Bruxzella is a relatively new city as cities go.  Before the Romans there were settlements blending Celtic and Germanic culture along the river, but nothing like a city.   Things began to pick after the Roman conquest, with the city developing as a local center along the road which went from Gaul to the northern Rhineland area, by way of Mos Trajectum.  The Franks moved in during a Roman internal crisis, taking control at the turn of the fourth century- two hundred and twelve years ago, by the characters’ reckonings.    Under the Franks, Bruxzella grew into Belgica’s second largest city, as it was centrally located for them.  When the Franks later moved into Gaul in the late fifth century, they established Belgica as a series of Duchies under their central authority.  The Duke of Bruxzella- Ambric, then a young and aggressive Frankish noble- pressed to be recognized as King, under a new Frankish Emperor but superior to the other Belgican Dukes.  This was not permitted.

But to make his case, Ambric had his palace built- bigger and better than the other Ducal residences of Belgica (though it was later surpassed in Anteverpia).

Compared to many of the official buildings Titus has seen, the palace of Bruxzella is a young looking building.  It has not yet had time to acquire the weathering of a mature building.  The stone of the lower floors is still clean.   The higher floors of the building are wood and stucco, since Ambric did not have a budget that could afford stone beyond the main outer wall.  Still, the structure is built for defense.  It also has a definite artistic design, emphasizing the new pride of Belgica.

Duke Ambric is the oldest of the nobles of Belgica now, the last of the “original appointees” of King Childeric the First, (father of Clovis, father of Theoderic).  He is in his sixties, now.  He is a widower, but has carefully groomed and positioned his family for leadership.  His son Honnic manages the court of Bruxzella, and will likely be Duke one day.  He has one granddaughter who is the wife of the Duke of Anteverpia, and his grandson Renay, (Also in line to be Duke one day) acts as messenger, guide, and general assistant for his grandfather, who insists that the boy have a life of service, not leisure, if he is going to be a proper duke one day.

The palace is built around a central great hall- the Aula Magna.  This is the main court and meeting hall of Bruxzella, and it is where the Duke conducts most of his public business.  It is a large oval shaped chamber in a rectangular building- and the spaces left over have been made into small closets, storage rooms, and private meeting rooms, because as everyone knows, most of the real business of a leader is conducted in the small room, not the big room.

Ambric is happy to host the party- they are, after all, the retinue of his king.  A king he had a hand in creating, from his point of view:  it was his acceptance, not the crown from the High Priestess of Venus,  that gave Theoderic true legitimacy in Belgica.  A king cannot rule without the approval of the nobility.  And now, the new King Theoderic has just demonstrated his power at the battle of Namaco, and this is a good time to make it clear that Bruxzella is a strong supporter of the king.

But he is very curious:  What are their purposes?  What does Theoderic propose to do?  Ambric hopes this does not include more military campaigning.  Fielding troops is expensive.  In winter, even more so, because they cannot live off the land and food must be acquired and supplied for them.

Ambric wonders:  A war usually concludes with some parley between the two sides.  Is that what is intended?

Titus is very careful to treat Amberic and his family with appropriate respect and regard. That said, he is the Minister of State of Belgica and while this position is not yet well defined it is nevertheless important. And he is very aware of this, so he is just as careful to speak carefully. Or not at all. But he can not, respectfully, not answer the Duke when asked some questions.

Accordingly, when the Duke asks him about whether or not the fighting will continue into the winter he pauses, "This is truly a question for the King, My Lord, for it is his decision. However, that I am here with you to represent him and coordinate the recovery of the nation from the invasion signifies not only that he understands how horrible this has all been, but that continuing the war would be very difficult.

"Between you and me, I am uncertain that we have the strength to continue the war at this time, despite the fact that with his serial defeats the Emperor is weaker than he has been in a very, very long time. Accordingly, I have in my mind two missions.

"The first is ensuring that you and your fellow Dukes have the resources you each need to quickly ameliorate the wounds our people bear. In the near term, I believe, that this is primarily about learning what is needed and determining who has it -- Perhaps I am being hopeful, but it is quite likely that what one of Your Lordships has too much of might be greatly needed by another and vice versa. From here we will look to our neighbors to see what might be gained and traded with them.

