The Suibhne (pronounced Sweeney, meaning “well-going”) are the Earls of Douglas. They are one of the 14 great noble houses of Dael Riata, renowned throughout the kingdom for their hospitality and generosity. Though they are considered one of the least powerful of the great houses, they hold a strategic position along the River Douglas.

The current and 7th Earl is Alasdair Suibhne. The family seat is Caer Suibhne, an ancient castle built directly into a rocky island in the middle of a fast-flowing section of the River Douglas.

They are 34 years old, and is currently married to Laura Caoimhe Gilruary (born in 743 in Dalmuir). She and Alasdair were married in 755 in Dalmuir by order of the Regency Council who were keen that there would be early heirs to all of the noble house in the wake of the civil war. They have ten children

1. Mairead Ealasaid: Born in 762 (12 years old).
2. Eorwen Eilidh: Born in 763 (11 years old).
3. Alasdair Archibald: Born in 765 (9 years old).
4. Niamh Eleanor: Born in 767 (7 years old); she is the elder, non-identical twin.
5. Bhaltair Ruaridh: Born in 767 (7 years old); he is the younger, non-identical twin.
6. Niamh Senga: Born at the end of 767 (7 years old).
7. Fearchar Alasdair: Born in 768; he was premature and died the same day.
8. Fearchar Ruaridh: Born in 770 (4 years old).
9. Eilidh Caoimhe: Born in 772 (2 years old).
10. Aifric Mairead: Born in 774 (infant/0 years old).

The Suibhne derive their wealth from their lands along the River Douglas and their port-town of Blackwater.

Population: The Earldom has a total population of approximately 83,049, with 3,935 living in the urban centre of Blackwater.

The Suibhne lands follow the narrow valley of the River Douglas to the mountain ridge forming the eastern spine of the kingdom.

• Blackwater: The largest settlement and primary port-town of the Earldom.
• Caer Suibhne: A highly defensible keep surrounded by rapids. Access is only possible via a wooden bridge that is raised at night. The castle is supported by a small township on the northeastern bank and a battery on the northwestern cliff.

Military Organisation: Their forces are led by five banner men, all of whom represent the Earldom in Parliament.

The Suibhne family has produced legendary figures, most notably the 4th Earl, who had a long relationship with Amma Alfarinnsdottir, a black woman from the Southern Isles and a legendary sorceress and warrior. Together they travelled the world, sending many treasures back to Caer Suibhne.

During the Battle of Drumfada Ridge in 754, the Suibhne family fought on the side of Queen Caoimhe. While the Murchadh, Alpin, and Aonghus families fought for the infant King Alasdair V, the Suibhnes were part of a loyalist coalition that attempted to restore the Queen to her throne. This coalition also included the Sioltach, Ahearn, and Gilranald families.

The battle was devastating for the Suibhne leadership. The family lost four senior members, it's not clear which order they died, Malcolm Suibnhe was wounded early in the battle, but appeared to recover, however the Suibhne companies were overwhelmed just before the Murchadh's were routed.

• Cinead Ranald Suibhne: The 6th Earl of Douglas.
• Malcolm Ruaridh Suibhne: The heir to the Earldom and father of the current Earl, Alasdair.
• Iain Edmund Suibhne: The elder brother of the current Earl, and cornet in the Unicorn Troop

The Unicorn Troop, in which Iain Edmund Suibhne served as Cornet, played a significant role in the engagement. They successfully exploited the rout of the Murchadh infantry on the Queen's behalf, though the overall battle ended in disarray for both sides following the deaths of other high-ranking commanders.

• Suibhne of Blackwater: The Earl’s brother and commander of the Suibhne fleet.
• Ivor Fearchar: A banner man married to the Earl's cousin; he provides companies from the eastern forests.
• Calum Soutar: A coastal banner man and former ship captain. He was on watch during the infamous dinner in 774 and quietly doubts the King's version of the Murchadh deaths.
• Seoras Baxter: An able commander who has served for over five decades but appears much younger; he was recommended by Amma Suibhne.
• Seamus Cowan: A new banner man who distinguished himself through raiding and rose to the rank of captain.

• Sithech: A close and reliable ally.
• Sioltach and Gilruary: Friendly neighbours to the north.
• The Crown: While the King officially views the Suibhne as reliable, the relationship is privately strained.

• The King (Ranald): The Earl is deeply resentful of the breach of hospitality committed by King Alasdair V and his steward at Caer Suibhne in 774

. The Earl intends to discreetly spread evidence of the murders to discredit the King . Gilranald: There is a recent, unexplained one-way grievance from the Gilranalds, manifesting in tense stand-offs at sea and frosty court meetings . Gilriata: A banner man of the Earl of Dalcot raped a chambermaid at Blackwater. The Earl of Dalcot has refused to allow the man to face the King’s justice, leading to an outstanding demand for redress .