High Nobility - Duke of Meadows

(Current Year: 225) In this series I present the story of each of my High Nobility houses (see index after article), each representing specific land. Originally my region had ten High Nobility peerages; 4 dukes, 5 barons and even 1 lord. Duke of Meadows was the third to be introduced by King Baltazar II in Year 5. The Meadows landscape includes everything on the southern side of Myshuno River, plus Del Sol Valley that is located farther south. San Myshuno city also includes the Barony of Myshuno (all land north of Myshuno River, including Magnolia Promenade), and together these two peerages controlled the fastest growing part of Region 12.

Meadows dukedom is still among the most successful peerages, both politically and financially.

Coat of arms
Their shield (which is the only coat of arms element I focus on) is still like it was set by the very first duke, Duke Victor Saxor of Meadows, back in Year 5. 

House of Saxor got their original coat of arms registered with the Royal Chamber as they were bestowed the Duke of Meadows peerage. The family's main color is green, which is said to be a reference to hunting. The secondary color is brown, a reference to farming, which must have been the family color of the first Duchess, Benedicta Roxenfox. The centered peerage symbol was two crossing silver swords, a strong symbol of Military involvement. Sovereigns of this peerage are still expected to lead a Military career.

The family color played a role when King Baltazar II decided the Holly and the Bell pepper to be this district's signature plant. The original version was used by all generations, except one sovereign. Prince Ottoman de Froux had this peerage Y38-69 and changed more elements than a new sovereign normally is allowed to do. There are rules limiting such changes, but some of those rules might have come later. He replaced the family color green with blue, which makes sense and replaced brown with hermine, but what is more shocking is that he was permitted to change the peerage's symbol (swords) - something that is not supposed to be done. His successor reverted to the original version of the shield, which has been used by the dukes of Meadows ever since.

History
Today's Duke of Meadows is the 7th in a line going from Duke Victor to current Victus Amador Saxor, only with a couple sidetracks along the road. House of Saxor spread widely and today family branches hold additional peerages, not only in Region 12. They practically founded San Myshuno, as they were extremely important for the early developments. The city was not founded around the Spice Market as many tend to believe, but at the ground level of today's Fashion District.

Victor Saxor (-32-35)
Duke of Meadows Y5-35

Victor Saxor was born in the TS1 era, and might have been related to Queen Coldine Andina Moxerfall le Froux. Some say they were cousins, but it can't be proven. He originally had a Lord title of unknown peerage, or might just as well have been son of a higher nobility peer.

When Victor was bestowed the Meadows peerage (Y5), the Duke von Windenburg and Duke of Rossie had already been operative for 3 years. Victor joined them as the third member of the Royal Chamber, which also made him a supervisor to King Baltazar II. He got the huge and hardly populated land south of the Myshuno river, and settled at the Meadows. This dukedom's land equals to today's Fashion District, Meadows, Uptown and Del Sol Valley.

There was a sparse settlement of hunters at Fashion District, that's where hunters lived and traded meat, furs and a some collected plants and gems. Victor and his descendants made sure to support and develop the market. Y20 Duke Victor bestowed Henry Winston with a new peerage, Barony of Zeddlemore, who's mission was to support the old hunters' market at Fashion District.

The Meadows Estate was built at Meadows, with facilities for huge parties, as well as modern stables and a productive farm. Most of Victor's era was peaceful and blooming. He married Benedicta Roxenfox from the distant area that later should become Sim City. They had 2 sons and 1 daughter, whereof 1 son died young.

Victor Saxor was originally a Blacksmith, and also a decent warrior. After settling at The Meadows he took great pride in farming and was among the very first members of the Order of the National Sprout. (Y27). He managed to combine military efforts with farming, although historians do suggest that focusing on both made it impossible for him to reach the top level of either.

