Seti prepares the way for Teona, as best as he can.

The priests of Ganda are gone, but the temples remain.  Teona could easily take over one, and rededicate it to Minerva- the gods of Olympus tend to be understanding with such things.  Better a temple belonging to one of them, than to see a temple given up entirely.

The faithful of Ganda, led by Danavus, are of similar mind.  If they are meant to have a cleric, it does not matter which cleric comes- they will take whomever the gods choose.

Danavus shows Seti the tomb in which they interred Ketrelle's mother and sister- it is the family tomb at the temple, where her father was also laid to rest.  He seems to want assurance that they did it right.

In the castle, they receive a few visitors from the Rosseum family, the lords of Bryggia.  Bryggia is a day away by horse, a day and a half on foot, and they had no time to send the family from there, only a courier.  But they have a townhouse and some elements of the family here in Ganda, and the courier they sent was also a son of the Rosseum house, so they can send their "official" regards even if the leaders of the house are unable to attend.

The young man from the Rosseum house, Andres, presents his letter to Ketrelle.  It states that their house has long appreciated the wise rule of Kajira and her late husband, and expecting the same of Ketrelle, they remain allies of the Duchess of Ganda.

Ketrelle supplies a little background:  the Rosseums are merchants, a large and prosperous Merovingian family that had, in the past generation, made alliance with some Frisian merchants and begun trading by sea, from their home in the port of Bryggia.  They have been doing well.  They were most likely the second wealthiest family in Ganda, and no doubt enjoyed the "pro merchant" policies of Kajira- keeping taxes down and providing for security and an honest court.  It is very likely now that they are the wealthiest family, since Bryggia escaped attack other than a couple of Hun patrols.

Satisfied that the late royals have passed on to the Underworld, Seti relaxes slightly. Waiting has never been his specialty, even though being a priest requires a great deal of patience and inner peace. For the most part, Priest Aldieri stays in his room, studying whatever various documents he can lay hands upon - on local culture, maps, trade, and legal and religious codes. For a few hours in the early afternoon, accompanied by Dagnish, he visits the administrative centers and other temples, making notes and more preparations.

Even though he may be the only clergy present, knowing another is coming soon, he lays low, avoiding contact, trying to get caught up in rituals, ceremonies, or decisions that may be better made by the incoming Priestess Teona.

When Ketrelle tells Titus about the Rosseums he can not help but be interested. After all, House Rosseum and House Mercator sound to have many similarities. Of course, he is Minister to the King of Belgica as well as being of House Mercator, and he has some sense of ethics, so he resists the temptation to begin talking potential business opportunities. Rather he indicates to Bardas that he ought to investigate this.

Meanwhile, he makes it known how pleased Theodoric will be to hear that leading families of Ganda are supporting their new Duchess and invites Andres to dine with him the day after Solstice. He will also invite other important figures from the aristocracy of Ganda to this event. While Bardas's message is that there may be opportunities to pursue with House Mercator, Titus's is that at this time of trouble the leading families must see to their people and prepare for a spring that may well be difficult. Understanding that Ganda is one of the two access points for the Emperor's armies there will likely be some allocation of resources not only to help rebuild the Duchy, but to better defend it.

However, these families have a great deal of power within their holdings. This is how it is in the modern sixth century world: nobles have liberty to act as they will within their own fiefs and in return provide the Crown with goods yearly and men during times of war. Given that these are precisely the times they are in the King will note how the leading families, be they nobility or merchant, come forward. Those that contribute beyond what might have been expected of them in previous years will be rewarded once the troubles are over.

As a Merchant himself he is sympathetic to the problems this will create for these Houses; nevertheless, after proving that not only is it possible to survive a Hun invasion, but to actually defeat a Hun invasion, the time is right to look to a future that promises to be rather different than the one Belgica was considering even a few months ago. If the nobles and merchants of Belgica come forward with all they have in the coming months, the King will respond just as generously in the years following.

Amidst all of the politicking Titus also realizes that the holiday is not be overlooked. When he came north he came with Mercator cloth and other goods. All of this has been sold, but he has some select bits of it remaining. For Ketrelle he has a gown of golden silk and fine cloth along with a golden broach with the jewelled symbols of both Venus and Rosemerta in jewels. Gian gets a handsome brown leather belt and sheath for his sword with brass rosettes. Bardas gets a large pouch made of the same leather as Gian'sgift, but with gold rosettes. Minnie gets a fan made from peacock feathers.

In Minnie’s view, there is one great danger with Titus’s plan.

”I’ve never been the spiritual type,” the Weremink says.  “We of Lucimburic have a patron goddess, Diana, and she takes care of us and I’ve never really needed to learn about anything else.  But… one thing we do know… a goddess takes care of you, and you take care of her in return.  Now from what we know, Venus has done a lot here.  She made Theoderic king.  So we have to be careful.  I don’t know what Venus thinks about political marriages, but I’ll bet… if you ask the priestesses for stories, Venus prefers passion and romance.  Even illicit passion and romance, over contracts and formalities. ‘

Minnie ponders a bit and adds: “So maybe… the best thing to do to bring a blessing from Venus is get Ketrelle into a hot passionate affair.  Gian.. I don’t think he’s got what it takes, and he’s a little young for her anyway.  And all that being just my own thoughts, Titus… I think we should bring this to the attention of the Priestesses of Venus.  It’s their department.   They would know best.”

