This is the chess set that challenges a defending "High King of Ireland" to evade a host of attacking usurpers for victory. According to early Irish tradition, the High King ruled over the four provinces of Leinster, Ulster, Munster, and Connacht from his central location at Mide. Each of the four provinces' symbols are sculpted into the corner spaces while the High King's piece stands in the middle square with eight champions defending him on all sides. Surrounding the King's retinue are 12 warriors representing the provinces that have become disaffected with the King's rule. Using the same movement as a Rook in chess, the King wins if he reaches one of the four province squares; the attackers win if they can flank the King on four sides. Individually handcrafted in County Dublin, Ireland, from cold-cast porcelain, each chessboard is decorated with Celtic filigree while each piece is depicted as a helmed head-a powerful motif in Celtic culture. 13 3/4" L x 9 1/2" W x 2 1/2" H. (2 lbs.)