Explore the setting of the Hebridean Shield

The Kingdom of the Isles

The Norse-Gaelic Kingdom of the Isles is a distinct realm unto itself. As the Wolf begins to circle, Hector and his team must begin their stealthy warfare against his tyrannical rule.

  • Rìoghachd nan Eilean or the Kingdom of the Isles is comprised of the Hebridean Archipelago off the coast of Scotland. Formerly part of the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata, the Kingdom became what it is after the Viking Incursions in the 800s. The first King of the Isles was Somerled, a highly revered ancestor of most of the clans of the Isles. The Kingdom was independent from any outside rule until 1266.

  • Contrary to how Scotland emerged, the way that Norse rulers use the term "king" should not be confused with a "high king." It is used to distinguish the ruler of the Hebridean Archipelago, but not necessarily to denote a noble, God-given role as interpreted in England and Scotland. Although the Isles clans did have a hierarchical system of nobility, it was not the same as a more civilized Scottish, English, or French court. The King of the Isles and the Kingdom of the Isles were perceived as "far flung" islands, and left mostly to self-rule. Though they came under the overlordship of Scotland in 1266, they still maintained their own ruler and system of government, viewed as quite crude in the medieval period, though in light of today's parliamentary democracy was actually quite ahead of its time. Within the Scottish court, the ruler of the Hebridean territories would be known as The Lord of the Isles, but to the people of the Hebridean Archipelago, they would have recognized him as King. Today, the holder of this title is Prince William (Duke of Rothesay).

  • Clan MacDonald

    Clan MacLeod

    Clan MacLean

    Clan MacKinnon

    Clan MacNeil

    Clan MacFie

    Clan MacKay

The Isle of Skye

The largest and northernmost island in the Inner Hebrides, and widely regarded as one of the most wild and beautiful. The center of the island is dominated by the most striking mountain range in the country, the Cuillian Hills.

  • Under the rule of the Kingdom of the Isles, and the overrule of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is protected by the three most powerful clans in the Hebridean Archipelago (the MacDonalds to the north, the MacLeods to the west, and the MacKinnons to the southeast).

  • Gifted territory and a keep on Skye at the end of the Scottish War of Independence, the MacKinnons are one of the most independent and ruthless clans within the Kingdom. Once led by the revered Colm MacKinnon, since his death in 1370, the clan has been in a near-constant state of turmoil.

  • A massive prison on the northeastern coast of Skye, Cràdh contains the political and clan prisoners that pose a threat to the MacKinnons, and those that would stand in the way of the Abbot of Iona. Dark, fortified, and deadly, simply the name Cràdh is enough to strike fear into the hearts of all the subjects of the Kingdom of the Isles.

Hector’s Island

Places on the Isle of Mull and Iona

  • Lochbuie Clan Territory

    The seat of the Lochbuie MacLeans and MacFadyens. Located on the southern coast of the Isle of Mull, the territory is a fertile jewel at the mouth of a beautiful sea loch. After surviving several years of famine the clan’s only hope is a strong chieftain to bring them back to a time of prosperity.

  • Moy Castle

    The aging keep of the Laird of Lochbuie, the repair of Moy Castle was never Hector’s priority when he became chieftain. About to be betrothed to a lass with expensive tastes, Hector must find a way to transform a crumbling keep into a strong tower worthy of his new lady. What will lovely Elspeth think?

  • Duart Castle

    The dignified clan seat of Clan MacLean, and also the home of Hector’s brother Lachlan. The castle was bestowed on Lachlan upon his marriage to the king’s daughter Mhairi MacDonald as part of Mhairi’s extensive tocher. Solid and strong, it stands guard over the Sound of Mull.

  • Isle of Iona

    A small island off the coast of Mull. The island was the site of a highly important monastery. The monastery was founded in 563 by the monk Columba, also known as Colm Cille. Iona is the heart of worship & evangelism in the Kingdom of the Isles.

  • Iona Abbey & Nunnery

    The abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the monastic community by St. Columba. On the darkest day of Hector’s life, he seeks sanctuary in the Abbey, and there his life is forever changed.

  • Isle of Staffa

    An unhabited basalt island in the Inner Hebrides, Staffa is home to a mysterious sea cave accessible for ten minutes at a time during tides. Here the MacKinnon clan has stashed their coveted treasury. On a journey to Staffa, Hector’s sister Aileen is lost at sea.

Moy Castle

Visit Hector’s real life clan seat.

Duart Castle

Visit Lachlan’s clan seat.

Isle of Iona

Visit Hector’s place of spiritual retreat.

Lochindorb

Visit the Wolf’s Lair…