Minnie lets it go for the rest of the Solstice day. There are too many other things to do this day, anyway.  And by the end of the day… a lot of cleaning.  A lot of people have been through the castle.

Gian gets the mop.

* * * * *

And speaking of priestesses… it is on the following day that Teona arrives.  Seti recalls the priestess, of course, from their adventure on the coast.  He recalls her escort as well.  Malicus has been pressed into service as guard.

She has news for him.  First, the Temple of Pluto was going to choose a new High Priest on the Eve of the Solstice.  But Teona left in a hurry- the plan to have her take over the temple here was put into effect “on the fly” as Oda, now the High Priestess of Minerva, thought that any delay would give the enemy time to learn about the plans for Ganda and disrupt them.  Teona left 3 days ago- she traveled 2 days on foot, and one day on ferry, and so she hasn’t had news of the outcome of the deliberations in the Temple of Pluto.

Malicus has been recruited by the Temple of Minerva to act as security for Teona, and the rededicated Temple at Ganda.  In fact, Oda expects the Blackguards to try something.  And just in case, Oda is trying to bait them into it.

That explains Malicus’s disguise.  He’s dressed as an old maid.

Never having cared for Malicus, Seti resists the urge to tease him about the disguise. Instead, he maintains a much distance from the man as possible. As the case with Melissa, Priest Aldieri doesn't give out redemption easily.

As for Teona, his feelings are the polar opposite. Seti has the utmost respect for the priestess. Ganda has no idea how fortunate they are to have her here. Her presence speaks to some importance to the region and Katrelle that Seti has yet to be able to precisely place. He does everything possible to help her transition and gladly accepts his role as subordinate within Ganda. He explains a little of her background to Titus, but still on a need to know basis, "Priestess Teona has operated undercover, in the belly of the beast, so to speak. Her bravery and cunning are unquestioned. It is a great honor for Ganda that she be sent here, and it suggests some higher importance for the region. I urge you to invest her with as much authority as possible. She will use it wisely, and we have our own tasks."

Despite his obviously vested interest, Seti does not ask much about the elections with his own house. He assumes that he will hear in due time, from Lord Pluto or one of his earthly servants. In other times, he would be more involved, but right now the Hun invasion dominates his concern. The wizards tend to communicate quickly, using arcane powers, but within his profession, Seti has become more used to the slow dribble of news. We live on faith, not information.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

PM

.

Seti, Dagnish, Teona, and Malicus look over Teona's newly appointed temple.  It's a large stone and brick building, mostly gray fieldstone but sporting imported marble where the builders decided to spend their limited budget.

Yesterday, it was busy, with the solstice day observances.  Today it is empty, and their voices carry and echo in the building's spacious main chamber.

Malicus notes Seti's coldness to him.  But he's open to Teona, and that is enough.

But Teona is not comfortable with the tension between the men.

“He's working directly for the High Priestess of Minerva now,” she says.

Malicus nods.  “What should I be doing?” he asks.

Teona thinks.  But not for long.  “The sensible thing to do is a look around, first,” she says.  “Become familiar with every inch of this place.  When the Balckguard comes for me, we will need the advantage of home ground.”

“When, and not if?”  Dagnish asks.

“Oda believes they will try.  They will learn that I have taken over here.  And they will think that one junior priestess, on her own, is too easy a target to pass up.”

“Oda? Athithtant to the High Priethtess...” Dagnish considers this.

“Now the High Priestess,” Teona explains.  “There have been significant losses, recently.”

* * * * * * *

Bardas, having reviewed the state of the Duchy's treasury, suggests there are some other issues Titus must keep in mind.

“Kajira did a good job of protecting the treasury,” he reports.  “The Huns spent their time hunting down the nobility and priests here, but had to leave before they were able to carry off much wealth.  So Ketrelle still has one thing left on her side, gold.

“But that makes me think; you are here as a minister to the king.  And if there is one thing I have observed, he is a warrior-king, but has no experience with the management of a kingdom.  Taxes, Titus.  There is no provision for the competent administration of the wealth of this new kingdom.  Without that, things will not hold.  Not for long.”

Titus had much to consider and his meetings with Minnie and Bardas put things into perspective. That he has many things to consider is not new, but some of it he had not been considering when Theodoric sent him in Belgica. Or had he?

He knows that what Minnie says is probably right. Despite all of his talk, and perhaps because of it, he finds himself uncertain what to do. And why should this be a surprise? After all, he is a man of action who has spent his life solving problems and if one were to permit oneself to consider the matter it is entirely possible that perhaps avoiding matters such as the one he is discussing with her has been the entire point of many of the actions he has taken. Titus is therefore relieved when Bardas speaks.



