The High Kings of Ireland - DV AAR

[the_hdk]

Well this will be my 2nd attempt at a AAR, the 1st one was lost due to an corrupted save. My English is pretty bad so please be gentle with me

I'll try to do this AAR in the same kind of style like I did the last one, meaning each update will be one ruler. (sometimes maybe more)

I started a as the Count of Tir Connail in Ireland as I wanted to do something new
my goals:
- become a Duke fast
- conquer Ireland and become a King.
- Conquer the Island
- conquer the Roman Gaul (France, north Italy)
After that well we'll see

Please comment as much as you want and as often as you can

ohh and I'm Playing Deus Vult, latest beta with the DVIP (witch is a great mod) and other mods.

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Updates:

Dukes of Ulster:

Ruaidri Ui Canannain (1075-1085)
Murchadh Ui Canannain (1085-1097)
GillaColuim Ui Canannain (1097-1113)
GillaPátrac Ui Canannain (1113-1116)

Kings of Ireland:

Patrick I Ui Canannain (1116-1121)
Haughey I Ui Canannain (1121-1153)​

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[Lord Valentine]

Sounds interesting. You'll have a hard time turning Ireland into a powerhouse though.

~Lord Valentine~

 

[the_hdk]

Ruaidri Ui Canannain

Born: Somewhere in 1020, Donegal, Ireland
Died: 15.6.1085, In a village in Tyrone, Ireland

Duke of Ulster 1075-1085
Duke of Connacht 1083-1085
Count of Tir Connail 1040-1085
Count of Tir Eoghan 1071-1085
Count of Sligo 1083-1085​

Ruaidri was a wise and a careful ruler. He was a kind and good to his people ut he had to endure much during his life. His wife was cheating on him with the local Bishop , who as it turned out was a nephew of the Pope. Ruairi didn't punish his wife in fear of the Church and instead of that he turned his attention to other women. Later he produced two bastards: Congal (b: 1071) and Raibert (b:1081).

In the year 1070-1080 Ruaidri was known as a vengeful man. Twice after he was wronged at a tournament by another ruler he later claimed and conquered their possessions.

Ruaidri was married only once to a local Gaelic girl Gormlaith who was a year younger. They had 3 children, all boys. Donnchadh (b:1040) who became the count of Mayo, Domnall (b:1042) who later after the death of his father became the count of Sligo and the youngest and Ruidri's heir Murchadh (b:1049).


Situation at the start

Ruaidri started in 1066 as an independent count of Count of Tir Connail

Tir Connail lies in the north-west Of Ireland in the Duchy of Ulster.


His deeds

- In 1070 after the Count of Tir Eoghian died due to old age, his very young son succeeded him. Ruaidri who already had a claim on the title after he was wronged year before by the late Count decided it was time to collect his debt. He quickly assembled an army and attacked Tir Eoghain.

But it didn't went really smooth. The first battle was lost and after two months it was Ruaidri who had to defend. But thanks to his son Murchadh the army of the young count was defeated. A year later the war was over and Tir Eoghian belonged to Ruaidri.

But the wars for Tir Eoghian didn't end. In 1073 the count of Ulaid decided that it was a good time to attack Ruaidri. After few battles, all won by Ui Canannain the war was over and Count Ulaid had to yield his claim. A few years later the Duke of Galaway tried his luck, but he too lost to Ruaidri.

- In October 1075 Ruaidri became the Duke of Ulster.

- In the year 1081 another Tournament was held and again Ruaidri was wronged. This time it was the count of Mayo. Soon after the count lost his possessions and Ruaidri usurped the title of Duke of Connacht from the count's liege.

In the '80s the stability of the Dukedom has dropped due to high debts of the Duke. One of Ruadri's vassal took his chance and revolted against the Duke.
Ruaidri sent his heir to clean up the mess and soon after left the title to his son.

Ruaidri died at the age of 65. He was a successful ruler who increased his domain with 500%. He was succeeded by his 3rd and the most capable son Murchadh.


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@ LV: Tnx I'll try

 

[Lord Valentine]

You have built up quite a position to dominate and finally conquer Ireland! But watch out for foreign invaders! In my own Scottish AAR the fairly weak Irish states proved a target, too tempting to resist.

By the way: I really like your presentation. I just have a weakness for history-book AARs.

~Lord Valentine~

 

[Capibara]

Nice challange and excellent choice. I'll be following

 

[Slinky]

This reminds me a lot of my current game (still my first game as I don't have enough time to play). I started as a lowly count in Ireland and now I own almost all the borders of the map. Soon it will be time to go for the middle

Anyway I'll be following.

 

[the_hdk]

@ Lord V: Thanks I will watch out The Scots already tried once I bet they will try again soon and I'm glad you like it

@ Capi Thanks good to have you around

@ Slinky Tnx yes I always start as a count too, it's more of a challenge

 

[the_hdk]

Murchadh Ui Canannain

Born: 14.7.1049, Donegal, Ireland
Died: 27.4.1097 Donegal, Ireland

Duke of Ulster and Connacht 1085-1097
Count of Tir Connail and Tir Eoghan 1085-1097
​

Murchadh was the third and the youngest son of Ruaidri and Gormlaith.
He was chosen as the heir to the Dukedom by his father thanks to his Martial ability. He succeeded him in 1097 when he was already 36 years old.

