Lordship of Ireland

[Lucius Malfoy]

Map of the English controlled Lordship or Ireland; ruled through a mixture of direct royal authority, Hiberno-Norman lords and native Irish vassals, the control of the crown is very loose in much of this land. The only land directly held by the English crown is the Pale, an area populated by both English settlers and native Irish locals. It is centred around Dublin, the seat of power for the royally appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.


Current Lord Lieutenant: George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence.

Province/title information:

Dublin: Income: N/A Militia: 3000 men Stipend: 0 per annum to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Provincial bonuses:

Dublin: Dublin Castle: Built in 1204 by King John, Dublin Castle now stands as an icon of English might on the Emerald Isle and is the official residence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, making it the Lordship's administrative center. It is shielded not only by great walls which are connected to the rest of Dublin's defenses, but also the River Poddle along two of its sides. +4 Siege rolls, -4 Raid rolls, +5% income. Bastion of Englishness: As the capital of the Pale and indeed the whole Lordship of Ireland, Dublin is the beating heart of English power in Ireland. Many English (properly English at that, as their intermarriage with the native Gaels, use of Irish dress and language, and adoption of Gaelic Brehon Law were all forbidden under 1366's Statute of Kilkenny) settlers are concentrated here, and will mobilize to defend their homes from Irish or hostile English invaders as necessary. d5*d1000 Militia (75% Militia Footmen, 25% Militia Longbows) will spawn when the city comes under attack unless the attackers are English; its people happen to actually like them more than Dublin's present controller; and they are confident that said attackers won't sack the place upon victory.

English-controlled Ireland

- Lordship of Dublin - Earldom of Ulster - Earldom of Waterford - Earldom of Ormond - Lordship of Leinster - Earldom of Kildare - Baron de Ros - Viscount Buttevant/Baron de Barry - Baron Roche - Baron le Poer - Baron de Kerry - Baron Howard - Baron Savage

[Lucius Malfoy]

Thudding had been heard for quite a long time within the office of the Lord Lieutenant of Dublin, having freshly returned from Carrickfergus. The guards outside stood still among the sounds of a man and a woman, as well as a desk being moved around. Almost an hour passed before a young woman was seen leaving the office, half dressed, and with some coin in hand, as she rushed down the hallway and vanished. George sits down behind the desk, realigning his pants before grabbing what remain of his cup of wine and drinking it. This entire island is a crap hole. Thank God Above that the our Anglo ancestors built castles such as Carrickfergus and Dublin... else I would be working with the sheep and the cows. The sheep and cows indicating the natives who lived here.

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, had been on Ireland for the past five years and more. Yet in those recent years since the start of the war of France, he fought hard with independent Irish clans and rebels, barely getting any chance to breath. As a result, he had brown a beard and his hair was longer as well. Of which, they were trimmed upon arrival to Dublin, and with the Irish leadership hung outside the walls of Carrickfergus. Ulster was still teeming with possible rebels, but they hid in their huts and on their farms, daring to not show their faces to the Lord Lieutenant and his men. With the rebellion over, harsh laws were removed and Clarence returned to Dublin.

He sits down in his chair, sighing deeply as he looks at a portrait of King Edward, his brother. Edmund, his bastard son, was with him in Dublin for a time before moving to take control of the lands around Carlow, his new residence. John Plantagenet, his only son, still remained in Warwick, with his sister Margaret, who had apparently suffered a fever this past winter, yet survived. All of them were unmarried and thus would eventually require his attention on the matter

(All who went with him to Ireland can post here)

[Xion]

The Earl of Kildare, Gerald FitzGerald, arrives in Dublin from his seat of Kilkea, having returned there to issue orders to his retainers to scour Kildare and Desmond for recruits to replenish the depleted ranks of the Geraldine forces from the several years of fighting, and to collect his aged retainer, Sir Roger Alleyn, who he had left in charge of Kilkea Castle as he sent his brother to Shanid Castle to oversee Desmond when news of the latest rebellion reached Kilkea. The two, with an escort of Geraldine retainers make their way towards the Lord Lieutenant's office when Alleyn stops, squinting to look down a hallway they had just past. "What is it, Sir Alleyn?" "I think I just saw someone running around the castle half-dressed.." "You likely just saw one of the washerwomen of the castle carrying clothing. Now, come along.." "Yes, my lord."