Before he responds he invites Seti to join them, because he wants a priest's impression of these matters. Once he has joined them Titus begins, "Having a King is more a theory than a practice for the Belgicans. So we will have to create many things in order for Theodoric to rule effectively. For example, we do not know what taxes are due to the Belgican King. Towards that end I think we shall initiate a survey of the Kingdom to determine what there is to be taxed to begin with. Let us call it the Catalogus Ducum. Our purpose is not only to confirm what there is owed to the Crown, but to ensure that no one is taxed unfairly.

"This is going to be a rather large project and will require that we send agents, Censors, into each Duchy. The Censors will be responsible for the collection of taxes and represent the King's interest. (I call them Censors after those of Rome, who also had a role in policing public morality and given that against the Emperor Theodoric stands with the Religions, I think this is important. It may not be that we find priests to fulfill these duties, but our Censors should work closely with the Religious of Belgica.) In order to ensure that the Censors are doing their jobs adequately and fairly we shall establish another office, that of Quaestor, whose resposnibility it is that the King's laws will be upheld and that Censors and other officials are not abusing their powers.

"Thus the King shall have knowledge of what occurs within the Duchies and know that his laws and taxes are being properly followed and collected and the Dukes shall know that watchmen are being watched. As you say, this matter is of the utmost importance, so let us get a letter to the King explaining what we are initiating. Furthermore, it seems to me that some formal, public ceremony must be held to make Theodoric's ascension official. My concern is that while the Dukes have agreed to his taking the Throne, Theodoric is relatively unknown to his new subjects. Perhaps we can arrange for something this spring? I will include this in my letter to him..."

He pauses realizing that he has been speaking in the plural he smiles, "What do you think of this plan, Patre Seti? I realize that we find ourselves rather short of Priests nowadays, but with time we shall fix that, I expect. In the meantime, I think it is important that the Priesthood should take a prominant role in the Government to underline the difference between Belgica and the Hunnic Imperium."

Bardas and Titus review what they know about taxes.  It’s a tricky subject in this age.  Accounting is primitive in the world of the Meditteranean- here in Belgica it is all but gone.  Merely estimating the income of a household will be a daunting task- Titus and Bardas will have to train administrators if they want them.  (Even Gian could train them, actually, he knows far more about administration than most of the locals.)

Because of the extreme difficulty in quantifying wealth, and the fact that much of the economic output here doesn’t involve coins changing hands, taxes tend to be very simple.  Typically, taxes are flat “per person” or “per household” or based on counting some specific, easily countable thing.  (In Amsterdam, the tax bill was based on how much canal frontage you had, so houses evolved to be long and skinny, and “inside curves”, where the land-to-canal-frontage ratio was less, became the domain of the rich.)  One method used in the ancient world was to tax some specific commodity everyone used.  If you had a tax on salt, since sooner or later everyone bought salt, the economic impact of the tax flowed throughout the system even though the tax was just at one point.

Tolls can be collected at roads or key gates, fees charged at harbors, etc- although Titus also knows to be careful.  Ask too much and traders start to avoid the place.

Other means of “capturing” the economic output for public use was to collect it in the form of goods or labor.  Here, most people do not have much money.  A lot of the economy is barter, or self sufficient.  For example, the fishermen also make most of their own tools, fix their boats, and take care of their nets.  Most families also have a small plot of land for herbs and vegetables.  Some have poultry.  Most households make their own clothes.  Things are traded- one family might trade a shirt to another that has a surplus of eggs.  Only about a quarter of the economy actually involves money changing hands.  This means tax collectors must take a lot in service or goods.  Asking a gold piece a head will be a crushing blow to many families.

Usually, the more well off people, such as merchants and professionals, are asked to for taxes in money.  Merchants are not asked to contribute service, as it is generally self-defeating:  Putting the tavern keeper in the militia or on a construction crew for a month shuts down an important business.  Artisans and smiths might be asked for goods or services or money, depending on the current need- for example, if the lord needs to equip his men, he might ask the leathersmiths for certain items in lieu of money, or if the castle needs plastering, he might demand the service of a builder.

 Since advanced accounting techniques aren’t available, there is usually either a flat tax, (like, you serve the lord  one month of the year) or a percentage of production (like, the lord gets 10% of your cheese).  Some lords got strange- for example, they might demand of fishermen that every fish of a certain type must be given to them, and the rest belongs to the fisherman!

All in all, it results in a fairly complex system with different rules for different professions- tavern keepers pay under one system, salt sellers another, etc.

***

But meanwhile.. at some point, they check out the wealth of Ketrelle’s household.

Like most wealthy people, much of her actual wealth is in property.  Ketrelle has title to a large portion of Ganda and some outlying farmland.  She owns a spinning house, and a dairy.  Ketrelle knows her mother collected rents on city property, and food from tenant farmers, and the records still exist.

None of those suffered destruction by the Huns during the short sack of Ganda.

The family has a vault in the castle, and a “backup” vault concealed by the dairy- Kajira’s father in law built it, thinking that invaders would be less likely to conduct a search of such a menial building.  As it stands, both vaults escaped the Huns.

