Duchy of Black Rose

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
 **Settlements**
Thornwood,
Ghostlynn Grove,
Black Rose Keep,

The **Duchy of Black Rose is located in Duskwood and ruled over by Duke Tirian Felo'dorah.**

Tucked deep in the arms of the forest, only accessible by a well guarded path, the Duchy of Black Rose has been a haven for men and women of the occult for many years. Rumor has it the lush forest itself was founded by a coven of witches  that sought refuge from the outside world, to practice their brand of dark magic, in the days before Duskwood even had a name. Sacrifice and rituals of horror became hidden by the arms of the trees and the screams of slaughtered innocents, held within. A curse was set on the woods by the high witches of the grove, causing the limbs to curl around the village like a half moon, not allowing residents in nor out without permission. It is easy to see why this patch of woods went undiscovered for many years.

As the founding hands and their families slowly died off, the curse was lifted, revealing a path that allowed travel in and out of Black Rose once again. Soon after, witches, warlocks, necromancers, mediums, travelers, and anyone that held interest in physic phenomenon, black arts, and paranormal activity, flocked to the village that contained a rich history of sorcery, very rarely explored. Everyone came in hopes of finding old tomes and charms of bewitchment only to find nothing from the past exists. The founding witches destroyed all their life’s work selfishly, by their own hands, taking their wisdom and mystery to the grave.

Once settled by the crown, Black Rose went through a revival as empty houses burned bright with fires and families once again. It is as if all that was lost wants to be found and the forest screams to be heard. The morning markets returned and nameless faces wearing heavy cloaks walked from house to house, sharing secrets within the walls of each others homes. The woods vibrated with energy once again, calling all that pass by, asking those of like mind to find each other and plant roots down in a sanctuary that celebrates the old ways.

The Duchy of Black Rose was awarded to Lord Valtieri by the crown for loyal service to the Alliance, after he was forced out of the Highlands due to tension between the humans of Arathor and the High Elven King. Since then, Black Rose has kept a brutal army to fight for the Alliance and the land provides the people all that is necessary to sustain their peculiar way of life.

## Economy & Resources

( Outside the Valtieri Consulate located in Stormwind, a bronze brochure holder hung on the brick wall near the door which holds commerce and trade pamphlets. Brochures can also be found in holders inside the Shady Lady. )

There are many rare and choice items for sale and trade however, the Black Rose Duchy boasts a few select indigenous products the lands famed for.

Organizations, tradesmen, businesses, noble houses, and individuals are encouraged to seek representatives of House Felo'dorah if interested. We welcome charity organizations that seek donations as well.

The list below provides current items for sale and trade.

* Diamonds

Sought after by royalty and the world’s elite, diamonds adorn crowns, jewelry, and make a statement of wealth. Black Rose Diamonds are known for their flawless clarity and their colorless perfection. You will not find a better gemstone in all of Azeroth. Colored diamonds, a rare occurrence in the diamond world, are also mined from the rich mantle of the southern mountainous region.

(OOC INFO NOT INCLUDED IN THE BROCHURE : Diamonds from the Duchy are considered priceless, precious gems. Due to their lessoning abundance, laws were put in place to retain diamond value amongst aristocrats and those of wealth. To obtain a diamond for personal use or wear from the Duchy, one must secure a writ of purchase from a royal appointed jeweler in the capital. To buy one without writ of purchase from the black market is punishable by torture, and or death. All diamond miners must sell their wares to the crown or they can be gifted to approved families on the Duchy that will be use the diamonds for ritual, spell work, and blessings. )

* Rubies

The warm, fiery red of the Black Rose Duchy is incomparable.

( OOC INFO NOT INCLUDED IN THE BROCHURE : Worn by the blood witches of the Ghostlynn Grove, rubies are coveted for their undiluted, hot, passionate red color, implying powerful blood magic.)

* Opium

Fields of opium poppies flourish in the Poison Fields. The plant is used for medicinal and magical purposes and for pleasurable purposes as well. This crop is regulated to provide farmers a lucrative harvest to sell to the royal appointed opium dens that can be found in the seedy area of Thornwood, as well as royal appointed apothecaries..

