Check out Simmerville's Youtube channel!
News May 2022: Mazaloom History Book.
(Year 233, Spring) This year's Great Mazaloom Simposium took place at the conference center of Hotel Lykke in Windenburg this weekend. The title was "The Value of Owned Land", and among the presenters were HRM King Tarriot, Duke Merlin von Windenburg (81) and Mrs Fanny Silverbone (73), Minister of Trades & Taxes.
 |
| Left to right: HRM King Tarriot, Duke Merlin von Windenburg, Mrs Fanny Silverbone (Minestry of Trades & Taxes), and Henrik Kraft (Windenburg Mayor). |
(Year 233, Spring) Some time ago we learned that an old man of the Flock People was found, and that Landgraab Science Lab wanted to secure the Flock People by creating a science baby based on the Flock DNA. They needed a volunteer to carry the unborn baby, a challenge that Edith Mox grabbed without hesitation.
And now Dr. Alexander Goth confirms that the project is successful this far, and Mox is indeed pregnant.
(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.
(Year 233, Spring) Time has come to release Simmerville Studio's new webpage! You will see that it was built on the same formula as Plumbob Picture's webpage, but there are still some unique content. Also, while Plumbob Pictures produce for the silver screen, Simmerville Studio focuses on TV productions, which are both drama series, documentary, talkshows, news and more. And, perhaps the most interesting difference: Most of Simmerville Studio's productions can be streamed anytime you like!
 |
| Simmerville Studio is well established in Gloomville. |
It was fun building their catalog for the new webpage, because the new system is scripted to integrate their productions with the talent agencies, the actors and others who contributed.
(Year 233, Spring) Just when we thought we had a good grip on Ravenwood's history, it turns out that locals know a lot more. There are many secrets in this spiritual district, but did you ever hear about the secret society called "Raven's Feathers"? Neither did we.
A young Writer named Shadius Tapper (26) is ready to sign with Moon Books this Summer, and his first book project is about that secret society!
 |
| Old photo said to show 7 members of the secret society "Raven's Feathers". |
(Year 233, Spring) Fans were about to give up when the mystery clown appeared again! This time at the Hoap Well Graveyard in San Sequoia. Many had predicted San Sequoia, as it is the only district of region 6 Aarbyville, and the only region that had not yet been visited. It made it easier for fans that there was only one duustrict, although the majority had chosen to waiit for Noldus the clown at Gilbert Gardens.
One fan said: - I chose Gilbert Gardens because the water park is so central, and I think that the last time Noldus gave us a clue about something very old. Thinking of it all the three hoods of San Sequoia represent something old, and graves at the cathedral perhaps even more!
(Year 233, Spring) And we keep rolling out webpages for media production companies and the many talent agencies! This time we'll focus on the big silver screen legend, Plumbob Pictures! Their productions are what most hopefull Actors aim for. Being casted for a big production, means the ultimate chance for a break through!
(Year 233, Spring) It's quite the happening when a new community service opens in StrangerVille. Nobody can actually tell you when the existing community lots opened, it feels like the library and the bar have been there since forever. So, when Mr Ted Rossell announced that a new Climbing Wall Gym was under construction up at Shady Acres, everyone - infected or not - paid attention. Yesterday it was finally time for the opening!
(Year 233, Spring) Up through Mazaloom's history we often find references to Ravenwood. And that is not so strange, because Ravenwood is probably the oldest civilization within the kingdom. When Mazaloom's year count started 233 years ago, the Heighwood family claimed they already occupied Crow Farm (now Crow's Crossing hood), while the Mux-Raisser family claimed their rights to Whisp Farm (now Whispering Glen hood). This is quite extraordinary, as all other areas of the nation seem to have been rather unoccupied land from the very beginning.
The Ravenwood administration was early, too, but we can't say for sure if it was a community like we define a community today, or just a few organizations with the particular interest in Thanatology, that Ravenwood is still famous for.
(Year 233, Spring) The Noldus hysteria is growing all over Mazaloom! SoMe is packed with speculations on where the mysterious clown will show up next. And not the least, who is he and what is his message? It brings people together because everyone is confused and clueless! Or like one fan put it: - I don't even know why I am obsessed with this clown, anyway!
