Druk nods,

Trickery...

He says thoughtfully.

I’ll stay with what I know 
Druk drinks his mead and listens more. He will find his way around the party looking bored and surely.

Thank you for you good opinion of us Gondioque responds. Burgundy is enjoying peace tough it's true that we have expanded east to include Cambrete. Also we have increaed influence westward toward our dwarven allies.

She circulates and has come close to the orcs.

Bryon had grown bored while the “grown ups” were talking and wandered away.  Thus when Parthus Cenegis turned to look for her she had already flittered away. She found some young men who stood about and broke into their conversation, demanding attention. She did note that Cenegis had turned to look for her and she giggled, waiting until his eyes found her then flitting away again. What a marvelous game! She could keep him looking around for a nice long while and eventually, when she got bored with this particular game, she could lead him upstairs for an all together different game. Carl the Owl had awoken completely now and sat in the high rafters watching the entire proceeding.

The Orcs have something else they talk about, once they get bored with discussing how pathetic the human

Orcish politics is in constant tension, between the truths every Orc must believe, and the truths that underlie them.  Between the desire to be a warrior, and the knowledge of the costs that inevitably come with it.  The Visigoth Emperor has announced an upcoming offensive, apparently against the Ostrogoths, and Massilia, so close to the front, is expected to contribute its fair share.  And if you ask any of the Massilia's chieftains, they are all eager to go and slaughter as many of the foe as they can in bloody warfare.  But underlying that... the knowledge that the chieftains who participate the most boldly are risking the loss of the most troops.  And if they lose many troops, even if they themselves survive, their relative position of power declines.  War can turn a powerful, wealthy chieftain into a minor player taking orders from more fortunate Orcs.  And vice versa.

So the Orcs' discussions, once they are done with Human things, turn to "Who will send what?  Who will go?  Who will get the dishonorable, cowardly, (but oh so financially lucrative) task of garrisoning the city and making sure the Humans stay peaceful and quiet and cough out the needed supplies to sustain the war?

Some of the Humans have heard hints of this before.  Orcs discussing a big upcoming campaign.  Now, it seems, within a few weeks a great many Orcs will be leaving the city.

But none of this is shared with Humans.  In fact, they tend to stop talking about it when Humans approach, and get back to their usual sneering and condescension.  Druk picks up plenty, Gondioque, only tatters.

** ** ** **  ** ** ** ***

Bryon, on the other hand, quickly realizes that she can easily and completely escape Parthus.  He is old and he knows it, he has no desire to wear out his knees pursuing her around the hall.  Besides, he is also rich and he knows it.  Maybe not as rich as some of the others present.. maybe upper middle class is a better descriptor, given the current status of his family holdings... but the rich do not pursue servants.  They summon them.

As Bryon flirts her way through the younger men, she gets a written note, a short one, delivered by another servant.  She is invited to "private wine and festivities".

Gondioque notes whether any of the orcs are female; and, if so, what they have on (clothes, jewelry, makeup, etc.).

Bryon figured that the dirty old man was more interested in the Princess than in her, which was fine. None of the young men seemed to have enough to afford her, and so she wandered looking for someone who might be able too. That was when another servant handed her an invitation to private wine and festivities. Since the invitation did not say whom it was from, she figured it was the young men playing a game. She tossed the invitation into the refuse and continued her search for someone who would help her to understand this whole bachanal thingy. If it was all just passing notes, it seemed rather silly. She could have done that at a tavern after all.

Gondioque looks around for female Orcs.

Female Orcs aren't seen as often as the males.  In fact, female Orcs and young Orcs are seen so rarely, all out of proportion to what one might expect, that many believe Orcs have *other* means of sustaining their numbers.  They never go into battle, and are often kept hidden away by the male Orcs, possibly because they understand that losing a female means losing all of her potential children.  Female Orcs are considerably more fecund than their Human counterparts, able to have children 3 or 4 at a time and do it again the following year, but this is still not enough to explain the disparity in numbers.

The female Orcs that Humans get to see, therefore, tend to be "special".

Of the Orcs here, only three are female.  One is a female chieftain- while the proportion of female Orcs is low, the proportion rises towards the top of the social strata.  This is possibly because upper tier Orcish advancement can be helped more by deviousness and cleverness than by brute strength.  (You can hire brutes).  The others are a female Orc Shaman, and another that appears to be a guard/assistant.

Druk would know who the female chieftain is.  She completed her rise to chieftainship by killing her husband, and then his top rival.  Both in "fair", witnessed ritual combat.

Gondioque investigates Orcish jewelry styles.

