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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 14, 2016 17:08:33 GMT
Having left his subjects to build his fleet, Niall set his eyes on a new target. War was not his intention, instead he hoped to bridge the decades of division between his own family and that of his father's sister Queen Medb of the Ui Connachta. Though Niall was the King of Ulaid, he had become so as a process of subjugation. This process had been started by Medb, with Eochaid, continued by Niall and his brothers and subsequently continued by his sons Eogan and Conall. Indeed, Niall and his father Eochaid were Ui Connachta and like Medb were descendants of the great High-King Conn of the Hundred Battles. Medb herself was considered a fierce warrior queen, personally leading raiders and soldiers to glory, though now had grown frail and elderly.
Niall intended no violence, yet behind his marched his personal retinue. They had been well rewarded for their loyalty during the raids in Dumnonia and despite the lack of potential income from this venture Niall believed they would be aware of the benefits of continued service given his reputation as a generous leader. The long and narrow roads wound their way westwards towards Rath Cruachan, the birthplace of Niall's father and the home of the illustrious Medb. Although Tara itself was small and desolate compared to Na Emain, Na Emain was of minute status compared to Rath Cruachan.
Unlike the other royal forts, placed on hills for defensive purposes, Rath Cruchan was located in the centre of a great plain, miles from the safety of the Western Mountains. They site had been developed over many millennia, some say it was even founded by the mysterious Tuatha de Denann, the ancestor-gods of the Eirann. It was a bustling settlement, with more people than the other royal forts combined. Populations were boosted by a large market, where all those who farmed in the plains and steered in the hills could trade their produce. In the centre of the Town stood the actual fort, or more correctly - Forts. A huge ring-fort was built upon a raised palisade of timber and earth, four flanked it on all sides. The main fort had a grand roundhouse, larger than any Niall owned and underneath it's ramparts lay the largest crematorium in Eire. To the North lay another fort, less impressive but built upon the Cave of Oweynagat - a mysterious gateway to the otherworld. It is said Medb was born in the cave whilst the Goddess Morrigan, a warrior, passed between realms. Thus she was instilled with her skill in Battle. On all sides the fort complex was surrounded by huge sets of linear earthworks commissioned by Medb herself, boxing the town in between mighty earthen walls measuring many miles in length.
OoC: More to come...
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 16, 2016 1:13:12 GMT
Upon arriving at the entrance of the city, Niall requests an audience with his kinwoman Queen Medb. He believes it is in the best interests of both parties that the Ui Connachta swear allegiance to the High-Kings of Tara. Dangerous times face Eire, and there is strength in numbers. Niall does not ask for any monetary tribute, only that, when the time comes, the Ui Connachta join their fellow descendents of Conn to defend the Gaelic way of life. He offers a gift of 400 Cattle (approximately 100 Aurei) to help sweeten the deal.
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Post by Admin on Jun 16, 2016 19:15:02 GMT
Queen Medb does not appear in person. She sends a young boy to answer Niall at the gates.
"Queen Medb takes such a small bribe as a personal insult, she says that her kingdom is not for sale. If you want her allegiance, you will have to take it. Medb recognises no sovereign higher than Medb, the maker and unmaker of kings, both in Eire and in distant lands. If you do not come here as equal or inferior, then you come here as an enemy. Be gone! Or Medb shall unleash the hounds of Pictland upon you! Trust in Medb, that it would be better for you to return to your kingdom, and leave her to her own."
The confident declaration is ended, and the boy vanishes. It seems that Medb expects no negotiation.
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 16, 2016 23:47:22 GMT
Niall remains, waiting outside the walls, adopting an air of patience. His mind turned to the Lia Fail, the last man to make the great stone roar was Niall's ancestor - the great Conn Cetchathach - a man who just so happened to be an ancestor of Medb. Perhaps it was the split betwixt his dynasty that prompted such a cruel fate to befall the Kings of Tara. Either way, Niall would take the reigns of this Kingdom as he would any other. He sent his Hostage Ailill to raise up the Tuathas, includng the Riuri na Laigin, if there were to be a fight, it would be a great one at that.
Malgarb stood at Niall's side, ready to present Fragarach to his King. The Ceithern were positioned around the settlement ready to capture any scouts or messengers sent forth by Medb.
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Post by Admin on Jun 17, 2016 14:46:50 GMT
There is the sound of horses coming from within the city. There is much activity visible on the walls, and much incomprehensible shouting. Malgarb begins to look uneasy, almost turning ghostly white. 'Cruthinn?' he mumbles, 'No... more distant. The other painted ones. Picti.'
After a period of unease, the gates begin to creek, before swinging open. Out from the gateway thunder a hundred demonic horsemen, naked and painted, screaming in their strange tongue and charging with long spears. Ahead of them bark the hounds of hell, large warhounds trained and fed not only to find and hold down men, but to enjoy feasting on their flesh. As they charge into Ceithern of Ulaid, men on foot, some lightly armoured, some in mail, emerge, slightly out of breath, at the flanks of the Ceithern, employing several secret postern gates and other secret entryways, some of which have only been prepared in recent years. The whole army seems to be remarkably international, with many appearing very like the Christian Britons the Ceithern were used to fighting on the mainland. Though the Ceithern were confident that they could kill Christians, it made many uneasy to see them on the hallowed soil of Eire, and not on their own isle. In addition, these were all hard-looking full-time warriors, and most of them rode into battle on stout ponies or warhorses, and all could afford some degree of armour, with many possessing swords.
