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.

Do You Descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 3 of 5 - San Myshuno and Aarbyville)

Mazaloom kingdom is nearly 235 years old. In this series we're taking a closer look at the numerous descendants of the most important king to many, King Baltazar II. He reigned Y2-Y48.

Today residents all over the nation can trace their roots back to him. Well, almost all over the nation, because in one of the eight regions we found none! More about that further down.

Do you descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 2 of 5 - Tredony and Crafthole)

(Year 234, Summer) Mazaloom kingdom's most important king back in the Medieval era was King Baltazar II, who reigned for 46 years. He has plenty of descendants all over the nation, and abroad, and in this series of 5 articles we'll reveal what residents that carry the DNA from this monarch.

In the first article the focus was regions Windenburg (Windenburg and Nordhaven) and Rossie (Britechester and Henford-on-Bagley). This time we'll take a look at regions Tredony (Del Sol Valley, Tredony and Tartosa) and Crafthole (Ravenwood, Copperdale, Glimmerbrook and Moonwood). So, this 2nd article covers today's royal House of Luxe-Hamper: Do they connect to King Baltazar II?

Do you descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 1 of 5 - Windenburg and Rossie)

(Year 234, Summer) Mazaloom kingdom is nearly 235 years old. There were numerous monarchs during all those years, but historians agree that the most important of them all - to this date - was King Baltazar II. With 46 years on the Throne, he is still the nation's longest reigning monarch. Current King Tarriot has already reigned for 36 years, but is atm only 3rd.

Baltazar II was our monarch Years 2-48, replaced by his son Rupert, and later by grandson Wizar (who reigned for 37 years). During his reign, King Baltazar established the foundation of many community structures that we still benefit from today. After the Great Revolution (Year 118) the monarchy was ditched, but later reestablished with House de Luxe-Hamper in Year 150.

Today there still live many descendants of King Baltazar II. With a few exceptions, they are all found within aristocracy. We'll track them all in this mini series of 5 articles.

Gossips #17

(Year 234, Summer) Hello again! I'm ready with the 17th issue of my gossips column! Upcoming social season must wait until next issue, because there is so much in the line-up. Are you ready, too? Let's go!

As usual, we'll start with the royals.

Estate von Haunt 75 Years Anniversary

(Year 234, Spring) This year it's 75 years since the old Estate von Haunt opened its doors as a museum, after a thorough renovation following the Year 98 fire. The building, worthy of a royal, did serve as the Lord von Haunt's estate for nearly a century, but is today owned by Mazaloom Historical Museum.

The day is packed with local events, and because this place holds a strong position in most Windenburgers' hearts, the large crowds are expected. Before the official opening a few prominant persons gathered for some photos, a private tour and a few last minute adjustments. They are not worried about the weather, come rain or sun!

Royal Estates Speculations

(Year 234, Spring) In Mazaloom kingdom there are eight royal estates, one for each of the nation's eight regions. According to recent strategies the total number of royal estates was reduced as a direct result of smaller budgets. Maintenance comes with a bill, and the size of the current royal family would probably not justify more than eight estates, anyway. Thanks to the recent regional reform, the Crown owns no estate in today's region 5 San Myshuno, but in former days this area included Del Sol Valley, where we find the royal palace. So, in a way region San Myshuno is well represented.

Top left to bottom right (numbers refer to region): 3 Royal palace Chateau Peak in Del Sol Valley, 1 Hafen Herrenhaus in Nordhaven, 2 Wyvern Hall in Britechester, 3 Villa Vigna in Tartosa, 4 Chateau Marigold in Ravenwood, 6 Sunneva Challet in San Sequoia, 7 Casa de Cha-cha in Ciudad Enamorada, 8 Queen's Stables in Newcrest.

All estates are listed with some details on the Royal Palace Office's webpage (RPO). Occasionally royals spend holidays away from the royal palace, or they might move for a couple weeks according to bigger events where they tend to engagements over numerous days. The additional estates can also be used for social events or accommodate stately guests. Basically each estate is operated by a live-in Tenant who might also work as the estate's butler, but for bigger occasions staff members might be borrowed from the royal palace.

Nobility Calendar of Year 234

 Royal Palace Office (RPO) has released the calendar for the Year 234. The royals attend various events nation wide as well as abroad. In addition there will be a few events hosted by them, and during a normal year there will be some stately guests, too.

Also the 8 high nobility houses in Mazaloom are included in this calendar. They equal to the knights of the High Order of the Baltazar - one from each region. They are less active in representation, but serves as a network that can step in when needed.

