Do You Descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 4 of 5 - Advorton and Gloom)

Mazaloom kingdom is nearly 235 years old. The many monarchs left a wide set of descendants, located all over the kingdom. In this series we're learning what current residents do descend from the greatest king of them all; King Baltazar II, reigning Y2-Y48.

Back in the Medieval era his household resided at Heighwood Castle (Britechester), but his children and grandchildren spread widely, mostly through the well established aristocracy.

This is the last chapter, covering regions that include districts like Ciudad Enamorada, Chestnut Ridge, Oasis Springs, StrangerVille, Gloomville, Newcrest, Brindleton Bay and Evergreen Harbor. Only one more chapter remains, the abroad descendants.

Royal Court - Investitures

(Year 233, Winter) First day of Winter is Investiture Day, also known as the annual Royal Court. On this day HRM King Tarriot, or a member of the royal family in his place, will knight new members of the high orders of the kingdom, or confirm a new Peerage holder. In addition other members of the large peerage will be officially announced. It is a day with long treaditions, including a gala dinner in the evening.

This year four persons got the main attention. Houses of Kaching, Cavalier, Croismare and Crumplebottom, all entered the Throne Room podium to receive their royal blessing.

Baron Bud of Gloom is Dead

(Year 232, Winter) In a press release the House von Kaching informs that Baron Bud of Glom passed away last night, aged 84. His health was good until last few days, and he died surrounded by his family. He died as a high nobility Peer, only 2 days before losing the Gloom District Order, which according to the Regional Reform will reduce the Gloom barony to regular nobility. Therefor, he will always be remembered as a baron of high nobility.

Family photo Fall Y232: Seated are Baroness Rose and Baron Bud. Standing are their son, the Honorable Edward von Kaching and his wife Lady Merielle from the House de Cavalier, and their 3 daughters, Rosine, Cathrise and Blancheflor.

Bud von Kaching held the Gloom barony for 49 years. His father, Esmond Ching, achieved nothing more than a Mester title (Mester Mugger), but a distant relative and baron died with no male heirs. Bud demonstratively ignored his origin by changing his name from Ching to von Kaching. His ancestors came from the Ching family of Simerinia in the Empire of Snorthia, generations ago. He inherited both the Gloom barony and the less prominent Gibbs barony, and settled at the old Brixerwood House at Upperton, Gloomville.

Jubilee Lunch

(Year 232, Fall) True to tradition, the Royal Palace Office (RPO) has released a couple pitures covering this year's Jubilee Lunch. Every year in Fall HRM King Tarriot will host a lunch where a few selected members of community are guests of honor. This is a way to acknowledge anniversaries and other community matters worthy of a royal nod.

The five guests of honor. HRM King Tarriot to the right.

This year's photo was taken on one of the two passages leading to King's Tea Salon, where the lunch usually takes place. This is actually a rare location for photos because of a rather limited floor space, but this time they probably figured out that it works well with a tele-objective shot from the other passage on the opposite side of Grand Mazaloom Hall. The picture allows us to admire two pieces of the large royal collection, seemingly from the Empire of Snorthia. Is that random, or did they place the items on display deliberately, trying to calm down the ongoing culture conflict with Snorthia? RPO informs that it is HRH Queen Venezia who organizes these minor displays at the palace, but they normally change only once a year. On the wall we get a glimpse of two old tapestries, which as far as we know are not replaced annually, King Rupert Tapestry and King Courtis Tapestry. These kings were both monarchs of Mazaloom back in the Medieval era.

Paula Ching (86) Engaged!

(Year 232, Fall) A surprise engagement is talk of the kingdom these days! If you are one of those who never will let your age stop you, you might applaud a bit more loudly than the two respective families do. Paula Ching Mester Mugger is 86, and she just got engaged to the 8 years older Baron Floyd of Emp. They both belong to nobility's outer circles, but still their romance seems to be stirring up things - and not necessarily in a good way!

Paula Ching Mester Mugger (86) and Baron Floyd of Emp (94).