Murchadh was the best general of the Dukedom and one of the best in the whole Ireland at his time. He defeated the army of Count of Tir Eoghian in the '70s in his early twenties. But the war had left an mark on him. He got wounded and even fell ill later that year. The doctors feared for his life but he survived and got better. Murchadh was know as a wise and valorous ruler during his time. He was also considered a somewhat chase for his time. He spent all his private times with only one women, his wife.

Murchadh was married to Deredere the daughter of the brother of the count of Osaraige. They had six childeren that survived into adulthood.
Four sons and two daughters. Aedan (b: 1067) who although was very talented never became more than a adviser to his younger brother GillaColaim (b:1071) who succeeded Murchadh. The other two sons Congal (b: 1087) and Ronan (b: 1090) never got their own land to rule.
His first daughter Donada (b: 1070) married his bastard brother Congal and his youngest daughter Una (B: 1080) married a Berber nobleman.


Situation at the start

In 1085 Murchadh startes off with three vassals, two duke titles and two land possessions. Tir Connail and Tir Eoghain.

His deeds

- After his succession to the dukedom he made both of his older brothers counts. Donnacadh became the count of Mayo and Domnall count of Sligo.

- Not much happened during Murchadh reign, in the first years he was busy rebuilding the country stability and the enormous debt he also inherited.
Although he succeeded in bringing stability back to north Ireland he didn't do anything else worth of mention.

In his 6th year of rule he fell from his horse during hunting and got badly wounded for the second time in his life. He became ill due to the wound
but it took a few years before he died. He was succeeded by his second son GillaColuim in 1097.

 

[Slinky]

In his 6th year of rule he fell from his horse during hunting and got badly wounded for the second time in his life. He became ill due to the wound
but it took a few years before he died. He was succeeded by his second son GillaColuim in 1097.

So he was badly wounded for half his reign. A long Six years of agony that must have been.

 

[the_hdk]

@ Slinky

yeah I was reading during 95% of it

 

[Lord Valentine]

That was kind of unspectacular. A ruler with such a high martial skill and he didn't even get a war to fight as a ruler. Marrying your daughter to a Berber is a bit unconventional though. Well the Irish... :wacko:

~Lord Valentine~

 

[Enewald]

Well, it is useful to marry yuor daughter for courtiers with other family names and good statts.

Soon a kingdom?

 

[the_hdk]

@ Lord V Well the reason why a berber was in my dukedom will be explained in the next chapter (coming right up)

@ Enewald Yes indeed , actually I kinda lose it sometimes who is who.. so a lil inbreeding happens here and there

We'll see about the Kingdom soon

 

[the_hdk]

GillaColuim Ui Canannain

Born: 21.3.1071, Donegal, Ireland
Died: 22.12.1113, Dublin, Ireland

Duke of Ulster and Connacht 1097-1113
Count of Tir Connail and Tir Eoghan 1097-1113
Count of Dublin 1112-1113
​

GillaColuim was the second son of Murchadh and Deredere. He was chosen as the heir to the Dukedom due to politics and his wife. His older brother was much more talented but he never rebelled against his younger brother. GillaColuim was a zealous ruler. Right at his coronation to a Duke he proclaimed to take arms in the name of God. But he was a rather unlucky Crusader. The only province he conquered he lost it within a few years.

GillaColuim married Dubchobloig the daughter of the duke of Leinster. It was arranged as a political wedding due to lack of male heirs to the Dukedom of Leinster but soon enough the pair would fall in love and make many children.
They had two sons and two daughters. GillaPatrac (b: 1088) was the oldest son and heir to the dukedom. Eochu (b:1099) was the younger son who succeeded his brother. Affraic (b: 1090) married GillaColuim's younger brother Ronan and Brigid (b:1097) married the Chancellor of the Kingdom of Wales Rhun Morgan.


Situation at the start

In 1097 GillaColuim starts with the same realm as his father.
The only difference is that he now has a claim on the count of Mide.

His deeds


- GillaColuim was very eager to go on a Crusade. Due to the lack of funds he couldn't travel all the way to Jerusalem. So he chose a target that was much closer. Mauretania!

The first stop ware the islands of Gran Canaria. They ware conquered pretty quickly. Afterwards they ware given to the church to do as they wanted.

In June 1099 the armies of Ulster landed at the shores of Tangiers. In December the first province was conquered.

In January of 1100 the Bishop of the Canaries decided he would be better of as an independent ruler and GillaColuim let him go. That was only the first of bad news. The Duke of Galaway decided it was a good time to attack Ulster as they ware on a holy mission.
The battles in Mauretania didn't go well either, so GillaColuim decided it was time to end the Crusade. He signed a white peace treaty with the infidels and gave the recently conquered provinces back to them.

- A year later the war with invading Scots was over. The Duke of Galaway died in battle and his successor decided to end the war of equals.