"A quick step, for example, might be to look at those children that have lost their families and determine whether or not there are families that lost children that would like to adopt them. This would enable Masters to more quickly replace lost Apprentices and in the long term help heal our industries. Of course, this is only an example and I am certain that once we gather all of the Dukes of Belgica together we will come up with many other things that we can do together to help not only ourselves, but Belgica as a whole."

"He pauses and taking a sip from his cup, continues with a certain edge and sharp certainty underlined by a almost beatific smile, "The second project would be a parlay with the Emperor. We need time to recover and reorganize. So does he. However, I believe we need less time and he has less time... We do not know how his Demonic master behave, but something tells me that his failure and the waste of the powers they invested in his forces will inspire them to great impatience. Meanwhile, his own Generals are doubtless sensing this as a moment of weakness and you know as do I that Orcs are unlikely to sit quietly at a time like this.

"So, we must be prepared for the Emperor to be increasingly erratic, but use his need for time to prepare ourselves for the day the metaphorical damn breaks. And hopefully, for once, we shall decide the date of that event."

OOC: I forgot to add in my last post about letters Titus is sending that he would ask Bardas to send word to Minnie inviting him to come to Belgica and join his staff.

Seti follows along with Titus, asking a few general questions along the way to help the minister prepare for the upcoming dialogue. Once at the palace, he says very little but intends to blend in as any other part of Titus's entourage. He is there primarily as an observer. Having been in the position of negotiating himself, he appreciates having one voice for the audience to hear. Even if he has something to say, it will wait until later unless it seems an emergency.

Mostly, he wants to see this most important Duke up close and personal. While Seti trusts Theodoric's battle command, he still worries that the defensive forces are underestimating the Emperor. Not only would he not take defeat lightly, he has many forces for which Seti has still unaccounted. Questions remain about the ships and supply convoys, the Blackguard, the priests of Mars, and the loyalty of various parties on both sides of the fence.

When Titus mentions a parlay with the Emperor, Seti takes notice but keeps his poise so as to reveal his thoughts. While he himself had tried to parlay with the Orcs on more than one occasion, it rarely goes well. How could this possibly be the end? Hopefully, the Dukes will be made to understand the threat remains. A common enemy is the best uniting force.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Thu 24 Jan 2013.

Ambric suggests that Titus pause a little in his journey.  He won’t travel quickly in winter anyway.  While the Ardennes is known for deep, cold, snowy winters, coastal Belgica is much milder.  But it is still cold, and the days short, and the roads very wet and muddy even when they are not snowy.  If Titus wanders around, Ambric notes, his “staff’ will have a hard time catching up.  If he gives them a chance, they can regroup with him here.

Titus and Seti are not political novices.  They understand that Ambric always has an angle for himself:  It would certainly be to his advantage if Bruxzella was the center of restoration efforts by Theoderic.

And Ambric does not wish to fight a war in the winter.  It is very difficult, and very expensive.  And finances are not good.  The economy of Belgica has been disrupted by the Huns.

This is not a recent event, although the current war has made a difficult situation worse.  The Huns have made life difficult for traders.  Different regions have different key export products, and much of Belgica relies on fine wool.  People here will not prosper if the wool cannot get to distant markets.

When Seti arrives Titus greets him warmly and respectfully, but focuses his attention upon to the Duke, "Unfortunately, My Lord, it is rare that a leader has the opportunity to choose when he fights a war, but I understand your concerns. I also very well understand your warnings about the difficulties of the travels before me.

"Given the centrality of your city, I would think it more efficient to bring your fellow Dukes here and spend a week here in the earliest days of the winter organizing our response to the past tribulations...."

He pauses taking another sip from his cup. As he does so he is carefully watching Ambric, clearly considering his words, "My concern, My Lord, if you do not mind me revealing myself like this, is that were I to ask the Dukes to come to us, if they do not take offense, they will feel themselves bound to their people at this time and not wish to leave their fiefs at times like this.