Last night magic struck again, as Noldus the Clown was observed for the 7th time this Spring! This time in Ciudad Enamorada, Advorton region. The pattern continues as he appears in the different regions, one by one.
(Year 233, Spring) Last year the Artist Guild worked closely with Ministry of Culture and Entertainment with several projects focusing on more transparency in he many businesses relating to showbiz.
Plumbob Pictures and Simmerville Studio with four talent agencies will release their detailed page this Summer, and in Fall we'll finally pay attention to the Musicians.
Here and now: First out is the new book publishing company, Moon Books, Inc. Moon Books was initiated by global star and Author, Octavia Moon. Recently Moon Books moved in at Orchid A Go Go in Del Sol Valley, reported here.
(Year 233, Spring) Church of Similius is Mazaloom kingdom's stately religion, organized into 5 parishes. Last year was the last for Mr Christoph de Buttercups to serve the Tredony parish, as his request to retire due to high age was accepted by the church's board. His successor was announced this Winter, and yesterday it was time for his investiture.
The new priest is Benjamin Rosa (66). He has served at the Windenburg Monastery for 35 years, probably dreaming of this day. Priests are recruited from the Monks, but not all will ever get a chance to serve a parish.
 |
| Left to right: Mr Christoph de Buttercups, High Priest Ansgar Profedius, and new Priest, Mr Benjamin Rosa. |
(Year 233, Spring) Fans have been gathering in nightly hours all over the nation, hoping to be on the right location to observe the mysterious clown. It's been a while since the last observation, and many are now suggesting that Noldus the Clown might have appeared but just not been observed. Previously he was seen about every second night.
But last night the luck struck again! Not a larger group of fans, but one elderly man walking home from a late night drink with a secret friend in Copperdale.
(Year 233, Spring) Advorton Zoo, the only zoo of Mazaloom nation, is located in Ciudad Enamorada. Yesterday the zoo management announced this year's new attraction. Press was invited for what has become an annual Spring event. We all remember the chaos that followed when the Selvadoradian Giant Frog was introduced a few years back, and during the event it managed to eat two cameras and wound four journalists who moved to close to the iron fence intended to protect the audience from this scary jungle creation. The frog is still a popular attraction, but the iron bars have been replaced with a more solid version. Yesterday old and new zoo fans tuned in from many corners of the kingdom; What will be the next animal?
This time zoo manager Mónica López revealed that they got a rare copy of the Grim Standard Ascendant Crow! What? A common bird?
(Year 233, Spring) Lately this blog has been flooded by Noldus the Clown observations. Most readers are probably either curious, or they can't wait to move on when this mystery has been solved and is out of the way. There was no new observation last night, but the interest is still building online and today an observant young man shared a new detail!
(Year 233, Spring) We heard that she is rather unfriendly towards the little nectar making family staying in a shed outside Villa Vigna. We also know that she was observed meeting with her cousin Elsa Gobelin (69) in San Myshuno not long ago. And today there are news regarding Amalia Hoffstar (32), who is actually the half sister of HRM King Tarriot.
(Year 233, Spring) It has become a repeating pattern lately. The mystical clown named Noldus keeps appearing at new locations, and nobody knows his true identity. For each observation the interests grows, and on SimMe the debates have been flying high the past day. Because, last night he was observed at Port Promise in Evergreen Harbor, Region Gloom.
This time the groups of fans and curious residents had met up in four regions where he did not yet show, with a hope of seeing him. Fans were ready in region Gloom, too, but in Newcrest and not Evergreen Harbor. Only one person observed him this time, Jane Opticom (29).
(Year 233, Spring) Yesterday Vince Remeréz (75), painting artist and leader of the Artists Guild core group, met the press at Casbah Gallery in his home hood, Arts Quarter of San Myshuno. The occasion was that the Artists Guild worked closely with Talent Agencies last year in order to improve routines involving performing and creative artists - a work that is now about to close.
