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Messages - Dal

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31
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Eigg and East Moreland
« on: January 05, 2022, 08:38:09 PM »
Aoife had hoped that King David would just agree to her requests but being realistic she was getting as good a deal as she probably could expect. She first addressed the visa arrangement. "I believe having read some of East Moreland's agreements with other nations that you have a general visa arrangement deal with other nations that puts limits to length of stay, purpose of visit, funding and the like. If you could give me such an agreement in principle then I could take that back to Dál Riata and get them to approve it, this way I get my name on the document and into the history books." She beamed hopeful that they King would agree to giving her some kind of glory.

As they turned to the Cadet thing that was an easy victory. "We have a similar set of organisations back home, both in Dál Riata and Eigg." She would ideally have liked to keep this project to herself but wasn't sure whether the King would have a problem with that. "Now would you be wanting an arrangement between my cadets or the whole Federation?"

32
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Eigg and East Moreland
« on: December 04, 2021, 09:59:27 PM »
Queen Aoife was impressed with Northfort Palace but wasn't so thrilled about its location. The Palace among a city seemed pointless as surely the whole purpose was to enjoy nature in luxury. While her own Palace lacked the vast number of rooms of Northfort Palace she did have a huge lake and forest in which to roam. Northfort though was an experience and of course it had a greater history on the global stage than her own home.

It was disappointing that there would be no treaty between the Kingdoms but of course she had known that was a slim chance before even getting on the plane.  "I understand the position you are forced to take." the Queen began her response. " What I hope is that perhaps we can form some small connections between us. As you know I've followed a path similar to your own in regards to having studied History at University. During my studies I loved learning about other cultures and countries. I would have loved to spend some time studying in Ui Cenneslaig or Seaforth but my security wouldn't allow it. I would love though to allow young people from my homeland to have the chances I didn't. I know that you yourself are a keen Historian and so I'd like to begin with three requests if possible. The first is that we have a seperate arrangement between Eigg and East Moreland for school exchanges. Education is a policy area where I have free reign to do as I wish so long as my Council don't overrule me and on this matter I'm confident they would be in step with me. The second matter is that I'd like to put in place an agreement that our students...and naturally yours wouldn't need visas to enter our institutions. This I would need to gain the Federation approval of as it requires visa rules to be approved but I am of the belief they wouldn't see a problem so long as the student comes to Eigg. The final request is that should your nation have a version of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides then we have a largescale joint camp for them  in Eigg as a good will visit. I think this is a good place to start?"

33
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Eigg and East Moreland
« on: October 30, 2021, 05:37:30 PM »
All the familiar favourites of home were on the plate, Aoife wasn't that fond of the posh food that tended to be served around royal functions mainly due to perhaps still having a rather teenage pallet. She thanked the staff for the food and turned herself to the conversation at the table. "I think the Celts like rather robust and hearty food. I know we're a group that much like Morelanders prefer to try and keep skills like hunting and fishing alive so its not too disimilar. I also can't think of two cultures that would conjure up haggis." She smiled as she took a slice of potato cake.

Freya seemed more intent on political talk and that made Aoife a little nervous. The Princess was to her knowledge far less diplomatic than her brother the King but Aoife knew she was popular in Seaforth so wanted to try and build a solid friendship with her. "I think whatever a monarch of Eigg says is likely to get criticised by Dal Raitans. They don't want to see their precious Federation threatened. I think perhaps they fear that if we leave then it may encourage some of the larger clans to do something similar. So historically anytime an Eiggite monarch speaks out we're seen as over-stepping ourselves. Yet the Federation forget that the people of Eigg wish to maintain their monarchy. Its part of our life and our identity. I'll keep pushing for independence and I'll get it.....eventually." she shrugged her shoulders and took a bite of square sausage. "I understand Princess that you're good friends with the Rhodes. I'm yet to meet them, perhaps you can tell me how best to become friends with them."

34
"Thank ye" the Queen said with a thick Eiggite accent. "This here is my adviser Lord Barow-Brown, as I'm quiet new to this type of discussion and he's going to try and keep me on the straight and narrow." The Queen then turned her attention to the question at hand.

" What I need is for my people to have their heritage recognised and sport is a key part of that. I want those born in our land to be able to proudly wear their colours and not that of a wider Commonwealth many believe doesn't really represent who we are. So yes we want at this event next year to see the flag of Eigg waving in the arena. The problem is that my predecessors didn't see sport as a significant part of our heritage and so for generations any Eiggite determined to have a career in sports was forced to represent Dal Raita. Had they been given a choice I suspect they would have opted to represent their homeland. I think therefore as you can't represent something that doesn't exist at that point its only fair the normal rules are put aside. I think we've seen similar situations through history, for example those who represented the Union of Nordic People can represent Nya Aland, and I suspect we may have some people from Scordisci representing Ui Cenneslaig. I'm hopeful therefore you want hamstring our teams."

35
International News Networks / Re: Dal Riata & Eigg News
« on: September 18, 2021, 10:02:57 PM »


FORMER KING'S TRIAL TO BEGIN


Former King of Eigg, Lucian Maitland, will today go on trial in Dunadd. He is charged with three cases of sexual assault, one of which is alleged to have been with a girl under the age of 16. The former monarch is accused of having got a girl who was a few weeks shy of her 16th birthday drunk and then taken advantage of her, meanwhile he is accused of using his royal rank to groom two other young women into sleeping with him. One of the accused, whose identity the media have been banned from revealing, was a classmate of his daughter, Queen Aoife.

In the lead up to the trial Lucian Maitland's defence team have tried to halt the trial by saying that the Federation's court system has no jurisdiction over the Eigg royal family however this was thrown out as a tactic when judges ruled that as he had abdicated he no longer enjoyed royal protection, furthermore Queen Aoife had also voiced her opinion that her father should stand trial. The prosecution have also not ruled out calling the Queen as a witness if required during the trial. If she is it would be the first time the Monarch of Eigg has been involved in a court case. Speaking on the matter the Federation's Minister of Justice Christopher McKee stated, "No one is beyond the law in the Federation. Lucian Maitland is accused of abusing his status and his position. That is as low as it comes if proven. If we require a member of nobility, the royal family of Eigg, even the Grand Marshall of the Federation then we will use that to ensure justice is done."

If found guilty Lucian Maitland could face up to 15 years in jail, however there are rumours that the case may prompt other victims to come forward which could see further cases and a much longer sentence.

The scandal has already seen the marriage between Lucian Maitland and his wife Susanna break down. During that time Aoife was kept under the custody of her father largely because of his position as King. However when further allegations hit and he was forced to abdicate the then 17 year old Aoife became Queen, with her mother as regent unti last year when Queen Aoife took the reigns.

36
At the airport in Dunadd the Queen had been briefly meet by Grand  Marshall Kenneth MacRae who had tried to discourage Queen Aoife from making the visit. The Queen was sad to see MacRae trying so hard to stop her following her dream as she was sure that it was the best thing to do for her people. With an apology she had left him in an airport lounge as the Queen, her adviser Lord Barow-Brown and a newly acquired security specialist Ruth McCann boarded their private hired plane to head to Daito. She had been watching some of the games from home and was desperately sad that Eigg had no representation. She was hopeful that following this trip she'd have the Triple Sails there next time. The flight was rather lengthy and Aoife was glad when they arrived.

The airport was busy due to the games and the trio made their way through. Being Queen probably smoothed their passage through security which was one perk Aoife would have to get used to. All that was left now was to find the committee

37
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Eigg and East Moreland
« on: September 18, 2021, 08:23:38 PM »
The young Queen was taking her first trip as a monarch. Since her father had abdicated she hadn't seen a great deal of him and even if half the allegations against him were true then Aoife would have no desire to do so. When the details of King David's schedule had been released Aoife had become even more excited. She had expected a private face to face at best but now the meeting would have more of a feeling of a state visit. To be seen with the King and possibly Queen of East Moreland at such an event would be amazing for propaganda back home.

Aoife had invited her cousin Lady Adeen Malloy to come with her. They were of a similar age and it would mean that on the flight over she wasn't alone. They had charted a private aircraft and for part of the trip it was accompanied by a fighter from the Federation, a mere token gesture of them providing some kind of security. Unlike the Morelanders they didn't have a huge royal apparatus of staff and such an event as she was attending wouldn't be possible in Eigg, yet.

When the aircraft stopped and she heard her own anthem she was happy and even more so when Princess Freya addressed her in Gaelic. "I'm very excited to be here." the Queen said before introducing her cousin. "I can't wait to see your home and the events you have put on. I'm honoured you'd go to such a great trouble to accomodate our meeting. As for brunch I'd be thrilled, I am rather peckish but first I hope I can present you with this." She handed over a bolt of tartan fabric and unwrapped it to reveal a polished wood plaque with a Celtic style clan belt crest on it. "I understand that you are the Baron Grey in Seaforth, we have a small contingent of the Grey clan in Eigg and on their behalf I'd like to present you with this." There was enough fabric to make a kilt if the King so wanted, she had no idea if he maintained any sort of contact with the Seaforthian Grey's but hoped the gesture was one of friendship.

38
Sporting Hub / Mundus Games Committee - Request for Special Consideration
« on: September 12, 2021, 09:56:01 PM »

To the Head of the Committee

Since the 18th Century the Kingdom of Eigg has been part of the The Federation of Dál Riata. The Treaty of Dunadd signed in 1798 by King Lachlan IV made my Kingdom part of the Federation however gave us special status to "make provisions for the maintainence of Eiggite traditions and culture.". While this provision does not in effect make any talk of sport it is my firm belief that sporting endeavour is a key part of any people's culture and as we have seen with examples such as the Maori embracing rugby, has helped maintain traditions both in a nations psyche and also their community. With this in mind it is my desire to see moving forward the Kingdom of Eigg compete seperately to the Federation in regards to sporting competition at International Level. As such I request formal recognition of the Royal Eigg Committee for Sport by the MGC and that permission be granted for all Eiggites who have previously represented Dál Riata in top level competition to switch allegiance, something normally outlawed by most sporting bodies once a player has represented a nation.

Should a face to face meeting be required to ensure we can follow this dream of an Eigg team at future Mundus Games, both Summer and Winter, then I would be ready to travel to meet with the Committee at your convenience.

Blessings of the Morrigans

Queen Aiofe II

39
International News Networks / Dal Riata & Eigg News
« on: September 12, 2021, 09:45:30 PM »


QUEEN TO START PATH FOR EIGG INDEPENDENCE


Queen Aoife II of Eigg is a young monarch. At just 18 years of age she inherited the throne of the Kingdom of Eigg which is part of the Federation of Dál Riata. It stands as the largest of the 16 regions that make up the Federation after the 1798 agreement negotiated by King Lachlan IV to give the Kingdom some special status within Federation Laws. She is a Queen who, unlike many on Mundus, has limited powers that only allow her to appoint judges in the region, set a portion of some taxes, maintain infrastructure and oversee planning permission for construction among other minor duties. Eigg however is, in terms of population, the largest of the 16 regions with a population of 4.7million, the next largest being Campbellside with 4.5million people. This makes the Queen a significant voice within Federation politics, especially as the deeply religious region see's the Queen as a significant member of the religious life of the nation. As a young Queen now having recently celebrated her 20th birthday she is keen to begin taking more of an active role within the future of her Kingdom. With this in mind it is understood that she has recently used her royal privledge to try and arrange significant meetings with monarchs from several nations across Mundus, the identities of whom are yet to be confirmed. The Queen caused a stir however at a recent public appearence in the Federations capital, Dunadd, where the Queen attended a musical performance of choirs wearing pin of the Morrigan's carrying swords. The Morrigans are dieties seen as minor in the pantheon of paganism followed across the Federation however in the Kingdom of Eigg the three women are revered as leading figures and as such they have been in many circles called "The Goddesses of Eigg" they are not however usually paired with swords except by followers of the Eigg Restoration Society (ERS), a self described "Brotherhood" which seeks to maintain and in their words "Revive" Eigg's culture. The Queen was asked about the pin at a press event following the choir's show and stated.

Quote from: Queen Aoife's Statement

Before anything else I am an Eiggite. I am then a Celt. I want to see my Kingdom and those in it thrive and that is economically, culturally, technologically, any measure that we can. The Morrigan's are our protectors, they are part of what makes us different to any other Celtic nation on Mundus. In Eigg every village has a shrine for them, every child prayers to them. I would be strange if I did not love the three sisters. Yes they are a symbol worn by the ERS and they are a group that I believe have done a fantastic job trying to keep us unique. At University they have arranged several events and I've attended, I'll keep attending. My dream would be to one day, maybe hundreds of years from now, see Eigg an independent nation sitting around two tables. The first is a Celtic table of friendship, a place where we can join with nations that a common thread runs. The second, and maybe more important, is a place on the table of Mundus with a voice that is uniquely mine. The time though is not yet right. We have untapped potential and I'm going to unlock that and set my children, when they arrive, on a path that will see them leading an independent Eigg on day.


The Queen's words saw the media ask Grand Marshall Idris Makgill, the equivalent of the Federation's President say, "Eigg has always enjoyed a special status within the Federation and it should be no surprise they maintain a proud nationalism. Eigg has always been a good partner in the Federation and I trust Queen Aoife to continue that. She is a young lady with a remarkable passion and I look forward to working with her as she grows into her position. Should one day any state within the Federation seek independence we'd have to look at how that would be examined, tested and if needed carried out. I personally would like to see the Federation grow until a day when all Celts can live under a banner united by our common bloodlines."

It is understood however that the Queen has already commissioned experts to look at a way for Eigg to in future send sports teams to international events independent of the Federation.

40
Diplomacy and Events / Eigg and East Moreland
« on: September 12, 2021, 09:09:02 PM »

To:- His Majesty King David III of East Moreland.

I hope Your Majesty will not find it disrespectful that I must admit that as a Queen of a nation with little prominence, even within our own Federation, that I see East Moreland as a nation whose path I can emulate. As a young girl I watched as you became King of your land and continued its path out of the shadows to leave it today in a position where its name is highly respected. It is my hope that the Kingdom of Eigg can perhaps learn from the Morelander way. While our future lies firmly alongside our Celtic brothers and sisters in Dál Riata I wish for our path to eventually lead to one where our Kingdom can stand strong on its own two feet. This is no secret as on the path to better security, opportunities and prosperity in the 18th Century a partnership was needed. This has impacted the culture of Eigg significantly and as a junior partner much of our heritage has become Riatised. Our language today is spoken by approximately 30% of our population on a daily basis for example. It is my hope that my people would see a situation where I can meet with someone who has overcome similar isolation as a sign that we could one day become a proud independent nation.

Blessings of the Morrigan.
Queen Aoife II of Eigg

41
Character Guides / Re: Dál Riatans & Eiggites
« on: August 20, 2021, 08:58:49 PM »



His Excellency Grand  Marshall Kenneth MacRae
Baron of Dingwall

Born in 1967 his father was John MacRae, the Baron of Dingwall a highland farming region. His mother, Melinda, was the daughter of a local magistrate. Kenneth, or Kenny to his friends, is the eldest of three children.

From an early age he was educated in the duties of a farmer despite being the heir to a Baron's title. He would spend any school holidays helping to plant crops, tend to animals, fix fences or any other duty. He claims that by the age of 10 he was proficient in driving a tractor. Kenneth was also a keen rugby player and at the age of 12 was offered a scholarship at the Kilgreen School for Boys, a well respected private school with a reputation for rugby. He accepted the scholarship and went on to represent the schools First XV as well as the nation at U-16 and U-18 levels.

By the time he reached the end of schooling in 1995 he contemplated following a career playing rugby but instead was encouraged to go to University by his father. He attended Sleat University and studied Estate Management and Gamekeeping. While at University he represented the Federation Students at rugby. Upon graduation he began working on the family estate helping to manage a collection of five farms in the area.

In 1999 at a Young Farmers Association social event he meet a wealthy landowners daughter called Annie and the two began a relationship before getting married in 2001. The two now have a son, Bruce who was born in 2003 and a daughter, Kelly, born in 2006.

In 2000 he was asked to serve as a Special Adviser in the government on countryside affairs and he got a taste of being involved in politics. In 2003 he stood for election to the Standing Council. Between 2003 and 2017 he held various positions in the cabinet ranging from Minister of Agriculture to Minister for Cross Federation Affairs (seen as the 2nd highest position in the nations cabinet). In 2018 he confirmed that when the MacRae clan could next appoint a Grand Marshall he intended to stand for the position and began working towards that aim forming coalitions within other clans. When in March 2021 the time came he was able to claim 42% of the clan's vote in a four way race. He will serve as Grand Marshall until April 2022.


42
Map / Re: Claiming Your Spot on the Map
« on: August 04, 2021, 04:24:18 PM »
Nation Name: The Federation of Dál Riata & The Kingdom of Eigg (FODKE on the map please)

Nation Link: https://www.nationstates.net/nation=dal_riata2021

Provinces you wish to claim:
1: O33
2: O34
3: O38
4: O37
5: O39
6: O35

Proposed colour of your nation on the map: Red or Yellow

I, Dal, have read the rules set down above, and agree to follow them.

43

As a Kingdom with a proud Celtic heritage the Kingdom of Eigg would be honoured if we could stand once more shoulder to shoulder with our Celtic cousins across the globe. With this in mind it is my intention in the coming weeks to propose to the Standing Council of the Federation of Dál Riata that we join this organisation. While the Treaty looks promising on paper I am uncertain of how it is functioning in reality. As such I would like to host a representative of each member nation in Eigg so I may find out more about the organisation and draft my proposal to the Standing Council.

It is also my hope that should the Standing Council somehow reject my proposal work can be done between us to somehow all my Kingdom to enjoy closer relationships with their Celtic kin.

Blessings of The Morrigan to you and yours.

Queen Aoife II

44
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Be The Witan
« on: June 17, 2021, 09:05:31 AM »
What do you see as the biggest failure of Altona in the last 50 years?
What do you see as the biggest success of Altona in the last 50 years?

Optional Question:- Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?

45
Character Guides / Re: Dál Riatans & Eiggites
« on: June 01, 2021, 11:43:14 PM »


Her Ladyship Ainsley Davis
Thane of Kirkenhall
AKA - (not known to the Public) Badb the Eagle of the Cult of The Morrigan

Born in 1984 Ainsley was the first born child of Thomas McCaul, the Thane of Glenrodes, and his wife Cecilia. She has two younger brothers.

Ainsley was educated at the ultra-strict all girls boarding school run by the Priestess of the Morrigan. She was considered a very able student and did extremely well in History and Philosophy. While at school she was part of the choir, competed in hockey and was part of the schools academic quiz team. While at the school the member of the Cult of The Morrigan then known as Badb became ill and was considered likely to die. One of the teachers at the school was a leading member of this secretive religious Cult and believed that Ainsley would be the next person the Goddess choose to take the title. The individual however recovered from illness but the Cult maintained its interest in Ainsley, something that was made easier by her mother Cecilia also being a member.

In 2005 she graduated from University with a degree in Land Management and began work for the families agricultural and fisheries business in Glenrodes. During an organised deer hunt on the land she meet Curtis McDonnell, the heir to the Thane of Kirkenhall. The pair began a relationship and in 2007 they married.

In 2009 Ainsley was inducted into the secrets of the Cult of The Morrigan by her mother and later that year inherited the title Badb the Eagle following the death of the title-holder. Ainsley has worked hard to influence her husband who has a seat of Eigg's Royal Council. She has attempted to influence him towards supporting the monarch of Eigg to take more direct control. She has also placed people connected to the Cult in places close to her husband and the royals whom she has ample access too.

In 2015 she gave birth to her son, Henry. Ainsley today spends time running the Kirkenhall estate and organizing the business of the Cult as one of its three principle leaders.

In 2021 she was instrumental in ensuring Queen Aoife was admitted into the Cult when one of the three top positions opened up. 

46
Character Guides / Dál Riatans & Eiggites
« on: May 24, 2021, 10:56:27 PM »


Her Royal Majesty Queen Aoife II of the Kingdom of Eigg
Thane of Kildonnan
AKA (Not public) - Nemain the Wolf of the Cult of the Morrigan

Since her birth in Kildonnan in 2000 Aoife was prepared by two people to one day assume power. First was her mother Susanna and then by the Priestess of the Royal Family, a woman called Miriam connected to the worship of the seemingly minor Gods known as The Morrigan. Her youth was filled with time split between the families ancestoral home, Maitland Castle where she was permitted to enjoy the forests and Loch. The rest of her time was spent in schools in the capital of Eigg, Cappielow. Her mother and Priestess Miriam where every present. Aoife's father, King Lucian was largely absent during her life preferring instead to sleep with his various mistresses and getting drunk with his hunting buddies. Queen Susanna put up with this until 2014 when the media discovered the infidelity and seperated from her husband Lucian. Queen Susanna attempted to take Aoife with her however this was blocked by the King and as such Miriam became the primary female influence in her life.

In late 2018 King Lucian faced allegations of sexual assault against several young noble woman including one of Aoife's classmates. The scandal grew and eventually the various members of clans inside Eigg forced Lucian to abdicate. Since abdication he has disappeared from public view and has retired to one of the families rural estates where he has effectively been under a form of exile and house arrest since his daughter came to power.

Aoife tried to forge a path towards independence for the Kingdom. She has been active in ensuring those representatives of the Kingdom sent to the Federal Councils are pro-independent and that she has removed from her inner circle any and all Republicans.

In private Miriam has still had a deep influence on the Queen pushing her towards a deeper and deeper devotion to the Morrigan and in May 2021 she was offered a chance to be inducted into the secret Cult of the Morrigan, a shadowy organisation which is dedicated to bringing power to a triumpherate of women believed to be the reincarnation of three significant Goddesses. The Cult believe that these three women will be able to defend mankind against the evil of the Shadowlands. Aoife was named as the Goddess Nemain, who is represented as a wolf.


RL Face:- Violett Beane

47
Vignettes / The Morrigan Cult
« on: May 23, 2021, 11:22:52 PM »
Joining th' Cult




It was beautiful spring evening when the boat silently arrived on the shallow shingle beach of Maitland Castle. Queen Aoife waited nervously wrapped in a long black hooded cloak pulled tight around her slim body. The gentle waves of the Loch on which the castle sat stopped just short of her feet. The oarsman of the boat neatly hefted the oars vertically skywards and stowed them allowing the momentum to bring it to land. From that point four of the men climbed out and helped a woman who had been stood at the bow onto the beach. The woman was a tall elegant figure wrapped in a cloak of black with the moon and star light illuminating off a series of silver threads. Atop her head was a helmet, a pair of wings protruding from its sides. She stood before Aoife and swept her cloak back revealing a white dress with heavy gold torque around her neck. "I am Badb, one of the three." the cloaked figure announced herself. "You have been deemed to be the three, the most sacred. This honor is not one to take lightly. It is an honor that will be offered once. Be certain of your answer. Will you complete the three?"

"I will" Aoife said rather meekly.

"AGAIN!" The voice of Badb instructed.

"I will" Aoife this time spoke with more confidence.

"Take her" Without warning the four men stepped forward and two quickly placed a bag over her head and slipped a rope over her hands binding them together. It was not done tightly and Aoife had been warned by her private Priestess Miriam to go along with whatever happened. Miriam had been by Aofie's side since she was six months old guiding her in the ways of the faith and ensuring that above all she favoured The Morrigan. Over the last 24 months Miriam had gone further guiding the young Queen towards the more mystical side of the Goddesses and through careful manipulation had instilled in her a desire to see the older ways return to first the Kingdom and then the whole of Mundus. With this in mind she would subject herself to the orders given to her by the mysterious Badb.

Aoife could feel the boat push off and the sound of oars entering the water and gently pushing through the cold waters of the Loch. She has a sudden strange thought, what if she fell in? Or they pushed her in? with a hood on and her hands bound she would be doomed, the tight wrap of the cloak around her wouldn't help either. It was odd how the mind would make the most inappropriate thoughts. The group had invited her via a letter presented by Miriam just two nights ago and so it was clear they meant her no harm. She had tried to ask Miriam what would be involved but was meet with silence. She sensed that the boat was in the mid point of the Loch by now and the rowers began a slow rhythmical chant clearly designed to help keep pace as the boat moved along. It was said in nothing louder than a whisper but it was the only sound Aoife could focus on. The boat continued onwards as Aoife was sat in the middle unaware of the surroundings around her. Ten men dressed in black sat in two banks of five, four rowing the boat on each side while the fifth held a lantern on a pole. The lights did little to light the way but that wasn't needed anyway as the two flaming torches held by the waiting group on the beach ahead acted almost like a beacon guiding them towards their destination. Aoife wobbled slightly in her seat as the boat hit another beach and she felt the movement of those around her. Two pairs of rough hands took hold of her and lifted her with ease over the side of the boat carrying her to dry land. She was placed gently back on dry land and expected the hood to be removed so she could see her final destination.

"I am Macha, two of the three." A voice broke the silence. Aoife tried to make out who the voice belonged to but it was unfamiliar. "You are now mine to command." Aoife felt a rope placed around her neck and a fumble of hands the rope was loosened. "Walk" Macha instructed and their was a gentle pull on the rope and so as a consequence Aoife stumbled slowly forward. After a few steps the uneven shingle of the beach gave way to a smooth path of sorts and things became much easier. As they walked on a seemingly wandering path. As they made forward progress the sound of drums began to fill the air and Aoife could feel a kind of nervousness grow within her chest. She could feel her heart beating faster the rhythmic pounding overtaking the sound of the drums in her mind. The feel of the cool evening air suddenly changed and wind began to move past her. She sensed that she had moved indoors and felt the path slope downwards. About ten steps more the path curved sharply to the left and began to wound downwards. The Queen felt like it was a step-less spiral staircase and as it straightened out she felt a gentle hand on the center of her chest. "Stop" Macha instructed her and having been told the importance of obedience to The Morrigan she did as she was told. The rope slowly slid over her head freeing her from the leash that had lead her through the ordeal so far. Next she could feel someone sawing at the ropes around her wrist leaving her hands free, instinctively she rubbed her wrists where the rope had rubbed slightly. She felt gentle hands pull her own to her sides and hold them there as someone with great care removed the hood. It took Aoife several seconds for her eyes to adjust. She was standing in a large vaulted chamber. It was circular and the floor was made of polished white marble where as the roof seemed to be carved from the living rock and worked smooth. The odd fleck of some mineral or something twinkled in the torch light. The torches were being held by around thirty black clad men wearning bronze masks over their faces. Before her stood two women, she assumed the voices of Badb and Macha, the representations of two of The Morrigan. Each of them had disgarded their cloaks and stood in long sweeping white dresses that clung to their figures and had a two meter long train behind them. Around their throats were heavy gold torques and while Badb wore an old style warriors helmet with bird wings, Macha had the design of a horse protruding from its peak. They wore the cheek pieces pulled tight so only their eyes were visible

"Queen Aoife" Badb addressed the monarch. "For all of time the Morrigan Cult has sought to protect and maintain the ancient connection to the Gods. While those outside these walls may think that Áine governs the world, but this is a myth. It is clear the sister that form The Morrigan control all the Universe. In their wisdom they have made clear that unlike the other Gods they would not desert us and as such their souls return. It is the mission of this Order to discover those who are the reborn spirits of Badb, Macha and Nemain. It is our belief that you are Nemain. Should you consent to testing we will confirm. If you are her you shall take your place beside your sisters. If you are not then upon pain of death you will not reveal what you have seen here." That explained the hood and the mysterious location. "Aoife are you Nemain?" She was asked outright.

"I am Nemain" Aoife said having taken a deep breath. Miriam had planted the seed and allowed it to grow all of Aoife's life and that had lead to this moment. Without saying another word Badb stepped forward and unwrapped Aoife from the cloak revealing her naked body beneath the folds. Next she pulled down the hood and untied the string that kept it about her allowing it to fall to the floor. "Nemain would have an unblemished form" both Badb and Macha walked around Aoife three times and as the Queen tried to cover her nakedness pulled her hands down. She could feel the eyes of those gathered focusing on her as Badb and Macha cast glances up and down her body.

"She is pure" Badb declared as she completed her third slow circuit around the Queen. "Bring her torque" One of the black figures from the edge of the chamber stepped forward and from behind them produced a heavy torque identical to the ones the others were wearing. He handed it to Badb who placed it about her neck. "Nemain is the havoc of war, she is the joy of victory and she is the controller of fate." From around the hall "HAIL NEMAIN" rang loud.

Aoife was then ordered to step onto an alter table which sat slightly off center in the hall. A door was opened in one side of the hall and a struggling figure was brought in. Badb and Macha watched as the ropes about the new arrivals hands were passed through a pair of metal eyelets sunk into the floor. Notes were quickly tied leaving the figure unable to move as they were flattened against the ground. Two more dark figures passed the two women long thin knives and the two approached the now sobbing figure. "This woman was a member of our Cult who gave away secrets of our rituals to an outsider. She has been found guilty of violating the sacred rules of the Morrigan Cult and of not keeping her oaths. For that she has committed herself to death." The two women held their blades high and forced them down hard through the womans back. She let out a scream as a frenzy of the two blades ripped the woman apart her blood coursing through the small imperfections in the marble. Aoife could feel herself shaking with fear but knew that the woman had disobeyed the most powerful of the Gods and deserved what was happening. Once the woman was a un-moving mass Badb and Macha stooped, dipping their hands in the blood and approached Aoife. She took a deep breath wondering what would happen and felt them begin to slide their blood soaked hands up her legs starting at her feet. They returned to the blood and then back coating now her upper thighs with blood, then her backside, stomach, breasts, arms, back and finally using their fingers both wrote their names on her cheeks. They then wrote their own name on each others face in blood before a man appeared with a small pot of blood. "Complete the three" Macha instructed her. Hesitatingly Aoife, or as she would now be called by this group "Nemain" dipped her thumb in the blood and wrote first on Macha's forehead and then on Badb. Finally she did her best to write on her own forehead.

"Our sister has returned" Macha pronounced and the room cheered. Yet another dark figure came to the table and handed up a white dress similar to those of the other two. They helped Aoife into the garment and then she was handed her own helmet, while Badb had bird wings, Macha a horse's head the helmet given to Aoife had on it a snarling wolves face protruding from its ridge. Now appropriately attired she and her "sisters" climbed down off the table and over to the door through which the sacrifice had been brought. It opened up to another chamber and there a small trickle of water went into a white marble trough from which Badb cleaned the blood from her face and hands. This room was more like a private chamber, three beds, three chairs, three mirrors. Each of them washed the blood from themselves.

Badb removed her helmet. She was a pretty woman in her late 30's or so, blonde hair now fell down to her should, Aoife recognised her. It was Lady Ainsley Davis, her husband was one of the most significant members of Aoife's Royal council. She had always been a doormat in Aoife's estimation and certainly wasn't someone she could imagine ripping bodies apart. Aoife and Ainsley embraced each other and then Macha removed her helmet. Aoife didn't recognise the young woman wearing it. "My name is  Lewella Hughes. My mother is the Priestess at the Temple of the Morrigan in Bassetoun." she opened her arms , "I am happy to be your sister." and with that the three embraced. "Together we shall help you guide the Kingdom to its rightful place as the leaders of the Celtic race, then we shall ensure the world know the truth of the power we three represent." Somehow despite the absurdity of what had just gone on Aoife , or as she would now be known Nemain, felt more powerful than she had her whole life and just as Miriam had told her once she had realised her truth a door would open inside her and the whole power of The Morrigan would flow through her. Tomorrow would be a new day for the Kingdom and with her sisters beside her what could go wrong.

48

Áine Worship

The main faith of both the Federation of  Dál Riata & The Kingdom of Eigg is the worship of Áine, a goddess of summer, wealth and sovereignty. The faith believes there is a large family of Gods who are parents, siblings, cousins etc to each other. At first there were several families of Gods and they utilised mankind for their amusement, however Áine gathered together a group of Gods from her own family and some from others who believed that it was important that mankind is protected. Eventually Áine and her group of Gods established themselves as the superior force and eradicated all other families of Gods except one who were banished to the Shadowland. As such mankind found themselves left largely alone with the Gods merely ensuring humanity had the best chance of leading prosperious lives while ensuring those banished to the Shadowland couldn't return. Suspecting that in the future the Shadowlands will launch an invasion of this world Áine and her fellow Gods seek the most noble and virtious humans to stand beside them. As such life is merely a test to see who fits this bill. Those deemed worthy by showing faith, respect to others, spreading the teachings of the Gods and essentially striving to lead a productive and positive life are permitted to reside in the "Greenland" with the Gods enjoying what is essentially a paradise. Those deemed unworthy have their souls destroyed upon death and their bodies, like all human remains are disposed of by fire to ensure the Shadowland can not claim them should they return.

LIST OF GODS/GODDESSES AND ROLES

1. Áine - Chief Goddess, goddess of summer, wealth and sovereignty. She also has domain over love and fertility, she has command over crops and animals and is also associated with agriculture. She is seen as being the primary reason for humanities existence and demands sacrifice for her blessing, this is usually done at the various solstices by sacrifice of an animal.

2. Airmed - Healing Goddess - Following one of the inter-God battles her brother was killed by a rival God. Her tears over his body revived him and saw a vast number of healing herbs grow in that spot and she gathered them in her cloak. The cloak now contained examples of all the herbs needed to cure all illnesses. Her father (a now deceased God) was angry that she had meddled and ripped the cloak spreading the herbs across Mundus. As a result no one has yet discovered the cure to all illness.

3. Belenus - God of the Sun - He is thought to drag the sun across the sky behind a horse drawn chariot. He is drawn to the world each morning by ritual chants performed by members of the faithful. As such the Priestly Orders have someone carry this out every morning just before sunrise.

4. Borvo - God of Mineral Springs - He has granted mankind with a series of divine rivers. It is thought that by consuming this water and bathing in it the minerals it contains can help keep a person healthy. It is customary for these water courses to be crossed by small bridges often with votive offerings left.

5. Toutatis - God of Protection - He was seen as a watchman of the Gods, ever awake and ever vigilant. He is associated with the military. In order to appease the man it was common for soldiers after battle to melt down some enemy weapons or armor and make rings inscribed with the letter TOT. These were then often buried as a sign of thanks. Today it is customary for soldiers passing basic training to take their beret badge (all trainees wear the same one) and melt it down into a disc upon which they inscribe their name and letter TOT. When joining their unit for the 2nd stage of training it is buried while being witnessed by their new unit. Even when found be archaeologists these artifacts are always reburied.

6 - Lugh - God of Mastery of Skills - He is seen as being able to bless people in a wide variety of skills. It is tradition that those completing apprenticeships of other such practicial schemes of study give thanks to him upon completion. In the days of history upon entering a guild someone was expected to complete an example piece of work to be inspected by the Guild. Those who were admitted into a Guild usually then destroyed the object and presented its pieces to be destroyed in Temples dedicated to Lugh.

7. Epona - Goddess of Horses and Gatherer of the Dead. - She rides a horse and can command all related species such as mules and donkeys. It is believed that she rides the world bringing the souls of the deserving dead to the Greenland and inspecting the boundaries between this world and the Shadowland. She is worshiped by placing horseshoes on the alter of temples as well as statues of ritual horses.

8. The Morrígan - The Morrigan is a divine woman associated with war and fate, especially with foretelling doom, death or victory in battle. She incites warriors to battle and can help bring about victory over their enemies. The Morrígan encourages warriors to do brave deeds, strikes fear into their enemies, and is portrayed washing the bloodstained clothes of those fated to die. She is most frequently seen as a goddess of battle and war and has also been seen as a manifestation of the earth- and sovereignty-goddess, chiefly representing the goddess's role as guardian of the territory and its people. The Morrigan is often invoked to bring about good fortune for any major event.

There are multiple more regional and specialist Gods.

Worship varies for each God and each have their own group of Priests.

Any God having at least ten Temples can name a Chief Priest/Priestess who sits on a Divine Council which attempts to co-ordinate and manage matters of the faith on a day to day basis. This includes organising the major rituals and practices. They also manage various faith based educational establishments and a religious based newspaper.


49
REGISTER OF TARTANS

Tartan TitleExampleWhen used
Federal Tartan*Used by state officials on State occasions
*Used by the Grand Marshall
*Used as Army Uniform.
Royal Eigg Tartan*Used by the Monarch of Eigg and their family
*Used by the Kingdom's officials except when in the Standing Council
*Used by regiments raised from Eigg
*Used by the monarchs household
Federal Air Force*Air Force Dress Uniform
*Band on tail fin of each aircraft
*May be worn by an Air Force Veteran
Federal Naval Service*Naval Dress Uniform
*Band on each ship somewhere
*May be worn by a Naval Veteran

50
CLANS OF THE FEDERATION

Registration of Clans is handled by the National Election Registry. To be allowed to be recognized as a clan it must have a clan "holdfast" (essentially a palace, castle, estate), a recognized Chief, evidence of at least 200 members and recognition of at least five other clans. No clan has been added to the Registry in 80 years. A Holdfast must have been in the same families stewardship for at least 100 years. Currently there are 21 clans recognised by the Registry.

Rank by SizeClan NameClan mottoStanding Council MembersClan Chief
1.Campbell"Do Not Forget"9Jarlath Campbell
2.MacKenzie"I Shine Not Burn"8Ríona MacKenzie
3.MacLachlan"Brave and Faithful"8Kean MacLachlan
4.MacLean"Virtue My Honour" 7Kilian MacLean
5.MacNab"Let Fear By Far From All"7Bran MacNab
6.Makgill"Without End"7Idris Makgill
7.Mar"Thinks More"7Dermot Mar
8.Maxwell"I Grow Strong Again"6Micheal Maxwell
9.Wishart"Mercy is My Desire"6Roddy Wishart
10.Weir"Nothing Truer Than True"6Hywel Weir
11.Sutherland"Without Fear"5Niamh Sutherland
12.Stirling"Gang Forward"5Christie Stirling
13.Sempill"Keep Trust"5Cian Sempill
14.Ramsay"Pray and Labour"5Mervin Ramsay
15.Oliphant"Provide For All"5Graham Oliphant
16.Monypenny"He Rules the Sea"5Branwen Monypenny
17.MacRae"With Fortitude"5Trystan MacRae
18.MacKintosh"Touch Not a Cat Bot a Glove"4Conall MacKintosh
19.Leslie"Grip Fast"4Fergus Leslie
20.Kirkpatrick"I'll Make Sure"4Ranulf Kirkpatrick
21.Montgomery Watch Well3Neas Montgomery

51

The Kingdom of Eigg

Motto:- "My Hope is Constant"
Current Leader:- Queen Aoife II
Faith:- 90% forms of Celtic Paganism, 5% Celtic Christian 5% Various others
Language:- Only Official Language is Gaelic
National Day:- 18th August (Queen's Birthday)
National Animal:- Bottlenose Dolphin
National Flower:- Rowan

The Kingdom of Eigg can trace its roots back to the 4th Century BC when the warlord Raghnall took control of the region near the coast. Over the next centuries his descendants formed the Kingdom into a small but powerful Kingdom united by strong clan ties. As like many of the other areas of the Federation the history of the clans is a bloody one however the Maitland clan stayed largely unified and held their territory strongly. Discoveries of silver, tin and copper mines helped make the clan among the richest but also made their territory highly sought after.

In 1781 when the other clans opted to join together a meeting of the Maitland clan was largely suspicious and refused to join. There were a series of clashes until 1798 when King Lachlan IV negotiated the Kingdom a special status within the Federation.

Today the Kingdom retains it's rights to make laws on the use of its territorial waters, agriculture, education, health care and various other matters. It may enter into agreements with foreign nations so long as it does not involve military matters or raises concern of the majority of the standing council. So in principle the Kingdom could enter a trade arrangement with another nation so long as steps were taken to not allow access to the rest of the Federation through the Kingdom. Should the Standing Council oppose any foreign agreement it is void.



HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS


The Kingdom is ruled by a monarch who acts in a manner similar to a modern day President or Prime Minister.

The monarch must appoint a 12 person council who are to be consulted before any change in laws for the Kingdom. This council must be made up of no more than six thanes and the manner of its selection is left entirely to the will of the monarch. Queen Aoife took the throne in 2019 following her father's abdication. Within two months she held the first elections in the Kingdom's history for the Royal Council. She has gone on record as saying that every four years she will hold elections for ten of the seats on the Royal Council.

The Kingdom is allocated three seats in the Federations Standing Council but there is a tradition that its members will not vote on matters in which the monarch of the Kingdom has powers to govern that matter herself. For example should the Standing Council be discussing matters of the content of a school curriculum the Kingdom's representatives would abstain from voting, however were the vote to also cover funding for education then they would vote. The Kingdom currently selects its representatives to the Standing Council by a simple ballot where all those wishing to stand and having at least ten supporting nominations are placed on the ballot. The top three polling individuals win the seats.

The Kingdom also sends a representative to the Chieftan's Assembly who acts in a similar manner to it's members of the Standing Council when it comes to voting. It is tradition that the Kingdom's seat of the Chieftan's Assembly is taken by the heir to throne assuming they are aged over 18.

The Kingdom are not permitted to select a Grand Marshall.


Maitland Castle
The castle is the ancestoral home of the Maitland Family and is used for many formal occasions. The day to day business of the Kingdom is infact done in the city of Cappielow which is the Kingdom's capital.



Her Majesty Queen Aoife II of the Maitland Clan

Queen Aoife II is 20 years of age (b.2001) and inherited the throne in 2019. Her father King Lucas II abdicated the throne following various scandals based on an extra-marital affair and accusations of sexual assault. Since inheriting the throne the Queen has focused on trying to set the Kingdom on a closer path to working with the Federation. Additionally she has given the Royal Council more authority as she tries to concentrate on studying part time. She has often used her royal residences to host events for friends as she misses the chance of being what she considers a "Normal" young woman, which is one reason she has sought to give away aspects of royal power.


 

52

The Federation of Dál Riata

Motto:- "Do and Hope"
Current Leader:- Grand Marshall Kenneth Macrae
Largest Standing Council Party:- The Conservative Alliance
Faith:- 70% forms of Celtic Paganism, 15% Celtic Christian 15% Various others
Language:- Only Official Language is Gaelic
National Day:- 1st July (known as Federation Day)
National Animal:- Grey Wolf
National Flower:- Mountain Aven

The Federation of Dál Riata was formed on the 1st July 1781 at Dunadd. It saw a total of 16 clan chiefs come together and sign an agreement that they would unite their clans into a single Federation. By 1802 this Federation had a total of 21 clans who had put their territory into the Federation. Today the Federation is home to around 67.5million individuals and is tied to the neighbouring Kingdom of Eigg which holds a unique place within the Federation system.

The Federation of Dál Riata is today run by a "Grand Marshall" who is similar in position to what many nations would consider either a President or Prime Minister who presides over the Standing Council which acts as a type of Parliament to pass legislation.



HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS

The Federation is governed by the Grand Marshall. They serve for a period of 13 months. The position of Grand Marshall is directly elected however only one clan can vote and must select a member of their clan to take the position. The position of Grand Marshall therefore passes to each clan in turn based on their order in which they joined the Federation.

The Grand Marshall must have their legislative agenda approved by the Standing Council which is elected every four years. Each clan gets a minimum of three representatives with extra representatives being given for certain population milestones being fulfilled. For example the Campbell clan is the largest in terms of population and elects nine representatives while the Montgomery clan have the smallest representation with just three representatives.

With political parties emerging in the late 18th Century and with many members of clans living outside traditional areas this often made the system rather difficult to manage. As such each clan is permitted to determine the way that it will allocate its seats so long as complying with guidelines set by the National Electoral Registry which has the duty of administering elections. As a result of this larger clans such as the Campbell's utilise a system of proportional representation while the Montgomery clan pick the top three polling individuals from the ballot.

It is not impossible but it is unusual that a Grand Marshall is elected who does not belong to the largest party within the Standing Council.

The Kingdom of Eigg do not get to appoint a Grand Marshall however they do get to send three members to the Standing Council.

For a law to be passed it must be presented by the Grand Marshall and then voted upon. Should it reach a majority of the Standing Council's support it is then presented to the Chieftan's Assembly which acts as an upper house. The Chieftan's Assembly is made up of one representative of each of the Clan's and one from the Kingdom of Eigg. They can either accept or amend a proposal. Should they amend it the Standing Council vote to accept the amendment or remove it with the majority determining whether the amended version of the original are passed. As this process can take several months it is possible that a piece of legislation is still being considered when a Grand Marshall is changed and this can often see the process halted.


The Grand Marshall's Palace
Despite its name this is not a residence. It contains the Standing Council Chamber as well as the Chieftan's Assembly Room. Office space is also avaliable for the cabinet Ministers. The Grand Marshall has a smaller residence within the parkland the Palace stands in



 

53
The Federation of Dál Riata

&
The Kingdom of Eigg


Headline Figures

Population:- 72,338,243 (Dál Riata = 67,573,922 / Eigg = 4,764,321)

GDP:- $1,710,549,371,000 (Dál Riata = $1,486,626,284,000 / Eigg = $223,923,087,000)

GDP per capita:- $23,646.54 (Dál Riata = $22,000 / Eigg = $47,000)
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Federation of Dál Riata Outline


54
Introductions / Greetings Peasants
« on: May 07, 2021, 10:48:01 AM »
Hi

Joined on recommendation of Lijang.

In RP I'll be playing the role of Dál Riata, a nation based upon my North West Scotland homeland. It'll be a rugged place full of nasty hills and lakes. It's changed from a full blown monarchy to a Republic based upon the concept of Scot's Clans however with one small enclave maintaining a royal family. Think Italy and San Marino but with kilts.

In RL. I'm Katie, 18 from Portree on the Isle of Skye. I'm studying Heritage Management at University in Glasgow and part of a creative writing group there. I've tried a few different RP regions and came across Ligiang in a region for "Ancient RP" but it kind of died out so was looking for something new. Heard many a good thing about the region so look forward to joining in soon.

Need to register for Discord but look out for DalKat.



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