[Jokern]

Sir Thomas Howard arrived at the lord lieutenant's office, waiting a few moments after the wench had run off to knock on the door and enter. Thomas, compared to Clarence, had taken great care to keep himself shaven and his mustachios well-oiled. With a courteous bow, he smiled at his brother-in-law.

"Congratulations seem to be in order, your Grace, though I pray that this is the last band of clansmen we have to hang. Soon enough there won't be any more Irishmen left to rule over."

Howard shook his head a little at his own jest. They had fought together for five years or so, with the Howard estates doubling in size from the lands gained. Thomas sensed a goldmine to be found under the green hills, which is why he had stayed when his lord father had returned to England. Howard's future lay here, not back home where it was far too crowded to really gain anything until a wealthy cousin died without any issue. Ireland was empty in comparison - all you needed was an army to burn and conquer.

"I guess they'll be quiet enough for a while, lick their wounds and steal their neighbors' cattle before trying anything against us again. They have spirit, you have to give them that."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Thomas Howard arrived at the lord lieutenant's office, waiting a few moments after the wench had run off to knock on the door and enter. Thomas, compared to Clarence, had taken great care to keep himself shaven and his mustachios well-oiled. With a courteous bow, he smiled at his brother-in-law.

"Congratulations seem to be in order, your Grace, though I pray that this is the last band of clansmen we have to hang. Soon enough there won't be any more Irishmen left to rule over."

Howard shook his head a little at his own jest. They had fought together for five years or so, with the Howard estates doubling in size from the lands gained. Thomas sensed a goldmine to be found under the green hills, which is why he had stayed when his lord father had returned to England. Howard's future lay here, not back home where it was far too crowded to really gain anything until a wealthy cousin died without any issue. Ireland was empty in comparison - all you needed was an army to burn and conquer.

"I guess they'll be quiet enough for a while, lick their wounds and steal their neighbors' cattle before trying anything against us again. They have spirit, you have to give them that."

George hears the door open to see his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas, walk in. It had been a quick marriage, but the Duke of Clarence had a new wife in the older Jane Howard, who was a woman close to his age. He was pleased with the match certainly, but had hoped for a younger bride though. He dared not show his displeasure though, given the fact that the Howards had been strong support in his Irish campaigns, among others. Clarence refills his cup of wine before drinking some more.

I'd be happier if I were sitting on a pile of gold for my endeavors, Sir Thomas. But these Irish barely have a copper to their name... and have you seen how they trade? They offer cows to each other! How barbaric.

At first, Clarence had felt a calling towards Ireland, now that was replaced with a disdain towards the natives. They just couldn't accept the enlightened rule of England, they just had to fight to keep their crappy huts and meager lands.

I hear the Irish rebel never sleeps. But they have been beaten enough and will certainly return to their huts in order to fester and grow their numbers once more. At least we finally get some peace...

The Earl of Kildare, Gerald FitzGerald, arrives in Dublin from his seat of Kilkea, having returned there to issue orders to his retainers to scour Kildare and Desmond for recruits to replenish the depleted ranks of the Geraldine forces from the several years of fighting, and to collect his aged retainer, Sir Roger Alleyn, who he had left in charge of Kilkea Castle as he sent his brother to Shanid Castle to oversee Desmond when news of the latest rebellion reached Kilkea. The two, with an escort of Geraldine retainers make their way towards the Lord Lieutenant's office when Alleyn stops, squinting to look down a hallway they had just past. "What is it, Sir Alleyn?" "I think I just saw someone running around the castle half-dressed.." "You likely just saw one of the washerwomen of the castle carrying clothing. Now, come along.." "Yes, my lord."

The pair are shown into the office where the Duke of Clarence was speaking with Sir Thomas. George turns to the Earl of Kildare and his trusted retainer, the latter of whom had been with the Lord Lieutenant for most of the war, while the latter had come later when the rebellion began. He motions for them to enter before finishing speaking with Thomas Howard. His gaze returns to FitzGerald afterwards.