Duke Victor's portrait is from a painting dated around Y35, it must have been made shortly before his death. There also exists a portrait showing him as a young Blacksmith, probably dated around Year 5. He died at 67, so his hair must have turned grey quite early. It's a bit unclear why his son, Baron Raptus Cornelius Saxor of Meadows did not get the dukedom at his father's death, the seat was even empty for 3 years, which must have caused some conflict within the family. Duchess Benedicta probably enjoyed her widow rights and then married the next Duke.

Prince Ottoman de Froux (6-69)
Duke of Meadows Y38-69.

The duke crowning of Prince Ottoman de Froux is unclear, as the late Duke Victor's son, Baron Raptus was old enough to take over the peerage in Y35. Ottoman was not related to the Saxors in any known way.

The answer might hide in the relation between the late Duke Victor and King Baltazar II. There can simply have been an agreement that the King's son should take over the peerage when growing up. Back in Y5 Prince Ottoman was only 11, and his older brother Rupert was the Crone Prince. It would make sense that Prince Ottoman got a dukedom later on, after all he was first in line to the royal throne. By this time Meadows had turned out to be the kingdom's most desired dukedom.

Perhaps in order to compensate Raptus' loss, Ottoman bestowed him with a new peerage, Lord of Prome (Y41), covering today's Magnolia Promenade. Descendants of the Saxor family still hold this title today (Rab-Saxor).

Duke Ottoman de Froux of Meadows never got to the royal Heighwood Castle, though. Instead he was the Meadows sovereign for 31 years. He upgraded the farm, as well as developing the rapidly growing town nearby, and he helped establishing shuttle boats across the Myshuno river, a project that Raptus Saxor initiated and was awarded for (see below). Easy commuting became more important as the Spice Market up north became a larger market than the Fashion District market.

Prince Ottoman married twice: First wife was the widow of the previous duke, Duchess Benedicta Roxenfox. The second wife was Lady Helga Heimlich von Windenburg, daughter of the Duke von Windenburg. None of these marriages gave children, and when Duke Ottoman died Y69, his older brother, the King, yet had no descendants that could have taken over this dukedom.

During Ottoman's era the Great War took place (Y45-81). Ottoman was never rewarded by his father, King Baltazar II, for any Military efforts, suggesting there might have been some basic disagreement. He made great success running the Meadows Estate farm, and also built up a fortune allowing for great expansions to the estate.

Strangely, there exists no portrait of Duke Ottoman. He died as a widower, and because his successor, the previously dismissed Baron Raptus Cornelius Saxor, was more than ready to take over, there is a chance all Ottoman's paintings were destroyed by the next Duke.

Raptus I Cornelius Saxor (10-93)
Duke of Meadows Y70-87

Despite being the only son of the first Duke of Meadows, Victor Saxor, Raptus Cornelius Saxor did not get this dukedom when his father died. Crowning was accepted from the age of 25 and he was old enough. Instead, he was 60 years old when he finally got crowned the 3rd Duke of Meadows.

He had been bestowed with the title Lord of Prome (Y41) and was rewarded by the King on several occasions. Y68 he was granted a member of the very exclusive Order of The Lion for initiating the Riverboat, connecting the two sides of the growing city in order to expand trades. Two years later Duke Ottoman of Meadows died without children, and finally Raptus was crowned Duke of Meadows. By this he also became a member of the Royal Chamber and one of King Rupert I's 4 supervisors.

Duke Raptus I was known as a weak and silent man. He lead a successful Military career, and was even honored with a membership of the Order of the Warriors (Y83), shortly after the Great War ending. But he hated society and stayed out of the public as much as his high position allowed him. He built tall walls around the Meadows Estate, and the family seat became more isolated than ever.

He married Sylvia Victoria Mux-Raisser 15 years before he got the dukedom. In those days a Duchess would have her investiture by the Monarch the year after her husband's crowning. This took place on Investiture Day, which was - and still is - first day of Winter. Historians claim that Duchess Sylvia Victoria of Meadows was the first to obey this rule. Her heritage is unclear as she died quite young and was not mentioned among the heirs to the House of Mux-Raisser.

