| The Black Family | |
| |
| Political Information | |
| Nicknames: | The Blacks The Ducal Whigs Brits |
| Previously: | The House of Mossley |
| Government: | Feudal nobility |
| Class: | Aristocracy |
| Leader Title: | Duke/Duchess |
| Leader: | Duke VII Sir Samuel Cloudisley Black |
| Motto: | "The Duke is my shepherd, I shall not want." |
| Societal Information | |
| Country: | Seattle, United States of America |
| Location: | Blackwood Firebreak Capitol Hill |
| Headquarters: | Blackwood |
| Population: | Estimate 300: Black Grand Ducal: 10 Black Rifles: 70 Black Caravaneers: 70 Black Guard: 50 Blackswain: 100 |
| Notable Members: | Huxtable Black Edmund Black Charles Black |
| Historical Information | |
| Founded: | 2090s |
| Founded by: | Alexander Black I |
| Events: | The Great Famine (2238) Annexation of Firebreak (2240) Siege of Blackwood (2269) |
| Policy Information | |
| Goals: | Maintain control of Blackwood and its dependent locations, expand influence and wealth. |
| Allies: | 206 Raider Clan-Gang Chinatown Crazy Ivan Emerald City Geigers |
| Enemies: | Raiders Super Mutants Other hostile factions |
| Function: | Rule over Blackwood and its dependent locations. Enforce Anglican Ducalism religion. Black Tax Code taxation system. Maintain a private army for protection and expansion. Retake America for British rule. |
| Status: | Active |
The Loyalist House of Black, the Black Grand Ducal, or simply the Black Family, are a governing sovereign family and society of Blackwood and Firebreak operating in Seattle for generations. With a dignified and conspicuous bloodline of British descent, the society endeavours to reclaim post-War America as a British territory, though this is less of an achievable goal and more of a hopeful dream to keep the family going in a nuclear existential world.
They have maintained their power and influence through a combination of military might, political savvy, and economic power. Duke VII Sir Samuel Cloudisley Black is the current head of the family and is considered to be one of the most powerful and influential figures in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Under his leadership, the Black Grand Ducal has expanded its holdings to include three sovereign city-states: Blackwood, Firebreak, and Capitol Hill. These city-states are heavily dependent on the Black Family for protection, resources, and leadership. In exchange, the Black Grand Ducal taxes these city-states heavily, using the revenue to fund their military, political, and economic endeavors.
Despite the heavy Black Tax Code taxation, many of the citizens of Blackwood, the 206 of Firebreak, and the Geigers of Capitol Hill are loyal to the Black Family. They see the ruling family as a symbol of stability and strength in the Seattle wasteland that is often chaotic and dangerous. However, there are also those who chafe under their rule, feeling that they are being exploited and oppressed for the benefit of the ruling family.
Ultimately, the Black Family are a powerful and influential force in the Seattle metropolitan area. Whether they are viewed as heroes or villains depends on one's perspective and experiences.
History[]
Origins[]
"Benjamin Richard Black", also known as Bennie, is the first known ancestor of the Black family name in history, born in Mossley, Greater Manchester, England. Benjamin was well-known for his extensive work as a pastry chef, ranching baron, and governing member of Mossley's civil council parish. It is possible that his ancestors were blacksmiths, hence the eponymous surname, but this is undocumented. As a civil parish councilman in the 1800s, Bennie became a prominent member of the small town and amassed significant wealth from the numerous businesses he owned or funded through his position. Married in 1892 at the age of 18, his wife Effie Black née Savage died at the age of 35 by unknown causes. Though his exact birth date is unknown, Benjamin passed away in 1930, survived by two sons, Benjamin Richard Black and James Leslie Black.
Benjamin Richard Black, born in 1897, would inherit the entire Black Family fortune following the death of his father in 1930 and, later, his brother James in 1944, following civilian conscription in World War II. Due to his obesity and illnesses, Benjamin, or "Richie," did not fight in the war, instead assisting the war effort, munitions, and rationing on the British home front. The large amounts of income generated by over 100 businesses and ventures indicated that he was relatively well off in comparison to his subordinates, and his big belly showed it. He married Alice Black, née Swett, in 1923 when he was 26 years old, and died in 1949 when he was 52 years old, and on his deathbed declared himself the first Duke of Mossley.
Current Leader[]
Sir Samuel Cloudisley Black, the VII Duke of Blackwood and current heir to the Black Family dominion, is 42 years old and the oldest surviving descendant of George Henry Black. Cloudy, as he is known throughout Seattle, is the second born son and lived as an ethnologist and historian, but was elevated to Duke when heir apparent Harrold Sidney Black passed away with Dead Lung in 2269.