Orcish jewelry styles look a lot like Roman styles.  Orcish artistic ability is notably lacking in aesthetics, and even Orcs (some of them, anyway) appreciate this.  Most brush it off as of no consequence:  who cares about aesthetics?  But the smart ones get it- enough to see that Roman jewelry is valuable, and they prefer it to anything they make.

They have a ready explanation when asked about appropriating the style of the Romans:  by wearing the jewelry they remind everyone around them of who conquered whom.  At least, that's the story.

Perhaps they actually like it and actually admit it.  After all, Orcs that do openly admire Human culture- the Ooks, as Druk would know- are ostracized and persecuted.

But Gondioque sees several necklaces and pendants of Roman style, and notes further:  the thicker Orcish fingers don't adapt well to Human rings, but the Orcish women wear them like charms on their necklaces.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Thu 23 Jan 2020.

Gondioque, when there's a pause in the Orc ladies' conversation, ventures a comment. A clever and attractive idea, adding the rings that way...catches the eyes.

Gondioque has picked on one of the Orc female Shamans.

For a moment or two, the Orc looks puzzled by the comment.  It is not something she normally hears from Humans.  They tend not to comment on Orcish fashion.  In fact, they seldom venture any positive comments at all.  No Human ever gives her a "Good morning, Gukjod, you look nice today."

The shaman instinctively and protectively clutches the ring.  Perhaps a Human would comment on its appearance if the Human wished to steal it?  No... that seems bizarre.

Time to get to the bottom of the matter.

"Is there something about the ring you like?  Something special?" she asks, looking suspicious.

Gondioque leans her head forward to look briefly before standing erect. It's a nice ring, and it may be special—you are wearing it. And the idea of having rings on necklaces adds interest...induces people to look. And we ladies like to be looked at; at least I don't mind.

"Who looks at an Orc woman but an Orc man, and only when he feels the need," says the Orc priestess.  "Which is rare.  Very rare.  But then you would not know our ways, human men seem to have constant interest in their women.  What are you getting at?  What is it you want?"

The unfazed woman replies The great majority of men, and almost all the time...more or less. I'm Ambassador Gondioque Bourgogne, and I want mutually advantageous relations between Burgundy and the Visigoths, especially those in and around Massilia. More particularly, I prefer having friends to being a loner. And to be equally forthright, why are you ladies here?

"We are here because there is no place where a Visigoth may not be," one of the Orc women says.  "Nothing is barred to us.  If your wine god is having a festival, it is our right to see it."

"And to see that the bounds are respected," says another.

The first one resumes, giving the other a momentary look.  "I have never met a Human from Burgundy.  What does Burgundy hope to gain from us?  Burgundy stares in fear at our limits to the north.  One day, there will be war, there must.  Until then, why should we wish any strength to Burgundy?"

"Are you a spy?" the other asks.  "Here to learn of our strength?  If Burgundy thinks the fight with the Ostrogoths is an opportunity, they are mistaken.  The Ostrogoths are mighty, but we can easily fight them while keeping more than enough to repel any attack from Burgundy.  In fact, we would welcome such a thing.  Tell that to your king."

Gondioque knows that Orcs of all stripe have trouble processing the concept of things like "mutually advantageous relations".  In their world, there are winners and losers, in everything- every fight, every trade.  Everything said or done leaves one weaker or stronger, and barring the strange exception of something making two sides weaker or stronger by precisely the same amount, everything changes the balance of power, somehow.  So how can anything be "mutually advantageous?"

On the other hand, she also knows that there can be a great expanse of daylight between what Orcs "know", or profess to know, and what actually happens with them.

Gondioque is unfazed and laughs before replying:

"I'm an Ambassador. What sort of ambassador would I be were I to keep my ears stopped and eyes shut.

"Indeed, you are welcome here. Our Wine God...I'm ignorant, do the Visigoths have a deity of wine?

As you know, Burgundy has products to ship to Africa and the Eastern Empire. It's convenient to bring them downriver. Peace makes trade easier...and trade, each party giving giving up something they want less than what the other offers, benefits both parties. The Visigoths profit by the charges made during the shipping. So Burgundy want a Visigoth realm that enjoys its existence.

"Please disabuse yourself that Burgundy stares in fear in any direction. To the west, we have a firm alliance with the Dwarves. To the North, the Hunnish Empire is no more, and there is peace and good will. To the East, Burgundy is at the Rhine, and relations those to the southeast are respectful and friendly. And to the south, we see a little-occupied area, a buffer if you will.

"It is good to hear that you are confident against the Ostrogoths. And doubtless you have nor worries about the West or about the Vandals raiding. Even so war on more than one front may be exciting and fun...but not for long.

"But I'll tell my father that you would welcome war. He'll find the news interesting, but I'll counsel him to avoid relaying your invitation to the few hotheads we have.