The wedding will be a small ceremony, and they won't give the normal one year ahead notice - no, more like three weeks! The couple released their engagement photo, announcing the date to be late Fall. They claim to be fully aware that they won't live forever, and therefore see no point in waiting. When Floyd Altham recently moved into Bon Voyage Retirement Home at Gloomville's Upperton hood, where also Paula Ching resides, sweet music played as they found a common interest in nectars. He as the maker, she as the consumer.

But there are already objections to an engagement like this!

Nobility Descending from Kings

(Year 232, Summer) Mazaloom kingdom has a wide aristocracy including a level of high nobility. Today this level includes 12 Houses, but come the Regional Reform Y233 the exclusive list shall count only 8 high nobility Houses, one for each region. Let's have a look at the current 12 Peers; Who can track their lines back to our kings? And, will those royal lines affect what 4 Houses that will shortly drop to regular nobility (often referred to as low nobility)?

Let's check the House by House. There are 5 dukedoms, 4 counties and 3 baronies. Only the dukedoms are secured a position as high nobility. Here is how they rank by royal heritage:

Gossips #11

(Year 232, Spring) I hope you had a nice Winterfest! Here is my latest bunch of gossips to entertain you while you cuddle in front of your fireplace and stuff yourself with those final Winterfest cookies! It's my 11th edition, and I really can't believe I am still doing this thing! *shrug*. Winter is less busy than Summer, but I've searched high and low to please each of you!

So, let's go! We will start in the celebrity ghetto, also known as Del Sol Valley! Super popular singer-songwriter Suzi Sushi (42), has grown up and is now married a Prince! Last year they had a son, and Suzi has complained about her own fame! She has considered giving up the limelight.

New Management at Gallery Ex-Po

(Year 231, Spring) Baroness Rose of Gloom (81) has finally announced her retirement. Her son, The Honorable Edward Bertophelus von Kaching (50) takes over the exclusive art and heirloom business, Gallery Ex-Po.

Edward von Kaching is eager to get started!

Baroness Rose has been dedicated to her little Newcrest business ever since her husband, the Baron of Gloom, gifted it to her shortly after their family moved to Gloomville. Back then Baron Bud had claimed the Gloom barony and the little family moved from SimCity to Gloomville because this peerage can not be held remotely. Their son Edward was not even born back then. His older sister is now married to one of the wealthiest men of the kingdom, Malcolm Landgraab.

Top 10 Wealthy Residents

(Year 230, Winter) So, let's take a look on the gossip-ish side of things. Who is the wealthiest resident of Mazaloom kingdom?

I keep pretty detailed lists of every resident's investments, stocks, land property, cash and other possessions like valuable heirlooms and jewelries. Head of top nobility houses will also possess the house's Trust. And some have large bank loans.

You can find most of these details in the online residents registry (history and heirlooms section, but some tidbits also list on the individual Profile pages. When a sim dies, heritage rules tick in, and in some cases the rank gets affected.

When all this sums up, who make it to the top 10 list of today?

Gallery Ex-Po: One step up!

(Year 229) Decades ago Rose W. von Kaching, Baroness of Gloom, opened Gallery Ex-Po at Crestville in Newcrest. It sold a few classical paintings, but was even  more known for its show rooms where home based artists and crafters could exhibit their works. The exhibitors have changed over time, spanning from woodworks to knitted rugs, although the main focus was paintings and photos.

Five years ago the gallery was certified Art Broker and the building was slightly adjusted to meet a new community segment. Last week Baroness Rose of Gloom celebrated the first five years as an important art broker, still serving the community at large but not the least with collectors and a higher society as target.

House von Kaching: It's a girl!

(Year 228, Gloomville) House von Kaching announces that yesterday a daughter was born to Lady Merielle and The Hon. Edward. Both child and mother are with good health.

The girl will be named Rosine Beatrice von Kaching, and her proud grandfather, Baron Bud of Gloom, has already been observed strolling in their garden.

Evergreen Harbor - New Direction

(Year 227, Evergreen Harbor) Here comes a delayed report from last Fall's 10 years anniversary for the green revolution that is still taking place at Evergreen Harbor. Back then the 3 maker markets were founded, some of them still in development.

Francine G. Spencer (left), The Hon. Edward von Kaching with Lady Merielle, and Paula Ching Lady Mugger.