Culture[]
Black Tax Codes[]
The Black Tax Codes, also known as BTC, or derogatorily as Blaxes, are a forced financial charge levy imposed on all Blackwood citizens, from the lowest Blackswain to the highest Ducalty. The Black Grand Ducal uses the blaxpayer's caps to fund ducal spending and other public expenditures. Failure to pay, as well as evasion or resistance to blaxation, are all illegal and punishable under their law. Blackwood's tax tariffs began in the 2090s by the 3rd Duke of Blackwood, Alexander Black, when the Black Family rudely declared British sovereignty over Blackwood, Seattle. The ducal spends a significant portion of its tax revenue on caravans, produce, education, and Black Rifle security.
The Black Tax Codes have been a contentious issue among Blackwood citizens, particularly among the Blackswains who make up the bulk of the population. Many Blackswains argue that they already suffer from marginalization and that the tax codes only serve to exacerbate their financial hardships. They also claim that the Ducal spends too much of the tax revenue on the Black Rifle security and not enough on improving the living conditions of the Blackswains.
The Black Grand Ducal, however, maintains that the Black Tax Codes are necessary for the proper functioning of Blackwood and to provide for the safety and security of its citizens. The Ducal argues that the tax revenue is used to fund essential public services, such as education and healthcare, and that the Black Rifles and the Black Guard provide a critical defense against external threats such as raiders and wildlife.
The Black Tax Codes are enforced by the Black Guard who are responsible for collecting and managing tax revenue monthly. Failure to pay taxes results in fines, imprisonment, and in extreme cases, forced labor for the Black Caravaneers, slavery as an underling for a Black Rifle officer, or expulsion from Blackwood. Despite the controversies surrounding the Black Tax Codes, most Blackwood citizens continue to pay their taxes as a matter of obligation and duty. The Black Grand Ducal has made it clear that tax evasion or resistance will not be tolerated, and any attempt to avoid paying taxes will be met with swift and severe punishment.
Black Taxes Breakdown[]
The Black Grand Ducal is generally satisfied with their tax breakdown, as they contribute the least amount of caps or goods and receive the most benefits. The Black Rifles and the Black Caravaneers grudgingly accept their tax obligations, as they understand the importance of their services to the Black Family. The Black Guard, despite being paid less than the other groups, are content with their contribution as they are still able to serve and protect Blackwood. However, the Blackswains are resentful of their high tax burden and lowly status, as they must give up a significant portion of their meager earnings and receive minimal benefits in return. Many Blackswains have spoken out against the tax system and are fighting for equal rights and fair treatment within the Black Family.
Black Grand Ducal:
- Ducal Income Tax: 5% of income paid in caps
- Ducal Property Tax: 10% of property value paid in caps or produce
Black Rifles:
- Combat Tax: 20% of earnings paid in caps or weapons/gear obtained on missions
- Injury Tax: 50% of earnings paid in caps or medical supplies.
Black Caravaneers:
- Caravan Sales Tax: 15% of sales paid in caps or goods.
- Goods Protection Tax: 20% of profits paid in caps or high-value goods.
Black Guard:
- Guard Membership Tax: 40% of monthly salary paid in caps or produce.
- Equipment Tax: 20% of earnings paid in caps or gear
Blackswain:
- Labor Tax: 50% of monthly wages paid in caps or goods
- Home Tax: 30% of monthly housing rent paid in caps or produce.
Ducalism Religion[]
| “The Duke is my shepherd, I shall not want, those who stray from the path of the Duke shall be lost in the wasteland and abandoned by the Lord.” — Ducal Canticles 23:1 |
Religion plays a significant role in the Black Family's culture and traditions, derived from The Church of England and Anglican religious belief's which has evolved over time to reflect the harsh realities of life in the post-apocalyptic Seattle wasteland. Known as "Anglican Ducalism", their religious beliefs are centered around the concept of divine providence and the idea that they are the chosen people of God. Their religion centers around the belief that God chose their family to be the rulers of the land, and that they are the rightful stewards of the wasteland. They believe that God himself was the first Duke of the Black Family, and that every subsequent Duke has been chosen by God to continue the family's divine mission.