Duke Raptus and Duchess Sylvia had 5 sons and 5 daughters. Only the firstborn Lady died very young, meaning this generation really secured a wide spread for the Saxor family. Raptus was widowed Y79, when their youngest daughter, Lady Glorette, was only 6 years old. He remarried Lady Mathea Bea Roxenfox of Lunderclam, but they had no additional children.

Y85 Meadows Estate was tragically damaged by a major house fire. It's assumed that several older family paintings were lost to the flames. Raptus himself got wounded in this fire, reportedly when he rescued some old family heirlooms, and due to health issues two years later he passed the dukedom on to his son, Baron Humphor. Raptus died 6 years later, aged 83.

Humphor Saxor (57-117)
Duke of Meadows Y87-117.

Humphor Saxor was sovereign for 30 years, a very successful period for this dukedom, despite of the war years building up to the big revolution in Y118. He repaired Meadows Estate after the fire (Y85) and also the farm did well, especially around Y114. He focused a lot on his many horses.

Duke Humphor of Meadows married Lady Alicia Brixerwood, of Gloom. They had 4 sons and 1 daughter - all grew up.

Humphor reached far in Military, and his era was indeed filled with conflicts. He was killed in the Y113-118 war, aged 60. Two sons should follow as Duke of Meadows, and a third son got the Prome peerage.

Raptus II Saxor (90-126)
Duke of Meadows Y118-137.

Y118 Raptus Saxor took over the dukedom when his father died. This was the year of the Great Revolution where protestants claimed all aristocracy gone. As King Wizar died without an heir, there was no longer a royal family to support the nobility. Duke Raptus II of Meadows had just about joined the Royal Chamber when the King died.

Duke Raptus II must have been involved designing a genial strategy that could secure nobility. They succeeded, but at the cost of losing majority of their old privileges. Y121 he bestowed his Uncle Rizador Saxor with the new low noble title Lord of Shine, not a real peerage and no specific land involved, although the descendants have been residing at today's Uptown hood keeping the title alive until this day.

Duke Raptus II of Meadows married Lady Barbara Heimlich, von Windenburg, and they had two daughters.

He died in Y126 aged only 36 and was later referred to as a military hero, although historians have unveiled that he most likely was killed in the city of San Myshuno, and not at war field. Duchess Barbara ran the dukedom for 10 troublesome years through her Widow Rights, before Raptus'  younger brother Bentius took over the dukedom. Another big fire caused her financial problems.

Bentius Saxor (101-147)
Duke of Meadows Y138-152.

Bentius Saxor was 25 when his brother, Duke Raptus II, was killed at young age, but despite being old enough to take over the dukedom, he allowed his late brother's widow to sit for her full 10 years. Year 138 Bentius finally was crowned Duke of Meadows, a title he should hold for only 9 years.

He struggled a bit financially as income from farming could no longer keep up with costs. He married Victoria von Donnersmalt, Lady of Verde, but the Duchess gave him only one son before she was widowed. We don't know what caused Bentius' death. He lead a Military career, but died aged 46 before he reached Officer level.

Duchess Victoria enjoyed her Widow Rights for only 5 years, then she died aged 54 in Y152. The dukedom went dormant as it took 14 years until their son Auphor was old enough to get crowned Duke of Meadows.

Auphor Saxor (141-)
Duke of Meadows Y166-212.

Auphor Saxor was only 6 when his father, the Duke, died, and 11 when his mother died. One of his Aunts moved in to be his caretaker.

He was crowned Duke of Meadows at 25, the youngest possible back then (today investiture can take place at the age of 20). He shortly had a successful Military career, and paid great interest in the modern development of San Myshuno. Y169 he proudly opened the \"Myshuno Bridge\". Especially the first 13 years of his era were peaceful and productive. From Y192 there were growing conflicts, including a couple short wars where he was involved.

