Aethelflaed of Wessex Aethelstan

amongst some of the normally more divisive Celts. Aethelflaed of The kingdom of Ulster, in particular, is friendly to Wessex (Ae-thel-flaad) her and regularly lauds her greatness. Famosissima Regina Saxonum, Her political maneuverings are coming near to a “The Great Lady of the Saxons” point where she may take up arms against King Aethelstan, in spite of their history. Tensions Mercia, Angeland in Britain between her and Aethelstan have been rising as he has sought further lands to control, while she Aethelflaed may be a queen but with her mousy supports the continued existence of many small- brown hair, pale skin, and plain-looking, er Kingdoms across the Isles. Many of the Cymry dull-coloured clothes, she does not look the part. kings and lords would happily pledge their lives to To look upon her it would not be surprising to her in exchange for a less strict overlordship. see her working the fields or tending to animals amongst her people. Despite appearances, she has a cunning eye and is adept at the political halls of (Ethel-stan) power. Under her humble clothes, she conceals a Aethelstan knife that can be planted in the back of her enemies King of Wessex should the need arise. All this is in spite of her rel- Winchester, Wessex, Angleland in Britain atively advanced age, having fostered Aethelstan and been an important figure throughout the isles. King Aethelstan rules from his seat of power in Renowned by the Cymry and those of Ulster as Winchester, Wessex. He is the head of the “White a powerful Saxon queen, many would prefer to God army” that has invaded the Isles. With his deal with her than her kinsmen. She has been Crusaders of the church of the White God Aethel- more diplomatic in her dealings with other stan conquered Mercia and East Anglia. Kings, especially when compared to Aethelstan. Aethelflaed leads powerful forces of separatism Aethelstan’s beginnings were humble. Before for the region of Mercia. he was born, his grandfather faced the invading Norse armies of Ivar the Boneless and lost. Ae- Aethelflaed’s court has long been a safe harbour thelstan’s family was driven from the Isles, and for those on the run from other powerful forc- sought refuge in the south with the Frankish king es and she accepts many outsiders with different Charles the Simple. pasts. In these dark days, Aethelfaed believes it is to her great advantage to have a large and diverse Devout and ambitious, Aethelstan gained favour number of allies. with Emperor Otto, and was entrusted to lead a holy conquest of the Poetic Isles. With messengers Aethelflaed has been a powerful leader of her forc- proclaiming the return of the royal bloodline, Ae- es and has long been able to retain stability of her thelstan found a sympathetic army already waiting realm in the face of the Viking incursions. Despite for him on the shores of Wessex. Upon hearing being a Follower of the White God, she is relatively of his coming, they ousted their Viking King in a accepting of other faiths and peoples. This has led peasant’s rebellion. Without a single battle Aethel- to both the stability of her region and acceptance stan claimed Wessex, then moved his army to con-

- 76 - Sample file - 77 - quer Mercia and East Anglia and applied his great of young Alan, a trust built up by undergoing holy tactical mind to easily take those lands and secure baptism in the church of the White God. Otto the Great’s foothold. Years later, and under the guidance of King Aeth- Now King Aethelstan sets his sights on the con- elstan, the king’s half-brother Edmund the Just, quest of Northumbria, Alba, and Eire. Religion and his father Mathuedoï’s training, Alan became a is Aethelstan’s greatest strength, and his great- competent warrior and showed a cunning mindset est weakness. His devotion prevents him from that gave him his first nickname, “The Fox”, for setting up what would be key alliances amongst his favouring of traps and ambushes to wipe out pagan Celts and Norse. The denizens of Isles are his enemies on the battlefield rather than using or- still mostly devoted to the White God regardless. thodox tactics. Aethelstan may have enemies on all sides, but his potential to rally the support of the faithful, and his Alan, since the earliest time in his life, has been guile, makes him a powerful force in the Isles. given one objective by his people: free Breizh and restore the rightful rule of his homeland. Alan Varvek (Al-an Varr-Vek) Bede (Beed) “Wrybeard”, Al Louar, “The Fox” Exiled nobleman from Breizh The Venerable, Deceased Winchester, Wessex, Angleland in Britain Otherworld

Alan Varvek is the grandson of the last king of Though dead, Bede the Venerable remains a high- Breizh, and heir to the throne. As such, he also ly-regarded and influential figure in the Celtic inherited the messy appearance of that line. His World. Bede was born into a noble family in the head is a blonde mess of hair, and though he is vicinity of the twin monasteries of The Abbey a young man, his face is covered by a thin mess Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Monkwear- of a beard. He wears chainmail over his riding mouth–Jarrow, and accordingly he studied in the attire, an iron circlet, and usually carries both a order at Jarrow, the centre of learning in all of the shortsword and a bow. northern part of Britain.

Alan was exiled alongside his father, the Count of Bede distinguished himself as one of the greatest Poher, after the ruination of Breizh. The capital, clerical scholars of the Great Isles. He was known Nantes, lies in ruins and, despite their best at- for his expertise in the domain of computus and tempts, and with the support of the King of Fran- pushed for the Anno Domini dating-system and cia, they failed to retake their homeland from the spent a lot of his time perfecting the dates on the Viking invaders. calendar. Through a long career of learning, Bede the Venerable plied his hand to almost every do- The key members of the Breizhiz nobility exiled main of science and theology available at the time. themselves for their own safety to Britain, under His greatest and most influential work was the King Aethelstan’s protection. The price of this Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum, a series protection was that the king became the godfather of five tomes chronicling the history of the Great

- 78 - Sample file - 79 - Isles starting with Caesar’s invasion and ending in amongst these lands for seven years, sailing, map- his present. Though Bede was decidedly a follow- ping, and travelling around them. For all that time er of the White God, these volumes have become there was never a winter, for here cold never threat- a beacon of unity among Anglo-Saxon tribes in ened the shores. The Druids say that Brendan and these dark times, pagan and monotheist alike. his monks found their way into the Otherworld. The clergy of the church of the White God insists they A carved statue marks where Bede the Venerable is somehow found the “Garden of Eden”. buried, showing his appearance at death: the long hair and beard he had, and the long robes he so of- Even after seven years the monks had no intention ten wore. The carving is in more the Outer-Mid- of returning back to Eire but one day they came to gard style, depicting him in a Roman tunic with a a mighty river and on its banks sat a supernatural quill in his hand. being. The being admonished the monks about travelling further. In all accounts, even Brendan himself refused to name or label this mysterious (Bren-dan) figure or speak further on the matter, as though Saint Brendan giving it a name or title would somehow invoke it The Sailor, Deceased again. As a result of that warning, the monks im- Eire mediately set sail back to Eire. There, Brendan made his monastery on the western coast of Eire near a mountain that now bears his name. In his life, Saint Brendan was a scholar, a writer, and an adventurous sailor. Brendan travelled all the known seas of the Celtic World and more. His adven- tures included travelling and preaching all around the Saint Brigid of Isles and founding many communities, monasteries, (Brij-ed) and churches. Then came his greatest quest. Kildare Abbess, Deceased For what would be his most famous voyage, At rest in Kildare, Eire Brendan and his followers first built a large hide boat around a wicker and light wood frame. The group of fourteen monks prepared for a voyage Born of princely ancestors, Brigid was supposed of forty days, when at the final moment, two ad- to marry and further the interests of her clan but ditional volunteers joined the voyage. They set refused and took the veil. She and seven other sail and experienced the grace of the White God nuns dedicated themselves to raising a convent. during the first fifteen days of sailing, making good They chose the location of a great oak tree to begin time with fair weather. After this, they suffered an- the construction, thus it was named Kildare, “the other fifteen days of powerful ocean currents and church of the oak”. Later it became a holy town fitful winds. Yet, Brendan maintained his faith, and and a monastery was erected. they arrived at a far and distant land. Brigid was known never to sleep but to toil day and The land they found was bright and happy, where night in the name of the White God. She spent her beautiful fruits and flowers were in abundance. nights in prayer, writing, and illuminating her gos- They saw talking birds of myriad colours. They lived pels. Through her tireless efforts Brigid became