"This said, I do believe that if we were all in one room for a few days we would get more done than weeks of my shuttling back and forth among you and vice versa. So, I ask you for your advice since despite my position I am relatively new among you. Would you be willing to host such a gathering? I expect that we shall have a week or two as the Emperor's attacks are finally defeated in the West at Mos Trajectum...  And perhaps most importantly, were I to ask the Dukes to come to me rather than going to them would they take this amiss?"

"Bringing us together in this time may be difficult,"  Ambric says, "though I agree this would be the place for it.  Gwalthus at Mons Trajectum is utterly committed to the defense of his realm.  And while we've seen the main battle here, there has been fighting near Mons Trajectum, as you well know.  He is on the front line and not likely to leave.  Likewise the Duke of Bagacum- though he seems to have evaded most of it, he is still on the front.  And the Duchess of Ganda... no one's heard from them,and they were right in the path of the invasion."

He thinks on that for a while; obviously it troubles him.

Finally, he concludes;  "We can do nothing with the situation in Ganda unknown.  Where things are uncertain, there is fear.  None of the Dukes will act while there is uncertainty and fear."

Still listening, Seti wracks his brain about this Duchess Ganda.  Does he know anything about her or her realm; specifically its geography.  What could the position of this uncertainty be and why there and not elsewhere?  Believing little happens by chance and still waiting for the proverbial second shoe, any unknown so close is serious to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

"Yes, I suppose I shall have no choice but to go to them. Indeed, given the circumstances it is probably better that I do so. Regardless, I am happy to have your Lordship's hospitality as I await the arrival of those of my staff that were not at Namaco, and endeavor to learn what I may about your Duchy."

He pauses and takes another sip from his glass, "As to Ganda... I was hoping that you might have some news from there. I have only not heard much of value, but that which did get to us suggests a rather unfortunate situation. The only good news I have in this is that if Duchess Kajir did fall, her heir did not die with her, because she was not in Ganda. Indeed, she had been travelling with me since I spent some time in Ganda some months back. I know where Lady Ketrelle is and she will be joining us here soon. Once she arrives I expect that Ganda will likely be my first stop."

They talk about Ganda for a while.  Ambric has no recent news;  he had fled Bruxzella himself with his troops, and they had taken up hidden positions in the Elven forest, waiting for Theoderic to arrive.  It cut him off from outside events, for a while, and he is as much in the dark as Titus and Seti.  All he can add is his speculation as to why the Huns took that coastal route through Ganda over the more direct route through Bagacum- perhaps they wanted to stay far away from the forest as long as possible, to give the Elves less warning.

Both Titus and Seti are familiar with the basic geography of the Duchy of Ganda.  For assistance, see the map below.  Three of Belgica’s Duchies are highlighted:  Ganda in yellow, Anteverpia in Beige, Bagacum in blue.

The Duchy of Ganda is flat and coastal, and subject to frequent flooding.  (This area, and Anteverpia, correspond to real-world Flanders, a name that may derive from old root words meaning “Flood Lands”.”)   It is good agricultural land, and great for sheep, but is poor in other natural resources.  It has many waterways, including small canals, and a variety of small towns, unlike Bruxzella and Anteverpia Duchies which are centered on cities.

Seti considers what he knows of the clergy here…
Within the hierarchy of Arras, Belgica was known as a region for mediocre under-achieving priests, who neither sought nor warranted great challenge from life.  The land was peaceful, and being hemmed in by the Elves to the east and Halflings to the north, considered safe.  There is the notable exception:  Mos Trajectum on the Meuse River, which is the short stretch where Belgica borders Hun-controlled Germania.  And there are a few exceptional priests, such as Ostavus, the priest of Jupiter at Mos Trajectum, a fiery man who relishes his post at the edge of civilization.  But mostly it is a place where exciting things were not supposed to happen, and those seeking challenge and status went elsewhere.

Seti knows a few of the priests there.   Only two are of his order.   The young priestess of Pluto at Viroviacum, Xybezza, he met recently.  She happens to be the only surviving cleric in her town, now.   In Tongrorum, there is another priest of Pluto, the older Servatius III.  Other clerics of note that Seti is familiar with include (other than Ostavus) are the Chaplain of Bagacum, a priest of Mars; the quirky Priestess of Fortuna in Anteverpia, and the Priest of Apollo, also in Anteverpia.

