High Nobility House of Ross

(Current Year: 226) In this series I present the story of my most prominent Houses. Originally my region had ten different houses with one high nobility peerage each; 4 dukes, 5 barons and even 1 lord. Seven of those houses are still top of aristocracy. The Rossie dukedom was the second peerage to be introduced by King Baltazar II in Year 2, and House of Ross got it thanks to a sword duel win. The Rossie landscape includes Henford-on-Bagley, Britechester and Hollow (these days quite forgotten). The entire Rossie district is part of Region 11, but back then the region was much wider. Due to the common past, the high nobility House of Ross still holds very strong ties to my more highlighted Region 12.

This is among the most successful houses around, both politically and financially.


Coat of arms
This coat of arms was kept unchanged except when the 2nd Duke, Benedict II Ross (sovereign Y43-76), designed his personal version where the background changed from quarters to halves, using red on upper half and orange on lower half. The change was temporary, as the next Duke took back the original version, which has been used by the Rossie dukes ever since.

House of Ross got their original coat of arms registered as they were bestowed the Duke of Rossie peerage in Y2. Their main color was (and still is) red, as an reference to blood and their strong military position, lately also to red roses and apples (both of the Rosaceae family). Roses and apples are the Rossie district's signature plants and produce with the best quality coming from Henford-on-Bagley. The additional orange color was a reference to creativity, brought into the Ross family by the 1st duke's wife, widow of Lord of Volpe. A marriage will normally affect CofA only when the spouse hails from a higher ranked House - we don't know the widow's background, but nevertheless it might also have been a tribute to her late first husband. The centered symbol was a Capricorn - originally silver but for the latest generations golden due to their extreme wealth - probably representing strength and their military power, but a few historians have suggested that this fantasy creature actually holds some not yet discovered link to the mysterious vibe of the Bramblewood hood of Henford-on-Baglay.

History
The current Head of the House of Ross is the 6th in a row, all with the high title Duke of Rossie. The founder was Duke Schubret Ross, and today his descendant Jarret Ross holds the house and the peerage. This family was very successful with both military efforts and agriculture, and there never was a conflict concerning heirs. Main line currently includes four sons for the next generation, and a few decisions were already made in order to increase their power. Let's hope they still stay friends when growing up!

The Ross Family Order was
founded by Schubret Ross.

Schubret Ross (-41-43)
Duke of Rossie Y2-43

Schubret Ross was born in the TS1 era, and historians are convinced that he was close to King Baltazar II from the transmission of (year 1), and that they had documents proving the connection. Some think he was even distantly related to the royal family, but we don't know for sure. Like others, Schubret remembered nothing from the past era.

  Year 2 Schubret was bestowed the Rossie dukedom and got a huge landscape on Sim City's outskirts. The district included 5 hoods; Henford-on-Bagley, Hollow, Gibbs Hill, Britechester and Foxbury. A local man, Lord Volpe, refused to give up his land in Henford, and he was killed by Schubret in a sword duel. Schubret married Lord of Volpe's widow, Sabina Louisa Ropanow and they had built an early version of today's Rossie Palace in Little Henford. They had 2 sons and 1 daughter whereof the youngest son died at 23.
  Schubret Ross was a great warrior, and he won many battles for the King, during the early war period ending Year 13. He was awarded the "High Order of Warriors" (Y5). He was also honored with the Order of the National Sprout for his region wide Apple gardens (Y35). The period from Y14 till his death Y43 was peaceful, and he focused on apple produce as well as expanding the palace. There was a big house fire delaying this project, but in total Rossie Palace was slightly improved during his time.

  The low nobility Barony of Gibbs (Britechester) was introduced by Schubret (Y20). This was one of 3 new baronies that were intended to form a network across district borders. The others were Barony of Zeddlemore (San Myshuno) and Barony aus Isle (Windenburg). Today Gibbs barony is the only one remaining.

  Duke Schubret's picture is from a painting dated Y13. His portrait on the Ross Family Bow was probably based on this painting. He carried a red jacket which is still used by the Rossie dukes at investiture, but historians can't explain why he did not wear the Rossie District Order sash. On the painting he is already grey haired, and the order was well established and probably the most attractive of the area. One theory is that those district orders were not very popular among the sovereigns from the start.

Benedict II Demitris Ross,
Duke of Rossie, dated Y44.

Benedict II Demitris Ross (-4-79)
Duke of Rossie Y43-76.

Benedict II was the oldest son of Schubret, born back in the TS1 era. Aged 47 he became Head of the House and was crowned Duke of Rossie. He married Lady Amalida of Heighwood, probably a relative to King Baltazar II. Her rank might have been the actual reason why he adjusted his father's Coat of Arms. They had 3 sons and 2 daughters, and despite tough years all the children grew up.

  His number II is a bit weird, but might indicate that there was actually a Benedict I of this house, holding a certain community position, back in the TS1 era.

