The English Campaigns of Ireland

[Lucius Malfoy]

The banners of Ireland have been raised once more during the time of King Edward IV, yet this time, the banners of the Anglo-Irish forces, under the command of the Duke of Clarence, George Plantagenet, are far greater than any army ever seen before in these lands. With levies and soldiers from across Ireland and from the lands controlled by Clarence, almost ten thousand English and Irish soldiers, under many banners, have become encamped within the vicinity of Dublin, to the North of its walls. The first series of these campaigns will seek to claim the northern domains that remain independent and defiant towards the rightful King of Ireland, Edward I (IV).

Anglo-Irish Army of England - total men: 10,833 men
605 Knights
485 Men-at-Arms
590 Yeomen Longbowmen
1247 Heavy Footmen
4922 Militia Longbowmen
1601 Militia Footmen

Mercenaries:
166 Border Reivers
92 Coutiliers
400 Switzers
500 Gallowglasses
200 Handgunners

Commanders
George Plantagenet, the Duke of Clarence (Main Commander)
Traits: +1 Battle, +9 Duel, +2 Charisma, +6 Survival, +40 HP (20 default and +20 from armor)
Possessions: Partial Plate and a hand-and-a-half weapon

William Mercer, Earl of Worcester
Traits: +2 Battle, +3 Survival, +3 Charisma

Thomas FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel
Traits: +3 Survival, +3 Battles

John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury
Traits: +2 Duel, +11 Survival, +1 Scout, +1 Battle, +46 HP (20 default and +26 from armor and weapon), +5 post-battle condition rolls
Possessions: Full Plate and a single handed weapon and shield

Sir James Baskervyle
Traits: +4 Battles, +10 Duels, +11 Survival, +2 Logistician, +5 post-battle condition rolls and +40 HP
Possessions: Full Plate and a two-handed weapon

Sir Edmund Baskervyle
Traits: +3 Battles, +3 Duels, +1 Survival

Sir William Boleyn
Traits: +7 Survival, +11 Duel, +3 Charisma, +40 HP
Possessions: A two-handed weapon and partial Plate

Sir William Stanley
Traits: +3 Battles, +7 Duels, -2 Pathfinder, +1 Scout, +5 Survival, +16 HP
Possessions: Chainmail Armour and One Handed Sword and Shield

John Howard, Baron Howard
Traits: +1 Battles, +2 Survival, +2 Duel, +1 Capture, +2 Charisma

Sir Thomas Howard
Traits: +2 Battles, +1 Rearguard, +1 Survival, +2 Duel, +2 Charisma
Possessions: Chainmail Armour and a single-handed weapon and Shield

Sir Roger Alleyn
Trait: +3 Battles, +3 Scouting, +7 Survival, +6 Duels, +1 Joust, +36 hp.
Possessions: Chainmail Armour and a single handed weapon and shield

[Lucius Malfoy]

(Post your traits and armors/weapons with your replies)

Stanley examined the maps curiously. "How do you intend to handle the conquest? Have we had any reports on their troop numbers?"

Simple; those who bend the knee when defeated shall be risen as earls and barons. Those who refuse to accept His Majesty as their King, even when defeated, shall have their lands confiscated.

The Duke of Clarence had given them their chances. Those who willingly accepted were shown mercy. Those who defied still would pay for their actions.

With the army gathered, I shall send out scouts to review the presence of troops within the first objectives of our campaigns. Do we have any present who are good at scouting?

===========================

With the Irish Lords gathered, the Duke of Clarence goes off to find the leader of the MacCarthy clan, who were surely among the southern lords that came to fight for their King.

OOC: Mod needed for this.

===========================

Additional 700 men to arrive within 24 hours

[Jokern]

With the Irish Lords gathered, the Duke of Clarence goes off to find the leader of the MacCarthy clan, who were surely among the southern lords that came to fight for their King.

OOC: Mod needed for this.

It did not take long for Clarence to find the head of the Maccarthy clan, Tadhg Maccarthy. A large man with a larger and unkempt beard, his surcoat displayed the red deer of his house. At the sight of Clarence approaching, he rose from his seat and stepped forth, closely eyeing the duke's movements.

"Lord Clarence, do ya need sometin' from me? We've come wit' our lads as we promised, ta serve the king we knelt fer. It's a sad day that we've come to feight our Irish brethren, but we made our choice."