OOC: I know that the range and breadth of the various Hun attacks are difficult to show on a single map; however, looking at the map that you posted showing the three Hun attacks (East, North, West) in "New Directions!" thread it appears as if the nearest arc of their East attack did not come within 50 miles of Ganda. Is this because that particular attack came via sea and was part of the Hun attack that came via sea and included Walacria and Amstedellem? If Titus wouldn't know this due to the 'fog of war', etc. no problem, I just figured I'd ask.

It was unfortunate that Ambric did not know more from Ganda, but this is not a surprise given the challenges everyone has faced throughout Belgica. It is clear that he is going to have at least a week here given that he wishes to await not only Ketrelle's arrival, but that of Bardas and, hopefully, Minnie as well. As the Duke speaks he can not help but thinking about his near term plans. While he is awaiting his friends he intends to get to get know the Duke and his family better as well as add to his understandings of the Belgican nobility. It seems likely that with his victories Theodoric will have little resistance from them in the short term, but this is unlikely to last forever. And unlike previous missions when he had a complete staff to help him (between Bardas on the Trade front, Minnie on the Social, and Jaquen with the Common Folk he was able to quickly develop a rather comprehensive understanding of a place) he can not help but feel a bit on his own, at least in terms of his duties as First Minister, so he is also on the look out for likely talent that he might recruit.

Throughout the evening, Seti observes and listens. He cannot help but think of life cycles and how smooth the transition of power will be when Duke Ambric makes his final journey the afterlife. If his heirs are present, Seti pays particular attention to their mannerisms, hoping to get some brief insight into their personalities. As the evening goes on and Titus explains his various tasks, he realizes that they will be here several days and begins to think through how to best spend his time.

After the meeting with the Duke, Seti takes a moment to again review the list of names from on the Blackguard's list in Viroviacum - just to see if he recognizes any particular names during the various discussions. He has interest in visiting those few priests he knows in the region, but none seem close enough or important enough to warrant a special trip, especially given the dangerous travel conditions. He wonders again what the Blackguards are planning, as it seems they were entirely absent from the most recent invasion into the Ardennes; perhaps their ability to blend in amongst the Gauls is hampered by the mysteries of the forest and the fey.

He decides to spend more time in the industrial district to get a further first hand feel for the morale of the citizenry, not merely of the recent battle but also of their faith in Duke Ambric and King Theodoric to keep them safe. Likely, few realize how close they were to complete annihilation. As he wanders, he takes notes on the state of affairs including what production seems in tact as the troops will likely need many supplies: from food to weapons to warm blankets. With that in mind, he also makes it a point to visit whatever administration office that oversees the local economy. He continues to add to his prior notes. That night, he organizes them again and begins to make another notebook to clarify and compare the various legal codes of the region - at least the primary, common law subjects and any unusual observances. When the war ends, effecting a uniform legal code may help the King bring together his diverse constituency. If he can find any existing written summaries, he attempts to purchase a copy for study as they travel.

Seeing Titus making the best of being short-handed, Seti reminds him that for now he too is at the minster's disposal. "While my first duties lie with the order of Lord Pluto, I am happy to help however I can. Many of the people here have their own customs, and now does not seem the time for me to get involved in their local religious duties, given the uncertainty of our stay. In Vipiacus and other large towns, I found myself naturally drawn to the industrial districts. In work, a man finds solace and often reveals what weighs on his heart. In most of Gaul, the laborer is treated reasonably well, with some protection afforded his trade, but in other places, under other rulers, the citizenry is abused and treated like slaves, an anathema to the gift of sentience to man," he explains, attempting to discover Titus's position on slavery. He realizes that Titus must be intimately familiar with the social and occupational structures and he knows the King must work with the merchant's guilds, but they have left Seti troubled, as they still profit from the trading of people like livestock.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Thu 31 Jan 2013.

Titus is glad to hear of Seti's interest in being an active member of his Ministerial team and says so, "I very much appreciate your interest, Patre. You are willing to join my staff? Perhaps you would take it upon yourself to act as an intermediary between myself and the other Religious throughout Beligica? I would hope that as such we might better coordinate the secular effort we represent and the Religious throughout the realm."