The army of Queen Medb is composed of the following:
100 Gaelic Nobles
1,000 Ceithern
1,000 Gaelic Peasants
500 Teulu
100 Picti
The men of Ulaid have superiority of numbers, but the forces of Queen Medb have many units of cavalry, with superior armour and equipment. The men of Ulaid are also taken by surprise by the terrifying and unexpected sight of mounted Picti. The Irish could hope to skirmish and fight, holding ground and hoping for victory or at least a stalemate. They may also risk a retreat, which would undoubtedly be costly, but could at least save the lives of the king and his druid if managed well. If they stay and fight, the men of Ulaid may hold out long enough to be reinforced by the levies raised by Ailill.
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 17, 2016 16:15:03 GMT
Niall stood firm, seemingly unmoved by the sight, or at least that's what he wanted his men to believe. He grabbed Fragarach from Malgarb, and released the magnificent sword from its scabbard. A managed retreat... Niall thought. Before hurriedly shouting his orders. He would conduct the fight through repetition of two phases, skirmish and retreat. With one unit of Ceithern holding the line and the two others reforming behind them. Niall himself led the fourth unit of Ceithern, they were to present themselves as an irresistible target for the Teulu to charge just off the wing of the main Skirmish-Reform force. If the Teulu take the bait, one of the other units of Ceithern would attack the flank, hoping to surround the cavalry before they could reform and charge again.
Niall glanced at Fragarach, and hoped the druid's blessings would help him through this trial. Niall knew his sons Loegaire, Eogan and Conall would make with great haste to Rath Cruachan as soon as Ailill presented his message.
OoC: Should Niall fall in battle, Loegaire will lead the levied men into the fray and attempt to salvage what remains of Niall's Ceithern.
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Post by Admin on Jun 21, 2016 18:25:28 GMT
The battle is very costly on both sides. The first group of Kerns is slaughtered, torn apart by a deadly combination of cavalry and Gaelic infantry. The Teulu suffer heavy casualties from being flanked, and flee the battle, though they later recover their nerve and return to pursue the fleeing Irish when they are more disorganised. Following the successful flanking, all order is lost. The news spreads that Niall Noigiallach has fallen, though he still lives he does not move or speak. Defended by a handful of Kerns, Malgarb rushes to force concoctions down Niall's throat, and wrap his numerous injuries in the cleanest linen he can find. He bleeds profusely and turns pale and damp. He is hurriedly carried by faithful companions as they fight for their lives to retreat.
A unit of Picti makes the foolish mistake of withdrawing from a slog of a battle in order to perform a second charge, and this gives the Kerns the chance to brace themselves and present spears to the charge, costing many Picti their lives. Niall still does not stir, and his condition seems only to worsen. Many assume the worst, and druids engage in their rituals as the few Christians among the Ulaid pray openly for Niall. Even if he lives, it is unlikely that he will ever be quite the same fighter he once was.
When Niall's small band finds itself at a safe distance from the chaotic streams of Kerns, being rundown by Teulu and Picti, they stop to catch their breath. There they witness the first sight of the levies of Ulaid, and the sons of Niall Noigiallach. With the levies arrived, the Kerns may take refuge behind their lines. The sons of Niall Noigiallach, believing their father to be dying, push a lighting-fast assault back against the dispersed and over-confident enemy. They slaughter all in their way, not stopping to take slaves or plunder, and force their way back to Rath Cruachan, and into the city. Queen Medb is now trapped in a city held by the men of Ulaid, and offers to send her husband to submit to Niall, as King of Mumu. She pleads age and frailty to be excused from the duty herself.
Fragarach falls into the possession of Loegaire, for the time being, who finds it on the sight that his father fell, embedded deep in a lifeless and mutilated Briton.
OoC: I used random.org to decide Niall's fate from my perspective. The result was 1. He is injured, but not immediately killed. 2. The injuries are very serious and life-threatening. 3. He miraculously survives. I had a triple layer to give you some protection from bad lack, and he survived, so he is now in your hands. You may RP his death or recovery as you wish. His fate is back in your hands, rather than my meany-bo-beany RNG.
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 21, 2016 18:50:12 GMT
OoC: That's fine, it may be time for Niall to die anyway, making way for the dominance of the Mac Niell/Ui Niell. I'll have a think. Would you mind terribly if I RP the discovery of Niall/the fate of Fragarach? (I was hoping Eogan would actually get his hands on it.)
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Post by Admin on Jun 21, 2016 18:56:41 GMT
OoC: No, knock yourself out. It doesn't have an effect on the substance of the result, so you may freely RP with it.