[Lord William]

Lord William Mercer arrives to assist in the campaign

Traits: +2 battle, +3 survival, +3 charisma

[Mary The Quene]

Earl Thomas FitzAlan +3 survival, +3 battle's.
Sir William Boleyn +3 Survival +3 charisma.

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Simple; those who bend the knee when defeated shall be risen as earls and barons. Those who refuse to accept His Majesty as their King, even when defeated, shall have their lands confiscated.

The Duke of Clarence had given them their chances. Those who willingly accepted were shown mercy. Those who defied still would pay for their actions.

With the army gathered, I shall send out scouts to review the presence of troops within the first objectives of our campaigns. Do we have any present who are good at scouting?

Sir Boleyn bowed in front of the Duke hoping to attract attention.

Your Grace, i believe that i am well suited for scouting purposes, i believe i could do a good job determining the enemy numbers and locations, if by your permission.

To be fair he had never done such a thing as scouting but this could be an opportunity to prove himself.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Boleyn bowed in front of the Duke hoping to attract attention.

Your Grace, i believe that i am well suited for scouting purposes, i believe i could do a good job determining the enemy numbers and locations, if by your permission.

To be fair he had never done such a thing as scouting but this could be an opportunity to prove himself.

One of the FitzGerald knights left to command the contingent sent from the Geraldine lands rises. "Your grace, I volunteer to lead a scouting mission with some of the horsemen my liege has sent to aid in this campaign."

The Duke of Clarence turns to both of the volunteers; Sir William Boleyn and an unnamed retainer of the FitzGerald family. The Boleyns were a relatively unknown family to Clarence presently, having not heard much of them in general. Yet the volunteer from the FitzGerald knights was a native of these lands surely and would best know the lay of the lands. He nods to the FitzGerald knight.

I shall appoint both you and Boleyn to lead a section of cavalry to scout the closest objectives to our army. These lands will belong to the O'Neill clan who stand between us and the O'Donnells.

Stanley nodded. He wondered if the Duke realised what he had just said sounded totally empty. "Will you be dividing the army or advancing as one, Your Grace?"

Stanley knew he was perhaps the only man here with actual military experience - having served at several battles in the War of the Roses, including Towton and Wallingford. He'd have to be careful that none of these idiots got him killed - but Clarence seemed a sensible enough sort. "I hope the King's military talent resides here too."

Advancing as one... these Irish are a tricky lot who have stalled English invasions time and time again. Only if victory is certain will I branch out my forces to capture other locations, and even then I will be hesitant.

George was recalling all the military lessons learned during his time before the death of their father, the Duke of York. Even in Calais and after his brother's coronation, he was still educated by the finest military instructors that their elder brother, Edward, could hire. This campaign would see if these lessons were worth all that time studying.

Baron John Howard and Sir Thomas Howard arrive at the camp of Clarence's army, armed and ready for war. Wiltshire had slipped through their fingers, but this would be an excellent opportunity to earn glory and favor on the battlefield, perhaps even some titles and lands in Ireland.

Lord William Mercer arrives to assist in the campaign

The three individuals are welcomed into Clarence's camp and shown to his tent where the military meeting was still underway.

[Mary The Quene]

The Duke of Clarence turns to both of the volunteers; Sir William Boleyn and an unnamed retainer of the FitzGerald family. The Boleyns were a relatively unknown family to Clarence presently, having not heard much of them in general. Yet the volunteer from the FitzGerald knights was a native of these lands surely and would best know the lay of the lands. He nods to the FitzGerald knight.

I shall appoint both you and Boleyn to lead a section of cavalry to scout the closest objectives to our army. These lands will belong to the O'Neill clan who stand between us and the O'Donnells.

Sir Boleyn smiled in gratitude for the opportunity, now it is only a matter of not screwing things up. He bowed again.

Thank you, your Grace for this honor, i shall not disappoint you. We shall take the best horses to fulfill our mission.

[The Mad Skylord]

Stanley nodded. He wondered if the Duke realised what he had just said sounded totally empty. "Will you be dividing the army or advancing as one, Your Grace?"

Stanley knew he was perhaps the only man here with actual military experience - having served at several battles in the War of the Roses, including Towton and Wallingford. He'd have to be careful that none of these idiots got him killed - but Clarence seemed a sensible enough sort. "I hope the King's military talent resides here too."