Surprise to see you in Dublin again, Lord Kildare. I thought you had returned to your lands. Nonetheless, what brings you here today?

[Xion]

The pair are shown into the office where the Duke of Clarence was speaking with Sir Thomas. George turns to the Earl of Kildare and his trusted retainer, the latter of whom had been with the Lord Lieutenant for most of the war, while the latter had come later when the rebellion began. He motions for them to enter before finishing speaking with Thomas Howard. His gaze returns to FitzGerald afterwards.

Surprise to see you in Dublin again, Lord Kildare. I thought you had returned to your lands. Nonetheless, what brings you here today?

FitzGerald and Alleyn bow upon being shown into the office. "Your grace." Gerald then turns and nods to Sir Thomas. "Sir Howard." FitzGerald then turns back to face Clarence. "I did return to my lands, your grace, to issue an order to my men to seek recruits to replenish the quite depleted ranks of my forces and to deal with several minor issues, one of which was dealing with a band of Irish at Kells on my way back to Kilkea, likely a remnant of the host dealt with at West Lurgan. Figured I should report it to you, even if it was just a minor skirmish." Gerald pauses for a moment to let out a sigh, recalling the sight of the herd of cattle blocking the gate his retinue had initially rode towards to attempt to enter the city. "Also, one of the city gates was blocked by a herd of cattle upon my arrival at Dublin. I think it may be the tithe from some villages or town, your grace. As it looked like one of your officials was leading them into the city."

[Jokern]

George hears the door open to see his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas, walk in. It had been a quick marriage, but the Duke of Clarence had a new wife in the older Jane Howard, who was a woman close to his age. He was pleased with the match certainly, but had hoped for a younger bride though. He dared not show his displeasure though, given the fact that the Howards had been strong support in his Irish campaigns, among others. Clarence refills his cup of wine before drinking some more.

I'd be happier if I were sitting on a pile of gold for my endeavors, Sir Thomas. But these Irish barely have a copper to their name... and have you seen how they trade? They offer cows to each other! How barbaric.

At first, Clarence had felt a calling towards Ireland, now that was replaced with a disdain towards the natives. They just couldn't accept the enlightened rule of England, they just had to fight to keep their crappy huts and meager lands.

I hear the Irish rebel never sleeps. But they have been beaten enough and will certainly return to their huts in order to fester and grow their numbers once more. At least we finally get some peace...

Thomas nodded in reply to Lord Kildare and Sir Boleyn before answering. He was chuckling at Clarence's obvious weariness of the island and its people. Howard himself felt quite at home in some ways, at least by the untouched beauty of its green plains and hills. The people were... different, to say the least.

"Wouldn't we all? I've heard of pixies hiding pots of gold at the end of rainbows in Ireland, but I expect it's just a pot full of cattle instead. We'll have enough meat to feed two armies for a new campaign in France, at least."

A messenger arrives at Clarence's office, bearing a letter to the lord lieutenant bearing Lord Howard's seal. He hands it over and stands silent, waiting for the duke's answer. Thomas is curious, what news does his father's words bring?

To George, Duke of Clarence,

My lord, it is with great sadness in my heart that I must be the deliverer of tragic news. Your brother, His Majesty King Edward IV of England and France and Lord of Ireland, has passed away after a struggle with sickness. The realm mourns his passing, though I cannot imagine the grief you must feel. Nevertheless, it is my duty to inform you about His Majesty's will.

Your Grace and your brother, the Duke of Gloucester, has been charged to rule together in a co-regency until His Majesty King Edward V is of age to rule by his own strength. Your presence is requested in London as soon as possible, with a deputy of your own choosing taking your place until an official Lord Lieutenant of Ireland has been appointed.