Traditionally each House will rarely accept more than two invitations per season, the royals a bit more, including patronages. High nobility Houses rarely take on community engagements outside their home region, unless being urged to by the RPO. It's Year 234!

Royal Teens got Hobbies

(Year 234, Spring) Did you ever wonder what are the main hobbies of the four royal teenagers? Let's check with three of them, all students at the same boarding school in Windenburg.

In the yard in front of Summerfield High, an old herrenhaus in Windenburg's countryside, the three students agreed to meet with us. HRH Crown princess Emireza (23), HRH Prince Bazillimus (21) and HRH Prince Cecil (19) are all students at the same high school, a topic that stirred up some critical reactions few years ago.

New Royal Portraits

(Year 233, Fall) Royal Palace Office (RPO) has released four brand new portraits of central members of the royal family. It's been a while since the previopus updates, but with a new royal photographer on board, the future updates might get more frequent. Read more about the new photographer below. First we'll take a look at some of the new portraits.

They all come in multiple versions, all certified by the RPO. The most interesting to most Mazaloom residents is of course the portraits of HRM King Tarriot and HRH Queen Venezia.

Royal Teens observed in Chestnut Ridge

(Year 233, Fall) Guests at the local «Canter Dinery & Nectary» probably had to look twice to believe what they saw: The Crown Princess of Mazaloom walking in to place an order! No stylish outfit? Not even her hair properly done? No security? Or wait, was her bodyguards in disquis as regular restaurant guests? No wonder everyone stopped eating!

She placed her order and walked outside. And the guests were unsure whether the quick event actually took place at all.

The Queen Addressing Rumors

(Year 233, Spring) In a press note from the Royal Palace Office, HRH Queen Venezia is addressing the recent speculations regarding her health. Together with HRM King Tarriot, she was observed visiting Ferny Lawyer Office in Oasis Springs, and comments suggested she looked pale and sick.

"Her Royal Higness Queen Venezia is touched by the consern for her health, but also like tto stop rumors that has absolutely no tie to reality", the note said.

Moon Books - Grand Opening! (and a release surprise)

(Year 233, Spring) Last year global star Octavia Moon (52) surprised everyone stepping out as the new owner of popular lounge Orchid A Go Go in Del Sol Valley. She announced that her new book publisher company Moon Books, Inc. will now occupy a fair share of the building, but that the feel of the existing lounge would be preserved like everyone knows and loves it. Go Go has been closed for a month during building reconstructions, and yesterday was finally opening night with a chance for us all to check out the result! And to everyone's surprise, opening day also included a release of a new book secretly written by Octavia Moon!

Olivia Clump was ready to sign her new biography «Olivia», written by Octavia Moon.

That's right, it looks like internationally celebrated jazz legend, Olivia Clump ready to promote the new book! Before we check out the new bookstore, let's rewind one hour to see the official re-opening, at the entrance!

Nobility Calendar of Year 233

Following the Regional Reform Y233 there are now only 8 high nobility houses in Mazaloom. They equal to the members of the High order of the Baltazar - one from each region. This means that our annual calendar will no longer include House de Gould, House of Thebe, House von Kaching and House of Sax-Donnersmalt. It's now Year 233!

The Royal House will of course still attend various events nation wide as well as abroad. In addition there will be a few events hosted by them, and there will normally be some stately guests.

Traditionally each House will rarely accept more than two events per season, the royals a bit more. On top of this there are quite some representation involving patronages. High nobility houses rarely take on community engagements outside their home region, unless being urged by the RPO (Royal Palace Office).

Summer, known as Social Season, is packed with smaller or ad-hoc events with less formality and shorter notice, leading up to the Grand Ball at the royal palace. However; did you know there are no formal events on Mondays?

Royal Chamber: Tax Day to affect All

(Year 232, Winter) Today a quick press meet-up took place at the Council House at Magnolia Promenade, San Myshuno. HRM King Tarriot had an announcement that was received with applause by all attendees.

Mazaloom kingdom has a system of extra taxes and tax reliefs, all to be summed up and charged on Tax Day. Tax Day occurs on 1st day of Spring every 5 years, 3 years after the election. Previously the royal family and the high nobility households were not affected by these extra taxes, but things are changing!

Royal Palace Office Announcement

(Year 232, Winter) Early this week Royal Palace Office (RPO) called for an important press announcement in three days. Speculations have been going all over the place. Someone even suggested that an early engagement involving HRH Crown Princess Emireza could be the issue. But no, it turned out to be about the ongoing cultural conflict between Mazaloom kingdom and Empire of Snorthia.

