The Celtic Isles

**The Celtic Isles**

 

The Celtic Isles consist of four formidable and rugged islands: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. The capital, Tara, located in Leinster, is where the High Chief of the Celtic Isles reigns from a homestead atop the Hill of Tara. 

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**Governance:** Each island is divided into six territories, each ruled by a chieftain who answers to the High Chief. The title of High Chief is not inherited but earned through battle. Thus, the reign of any High Chief is precarious, as there is always someone younger, stronger, or more cunning plotting to seize power.

 

**Land and Trade:** The Celtic Isles, characterized by barren and rocky terrain, present a harsh environment for agriculture. The Celts have adapted to their environment by becoming expert fishermen, relying heavily on the sea for sustenance. Some hardy vegetation grows, sufficient to sustain their communities. Their closest neighbour, though many miles across the sea, is Liandra—a land rich in resources, which the Celts have coveted and attempted to invade for decades.​​

 

When word of Latiums fall reached the Celts, they saw opportunity. With Liandra weakened by the loss of a third of its people, the Celts perceived an easier conquest in the future. Initially, the Celts were hostile to refugees from Latium, slaughtering the first arrivals on their shores before they could even disembark. However, the High Chief, seeing a potential advantage, ordered a halt to the slaughter and permitted the Latiums to stay, in exchange for their agreement to aid in future invasions of Liandra.

 

**Rising Tensions:** This decision soon proved problematic. Feeding the thousands of additional mouths strained their already limited resources, and food shortages ensued. The crops failed, and the sea’s bounty could not keep pace with the increased demand. Resentment grew among the Celts, who saw the Latium refugees as a burden.​

 

**The Invasion Plan:** In a bid to rid himself of these unwanted guests and manage the growing discontent, the High Chief planned an invasion of Norveg. He chose Othrad and Fiadh, the eldest children of two prominent chieftains and proven warriors, to lead a fleet of 50 ships. Unbeknownst to Othrad and Fiadh, the High Chief had orchestrated a betrayal: he placed a trusted officer on one of the ships with secret orders to hold back and allow the first 10 fleets, manned mostly by Latium soldiers, to be decimated in this mock invasion.

 

**The Aftermath:** The invasion turned disastrous for Othrad and Fiadh, who were unaware of the treachery. They died in the ensuing counter-attack by the Norvegians. The High Chief ensured they were celebrated as heroes among the Celts. The High Chief's ploy succeeded in reducing the number of Latiums and eliminating two potential rivals to his power. In doing so, he consolidated his position.