- 80 - Sample file - 81 - the head of all the convents of Eire. She pioneered where Saint Columba created the abbey of Bob- Andrew visited his sister from time to time to the duality of Abbess-Bishop; the Abbess lead- bio, to lead as an abbess and advisor. pray and help when he could. Much to the sur- Introduction ing both the convent, the monastery, and holding prise of his local clergy, he would return in an Figures of great influence in what would grow to become the Brigid left her office to seek enlightenment impossibly fast travel time. The austere arch- cathedral city of Kildare. in isolation in the Apennines mountains, liv- deacon refused to elaborate on his method of the Isles

ing as a hermit and medicine woman. There, travel. Andrew’s life’s mission was the restora- Locales Under her leadership, students from all over the she was sought for her medical expertise. tion of the church of San Martino di Mensola Isles and the mainland came to Kildare to further Local folklore says her “angel” gave her and the construction of a new monastery there. Denizens their talent to such a degree that some would claim the capacity to heal the diseases of those of that her illuminations were the work of angels not true faith. Brigid refused to answer or ask Eventually Brigit left her seclusion and jour- Higher mortals. Over the years she added to her holy com- anything of this supernatural helper, saying neyed to Eire, and spent her days wandering the Powers plex, expanding it to include an art school, a met- coldly that the White God’s gifts should not moors and spreading her wisdom from abbey to Appendix alworking school, and taught illumination to those be questioned. abbey, healing those in need on her path. of talent and dedication. Kildare became a beacon of knowledge, art, and perhaps most important- Andrew kept his position his entire life, leading Brigit appeared back in Italy to visit her ly for Eire, it brought much prestige to the Isles the monks when his aging mentor needed his brother on his deathbed. Some monks swear amongst Followers of the White God from near help. Andrew became famous when he healed she saw her carried there by an angel, flying and far-off lands. the daughter of a nobleman and refused pay- her through the air at great speed. Brigit left the ment, stating: “The White God’s giveth and ta- moment Andrew drew his last breath, with tears Saint Brigid of Kildare stands as one of the most keth away, do not sully his gift with gold”. running down her face and was never seen again. revered and beloved Saints of Eire and is surpassed Some say she has gone back to Eire. Others say only by Saint Columba and Saint Padraig. Andrew is known for his many miracles, such as that the angel took her to heaven. the banishment of demons, the healing of the inno- cents, and restoring the sight of a blind man. No one truly knows where she is now. Saint Brigid the Younger and Saint Andrew the Scott of Fiesole (Brij-ed, Anne-drew) Missionaries, Deceased, Brigid alive? Inis Cealtra, Eire

Brigid and Andrew were brother and sister, unit- ed by blood and faith. They were both trained by Saint Donatus at Inis Cealtra and joined him when they reached adulthood in his church in Fiesole, Tuscany. Andrew became Donatus’ archdeacon after a heavenly voice declared Do- natus Abbot. Donatus sent Brigid to Piacenza,

- 82 - Sample file - 83 - Cele Dabhaill mac Cellachán mac Scannal Buadacháin (Keh-leh Duvall mac Scan-nal) (Kellah-khawn mac Bu-da-khawn) The Cleric, Abbot of Banagher King of Munster Banagher, near Ath Cliath, in the Munster, Eire Viking-occupied territories of Eire The King of Munster is a man of opportunity, ally- Cele was the Abbot of Banagher, a bishop, a ing himself with the Norse or Gaels to raid, expand scribe, a doctor, and a servant of the people, trav- his lands or simply to take hostages for their ran- elling and helping cure the diseases of the body soms. Cellachán’s reputation dictates that he is al- and the mind. He is, in many ways, what is expect- ways prepared to do battle, which includes a ready ed of the Followers of the White God in Eire. He willingness to betray whomever he has to in order has the tonsure cut and he dresses plainly. to achieve his end goals.

He is a staunch enemy of the Creideamh Sí, the Cellachán mac Buadacháin’s hair and beard are fey faith of Eire. Cele has operated as a travelling very long with braids woven through both; his hair exorcist, “purificator” and defender of the White is dark red that silvers to white at his temples. His God faith. He believes the fey are nothing but eyes are green. On his person he wears a torc of devils in disguise trying to manipulate the good Celtic Rule, an armband from his former Norse al- people of Eire to steal their souls from the one lies, heavy furs over armour, and typically carries true god. one each of a Nordic and a Celtic style sword, one in front of him and one over his shoulder. Cele has always been the first to pray each morning at sunrise, seeing this act as his duty The Celtic Twilight has changed his plans to exploit as an abbot. One day after prayer he was as- the two sides for his benefit. The white death of saulted by terrifying visions of gigantic wolves endless winter has stopped everything and every- eating the sun and moon, and of a winter that one as if time itself had frozen. Cellachán now feels would never end. The vision ended with the like a prisoner inside his own home, while outside face of the Morrigan screaming, and the rivers his home, his people starve. Before he never had to of his beloved island turning crimson with the think long on how to feed his people; in the past, blood of his countrymen. he could always raid.

Terror filled his mind, he couldn’t believe what he Cellachán decided the answer was to trap his previ- saw but refusing a warning from heaven is a sin ous allies, the Norse of Waterford, under the pre- in itself, so he decided to go beg for help from text of a diplomatic visit to negotiate a permanent his superiors. He went on a pilgrimage to Out- alliance between him and Jarl Sitric. This was all er-Midgard to bask in Pope John XII’s divine wis- a ruse, of course, and when everyone was asleep dom in an effort to save Eire. Cellachán and his men killed Waterford’s guards and opened the front door for his army to pillage the town. Cellachán knew this great raid would not

