Thomond

[The Mad Skylord]

The O'Brians, greatest of the Southern Gaelic dynasties, had once held sway over the entirety of Munster - and Ireland. The founder of that dynasty, Brian Boru, was the greatest of Ireland's High Kings who drove the Vikings from Eire and into the sea. These days, the O'Brians ruled the Kingdom of Thomond, the immediate neighbor to the north of Sir William Stanley.

Twas over hills and streams Sir William traveled, to find himself at the gates of Inchiquin Castle, capital of Thomond. The English Knight sought an audience with the King of Thomond, Conchobhar na Srona Ó Brian.

[Jokern]

The Irish clansmen eyed the Englishman with suspicious eyes, though as his presence posed no immediate threat they allowed him entrance. He was told to wait in the courtyard for someone to fetch him, and to hand over his weapons. Eventually, after an hour or so, a steward came and led Sir William to the main keep, where King Conchobhar waited for him atop his throne.

"What brings you here, son of House Stanley?"

[The Mad Skylord]

Stanley bowed low, affecting respect towards the King. He was, after alla, a King. "Noble Sire, as you are well aware, I am your neighbor. I hold no truck with the vicious oppression perpetrated upon your people by Lords Clarence and Talbot, though I was forced to campaign with them through duty.

In the Gaelic people I have seen a bravery and ferocity that I cannot help but admire. I desire greatly, Majesty, that our two houses should be joined in marriage. My son, and one of your female kin.

I know I am but a stranger here, but were not the sons the Desmind FitzGeralds strangers once as well? And were they not accepted by the clans, did they not dress and speak like Gaels before Kildare usurped them?

There is much, Sire, we could gain by being allies, if you would simply permit it."

[Jokern]

The king seemed to ponder the thought for a bit before answering, turning to his advisers and whispering out of earshot for Stanley.

"A stranger you are, yet we know you English well enough. You come from time to time to put down bandits or raid a few villages and then go home, leaving us in peace. To get involved in your politics is not a desirable prospect. However, if we were to do so with a marriage, there are others of more significance. The lords of Desmond, Ormond and Kildare come to mind, or perhaps even the clans Maccarthy or one of the O'Neills. What can a knight of House Stanley offer the King of Thomond?"

One adviser, a wizened old man by the look of him, leaned forward and whispered a few things in his liege's ear. King Conchobahr turned back to William once more.

"Another thing of importance, would my daughter be married according to our customs or English customs?"

[The Mad Skylord]

"The Earl of Ormond, known as the butcher of the Irish? The Earl of Desmond and Kildare, who has no interest in anything but sitting in his halls and expanding his already vast lands?

The O'Neills and the MacCarthy would be good choices, but they cannot offer what I can offer."

The "Knight" smiled pleasantly. "I have significant influence with the Queen Regent and the Royal Government through my brother. I can offer you an edge in dealing with the King that no other can, a defense against the savagery of Red John Talbot of Ormond."

He cocked his head, for it was an unusual question. "Are we not Christians of the same branch of the Schism? She would be married according to the customs of the Catholic Church."

Ooc: +5 Charisma

[Jokern]

"Marriage is of course within the Church, but there are laws concerning marriage that is apart from those of the Church. Under our laws, married women can hold property of their own, and it is custom for the bridegroom's family to pay coibche... a bride-price, if my knowledge of your tongue does not fail me. Cattle, worth £800, would be a proper coibche for my daughter. Would you be willing to agree to these terms if I were to give your son my daughter, knight of Stanley?"

[The Mad Skylord]

Stanley nodded readily. Frantically thinking of how he would raise the funds to meet that price. "Your house is of a far higher standing than the branch of my own, it is only right that they are married under your customs. I would be honoured to accept these terms."

[Jokern]

"Then leave us, you shall be summoned when I have made my decision."

Stanley is led out of the hall, the doors being shut behind him. After half an hour or so, William is once more ushered into the presence of King O'Brian.

Base chance: 5/20
+5 Charisma
+3 for agreeing to follow Irish customs
End chance: 13/20 (7-20 is success)

Roll: 3

O'Brian shook his head at Stanley.

"Though you have proven yourself an honorable man by submitting to follow our true customs, and argued well, I must in the end decline your offer."

[The Mad Skylord]

Sir Stanley bowed graciously, paid his respects, and left.