This minor anniversary was on the calendar of the Barony of Gloom. The soon to be crowned, The Honorable Edward von Kaching and his fresh wife, Lady Merielle, spent nearly a full day in Evergreen Harbor. The pregnant Lady Merielle worried a bit for the pollution, but went on with the program. Edward's elderly aunt, Paula Ching Lady Mugger, insisted on joining them despite never officially representing the barony.

Royal Chamber issues Warnings

(Year 227) The Royal Chamber moderates the long list of Houses every ten years. This job is normally handled by the regional Council, but when there are requirements not met or conflicting interests, the chamber gets involved.

The main rules:
* Minimum 2 members counted within 4 blood line steps.
* Net worth of House must exceed §250,000 (same family name households combined).
* Only 1 high nobility peerage per House.
* Maximum 1 peerage of each level per member of House.

* Non-legit child can be a central member (aged 25), but can not become next Head of House or hold any peerage or noble title.

A warning has today been issued to the following Houses:

Wedding - House von Kaching

(Gloomville, Year 227) Finally, Lord Edward Be. von Kaching of Gloom (46) and Lady Merielle de Cavalier (34) could give each other their vows. It's been a long wait including University studies and separation. Merielle got her psychology degree this Spring and already got herself a Professor post.

It's time to merge House von Kaching (barony, Gloomville) and House de Cavalier (dukedom, Brindleton Bay)!

University of Britechester 100 Years Anniversary

(Britechester, Rossie Year 226) This year was the 100th anniversary of University of Britechester, and festivities were arranged all year long. Here are just a few pictures from a ceremony arranged at the UBrite Commons, Darby's Den this Fall, with a small group of guests enjoying speeches, a history lesson and refreshments.

Previously this year, there were a wide range of contests and celebrations involving students as well as professors. Some related to specific classes, but also a series of history quests involving the many old buildings.

Investiture: Duke Charlopold de Cavalier

(Brindleton Bay Year 226) This year many houses had a busy Investiture Day (1st day of Winter), but only the Cavalier dukedom crowned a new Peer! It's time for Duke Charlopold to success his father, Aquess!

Duke Charlopold de Cavalier with proud parents, Old-Duke Aquess and Old-Duchess Claudine.

Charlopold Demitris de Cavalier (35) is the 4th Duke de Cavalier. He got his History degree this Summer, and started a Military career right away. This peerage traditionally expects Military, but also accept Politician as the main career of the Peer. Thanks to his successful degree, Charlopold already reached Officer level (Lieutenant Colonel), and could wear the royal military uniform for this occasion. The fresh duke chose to keep his father's Coat of Arms.

Noble Graduates

(Britechester, Year 226) This Summer two graduating university students reached the regional media. One Baron who will become Duke when he takes over his father's dukedom later this year. And one Lord who will become a high nobility Baron, probably next year.

Baron Charlopold de Cavalier supported by Duke and Duchess (left) and siblings (right).

At the old University of Britechester Baron Charlopold de Cavalier (35) got his History degree, in fact a family tradition as the dukedom expects the peer to reach upper Officer levels of the Military career.

House von Kaching announces Engagement!

(Year 225) The rumor was already spreading, and today House von Kaching finally confirmed that their only son and main heir to the Gloom barony, Lord Edward Be. von Kaching (44) and Lady Merielle de Cavalier (32) are engaged.

The happy couple are currently both staying at Moss Dorm at Gibbs Hill in Rossie/Britechester. This is a dorm especially suited for nobility, and also Lady Merielle's two brothers currently stay there. 

High Nobility Male Attire

You might be more interested in the females' dresses and tiaras, but also the noble men must follow certain rules when they dress up. It gets less colorful and although there might be some golden decor and shiny medals for some occasions, they often wear some form of a black suit. It's not random though, and neither is their accessories.

I've put together collages trying to present their preferred attire for most common occasions. The dress code will be either GALA, FORMAL or CASUAL, and the two latter codes have different rules based on whether the event takes place at day or night.

Let's check out the high nobility peers; Duke of Rossie, Duke of Meadows, Duke de Cavalier and Baron of Gloom. There are more high nobility peerages, but they are currently waiting for heir to get old enough for coronation or they are held by someone with multiple peerages. So, these 4 men are actually all my high nobility peer males at the moment.