+3 Battles
+7 Duels
-2 Pathfinder
+1 Scout
+5 Survival
+16 HP

((Chainmail Armour and One Handed Sword and Shield))

[Xion]

One of the FitzGerald knights left to command the contingent sent from the Geraldine lands rises. "Your grace, I volunteer to lead a scouting mission with some of the horsemen my liege has sent to aid in this campaign."

[Jokern]

Baron John Howard and Sir Thomas Howard arrive at the camp of Clarence's army, armed and ready for war. Wiltshire had slipped through their fingers, but this would be an excellent opportunity to earn glory and favor on the battlefield, perhaps even some titles and lands in Ireland.

Baron John Howard
Battles +1
Survival +2
Duel +2
Capture +1
Wealth +3
Charisma +2

Sir Thomas Howard
Battles +2
Rearguard +1
Survival +1
Duel +2
Charisma +2

- Chainmail Armour (+10 hp, +1 Scout, +2 Duels, +1 Survival)
- Single-handed Weapon and Shield (+2 Duels, +4 Survival, +6 hp)

[Lucius Malfoy]

And a choice that shall be rewarded, my Lord MacCarthy. The King rewards loyalty as he does merit and skill.

George looks around where he was, noticing the soldiers brought with the clan. A number of men wore nothing but a tunic and some had armor. He soaked up the image, imagining he would be facing more of these on the battlefield.

I have come on personal business, my Lord. I have spoken with my brother, the King, about land that could be set aside for my son, Edmund FitzClarence. He will one day be an Earl or Baron of Ireland once he proves himself worthy. Land he will use to make his own fortune and destiny. In preparation for this, I desire to know if your family has a possible lady that my son could take as his wife when he is a man someday. For as it is known, a man without a wife is a man without a purpose.

Those words sort of hurt Clarence deep down, recalling that he himself was without a wife now. He had time to bury Isabel with her father at Warwick before marching to Ireland.

[Jokern]

And a choice that shall be rewarded, my Lord MacCarthy. The King rewards loyalty as he does merit and skill.

George looks around where he was, noticing the soldiers brought with the clan. A number of men wore nothing but a tunic and some had armor. He soaked up the image, imagining he would be facing more of these on the battlefield.

I have come on personal business, my Lord. I have spoken with my brother, the King, about land that could be set aside for my son, Edmund FitzClarence. He will one day be an Earl or Baron of Ireland once he proves himself worthy. Land he will use to make his own fortune and destiny. In preparation for this, I desire to know if your family has a possible lady that my son could take as his wife when he is a man someday. For as it is known, a man without a wife is a man without a purpose.

Those words sort of hurt Clarence deep down, recalling that he himself was without a wife now. He had time to bury Isabel with her father at Warwick before marching to Ireland.

MacCarthy stood still for a few moments before roaring with laughter, his men following suit.

"Ha ha ha, oh that is te best ting I've heard in years. Ya want an Irish gal for yer boy, Clarence? Are the English ladies too fine and frail fer yer tastes, eh? Want a proper gal wit' fire in her hair and heart, who won't lay with a man unless he wrestles her down to te ground? You have good tastes for an Englishman, Clarence, but that is not an easy choice fer me ta make. There's bad blood between us, even if we recognize your brother as king. A marriage between our clans would make the MacCarthy te most hated clan in Ireland. Fer me ta agree ta this, I would need a damn good reason fer it."

[Xion]

"Understood, your grace. I shall pick out the finest horsemen from the my liege's forces to be a part of this scouting force."

[Lucius Malfoy]

England is moving forward, my Lord MacCarthy, and Ireland will be joining her as well. My King desires to unite Ireland so that she may be under one king and one government, just as England is. For stability and peace.

The Duke of Clarence knew these Irish Lords would try to play the bad relations game. These clans were very petty in their views of each other.

Show the clans that they should follow your example; to join hands with the English for a better and brighter future. And what better yet than to have your daughter be married to one of Plantagenet blood. Even more so, I will that the dowry for your daughter's hand is well rewarded in not only land, but in crowns. Crowns I can easily pay for. Say perhaps... 40,000 as a gift of gratitude.

Then George feigned his actions slightly, sighing at the closing remark.

But since you feel you would be the most hated clan in Ireland, I could go seek another clan who is more willing perhaps to enjoy the benefits of a Plantagenet marriage.

[Jokern]

England is moving forward, my Lord MacCarthy, and Ireland will be joining her as well. My King desires to unite Ireland so that she may be under one king and one government, just as England is. For stability and peace.