HRM King Tarriot and Royal Chief Attendant Ms Maiden in the King's office.

HRM King Tarriot (64) and Royal Chief Attendant Miss Patrica Maiden (51) met the press. Maiden opened by giving a brief introduction to the well known conflict. Talking about the innocent event where she was seeing the exhibited painting "Moon Liza", just to reveal that the portrayed woman was indeed Miss Maiden's own late mother, Limia (Oceanus) Maiden. Emperor Orchor of Snorthia got furious as the painting was their very old heirloom seen as a national treasure, now exposed to be only one generation old. He claimed that the entire empire was deeply offended. It did not help much that Limia turned out to be a Princess of Sea, actually sister of their current King. At young age she broke with her royal family to rather dedicate her life to acting.

- My mother was a very shy actress not wanting any attention to her own person, and she died from embarrasment when papparazzis noticed her, drowning her with their blitz rain. Unfortunately, she dragged even more unwanted attention to herself by falling to the ground right on Judith Ward's fame brick at Starlight Boulevard.

Miss Maiden then introduced King Tarriot. He explained that Grand Marshal Robert Calves, Prime Minister Rob Wilder and himself have been searching a peaceful end to the two years long splitting conflict. The King has reached out to Emperor Orchor of Snorthia on multiple occasions, and now there has finally been some response!

Old Penelope Military School

(Year 232, Winter) Couple years ago, Year 230, a new private high school opened at StrangerVille Plaza, Old Penelope Military School. The lot is owned by Mazaloom Military Forces and serves as Operational Quarter including the office of Grand Marshal and more. The boarding school offer is in addition to other daily matters, and only a limited number of students are permitted.

On a rainy day of Fall a new term started, and a new student showed up: Bincky Tocker (18) from Chestnut Ridge. He did not need to travel far, but brought some belongings as this will be his new home for the coming 6 years.

At first, you might think of a Military School as a place where rather few chose to spend years of their lives. In the past, we recall students doing very poorly at school was sent off to military school. But, Old Penelope is different. This is a popular offer among teenagers who like to focus more on sports and work out than academic books. The disciplinary aspects of such a school will be a reasonable cost to most.

New website: The Royal Palace Office

(Year 232, Winter) Just a quick note that Royal Palace Office (RPO) has gone public with their new site!

RPO serves the Royal Palace Chateau Peak, the Royal Family, and the constitutional Royal Chamber. They host weekly press meeting at the palace, which is located at The Pinnacles in Del Sol Valley, Region 3 Tredony.

On the site you can find news and schedules involving the royals, listing of all members of the Royal Family, a quick illustrated tour of the Royal Palace Chateau Peak, list of all major estates owned by Mazaloom Royal Trust, list of most Palace employees, and more!

Link: here!

Windenburg Fox Battle

(Year 232, Fall) We were thrilled when we learned that Crown Princess Emireza would somehow contribute to the bi-annual dancing contest Windenburg Fox Battle this Fall! Some thought she would participate as contender, which could actually both make a sensation and sense, as she is currently residing at boarding school in Windenburg and we know she practices ballet dancing at school. However, it turned out she attended to open the contest!

And let's just agree that she won the opening! Despite this being her first bigger solo appearance, she seemed confident and happy. No sign of nerves at all. She even revealed a few dance relevant memories from her own childhood, where her father, His Royal Majesty King Tarriot, was the one who taught her to enjoy moving to music. She explained that they normally danced without music, though, because a session could take place quite unexpectedly and practically anywhere. She also shared an amusing memory when she aged 4, snuck into the Throne Room to dance - this time not joined by the King, but witnessed and cheered by the cleaning palace maids.

Rewind: Queen Evez Coronation

(Year 232, Fall) It's time for another rewind! This is a photo taken in Year 179 at Queen Evez' coronation. That is 53 years ago and mainly the children are still alive. The photo is currently on the wall in the Throne Room at the Royal Palace.

Let's see who were present, and also look for fun facts regarding their lives and connections, like two of the children are actually married today.

From the Throne Room at the Royal Palace Chateau Peak. Click image for a bigger version.

When Queen Evez got crowned, she had already married Lord Clempus Ross of House of Ross, son of the Duke of Rossie. They had two sons, Tarriot and Blaise. All four are centered on this photo. Crown Prince Tarriot got the Crown when Queen Evez died suddenly in Year 198.