  Duke Benedict was a successful Admiral, and the great war started only 2 years into his period and eventually caused his death 31 years later. He was not a warrior during his latest years, though. Benedict received the High Order of Warriors (Y54).
  During his years the apple produce increased and the Rossie Palace in Henford was slightly expanded.
  Aged 80 his health was getting poor and he passed on the peerage to his oldest son Clemet Augustin Ross. This must have been approved by the Royal Chamber, as the norm was that a top peerage like this followed Head of House, and was not passed on before the Head died. Therefore, historians do believe he was very sick at the time.
  There exists only one portrait of him, but none of his household was included.

Clemet Augustin Ross,
Duke of Rossie, dated Y77).

Clemet Augustin Ross (46-126)
Duke of Rossie Y76-126

3rd head of House of Ross, Clemet Augustin Ross, was crowned Duke of Rossie aged 30, and his old and sick father assisted him for nearly 3 years. He married Lady Beatrice Marie Alcorn from Windenburg. They had 3 sons and 3 daughters, but one boy and one girl died before reaching 20. Clemet expanded Rossie Palace, and also started building Shiningham Manor nearby in Henford.
  Duke Clemet did well and handled the region wide revolution Y118 wisely. He received the High Order of Warriors (Y78).
  During his period, Rossie Palace was expanded twice, first in Y91, then again in Y103. These were huge changes, adding about 50% to the original builds, known as the northern Corridor with offices, winter garden and the Green Drawingroom. At this time also the kitchen section was integrated with the main building.

  Y121 Duke Clemet introduced 1 new low nobility peerage, Shiningham barony, and 2 noble titles, Lord Foxbury and Lord Britecheser.

  Starting during the years of the Great War, the apple produce failed several years. We think the gardens might have been damaged during battles, meaning also the palace must have been harmed.

  There exists only one painting of Duke Clemet, but none featuring his wife and family. He was the first to wear the red Ross Morning Suit for his coronation painting, which became a tradition for all reigning descendants. He was also the first to wear the Rossie crown for the portraying event, that normally took place the year after coronation.

Benedict III Sophus, Duke of
Rossie, dated Y138.

Benedict III Sophus Ross (88-153)
Duke of Rossie Y127-153.

Benedict III was crowned Y127, aged 39. He married Amalia Saxor, Lady of Meadows - she was daughter of Duke of Meadows (uptown side of Myshuno river). They had 2 sons and 2 daughters, but oldest daughter died at 15.
  Despite reigning during a very peaceful era, Benedict III experienced several challenges. The apple produce failed several years, leading to a tougher financial situation, especially as the palace was modified again Y140. There were several house fires, but the one in Y145 did huge damage to the 3rd floor. Shortly after electricity was introduced and the risk of fires was greatly reduced. 

   This is the only formal painting of him, and he is wearing the Ross morning suit with the sash, but for unknown reasons he skipped the  crown, which indicates this portrait might have been made even later than the norm, perhaps for his 50th birthday.

Rainert Ross, Duke of Rossie,
painted Y172.

Rainert Ross (125-211)
Duke of Rossie Y154-211.

Aged 29 Rainert was crowned Duke of Rossie. He married Ms Julia Saxor, daughter of Lord of Prome. They had 2 sons, only.
   Duke Rainert was honored with the High Order of Warriors (Y210). 
   During his first 20 years as Head of the House of Ross, the region saw a very peaceful period. Produce seems to have improved, and he was honored with the Order of the National Sprout for his project Apple, apple, apple (Y164). Finances were still tough, and there were several minor house fires, which was rather normal for this time, when electricity was introduced but costly. The 15 years long war period starting Y192, seems to have caused only moderate damage to the palace or the Henford apple produce.

  There are several paintings showing Duke Rainert and his family. This is not his official coronation painting (where he wears the Ross morning suit with the crown), but a later work to celebrate his many military triumphs.
  Duchess Julia suffered from a mental illness, and died when the sons were 20 and 5.

Jarret Ross, Duke of Rossie. Painting
celebrates his coronation Y212.

Jarret Emanuel Ross (170-)
Duke of Rossie Y212-

Jarret Emanuel Ross is the House of Ross' current Head (Y226). He was crowned Duke of Rossie aged 42. He married Ribra Lynn Thebe, Lady of Myshuno (daughter of Baron of Myshuno, Spice Market side of San Myshuno). They have 4 sons.
   Jarret received the High Order of Warriors (Y204). Ribra Lynn was honored with the Order of the Golden Lion for founding Shiningham Waissenhaus (Y207), which was a small cottage chicken farm in Henford where needing children could stay for a couple years.
  No particular household events reported for his period, except they improved the garden by building a swimming pool. It was a peaceful era, and Jarret never experienced battles near the Rossie Palace.
  Duke Jarret got it all right for his coronation painting, too, wearing the traditional Ross morning suit and the Rossie crown and sash.



Politics
The Rossie dukes were always close to the King of Mazaloom, that is all up to the revolution. The current Royal Family is situated farther away and the system is anyway less hermetic these days as the many regional Councils are in charge of most community matters.

Left: Duke Reinart Ross was the dukedom's sovereign for 57 years.
Right: Duchess Amalia was said to act like a Queen and sing like an angel. She died at 113!

