High King of Ireland (BETA)

At the turn of the 14th Century, Scotland, eager to achieve its independence, was locked in war with England. After William Wallace's capture and execution, Robert Bruce took up leadership of the Scottish forces, attempting to unite his countrymen in what was often a guerilla war.

In 1315, the King of Tyrone invited Robert Bruce's brother, Edward Bruce, to bring a Scottish force to Ireland. Together they had dreams of a Gaelic alliance, stretching English forces and denying Irish taxes and resources to the English King, Edward II. As payment, Edward Bruce was promised the title of High King of Ireland, and would in fact be Ireland's final High King.

Edward Bruce landed in Ulster with 6000 men and proceeded to run a three-year trail of destruction across Ireland, pillaging and razing towns as he went. In the chaos, the Gaelic Irish and Anglo-Irish both made their own attempts to regain lands previously lost to the English. Even pirates got in the action, pillaging the ships meant to supply the English troops.

The Game
High King of Ireland: The 1315 Scottish Campaign is a card-driven strategy war game for 4 players. Players each take on one of four roles: Edward Bruce (Scottish), The King of Tyrone (Gaelic Irish), the Earl of Ulster (Anglo-Irish), and King Edward II (English). The Scottish and Gaelic Irish work with a loose alliance, vying to achieve Irish independence. Likewise, the Anglo-Irish work together with the English to maintain the status-quo and keep hold of their lands. However, both the Gaelic Irish and the Anglo-Irish have a vested interested in preventing the Scottish or English from gaining too much power on the island. And meanwhile, the Scottish and English fight their own bitter war for control over the Irish sea and the associated supply routes.