Update

Chapter 12 - 1149: A Quick Update on the Situation

Attalus has long been a renowned diplomat throughout England. Now, he is known as Duke Attalus of East Anglia, after the passing of his father Duke Ralf III. Unlike his father, he is ascending to the throne at the much later age of 37, rather than at 6. Although he has a silver tongue, he is also celibate, so it is unlikely that he will sire any more children.

However, he already has two sons, the first of which is named Ralf. Ralf is not the ideal candidate for ruler of East Anglia, as he is rather short tempered and lazy. But he does share some of Attalus' skill in diplomacy and he is a competent soldier.

If Attalus decides that Ralf should not inherit the Duchy, he could, of course, elect his youngest son, Breselueu. Although it would be looked down on to deny his eldest the place as heir, and it could possibly incite pretender wars, it may be prudent should Breselueu turn out as well as Attalus did himself. At the moment, Breselueu is an average boy who shows no signs of either brilliance or inability. But, with some guidance from his father, this could change.

Then there are his brothers. The brother he is closest to is Loup, and he is by far the most eligible in the family after Attalus. Loup is an excellent choice due to his administrative skill and his vast scholarly knowledge. Apart from that, he already has a son, ready to continue the line of de Gael. However, there is his age to take into account. It is unlikely that Attalus will pass away for another 20 to 30 years. By that time, Loup would be in his later years.

Attalus' youngest brother is Densley Blair. He is usually forgotten about, especially since Loup came out of his dark years of brothels and filth. Although he is very intelligent, he knows nothing about administration, and only has a basic knowledge of war or diplomacy. What he knows best is food, eating at all hours of the day. It seems unlikely he will inherit the Duchy at any time in the future.

The rest of East Anglia is running smoothly. The laws of inheritance remain as electoral, allowing the higher ranking vassals and the Duke to elect the heir.

England is also electoral. At the moment, the Duke of Northumbria is set to be the next king, followed closely by the Duke of Mercia.

The Council is in good shape, although it is likely to be rearranged in the months following Attalus' ascension to Duke. There are plenty of candidates for each job.

The military is stronger than it has ever been, making up nearly 4 thousand total.

The economy is strong, although the last war did take a chunk out of the stores, and it will be a while before Bedford's union with the duchy will yield economic results.

In the wider world, France and Iberia are in shambles, with Castille controlling several French counties and Brittany controlling the entirety of the Duchy of Leon.

The Islamic world is dominated by the enormous Seljuk Sultanate, which spans from Jerusalem and Anatolia to West India and Central Asia.

Eastern Europe holds the expansive Cumanian Khaganate, which, in the past few decades, converted to Catholicism.

In East Anglia, there is no telling what the rule of Duke Attalus will bring.

Fortune or poverty, victory of defeat?