Ducalism religious texts include a modified version of the Bible, with passages and stories that have been reinterpreted to fit their post-apocalyptic worldview. They believe that the apocalypse was a punishment from God for allowing America to reach independence from England, and that only the Black Family can lead humanity back to the path of righteousness and British Sovereignty. Worship services are held in the Blackwood Abbey, a makeshift chapel within the walls of Blackwood, and are led by the family's appointed chaplain Reverend Edmund. The chapel is painted with the family's black cross symbol with paint, which they believe represents their divine mission.
Their religious practices are a blend of Anglican and wastelandic elements, reflecting the influence of their British heritage and the need to adapt to the new environment. The Black Cross, the symbol of the Black Family, is a fusion of the Christian cross and the British Union Jack, which is a merging of the old world religion and their British ancestors. In addition to their religious practices, the Black Family also has a strict moral code that governs their behavior. This code is based on the Ten Commandments, but it also includes additional rules that are specific to their community. For example, they believe in the importance of hard work, honesty, and loyalty to the Black Family.
The Black Guard, their citizen militia that serves as the peacekeepers, is one of the primary methods that the Black Family enforces Anglican Ducalism. The Black Guard guarantees that citizens adhere to religious precepts and that any dissidents or non-believers are punished. Non-compliance with Anglican Ducalism can result in public shame, exile from Blackwood, and, in extreme cases, execution. These punishments are meant to dissuade anyone who dares to question the Black Family's authority or religious teaching. All subjects are required to convert and pray.
Class System[]
On all levels of their society, there is a consistent socioeconomic structure in place. The social structure is hierarchical; the Duke is at the top, of course, and even the servants have clearly defined social positions.
The Duke[]
The Duke is the ruler; it is his duty to govern, judge, and rule. The Duke manages Blackwood and its holdings and defends the honour of the Black Family heritage, present and future. Over the ages, and as far back as pre-war times, seven key individuals have held the title of Duke.
Black Grand Ducal[]
The House of Mossley, now known as the Black Grand Ducal, is the United Dukedom and Blackwood realms ruling noble house.
Duke VII Sir Samuel Cloudisley Black, the current head of the family, is the duke of three sovereign city-states in the Seattle metropolitan area. Blackwood, Firebreak, and Capitol Hill are these dependent locations.
Black Rifles[]
The Black Rifles are the military force of the Black Family and are tasked with defending the dukedom against any threats that may arise in the post-apocalyptic Seattle wasteland. From Blackwood to Firebreak to Capitol Hill, they roam their territories and protect their people. They are equipped with the latest weapons and armor, paid for by the Black Tax Codes, as well as training in close combat, marksmanship, and tactical operations. The Black Rifles are led by Captain-General Charles Black, who reports directly to the Duke Sir Samuel Cloudisley Black, and are divided into seven battalions of 10 soldiers, each led by a captain. They are trained to operate in a the dangerous streets of Seattle, trained for urban combat, and are deployed on missions ranging from reconnaissance to full-scale assaults.
Black Caravaneers[]
The Black Caravaneers are a tight knit group of traders and merchants who travel throughout the metropolitan area of the Seattle wasteland, bartering for goods and supplies that they bring back to the Black Family. They specialize in scavenging and trading for rare and valuable items, including pre-war technology and medical supplies, and sometimes make excursions outside their own territories when protected by the Black Rifles. The Caravaneers are led by a shrewd and cunning trader named Abigail Henrietta Black, a sister of Cloudisley Black of the Black Grand Ducal. She is well-known for her deft negotiating skills and ability to detect a good deal from a mile away. The Black Caravaneers have become one of the most successful trading groups in the Seattle wasteland under her guidance, and it is thanks to her efforts that the Caravaneers have started to trade outside of their usual territories despite the great risks and occasional attacks.
While they are technically under the control of the Black Family, the Caravaneers maintain a degree of independence and frequently act on their own initiative under Abigail. Cloudisley trusts them to bring back valuable products and supplies, but they are tightly supervised by the Black Rifles to ensure that they do not engage in any unauthorized commercial agreements or try and skip out paying their taxes
The Caravaneers run multiple trade routes across the wasteland, travelling through perilous territory and facing various raiders and mutants along the way. They rely on their well-armed guards and expert Brahmin herders to keep bandits and other threats at bay. The Black Caravaneers primarily operate on a safe and protected circuit every three days that runs from Blackwood through Fremont, across the Aurora Bridge, through Queen Anne, and into Capitol Hill. They then travel back to Blackwood through Madison Park and the Arboretum, passing by Firebreak on the way back home.
