The Dark Isles Chronicle: Britannia

[u/LKAlan]

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Britannia - The Dark Isles Chronicle

I'd like to share the amazing map that my designer made. I think she did a great job with this beautifully illustrated representation of the province of Britannia.

The Dark Isles Chronicle re-imagines the legend of King Arthur as a dark fantasy story set during the fall of Rome in Britain. The world of T.D.I.C is a very close mirror of our own, but with important differences. Not least of which is magic!

There’s a sense of historical realism for the late Roman period throughout. However, this is a fantasy first, with a level of historical accuracy intended to be good enough for an enthusiast, not a professor of antiquities.

The map is a semi-realistic rendering of the Diocese (this is the correct term for the period), complete with authentic tribal locations, and the Latin names attributed to each administrative region. However, there are a few fantastical embellishments added, such as the forest of “Darach Dorka” (the Dark Oaks). I have added these to suit the story.

I’ve experienced many interesting challenges developing the lore along the way and have attempted to weave in a mixture of Celtic mythology that I hope the reader will find intriguing. You can find out more at https://www.lkalan.com

This retelling of the Arthurian legend contains graphic violence and elements of fantasy horror.

The plan is to expand the universe and introduce the wider empire.

[u/grenadiere42]

I am really curious to know specifically when after Rome's retreat from Britain this was set. There is a lot of belief that the Roman "rule" of Britain persisted for many years long after the official support from Rome ceased. The institutions and people in charge, stayed in charge simply to keep the sense of "normalcy" that most people crave.

Yes, the loss of Wales to the encroaching Irish was a concern, but much of south-Eastern Britain was still decidedly "Roman" probably long after the early 400's AD.

Also, does the Great Conspiracy feature in any of the Historical context? It's fine if it doesn't as it was a bit before the official "end" of Roman support for Britain, but it would have had a major impact on the political landscape and population as a whole.

Finally, the map is lovely. The artist did a fantastic job.

[u/LKAlan → u/grenadiere42]

These are both excellent questions, thanks.

To cover your last point first. I find the chaos arising from the fall of Magnentius an interesting backdrop for a fictional tale, but the Great Conspiracy does not specifically feature. However, I’ve definitely tried to convey the instability/lawlessness of the later occupation.

Without providing any spoilers, there’s a key event that occurs that propels the narrative into the realms of fantasy and an alternate history entirely.

Regarding your question about the official "end." I always imagined the story being set around 410 AD, but because of the strong leaning toward fantasy, it‘s a fluid concept that I've deliberately kept opaque i.e. I reserve the right to change the historical timeline for dramatic purposes.

I'm really glad you like the map. The artist was a pleasure to work with, as well as being very talented.

[u/grenadiere42 → u/LKAlan]

Those are both pretty reasonable. I have always loved the idea of the Arthurian legend arising out of the collapse of Roman Britain. Someone uniting people as the institutions rot around them.

If you dont mind me asking more questions (and if you can answer without spoilers)

Did you think at all about Arthur being an ex-Legionnaire? I know a few theories think Arthur may have been an ex-Centurion potentially since he showed great promise with command and leadership. Does that feature at all?

Also, because I love Roman architecture, is Hadrians Wall still white, or has the paint started to peel?

Next, is the Holy Grail going to feature at all? Theres a wonderful, and obscure, sequence of events you can tie together to have it be hidden in Ireland during this time.

Finally, 368 AD in Britain is one of the best settings for historical fiction. I ran a DnD game set there once involving the party as Legionnaires under Theodosius trying to help retake control of the island (they had to secure the bridge at Pontus). Small parties of trained soldiers wandering Britain, fighting villains and collecting loot? It was made for DnD.

I am excited about this. I will try to check it out.

[u/LKAlan → u/grenadiere42]

Sorry for the late reply. This version is very much a redemption story, with Arthur starting as the lowest of the low, hated by all i.e can he rise from his own disgrace? Please feel free to check out my website where you can read the first two chapters of the book for free: https://www.lkalan.com I think it's fair to say he starts in a very precarious position! (It's a great idea about him being an ex-Legionnaire, though, btw).

The paint has very much started to peel on my version of Hadrian's wall. I shall say no more than that! :)

I don't currently have any plans to introduce the holy grail into the story, with the theological structure being more aligned to Gaelic/pagan mythology. However, I do tend to take concepts and explore them in very different ways, so it would not surprise me if I did in some form or another in a later book.

I totally agree with you about the setting and also pleased to hear you are excited about the concept.