The failed crusade and invading Scots left the Dukedom in ruin. The debts ware enormous and stability was rather low.

- In May 1107 the first assassination attempt at the Duke was made. Even today we don't know who wanted the Duke dead. He had many rivals within the dukedom and outside. The second attack exactly 3 years later left the Duke with a wound , but it not a mortal one.

- In 1108 the first real success of GillaColuim was the vassalage of the Count of Mide. The second one was conquering Dublin in 1112, the richest province on the whole Island.

But the success ended right there in Dublin. GillaColuim was wounded badly in the battle and got ill shortly after. Few months later he died from Pneumonia.
He was succeeded by his oldest son GillaPátrac in 1113.

 

[Enewald]

The old king is dead.

Noes! o

Ah well, soon I hope for the title king of kings of ireland?

 

[Lord Valentine]

When I read the first half of the post I thought "now there's someone who's misguided ambitions will lead his country to ruin". But conquering Dublin is quite a feat and with the additional vassalization of Mide all other Lords of Ireland should rightfully fear and respect you.

~Lord Valentine~

 

[the_hdk]

@ Enewald You don't have to wait much longer...


@ Lord V Yes well he had to end the Crusade or he would lose it all... he planned another crusade to Mauretania after conquering Dublin but he never got the chance. He actually was a very bad ruler, leaving his country in stability -2 and big debt . If not for Dublin he would be a bigger disappointment than his father

 

[the_hdk]

GillaPátrac Ui Canannain
(Eng.: Patrick I)
(Latin: Patricius I)

Born: 7.5.1088, Donegal, Ireland
Died: 23.7.1121, Dublin, Ireland

King of Ireland 1116-1121
Duke of Ulster and Connacht 1113-1119
Duke of Meath 1114-1119
Duke of Leinster 1115-1121
Count of Tir Eoghan and Dublin 1113-1121
Count of Tir Connail 1113-1119
Count of Laigin 1115-1121​

GillaPátrac I will be remembered as the first High King of Ireland in the 12th century. He submitted the whole Island under his rule and banner.

Although very successful GillaPátrac was never really pleased. Was it due to his unsatisfied ambition or rather personal unhappiness we can only speculate. He was a rather reckless ruler. He often made decisions without thinking it trough and trough. A good example is the assassination of his father-in-law. If it would not succeed he risked an open-war with the rest of the Island.

But lady Fortune didn't always smile upon GillaPátrac. He married twice but he didn't have a male successor. His first wife was a Spanish Princess Aldona Jimenez the daughter of the King of Leon and Castille. He only had one daughter with Aldona, Blanca (b: 1105) who later would marry a local noble Corcc Ó Domnaill. Aldona died in 1108 in childbirth. The child (witch ironically was a boy) died as well. His second wife was another Princess Catrin Mathrafal the daughter of the King of Wales. But royal blood didn't help him in creating a heir. He had only one child with Catrin, a daughter Etain (b: 1109).


Situation at the start

The Duke of Ulster and Connacht is the most powerful ruler in Ireland in 1113.
GillaPátrac owns now the richest province in Ireland, Dublin. And Mide is now a vassal as well. His starting position is the best so far.

His deeds

- Only a year after he became a Duke, GillaPátrac already submitted a new lord. The count of Ulaid accepted to become a vassal. Now the whole North of the Island was his. It was around this time that the Duke became depressed. Many speculate that it was due to the new responsibilities as a Grand Duke. Some say it's because of the loss of his first wife, witch died a few years before but that seems rather too romantic. Others think it's due to the fact that he couldn't produce an heir. We shall never know the truch behind his depression.

- In June 1114 GillaPátrac added his 3rd Duke title to his name, the Duke of Meath. In 1114 he also changed the succession laws to Salic Gavelkind. He was afraid that another dynasty could take all that his fathers fought for away from him due to the lack of male heirs.

- In July 1115 GillaPátrac made the most bold decision of his life. The assassination of the father-in-law the Duke of Leinster. Like stated before, if it went wrong it would strat a war with the rest of the island. But lady Fortune helped a bit and the Duke was killed. GillaPátrac inherited yet another Duke title and the County of Laigin. Nothing or nobody could stop him now from becoming a King!

- On 3rd of October he finally was coroneted as "GillaPátrac I King of Ireland".

- The only independent ruler left on the Island was the Duke of Munster. GillaPátrac I went into war with Munster in 1119. Altough the war didn't go as planned, it ended with a great success. Urmurru was conquered and the Duke of Munster accepted to become a vassal of the King of the Whole Island.

- In 1119 GillaPátrac I made his brother Eochu the Duke of Ulser and his heir.
A distant relative and the old Count of Sligo became the Duke of Connacht. And his nephew Nathi became the ArchBischop of Meath.

- On 23rd of August 1121 GillaPátrac I committed suicide. It seems that success doesn't always equal happiness

 

[Enewald]

Lols.

Suicide after all what he did. Maybe he understood he had created a monster called Ireland?

 

[Lord Valentine]

Salic Gravelkind? I suppose that will limit royal resources even further. Mind you this will create some interesting "family situations" though.

~Lord Valentine~