Location Blacksugar [Morealis]

[Translucent]

Built at the highest point of the sprawling Morealis property, Blacksugar is a testament to the superiority of its owners. Supposedly, the position was chosen by a Radacke surveyor who measured that its location would be the highest point in the Kenash landscape. Construction began nearly fifty years ago after the first homestead of the Morealis, Majesty, burned to the ground. Since then, it has not quite reached a finished state. Each member of the Morealis line that passes into leadership opts to add a new wing onto the sprawling house and its finish is always marked by a grand celebration for the who’s who of the Plantation families. The grounds of Blacksugar are a testament to the Morealis spirit. Only the best commissioned sculptures, landscaping, flora, and art are allowed into the tightly patrolled grounds. Much of the Morealis landscape is off limits to visitors as guests are always accompanied by a guide and two or three bodyguards. It should be noted that the Morealis insist on dressing their ‘Manor slaves’ differently than their ‘Plantation slaves’. Slaves and servants of Blacksugar are always dressed in the finest clothing for presentation’s sake. It has been said that these slaves are some of the better treated in the Morealis grounds, and are often disciplined in such a way that scars or bruises will not be seen by guests or family members. Only the most privileged on the Morealis family live within Blacksugar. Former family leaders, current ones, and their family are invited to take a room in the marvelous house. Esteemed members of their lineage are often given a room as well and some are even given the opportunity to commission an addition to the house itself. It is rumored, although perhaps not confirmed, that the Morealis Blacksugar is the largest of the plantation houses, especially given the addition of new wings extending out of the house with each turn of the dynasty. Much like the Rajor’s Smokesend, there appear to be some work beneath the ground of Blacksugar, tunnels and chambers for storage most likely, although the Morealis don’t comment. Unlike some of the manor houses, Radacke builders were not consulted for the construction. Instead, the Morealis arranged for contractors and builders from Riverfall, Zeltiva, Syliras, and Alvadas to arrive and collaborate the construction of their home. It is said that only one grand architect had complete vision over the project and all the others had only pieces. The Morealis keeps their secrets beneath a veneer of polite upperclass elitism. Within the house, each room is meticulously decorated and, while beautiful, gives off the impression of a museum rather than a living space. Indeed, many of the rooms are just that, created to showcase the treasures collected from the Morealis. Besides the Grand Ballroom, Blacksugar is not altogether guest friendly as even some of the chairs are not meant to be sat upon. Instead a guest complex was built by the Morealis beneath Blacksugar, so guests to the Plantation could enjoy all the benefits of the Morealis’ great wealth without treading too far onto their precious belongings. The complex is made up of three structures, one devoted to the kitchens and dining area, one devoted to rooms, and the last to luxurious spa and relaxation treatment. Here guests are given tours of the plantation grounds, trips that must be accessed by horseback due to the sheer enormity of the land owned by the Morealis. The ruins of Majesty still partially stand for the curious. They were left as a testament to what was and will never be again, a grave to those who lost their life in the fire. Few tread on those grounds as the ruins are rumored to be haunted and sometimes slaves report lights from the ruins in the dead of night. No slave or servant that has ventured into the ruins has ever returned and it is considered off limits. In the Morealis fields, Wheat and Barley are either sold or carted off to one of the two large Distilleries on Morealis grounds, supplying Kenash with most of its non-imported spirits. But the major crop is by far the lion’s share of Morealis focus. Sugarcane fields are what the family has been known for and what they continue to grow well. Morealis fields are harvested in seasonal shifts. The slaves tackle one of the four quadrants and continue working around the season to keep product constantly moving along both the Kabrin road and sometimes up and down the river to other plantations and to the city of Kenash. Due to continued good relations with the Askara family (Of which each generation of Morealis has taken a wife from), trade past the Askara portion of the Kabrin road was been profitable. Of all the plantation families, it is said that Morealis is most favorable with Askara as their lineage started when a Morealis traveler