(OOC INFO NOT INCLUDED IN BROCHURE : Opium is now being smuggled in to the Eastern Kingdoms for unlawful distribution by a few criminals.)

* Absinthe

This anise flavored spirit is the customary libation of Black Rose. Made from wormwood, anise, and fennel, absinthe is said to make one feel in a state of lucid drunkenness. Some of the most potent bottles on the isles provide a hallucinogenic effect. Blackrose Absinthe has been vilified due to its psychoactive properties, however, drink at your own risk, and make sure to dilute your green god with plenty of water.

* Strawberries

Wild strawberries are a staple treat of Black Rose. The infamous Black Rose Woodland Strawberry is voluptuous and quite delicious. This variety can be found in wooded areas with moist, shady conditions. Woodland Strawberries are sweet like candy and have underlying notes of rosemary seeing many fields of herbs often surround the treasured strawberry vines.

* Herbs/Spices

Due to the superstitious nature of the Ghostlynn Grove natives, many herbs are used in rituals, spell crafting, potions, and other supernatural purposes as well as teas and everyday cooking for health benefits. There is an overabundance of many easy to grow herbs and there is many herbs available for trade. Rumor has it the soil of Ghostylynn Grove  is rich with unexplained magical energy and the farmland is blessed by the spirits, making the herbs of the land potent. Herb prices depend on availability, abundance, and rarity.

Over the course of years and through the blood and sweat of the stout workmen of Ghostlynn Grove, A particular breed of Shire horse, dubbed the Warshire by both lord and peasant alike. Hands taller than most war horses, and with nasty temperaments bred to their very core, the Black Rose Warshires are prized, and priced for, great leaders of men of war.

### Founding

The Duchy of Black Rose was founded after the Second War when the high elven king Anasterian Sunstrider lost concern of his allies and officially seceded his nation, tension grew between the Lords of Arathor and House Valtieri seeing they took home in the Highlands. Lord Valtieri petitioned the King for title and land to be awarded to him due to his loyalty to the Alliance and was thus awarded the Duchy of Black Rose in Duskwood.

### Present Day

Since the death of Kethrosar Valtieri, Aredhele Valtieri took her rightful place as head of House Valtieri and ruled the Duchy in the name of the Alliance for several years. Through her guile, drive, and unmatchable personality, House Valtieri cemented itself in fame (or infamy) in the hearts and minds of its peoples. However, much like the raging bonfires of the strange parties hosted upon these even stranger lands, the brightly burning house slipped to embers. However, even embers can be kindled, and birth infernos once again.

The Duchy of Black Rose is now tended to and nurtured by Duke Tirian Felo'dorah, it's harsh conditions creating a harder people, bred to crush the enemies of Stormwind.

## Settlements

### Thornwood

A thriving settlement of the rich and scoundrels alike

### Ghostlynn Grove

A settlement of the superstitious, ruled over personally by Duke Tirian Felo'dorah

### Rosewood

Farmland settlement, ruled over by Baroness Alliriel Valtieri

### Black Rose Keep

The might of the Valtieri military and the famed dungeon tower where future torturers, hangmen, and executioners are trained for the Crown

## Houses

House Felo'dorah rules the Duchy of Black Rose in Duskwood.

> Like a phoenix, born from nothing and flaming to life, House Felo'dorah came from ash. Each brick of Ghostlynn Grove was carefully repaired, each board nailed with the intent on making something from absolutely nothing. Now, at the head of a Duchy tasked with the protection of the Kingdom of Stormwind, House Felo'dorah challenges the world to break themselves upon the hardwood of their lances and to be trampled by the great hooves of their beasts.
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House Valtieri is a vassal house of House Felo'dorah and Lady Arialeth Valtieri holds the Barony of Thornwood

> Known for their beauty and hated for their wit, the Valtieri women have long since twisted men about their little fingers and inspired jealousy as hot as the sun in women. No matter the circumstance, House Valtieri has looked to the stars and sought and claimed what is owed them. Vassal or Duke or King and Queen, they have ensured their place in memory for the rest of time.
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