in my current game, Edwin took over as head of the dynasty after his brother died of old age (at the ripe old age of 46), heirless. So, Edwin began to mold a great dynasty, living in clear peace for many years. As the Duke of Cumberland (and Lancaster), he built many county improvements throughout his lands. He had 4 vassals, and they all loved him. It was also during this period of time that Edwin took the claim to the Duchy of York.
But, in his last several years, problems struck the Duke. I guess you could say it all began when a preacher came through Northumberland preaching a fiery message, causing the people to turn against their benevolent ruler. Edwin maintained his peaceful approach, and let the preacher slide through his lands, hoping for the best. The best was far from what happened.
The peasants began to cause problems in Northumberland, and throughout the Duke's holdings. What was prosperity in earlier days, had now become barely getting by. The peasantry refused to work, and the Duchy stayed on the edge of revolt for several years. Finally, through strong inside-political moving, Edwin was finally able to put down the ill feelings from the peasantry, and was actually able to do so without alienating the nobility or the the burghers and clergy. But, the damage had been done.
In a not so well done plan to set up his grandson with a good wife, and to inherit the land, Edwin became farther from the peaceful man he once was. Maldred, an incompetant fool, if you can say anything about him, was the 2nd in line to inherit the Dukedom (Maldred was Estmonds eldest son). After Edwin secured a strong wife at the age of 56 (a prize wife, with no stats below 6, and with stewardship at 14), Edwin began to put his "plan" into action. A failed assassination attempt to try to take out Maldred was fortunatly not discovered, but a year later, Maldred was found dead, and Estmond, his father, was the found out to be the culprit. This was both good, and bad. Estmond, the next ruler in line, now had the "kinslayer" reputation. But, Estmonds 2nd son, Ealdred, was now Estmonds successor. The plan was finished....Once Edwin would pass on, his prize-wife would be married to Ealdred. Ealdred would be 16 yrs old, and the wife would only be 22.
Well, Edwin would get pnuemonia, and it appeared that the end of Edwin would be very near. And the "plan" would finally be finished. This of course was only phantom hoping, as Edwin would continue to live for another 10 yrs.
During those 10 yrs, Ealdred married a woman, whome Edwin didn't think was worthy of his grandson. A failed assassination attempt, would leave him in trouble. Also, during this time, Edwins next oldest son would go crazy, and claim himself as the Messiah. To avoid problems, Edwin assassinated him...but was discovered. This gave him the reputation as a kinslayer. His vassals began to falter in their loyalty, and 3 out of the 4 rebelled. Only the county of Westmorland was fully brought under Edwins thumb. Westmorland was then given to Estmond, and in turn, was given to Ealdred.
By this time, Ealdred had a child, and this child is actaully taking to his education decently. Also, Estmond gave Westmorland to Ealdred to rule. But, due to Estmonds kinslayer reputation, Ealdred began to revolt. Edwin was left with but one thing to do: The assassination of Estmond. Estmond was in line to take over any day, but his reputation could not endure a reign of any length.
Estmond was dealt with, giving Ealdred the county that belonged to Estmond. Ealdred rebelled against Edwin, and the war ended with Edwin succumbing to the pnuemonia, giving Ealdred the full Dukedom.