Black Guard[]
The Black Guard is an armed citizen militia that supports the Black Rifles by defending and serving Blackwood's inner echelons, while the Black Rifles focus on protecting the outer perimeter from external threats. In general, they serve as peacekeepers, resolving any conflicts and disagreements that would otherwise distract the primary fighting force of the Black Rifles. Local volunteers, such as Blackswain who are otherwise ineligible for military service in the Black Rifles due to birthrights, intelligence, fitness level, or are too old to join the regular military services, make up the majority of the force.
Although the upper age limit is not strictly enforced, men and women aged 40 to 60 years may serve under the Black Guard. The service is not essential and the pay is considerably less than that offered to the Black Rifles or the Black Caravaneers, but it provides an opportunity for older soldiers or those who are inexperienced in actual combat a chance to contribute to the protection of Blackwood. Long-serving Black Riflemen may join the Black Guard due to age or injury, and Captains frequently threaten to "drop to Black Guard" any Black Riflemen who are disobedient or dismissive of their duties.
The Black Guard is an essential component of Blackwood's self security and protection system. They are trained in the use of various weapons and tactics, and they maintain a constant presence inside the settlement itself, maintaining order and keeping the peace. They work closely with the Black Rifles to coordinate and execute the Black Family's military strategy in times of defence or offense.
Recruits of the Black Guard undergo rigorous training in weapons handling, tactics, and basic medical care. They also receive instruction on how to work with the local populace and the Blackswains, including negotiation and mediation skills. Once training is complete, they are assigned to specific patrols or guard posts throughout the city. Some may be assigned to higher-profile tasks, such as guarding key buildings or escorting Black Family members on important missions.
Because of the better wages and having the opportunity to live inside the settlement itself, many Blackswains and other volunteers are eager to serve in the Black Guard. They see it as an opportunity to contribute to the community and help protect their families and loved ones. In some cases, the Black Guard may even offer a path to citizenship or higher social status within Blackwood. However, serving in the Black Guard is not without its risks, and casualties do occur, especially during times of heightened tension or conflict from both internal and external threats.
Overall, the Black Guard is a vital part of Blackwood's social and military structure, providing a way for citizens to serve and protect their community while also maintaining order and security throughout the city. While they are looked down upon by higher members of the Black Family, they are proud to be in their roles, compared to the lesser roles like a Blackswain.
Blackswain[]
The Blackswain Class is considered Blackwood's poorest and most marginalised social class. The Blackswains are often looked down upon by the higher social classes, particularly the Black Family, who are the ruling aristocracy of the duchy.
A Blackswain, or "Mate", is a derogatory term for someone who is not related to the Black Family by birth or marriage but is subject to their law, security, or influence. Blackswains are generally lowly proletariat and Ducal servants who work in petty roles and odd jobs throughout the dukedom in exchange for basic Black Family amenities such as shelter and protection from nature.
Due to their marginalized status, the Blackswains often live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet, dedicating their lives as servants to the Black Family so they can survive in post apocalyptia. They are given menial tasks to perform, such as cleaning the streets of West Woodland, cooking, and running errands for their Black Family masters. They have limited access to education, healthcare, and other basic necessities, and are often mistreated or exploited by the higher classes.
The Blackswains are trying to organize themselves into a union, calling themselves the "Coalition for Blackswain Rights." Their demands include fair wages, better living conditions, and the ability to form their own unions without interference from the Black Family. However, many members of the Black Family, including some of its most powerful members, are opposed to these demands, seeing them as a threat to their power and influence.
Cloudisley Black, the new leader of the Black Family in 2287, has publicly expressed his support for the Coalition's demands, arguing that a strong and prosperous Blackswain community is in the best interest of the entire dukedom. However, he faces opposition from within his own family, with some members accusing him of being too sympathetic to the Blackswains.
Technology[]
Weaponry[]
The Black Rifles are the military branch of the Black Family and are tasked with protecting assets and communes of the dukedom. Generally equipped with a range of weapons, both contemporary and scavenged, they are issued to tailor to the defense requirements of their roles. The standardized primary weapon is the SA80 service rifle and if available, a M&A 9mm pistol as a secondary weapon. It is currently unknown how the group acquired such weaponry, though some speculate that Russian collusion could have yielded the weapons, though this could be false information.
In terms of military force and soldier presence, it is estimated that they have between 20 to 30 fulltime soldiers, with the majority being mercenaries and auxiliary troops who are affixed from converted raider societies such as the 206 Raiders. Unceremoniously, blood members or in-laws of the Black Family receive the best and most efficient equipment, while auxiliaries and Blackswain are considered lucky to receive a handgun or live ammunition.