- 84 - Sample file - 85 - save them from this damned winter, but at least his Columba and his monks huddled around a single people would not starve for a few weeks. fire within their monastery doing what they could to ensure that their few pieces of wood would last When Cellachán returned to his seat, the Rock of until morning. Cashel, a letter arrived from the King of Aileach asking Cellachán to join his cause. The possibili- From there, Columba led the conversion of Alba. ty of ending the current troubles and going back When travelling to Inverness, Columba found his to raiding and war made him give the only answer way barred by a large bolted door as the locals re- possible—he would join up with the king to create fused admittance to any missionaries. Columba a great Celtic host. The King of Munster ordered merely made the sign of the cross at the door which that his inner circle and elite warriors would join caused its bolts to fly back and the door to open be- him to travel to Aileach. fore his faith. The Albannaich king was so cowed by the act that he agreed to be baptized by Columba that very day. Columba continued to display similar Saint Columba (Co-lum-ba) miracles while spreading the faith throughout Alba. Founder and Builder, Deceased Columba prophesied his own death. When his hour Iona, Alba came near, Columba looked over his monastery and his life’s work and gave himself the reward of a moment of joy at all he had accomplished. Then he Saint Columba was born as a Gael in Eire when the walked to the midnight service at his church before church of the White God was new there. He lived sinking before the altar where he gave his final breath his early years in Ui Neill, where he was amongst to his god surrounded by his dearest disciples. the rulers and other elite of the clans. His family was transitioning, with pagan rites and those of the White God coexisting. It was not peaceful howev- Constantine II er, with Druids being thrown from courts with in- (Con-stan-teen) creasing regularity. King of Alba While still a child, members of Columba’s fam- ily were part of a great battle. Being too young Scone, Alba to fight, he prayed to the White God publicly. When his family triumphed, in gratitude to his The King of Alba stands between the worlds of the god, Columba vowed to become a missionary and Celts and that of the White God. A devout believer spread the word of the White God and so set sail of this new religion, he remains aware of the chal- from Eire and journeyed to Alba. lenges that it faces, and of the tensions between this new religion and old ways of life. He attempts Columba built his monastery at Iona, amongst the to hold together a kingdom through force of will isles of the Hebrides, land he was able to secure and cajoling, having spent much of his younger through the local clans. This was a time before days trying to bind the disparate lands of Alba to- the unification of Alba and it was still divided be- gether with negotiated agreements. This included tween Picts, Celts, and many other lesser tribes. adopting many of the practices of Eire, along with Countless days and winters followed during which those of the White God to create a more hybrid

- 86 - Sample file - 87 - system. This ranged from the owning of property Prior Boisil. The prior saw great potential in Cuth- unsuitable for farming. It is said that the island all the way to the crowning of a leader. bert and the White God blessed Boisil with a vision was haunted by evil spirits and that Cuthbert Introduction of Cuthbert’s future. After Prior Boisil departed to chased them away. There he built a home and Figures of With the coming of the Vikings and the rise of Ae- heaven, Cuthbert was elevated to his position. erected a tall circular stone wall so he could see thelstan, Constantine’s kingdom has already be- only the heavens. In this small plot of rocked, in- the Isles

gun to fracture. There are some at the periphery of Cuthbert was unable to contain his emotions fertile land he planted wheat, which failed within Locales his lands that have cleaved themselves off to form when performing mass often feeling driven to a season. Beseeching theWhite God, he received independent kingdoms. Constantine maintains an tears, which profoundly touched his fellow monks. guidance that he should plant barley and within a Denizens uneasy peace with Aethelstan and Aethelflaed, he While he spent time instructing his brothers at the season he had a bountiful crop. is allied to them through religious ties, but is con- monastery, he spent more time amongst the com- Higher cerned about their rising power. Constantine has mon folk bringing them the Good Word. Early in Around that time a great Synod was held by Powers refused to make appearances at Aethelstan’s court his proselytizing a plague struck Northumbria and Archbishop Theodore and King Egfrid. Cuth- Appendix on numerous occasions, and there are rumours many peasants turned to pagan gods and occult bert was elected bishop of Lindisfarne by unan- that Aethelstan prepares to march against him. rituals in order to cleanse themselves. It was only imous vote. They went to the island to share the through Cuthbert’s presence, prayer, and grace news but Cuthbert refused to leave his cloister. For now, he does what he can to fortify his lands that the plague was banished from the land. They returned with throngs of clergy, monks, and unify his people. Despite his best efforts many believers, and common folk begging him to of his nobility have already begun to turn on out- At this point he spent more and more time away reconsider. This fulfilled a prophecy by now-Saint siders, viewing all foreigners with suspicion. Ene- from the monastery, sometimes a month at a time, Boisil, who had foretold this event. mies appear to be preparing to destroy the nascent travelling to far flung villages in order to spread Kingdom of Alba, and Contantine is all they have the White God’s teachings. Many of these remote It is at this post that Bishop Cuthbert exerted his to hold this new land together. mountain villages were hostile to his kind but greatest influence, softening the hearts of kings Cuthbert had blessed speech and his words con- and guiding their rule to be more compassionate verted many. His simple presence roused those towards their lowly subjects. He established the around him to confess their sins unprompted and Palatine of Durham; a region overseen by the bish- Saint Cuthbert of to give up their sinful lifestyles. op, a domain where secular kings had no say. He Blessed Memory led his monastery by example rather than decree, (Cuth-Bert) Word of his works and virtue reached the ears of humbling other bishops into similar humility. King Abbot Eata who transferred Prior Cuthbert to his Egfrid had evil in his heart and invaded the people Monk, Deceased own monastery at Lindisfarne. Bishop Aidan also of Eire, devastating their lands and causing untold resided at Lindisfarne monastery with his clergy suffering. Bishop Cuthbert visited the king, im- Northumbria because Pope Gregory saw the wisdom of clergy ploring him to stop his madness or he would face living alongside the monks in communal work and ruin. The king ignored Bishop Cuthbert and in- From his earliest boyhood Cuthbert professed his ownership. The bishop was amazed by Cuthbert vaded the north, and as prophesied by the bishop, desire to enter the religious life but destiny would and sent word to Pope Gregory of Cuthbert’s ex- the king was killed by the Pictish tribes. make him wait. When war broke out between ceptional piety, devotion, and wisdom. Northumbria and Mercia he left his life as a shep- Cuthbert returned once more to the island of his herd to be a soldier. When the war was over it did Just as the bishops and pope were planning a larg- hermitage after receiving a vision of his immi- not take long for Cuthbert to be clothed and pro- er role for Cuthbert within the church, Cuthbert nent death. A fellow hermit monk named Der- fessed as a monk. Cuthbert stated that his vision of received a message from the White God and went went, upon hearing the news, went to see his dear an angel carrying Saint Aidan to heaven lit an inex- into solitary contemplation and silence—astounding friend Cuthbert. Cuthbert shared his vision from tinguishable fire within his heart. He first entered everyone. In self-imposed exile, Cuthbert chose to the White God and Derwent wept in sorrow, no the Monastery of Melrose under the tutelage of move to a remote island that was uninhabited and longer wishing to live if his friend was to depart