May the Lord watch over you,

John Howard, Baron Howard and Lord Chancellor of Wales

[Mary The Quene]

Sir Thomas Boleyn arrives at the office of the Duke of Clarence. It had been a very long five years, often Boleyn had despaired of ever coming to this wasteland, yet he never gave up and remained with Clarence and the other noble's fighting savage after savage. And it the end it got him some lands in Ireland, lands to suck dry, for Boleyn had no intention to stay a minute longer in this wasteland then necessary. Boleyn appeared freshly shaven and cleaned before the duke, oh how things had been different once.

''My Lord Clarence, i must congratulate you in finally subduing these savages, it has certainly been a long ride after all.'' For sure Boleyn had seen enough of Ireland for the rest of his life.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Thomas Boleyn arrives at the office of the Duke of Clarence. It had been a very long five years, often Boleyn had despaired of ever coming to this wasteland, yet he never gave up and remained with Clarence and the other noble's fighting savage after savage. And it the end it got him some lands in Ireland, lands to suck dry, for Boleyn had no intention to stay a minute longer in this wasteland then necessary. Boleyn appeared freshly shaven and cleaned before the duke, oh how things had been different once.

''My Lord Clarence, i must congratulate you in finally subduing these savages, it has certainly been a long ride after all.'' For sure Boleyn had seen enough of Ireland for the rest of his life.

Savages indeed, Sir Boleyn. Five long years of warfare, countless dead and plenty of attrition... surprised Ulster isn't burning like a Hell on Earth.

Nonetheless, the experience had changed George. When he arrived, he sought an escape from the death of his wife and a means to make a name. Now the war and resulting rebellion had made him more grumpy and filled with disdain. How could a place, like Ireland, exist on a world created by God himself? How could such an island plainly be placed beside England? And, lastly, how could Henry I, or any King for that matter, have been interested in Ireland? No wonder John Lackland despised these lands, his brothers got good dukedoms like Aquitaine, Normandy and Brittany while he was stuck with the Lordship of Ireland.

FitzGerald and Alleyn bow upon being shown into the office. "Your grace." Gerald then turns and nods to Sir Thomas. "Sir Howard." FitzGerald then turns back to face Clarence. "I did return to my lands, your grace, to issue an order to my men to seek recruits to replenish the quite depleted ranks of my forces and to deal with several minor issues, one of which was dealing with a band of Irish at Kells on my way back to Kilkea, likely a remnant of the host dealt with at West Lurgan. Figured I should report it to you, even if it was just a minor skirmish." Gerald pauses for a moment to let out a sigh, recalling the sight of the herd of cattle blocking the gate his retinue had initially rode towards to attempt to enter the city. "Also, one of the city gates was blocked by a herd of cattle upon my arrival at Dublin. I think it may be the tithe from some villages or town, your grace. As it looked like one of your officials was leading them into the city."

The Duke of Clarence rolls his eyes before leaning forward to rub his face. Damn these Irish tributes of cows! At least they fed the army and kept fresh meat on the table.

I will have to send soldiers to ensure that blockage is dealt with. When I asked for coin, they give me cows... sometimes I wish I was in Aquitaine instead of here.

Yet the events of Ireland had earned him good friends, notably the massive landholder, Lord Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury. He had been meaning to speak with him and hoped that Red John would appear soon.

Speaking of the skirmish, did you manage to kill them all or did some escape and to where?

[Mary The Quene]

Savages indeed, Sir Boleyn. Five long years of warfare, countless dead and plenty of attrition... surprised Ulster isn't burning like a Hell on Earth.

Nonetheless, the experience had changed George. When he arrived, he sought an escape from the death of his wife and a means to make a name. Now the war and resulting rebellion had made him more grumpy and filled with disdain. How could a place, like Ireland, exist on a world created by God himself? How could such an island plainly be placed beside England? And, lastly, how could Henry I, or any King for that matter, have been interested in Ireland? No wonder John Lackland despised these lands, his brothers got good dukedoms like Aquitaine, Normandy and Brittany while he was stuck with the Lordship of Ireland.

''Yet we have done the impossible i daresay, My Lord Clarence''

Boleyn could still not believe they could bring at least a good portion of these unruly Irish clans under control, perhaps it would have been better if the English had never touched this wasteland. What was sure is Boleyn would not return to this island ever, and if he would ever meet an Irish person again he'd thrown him or her out his sight. But he was granted lands....