The Rossie District Order is not actively involved with politics, but as these orders often are used to build alliances between districts, they can indeed sort as political tools. The order is formally operated by the Rossie Trust, but lead by Duke of Rossie in person, and can only be operated when there exists a Duke. The max 8 members are honored for lifetime. The Rossie sash/medal is reserved the order's members, who are invited for the annual gala dinner in Fall.


Professions
The Rossie peerage's expected career is Military, but according to the peerage patent also Politician is accepted. So far all sovereigns reached Officer level. On the side the house also grows apples, but the bigger apple garden is at Finchwick, adminisrated by the Shiningham Barony (Shiningham is owned by the Rossie Trust). In the Rossie Palace basement there is still nectar production facilities, and they make both the traditional Apple nectar and the more exclusive Rose nectar.


Possessions
The Rossie Trust is the formal owner of the Rossie Palace in Henford-on-Bagley, while House of Ross holds the dukedom. The trust also owns Shiningham Manor, which is home to the low nobility Shiningham barony, and normally available to the person first in line of successors to the Rossie dukedom. Currently the duke's brother holds this barony, as all 4 men before him in succession are minors.

Rossie Palace has been expanded numerous times, ever since the original building was started 225 years ago. This picture is a model, not on the actual location.

The palace is the biggest estate of the old area and naturally holds many valuable treasures of the older generations. There are many paintings, and several rooms hold traditions reflecting the house's involvement with social life as well as businesses. There is also a saying that the basement includes a locked off room containing a mysterious fountain with supernatural powers. Previous generations used it to get a yes or no answer, especially when the Duchess worried about her Officer husband who was at war. The fountain cried blood, but if the outcome was positive, there would also be seen floating rose petals. There is even an old saying that the head of the fountain is Lady Rosie Ross who was said to end her life when she realized she was about to become a vampire.

Did you miss the tour of the Rossie Palace?

The trust also owns many old jewelries, and among those jewels we find the Rossie Coronation Crown, an introduction gift from King Baltazar II. All dukedoms have such a crown, but the piece itself is more of a ritual than something a Duke would wear besides on Coronation Day. There is also a Coronation Ring, which was used also at specific formal events, and in particular when knighting new members for the Rossie District Order. There is also the Rossie Circlet to be worn by the duchess only at her own investiture.

The older parures include Mellerio Ruby parure (dating Y27) , the Luxe-Hamper Brooch (dating Y10) , the Baroque Pearls parure (dating Y1) and the Honeysuckle Tiara (dating Y1).

See this house's Jewelry Box for more details.

Economics
Rossie is 1 of 8 high nobility districts of the old area, and financially it's top 3 when it comes to total values owned. The duke and duchess have additional private possessions, including stocks and bank deposits.

The Rossie Trust owns Rossie Palace and Shiningham Manor,  both located in Henford-on-Bagley, but also a vacation home (Journey's End) and a beach (Sapphire Shores) in Sulani.

Their regular income comes from Duke Jarret's career as a Military Officer, and some nectar produce. They also arrange weekly concerts at the palace, probably raising some net funds. Finally, the Rossie Trust receives allowances from both Region 11 and Region 12.


Descendants
House of Ross reproduced successfully. The first Duke had only one son who built a family, Benedict II. His children spread to many districts and lead to or merged with many well known families of today, such as House de Cavalier (Duke de Cavalier, Brindleton Bay), House von Heimlich (Duke von Windenburg) and House of Landgraab (Lord Cacti, Oasis Springs).

A rather informal photo (Y223) of today's central Ross family: (left to right) Duke Jarret Ross (53), Lord Julius (9), Duchess Ribra Lynn (59) holding Lord Magnor (3), Baron Robert (12), Lord Rainert II (21).

There was also a family member who was lost, Lord Sophus George Ross, who disappeared, but according to old rumors founded the Modern Vampire Clan (possibly in Hollow, Rossie). Currently in Henford-on-Bagley Duke Jarret has 4 sons, and the duke's younger brother Bennet Ross, Baron of Shiningham, has 2 sons and 1 step son, making this one of the most solid houses once they all grow up.

Most recent household
Duke Jarret and Duchess Ribra Lynn today reside Rossie Palace with their 4 sons. They all reside in Henford-on-Bagley, Rossie, but the duke's oldest son will shortly move to San Myshuno to become high nobility Baron of Myshuno (a peerage inherited from his mother's late father). Because the oldest, Rainert, was the only one to claim the Myshuno Barony, the 2nd son, Robert, was given the Baron of Rossie title, which indicates that he is trained to become the next Duke.

There are currently no more peerages for the two youngest sons, Julius and Magnor, but as they are still children, it will be a while before they grow up.

Year 226, Baron Robert's teen birthday: Duke Jarret Ross (56), Baron Robert Ross (15), Duchess Ribra Lynn Ross (62).

There's still quite a few years until Duke Jarret and Duchess Ribra Lynn reaches elderly age, so we expect this house to be vital and strongly involved with the community for many years to come, without any major changes.