"In return for your enlightening words, I'll volunteer some information. As far as I know—and I should know—Burgundy is not seeking any alliance with the Vandals or any of your neighbors. While you Visigoths are strong and have no fear of war, you might find such a triple- or fourfold alliance...annoying."

She gestures a hand around. "How are you enjoying the gathering so far?"

(She makes a mental note to have a talk with the one who mentioned bounds.)

The Orc woman things it is unthinkable that Burgundy does not seek war.. or an easy excuse to extend its holdings.

"You have a king," she says.  "Kings make war, Human and Orc.  Only Elves and Dwarves are content with their borders.  It is impossible that Burgundy would not strike if they thought us weak.  I know that once, your king was king here.**"

It is easier for the Orc to talk about her reaction to the party.

"It is... strange... for our ways.  Not... it is very strange.  Not the males and females slobbering over each other like animals.  But there is no pain, no suffering.  No one seeks to establish dominance over the other.  Is it because this is a god who does not seek dominance?  Bacchus is a being of no courage or conquest.  No stories of battle.  What is the calling of this god?  Is it only this mindlessness?  What do you get from Bacchus?"



**Not exactly, of course, the Orc has history a bit confused.  But Gundobad was a patrician, a man of very high rank, and one might say the power behind the throne.

Gondioque has listened carefully. "If you were thought weak, I think it'd be more likely that you'd face attacks from the east and the sea. In that case, Burgundy would be an ally worth taking a chance on. One trouble with war is that it uses up up lives and resources that can make life better for everybody. That's why King Gundobad favors peace and trade. Another problem with war is that war follows war. Any gains are seldom permanent. And they disrupt the natural flow of things. For example, if you want goods from the north, such goods come easiest from or through Burgundy. Likewise, if Burundians want goods from the south, such goods come easiest from or though your lands.

"We are animals, you, and I...just ones who can think more thoughts than most animals. As for Bacchus, He's not my God tho0ugh I respect what he has done for the intelligent races. Long ago, He spread knowledge of the grape and wine making. From that, He has some interest in agriculture and is the release, promoting fertility, that wine drinking can give. Too much release sometimes, in my opinion. As for dominating, there is another way. See that couple kissing and caressing? Each strives to excite and please the other. By doing this each gains more pleasure. Note also that they do not just copulate and part, so their mutual pleasure is prolonged. Why should there be pain? Is there not enough pain for us women in childbirth?

"Incidentally, about this kings-making-war: I have a friend named Vocaphil who has proposed a Great Council. Each land, each type of people, has a seat. The idea is to create any laws treating with each other which all can agree to follow and arbitrate disputes between lands an peoples. Besides, for those who want to test their strength, agility, whatever; there are other ways than attempting to hurt or kill each other."

(Are we really down to a one player game here?  No one else is responding anymore!)

The Orc women look at each other.. it's hard to judge their expressions.  But eventually one says to Gondioque:  "You do not talk like other Humans, or even Elves.  I do not know what you talk like.  It is... strange."

The other notes:  "It's not a good time for strange things.  War with the Ostrogoths comes.  When there is fighting, the guard is up.  No one has time to talk about strange things.  Who dominates who... all that can change in a moment on the battlefield.  Then, when the dust settles, maybe then it is time."

[Don't know what other avenues the others could be traveling. Or they might be waiting for the conversation to end and something to happen.]

Gondioque replies Maybe these are strange times. Regardless, tell your males this: Burgundy is at peace with you. Burgundy offers you continued peace. Better for you if you are at peace with Burgundy if or when war  with the Ostrogoths comes. Only fools fight with two when they could fight with one. And the dust only will settle when no people tries to dominate any other people.

Druk is chilling at the party, he finally separates from the Orcs and looks for a place to relieve himself, acting as an Orc or course, he can relieve himself happily in the garden. Then he will wander himself about and watch the party for sinister looking party goers he can watch out for.

never left, just didn't have much going on
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

Bryon still wanders, looking for a tour guide/play mate.

Since the others can't find a groove at this Bacchanal and I do know where Titus has gone (who was a key instigator of this story arc, you can't simply play Instigate and Run, it's not right) we have to move beyond.

By the evening's end each character achieves a goal.


For Druk, it is gathering some essential information regarding the Orcs.  He learns more about the upcoming war with the Ostrogoths.  The Visigoths will be moving soon, within a week.  Orcs are not hesitant when the war horns sound.  But, it will take them a few weeks for them to reach and invade into Ostrogoth territory where their targets are.  Prior to that time, should there be a crisis in Masillia, they will be easy to recall.  After that, their troops will be mired in the Ostrogoth lands, and Masillia will be at its most vulnerable.  The Orcs know this, but their vision of "vulnerable" is aligned mostly with external attack.