They have a family reserve of about 12,000 gold pieces, about half of which is coins, and half in items made of gold and silver.  It’s a substantial amount, stockpiled over two generations.  Few outside the family suspect they have this much money.

  Real World Historical Note:
"(I call them Censors after those of Rome..."
Interestingly, the Dutch word for the medieval tax, "cijns" has EXACTLY this origin.  Merovingian lords using Roman administrators because they didn't have the knowledge to run things on their own.

OOC: My apologies, my house is being painted this week, and I'm very discombobulated.

Seti is a little uncertain of what request Titus has made. As priest of Pluto, he has a tendency towards law and order, in an egalitarian manner. Priest Aldieri has some expertise in legal codes, a hobby of his as well. He could likely provide some assistance in the formulation of tax policy, but he is adverse to any priest, at least any priest of Pluto being employed as tax collector. He is equally concerned with the King providing sanctioned public festivals and religious holidays, formal freedom of religion, and other human rights - the end of slavery for example; something he assumes the King is not yet ready to impose. Seti believes the Mercators can make good coin with or without trafficking in war and misery. Only greed, and opportunities created by the Huns, has made slavery more lucrative as of late.

While he prefers strong, clear, legal codes, their point is provide autonomy, not conformity. Seti would be more inclined to let each Duke or local ruler impose taxes upon their own people as they see fit (most likely by head, but often special duties may be charged for unique trades, items [darkwood, for example], or situations). Taxes that restrict trade between Duchies do the most damage - for the Mercators as well, he presumes. It seems a King's job to lift those internal tariffs as much as possible. With increased trade comes cultural and knowledge exchange that binds people together. Undoubtedly, Theodoric or Titus will inherit some role as trade court for disputes between duchies, etc. Ordinarily, he would expect priests of Jupiter or Mercury to oversee such courts, but now may be a time for learned men to do their best until a the clergy can be repopulated.

 Teona takes over the temple with a minimum of ceremony.  Minerva is like that; things are quick and efficient, and ceremonies are there just to insure that people remember that something important is happening.

She sanctifies the temple, and hallows it for Minerva, and addresses those of the town who came out to attend.  Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, and she uses wisdom as a topic to address them, reminding them that Kajira was considered a very shrewd Duchess who helped the people become prosperous.

There are people who doubt Ketrelle.  But as far as clerics go, with the exception of Seti, who is only here on a temporary basis, Teona is the only game in town.

Quickly, she starts getting the lineup of people who need her aid, or want her advice, or both.   The temple workers where killed or driven away with the priests, and Dagnish helps her put out the word that the temple is hiring.

Malicus falls into the role of temple servant.  He cleans, he escorts, he repairs.  It's clear he doesn't like it.  He seems almost eager for the Blackguard to try to assassinate Teona.

While taxation in Belgica is going to be, by necessity, a rather crude thing, it is still useful for Theodoric know what is in his Kingdom and who posseses it, so that he knows better what his resources are. 'Three in Ten' is, at least at first glance, a fair tribute to the Throne from the Dukes (i.e., 30% of the taxes collected by each Duke). Once they have a better sense of the condition of the Kingdom they will be able to better determine whether or not this is too little or too much, but for the nonce this is the decision Titus makes. The Dukes already have their taxation processes in place, so Titus and Bardas only need recruit a Censor and a Questor for each Duchy and let each of them recruit the staff they need to contribute to that Duchy's chapter of the Catalogus Ducum.

To Seti Titus argues that in addition to the fact that the priesthood is the most educated part of society the Censor's role is at its core about morality. It is about the honest transmittal of wealth within the realm, which shall inspire its growth and security and thereby the health of the entire community. This will be the case whether the individual Censor is actually a priest or not; however, it seems natural for priests to play a part where possible. "Where it is not possible for an actual priest or a man such as Danavus, who is quite godly despite not being an actual priest good men, somebody like Andres of House Rosseum might fill the role."

As far as how they do their work, Titus intends that the Censors shall simply oversee the Ducal authorities in determing the wealth in each Duchy, and then collect the King's Thirtieth from them. In essence, use the men each Duke already has performing this a version of this function. Whether the resulting tax is coin or product is irrelevant. All that is important is that the Dukes are collecting the taxes they are owed and performing the functions for which their taxpayers are paying and paying the correct share of those taxes to the King. In doing this the King is doing the Dukes a favor as it can not but help their own treasuries despite the fact that they now owe Theodoric 30% of their income.

Should the people feel as if they are being exploited by the Dukes they might register complaints with the Censors. Should a Duke feel as if his Censor is not treating fairly he too may turn to the Questor. When dealing in matters of taxation the Censors speak with Royal authority. The purpose of the Quastor is to keep an eye on the Censors to ensure that they are not taking bribes and that they are treating with all parties fairly, so they too speak with Royal authority.

Staffing these positions might seem daunting, but while the past few weeks have been difficult it has only been a few weeks. Beligica is in a state of shock having experienced fierce and brutal invasions, yet, despite the Huns effectivemess as invaders this effectiveness was limited by the short term of their invasion. Additionally, not every Duchy was plagued by the Huns to the extent that Ganda was. That the King may take a pan-Belgican view of matters will ultimately help each Duke and since it has been so long since Belgica has had a King it is likley to take a bit longer for them to understand this.

