William the Bastard: 1038 to 1047
Finally, after what seems to be an inordinately long period of waiting, king Henry has managed to raise an army for the invasion of Normandy. But in the interim, your rebel vassals have managed to put their own squabbles aside long enough to amass a wonderfully large force. It meets you deep inside Normandy, and the king's forces are outclassed. This battle can only go one way, so the king requests a parley. It is evident that the barons' attitude toward you is too strong; it would not be wise to push too hard. King Henry chooses to placate the rebels by placing a better-born cousin or uncle or yours on the ducal throne. You are "placated" with a minor holding on the border with Burgundy, and history doesn't blink an eyelash at the mention of your name.