As the Black Family exhaustively document their inventories, supplies, and storage, conventional weaponry manifest listings as of 2285 are as follows: SA80 service rifle (Pristine 10x - Sullied 4x), Makeshift Pipe rifle (Pristine 6x - 12x), M&A 9mm pistol (Pristine 10x - Sullied 22x), British Hunting Rifle (Pristine 1x).
Relations[]
206 Raider Clan-Gang[]
The Black Family and the 206 Raiders have a long and bloody relationship with each other.
Geigers[]
The first official contact with flamboyant Geigers occurred in March 2238, when a farming-based caravan arrived in West Woodland, Seattle, now known as Blackwood. The Geigers' wild and uncouth way of life clashed with the Black Family's old-fashioned values as they arrived to selflessly spread their knowledge of agriculture and crop cultivation, as well as hopefully pander their overpriced 'art' pieces and homegrown chems as a side business. The 6th Duke of Blackwood, George Henry Black, personally escorted them away, offended by their exotic Geiger-counter-laden appearance, abstract art, and heinous odour.
Despite this initial hostility, the Geigers continued to live and thrive in Capitol Hill, practicing their unique form of agriculture and developing their own brand of homegrown chems. Over time, they managed to build a strong economy based on their trade with other factions in Seattle, even while being barred from trading openly with the Black Family. The Black Family, however, remained wary of the Geigers, viewing them as a potential threat to their power and influence in the region. They monitored their activities closely, frequently conducting raids on their farms and warehouses to confiscate any food and chems they wanted.
This arrogant behaviour would set off a chain of unfortunate events that would eventually lead to the famine in Blackwood and the desperate annexation of Firebreak in 2240. The Geigers were not allowed to resume open trade with Blackwood until 31 years later, in 2269, when Cloudisley Black became the VII Duke of Blackwood.
This uneasy relationship persisted for many years, until the ascension of Cloudisley Black to the position of VII Duke of Blackwood in 2269. Unlike his predecessors, Cloudisley was more open-minded about the Geigers, recognizing the value of their agricultural knowledge and economic contributions. Under Cloudisley's leadership, the Black Family lifted their ban on trade with the Geigers, allowing them to openly sell their chems and artwork in Blackwood and other settlements. While there are still tensions between the two groups, this newfound cooperation has brought a measure of stability to the region and helped to alleviate the chronic food shortages that had plagued the area for decades.
The Unclothed Incident[]
Avarose Black, the only daughter of Cloudisley and Elise Black, has led a troubled and damaging life in the eyes of the Black Family. She went 'missing' in 2271 and was thought to be kidnapped or dead for five years, but it was later discovered that she had secretly hitched a ride on a Geigers farming caravan which visited Blackwood. During the "206 Rebellion," which lasted from 2267 to 2280 and saw subjected raiders rise against the Black Family, the Black Parliament mistakenly believed she had been captured or killed by 206 Tories. This escalated tensions between the two factions, and Avarose was portrayed as a martyr in Black Family propaganda.
Changing her name to Avery Milton, she in her own terms 'escaped' her monotonous life and joined the freethinking artists of Capitol Hill which was in a peaceful state at the time. Avarose would elope with a gregarious young Geiger known as "Kid" Rothko Carbon, an experienced farmer, a figurehead of a political party, and a specialist in nude art. Enticed by his charming speech and pleasing hedonistic philosophy on life, they would bear a son in 2272. Word only reached Blackwood that she was indeed alive when a large naked life drawing of Avarose, "The Unclothed Rose by Kid Carbon, 2274" appeared for sale in Blackwood carted by an unknowing Geiger caravan. This revelation almost sent the Black Family on a colonial warpath as the painting was seen as an act of war and against the values of the Church; fortunately, Cloudisley's sound judgment (for which he is known for) prevented a conflict with the Geigers and possibly, avoided a war with Emerald City itself. War on another front would have been disastrous especially as they were not making progress with the 206.
The informal matrimony between Avarose and Carbon would eventually lead to a better working relationship between the two once opposing groups. Now in a time of peace as of 2287, Avarose Black, now unscrupulously known as Avery Carbon-Black, still lives in Capitol Hill with support from her parents and constitutes back at home. The pair would be officially wedded at the The Blackwood Abbey and married in God's eyes in 2280 after an armistice was sealed between the Black Family and the 206 Raider Clan-Gang. Their bastard son would be baptised at the age of eight and given the name "Milton McCloud Black" in the family records. Since 2280, the Geigers and the Black Family have been close friends who regularly trade and barter; however, the Geigers' chems are still illegal in all Black Family holdings.