- 88 - Sample file - 89 - this world. They prayed together, and after Der- wandered the land for seven years performing (Ku-fei-lok) went left, knowing that they would never see each more miracles as they travelled. Eventually his Cyfeiliog other again in this life. Soon after the vision came body would be laid to rest in a new mausoleum near Bishop of Archenfield true and Cuthbert left his body behind and joined Durham. Eire, varied, but largely from Iona the White God in paradise. That same moment, hundreds of miles away, by “divine will”, his good The coming of the Celtic Twilight and the Viking in- and other Monasteries friend Derwent drew his last breath and joined vasion has forced the monks to move his body once Cuthbert in heaven. more, this time to a new and undisclosed location. Cyfeiliog is a powerfully built man with blonde hair Many seek the saint’s remains during these dark who wields a sword in one hand and the standard Cuthbert’s influence upon the world did not cease years of strife and suffering. Rumours abound that of the White God in his other. The trappings of with his passing, in fact it grew more pronounced those who touch the precious relics are healed and his bishopric are at odds with his otherwise war- and miraculous. After 11 years, on the anniver- blessed, but only if they renounce sin and iniquity. rior-like nature. He has a long beard and a tonsure sary of his passing, he was dug up in order to be Kings and warlords seek Saint Cuthbert’s body, be- haircut. His eyes shine with the burning light of his entombed in a shrine above ground. Upon open- lieving that they can harness the power for war and god that further gives him a larger-than-life aspect. ing the casket, the monks were astonished to conquest. In an age of living saints, Saint Cuthbert find Cuthbert fully preserved. Even his garments was the White God’s stamp upon the world. One of the few survivors of the sack of Nantes, Cy- showed no sign of decay. The garments were sent feiliog was captured by the Vikings and ransomed to Cuthbert’s successor for validation of the mira- by Edward the Elder. With little to return to, he cle and he was entombed with new vestments. travelled to Eriu to join his brethren there. Rather than finding the monastic solitude that he sought, Cuthbert’s path to beatification continued with his he found that the lands were even more at war than next miracle. Brother Baduthegn of Lindisfarne the ones he had left behind. was struck with an affliction that paralyzed half of his body. He suffered many months until he was in- Having seen relics and reliquaries hauled off by spired to prostrate himself before Cuthbert’s tomb Vikings, Cyfeiliog swore himself into the White and pray for the White God’s will. After praying God’s service as an instrument of violence. Cyfeil- for many hours he fell asleep. After waking, all his iog now covers his powerfully built body under one ailments had disappeared. Cuthbert’s sarcophagus layer of holy garments and one of blessed chain- was investigated once more only to find that his mail. He wields a sword and always holds high the hair continued to grow, so his fellow monks gave banner of White God filling himself and his follow- him regular haircuts. ers with holy fury.

After Cuthbert’s canonization the miracles contin- Bishop Cyfeilog draws to him a great host of war- ued, some through his holy relics: his undecayed vest- riors prepared to unify Eire as a nation following ments and miraculous locks of his hair. There was a Pope John XII and to oust the Vikings from the pious man who suffered from an eye tumor, so large lands. The doctrine taught is one of violence and and serious that the man could no longer function. of bloodshed in their god’s name. As a self-pro- After Saint Cuthbert’s lock of hair was applied to the claimed holy order they fight monsters, Druids, tumor it shrank and dissipated after a few short days. and Vikings alike, trying to unify Eire solely under faith in their god. When the Vikings attacked the Lindisfarne mon- astery, Brother Eardulf and a few fellow monks escaped with Saint Cuthbert’s sarcophagus. They

- 90 - Sample file - 91 - (Dae-vid) beneath his feet began to buck and swell, push- Saint David ing him higher and higher. Before long, a hill had The Water Drinker, Deceased grown beneath him, making him easily heard and Cymru seen by all those in attendance. David’s greatest deed to the kings of Cymru came Few lived as austere a life in the name of their during an invasion. The Cymry found themselves faith as David. Throughout he forwent meat beset both by invaders and a dense fog. The kings and strong drink, allowing himself nothing but were concerned about the safety of their people bread, vegetables, and what water he could find. during the foul weather for fear of both ambush, With a long dark brown beard and moustache, or of their own people becoming lost in the fog partnered with cold and unyielding eyes, David and inadvertently attacking each other. They con- looked the fierce leader of his people that he sulted David, asking him what the best course of was. Born in Cymru, David trained and served action would be. With their Druids long gone, in this land before going on to build his own the church had stepped into the role of advisors. church and then monastery there. David claimed the fog was a blessing, handed the kings a leek and advised that each of their soldiers David’s belief manifested itself as strength of the wear one. The leek would identify the Cymry in body. To maintain the monastery, David and his the fog lest they get confused and not know who followers tilled the land but by David’s order they to strike in battle. It served the Cymry well and, were not permitted to use beasts of burden. In- after that, the leek became a symbol for both the stead, they put their very shoulders to the task Cymry and David himself. and were rewarded for it by developing both strength of body and of faith. Saint David’s final words have been recorded and passed down for generations. He told his follow- So driven by his faith, it was not long before David ers: “Do the little things, the small things you’ve took to spreading the word throughout the sur- seen me doing.” rounding lands of Cymru. It was through this work that he demonstrated his greatest miracles. Dur- ing one instance, he was asked to prove the might and ability of his god, which he did so by taking a Donnchadh Donn mac young blind boy who was in attendance and sprin- (Don-kha Don mac Flinn) kling some droplets of the water he was drinking Flainn onto his eyes. In a mere moment, the boy’s eyes King of Mide, High King of Eire were cured and he could again see. Aileach, Eire Travelling farther, with tales of his miracles spreading and larger crowds of people coming to The High King of Eire is an aging man whose ruler- his sermons, David was tasked with trying to speak ship has been marked with failure. After two failed re- to groups too large for him to be able to be heard bellions against his father to seize power, Donnchadh properly. With this the task at hand, he called to Donn mac Flainn did not inherit the title of high king, his god, causing a small white dove to land on his or of “King of Mide”. One title instead went to his shoulder. Within moments of this, the ground brother and the other to his brother-in-law.

- 92 - Sample file - 93 - Donnchadh was notoriously unprepared for battle, The harsh life King Dunmail has led to earn such a both mentally and physically, parading both gaudy position has marked him. He is tall though gaunt, Celtic torcs and Viking arm rings and behaving in scarred both physically and mentally. He wears his an uncertain manner unbecoming of a high king. warrior regalia even in the comfort of his private All of this changed during the battle against the for- chambers, sleeping with his longsword at arm’s eigners in 919. Donnchadh’s brother and brother- length just in case his enemies feel too ambitious. in-law, and all their heirs, died on the battlefield. Donnchadh Donn mac Flainn’s claim to the throne Caution is King Dunmail’s main tactic. Taking advan- was then uncontested and he took steps to ensure tage of Cumbria’s seclusion and its harsh and forebod- it remained so. Immediately after his ascension to ing terrain, King Dunmail has been able to rally many high king, Donnchadh had his younger brother, to his banner even though they are supposed to be Áed, blinded. In the following years his last brother pledged to others. Calling it the “Kingdom Rheged”, and nephew were murdered as well. taken from the ancient King Urien of this region, the united Cumbria has declared its independence. Recently one man has become Donnchadh’s clos- est ally, rival, and his son-in-law—Muirchertach Dunmail continues to rebuild the forts in his land, mac Neill, who’s reputation as both a king and a to organize hunting and fishing to secure what food warrior is great. The wedding was made in an ef- they can, and prepares Cumbria for the times ahead. fort to keep the fights between Donnchadh and his The kingdom is in a good position, and slowly grow- son-in-law to a minimum. ing in power. The lords of Cumbria would use that power to claim more territory, but Dunmail enforc- Now with the Celtic Twilight, Donnchadh’s king- es caution. A consolidated Kingdom Rheged has so- dom is in disarray. A Druid was sent by the King of far proved well-fortified, but some Cumbrian lords Aileach with a message: “I have a way to stop it and find the restriction chafing on their battle-lust. take back our lands”. The opportunistic high king made ready his court for departure on the shortest delay for Aileach. He will be the first to hear this Faelan mac Muiredach plan, the first to join Muirchertach in the recon- (Fay-lawn mac Mwir-dokh) quest, and the first to claim his share of the spoils. King of Leinster Dunmail (Dun-ool) Leinster, Eire King of Cumbria Faelan is the newly-crowned ruler of Leinster Cumbria and Alt Clut and is known for his wisdom and strategic skills. His first acts were to send diplomatic proposi- tions to align his kingdom with both Aileach and Cumbria has always been a relatively autonomous Mide to create an alliance in a common effort for region as both the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons found plunder, influence and conquest. All this was it difficult to rule there. With the coming darkness accomplished despite Faelan’s much smaller and cold, the Celts of Cumbria have again rallied size. Normally Celtic rulers have little respect around a king of their own choosing. King Dun- for a man of power who is short of stature, but mail is that king. Faelan has engendered respect in them regard-

- 94 - Sample file - 95 - less. Most in his court know the story of the scar that sparks snide comments about his piety and on his neck, and most know not to speak of it. service towards “his people”.