- This time we chose to look into the conditions for Actors, Models and TV-personalities. It turned out that the many talent agencies were too restrictive with what information they give out. New and hopeful performing artists will hardly get a contract and the system appeared as closed to anyone outside the right network.
This had to be dealt with and new webpages are on their way.
(Year 233, Spring) Fans who had gathered in Chestnut Ridge, where a member of the online group had suspected Noldus the Clown to show up, were disappointed. Because the mystery clown showed up quite far away, namely in Britechester, Rossie district.
He was observed walking slowly through the picturesque quarters of University of Britechester, wearing his usual blue and yellow outfit and red nose.
(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. |
(Year 233, Spring) He was observed in Windenburg and Tartosa, and still nobody knows who he is or where he comes from. Last night he was observed at Prome, San Myshuno.
 |
| A clown fronting national politics? |
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?
(Year 233, Spring) Only two nights after the mysterious clown was observed in Windenburg, he has been seen again! This time in Tartosa in region Tredony! That is pretty much the other end of our nation! What is the point?
Let's talk about the Toddlers' toy Blocks! Now that Grim Reaper will befriend us all and playgrounds will be populated by ghosts - do you want a slightly more edgy version of the toyblocks? We probably all plunk down this toy in the nursery for our hopeful toddler to build Thinking/Motor skills. The 3 color versions allow for a little variety, but the symbols on the 8 cubes are the same. So I thought, why not make this a little more personal? Allow those alien parents to gift their toddler toyblocks that includes an alien motif! How about witches? Grim Reaper and the Dead?
I actually started with a few versions probably not making much sense unless you are inside my head and my game. Monarchs and celebrities from my Mazaloom might not have a great appeal to toddlers in your game... But maybe you like the variety nevertheless?
(Year 233, Spring) Last night a mysterious figure appeared at Lykke hood in Windenburg. A colorful clown was observed at the harbor, and nobody knows for sure what this was all about!
(Year 233, Spring) This 1st day of Spring is Tax Day, and like every other Tax Day the extra taxes got plenty of attention. Mazaloom kingdom's system of extra tax and tax relief is nothing new. This comes on top of regular bills, which already include the general community taxes. Extra Taxes are meant to be a way for the dominating political parties to create financial consequences reflecting their political agenda.
 |
| Mrs. Silverbone supports the Extra Tax. |
A typical example is the old pool-tax, which charged households with a swimming pool extra tax. It made sense to most because poor households were not affected, while those with a pool in their garden are normally able to pay a little extra without much trouble. On the upcoming Tax Day there is no Pool tax, but many other taxes and reliefs. Each extra tax is §1,000 while each relief gives a discount of §1,000. The extra taxes are not the same in all regions either, depending on what party won the previous election.
The good thing is that most households ends up with no extra tax at all.
(Year 233, Spring) At Plaza Mariposa in Ciudad Enamorada there is a Zoo! Well, it used to be a bit more exclusive, but it is still worth a visit. Because it is no longer accepted to keep wild animals in a cage, you will see neither tigers and elephants from Tomarang, nor apes and snakes from Selvadorada. Only a couple very rare species are kept in the name of science. Instead, Advorton Zoo offers visitors to meet with a large number of creatures, big and small. Families spend hours here - especially children find so much to enjoy.
(Year 232, Winter) Tonight Mazaloom's residents could watch the broadcasted Prime Minister's New Year's Greeing. Prime Minister Rob Wilder took to the screen on the year's very last day, while King Tarriot will give his TV speech the following morning. Traditionally PM's Greeing sums up the year that is about to close, while the Monarch will be welcoming the year that waits for us.
(Year 232, Winter) What if you could visit a good toy store to buy toys and skill items for your child? Well, in Mazaloom this seems rather complicated at the moment. In fact, you will hardly find any stores aimed towards babies or children at all. Baby expert Heidi L. Wooblershield (52) had enough!