Duke Auphor of Meadows found his soul mate when marrying Lady Cordenza Brixerwood, of Gloom. They had 1 son and 1 daughter before the Duchess tragically was killed in a car accident (Y180). This lead to a mental breakdown for the Duke, who even after restoring his life never could love anyone else. A big house fire (Y182) was said to be caused by the grieving Duke. 2 servants and 5 horses died. The fire started in the stable, but spread rapidly in the strong wind. Valuable family paintings got lost.

Following the fire, Duke Auphor's household moved to a huge penthouse in 1 Torenti Tower at Fashion District. Meadows Trust bought a great share of the tall building. The old Meadows Estate is still owned by the Meadows Trust, but administration was partly handed to Historical Society, which helped restoring the main buildings and open the place to public. Today it is a park with a community graveyard and the old house is used for weddings and conferences.

Also the period Y192-200 was tough, including another fire, the death of Duke Auphor's daughter, Lady Victoria, and serious financial challenges.

Y212 the 71 years old Duke Auphor requested the Royal Chamber to step back, leaving the dukedom to his son, Victus. This was no longer a privilege, as peerages are life long, but was accepted. Auphor stayed involved with San Myshuno engagements for many years, until he was found to be the right successor to the Verde Barony (Y224) and moved there to start a new family, House of Sax-Donnersmalt. Aged 84 he remarried and is currently expecting a child, who might also affect the line of successors to the Meadows dukedom.

Victus Amador Saxor (174-)
Duke of Meadows Y212-.

Victus Amador Saxor is the current Duke of Meadows. He was crowned aged 38 in Y212. 

He chose a Military career like his ancestors, although he has admitted that he would prefer focusing on other aspects of life. More than once he has hinted that he would not refuse moving back to the old Meadows Estate.

Victus  married the 18 years older Gloria Roxenfox, Lady of Lunderclam. They have only one daughter, Corva, who can never become sovereign of the dukedom. Duke Victus (50) will hopefully stay healthy and sane for decades to come, though.

Politics
The Meadows dukes always supported growth for San Myshuno, but were not as close to the royal family as the Duke von Windenburg and the Duke of Rossie - and this might be a result of the Prince Ottoman case. However, Duke Victor, Duke Ottoman, Duke Raptus I and Duke Humphor were all members of the Royal Chamber and one of the King's 4 supervisors. Although Duke Raptus II joined the Royal Chamber the year that revolutionists ditched the kingdom, he was involved when the future of all nobility was negotiated. There were even rumors that the Royal Chamber secretly continued its work without a royal family. Y150 a new royal family was instated, and a the Royal Chamber was revitalized as one if the 3 constitutional chambers.

In modern times the Duke of Meadows does not get involved with politics, except pointing out a few suggestions or supporting organizations and ideas that are not community changing, but rather seen as an input to Politicians and the Council.


Professions
This peerage's expected career is Military, but also Politician is accepted. Because a Duke is no longer allowed to work professionally with Politics, taking on such a career would mean staying on the lower levels anyway - or having a younger son or brother working with Politics. This far all Meadows sovereigns had a Military career.

Possessions
The Meadows Trust is the formal owner of the large estate at 1 Torendi Tower Penthouse, as well as some of the old jewelries and rugs. The Trust also owns the old Meadows Estate that is currently made available to the public and administrated by the Historical Society.

Duchess Cordenza of Meadows (Y140-180).

The Meadows Trust board members are currently Duke Victus (double sovereign vote), Duchess Ribra Lynn of Rossie (single vote) and Ted Rossell (Lord Acres, single vote). The norm is that the 2 additional board members can not be replaced during their first 25 years, unless there is a legit reason to dismiss them, of course. Both Duchess Ribra Lynn and Ted Rossell have now been board members for 26 years, meaning Duke Victus can have them replaced. He might start looking for the replacement of the weird Ted Rossell, who on several occasions has stated that his family branch is ready to take over the dukedom.

