Midhe

Midhe, "the middle kingdom," was one of the five early provinces of Eíre. By 400-500 CE it comprised much of the territory of the Southern Uíneill with its capital at the royal site of Tara, long the capital of Eíre. Located on the eastern shore of the island, the kingdom has 20 miles of coastline that has historically been subject to occasional invasions by Prydaín pirates. Good land with strong farming traditions, the kingdom is a large producer of potatoes. Quarrying and mining west of Navan and horse breeding and training at Tara complete the primary sources of wealth and industry.

The eastern part of Midhe is also known as the kingdom of Bregha. The name derives from the plain where Tara (Temuir), the ancient capital of Ireland, stood. For over 500 years, beginning with Niall of the Nine Hostages in 445CE, the Southern Uíneill held the kingship at Tara, giving the title-holder the Kingship of Ireland as well. Many of the Bregha family who founded Newgrange moved northeast to live in the kingdom dominated by their kin.

King Aelfys

The youngest king to ever sit in rule over Midhe, Aelfys was elevated to the throne when his father choked on the bone of a roasted fowl. Aelfys is said to be advised closely by two of his father’s most trusted men. Still, there are those in the kingdom who are made uneasy by the youthful and inexperienced Aelfys, who has never proven himself in combat. His policies of increased tolerance and commerce with the zealots of Prydain are not popular. Many fear that the king’s life may be in peril. Without an heir to secure the future of Midhe, the death of Aelfys could prove a terrible event for all of Eíre. A few Satiric Bards have begun singing tales which allude to a young and weak king, overtaken by those he trusted most.

Midhe After the Devastation

After the Great Devastation, the armies of orc, beastman, and other creatures spread north from the Outlands into the kingdom of Midhe. Many of the armies of Midhe had ventured into the Outlands to battle the Druchii, leaving the people of Midhe to their own defenses. Many towns and villages were overrun and destroyed. Eventually the armies began to bicker with each other and soon broke down into small bands that were only occasionally of mixed race. These bandits however do much damage and cause endless trouble throughout Midhe. As a result of the invading armies and bandits, the western border of Midhe was pushed back and total territory controlled by Aelfys was greatly reduced.

The young King Aelfys surprised many by rising to the challenge of the invasion. He had previously been derided for not traveling to the Outlands to fight in the battle, but he insisted that the throne at Tara remain occupied. Aelfys led soldiers into many battles against the invaders and has successfully defended the current borders of Midhe since the Great Devastation. Under his reign the cavalry horsemen and longbow archers have grown in strategic importance. While he is respected and admired by most in his kingdom, Aelfys rules with an iron hand and has created a very powerful army and internal security force in order to prevail against the barbarian hordes.

Society/government type:	Monarchy
Control Rating:	5
Tech Level:	3