Table of Contents
Welcome to James Kemp's Wiki
This is a collaborative web platform that allows people to edit1) the web pages to provide additional content for some of the stories I have written and the roleplaying games that I am involved in, whether as a player or GM.
There are several namespaces operating slightly different wiki subjects. These are, in no particular order:
- Skyss - Story Background - a fantasy novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo 2016.
- Perfects - background for the near future story and some police roleplaying that I ran in that universe
- Theocracy of Daprav - A D&D campaign that I ran with Glasgow University Games Society around 2002-3.
- Jim Wallman's Universe - a roleplaying by e-mail campaign that I play in, this is an unofficial wiki and none of it is canon unless Jim says it is.
- Interstellar Freelance Unlimited - subset of the Universe pages covering the activities of a mercenary company that we are currently roleplaying every Full Moon.
- Earth Imperium pages. These cover the activities of the Government of the Solar republic (aka Earth Empire) in Jim's Humanity Will Prevail campaign, including the Earth Imperium News Items.
- Free Worlds Alliance - covering the activities of another emerging polity in the Humanity Will Prevail campaign. Mostly contributed by Eric Moroney.
- Universe Background - page collecting the various bits of background info that have come up in various e-mail discussions for the campaigns set in Jim Wallman's Universe.
- Master map of the Universe (6Mb PDF, as at 3212).
- Delta Green - some roleplaying campaigns about horror and conspiracy. The main one was set in Berlin in 1953.
- Free games rules - a collection of free rules for wargames and other sorts of face to face games that I have designed or run.
- Wargames rules - I'm not just a player of games, I also do rules for them from time to time as well as one-off games. A primary outlet for this is through Chestnut Lodge Wargames Group.
- Other free rules - at the moment just those for the 1689 (Orange or Lemon? and Bonnie Dundee, respectively about the debates in the Scots Parliament and then the military campaign of Viscount Dundee during 1689) and The Other Side of the COIN (about what makes people become insurgents). All games that I have have produced for Chestnut Lodge Wargames Group.
- Background for a near future universe where I have written some fiction and also run some roleplaying games in.
Comments and complaints to me at webmaster@full-moon.info please.
James Kemp
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Military History of Dael Riata
The history of Dael Riata is defined by a culture of raiding and internecine warfare. While much of the violence occurs via bloodfeuds governed by specific rules of engagement, the realm has seen several major wars and civil conflicts over the last three centuries.
~528–547 Wars of Independence and Liberation
Following the death of Ruaridh IX in 528, the Ruary dynasty began to fail, plunging the land into nineteen years of war.
Belligerents: The Ranald coalition (supported by House Sioltach and Malcolm Murchadh) against the fragmented remains of the previous dynasty and Bernician interventionists.
Notable Events:
- Bernician Invasion: King Edmund I of Bernicia invaded to claim the Daelian throne. The conflict only ended when the Daels united against the foreign threat.
- Rise of Ranald: Fearchar and Alasdair Ranald successfully won the crown in 547, rewarding their allies with the first Earldoms (e.g., House Sioltach as Earls of Duffjord and Malcolm Murchadh as Earl of Uisdean).
665–672 The Bernician Invasion
This war was sparked by Bernician attempts to avenge King Harold V, who had been killed by Daelian forces.
Belligerents: Dael Riata (under King Alasdair II) vs. Bernicia (under King Edmund II).
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of Dalry (666): A massive engagement where Earsaid Murchadh (3rd Earl of Uisdean) was killed.
- The Heroism of Iain Murchadh: The 4th Earl of Uisdean stopped his contingent from being wiped out and fought through the Life Guard to engage King Harold V in a duel, killing the Bernician monarch and effectively ending the battle.
Outcome: The war continued for several years until Edmund II was persuaded by his nobles to seek peace.
690-699 The Nine Years' War
A foreign conflict where Daelian forces fought internationally.
Belligerents: Dael Riatan volunteers supporting the Kingdom of Salicia.
Outcome: The war was fought primarily overseas, with Daelian veterans gaining significant combat experience.