Among the jewelry is the Meadows Coronation Crown, an investiture gift from King Baltazar II. Most dukedoms have such a crown with gems responding to the colors of their shield, but it is more of a ritual than something a Duke would wear besides on Coronation Day. There is also a Coronation Ring, which is used at specific formal events, and in particular at the annual Meadows District Order gala dinners. Also 4 of the 5 Duchesses got a ring each from King Wizar (Y99) to celebrate that the high nobility network was completed, and Duchess of Meadows can proudly wear a green gem variant.

The Trust also owns ordinary jewelry such as the Dragon Eye set and 4 old tiaras - and the highly valuable Raptus Aubusson Rug and the Saxor Aubusson Rug. Duchess Gloria of Meadows is occasionally nicknamed Lady Tiara, as no noble woman of the kingdom has direct access to a higher number of tiaras.

See the Meadows Jewelry Box for details.


Economics
Meadows was 1 of 13 high nobility districts of the old kingdom, and financially it's been the wealthiest peerage all along when it comes to total peerage values. Meadows has steadily topped the list.

Breaking it down per peerage, the dukedom itself was naturally the wealthiest part, and the only peerage that was of higher worth in Y200 than at the beginning. However, the dukedom itself also had a couple downhills, but only temporary.

Descendants
House of Saxor spread widely over the years, much thanks to the 3rd Duke having 7 (of 10) children growing up and having children again. Duke Raptus I of Meadows had 19 grandchildren and the family branches are often referred to those 7. The impressive list includes:

The Humphor Saxor line is the main line that includes the future dukes of Meadows, a Baroness of Myshuno that leads to the current Duchess of Rossie, Lady von Haunt and Lord Acres.

The Viggo Saxor line leads to today's Duke of Rossie and Baron of Shiningham, Lord of Prome, and finally Lord Lykke (Windenburg) and Lord Foxbury.

The Glorette S. Vinkman line leads to Duchess de Cavalier, Duchess of Meadows, the future Baroness of Gloom and the future Lord Lykke.

The Rizina S. Thebe line leads to current Duchess of Rossie, Baroness of Shiningham and the wife of the Priest of Similius.

The Amalia S. Ross line leads to the Duke of Rossie, Baron of Shiningham.

The Rizador Saxor line leads to Lady Shine (Uptown) and the wife of the fresh Region 12 Councilor Edvin Phlum.

The Ann S. Dougham line leads to Lady Crestville and some Roxenfox descendants.

Family tree can be explored here.

Most recent household
The current Saxor household is counting 3 persons, only. Duke Victus Amador Saxor (51), Duchess Gloria (69) and their daughter, Lady Corva (19). Ex-Duke Auphor Saxor (84) stayed with them until he moved to Oasis Springs this Winter as the new Baron of Verde.

Duke Vintec and Duchess Gloria of Meadows, and their teen daughter Lady Corva.

Duke Victus is in the Military career, but not yet an Officer. He is the Patron of National Historical  Museum (R12), and the Farmers' Festival.

Duchess Gloria is not working, but is the Patron of Gloomville Hospital and Casbah Gallery (SM).

The future is unclear for this dukedom, as Lady Corva can not become the next sovereign. Many family branches will be ready to take over the dukedom. However, if Corva gives birth to a son before Duke Victus dies, the son will be 1st in line of successors. Also, any future children by old Auphor Saxor might also affect the future of the Meadows peerage.

Index:

1. Duke von Windenburg - Windenburg, Region 28

2. Duke of Rossie - Rossie (incl. Britechester), Region 11

3. Duke of Meadows - half of San Myshuno, Region 12

4. Duke de Cavalier -  half of Brindleton Bay, Region 12

5. Baron of Myshuno - half of San Myshuno, Region 12

6. Baron of Gloom - Gloomville (Willow Creek + Evergreen Harbor) Region 12

7. Baron of Verde - Oasis Springs (incl. StrangerVille) Region 12

10. Lord of Deagrass -  half of Brindleton Bay, Region 12

High nobility peerage 8 and 9 are expired, and will not be covered.