Gondioque, for her part, confirms this, but also gains a few social contacts among the female Orcs.  The high ranking women of the Orcs will not be going on this campaign, for the most part.  Some will, but Orcs generally think female Orcs should not be wasted in battle.  They will be here, running things.


For Titus, it is gathering the kind of information that Titus wanted to gather in the first place, the political affiliations of the priesthoods at the two temples involved here (Venus and Bacchus) and to discover whether they had leads of the Owl kind, without making open visits to their places on Temple Ridge, which might be observed and raise suspicion.

The Owl is, of course, the bird of Minerva.  It is not commonly expected to be found elsewhere.  And yet, one of the Bacchus priests remarks to Titus, it is.  There is a garden adjacent to these two temples.  It's called the Temple Gardens.  Maintained by the temples for meditation and relaxation, open to the public part of the day, and the only remaining “nice” gardens in the city.  The Temples of Venus and Bacchus both open to the Temple Gardens, which are arranged in a series of gently rising terraces.  The area closer to the Temple of Venus has statuary, hedges, ornamental shrubs and topiaries dividing the space into small, hopefully romantic niches.  The statues have a Venusian theme- very pretty and generally underdressed men and women, a few cherubs, doves... tucked in among some doves is an owl.  It's not an obvious thing, people can pass it and hardly give it a second thought.  Those that do generally make it a brief second thought:  "Oh, that's odd, an owl".  The Venusian garden is not designed to facilitate logical analysis.

But there is an owl, nonetheless.  The priests of Bacchus think it was provided as a gift from the Temple of Minerva at some point, but they don't know more than that.

For Bryon... she finds herself a companion for the night: Parthus Cenegins, the elder man she was talking to earlier, who is impressed that Bryon did not vanish with one or more of the younger men much earlier.  For a night (and the next day, at least) Bryon has a home a lot more elegant than her quarters in the hotel:  the Cenegins town house.  It's mostly empty, as the family is not quite what it once was, but is a lot nicer on the inside than it looks on the outside, where the facade is mostly hidden behind another building and only a discreet entrance faces a side street.

But then.. the characters must decide what they are doing.

Tomorrow will post better.
1. Get fancy gift from paramour;
2. Meet friends, if they need her she is available;
3. Shopping...

Bryon had enjoyed Pathus. Older men knew how to take their time. Foreplay was exceptional and his skill at the main even was flawless. her only gripe would have been that he was only good for a single show. Ah well.

She investigated his home, enjoying looking around at the art and statuary. She was interested in finding magical baubles of course, but anything small and pretty would catch her eye. Once Parthus awoke she gently coaxed him to give her another Main Event if he had it in him, and then took her leave to find and rejoin her friends. She slowly went through the main market shopping as she went.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Mon 06 Apr 2020.

This is a draft, a set of proposed goals/actions:

Gondioque and Titus agree that Mercator merchants will carry Gondioque's diplomatic missives and bring back replies. Gondioque sends a report of conditions and what the Visigoths propose to do. She mentions that she has not yet been diplomatically received; she has, however, been busy. She mentions how pleased she is that Burgundy enjoys peace.

After conferring with House Cabreus, she procures Titus' even slaves. She thus becomes a partner in House Cebreus seeking to increase custom and their income. She instructs them to do assigned menial and routine tasks and to be humble and tongue-guarded at all times. She buys two ratter dogs and has a sign posted PLEASE DON'T FEED, BEAT,OR PET THE DOGS AND ELVES. Once the elves are established and to be trusted, she will question them about any observations they have made. They will have gone shopping, etc. under Druk's guard (and maybe somebody else's).

She works with Druk on the NPC messaging service. The service offers to carry messages between Messalia and the army. If they do, they do not pry into the messages, but they do report how things stand and any reactions to the messages.

She service also is alert for rumors.

She sees how the shell work is coming along. When attractive, practical products result, she and Bryon will wear them. Bryon will see how they work when Bryon dances.

She invites Visigoth ladies to "tea," actually Visigoths dainties and drink. Knife-throwing games can be a feature...no living targets.

She seeks an honest thief, one who secretly want to be a noble.

The travels around the perimeter of the city to assess how it might be defended.

When they meet Druk mentions that he was at the party.

Uh, well ... sometimes I make believe and everyone believes I’m Orc. Even a particular Orc. People know me and can’t see it. So I was at your party.  The Orcs will be away soon when the attack starts on Ostrogoths. The males anyway.

Do we go in the temple now before they go? Did you find anyone who knows a way in?