Faelan is playing a complicated game to secure a A staunch follower of the White God, the ruler of source of food for his people by housing a Druid southern Munster has claimed the burden of ruler- under the nose of some of the more loyal subjects ship out of his deep belief that in this age of ice and of the church of the White God. In exchange, the death, the White God apparently challenged the Druid offers enough grain for the people of Lein- Munstermen to rise above physical concerns—a ster to survive. Faelan knows this underhanded challenge that needed him at the helm. When play will be discovered eventually and he is pre- Flaithbertach mac Inmainén was brought rumours pared to purge his ranks of dissent and safeguard saying that the Druids had united to spread the old the stability of his domain in these desperate times. faith, he ordered the messenger to whip himself to beg for the White God’s forgiveness or die on the Once, not long ago, a white caped Bandruí tried pyre. to magically influence him and regretted immedi- ately her attempt when she found the king’s dagger One name started to be associated with the hereti- at her throat. Faelan’s cold stare was enough of a cal rumours of the rise of the old faith: Muirchert- statement. The Druidess smiled and simply told ach mac Neill. This information troubled the abbot him the truth: if he wanted his alliance, he needed deeply, for the King of Aileach’s reputation as a to go fast to Aileach. The Bandrui spoke this the champion of the Gaels was great. How could such same day as a letter from Muirchertach mac Neill a man leave the loving light of the only true god and himself arrived. Faelan and his most loyal warriors take the side of the devils? will go with him to Aileach, and the Bandrui is to accompany them. The times are changing once An invitation to Muirchertach mac Neill’s great more and Faelan swore to ride these tides to en- feast could be the opportunity to bring him back to sure the perennity of his plans. the light and finally slay the devil worshippers who poisoned his mind. Flaithbertach mac Frithestan (Frith-uh-stan) Inmainén (Fla-far-tach mac In-aw-nayn) Abbot of Winchester Winchester, Wessex Abbot of Inis Cathaige Ruler of southern Munster There was a time when Frithestan knew his place Munster, Eire in the Anglo-Saxon order. His true king, King Ed- ward the Elder, ruled Wessex. Frithestan held his Upon first seeing him, most are struck by the wild seat in Winchester. The world of the divine and the eyes and the scowl of a man utterly convinced of mundane were in their proper places. Then Ed- his righteousness. Flaithbertach mac Inmainén ward died. His true heir died. A usurper, Aethel- is heavyset with both muscle and fat, both a tes- stan, took the throne and through fire and deceit tament to his position of great wealth and a trait visited misery upon the people of Angleland who

- 96 - Sample file - 97 - sacrificed their sons for Aethelstan’s megaloma- of Deheubarth. This elevated Hywel to become the nia, at least according to Frithestan. most influential figure among the Cymry nobility.

Abbot Frithestan refused to attend Aethelstan’s Hywel earned his surname “Dda”; “The Good”, crowning as an act of defiance. Perhaps the most by writing down and codifying the traditional outward sign of Frithestan’s lack of respect to his Cymry Law that was only used and learned through sovereign is his refusal to remove the stole and speech. Hywel insisted writing down the laws maniple that were gifted to him by the previous would make them fair for his people by promoting Queen of Wessex. Frithestan refuses to acknowl- negotiation and non-violent outcomes rather than edge Aethelstan’s reign, although he still does his physical punishments. Now this code of law bears work. He still must obey to survive and make sure his name. no one else suffers from his actions. Despite Aeth- elstan’s many charters to the Abbey of Winchester, Hywel wears both the torc of Gaelic kingship and a Frithestan has never been rewarded for his long crucifix around his neck. He is a fervent supporter seriousness and seniority. of the White God, having decided to go on a pil- grimage. This was a risky decision at a time when Rumours are often made that one day Frithestan the heathens swarm the seas. Hywel was the first will be found dead, or even that he might murder Prince of Cymru to successfully return from the Aethelstan, but both know that the Abbot is too holy lands in the far south of Outer-Midgard alive. honest to use such methods. Frithestan believes He decided to pledge his support and become sincerely that the White God blesses him and his the vassal of King Aethelstan as much to drive the bloodline. He only hopes to still be alive to see Ae- Northmen out as to gain even more lands within thelstan dead, which is not technically a sin. Cymru by pooling their minds and resources to- gether. Hywel Dda (Hu-well Tha) Idwal Foel (Id-ull fo-el) “Hywel the Good” King of the Deheubarth King of Gwynedd Deheubarth, Cymru Gwynedd, Cymru

Ready to write the laws as much as he is to enforce The King of Gwynedd has long dark hair with faint them, Hywel Dda carries a quill in one hand and a streaks of white. He keeps his beard long with the sword in the other. sides woven into fine braids. He has scars from his military campaigns and always dresses himself as After ascending to the throne with his brother Cly- though prepared for battle. Idwal Foel still wears a dog as co-ruler, they decided to submit to King torc, though it is slight and subdued. Edward the Elder to use his support to extend their influence in Cymru. Clydog died soon after, King of Gwynedd, Idwal Foel allied with, and then leaving Hywel the sole ruler over the lands of their submitted to, King Aethelstan. He has fought on ancestors. Hywel’s ambitions quickly drove him to Aethelstan’s side against both the Vikings and the conquer new lands and carve out the new kingdom Albannaich believing that by serving King Aeth-

