Pretorius Family
The Pretorius family is a flamboyant and unpredictable noble house within Borca, known less for subtlety and tradition and more for their bold embrace of risk, revelry, and chaos. Their ancestral estate, Mundorhova, stands apart from the somber manors and shadowed halls of other Borcan families—a raucous casino and pleasure palace that pulses with music, laughter, and the clatter of dice amid the grim atmosphere of the Domain of Dread.
The Pretorius name is a paradox: a family that rose from the ashes of destruction—both literal and figurative—to carve out a place of power through boldness and cunning. Their estate is a beacon to those drawn to chance and change, a crucible where fortunes are made and lost in the flicker of a card.
In the deadly game of Borcan politics, the Pretorius family is both wildcard and master dealer—willing to risk all to gain more, and always ready to reshuffle the deck when the stakes grow too high.
Culture
Members of the Pretorius family are often seen as charismatic, daring, and unorthodox, embracing risk in both business and politics. They are known for lavish parties that can turn violent without warning and for a willingness to engage in morally ambiguous—and sometimes outright dangerous—schemes.
Though their behavior sometimes alienates more traditional nobles, few can deny the family’s effectiveness and resilience. The Pretoriuses thrive in Borca’s unpredictable landscape by turning chaos into currency.
Public Agenda
Mundorhova’s sprawling gambling halls, ornate lounges, and labyrinthine private chambers draw nobles, spies, and adventurers alike—those seeking fortune, secrets, or distraction from Borca’s pervasive dread. Surrounding the estate lie the Ash Gardens, a charred and twisted landscape scarred by a massive wildfire whose origins remain a whispered mystery. The gardens serve as both a grim reminder of destruction and a stark contrast to the lively decadence within the casino walls.
This juxtaposition reflects the Pretorius family itself: wreathed in fire and smoke, yet burning with an insatiable appetite for life and influence.
Unlike the Boritsi or Dilisnya, who wield power through poison or land, the Pretorius family exercises its influence by manipulating chance, desire, and ambition. Their casino is more than a den of entertainment—it is a hub of information, negotiation, and subtle coercion. Deals are struck over cards; alliances forged in whispered wagers; and secrets bought or sold amidst the swirl of smoke and spirits.
The Pretoriuses cultivate an image of recklessness and charm, using spectacle and indulgence to mask their keen political savvy. They are adept at reading others, calculating odds, and turning even the most desperate gambles to their advantage.
Comments