Dubhlinn

## Overview

The Kingdom of Dubhlinn is a petty kingdom located on the East coast of Ireland in the British Isles, the nations as a Grand High Chief in the Irish High Kingdom. The country is dominated by substantial population of Norse-Gaelic settlers in the capital, Dubh Linn, however in the periphery the peoples there retains their Laigin heritage, from a religious perspective the nation is homogenously Latin Christian.

## Background

Formed in 853 by Norse settlers under the powerful Ó Ímair which still reigns in Galloway and Waterford, the kingdom is now ruled by High Chief Murchad Ó Chennselaig, who succeeded Echmarcach Ó Ímair in 1052, in 1061 Murchad would expel Echmarcach from Innse Gall placing both realms under his rule. The Kingdom of Laigan to the immediate south of Dubhlinn continues to be ruled by King Murchad's Father Diarmait I Ó Chennselaig, and to the immediate north Breagha is ruled by Mael Morda Ó Chennselaig, cousin of Murchad. From 989-1061 the Dubhlinner Succession Crisis would grip much of Eastern Ireland as a consequence of this chaos Waterford retains claim over Dubhlinn. High Chiefs of Dubhlinn have on occasion also been kings of Jórvíc, however the last time this occurred was from 920-921.

## Relationships

### Ængland

Despite Dubhlinn no longer retaining a valid claim over York, Dubhlinner interests in the territory have meant that relations are tense are best and hostile at worst. Furthermore the formation of the Celtic Alliance in 1065 has worsened English opinion of Dubhlinn as the nation now belongs to a bloc with the capacity rival Ængland.

The establishment of the Dubhlinner Free Company further soured English opinion of Dubhlinn, especially as Irish raids on English settlements along the Coast of the Irish Sea has increased drastically.

### Airgíalla

In early 1065 talks between High Chief Leathlobair II Ó Laidhgnén of Airgíalla and High Chief Murchad would begin to discuss the future of the two nations, by September 1065 Leathlobair II would pledge fealty to Murchad and guarantee his backing Murchad becoming High King of the Irish High Kingdom, in exchange Dubhlinn would guarantee the independence of Airgíalla and the wellbeing of it's peoples.

### Alba

(see Alban-Dubhlinner Relations for full article)

In 1065 High Chief Murchad would be approached by King Malcom III Dùn Chailleann who wished to establish a formal positive relationship with Dubhlinn, in April this would result in the Alba-Dubhlinn Agreement of 1065, and in September the formation of the Celtic Alliance which under their joint leadership would quickly grow in membership.

### Breagha

Due to their shared history in the Dubhlinner Succession Crisis, Breagha and Dubhlinn have been able to mend any former tensions and become close allies.

### Deheubarth

Formal relations between Dubhlinn and Deheubarth began in 1065, prior to which each nation maintain neutral opinions of one another, however since Deheubarth joined the Celtic Alliance in September 1065 the two nations have been in deep and long negotiations. Furthermore Dubhlinn's recent guarantee of Deheubarth's independence in December 1065 has further warmed relations.

The Count of Ceredigion, Oswain Pencig has regularly acted as a mediator in negotiations between the nations of the Celtic Alliance.

### Galloway

Having expelled a member of the same dynasty, Ó Ímair, from both Dubhlinn and Innse Gall, Galloway looks on with open hostilities and concern not wanting their own King Mac Congail Ó Ímair being deposed too.

### Innse Gall

Having established Dubhlinner rule in 1061 after expelling Echmarcach Ó Ímair, High chief Murchad has managed to maintain relative peace in the Personal Union, however instability remains an issue in the nation as Norse settlers lie in waiting patiently for a chance to regain their independence. However Innse Gall's Tributary status under the Kingdom of Norway has complicated the situation.

### Laigan

Laigan's relationship with Dubhlinn remains complicated, with Murchad being the eldest son of Diarmait I Ó Chennselaig and hence heir apparent to the throne of Laigan, a scenario which the populace of Laigan hold their breath expecting to become second rate citizens in a Norse domain. Despite this the relationship between Dubhlinn and Laigan remains positive with Diarmait favouring Murchad to succeed him as High King of the Irish High Kingdom, and as of October 1065 Laigain has joined Celtic Alliance the fourth member.

### Mhumhain

Within the Irish High Kingdom Mhumhain stands as the only real opposition to Dubhlinns' ascension to High Kingship after gathering the support of 5 High Chiefs which rivals Dubhlinns' 6 backers, most crucially Mhumhain has gained the support of the other eligible candidate Iar Bréifne. In response to this development Dubhlinn declared Mhumhain as an official rival in 1065, since then the relation between the two nations has declined significantly.

### Norway

The relationship between Norway and Dubhlinn has complicated since 1061, when High Chief Murchad would expel Echmarcach Ó Ímair, Prince of Innse Gall, a Norwegian tributary and take the throne for himself. However despite this no hostilities have developed and the two states remain neutral but tense, that said as of 1065 in the wake of the formation of the Celtic Alliance Norwegian and Dubhlinner hostilities have eased and both nations have been formally discussing the Orcadian Issue.

### Orkney

Dubhlinn and Orkney have maintained tense but friendly relations, both nations being members of the Celtic Alliance, with Orkney having joined in December 1065, however the Norwegian issue remains a point of unresolved contention with Orkney and Dubhlinner junior partner, Innse Gall being tributaries of the Kingdom of Norway.

### Waterford

Once controlling Dubhlinn in a personal union, Waterford still claims the crown of Dubhlinn, hosilities have intensified since High Chief Murchad defeated and expelled Echmarcach Ó Ímair, from Dubhlinn and Innse Gall, the same dynasty as Chief Wadter Ó Ímair of Waterford.