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 22, 2016 0:18:22 GMT
Upon witnessing the sight of his father caught in a desperate melee, Eogan had no more patience for battleplans. He charged, with his Riuri Thuatha (i.e. Clan Nobles), immediately. His brother Conall, followed. Loegaire shouted many expletives at the fleeing Ceithern, questioning the existence of their manly parts, and threatening to 'dis-member' those who fled and were discovered to actually possess them. Eogan replayed the scenes in his head, over and over, could he have spurred his horse faster? Could he have prevented this had he arrived sooner? He had been the first to discover his father laying on the field, and now held the injured King in his arms. Niall had lost a hand, which was still attached to the pummel of Fragarach forming a morbid tribute, his thigh bone was visible through his leg presumably a result of trampling, and he bore many dozens of other wounds - both great and small. Conall had fallen to his knees a few yards away as he wept, Loegaire relieved his frustration by hacking wounded Britons apart as they lay dying. With a cough, and a splutter, Niall stirred. He held his stubbed wrist up against his son's face and spluttered his last word - 'Eogan.' As suddenly as he had risen, Niall fell limp.
'Father... Father... Father!' Eogan cried out in tragic crescendo.
'It's too late.' Padraig, who had been raising wooden crucifixes along the distant hills during the fight, arrived on the scene and placed his hand on Eogan's shoulder. Eogan ignored him, or perhaps did not hear him, and continued in vain efforts to revive his father.
'Loegaire.' Ailill announced his presence, drenched in the blood of his enemies. Despite his absolute lack of charisma, charm, or political ability, he was indeed an accomplished killer of men. 'The Queen asks that her son be sent to pay tribute.'
Loegaire chuckled to himself as he heard the relayed message. 'Aye, tell her she can send out her boy. I shall make him watch as I burn this settlement to the ground. We shall bind him as he watches his home vanish through weeping eyes, and he shall stand helpless as he hears the screams and cries of his mother and his kinsmen. The Ui Connachta are pretenders to the great Conn Cetchathach's legacy, they lost here today and the sons of Niall have proven themselves the true heirs to his Kingdoms.' Loegaire paused. 'Gather the Ceithern, set them to salvage any weapons and armor they please, use our remaining wealth to replenish their numbers. We shall need them to enforce the rule of Tara, we shall take all those clans who refuse to swear loyalty as slaves and sell them to the Romans so they shall be outside the Kingdom, incapable of vengeance. We shall loot this great settlement as it burns, and assume all wealth that Medb forfeits by death.'
After authorising the mass slaughter of the noble Ui Connachta, Loegaire paced towards the location his father lay, though his march was interrupted by another tragic sight. Niall's older brother, Fiachre, lay cold on the ground and it was finally clear that the sons of Eochaid Mugmedon were no more. Loegaire stood in contemplation for a short while, when something caught his ears. It was a strange language that he did not recognise. Glancing upwards, he saw the priest Padraig kneeling over his father's body.
Padraig had convinced the newly christianised Eogan to allow him to conduct Niall's last rites. As the two men, joined by Conall, kneeled in prayer, Padraig was interrupted by a boot to the head. 'You curse his journey to the Otherworld!' Loegaire snarled as he unsheathed his sword.
'Leave him be!' Eogan found his feet and readied himself, grabbing Fragrach and prying his father's hand from its resting place.
'It is the treachery of Briton's that killed our father!' Loegaire stepped closer to Padraig who, still reeling from the initial blow, was being helped to his feet by Conall.
'It was the treachery of the cunning Medb that killed our father.' Eogan replied calmly, himself stepping closer in an attempt to block Loegaire's path. 'Padraig was only trying to help father's next journey.'
'Father needs no help in his journey,' Loegaire spat at the ground upon hearing Eogan's words, 'should any stand his his way, Gods or man, he will fight his way to the Otherworld. I heard rumours that you had taken it upon yourself to forsake your ancestors and decided to follow the religion of the slaves. You are my brother and out of love for the man that sired us I shall let you return to your holdings in the North, and take those two pathetic creatures with you.' Loegaire gestured with his sword to Padraig and Conall, before re-sheathing it. 'Take his remains, he will be buried at Tara beside his ancestors.' Loegaire announced as Ailill and Malgarb appeared at his side.
'Yes, my King.' Malgarb replied insidiously.
OoC: Apologies for the long post, there is a mixture between RP and some active orders so it is unfortunately a necessary read (at least for Admin, sorry.) I hope it's entertaining enough.
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Post by Admin on Jun 22, 2016 17:24:09 GMT
OoC: Very nice! Feels like a GoT ninth episode. So I take it that Mumu is brutally incorporated into the lands of Ulaid, and that Loegaire is now the High King of Tara, but has generously allowed his brother to carry on living, and to enjoy some degree of power as a sub-King in the northern lands of Niall?
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 22, 2016 18:01:39 GMT
OoC: Pretty much, except it's the Westerlands Connaught that has been integrated. Mumu are under a different King in the South.
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Post by Admin on Jun 22, 2016 18:59:07 GMT
OoC: Yes, sorry, 'mis-spoke'.
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Post by Loegaire mac Niell on Jun 22, 2016 22:32:22 GMT
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