(Year 232, Winter) In a press release the House von Kaching informs that Baron Bud of Glom passed away last night, aged 84. His health was good until last few days, and he died surrounded by his family. He died as a high nobility Peer, only 2 days before losing the Gloom District Order, which according to the Regional Reform will reduce the Gloom barony to regular nobility. Therefor, he will always be remembered as a baron of high nobility.
 |
| Family photo Fall Y232: Seated are Baroness Rose and Baron Bud. Standing are their son, the Honorable Edward von Kaching and his wife Lady Merielle from the House de Cavalier, and their 3 daughters, Rosine, Cathrise and Blancheflor. |
(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!
(Year 232, Winter) One hour ago Landgraab Science Lab, Inc. made a special announcement regarding their Flock People project. Tonight a Flock body was discovered in a secret location, by Scientist Alexander Goth. It sure is a breakthrough, but unfortunately the more than hundred years old body is dying.
(Year 232, Winter) For the second time the Mazaloom Achievement Award was given to a resident who reached the top level of a skill. Last year jazz singer Olivia Clump was the very first to be honored. Speculations have been flying all over this year, because there are so many candidates. Media has been assuming that certain criteria would not repeat two following years, especially not this early in the routine. So, it was expected that this year's honoree would not be female, not from Newcrest, and not being awarded for Cooking, Painting or Singing skills.
 |
| Crown Princess Emireza and Count Vladislaus IV Straud met at the graveyard. |
Yesterday, in the very early morning hour, HRH Crown Princess Emireza met up at the Henford-on-Bagley graveyard - location and hour picked by the winner, to hand out this year's award. And, the press was there, too!
(Year 232, Winter) What? A child adopted to live at a retirement home? Well, perhaps the story is less weird than you might think. It was not an elderly lodger who adopted the child, but the live-in Manager. And, the adoption is now pushing the Manager to quit her job.
 |
| Tammy Oaksdale comes from Gloomville, and will now return to the family nest at Willow Field. |
(Year 232, Winter) The Butler Academy, located at Mirage Park in Del Sol Valley, is the most successful of our many private high schools. Founded in Year 136 this boarding school is clearly the oldest, but it is also winning both ranks: Most A graduatees and Most popular. The school still offers classes that were requested by Aristocracy generations ago, but with a few extras. Students no longer become butlers, cooks, maids and governesses, alone. Bartenders and Nectar makers might study here as well. Culinary chefs aiming for restaurants are welcomed, too.
 |
| Principal Abraham Golden in his office at the Butler Academy. |
(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!
(Year 232, Winter) The wealthiest man of Mazaloom kingdom is not the King, and not even of high nobility. It is of course Mr Malcolm Landgraab Mester Cacti (79) who is not getting any younger by the years. Although Landgraab Science Lab is known for experimenting with and modifying lifeforms, there is probably no way yet to add years to an old man's life - not even a man who can pay generously. Mr Landgraab will have to pass on his wealth eventually, and unless he decides to involve specific heirs according to a not yet known testament, his 3 sons, twins Buffrey and Geophold (13) and Ruperty (8) will share the extreme fortune of more than §8,000,000.
(Year 232, Winter) I'm back with he 14th issue of my wonderful gossips column! Welcome!
(Year 232, Winter) The Cavalier dukedom, located in Brindleton Bay, Region 8 (formerly Region 12), has announced the birth of their heir! The little boy was born last week, and will be named Lord Merquess Bendel Leophold de Cavalier.
(Year 232, Winter) The five guilds have been around for decades, and one important duty is to oversee the many Produce Deeds. A deed can be bought if you like to sell your produce via the time saving drag-and-drop function. Your deed's value will increase over time, and can be passed on as heirloom to next generation. Holding a deed involves a minimum activity, though.
- These deeds were actually issued in Year 197, but with just one exception, they were never claimed. We have now done a little marketing to build more interest, and the result is 4 new deed holders. I am just as guilty as anyone else, today I bought my very first Painter Portrait Deed!
(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.
While black and dark brown are common eyelash colors that will go fine with most styles, it's always fun to be able to create a few exceptions. Being the erratic cat lady with blue hair and pink eyelashes, or simply wanting to add a paler version with your sim's sleepwear - in case they remove the mascara for the night. In Real Life blond hair will not necessarily mean blond eyelashes, but it happens. Red haired people might have red-ish lashes. Old age might bring slightly paler lashes, too, but not always.