710 Black Diarmid's Rebellion
A domestic uprising led by a bastard son of Alasdair III seeking to assert a claim.
Belligerents: Black Diarmid and his followers against the Dael Riatan Crown.
Notable Engagement: Battle of Grisholm, where the rebellion was ultimately contested/defeated. Duke Simon of Goddodin (a prominent noble from the neighbouring kingdom of Bernicia) fought in this battle as a young squire. He reportedly distinguished himself well during the engagement and was knighted on the field.
739 The Invasion of Bernicia
An ill-fated offensive campaign launched to press a claim on the Bernician throne.
Belligerents: Dael Riata (under King Alasdair IV) vs. Bernician nobility.
Notable Events:
- The Ambush of 739: While attempting to march south, the Daelian army was ambushed by Bernician nobles.
- Noble Losses: King Alasdair IV was killed in the fighting, alongside many great nobles, including Iain Murchadh (4th Earl of Uisdean), who fell while attempting to repeat his earlier feat of killing a Bernician king.
754-755 The Queen's War / The Civil War
The Queen's War was a brief but bloody civil war triggered by the deposition of Queen Caoimhe.
Belligerents: The Regency Council (King's Side): Alpin, Murchadh, and Aonghus. The Loyalists (Queen's Side): Sioltach, Suibhne, Ahearn, and Gilranald, with military backing from King Edmund IV of Bernicia.
Notable Engagement: Battle of Drumfada Ridge (754).
The Duke of Glasholm (Loyalist) routed the Murchadh infantry but was killed shortly after. The Aonghus cavalry (Regency) mounted a direct attack on the Queen's command post, causing her to flee the field.
Outcome: The Suibhne house was effectively decapitated, losing three generations of leadership. The war ended with the Queen returning to Bernicia and the installation of the infant Alasdair V as King under a regency.
Recent Hostilities (774)
While not a formal war, a significant violent incident occurred at Caer Suibhne that has sparked a new feud.
Participants: King Alasdair V and his Steward (Iain Alpin) vs. the Murchadh brothers.
Notable Event: During a dinner under the rules of hospitality, the 5th Earl of Uisdean and his brother Fearchar were killed by the King's Steward. The King claimed they attempted to assassinate him, while the Murchadh bannermen view the act as premeditated murder.
The Queen's War (754–755)
The Queen's War, also known as the Dael Riatan Civil War, was a significant military conflict fought between the Regency Council (supporting the infant King Alasdair V) and the Loyalist coalition (supporting the deposed Queen Caoimhe).
Origins and Strategic Context
The conflict was triggered in 754 when a coalition of powerful nobles—primarily the Murchadh, Alpin, and Aonghus families—forced the abdication of Queen Caoimhe. The official justification was her scandalous relationship with a Skyssian merchant and her attempts to re-introduce Skyssian gods to Dael Riata, which the nobility feared would lead to foreign domination.
While Parliament declared her infant son King, Caoimhe fled to Bernicia to seek aid from her cousin, King Edmund IV. She returned with Bernician support, launching an invasion to reclaim her throne.
The Belligerents
The war was notable for dividing families and testing loyalties across the 14 great houses.
The King's Side (Regency Council)
Lead Houses:
- Sean Alpin (Earl of Ardmor),
- Domnhall Murchadh (5th Earl of Uisdean), and
- the Earl of Aonghus.
Supporters:
- Giluilleam, and
- the major burghs (though many supported the King half-heartedly).
Military Focus: Primarily heavy infantry and regional levies.
The Queen's Side (Loyalists)
Lead Houses:
- Ahearn, and
Elite Units: The Unicorn Troop, featuring second-generation riders like Cornet Iain Suibhne and Agitant Diarmid Murchadh.
Bernician Elements: Mercenaries and household troops provided by King Edmund IV.
Notable Individuals: Iain Alpin (who fought against his father), the Duke of Glasholm, and Diarmid Murchadh (serving as an agitant in the Unicorn Troop) who fought against his Uncle.
