Britannia Divided: Factions

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The Kingdom of Munster

Difficulty: Fairly Easy

Munster is a military power on the Isles. They have the locality and ability to field many soldiers on the field of battle; not only cheaply, but effectively too. Their only threat will be their unguarded shores.

Initial Strategy:
1. Steamroller Mide before they have a chance to react
2. Build as many expendable troops as possible
3. Avoid war with both Leinster and Connachta

Positive:
a. Rich provinces

Negative:
a. Lack good archer units
b. Surrounded by enemies

Unit List:

Cavalry:

Guirranmor
These are the Irish equivalent of Knights and are well trained and equipped. The Irish did not often use heavy cavalry, but they provide an excellent and powerful reserve. Their patron Lord would provide them with the best arms and armour in the land.

Tuaguirran
Like other Irish skirmishers these horseman are armed with javelins. However, they can be used as medium cavalry, as they are equipped with long axes with elongated handles allowing for swift mêlée attacks. They have much better mêlée skills and can be expected to stay in the fight for longer than other cavalry.

Guirran
These men stick to the normal Irish way of war, acting as mobile skirmishers harassing enemies with their javelins. They are decently trained and can flank or run down routing enemies.

Ceirrana
These men are not trained cavalry in anyway. They are simply the cavalry of local militias armed with only a club and used for scouting and messenger duties. At best they can flank enemies to provide some use, but cannot be expected to stay in the fight long.

Infantry:

Deaisbard
Deaisbard are the private bodyguard of chieftains, with excellent equipment and training. On top of this they were well-educated to act as aides in peacetime and expected to assist in ceremonies.

Arras
Arras are nobles, but may also be wealthy independent landowners, merchants or traders. They have the money to supply themselves and their followers with good arms and armour. They fought in tight formations, with a longish sword, Irish targe, javelins, mail armour and an iron helmet.

Dinuadda-Claiomhnaghta
Longswords were both rare and expensive in Ireland, but favoured by those who could afford them. These high quality swords were incredibly deadly, and similar to later period claymores, offering a powerful attack while sacrificing a shield for protection.

Curadha
These men are champions skilled in the use of spears, as spears are trustworthy, cheap and easy to use. These champions fight to inspire others by starting chants and forcing holes in the enemy battle line.

Gaemornaghta
These men, although from the poorer aspects of society, are armed with a Gaemor or Gaemhor (great spear), used two-handed like a pike. Deployment of men equipped in this manner became increasingly common for Irish armies so as to counter the increasing use of cavalry on the battlefield. They form a strong anti-infantry and anti-cavalry core in any army.

Claiomhnaghta
These men carry the traditional targe and throwing spears, as well as a claiomh, climh, or clom (sword). These swords were moderately expensive and well crafted, and somewhere between a short and longsword in length, making them wieldy, yet still powerful.

Tuanaghta
The Irish axe, tua, is a very old weapon with a particularly heavy head designed to smash helmets and shields. Men armed with a axe also carried a targe and a few javelins to throw before charging.

Sleanaghta
Most Irish soldiers were armed with a slea (spear), a targe and a few throwing spears, and men armed in this manner often formed the backbone of the army. These men are semi-professional soldiers or mercenaries who either bought their equipment or had it supplied by a Lord, and in return they provide service. These men are apt and can hold the line against all but the best of opponents.

Sleaceitherne
In early Irish Feudal society Ciorns (later kerns) tended to be near the bottom of society. And without much money or fighting ability they would not of had very good equipment and most of the time they were just men called up to serve in a levy. Armed with what little they could afford, usually a spear and a few small javelins or darts.

Ceitherne
In early Irish Feudal society Ciorns (later kerns) tended to be near the bottom of society. And without much money or fighting ability they would not of had very good equipment and most of the time they were just men called up to serve in a levy. Armed with what little they could afford, usually a club and a few small javelins or darts.

Missile:

Maiobhanaghta
The sling maintained some popularity amongst the Irish, as it is cheap and easy to use, with a readily available supply of deadly ammunition (stones or hardened clay). The sling also complimented the Irish style of warfare perfectly, harassing enemies from a distance with deadly force, before melding back into the hills or bogs.

Fiagania
Irish Lords and Kings rarely employ archers in their ranks, as they don't see the value of them. Yet, when they do, they are usually small bands of hunters, who are skilled in the use of their bows. However, they are by no means proficient mêlée fighters, and should be kept out of the main battle line.

Unique:

Orddmhornaghta
One of the most favoured weapons of the Irish was the cudgel or hammer, particularly by the Mumainha. These men were said to be able to smash through any armour with their giant two-handed hammers.