- 98 - Sample file - 99 - elstan he would be spared from having to submit. clergical prestige that many believe he is the beat- King Aethelstan forced the submission regardless. ing heart and voice of the faith of the Monastery of Clonmacnoise, a strategic location and one of the Now, Idwal Foel finds himself serving the very main centres of the White God faith in Eire. man who would subjugate his people. Even as Id- wal Foel remains a seemingly faithful servant, he The Celtic Twilight shook the good people of prepares his sons to take back their lands upon Eire’s faith. Starvation spread and lead many to sin the first moment of weakness from King Aethel- and madness. The lictor’s songs became more and stan. Idwal Foel does not support the other Cym- more desperate, pleading to the almighty to save ry kings, believing them to have mis-played their the people at any cost. The northern devils were at hands against King Aethelstan, nor does he sup- the gates, hunger was in the flesh and death was in port the supposed prophesied king that raises the minds of his kinsmen. forces in the hinterland. The good scribe started to lose his grip on reality, despair eroding his thoughts. One day he became Ódhrán Ua hEolais unable to read the prayers and sing the choirs. He (O-rawn U Ho-lash) stopped leaving his cell and madness corrupted his mind. Ódhrán spent all his time praying and fasting Scribe, Lector, Bard until one day his holy book caught on fire and start- ed to speak to him, telling him to wear mail and take “Herald of the Lord” the fight to those who submit to heathen gods and Clonmacnoise, Eire want the death of this world and His children. Ódhrán Ua hEolais wears only the finest of vest- A thin and dirty Ódhrán barged out of his cell a ments, with golden jewelry and a gold cross atop wide smile on his face and singing that the White a staff. Beneath his finery his body is gaunt with a God spoke to him and a crusade was his will on the fevered look upon his face. His hair has been shorn mortal realm. from his head and this combined with his hollow cheeks makes his face almost like a skull. His eyes are agog and glimmering with cow-like wetness. Owain ap Dyfnwal Ódhrán is said to have the mark of the White God (U-wahn ap Duv-nawl) upon him, such that a shining light seems to come from forever just behind his form. King of the Britons of Strathclyde Born to the family ruling over the Túath of Con- Alt Clut, Britain maicne Magh Réin, Ódhrán was given an extensive education, something only the wealthiest can ac- Owain is a rebel at heart and his clothing betrays cess, and it was done specifically for him to join the that about him. He dresses in dark colours pre- church of the White God. pared to slip away into the night if he must. He has light blonde hair with a heavy brow that suggests Ódhrán quickly became a master in illumination, he is ever-concerned with the state of the world. writing, psalms and the reading of the holy word He carries a greatsword over his shoulder pre- to the liturgical assembly, eventually attaining such pared to swing into battle and cleave his enemies

- 100 - Sample file - 101 - in twain. He wears a heavy set of armour including tron saint of Eire. Padraig was captured by pirates Over the entirety of his life, Padraig fought a hauberk with vambraces. He has a torc of leader- from his home in Britain and taken to Eire. He lived against Druids. Slowly but surely, he was able Introduction ship that he wears around his neck. there for six years as a slave before he managed to to erode their base of support. This is partly the Figures of escape. Later in life, when he became a cleric, he Druid’s own fault. Many Celtic kings were will- The Kingdom of Strathclyde is the successor of the returned to the lands that had so wronged him and ing to side with a new force against the Druids, the Isles

dead dynasty of the kingdom of Alt Clut, and the brought the Church of the White God with him. who they felt held too much sway over them. Locales population are the descendants of a stubborn and Padraig converted countless to his cause, tak- proud people: the Breizhiz. Calling himself Patricius, he was known by Padraig ing the greatest believers and turning them Denizens amongst those who lived upon the islands. Dur- into clerics of the faith. Padraig’s continued ef- Owain ap Dyfnwal’s kingdom has been invaded, rav- ing his time as a slave, Padraig served as a shep- forts forever hurt the position of Druids within Higher aged and sometimes conquered, but never for long, herd and spent a great deal of time in prayer. He Eire. Powers for the Breizhiz pride themselves to never surrender heard a voice one day telling him how to escape. Appendix nor submit to foreigners. With him as a ruler, they To get away he ran for two-hundred miles then After 40 years of pious servitude to his faith, will never bow down. Other kingdoms believed the boarded a ship that took him across the sea. After Padraig died of old age in Saul where he had Breizhiz gone after their last defeat at the hands of three days at sea the ship crashed and the crew was built his first church. the Viking grandsons of Ivarr, but the Breizhiz coun- shipwrecked. As Padraig and the other survivors ter-attacked and brought the kingdom back to life. wandered in the wilderness and grew hungry and tired, Padraig prayed to his new god. He prayed for He couldn’t act in any measure to support or stop sustenance. Soon after, the shipwrecked survivors the southern invader Constantine the Second dur- stumbled across a herd of animals. Claiming it as ing his retaking and restructuring of the Kingdom a miracle, Padraig won his first followers that day. of Pictland into the Kingdom of Alba. His resources were put into the counter-attacks to retake Dum- After years of study, Padraig would receive anoth- barton to take control of Clyde’s River estuary. er vision from his god telling him to return to Eire and spread the word of the White God’s church. Now Owain is in a precarious position, thin on re- Padraig acted upon this vision and made his way to sources with Alba to the north, Vikings in the mid- Eire where he wandered through the wilderness dle and the power-hungry King Aethelstan further and stumbled upon many small communities. The in the south. Strathclyde will be in need of allies. In druids have songs which still speak of how he was the end it doesn’t matter. The Breizhiz will contin- first seen; calling him crazed. Padraig was not wel- ue to fight and rise back as many times as they have comed by the locals of Eire. He refused the normal to to live on. ties of kinship, fosterage, and did not accept gifts from the kings. Legally, he was without protection and he faced many tribulations. (Pad-rag) Saint Padraig Despite these challenges, Padraig’s god gave him the Missionnary, Deceased power to perform miracles. He banished all of the The priests of the White God claim snakes from Eire, struck down Crom Cruach, and conversed with ancient warriors, including finding he lives on in their afterlife men who had once ridden among the Fianna. Pad- raig attempted to convert them but they defended Known as “The Apostle of Eriu”, Padraig is vener- themselves and their pagan ways. Even so, as the days ated within the church of the White God as the pa- numbered Padraig converted many to his faith.

- 102 - Sample file - 103 - Leadership & Organization The “Poetic Court”, of the Amergin’s Challenge is more than a meeting of the highest ranking Druids, it’s an assembly of seers that, through their visions, channel the will of the Tuatha de Danann to direct the actions of different covens. The three major Secret Societies covens beneath Duan Amhairghine administration are the Circle of Horns, the Comhairle Cailleach, and the Fire Seed.