Major Campaigns and Engagements
The Loyalist army advanced from the south along the North Way, aiming for the capital at Dalreoch.
Skirmishes in the South
The early campaign saw initial successes for the Queen’s forces in the southern lowlands. Iain Alpin distinguished himself during these engagements, reportedly fighting in every battle of the war.
The Battle of Drumfada Ridge (754)
The war’s decisive and bloodiest engagement occurred approximately twenty miles south of Dalreoch.
The Regency forces took a defensive position on Drumfada Ridge to block the North Way.
- The Right Flank: The Duke of Glasholm, leading the Queen's cavalry, won a decisive victory against the Regency horse. He then launched a charge into the Murchadh infantry who were pressing the Suibhne contingent hard, causing them to rout. The Queen's Unicorn Troop exploited the routing Murchadh infantry but became dangerously overextended.
- The Centre: A spirited engagement took place with many casualties in both contingents, neither side gaining an advantage until the Ahearn Horse Lords swept round having broken the right flank and made the Regency forces withdraw to avoid being cut down from behind.
- The Left Flank: The Earl of Aifric (Sithech), fighting for the Queen, was defeated and killed in a cavalry melee. The small Aonghus cavalry successfully bypassed the front lines and mounted a direct assault on the Queen’s command post.
Outcome: The battle ended in disarray for both sides.
While the Queen's right flank was victorious, the attack on her position and the death of her close friend, the Duke of Glasholm, caused her to lose the will to fight.
Casualties and Aftermath
The war resulted in heavy losses among the nobility:
- House Suibhne: The house suffered a “decapitation” of its leadership. The 6th Earl (Cinead Ranald), his son Malcolm Ruaridh, and his grandson Iain Edmund Suibhne (Cornet of the Unicorn Troop) were all killed in 754.
- Commanders: The Duke of Glasholm and the Earl of Aifric were among the fallen.
- The Alpins: Niamh Eubha Alpin and Aodh Ivor Alpin were also killed during the fighting.
Conclusion of the War
Following the carnage at Drumfada Ridge,
- Queen Caoimhe surrendered her claim to the throne and returned to Bernicia.
- The Unicorn Troop dispersed for a year before returning to their quarters in Dalreoch, and the surviving rebels were eventually brought back into the King's peace.
- The war left a legacy of bitter feuds, including the estrangement between Iain Alpin and his father, Sean Alpin.
The Suibhnes
The Suibhne (pronounced Sweeney, meaning “well-going”) are the Earls of Douglas. They are one of the 14 great noble houses of Dael Riata, renowned throughout the kingdom for their hospitality and generosity. Though they are considered one of the least powerful of the great houses, they hold a strategic position along the River Douglas.
Titles & Genealogy
The current and 7th Earl is Alasdair Suibhne. The family seat is Caer Suibhne, an ancient castle built directly into a rocky island in the middle of a fast-flowing section of the River Douglas.
They are 34 years old, and is currently married to Laura Caoimhe Gilruary (born in 743 in Dalmuir). She and Alasdair were married in 755 in Dalmuir by order of the Regency Council who were keen that there would be early heirs to all of the noble house in the wake of the civil war. They have ten children
- Mairead Ealasaid: Born in 762 (12 years old).
- Eorwen Eilidh: Born in 763 (11 years old).
- Alasdair Archibald: Born in 765 (9 years old).
- Niamh Eleanor: Born in 767 (7 years old); she is the elder, non-identical twin.
- Bhaltair Ruaridh: Born in 767 (7 years old); he is the younger, non-identical twin.
- Niamh Senga: Born at the end of 767 (7 years old).
- Fearchar Alasdair: Born in 768; he was premature and died the same day.
- Fearchar Ruaridh: Born in 770 (4 years old).
- Eilidh Caoimhe: Born in 772 (2 years old).
- Aifric Mairead: Born in 774 (infant/0 years old).
Size & Wealth
The Suibhne derive their wealth from their lands along the River Douglas and their port-town of Blackwater.
