Still, this excommunication is important as the first significant split between the rulers of House Dál Birn and the Papacy.

The Regency:​

Upon the death of his grandfather, the newly-ascended Máel-Cein II was 15 years old. However, Irish custom dictated that 16 was the age of majority, and hence his mother Judith, daughter of the king of Wessex, was appointed as his regent. Given Máel-Cein’s age at this point, however, he was essentially king in his own right.

The most urgent problem he faced upon his ascendancy was the continuing war in Deashumhain. Laigin was winning the war, but it was draining men and resources, so Máel-Cein resolved to quickly end it. Commanders of the former king lead armies against Deashumhain, and early in 818 the war was concluded. The annexation of southern Ireland was now complete.

Spoiler: Peace

Shortly afterwards, Máel-Cein II turned 16, and his regency officially ended on July 3, 818, as Máel-Cein was crowned Duke of Laigin and Mumu.

Spoiler: The Regency Ends

Conquest:
​

After the regency, Máel-Cein spent around 15 years at peace. It is during this time that he married the daughter of the King of Mercia, and during which his first daughter, Caitlín was born, as well as the twins Emer and Ioseph, the future king of Ireland. However, there is not much information available about other events during Máel-Cein’s reign during this period.

Spoiler: Marriage

The most important event during Máel-Cein’s reign was his excommunication. As previously mentioned, the Pope Hadrianus I excommunicated Máel-Cein at the behest of the Duke of Connachta in 830. This came as a shock to everyone, as there had been no buildup or indication that the Pope was considering such a move. It resulted in a loss of legitimacy among Máel-Cein’s vassals, although he successfully lasted 4 more years on the throne without dying. In part to avenge this insult to the honor of House Dál Birn, Máel-Cein’s heir and brother Scandal I invaded Connachta, although this was also to conquer territory.

Spoiler: Excommunication

While he was at peace, Máel-Cein considered new expansion targets. The most appetizing prospect for expansion after the end of the war in Deashumhain was the County of Uí Maine, just to the north of Máel-Cein’s domains. It was weak and isolated compared to the other states to the north, such as the Duchy of Mide and the Duchy of Connachta. It took years to successfully fabricate a claim on the county, but in 833 Máel-Cein decided that he was sufficiently ready, and he declared war. Like most of the rest of Máel-Cein’s reign, there is scarce information available, although it is known through the Chronicle that the war was concluded by the end of 833 in good fashion.

Spoiler: War Were Declared

The map below shows the expansion during Máel-Cein’s reign.

Spoiler: Map

Death:​

Máel-Cein died suddenly at the age of 34 in 836. The cause of death has never been determined with certainty, as there is no record of a disease or injury to explain his early death. Some historians blame a sudden heart attack or stroke for the death, with other scholars, medieval and modern, have speculated that zealots may have assassinated Máel-Cein due to his excommunication, but no conclusive proof or potential culprit has ever been established with any certainty. Due to the lack of documentation from his reign and the long historical distance, it is exceedingly unlikely that any conclusive reason will ever be established for the young Duke’s death.

Spoiler: Le Duc est mort, vive le Duc!

Spoiler: Bobby Fischer

 

[stnylan]

Cut down unexpectedly young

 

[alscon]

An unremarkable reign, but another one serving as stepstone for the future.
Máel-Cein didn't have much luck with spiritual matters then, being both excommunicated and losing his game with Death - though the explanation of Sisuile being just a zealot striking due to his excommunication is a good one.