In other words, the Kingdom doubtless has the talent to man these Royal positions, which will pay well and be paid for by the very taxes they police and collect, it is simply a matter of recruitment. The first rules that come to Titus's mind regarding these positions is that while the Censor may be a native of the Duchy to which he is assigned, and indeed this may well help him do his work since he will start with some sense of what is owned by whom, etc., the Questor must not be. The Questors are intended to police the police, so to speak, so it makes sense that they may not already have established roots in the territories for which they are responsible. Since both of these positions will be paid by the taxes raised through their efforts Titus hopes that this will not only ensure efficiency, but add a financial interest to the moral one that he hopes each man will bring to their duties.

As to Seti's concerns about the King supporting religious holidays and sanctioning public festivals, he agrees. Indeed, part of his intenton in giving Jazelle and Cado a grant from Mercator funds after Zerova's destruction and now he intended to continue doing such through the Royal power now given him by Theodoric. The advantage he has now, however, is not only in resources, potentially, but in influence, which is has greater value. For instance, he asks Seti to help him pick three or four holidays through the year to be suggested to the King as 'national holy days'. Days upon which public worship will be encouraged and the universiality of the Gods might be celebrated. The equinoxes make natural choices. The date of the defeat of the Hun invasion of the Ardennes makes sense; however, it may be too close to the winter solstice. The date that Theodoric claimed the Throne, however, seems appropriate. After all, the King's victories clearly show the presense of the Gods in repudiating the Emperor's claims about the deaths of the Gods and the power of his demon lords.

***

Meanwhile, the wealth inherited by Ketrelle is quite a boon. She will need to hire troops, if nothing else, and while other Duchies will contribute resources to Ganda well placed grants from her personal treasury will not only aid her realm's economy and even inspire a return on investment, but reinforce friendships as well. Titus asks Bardas to keep an eye out for appropriate opportunities. These need not be big public shows of wealth made by Ketrelle, but quiet investments made behind the scenes might be even more effective. They will show not only Ketrelle's benevolence, but her interest in rebuilding Ganda and williness to use her own coin to do so. Ultimately, the point is not to show the commoners that she is helping, because they already seem to trust and support her. Rather, it is to remind her nobles and the influencial merchants and Yeomen that there is fiscal as well as moral reward for support and loyalty.

Another advantage to finding this wealth is that taking The King's Thirtieth from it would give Titus resources to put his plans into action. He will be careful to ask for these funds only up to what Ketrelle can afford at this time, but he will take some portion of the 3,600 gold pieces due the Crown.

OOC: Sorry for this late update, Ben, but I figured I ought to add a bit more detail...

Titus is speaking not only to his friends and staff about these things, but will speak to the leading men and women of Ganda who are at the Solstice Court. From these conversations he will confirm this year's Royal Tax (30% or something slightly less) and make announcement of it to each Duke and command them to name a candidate for the Royal Censor of their Duchy.

He will suggest to Ketrelle that she ask Danavus to take on the role of Royal Censor for Ganda. If he will not accept he will suggest Andres. Additionally he will look for a non-Gandian to be Questor (this position should be chosen by him as Minister rather than a Duke, but times being what they are this might not be possible in all situations). He gives each man the Year's pay up front from the tax he culls from Ketrelle's inheritance, and from this they will staff their offices. (At the end of the year they may ask for expenses to cover these costs, but they are responsible for them until that time.)

If Andres is not needed for the role of Censor in Ganda, and seems interested in a position of some sort, Titus will ask him to be Questor for Bruxzella and send him to Amberic.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Sun 24 Mar 2013.

Seti does not dispute Titus's organization. Taxes are a royal necessity but still one he prefers to avoid, as a member of the clergy. He offers to serve as a sit-in Questor or to help adjudicate royal disputes but avoids any discussion of Censor. Naturally, his first loyalty must remain with the Temple and its demands. On a personal level, law and organization has always interested him, and Seti makes copious notes and recommendations for legal specifics.

As for the expression of religious festivals, Priest Aldieri agrees that the equinoxes make sense, as they would likely be shared amongst various cultures and pantheons. Specifically, he reminds Titus that Lord Pluto's wife has chosen to make herself directly connected to this plane of existence, and she should be probably given some specific participation in the Spring festivals. As a tribute to Venus, the King's marriage date seems wise, and again something that may unite disparate cultures. Seti seeks Teona's advice, as an equal, in discussion this matter with Titus.

OOC: Still out of the house for another several days. Ug. No easy task for me (with the wife in graduate school and five children under 10 [9, 5, 2, 2, 2!]  I'll try and keep up.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Sun 24 Mar 2013.

They have a meeting with Danvus.  The man is a little apprehensive about being summoned to the castle, but then... he's already been asked to be a priest, and his efforts as “lay leader” have won him a little recognition... this must be more along those lines, right?