The Circle of Horns: The Circle of Horns, or “Ciorcal Adharc” is an organization of a specific n the Great Isles not all power is concentrated in the hands of those who would claim type of Druid: the divine shapeshifters, collectors loudly to be masters of realms, kingdoms, or clans. Leaders are expendable. When of relics, negotiators with the Sidhe and keepers of the winter is long or starvation comes, leaders may be swarmed by an angry mob, sac- the sacred and wild spaces. rificed to the gods, or have their life taken and memory shamed by the religious elites. I This mummer’s farce for control has happened many times over the eons. Those who They are the last major Druidic circle of old. Their attain power in secrecy, those who know the reality behind the facade, are far more public face is a living legend himself: Mug Ruith, difficult to uproot. Organizations, cults, guilds—they have many names, often contradictory, always half- a smiling and welcoming figure clad in robes truths. These groups are a mix of political, economic and religious organizations, created by gods and and furs. No one knows if his warm and cheerful mortals alike to achieve their goals. Some are good, some are greedy, all are powerful in the Celtic World. demeanor is an act or his real personality. The Druids who follow in his footsteps choose to wear horned pelts over their heads and shoulders. They chose a new name for themselves, one of the many kept the seafaring Gaels of old from landing and titles of the Dagda, the “Horned One”. Amergin’s Challenge settling the coast. The Druids and Eriu reached Duan Amhairghine an accord, and Eriu allowed the Gaels to take Another powerful figure associated with the root on her. It is the sacred duty of the Amergin’s Circle of Horns is the strange being known only The Amergin’s Challenge, or the “Duan Challenge to repay Eriu’s kindness and save her as “The Hunter”, a champion sent reportedly Amhairghine” (Dun A-war-khiyne) is the from her slow icy death of the Celtic Twilight that by Eriu herself. This mysterious figure takes the organization of Druids at the core of the return of the plagues her now. form of a hybrid of plant, elk, and man, holding an Druids and their activities in the Celtic Kingdoms. amber-tipped spear. He speaks only through the They seek to save the Celtic people from the Viking Amongst the objectives of the Amergin’s wild things around him; like animals and plants, Ragnarok, to further the objectives of the Tuatha, and Challenge is a mission to open portals across making him an unsettling conversationalist, to ultimately to serve their mistress, the goddess Eriu. the Celtic World to let the armies of the fey say the least. The Hunter never speaks to groups courts rampage and destroy their enemies. Their of Horned Ones, only one-to-one, administering Purpose & Loyalties long-term goal is to awaken Eriu once more to only specific tasks. The Duan Amhairghine chose their namesake from fulfill the prophetic visions of the High Poets, the first poem amongst the Druids ever spoken in otherwise named “Filis”, to transcribe the plans Druids from the Circle of Horns are mostly seen the land of Eire. The Druids appeased the spirit of Danu and her children, and ultimately avert— around ancient and overgrown sacred places. The of the island of Eire, it’s divine soul the goddess or otherwise allow the Celtic people to survive— kind of places that seem to have a will of their own; named Eriu, by reading this poem. In thanks, Eriu the Twilight. Different covens of the Amergin’s groves and stone structures where elementals and calmed the storms that were cast by the Tuatha that Challenge may have more specific goals. sidhe were freely dancing in the moonlight before

- 104 - Sample file - 105 - the Celtic Twilight began. The Ciorcal Adharc The Fire Seed: The members of the Bruanel, ally only when necessary to accomplish this goal awaken oghamic monoliths, even those with or, the “Fire Seed”, have one simple objective: since they are otherwise at odds. It was the Druid carvings so ancient that only abstract worn shapes summon and take control of the Sluagh to slaughter judges who supported the laws that oppressed the remain to open portals to places where the most the Vikings. The Bruanel blame the Northmen for Fir Bolg clans in the first place. powerful and ancient gods and ancestors remain. their raids, their betrayals, murders, the starvation across the Celtic Kingdoms, and for causing this The Amhlaidh direct the search for powerful No one knows exactly what Mug Ruith and the apocalypse. The Bruanel say they will burn away artefacts including sketches of secret oghams Hunter are leading the Circle of Horns to do, the foreigners and cleanse the Six Kingdoms of which only the Fir Bolg, the “Children of Builge”, perhaps because their machinations follow the their filth with fire and blood. can read and which are found on standing stones. plans of the fey and the logic of the ancients. Some are even made of black iron or gleaming bronze that show how to recreate wonderful Comhairle Cailleach: The figurehead of this works of old. witch-council is the “Silver Raven”, the First The Amhlaidh Daughter of the Morrigan born in this age, The Alliance of the Underground The Dvergars offer access to the Viking lands, a woman of cold beauty and fiery rage. This trade routes, and their network of information. Bandrui is the public figure of an alliance of The Amhlaidh (Auh-lah) is an organization built They also support Amhlaidh by buying relics at scorned women, vengeful widows, and powerful upon a tenuous pact between the Knockers, the Dyflin before they are brought back to Norse female rulers all seeking revenge on the church Fir Bolg, and the Norse Dvergars. Their goal is lands. This is to make sure their allies can perform of the White God. to ensure the destruction of the Tapestry of Fate, rituals and make pacts with beings such as the Fir an object of immense power created by the beings Bolg gods and Danu in order to break the chains of The mustering of women for military purposes known as Norns. It has the power to lock the events fate forced upon them by the Norns. was rendered illegal by Saint Ruadan hundreds of the Norse apocalypse, making them inescapable. of years before. The Comhairle Cailleach argue The Amhlaidh have allied together to find a way for Leadership & Organization that if they were permitted to join the battles all their peoples to survive Ragnarok, known as it The Amhlaidh are a secretive kind who are not keen with their children, husbands, brothers, and spread to the Celtic lands as the Twilight. on sharing unless the correct price is paid. They kin, then the Vikings would not have found work by using travelling Fir Bolg merchants as defenceless villages after the death of the men Purpose & Loyalties spies. They favour inns, where they can both gather but a second army ready, trained and equipped In the great hall of the Knockers, an assembly of information and have a safe place to hide. There are to fight for their kin and country. the Amhlaidh was gathered as soon as the Viking a few key members amongst the Amhlaidh. Ragnarok began with the sun in the north being Though they loathe the Vikings, the attitude devoured by a giant wolf. The Dvergar, who turned Bivaidonas: The Fir Bolg Bivaidonas owns a of the Comhairle Cailleach is that there will to stone in the sun, jumped at the opportunity to drinking hall and blacksmith shop in Aileach, always be enemies. It is the church of the move above ground without fear. The strength called the Mianaigh Shona, the “Merry Mines”. White God that prevented them from being of the Dvergars was not equal to their ambition The Mianaigh Shona houses a portal leading to able to protect themselves. though, so they reached out to the Celtic beings the Knocker Kingdoms. It is a place of gathering with similar forms and interests: the Fir Bolg and for the Fir Bolg, either human or fey, hidden in the The Comhairle Cailleach focus mainly on Knockers. An alliance was formed. underground halls built under the inn. the direct murder of isolated warbands and wandering crusaders and the hexing and The aim of the Fir Bolg is to gain back their rightful Eochaid mac Eirc: The last High King of the poisoning of White God follower’s settlements. place in Eire, at the kingdom of Connacht, as they Fir Bolg is leading his people again. He crossed They destroy and raid places of worship and make need a place to house and protect their people from the border between the realms as an immortal deals with hateful spirits of pagan ancestors in the Twilight before the Druids successfully shift Fathach. His strong right-hand giant is the great exchange for their place in Tir na nOg. Eire behind the mists. The Druids and Amhlaidh warrior Sreng. His wise left hand aid is Tailtiu,

- 106 - Sample file - 107 - who also serves as the Amhlaidh’s ambassador to the Celtic lands and they live by the moral credo together only from mutual inspiration by the Tuatha. Tailtiu, Lugh’s foster mother, hopes of Fionn mac Cumhaill in honour of his memory. legends, they are slowly coming together to Introduction to keep the peace going between the Children of form a whole. They are piecing back together, Figures of Danu and the Fir Bolg. The new Fianna have been able, so-far, to keep battle by battle, the glorious Fianna of old. their operations secret or at least within the stuff the Isles

