In the real world, Áed mac Néill—better known as Áed Findliath—held the title of High King of Ireland from 862 until his death in 879. Holding that title meant he was the most militarily and diplomatically powerful of all the independent regional kings on the island. It also carried a massive amount of cultural prestige, deeply tied to sacred sites like the Hill of Tara and centuries of Irish legend and poetry.

Since I did my Master's in Medieval studies and absolutely adore early Irish history, picking Áed as my starting ruler in Crusader Kings III was a no-brainer!

In the game's 867 start date, High Chieftain Áed is the lord of Meath and Athlone. He is a capable thirty-five-year-old who comes pre-packaged with a Player Heir named Domnall mac Áed Néill. (Side note: for some reason, the game gives the son a more historically accurate spelling of "Néill" than it gives the father. Paradox works in mysterious ways!)

One thing I completely forgot about when choosing Áed—though my degree should have reminded me, given how the historic High Kingship traditionally rotated between different branches of the Uí Néill dynasty—is that the High Chieftainship of Meath uses elective succession.

Thankfully, Tanistry/elective succession works in my favor for now. It forces the primary title and its direct holdings to pass cleanly to the election winner, preventing my lands from getting messy and dividing among all of Áed’s children. Since Áed only holds one high-tier title right now, it should pass smoothly to Domnall.

But this is Crusader Kings, which means before I even dare to unpause the game, I have a mountain of micro-management and court drama to sort out:

• Find a daughter-in-law: My Player Heir, Domnall, is currently unmarried and needs a wife to secure the next generation.
• Appoint a tutor: My eldest daughter is wandering around the court without a guardian to guide her education traits.
• Play diplomacy: Two rival Irish rulers are already knocking on my door wishing to exchange hostages.
• Face the Viking threat: Ivar the Boneless is looming nearby with his massive host, and the Norse threat to the east is no joke.

Over to You!

What decisions would you make regarding the hostages?