Population: The Earldom has a total population of approximately 83,049, with 3,935 living in the urban centre of Blackwater.
Geography & Military
The Suibhne lands follow the narrow valley of the River Douglas to the mountain ridge forming the eastern spine of the kingdom.
- Blackwater: The largest settlement and primary port-town of the Earldom.
- Caer Suibhne: A highly defensible keep surrounded by rapids. Access is only possible via a wooden bridge that is raised at night. The castle is supported by a small township on the northeastern bank and a battery on the northwestern cliff.
Military Organisation: Their forces are led by five banner men, all of whom represent the Earldom in Parliament.
Recent History
The Suibhne family has produced legendary figures, most notably the 4th Earl, who had a long relationship with Amma Alfarinnsdottir, a black woman from the Southern Isles and a legendary sorceress and warrior. Together they travelled the world, sending many treasures back to Caer Suibhne.
During the Battle of Drumfada Ridge in 754, the Suibhne family fought on the side of Queen Caoimhe. While the Murchadh, Alpin, and Aonghus families fought for the infant King Alasdair V, the Suibhnes were part of a loyalist coalition that attempted to restore the Queen to her throne. This coalition also included the Sioltach, Ahearn, and Gilranald families.
The battle was devastating for the Suibhne leadership. The family lost four senior members, it's not clear which order they died, Malcolm Suibnhe was wounded early in the battle, but appeared to recover, however the Suibhne companies were overwhelmed just before the Murchadh's were routed.
- Cinead Ranald Suibhne: The 6th Earl of Douglas.
- Malcolm Ruaridh Suibhne: The heir to the Earldom and father of the current Earl, Alasdair.
- Iain Edmund Suibhne: The elder brother of the current Earl, and cornet in the Unicorn Troop
The Unicorn Troop, in which Iain Edmund Suibhne served as Cornet, played a significant role in the engagement. They successfully exploited the rout of the Murchadh infantry on the Queen's behalf, though the overall battle ended in disarray for both sides following the deaths of other high-ranking commanders.
Notable People
- Suibhne of Blackwater: The Earl’s brother and commander of the Suibhne fleet.
- Ivor Fearchar: A banner man married to the Earl's cousin; he provides companies from the eastern forests.
- Calum Soutar: A coastal banner man and former ship captain. He was on watch during the infamous dinner in 774 and quietly doubts the King's version of the Murchadh deaths.
- Seoras Baxter: An able commander who has served for over five decades but appears much younger; he was recommended by Amma Suibhne.
- Seamus Cowan: A new banner man who distinguished himself through raiding and rose to the rank of captain.
Allies, Friends & Lords
- Sithech: A close and reliable ally.
- The Crown: While the King officially views the Suibhne as reliable, the relationship is privately strained.
Enemies & Feuds
- The King (Ranald): The Earl is deeply resentful of the breach of hospitality committed by King Alasdair V and his steward at Caer Suibhne in 774
. The Earl intends to discreetly spread evidence of the murders to discredit the King . Gilranald: There is a recent, unexplained one-way grievance from the Gilranalds, manifesting in tense stand-offs at sea and frosty court meetings . Gilriata: A banner man of the Earl of Dalcot raped a chambermaid at Blackwater. The Earl of Dalcot has refused to allow the man to face the King’s justice, leading to an outstanding demand for redress .
Alasdair Suibhne
Alasdair Suibhne (born 740) is the 7th Earl of Douglas and head of House Suibhne. He is a mature lord of 34 years who has governed his lands since the age of 14.
Biography
Birth: 740 at Caer Suibhne.
Accession: Succeeded the 6th Earl in 754 following the 6th Earl's death in the Queen's War war along with several other senior Suibhnes, including Alasdair's father, elder brother and great uncle. H
Lineage: Great-great-grandson of the legendary Amma Suibhne.
Role: A senior noble and host of the King's Peace negotiations in 774.