Séanan, The Wandering Underking: The of rumour. Key leaders of the Fianna include: Locales wandering Knocker Séanan is the only one of the triad of Knocker kings leading their people Purpose & Loyalties Diarmaid “The Iron Tide”, Cu Sétanta: Denizens to walk the mortal realm with any frequency. He The Fianna owe their loyalty to their legendary This powerful Hound of Sétanta has taken up organizes the network of underground Knocker founder, Fionn mac Cumhaill. It is in his memory leadership in the Fianna of a ferocious order Higher spies to keep Amhlaidh ahead of the other that they are inspired to act and they do so in of shapeshifters. Diarmaid’s level head allows Powers factions, in their quests for artifacts, strategic accordance with his moral code. Fionn observed him to keep his sanity when he is wracked by Appendix information, and control over resources. Those the rules of fair hunting, followed the traditions the changes brought upon him by his divine resources are used to buy mercenaries, food, of hospitality, adhered to a strong moral code of rage when he takes the physical form of the assassinations, or holy objects to barter with the honour, and treasured the virtue of wisdom. Even “riastrad”. This capacity to control himself Followers of the White God. while they are a rowdy bunch of ambushers who when his body warps and mutates allows him to strike from the deep cover of the forests upon keep the other Fianna in check and beat up the their foes, the Fianna at all times seek to uphold ones who question his control when he needs to. Fionn’s values, especially in regards to honour. The Fianna Muirchertach Ui Neill, The King of Aileach: Wandering Heroes The body of Fionn mac Cumhaill sleeps in a cave Though he may be a nobleman, the King of Aileach waiting to be awakened with the original Fianna has made his fame as a warleader, tactician and This warrior fraternity is based on one of the by the sound of the Dard Fionn, the famed fearsome fighter. He has done this by doing what Fianna of old, once a legendary warband made hunting horn of the old Fianna. The current the other kingdoms try to avoid: provoking and out of landless nobles who wandered the land Fianna are actively looking for the location of this attacking the Vikings at every turn in tactically to earn fame and enforce justice. Fionn mac cave and the Dard Fionn. Their hope is that when brilliant ambushes and winning often. Cumhaill was their illustrious leader when they the legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill awakens he achieved their greatest feats and led to their fall, will rally all Celts to oust the invaders and save the The King of Aileach has promised weapons, corruption, and shame. The old fraternity grew Six Kingdoms from the Celtic Twilight. shelter, protection, freedom and food to any who too famous and powerful and so grew corrupt, would join his Fianna for the ultimate purpose of and splintered. The true end came when the Leadership & Organizaton burning the Viking-occupied Ath Cliath to the Fianna fought on both sides in a battle with High Even in this rowdy bunch, not all warbands are ground and give Eire back to its children. King of Eire, Cairbre Lifechair. Though their equal. Some have taken the roles of officers or legends survived and thrived around campfires, generals, assigning rank the Celtic way: using Orlaith “The Bloody Princess”, Grian the Fianna effectively ended. achievements, fame, respect and strength to Bachure: Her nickname “Bloody Princess”, prove their worth to both gods and men. They are comes from her name meaning “Golden Then came the Vikings and their Ragnarok. the warrior-elite of the Fianna, not by birth, but Princess”. This is mostly heard behind her back Inspired by the old and glorious tales of the by skill and they earn their place and will always either from cursing her or from fear of her. Fianna, new heroes rose to challenge the invaders fight to the death to keep it. When anyone weaker than her is in her presence, by forming into warbands, warrior orders, or even Orlaith feels empowered to act as judge, jury, as lone warriors talented in violence. They have There is no animosity between the different and executioner over her Fianna. Calling Orlaith only two things in common: they gave up their warbands all calling themselves Fianna. Though by her nickname she considers an unredeemable previous life to dedicate themselves to reclaiming they started as dissociated rebel groups, brought crime. Orlaith inflicts the same punishment

- 108 - Sample file - 109 - everytime: dragging the culprit by his hair a position and to come “in skilled company”. feel no remorse in their missions of infiltration, through dirt and rock on horseback. Sometimes mayhem and murder. They are loyal to Crom this is just a lesson in proper respect, other times They regrouped near the ringfort of Aileach to Cruach and his “Voice”, Kian Gwenc’hlan. it kills them. It depends on Orlaith’s mood. prove their worth to the growing Fianna army, engaging in duels with three other champions. Leadership & Organization Orlaith is able to direct, train and inspire her In the end they bit off more that they could chew. This organization is mostly made up of small cells followers to unparalleled feats of horsemanship Ardál was slammed senseless by Diarmaid, Aideen of a handful of individuals led by visions sent by on the battlefield. She commands the biggest smacked unconscious by Orlaith and only Aoife, Crom Cruach and his herald, Kian Gwenc’hlan. warband of mounted Hobelars in the Fianna. Most who trained with and against Gaelic warriors, Their orders always follow his plan to unravel are female and followers of the Morrigan. All have won by relentlessly harassing her quarry until he structure and sow chaos in the ranks of his sworn their undying loyalty to her. admitted defeat. enemies in order to weaken them so that the Dark Lord can slaughter them with ease when his The Trouble Triplets Aideen, Aoife, Ardál: The two older siblings were ashamed by their avatar is unleashed. They were born on the island of Mann to a defeat but quickly adapted, climbing the ranks of Norse-Gael family. Their father was banished the Fianna as a trio and mastering pincer tactics Abhartach, the Cursed Dwarf Tyrant: The from Islandia and to save himself from starvation to win their battles as one. diminutive-stature, wicked king called Abhartach he decided to charm a Gael lady of good stock. was freed from his sepultural prison by Crom’s Their Islandian father quickly abandoned his new will. Abhartach’s hunger for blood and the family and their mother was enslaved to pay the eldritch onslaught of the Celtic Twilight saw debt he left behind. This lack of any resources The Golden Teeth him murder his way back to Mog Slecht to offer and education forced the triplets to resort to a life Fiacla órga himself to the Dark One. Now, Abhartach, the of crime. Their mother died of exhaustion in the most ancient, the most cruel, and most vicious of following years, leaving the teenagers alone with The Golden Teeth are the servants of the god Crom blood-drinkers, is viewed by his master’s minions still a significant amount of debt and a heritage of Cruach, but they also use this organization to as a singular source of leadership, plots, and probable slavery. accomplish their own goals. The highest members plans. He is celebrated by the Golden Teeth for of this secretive cult all receive the “Dearg Due”, his great talent in spreading terror and discord Aideen fled to Islandia where she created a a ceremony turning them into blood-drinking amongst their enemies. thieving gang and became a spy for the Queen addicts. These neamh-mairbh, the walking dead, of Tara. Aoife went back to her grandparents and are more than simple, mindless ghouls. They are trained to become a Fénnid taking her love for bound to one purpose: their souls are forever hounds to the battlefield. As for Ardá, he joined chained to the implacable fury of Crom Cruach a group of warriors called to Constantinople to until they are destroyed, body and soul. work as a Varangian guard. The Golden Teeth hide amongst common folk, When both Harald Fairhair and the sun stealing golden relics, assassinating those they disappeared, the word amongst the Vikings see in their master’s visions, and weaving dreadful turned quickly to Ragnarok. Aideen then sent the curses to doom the followers of the foreign gods. news to the High Queen, who ordered her back They prepare an even worse fate for those who to Eire before the cold made the trip impossible. turned to the White God. The night before she departed with her band of cutthroats for the Emerald Isle, she sent a letter to Purpose & Loyalties her kin, both for their safety and to make sure to Most of the Golden Teeth only feel hatred towards use her influence at the court of Aileach to secure the White God church and the Vikings, so they

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