No, it turns out.  He's not quite sure what to make of the offer... Censor?  Official tax assessor for the Duchy of Ganda?

Danavus is a humble man- he's a barber.  Just a barber.

“Tho he'th uthed to having a knife to thomeone'th throat,” Dagnish quietly jokes off to the side.  “Perfect for a takth collector.”

But as it turns out, there is some useful overlap between the two careers.   As a barber, one gets to know a lot of people, especially the wealthier ones.  And barbers always manage to build a sort of instinctive professional trust with clients- something possibly related, as Dagnish pointed out, to their having sharp objects so close to the necks of their clients.

And Danavus does have a handle on wealth,  and the status of different families, and he does have a natural sense of leadership, which is why he was accepted so quickly as the unofficial leader of the temple.

He accepts, but points out one issue- how will he get around?

Danavus notes that he has no horse, and no experience with horses, being a town dweller all his life.  He can't just walk around the Duchy, can he?

I'm going to assume that I'm not going to have to actually figure out what this position should be paid. That Titus being worldly and having spent a good deal of time in Northern Europa knows what officials like Censors and Questors would earn and what a generous (such positions need to be well paid in order to encourage honesty) means that by having stated that these posts will be well paid that's good enough in terms of the game and what I post here. Let me know if I'm wrong!

Titus rubs his chin as he considers, "Well, you could arrange a cart to take you about, could you not? Indeed, doing so would also give you a more comfortable place to stay than a tent should there come an evening where an inn was not convenient. The income you receive from the Crown will cover this investment quite easily.

"It seems to me that among your agents should not only be a clerk to keep the important records you acquire, but an armsman as well. I fear that the work you shall be doing is the sort of stuff that inspires some to make threats and whatnot. Being well protected is not only a matter of safety, but it also helps create a more official, if you will, presence."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Tue 26 Mar 2013.

Titus makes arrangements with Danavus, and also, talks to Ketrelle about the family treasury.  Were it someone else, she might suspect that it’s simply a plot to make off with a third of the family wealth, for his own gain.  But she knows Titus.  What’s more, even her Fey friends seemed to trust Titus.  And that’s worth something.

She trusts that Titus will spend the money wisely, in the reconstruction of the war ravaged Duchy.

“If anything, it will bring the support of more people,” she says.  “One wins more friends spending money than by keeping money.  And if mother was saving it for a rainy day… that day has come.”

Her little Kabouter friend Zybet volunteers to be the Clerk of the Duchy.  There is not a whole lot of paperwork involved in running a Duchy.  There is some, mostly tax records, and accounts of who owns what.  Typically, the clergy record the “social” information; births, deaths, and the like.   Zybet, in turn, recruits a few friends.   The Duchy office soon has a staff of a half a dozen of the small, gnome-like beings.  Previously, Kajira had done much of it herself, being a management-oriented kind of Duchess, but hadn’t really kept good records.  She did have an office, though.  The Kabouters

Armsmen, though, she already has.  Not many.  A few.  She has Salvius Avondus, who has been named constable, and five others.  Recuiting, at the moment, is a problem.  The war has cost Ganda many of its capable warriors.  There aren’t that many to be found, and any with real experience, who survived, are already in the service of one house or another.

“I wonder if it is too early to think of the long term,”  she confides in her “inner circle”.  “There aren’t many warriors, but there are youths who will be warriors one day, if they are trained.”

Seti does his best to stay busy now that Teona has officially taken over most clerical duties. He aides Titus when possible, lending any cultural or legal advice and helping to draft any documents or codes that the King should wish to have implemented.  On matters of the future and warriors, he defers Teona. After all, Minerva is her patron goddess.

He wonders from where a Blackguard may strike, and he even considers going into disguise or hiding himself, in hopes of misleading any attackers from Teona, but he's already been quite public. Any such ruse seems unlikely to succeed.  He also wonders about the elections in Arras, within his own house, but he knows information will come in due time.

Titus is enthusiastic about Zybet taking on the Ducal Clerk role. It is not only that a Kabouter is likely to make a quite efficient bureacrat, but that involving the Fae in her government is a good way to make their acceptance by the majority Human population easier.

He also makes a point of meeting regularly with Seti, even if only for a meal, to have the opportunity not only to get advice on cultural and legal matters, but just running his ideas for policy by him in a more general way. He trusts the man's experience and involves him in matters in a manner similar to how he has long done with Bardas.

When he was speaking of Armsmen earlier, he was not speaking to Ketrelle, but to Danavus. He advises Davavus to hire at least one armsman in addition to obtaining a cart for transporting himself around the Duchy. When speaking to the Duchess and she says,  , he pauses and considers his response.

"You are correct to be conscious of your realm's future in this manner; however, we must survive the coming year before those days arrive. We do not know whether or not the Emperor's armies will attack again. I believe that Theodoric will be aggressive as he can next year in order to take advantage of our victories and this may take a good deal of pressure off of your borders.