Character & Standing
Alasdair is known for upholding the strict rules of hospitality associated with his house. He is a Unicorn Rider of the second generation, possessing the “fairy blood” necessary to bond with the creatures. Though officially a loyal subject, he is currently involved in a discreet effort to spread evidence of the King's “murders” at Caer Suibhne to ensure justice is served for the breach of his home's sanctity.
Family
He is currently married to Laura Caoimhe Gilruary (born in 743 in Dalmuir). She and Alasdair were married in 755 in Dalmuir by order of the Regency Council who were keen that there would be early heirs to all of the noble house in the wake of the civil war. They have ten children
- Mairead Ealasaid: Born in 762 (12 years old).
- Eorwen Eilidh: Born in 763 (11 years old).
- Alasdair Archibald: Born in 765 (9 years old).
- Niamh Eleanor: Born in 767 (7 years old); she is the elder, non-identical twin.
- Bhaltair Ruaridh: Born in 767 (7 years old); he is the younger, non-identical twin.
- Niamh Senga: Born at the end of 767 (7 years old).
- Fearchar Alasdair: Born in 768; he was premature and died the same day.
- Fearchar Ruaridh: Born in 770 (4 years old).
- Eilidh Caoimhe: Born in 772 (2 years old).
- Aifric Mairead: Born in 774 (infant/0 years old).
Caer Suibhne
Caer Suibhne is the ancestral seat of the Suibhne family, the Earls of Douglas. Situated within the mainland of Dael Riata, it is historically regarded as neutral ground suitable for high-level noble negotiations.
Stories
Caer Suibhne is in the story “The King's Peace”
- First appears - “The King's Peace,” a standalone short story detailing Dael Riatan politics
- Function: The castle serves as the primary setting for the climax of the story, where a diplomatic dinner intended to secure the “King's Peace” turns into the infamous massacre of the Murchadh leadership.
Description
Caer Suibhne rises from a rocky island in the middle of a fast flowing section of the River Douglas. The main keep is built directly out of the rock, surrounded on all sides by fast flowing water. Over generations the rocks in the river have been artfully placed to make any attempt to cross in boats very dangerous. There’s a wider curtain wall around Caer Suibhne, enclosing a small township of those that support the keep. It sits mostly on the Northeastern bank of the river, and is joined to the keep by a wooden bridge, which raises overnight. There is no safe access to Caer Suibhne other than through the bridge. Either side of the castle the hills are steep, and the ground uneven on them. The only way to progress further up river is to pass by the castle itself, or under the fall of shot from the catapults on the battlements, or the archers stationed beside them. A small battery on the Northwestern cliff ensures that nothing could sneak by. That battery is even more impregnable than the keep of Caer Suibhne, it sits atop a 200 foot sheer rock cliff, access is via a winding path that is in full view of the defenders and the main Keep. Heavier items, including provisions, are hauled up the rock by a rope windlass operated by the catapult crew and the guards.
Caer Suibhne is a substantial stone castle featuring a Great Hall dominated by a large fireplace with wood panelling and flagstone floors. The castle is large enough to contain multiple corridors patrolled by guards and dedicated royal apartments for visiting monarchs. During the events of 774, it was the site where the rules of hospitality, traditionally sacred to the Suibhne family, were bloodily violated when Domnhall Murchadh and his brother Fearchar were killed in the Great Hall.
Relationships
People
Notable people
- Alasdair Suibhne: The 7th Earl of Douglas and the host of the fatal 774 negotiation.
- Alasdair V: The King of Dael Riata, who claimed the Murchadhs attempted to assassinate him in the castle.
- Iain Alpin: The King's Steward and Commander of the Lifeguard who executed the Murchadh brothers within the hall.
- Domnhall Murchadh: The 5th Earl of Uisdean, killed here by Alpin.
- Fearchar Murchadh: Brother to Domnhall, also killed during the negotiation.
- Mister Soutar: An official or castellan for the Earl of Douglas who manages castle retainers
Places
- Douglas: The Earldom where Caer Suibhne is located.
- Dael Riata: The Grand Duchy that encompasses the Suibhne lands.
