The Fighting Irish: A Dublin AAR

[Stratagyfan101]

The Fighting Irish: A Dublin AAR​

My second attempt at an AAR, hopefully I follow through on this one. All comments, suggestions, tips and hints are welcome.

First Question to the forumites, what should be the official seal of Dublin/Leinster. The picture on the left or right?

 

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left left left left LEFT

 

[unmerged(216158)]

Left!

 

[The_Shepherd]

Right.

 

[Jolt]

Right, doubtlessly.

 

[Stratagyfan101]

Well I vote left (though I am not a Notre Dame fan) so without further a due Chapter one shall begin.

 

[Stratagyfan101]

Chapter One: Muchaid Ui Morha “The Dreamer”​

The first dream.

In the waning years of his father’s life Murchaid was preparing to become Duke of Leinster. Currently his position as count of Dublin and Isle of Man left him rather bored. In the nights nearing his father’s death he had several dreams come to him.

In the first dream he had just taken his father’s crown. In the following days the entire realm fell apart. Every province was in a state of lawlessness. Starvation was coupled with dysentery. His nobles were rising up for independence and others for his head. Then there came a small man clothed in green came to his realm blessing him and his realm. As if by magic his entire realm came under control. Rebellious nobles were subdued. The clergy and peasants were put back in their place. The land grew prosperous and filled the coffers of his court. His court and nobles were of the highest status in Europe. He also noticed a rainbow arched over his city and he had in his hand a four leaf clover.

He awoke in a sweat, confused as to what had unfolded in his head.

The Second Dream

The previous night’s dream had weighed on Murchaid’s mind all day. Was it just a strange dream or did it carry some sort of meaning. He debated with himself to the meaning of his dream all day. When he laid down to sleep he couldn’t help but think what was to come tonight.

In a fiery flash the scene came upon him. He was on the battlefield. He recognized the place. It was the northern borders of his realm. He watched as the same little green man blessed his men into combat. He couldn’t help but notice his men were not wearing his traditional coat of arms, but instead bore a four leaf clover. With the small man’s blessing they were victorious. All armies in their path fell. The people of the conquered land were jubilant and praised their new lord. All of Ireland fell to him and he crowned himself King of the Irish people.

He awoke this time peacefully to the sound of birds singing. It was damp, as it had rained the previous night. As he gazed into the morning sky he saw a rainbow, placed exactly as it was in his first dream.

The Third Dream

After yet another dream with this small green man he began to wonder what his dreams truly meant. He kept them too himself though as to avoid seeming insane or even worse be labeled a heretic. He was also shocked at the image he had seen when he awoke. He wondered if it was just coincidence or a if it was a sign. He eagerly awaited the night for yet another dream.

He was still King or Ireland but yet he was still at war, this time with England and Scotland. His armies were completely outnumbered. But astonished he watched as his men, bearing their clover painted armor and a flag, designed with the image of the small green man, defeat the armies of the Welsh, English and Scottish. He was now the sole King of Ireland and Britannia. Then in a flash of light the scene was gone. Everything was white and featureless. He was alone. Then entered the small green man. He spoke.

“Embrace my image, and your luck will increase ten-fold, and all you’ve seen shall be your destiny. Deny it and you shall perish, exiled and alone.”
“Who are you?”
“Me, I am The Leprechaun.”

 

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You've managed to capture my interest, keep up the good work .

 

[Stratagyfan101]

December 6, 1069

The solemn sound of church bells can be heard in the background as nobles from all over Ireland gather in Dublin for the burial ceremony of Diarmait Ui Morha, Duke of Leinster. Those in attendance included the O’Brien clan from Connacht and the Obrien clan from Munster as well as the deceased’s own two sons, Murchaid Count of Dublin and heir to the Duke of Leinster and his younger brother who had served as his father’s marshal.

After the service it was time to crown the new Duke of Leinster. The ceremony went very well and the new Duke was well received, especially by the people of Dublin, from the nobles to the peasants. The ceremony concluded with this.

“My court and I shall remain in Dublin to rule over the realm. I shall name young Gruffydd of Dublin as the new Count of Laigin. I shall retire to my quarters for the remainder of the day.”

*A large banner behind him unfolds*

“This shall be the new Flag of the Ui Mordha dynasty.” A guard hands him a shield. “And this the new royal coat of arms.

With that the official ceremony had ended. Many of the nobles remained and indulged themselves with drinks and a feast that had been prepared for them. The peasants and burghers returned to their homes to continue their daily lives. In the next few days all the nobles returned to their realms including Enna who had been willed the county of Osraige. He took the title of Bishop though rather than count. For several days the new Duke remained in his quarters visited only to receive food .

During his alone time worked on devising a plan to make his dream come true. He drew up a strategy to conquer all of Ireland and declare himself King of the Irish. The first step would be to subdue the independent counties of Ireland. Before using force he decided to offer each of the counties a diplomatic offer first.

On the final day of the month the new Duke sent runners to each of the independent counties of Ireland carrying a letter offering his protection if they shall pledge their allegiance to him. He also granted the title of Isle of Man to his cousin Donnchad Remhair.

A mere four days later one of his couriers returned with a letter from Aedh, Count of Sligo, in which he declined to swear his allegiance. Later on the same day another courier came to Murchaid with yet another letter, this one though bore more pleasant news to the Duke. Conchobar, Count of Mide, had agreed to swear his allegiance and was on his way to Dublin.

On the fifth of February a courier of a foreign court came to the Court in Dublin.

To the guards “I carry a message from my lord Toirrdelbach O’Brien Duke of Munster for Murchaid Duke of Leinster”

The guard then guided him to Chancellor Conchorbar who then relayed the letter to the Duke.

“M’lord, we have received a letter from the Duke of Munster”

“Well, what does it say?”

“He wishes to form an alliance.”

“Hmm, this is good news, draw up a document accepting and send it right away”