With this free download you can mix and match as desired.
(Year 232, Winter) Merchants Guild has today announced that several adjustments will affect most current Produce Deeds regarding nectar making. There are two reasons for these changes. The most obvious is the switch from an old (CC) production system to a new routine based on Advorton traditions. The second reason is that the old system offered a total of 19 unique deeds, while the new system narrows this down to 9.
 |
| Claudia Tangerin Mester Shine met the press at Oasis Spring's nectar store. |
A Produce Deed is required only if you intend to sell your produce via the nifty drag-n-drop system or via retail stores. Deeds are not needed if you sell from ie street tables or at a market square. Also, producing for own private consume is available to everyone regardless of deed.
(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!
(Year 232, Winter) We focused on the Regional Reform Y233 already, but the Mazaloom map contains so much more information than the regional borders. In a mini series we will check out where to find the Parishes and Churches, the many Schools, where the High Nobility houses are located, and not the least: How to travel within Mazaloom kingdom? Along the road there is also a touch of national history.
Today, let's check out the transport net! What are the alternative transport options, and where do we find them? What districts are the busy network points, and what areas are secluded? The well established transport network includes roads, boats, railway and 3 airports.
The national transport plan sorts under Health & Welfare dept., and Minister Rebekah Starks (MIDDLE Party) will fill in as there are numerous ways to get about.
(Year 232, Winter) It's Investiture Day, aka Royal Court, which is the annual event taking place at the royal palace on 1st day of Winter. Half a year earlier the Monarch announced this year's investitures and new knights. The list has to be made public in advance, because anyone protesting must have enough time to react. Protests were more common a century ago, and is mainly interesting for new peers anyway. This year there were no new Peer, but a few prominent residents were knighted for some of the high orders. The 12 district orders are paused this year due to the Regional Reform Y233, and the fact that 4 of the orders will not see any future new knights.
 |
| Left to right: Grand Marshal Robert Calves, Mila Munch, and High Priest Ansgar Profedius. |
(Year 232, Fall) Imagine a group of green skinned gnomes, just slightly shorter than a sim, living their happy lives in the Willow forest. Then, the local timber industry cuts down the forest, turning the field into farm land, and these green creatures have nowhere to hide. Where could they escape?
This took place at Willow Field in Gloomville exactly 100 years ago. The mythical Flock People, also referred to as Glee, were chased from their natural habitat.
(Year 232, Fall) Hey ho! Fritz Mervil is back with the 7th edition of The Simmerville Show, and this time all three guests are female. One with a memory from Ciudad Enamorada! Also, learn about the Flock People, and meet a fresh Knight!
The focus of the show in general is how I play my game, and all sims involved - including guests as well as the live audience - are actual sims from my game.
(Year 232, Fall) The popular Mazaloom Basketball Club arranges a club Cup every other year in Fall. The club has many members, but - as for many sports organizations - only the so-called elite members can enter the Mazaloom Basketball Cup. Contestants are aged 20-50, and Elite members have minimum 5 Fitness skills and 2 Handiness skills. The higher skills, the better chance to win anything, being this national contest or something international like the Simlympics, that is only every 6th year.
(Year 232, Fall) You might know that Church of Similius dedicates most of their belief to the green and red bars. One can not exist without the other, and we don't need to fill the green to stay happy - avoiding the red would be enough. A philosophy that transfers well to the modern ECO lifestyle - avoid consumption beyond what is strictly needed.
But did you also know that each of the 5 churches have a system of crystals, namely a red ruby and green emerald, that serves as a help to a new priest? When a Priest starts his mission, he will most often come directly from the Monastery, with empty pockets except maybe the Nestor of the Monastery offered him a couple eggs and some vegetables for him to eat or grow. When he starts his new life as a Priest, the ruby and emerald will be waiting for him. Selling those two gems makes for a better initial period.
Then - he will make sure to find new gems for those two displays in support of his successor.
