Alternative History: The Rise of Brian Boru

[King Kurt]

As Mael Muad I don't think it would be fair for me to take part in the options of those opposing me!! Can I suggest that you let me have my options by private mail - I will try to not look at the thread until I have made my choice - and we will see how that works out.

[QwertyMIDX]

That was my plan, it's why I sent you your options by PM and didn't post this until you decided.

I'll do the same with your next set of options, by then the forum at large will know roughly what you decided to do.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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But our plans are open to the enemy!
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[QwertyMIDX]

Your foes are already locked into their choices and by the time the next round of options appears everyone will know what everyone else has chosen.

[King Kurt]

To allay people's fears, I will not look at the thread until I have sent my next set of options. I shall think of it as a form of cold turkey!!

[Mouzafphaerre]

Your foes are already locked into their choices and by the time the next round of options appears everyone will know what everyone else has chosen.

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GR8
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[QwertyMIDX]

Well, it seems like Brian is being controlled by just Mouz and Ludens, so you two should come to some sort of agreement so we can move on with this thing.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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'morrow.
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[Ludens]

Well, it seems like Brian is being controlled by just Mouz and Ludens, so you two should come to some sort of agreement so we can move on with this thing.

I am bit tied-up this week (read: I am having two practical courses and a theoretical one at the same time, followed by an exam on a fourth course; and I also need to prepare for the following week's major project) so I will not able to participate as much as I'd like. If he wants so, Mouzafphaerre may control Brian alone.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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I'm not too keen on controling him alone, likely into a blitzkriegish risky action typical of my most decisions, without Ludens' strategical wariness in check. I'm going to make a table comparing both of our choices and we can thus discuss the differing options. Are we in much hurry? Is there a deadline?
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[Mouzafphaerre]

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Here's a comparison of my choices and those of Ludens's:

Let me explain the reasoning of my options:

• 1D: I assumed that Mael Muad would march south, and that his wretched ally would also want to keep close to the escapade in case of defeat. The position of the rebels are not very strong; they would want to keep their forces concentrated, if at least to match/overwhelm us by numbers. I would probably do the same in his place. As for the D, striking the weaker foe beforehand and preventing a threatening union seemed the reasonable way to me.
• 3C: We need to make allies. We also need to keep our present allies at hand.
• 5C: Weakening if not crushing the minor foe will help not only to accomplish our core purpose but also save us from tiring our main body before the more important battle and losing valuable men.

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[Ludens]

It seems we agree that marching north is too hazardous as we are likely to get caught between Ivar, Mael Maud and Eile, and our enemies are probably expecting this. Desi is the target, then. However, I am still not convinced that MM is going to march south. His best course of action would be to join up with Ivar. Then will be their best chance to destroy us. Moving away from Eile and Ivar on the other hand will isolate him.

Also, what is the point in ordering Waterford to attack Desi if you want Desi to join you?

I was against sending more gifts to the Flath of Cork than his due because it might be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but I realize I don't know how the Irish did these things. If it is customary to win loyalty though gifts, then that is what we should do.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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Also, what is the point in ordering Waterford to attack Desi if you want Desi to join you?

How great a strategist am I! Analysed everything isolated and didn't even look if they were contradicting.
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[Ludens]

Is this Interactive History still active? I think everyone is eager for the next instalment.

[QwertyMIDX]

I'm sorry I've been swamped with applications, college, and EB work. If I get some time I'll write another chapter, but don't hold your breath.

[Ludens]

I'm sorry I've been swamped with applications, college, and EB work. If I get some time I'll write another chapter, but don't hold your breath.

Pity. Well, Real Life is more important than an Interactive History and, in my humble opinion, so is EB.

[QwertyMIDX]

Yeah, it's a hard life, trying to balance all these frivolous pursuits...