was taken in and given hospitality by the kind Askara. Family homes are beautiful little houses constructed behind Blacksugar. There are a multitude of maintained roads that lead down to them and each branch of the family is given one to raise their children in. Most of the family lives in these homes until they marry and request the construction of a home for their new family. Like all of the Morealis property, no detail is missed in comfort and splendor and no stranger is allowed past the front doors. Huge fields are tended to by the Morealis slaves, who live their lives in a small shanty village besides the largest sugarcane field, policed by Overseers, the paid Freeborn who keep the slaves in line. For the Morealis, their land and home are not built to be enjoyed by everyone, but admired at a distance. Treasured guests and business partners are sometimes invited to stay in the small guest area they have provided but few are invited for more than a dinner in the grand hall or to attend a marvelous celebration in the Ballroom. If the Morealis are hiding any secrets, they do so beneath a smile. moderation note : Feel free to Self Moderate here   Family NPCs Name: Dimitri Morealis Race: Human DoB: Summer 475 AV PoB: Kenash Title: Head of the Morealis Household Skills: Leadership 45; Teaching 40; Weapon: Halberd 38; Rhetoric 32; Dancing 28; Riding 25; Agriculture: Tobacco and Sugarcane 22; Wilderness Survival: Swamp 20; Acting 18 Gnosis: unknown Additional Info: Dimitri Morealis is the second eldest son of Dimeer Morealis and has recently stepped into control of the Morealis household. As his father was starting to show signs of age, he opted to allow his eldest son to take the Morealis household in a different position and retire gracefully. However, Remy refused the position and Dimeer appointed Dimitri instead. Dimitri is a confident and charming man, embodying the qualities of a Morealis male. Unlike his stricter father, Dimitri has begun to reexamine the relationships his family has with the other plantations, even going so far as to extend warmer intentions to some of plantation heads that have long since been Morealis enemies. Although new to his position, rumors have already begun to circulate that Dimitri has begun to play a dangerous game of politics. He’s the type to make risky decisions and seems to have little of the caution his father had. What this means for the Morealis household is uncertain, however Dimitri has promised that big and bold moves are ahead for his family, much to the chagrin of the older Morealis. Whether Dimeer agrees with his sons attitude or not is largely unknown. Name: Dimeer Morealis Race: Human DoB: Summer, 456 AV PoB: Kenash Title: Former Head of the Family and current Patriarch of the Morealis line Skills: Leadership 76, Teaching 63, Cane Sword 57, Agriculture: Tobacco and Sugarcane 51, Politics 42, Unarmed 31, Riding 26 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: Dimeer was the former head of the Morealis family before his son took over for him. He also served as Magistrate for several of the rotating seasons. It was not infirmity that caused Dimeer to step out of the light however, instead it was his age that had begun to destroy the beautiful image he wanted the Morealis to have. Abdicating his seat to his second eldest, Dimeer has stepped out of the focus of the Morealis family to run their affairs from the shadows. He takes personal interest in all his relations, often traveling to their homes at night to speak with them about business and philosophy. Known as a great teacher and a shrewd politician, Dimeer has paved the family to the position it is in now and he is still regarded with both hate and respect by some of the other families who knew him while he was active. Name: Remosh "Remy" Morealis Race: Human DoB: The 12th of the Winter Season, 473 AV PoB: Kenash, Cyphrus Region Title: None Skills: Perfumery 65; Herbalism 55; Gardening 45; Leadership 40; Weapon: Heavy Crossbow 34; Wilderness Survival: Swamp 32; Seduction 30; Musical Instrument: Violin 28; Storytelling 18 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: As the older brother of Dimitri, Remosh should have been the one to take on the position of Head of Household, however, he was smart enough to realize it was a role he did not want, nor could he handle. Far more comfortable in his garden and lab, his one true passion is creating beautiful scents for the men and women of Kenash. He can often be found toiling away in either location, with the assistance of his handicapped son, only surfacing to spend time with his lovely wife and charming daughter when they insist upon it. Name: Denibra Lynint Morealis Race: Human DoB: The 72nd of the Summer Season, 475 AV PoB: Kenash, Cyphrus Region Title: None Skills: Floristry 50; Singing 48; Sewing 42; Calligraphy 40; Cosmetology 