The exact origins of the arrangement behind Québec's ducal system are unclear, although it is obvious that it arose soon after the apocalypse in the ruins of Montréal. It seems the three crucial figures in its early establishment were those who would go on to claim the three hereditary duchies of the early Kingdom (that is, the duchies of Île-du-Canada, Estrie, and Mauricie). Their birth names are unclear, but the names that were recorded by history were Louis de Bourbon (Louis XIX), Philippe de Saint-Étienne, and Henri de Montcuq.

The question of the origin of the three original dukes is an interesting one for historians. "Louis de Bourbon" would be a coherent pseudonym, but it is unclear that Saint-Étienne or Montcuq match any notable noble families; if they are indeed noms-de-guerre, then they were chosen purely for their vaguely aristocratic airs, and not as a reference to any specific family.

As the Bourbon kingdom expanded, fiefs were carved out for Saint-Étienne and Montcuq, aswering directly to Louis himself. Their underlings, however - who were givens the titles of Comte, Baron, Vicomte, Marquis, &c. - were often local strongmen who were pacified and vassalised with a noble title and the feudal contract: land and protection in exchange for troops and money. Some titles were also granted for exceptional service, particularly in the lands which were taken over from communes or petty republics which had previously had no ruler.

The fourth Duke of the early Kingdom was the Archbishop of Québec, who was granted the Duchy of Québec, around either side of the mouth of the Saint-Laurent. Through the extensive records kept by the Catholic church in Québec, we understand much of the early situation of Québec City. After the bombs fell, the Archbishop provided spiritual guidance, keeping whatever was left of his flock together. The spiritual power naturally morphed into temporal power. It was this spiritual authority that attracted the hereditary Dukes. The Catholic Church was promised a strong position in the future kingdom in exchange for offering its legitimacy to the Dukes. This agreement was sealed by the creation of the Duchy of Québec, and the coronation by the Archbishop of Louis de Bourbon.

Under Alphonse Ier, a new Duke was added: his childhood friend and cousin, Charles de Bourbon. He was created Duke of Ouatouais as a reward for his role in the conquest of the city. Presumably, this was also an attempt to centralise power in Bourbon hands by Alphonse.

Concretely, the early kingdom's feudal system was a combination of military and civilian administration. A nobleman was charged with levying troops and tax from the lands within his fief, and was part of the military hierarchy, serving under his liege. The nobleman was entitled to protection from external threats, and naturally, to his land. His liege, on the other hand, was entitled to troops and tax from his vassal. The King, therefore, is the ultimate tax collector, and the head of the army.

The aim of the ducal system was to facilitate the expansion of the Canadian realm. But what was its effectiveness under Alphonse Ier and later rulers? In this essay, I will

Map of the duchies in 2050:
I - Île-du-Canada
II - Estrie
III - Mauricie
IV - Québec
V - Ouatouais

Spending 1AP to roll for the mechanical effects of the ducal sytem (particularly on expansion)