"Regardless of that, though, Ganda needs to present a very strong border to deter attacks. And this is not the only reason I think you must do this in the coming months... Your people need to know that you can protect them. Your mother's policies made them rich; however, they also left them defenceless. If you are attacked again, you must be able to meet them assertively.

"Now, obviously, we do not yet know the King's strategy and I think that he is very conscious of the price Ganda paid recently, but it does not seem wise to me for you to simply wait for him to send whatever help he can before the next campaign season. Yes, your realm has few soldiers available for hire at this time; however, once you make it known that you are hiring soldiers, I think you will find them arriving to take your coin.

"So, while you are hiring mercenaries in the shorterm, in the longterm, I think your idea of looking to the youths today is quite good. You should encourage Salvius Avondus to establish a training company. Offer those youths who need a skill and who can not get a useful apprenticeship an opportunity to learn arms and earn an honorable wage. In a few years as the first class of these fellows comes of age you will not only have encouraged those who may turn to crime or other more nefarious means towards more useful ends, but will be able to get rid of the mercenaries you hire now. As a result, you'll not only save coin, but have a more reliable force for your own defence and as a contribution to Beglica as a whole.

"And it might also be useful to speak to our Fae friends and see what contribution they may make towards Ganda's defense. Including them in our planning now will save time and avoid confusion later."

1. Ganda has a high level visitor.

Raude Parisi, high priestess of Arras, has come with some news.

One piece of news goes unsaid:  she seems to have some way to travel quickly, by magic, now.  Or maybe she always did, and kept the ability hidden, or simply didn’t think the need justified the use of divine power.  But she has come without carriage or horse, in the dead of winter, without even traveling clothes.

Seti knows that many of the strongest clerics can use “Wind Walk”.  It’s not a common spell, and he hasn’t known Raude to use it before.

She has news for Seti and Teona.  On the day of the Solstice, the priests and the Temple of Pluto chose a replacement for Pelion.  They had quite a dilemma this time.  None of the front runners really wanted the job.

”Perhaps it is the way of the Temple of Pluto,” she says.  “Solemn in outlook, not given to enthusiasm.  One hardly wishes enthusiasm in a priest who serves the god of the dead, right?    Your name was there, Seti, but it was felt that you would be wasted, sitting in Arras.  Evroul was rather outspoken in his refusal, and he watches over the holiest temple to Pluto in the land, practically under the nose of the Emperor.  Choosing him… that would have all but abandoned such a critical sanctuary.  Leondra, the daughter of the late high priest… smart and dedicated but lacking in broad experience, and Honorius Duronus struck many as an excellent assistant to the office of High Priest, and not necessarily a great High Priest.  Honorius himself held that view, so he told me.

”Almost, almost he became High Priest, Seti, but Leondra won by a slim margin.  I am not sure if I approve of such a position passing from father to daughter like a dynasty, but I do not make the rules for the Temple of Pluto.  There it is.  Leondra is your new high priestess.”

Raude takes the two-silver-piece tour, walking around the town with Seti, Titus, and Ketrelle.

”There is a war on,” she tells them.  “And some may think that it is the clergy against the Emperor’s demons and Blackguards.  But we are not united, and in fact, the war is between the Emperor and those among us who have chosen to resist.  It has become complex.  It is no longer a few sects, who refuse to accept the Emperor.  Each of the Temples, more or less, is divided.  Some will fight, some see no good in fighting.  I have done what I can to sway hearts, but I think now the lines are drawn.  Be careful.  There will be clerics who come to you with a different message than I, and it may seem full of compassion and practicality.  They are not evil.  Not corrupted by the Huns… not as far as I know.  They think the gods will pull us out of this fire, but on their own time, and this is not that time.”

Ketrelle sees one major flaw with this.  Ganda is in no condition for more fighting.

"Then we can help make you stronger," Raude says.  "Show me where I can help."

Titus is impressed by Raude Parisi's visit. It has been some time since he met her when they were Arras many months ago. He learned to respect her then and knows that it was she who married Theodoric and Aelasuria. She is the strategist that enabled the victories in the past weeks, which makes her only more significant in his eyes.

Accordingly he was very interested in her perspective of things and listened carefully as they toured the city.



Titus clears his throat, "What you tell us, Mistress, confirms our expectations. I do recall how things were in Arras when I had the honor of first making your acquaintance. Perhaps we might be asking what we can do to assist you?

"As far as matters here, I offer this as my perspective as Royal Minister as well as adviser to Lady Ketrelle: At this time, there does not seem to be the manpower in Ganda to recruit. Doubtless the King will see that this Duchy is reinforced and Her Grace has initiated a program that will enable her to protect Ganda herself in the future; however, in the nearterm she will have to ask for assistance from outside.

"It seems to me, however, that the first step towards the defence of Ganda is improving the spirit of Her people. Seti and I have chosen dates that we hope to use for public events sponsored by Her Grace to encourage them to see not only that recovery from the invasion is possible, but that it is actually happening. Your thoughts on our preparations would be quite welcome.

