Alternative History: The Rise of Brian Boru

**Mouzafphaerre** · 01-29-2006, 15:55

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1 - A

Don't give the enemy time. You have to destroy the pretender first to claim the more important title. The rebellious ri will have to think twice and maybe swear allegiance once their burden of foul hope is gone. Taking any option under 2 will diminish you to a rival contender in a renewed civil strife, one among many.
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**Ludens** · 01-29-2006, 17:48

Yes! Another alternative history! I personally am on the side of King Kurt: attacking the traitors headlong is likely to play into their hands. However, we have to act. Therefor, I suggest going after the weakest part of the enemy. My guess is the traiterous Ri, so I think option 1C is the best one.

However, I hope you will provide some more information, as we hardly know enough about our enemies to make a weighted choice.

**QwertyMIDX** · 01-29-2006, 19:54

I'll try and give a bit of info on the likely make up the enemy forces later today.

**QwertyMIDX** · 01-29-2006, 22:55

The disloyal Ri would have at most 400-500 troops each. Defeating one may force the others into line, and bribing them with gold and promises of loot might bolster Brian's forces especially coupled with a show of force. Mael Muad would have in the realm of about 1000 allies from Leinster. Ivar would be best off, with a similar number of soldiers to Mael Muad, but better equipped. If left alone, the three groups will convene.

Brian's forces at Cashel are a mixed bag of Irish and Hiberno-Norse infantry, and all would be better armed and trained than any of the disloyal Ri, and better armed than Mael Muad's forces, but probably overmatched by Ivar's men.

**Mouzafphaerre** · 01-30-2006, 04:25

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My counsel prevails. Cut Mael Muad into pieces at once.
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**AntiochusIII** · 01-30-2006, 05:35

1A: After learning the disposition of the forces involved, I am of the opinion that Mael Murad must be done with as soon as possible. We seem to have enough men to deal with him. Without him, the rebellious Ri will lose their rallying cause and will either have to submit or suffer. Your kingship will also be secured with that victory, removing the contender, allowing you to deal with the dangerous army of Ivar's later on.

If we do not seize the initiative, the joined forces of the rebels would be overwhelming. Even if we attack the rebellious Ri, should Mael Murad and Ivar join forces, it would seem they would be twice as hard to defeat. Ivar's force alone is too powerful for us to deal with at this stage, so attack him isn't a good option. Besides, attacking him means Mael Murad could take advantage of us being pinned down to snatch away Munster.

Risks are taken in war, and for good reason.

Let Ireland rise!

**QwertyMIDX** · 01-30-2006, 08:09

Do we want to wait for 3 more posters to reach the quorum of 7? Do you folks want to confer a bit with the new info? Should I get to work on the next installment: The Hunt of Mael Muad?

Or would you folks like to turn this into an RPG and each pick a character, so far we have:

Brian
Mael Maud
Ivar
Ri of Eile
Ri of Deisi

Here's a map to help you folks get an idea of what's going on: