Introduction

This is a pair of HoTT armies to fight the battle of Clontarf, which was fought outside Dublin in 1014 AD. The historical battle was between the Munstermen of Brian Boru, who was High King of Ireland, against the rebel Maelmordha of Leinster aided by the Viking, King Sigtrygg of Dublin.

There were some Vikings from Man with Brian. Brian was too old to fight the battle and he stayed at the rear praying for victory. His son Murchad was the general. The Munstermen won, but at a terrible price. Brian was killed by Brodir of Man (who was later executed by being tied to a tree by his own intestines). Murchad and some other sons of Brian were also killed, as was Maelmortha of Leinster and many of the Viking Jarls who were there for the battle. King Sigtrygg survived and ruled for another 20 years.

While the actual politics of the historical battle are confused and complicated, Clontarf has come down in Viking Sagas and Irish folk-tales as the climatic battle between the forces of Christianity and Norse Paganism, determining the final fate of Ireland to this day. These HoTT armies follow that tradition. There are other interesting mythological aspects to the battle. The Irish portray the battle in heroic stories.

One of the Viking Jarls was Sigurd the Stout of Orkney. He was known to have a magical standard, woven by his three sisters (witches). It was said that when it flew, the battle would be won, but whoever carried it would die. Other threads that can be used are Giants (very common in Viking and Irish literature), birserker and wolves. Finally, most of the troops can be used for Viking and Norse Irish DBA armies.

Norse Irish

Stronghold: Ancient burial mound surmounted by Celtic cross

Alternatives: Heroes (Brian Boru's sons and grandsons) @ 4AP, Hordes (Rising out) @ 1 AP, Water lurker (Banshee) @ 1 AP.

Viking

Stronghold: Dublin castle or beach with longships

Alternatives: Behemoth (Giant) @ 4 AP, or Sneaker (Brodir of Man) @ 3 AP.

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