"Beyond that, and now knowing what Ganda's situation is, perhaps you have thoughts of your own on how you might best help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

Titus and Raude Parisi have met before.

link to a message in this game

In reply to Ben (msg # 86):

OOC: Uh, yeah. Duh. Thanks for reminding me, Ben. (How do you remember/keep track of all of this stuff?) I've edited my post to better reflect what I should've remembered. Though, in my defense that was about 3 1/2 years ago in real time. Wow!

Seti does not seem surprised by the appointment, even though an outsider may be.  Leondra has two major advantages over the older candidates: the first being her youth, which suggest longevity and stability to the office; the second being that, in Seti's eyes, Honorius and Evroul are likely both more afraid of the Emperor and may yet be ready to be on the front lines, knowing their previous leader recently fell to the Blackguard menace. Leondra, although quiet, is brave.

Secretly, Seti is relieved that he was not chosen. It would be a great honor and increase his political status greatly, but he too feels he could accomplish much more in the field; something to which he is much more suited than the older Temple elders. Specialization of labor suggests that he remain with his relative strength. Hence, he quite deliberately made no promotion of his candidacy. Inwardly, he is disappointed that he has yet to ferret out any spies or weaknesses of the Hun invasion, but he knows his work is important - assisting Theodoric, delivering Minerva's torc to Katrelle. Each step along the way, he cannot see how it fits into the puzzle, but he has faith that the gods know and guide his path.

As always, he is deferential and respectful to High Priestess Raude Parisi. "High Priestess," he answers, "I trust that the King and his advisers will deliver troops, by assignment and by training. They have shown great skill on the battlefield and in organization. I believe that when every free-spirited being resists, almost no region is vulnerable. In the recent battles, our greatest strength was the vast participation of humans, fey, elves, and others. If the people of Ganda believe in Katrelle, I suspect that strength may keep them alive. However, if they doubt her, Ganda's security seems deeply in question. Teona's assignment here, Minerva's gift, and now your presence add a great deal of credibility. Let yourself be seen. By now, stories of the king's marriage abound, and your personal visit will certainly be seen as a good omen."

Separately, Seti reinforces the High Priestesses statements about the clergy. "Our Temple cannot be an exception. It would not be normal. Not knowing which of our leaders do not strongly support Theodoric bothers me greatly. Yet, I know that Leondra took a big risk in Vipaicus, and she saw the demonic threat up close and personal. While young, this field experience gives me hope that when the chips are down, she can be relied upon. I have no evidence of any subversion within our Temple or others, else I would act upon it. Yet still, it must exist. It always exists, somewhere."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

They tour the town of Ganda with Raude.  Raude Parisi might as well be carrying a sign that says “High Priestess of Venus”, she attracts a lot of attention.  She isn’t young, but Venus rewards her faithful, allowing them to hold on to beauty as they age.

Raude Parisi agrees with Seti… and has further opinions.  Perhaps, her own status as a High Priestess, and a senior one (she’s held the office for eleven years) allows her to comment more freely on other high ranking clerics.

“Leondra is with us, entirely.  Honorius would have been a more cautious High Priest, he frets enough over the risks his daughter takes, he could not bring himself to add more.  In that regard, we have a better hope in Leondra.  But it changes the balance.  The Emperor no longer sees the priests of Pluto as potential allies- at least, not entirely.  There are reports that they see opportunity with Evroul.  Overall, though.. the privileges they’ve extended to you are gone.

“But at least your temple is reliably opposed to the Huns. Add to that mine.. and the Temples of Mercury, Minerva, and Vulcan.  That is all we can count on, now.  So many others will offer nothing more than prayer and patience… and Philipos, the High Priest of Mars, has become so angry and withdrawn, seeing his power failing.  He is of no help.  If he acts it will be with blind anger.  That may be even worse than excess caution.

“One more item of interest. Vargum, the High Priest of Vulcan, has led some of his followers to the Dwarven Kingdom, to do something about the Demon who holds sway there.  I cautioned him, but he went, two weeks ago, and there has been no word yet.”

She smiles at Titus’s questions.

“Improving the spirit… I wonder, if Oda had shown up, would you have said improving our education?  You are a diplomat.  And you know who Venus is and how she rules.  Many underestimate.  But I think you’ll agree, no intellectual argument and no promise of reward will motivate a man to such lengths as his own heart will.  They need things to live for.  With things to live for, everything else falls into place as it must.”

They conduct a circuit of the town.  Used to the attention, Raude charms the people where they go, and even offers a few blessings.  For those that have lost love ones, she stammers a bit- Venus is about the promise of new love, but love lost leaves her turning to Seti.  There is more of that than she was expecting, and by the time they get back to the castle, she is a little worn.

There is a new thread, dealing with new arrivals- Bulwyf, Swift, and Salen have returned here after their mission.   The new thread is  Ganda Castle.  But this thread can still be used for further followup to the conversation here.

Titus himself smiles, but contends, "My Lady knows me well enough, but I assure you that I would be saying something similar even if you were a priest of Neptune. The people need to be reminded that the Huns lies about the Gods are indeed lies. That as High Priestess of Venus you might communicate this in some situations than others is an advantage, I agree, but this is a message I hope any priest might convey."