Crusader Kings Chronicle, part 3: 1086-1096

Seven crowns

October 19, 1086: Duke Brian's host comes down on Skofte like a wave outside Waterford, and the rebel lord's hastily-assembled band is crushed. This time the Duke insists he will not leave until he sees Skofte's head in stocks or on a pike. Welp.

November 18, 1086: Skofte offers his formal surrender. Ormond is brought back under Munsterian rule, and the former Lord Mayor is imprisoned. Ormond is given to Duke Brian's son and heir, Marshal Murchad. The newly minted Lord of Ormond raises 40 fresh, loyal men to join his father's host. They are joined by 36 more from Thomond and Desmond, and march north once again to deal with Der-Lugdach once and for all.

December 28, 1086: In the chill winter air, Duke Brian's army wipes out the paltry defenders at Breifne and establishes the siege of Dromahair for the third time.

January 1, 1087: Though urged by many of his advisers to have the rebel Skofte's head off, Duke Brian elects to let him rot in prison instead.

I gained the "Just" trait from this decision. It won't inspire fear like executing Skofte might have, but it will make people respect me and my decisions in other ways.

July 4, 1087: Ben-Míde ua Brian marries Baron Stigand of Richmond. He is the subject of a Saxon Duke, Estmond of Lancaster, arguably the most powerful pretender to the English throne.

Oh yeah, that's kind of important. For those of you just now joining us, England has gone off the historical rails. William the Conqueror was killed by a viking, and for quite a while, England was ruled by King Harald Hardrada as a principality of Norway. Then, when Harald was killed by William's son, Robert, the entire realm collapsed into seven warring kingdoms:

Much of the South, including London, is still ruled by Harald's son, King Magnus II of Norway. His realm is the strongest, but as far as England is concerned, he is losing ground fast.

Prince Robert, son of William the Conqueror and Duke of Kent, seeks to reclaim England for the Normans.

Duke Estmond of Lancaster has seized the most overall territory, representing the strongest hope for England's ancient Anglo-Saxon ruling class.

A third Saxon, Duke Harold of Bedford, claims strong right of succession from the deposed Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon King of England.

Finally, Duke Nigel had carved out the small realm of Cornwall for himself. Like Robert, he was a Norman and tied to the house of William the Conqueror. As of this year, his realm was recaptured by Norway.

And all of this is not to mention that the Norwegians are also fighting another of William's sons, Prince Richard, for the Duchy of Normandy on the mainland. It's really anyone's kingdom at this point, but the infighting will benefit me as Ireland will soon be united in the face of a fractured England. Meanwhile, King Malcolm of Scotland looks on and laughs.