The Duke of Clarence knew these Irish Lords would try to play the bad relations game. These clans were very petty in their views of each other.

Show the clans that they should follow your example; to join hands with the English for a better and brighter future. And what better yet than to have your daughter be married to one of Plantagenet blood. Even more so, I will that the dowry for your daughter's hand is well rewarded in not only land, but in crowns. Crowns I can easily pay for. Say perhaps... 40,000 as a gift of gratitude.

Then George feigned his actions slightly, sighing at the closing remark.

But since you feel you would be the most hated clan in Ireland, I could go seek another clan who is more willing perhaps to enjoy the benefits of a Plantagenet marriage.

Roll: 10/20 chance of success

-5 for being English
+3 for marriage proposal with the English royal house
+3 for dowry
+2 from charisma

Total: 13/20
Rolled 10, success

MacCarthy stroked his beard while thinking. It was a decent offer to be sure, and the little duke's play did not fool him. The English were powerful and a marriage to their king could help his clan be propelled forward in prominence and power. With a wicked smile, Tadhg MacCarthy chuckled and nodded.

"I like ya, Clarence, so I heartily agree. Let our two clans be united in holy matrimony, and I will treat yer son as my own. I have a young lass of 10 years old, Sinéad Inion Tadhg, who would be perfect fer yer Edmund FitzClarence."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Roll: 10/20 chance of success

-5 for being English
+3 for marriage proposal with the English royal house
+3 for dowry
+2 from charisma

Total: 13/20
Rolled 10, success

MacCarthy stroked his beard while thinking. It was a decent offer to be sure, and the little duke's play did not fool him. The English were powerful and a marriage to their king could help his clan be propelled forward in prominence and power. With a wicked smile, Tadhg MacCarthy chuckled and nodded.

"I like ya, Clarence, so I heartily agree. Let our two clans be united in holy matrimony, and I will treat yer son as my own. I have a young lass of 10 years old, Sinéad MacCarthy, who would be perfect fer yer Edmund FitzClarence."

I shall send word to my brother, the King, to gain his approval of this match. And as promised, your clan shall be receiving an amount of 40,000 crowns.

George was grateful to know that his son had been secured a proper marriage for his status as an acknowledged bastard.

From this point forward, the House of FitzClarence shall always find a friend and a family in MacCarthy. I know my son Edmund will be pleased to know that he has friends in high places within Ireland.

[The Mad Skylord]

Stanley listened quietly to the back and forth of Boleyn - the man didn't seem to realize scouting was far from a glorious occupation. He returned his gaze to the map noting the rockiness of the region they were attacking. He had also noted the equipment of the native Irish troops when he came through the camp. His face turning into a grimace, he looked back to the Duke. "I get the feeling this is going to be a hellish campaign, Your Grace. Might I suggest deploying a strong cavalry screen? The Irish will be bastards when we march through those mountains, no doubt."

[Lord William]

The three individuals are welcomed into Clarence's camp and shown to his tent where the military meeting was still underway.

William was shown into the Duke's tent, he was tired from the journey and wanted to nap but instead greeted his Prince and listened intently in the meeting

[Jokern]

"I will welcome him as my own, don't ya worry about that. I hope, Clarence, that yer brother the king remembers the MacCarthy clan when we may find ourselves in disputes. Blood runs deep here, and those bonded by blood have to feight together. FitzClarence and Plantagenet can always count on MacCarthy whenever you may need our aid. Now, enough talkin', let's drink to this great occasion! Lads, bring out the whiskey!"

The MacCarthy soldiers cheered as they brought out the barrels and cups, happily pouring themselves big shares of whiskey. Tadhg brought two cups forth and gave one to Clarence so that they could drink together. In one fell swoop, the Irish lord took his down in the blink of an eye.

----

Sir Thomas Howard, who had been listening to the suggestions of the other lords, spoke up.

"My lords, I think we are forgetting one important aspect. These Irish are infamous for denying us a proper battle, always keeping themselves at a good distance so that our superior army cannot catch up to them. We must protect our supply lines adequately, otherwise I fear that the clans will raid and steal our food, leaving us to starve to death."

[Lord William]

Well if they won't come out and fight, then perhaps other measures could be taken into consideration. I'd suggest by confiscating all manners of crops and livestock, what you can't confiscate burn it. I'd also suggest burning the faction leaders homes and arrest their families. I personally am not a kin to such behaviour but the Irish will learn to bend a knee to their rightful King one way or another