''I would like to discuss with His Grace a certain matter, about inheritance.'' Through his wife he had a claim on the now attained Butler lands, not that Boleyn cared one inch about Irish lands, but they were useful for sucking them dry for money.

[Lucius Malfoy]

''Yet we have done the impossible i daresay, My Lord Clarence''

Boleyn could still not believe they could bring at least a good portion of these unruly Irish clans under control, perhaps it would have been better if the English had never touched this wasteland. What was sure is Boleyn would not return to this island ever, and if he would ever meet an Irish person again he'd thrown him or her out his sight. But he was granted lands....

''I would like to discuss with His Grace a certain matter, about inheritance.'' Through his wife he had a claim on the now attained Butler lands, not that Boleyn cared one inch about Irish lands, but they were useful for sucking them dry for money.

Clarence sighs evidently. Where the heck was that wench from before...

Pray speak plainly, good sir. Tell me what is on your mind. We have been in the same encampments long enough. Just speak straight with me, Boleyn.

Gerald nods, remembering the first time he had to deal with a tribute of cows, his initial reaction being confusion, which turned to anger after the farmers who brought the cows had left. Eventually he figured out a way to make coin off the cows that were not used to feed his soldiers or household, selling them to English settlers in the Pale or merchants, who, thank god, paid in coin instead of another good used as currency. "Of course, your grace. Perhaps in the future we can attempt to find a solution to stop them paying their taxes with cows. Although they may just begin using swine or chickens instead, I fear."

"My forces slew all but two of the Irishmen, and then I had those two hung from a nearby tree.

Probably give every domesticated animal they own before we even see a copper...

These Irish annoyed him with their currency. What was so damn hard about giving coin and not freaking animals?! He can't buy anything with a cow unless Clarence took it to a farmers market and traded it for some eggs, chickens and vegetables. But then again, Clarence was no peasant and so he wouldn't act like one. Hopefully, the civilization of England would instill something upon these people in due time.

Good, my Lord. They never seem to learn their lesson from what I can tell. Only just beaten constantly.

[Xion]

Probably give every domesticated animal they own before we even see a copper...

These Irish annoyed him with their currency. What was so damn hard about giving coin and not freaking animals?! He can't buy anything with a cow unless Clarence took it to a farmers market and traded it for some eggs, chickens and vegetables. But then again, Clarence was no peasant and so he wouldn't act like one. Hopefully, the civilization of England would instill something upon these people in due time.

Good, my Lord. They never seem to learn their lesson from what I can tell. Only just beaten constantly.

Gerald nods in agreement, having been given three chickens, a hound, and then a basket full of barley once as a tithe from one of the villages of Desmond. "They'd likely give us anything they have before a single copper, your grace..and very true. I fully expect one of the clans to be daring enough to try to raid Kildare or Desmond within a year of our victory over the last rebellion, more likely Desmond due to my seat being in Kildare."

[Mary The Quene]

Clarence sighs evidently. Where the heck was that wench from before...

Pray speak plainly, good sir. Tell me what is on your mind. We have been in the same encampments long enough. Just speak straight with me, Boleyn.

This could prove interesting.

''As His Grace knows i am married with the good Lady Butler, daughter of the now attained Thomas Butler, the supposed 7th earl if he had not been attained'' He said calmly, as if he had trained beforehand this conversation.

''Thus i may have a claim on these lands, but i fear that might create a rift between me and the Lord Shrewsbury who occupies the whole Butler inheritance.'' Boleyn said, unsure what to expect.

[Xion]

The Duke of Clarence rolls his eyes before leaning forward to rub his face. Damn these Irish tributes of cows! At least they fed the army and kept fresh meat on the table.

I will have to send soldiers to ensure that blockage is dealt with. When I asked for coin, they give me cows... sometimes I wish I was in Aquitaine instead of here.

Yet the events of Ireland had earned him good friends, notably the massive landholder, Lord Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury. He had been meaning to speak with him and hoped that Red John would appear soon.

Speaking of the skirmish, did you manage to kill them all or did some escape and to where?

