The Fighting AARish: How One Middle Aged Count Became King (Grand Campaign)

[Actinguy]

They say that many a man seems born to the wrong era…either living in the past, or born ahead of his time…but Domnall mac Gilla Patraic was not one of those men.

No. Domnall was ideally suited for the late 11th century, which worked out pretty well for him, as that is exactly when he was the Count of Osraige.

To an outsider, Domnall might have seemed indistinguishable from the thousands of other counts throughout the world. Both he and his wife Maire were in their thirties, and had two sons…Donnchad, 16, and eleven-year-old Muirchertach. In fact, while it’s true that both he and his sons showed great skill on the battlefield, when you consider the fact that Domnall’s county fell under the independent Duchy of Leinster, many might have guessed that it would be Domnall’s fate to eventually be conquered by the English Throne.

But such an assumptor would prove ignorant of one vital fact:

Domnall knew his way in and out of the daily court politics, often playing important people against each other without anyone realizing that they were his pawn.

One man ignorant of this fact was Conchobar O’Neill, the independent count of neighboring Mide. In the Spring of 1067, Domnall hosted his son Donnchad’s wedding to Della Faggiulo, a charming young woman from Germany. Domnall had gone all out in arranging the celebration of his eldest son’s marriage, and all of the nearby Unfortunately, Della wasn’t what you might call a “looker”, and Count Conchobar (after a few too many drinks) said as such to the entire bridal party.

Though it would have been easy for Domnall to strike Conchobar right there…especially with his equally-mighty sons by his side…Domnall simply took a sip from his drink, and pretended that he hadn’t heard.

But in his mind, there was a list. A list of all of the independent counties on the island of Ireland.

And by the county of Mide, Domnall placed a mental checkmark.

 

[Actinguy]

A Birth, A Death, And A Boy On A Mission

One year later, much to everyone’s surprise, Domnall’s wife Maire gave birth to the couple’s first daughter, Donada…despite her advanced age of 34. But while the county of Osraige was celebrating the good fortune, the Duchy of Leinster was experiencing tragedy. Duke Diarmait ui Mordha had passed away at the ancient age of 74. His son (and Domnall’s new liege), the 43-year old Murchaid inherited the Duchy. But while Murchaid was generally a good man even by modern comparisons, he was useless on the battlefield.

Additionally, with Murchaid advancing from his previous role as count of the Isle of Man without appointing a replacement, Domnall was now Murchaid’s only subject.

A weak Duke with no counts to back him up?

Another mental checkmark.

But before we move forward with this tale, perhaps now is the time to fully examine the members of Domnall’s cabinet. His wife Maire was in charge of the county’s finances, his son Donnchad was a mighty marshal, and Donnchad’s wife Della was in charge of the limited spy network…all three capable of their jobs, and Donnchad in fact excelling at his.

But there was one weak spot. Brigid ui Caollaidhe was a terrible chancellor…barely better than having none at all. But when you are a mere count, serving under an unremarkable independent Duke, you take what you can get.

At least…until something better comes along.

And in the summer of 1068, that something better arrived in the form of Muirchertach O Broin, a noble from the Isle of Man who requested permission to build a house in Osraige. Domnall was so impressed with Muirchertach’s overwhelming charisma and tact that he not only granted the request…he also named him the new chancellor, and moved Brigid into the position of Steward, allowing his wife to retire.

Muirchertach proved more than capable in his new role…before his first day was over, the chancellor had arranged an alliance with Maredudd Dinefwr, the Duke of Deheubarth.

By October of that same year, Domnall suddenly felt that the time was right to finally begin putting his plan into motion. It was an unlikely time to go to war…his son and marshal Donnchad was ill and Domnall’s wife Maire was pregnant once again (to say nothing of the upcoming cold winter)…but Domnall couldn’t help but feel that if he didn’t move now, he never would.

But little did Domnall know that at that very moment, far across the map, in a land Domnall had never even heard of…one of the world’s most important people had just died. And because of that man’s death…Domnall and his army were not the only ones headed to Mide.

There was a young boy headed to the same destination.

A young boy…though unarmed…carrying the single weapon that could defeat Domnall before he even reached the battlefield.

A young boy…on a mission from God.

 

[kalenderee]

Hm. I feel you've captured the essence of the less ridiculous half of CK.

Consider me subscribed.

 

[unmerged(24320)]

excellent start ! !

i'm in ! !