He pauses before responding as to his stance on slavery, "I think that you know that House Mercator has long worked within the realm of the Goths as well of that of the Visigoths and previous to that within the Roman Empire. As such, I could not pretend that we have from time to time dealt in the slave trade. Today I do not believe that we are much involved in this in southern Europa.

"My purpose here, originally, was to seek a foothold for my House in the north and as I have traveled I have not seen much in the way of slavery outside of the Hunnish Empire. Within Theodoric's realm and Belgica the slave trade does not currently exist and I would not seek to see it reintroduced.

"It may well have existed in Rome, and while I would see Europa regain much of its ancient Glory, I do not believe that the institution of slavery need be reestablished as part of that goal."

(The map in new directions was "best known at that time".  They knew the Huns hit the Duchy of Ganda.  The city... unknown.)

The Duke attends to some “local” issues.  The process of having the population depart and then return, with a battle in the interim, has not been completely smooth.  There are things that have “gone missing” only to be seen in the possession of other citizens.  There are accusations that not all of the damage done was done by Huns.  There are claims of promises made and not honored.

Some of it, he delegates to his son.  Sooner or later, the man will be Duke.  Might as well start him off.

”You should have Reney attend,” Ambric tells his son, referring to his grandson… who is also in line to be Duke, eventually.

”He’s found his latest pet cause, I think.  The Elves who came here, and the ones with them, he’s sworn to help out.”

Hot headed youth.  Too quick to swear his sword to things.  Ambric frowns, but quickly softens.  Weren’t we all that way, once?

And there are funerals to attend to, of course…and Ambric is happy for the presence of Seti, who can manage them with the proper dignity.

But in the mean time, he has sent messengers to the other Dukes.  Afraid that the roads were still too dangerous for ordinary couriers, he sent teams of cavalry- all of whom are now veteran warriors.

The men sent to Bagacum report back first.  The roads are, as expected, somewhat dangerous.  The Hun army is in full retreat and has passed out of Belgica, but in the process, some of it has broken up and “gone rogue”.  Some of the Huns, it seems, have decided that their odds are better turning to brigandry than going home to face the consequences of failure.

Bagacum itself fared well.  They defended against some minor raids and probes, as the Huns were looking for weakspots, as well as what the Duke of Bagacum describes as “holding attacks”, moves made not take Bagacum, but to ensure that the Duke of Bagacum remains to protect it, and doesn’t move his troops to support Theoderic.

Seti follows the Duke's strategy, one of individual self-preservation amongst the nobility, which is understandable, and the Hun strategy to rely on that aspect of humanity.  When the Duek suggests Pluto handle the mass ceremonies, he attempts to redirect slightly. "Our other ministerial and diplomatic missions weigh upon my time at the moment, but I will certainly meet with your priests and give each some remedial instruction on the proper rituals, which are somewhat different for battles and over mass events.  With the blessings of Lady Prosperpina, we can incorporate any priestess available as well. Lord Pluto appreciates your respect, as shou;d your people."

Titus is not only waiting for the arrival of Bardas and Ketrelle and Minnie, if she decides to make herself available, but to hear how the Dukes respond to Ambric's letters. Well, that's not the only reason. He also needs to get a definite sense of what the Duke needs to recover Ambric, so he will attend Honnic's Court to hear for himself the troubles their people are having. He will also attend funerals. It is fitting that as the representative of the Throne he is present.

Meanwhile, the matter of bands of Huns left behind by the retreating army is not a small matter. Each Duke ought to have sufficient strength to deal with this, particularly since in the moment they are safer from the Emperor than at any time in the past several years, if not longer, so that their arms may be focused on hunting down the marauders that remain.

As initial steps, Titus asks the Duke to send them back to the Duke from whom they've returned with a message from him asking for a report not only on their remaining Hun problem and the supplies their realms are lacking. He expects that this will not only give him a sense of what each region needs and hands sufficiently, but which needs the most help dealing with their marauders.

While doing this he sends a report to Theodoric updating him on the status of each Dukedom as he learns of them and his intended itinerary once he departs Bruxzella.