Gerald nods, remembering the first time he had to deal with a tribute of cows, his initial reaction being confusion, which turned to anger after the farmers who brought the cows had left. Eventually he figured out a way to make coin off the cows that were not used to feed his soldiers or household, selling them to English settlers in the Pale or merchants, who, thank god, paid in coin instead of another good used as currency. "Of course, your grace. Perhaps in the future we can attempt to find a solution to stop them paying their taxes with cows. Although they may just begin using swine or chickens instead, I fear."

"My forces slew all but two of the Irishmen, and then I had those two hung from a nearby tree.

[General Brewster]

John Talbot, the third Earl of Shrewsbury better known among the Irish as Red John followed by several retainers made his way into the city. Several locals were quick to get out of the way as the Earl rode past, fearing his reputation.He was dressed in his armor, always on the lookout for rebel scum, one thing that stood out however was the absence of his helmet, his thick beard made wearing that somewhat uncomfortable. The beard served purpose however, during the earl's captivity he had received a nasty scar on his face, conveniently his beard covered it up. Before making it to the Duke's residence an English woman cheered Red John's name, having some local English immigrant's cheer the man's entrance to the city.

Having arrived at the Duke's residence John was fast to change into something more befitting the meeting with a Duke, with a friend. John owed much to Clarence and had grown to see him as a good friend in the years after John's captivity. After being let in John made no attempt hiding his relief of finding his good friend in good health. "Your Grace" He loudly said, while making a small bow. Being around 185cm tall and broad in stature the Earl wasn't a particular small man in his day. "I see you've been acclimatizing to Dublin already!" He said while already laughing quietly referring to the Duke's fresh haircut and trim.

[Jokern]

Howard crossed himself after recovering from the shock of hearing the news. King Edward was dead? It almost felt unreal.

"God save the king. Naturally you must go, your Grace, the realm needs your wisdom and experience. We will be handle whatever new trickery the Irish try. But as Lord Kildare says, who is to take your seat in Dublin?"

[General Brewster]

Talbot was still leaning against the duke's desk, staring at Boleyn, who's indecisiveness had cost many English lives. He proceeded to look and gauze FitzGerald's reaction to the news. Talbot had always been a confident man but he knew FitzGerald was the only other real candidate. Talbot didn't flinch when the Duke said he would be the Lord Deputy, looking as confidant as ever. "Your Grace" Talbot said as he nodded in respect for the Duke's decision.

[Jokern]

Howard was not surprised by Clarence's choice of deputy. Among the lords gathered around the duke, the earls were highest in peerage. A mere knight like himself would not be chosen, even if he was a little disappointed. No matter, as a retainer of Lord Clarence he would be able to see his family again back in England.

"Of course, your Grace. I shall prepare for departure immediately."

[Lucius Malfoy]

A letter arrives from the Duke of Clarence for the Earl of Shrewsbury.

To my Lord Shrewsbury,

As promised, Goodrich Castle has been returned to you, but the lands around it belong to another family, the Greys of Wilton. I hope, though, that you will be pleased with the castles return to your family. I have also named you my successor to the post of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. May you guard it well and keep it strong. Look to your allies, Howards, Boleyns, Stanley and FitzGerald. My son, Edmund FitzClarence, will also be arriving in Ireland next year to become a landholder in lands surrounding Carlow Castle to the south. He will begin looking for a bride, certainly, when he arrives. Pray that you keep him close and as a good ally.

May God be with you, my friend, and that we may enjoy each other's company soon enough.

Signed,
The Duke of Clarence

[Lord William]

A letter arrives from the Earl of Worcester to the Earl of Shrewsbury

It is with great pleasure I write this congratulatory letter to you my brother for yet another achievement for your house, your efforts and hard work have paid off. A better man couldn't have been found to govern over the Irish fiefdoms and protect the English crown. On a more personal matter Richard is always asking to visit, and I wish I could but I myself stuck in London these days dealing with cases of civil law. Perhaps when he is older I may send him alone but for now he is too young. How is the family? Please send them our love, and I hope to see you shortly


Sincerely
William