38; Rhetoric 35; Dancing 30; Storytelling 28; Leadership 12 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: Denibra is the model wife and mother, which, as you can imagine, is no small accomplishment. Spending her every waking hour either catering to the needs of her somewhat reclusive husband, keeping a watchful eye on their handicapped son, or working to mold their strong-willed daughter, it's a wonder the poor woman hasn't turned to smoking or drinking...or has she? No one, no matter how skilled or dedicated, should be able to naturally accomplish what this woman does in a day. Therefore, it is strongly believed, among certain circles, that she is using some sort of enhancement drug to keep herself up and running at peak efficiency. Either that, or she's a witch. Name: Tahn Morealis Race: Human DoB: The 3rd of the Summer Season, 492 AV PoB: Kenash, Cyphrus Region Title: None Skills: Perfumery 45; Weapon: Staff 40; Herbalism 35; Gardening 32; Singing 25; Cooking 20; Storytelling 18; Rhetoric 12 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: Born blind in both eyes, Tahn's body certainly compensated for its lack of sight by giving the young man an extraordinary sense of taste and - since the two are closely linked - smell. Assisting his father, Remosh, in his perfume trade, there are those in Kenash who openly proclaim it is the young man's 'gifts' that bring about the business' many successes. His father, while proud of his son, tends to downplay the boy's talents, any chance he can get, for fear of losing his prodigy. When Tahn is not at his father's side - which isn't very often - he can be found trailing behind his younger sister, who he absolutely adores, regardless of the fact that she can be downright cruel to him, right in public, whenever it suits her fancy.   Servant NPCs Name: Don Mismar Race: Human DoB: Winter, 476 PoB: Alvadas Title: Head of the Morealis Guard Skills: Longsword 71, Crossbow 65, Leadership 51, Unarmed 42, Intimidation 34, Tactics 27 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: Don has always been a soldier, but his loyalty has not stayed constant. He was born in Alvadas, but grew up as a street tough. He worked his way out of hired muscle for bars into guard duty and from there into mercenary work. Don is a fast learner and had a knack for inspiring the men he served with. He was recommended to a Morealis when visiting Alvadas and after a short demonstration of his skills, was hired. Since then Don has worked for the Morealis, only recently attaining a position as the head of the Morealis guard. Don is a gruff, no-nonsense sort of man who knows how to inspire the other guards of the Morealis plantation and happy to serve the Morealis for the pay he is being provided.   Slave NPCs Name: Ramon Race: Human DoB: Fall, 453 PoB: Sunberth Title: Groundskeeper Skills: Gardening 70, Herbalism 64, Agriculture: Barley and Sugarcane 32, Poison 27 Gnosis: Unknown Additional Info: Ramon was gathered by Radacke slavers when he was a boy, brought to Kenash and sold as a slave. At first he worked in the fields for the Morealis, gathering the Sugarcane when it was ready. Ramon loved the beauty of Kenash but struggled under the yoke of slavery. He gathered beautiful flowers while out in the fields, bringing them home to plant small gardens around his slave house, trying to tend to them as his one treasure. It is said that a Morealis, walking among the slaves for inspection, spied the garden and inquired to who had the ability to create such a beautiful arrangement. When Ramon revealed himself, he was taken from the fields and put onto the grounds of Blacksugar to tend to the floral arrangements and the state of the grounds. He’s been there for thirty years now and insists he is happy to be given this job. While he has not been freed, Ramon is content to live on the plantation house grounds. Through trial and error he’s accrued some skill in herbalism and poison, identifying all the flora on the property and some in the swamps beyond. It is not unusual for him to be called in to suggest an herbal remedy, or sometimes make poisons at the request of his masters.   Crops Sugarcane - Details forthcoming Wheat, a golden crop that is often planted in the early spring and harvested mid-fall. It's roots are shallow, so are easily harvested without much fuss but needs the right amount of water. Too little and the wheat turns to straw-like substance, too much and the stalks begin to mold. Barley-Is a great crop that covers the ground in a brilliant green. Not as easily tended to as Wheat, it is of higher value so the field slaves that are allowed to work them have a higher skill level in agriculture. Tobacco- While not as exotic as Rajor's, Morealis Tobacco has a distinctive taste and blend. Sub-location link! Blacksugar Distillery ** Written up by Wrenmae