Ward Park 25 Years Anniversary

(Year 232, Summer) A smaller event took place in Del Sol Valley last week, as Judith Ward invited the press to celebrate that Ward Park has been a public venue since 25 years. Obviously, locals did not care a lot, but if they had attended, they would have been treated with a surprise visit by HRH Queen Venezia!

Ward Park was established 25 years ago by film director Simerin Ward.

Ward Park was donated to Del Sol Valley residents in Year 207 by Film Director Simerin Ward (Y122-208). The park is quite spacious, but only a tiny square is equipped to be enjoyed by visitors. Hardly any improvements were made over the decades. So, Judith was proud to announce that she now has great plans! Although the lot is owned by community and she can not decide bigger changes just like that, she is still associated with the park and is allowed to minor administrative matters. Her plan might need regional approval, though.

The 15th Queen Evez Championship

(Year 232, Summer) Every other year Mazaloom's society enjoys a day with show jumping, and mingling along with some punch and cake in hand. This is the 15th competition, and a new Champion is to be found!

Queen Evez Championship is originally intended for the finer families. All Houses gets invited, and some of them will even participate in the show jumping contest. Check back a couple blog posts for more details on preparations.

San Myshuno split or not? Final Vote!

(Year 232, Summer) Our capital city, San Myshuno, has literally been among the bigger challenges of the ongoing Regional Reform Y233. The goal is to avoid both the very large regions, like the current Region 12 Mazaloom which includes San Myshuno, as well as the tiny ones, like Region 8 Ticktop. The People Chamber already decided that a region needs 200,000 residents to qualify for one extra seat at the Chamber, and that no region shall have more than a total of five seats.

Splitting the city? This is San Myshuno's old Myshuno district.

Therefore, Ticktop's 4,000 residents must merge with a bigger neighbor, and if San Myshuno forms a new region it will get only 5 seats. But as those seats will only serve 1,000,000 the remaining 420,000 citizens of San Myshuno will not get the extra two seats - unless the city split. Technically no region should count much more than 1,000,000 residents because bigger units are harder to administrate.

It all boils down to one remaining question: Shall San Mysuno split in order to form two regions, or shall the city stay one region but miss out on a couple seats at the People Chamber?

Queen Evez Championship is coming up!

(Year 232, Summer) Social season is here and next weekend the high society will gather for the traditional Queen Evez Championship. This bi-annual equestrian show jumping contest takes place at Queen's Stables in Newcrest, and is strongly connected to Mazaloom's aristocracy. This is where the nobles mingle, while showing off their hats as well as jewelry. You won't only run into dukes and countesses, but even the royal family attends this great happening!

Queen's Stables is located by the water at Rivercrest in Newcrest.

And of course: It does matter who wins the show jumping contest! Today the list of contenders was released, that is - the list itself is never meant to be of public interest, but we thought it would be fun seeing who will participate this year, as well as giving you a brief look into the rules.

It's a Comeback: Vivian is back!

(Year 232, Summer) Howdy! Country artist Vivian is back! Uhm... you need a reminder? Okay, don't worry! That's quite understandable, it's been a while!

This Summer Hauxham Nectar Farm can be yours!

Vivian, or Vivian (Elderberry) Hauxham (62) which is her full name, built quite some popularity 20 years ago. She performed country music mainly at the local pub in Chestnut Ridge, but also was played on the national radio. Well, at least twice, that is.

Nobility Descending from Kings

(Year 232, Summer) Mazaloom kingdom has a wide aristocracy including a level of high nobility. Today this level includes 12 Houses, but come the Regional Reform Y233 the exclusive list shall count only 8 high nobility Houses, one for each region. Let's have a look at the current 12 Peers; Who can track their lines back to our kings? And, will those royal lines affect what 4 Houses that will shortly drop to regular nobility (often referred to as low nobility)?

Let's check the House by House. There are 5 dukedoms, 4 counties and 3 baronies. Only the dukedoms are secured a position as high nobility. Here is how they rank by royal heritage:

Birthday at Shiningham Hall

(Year 232, Summer) This weekend there was a celebration at Shiningham Hall, Henford-on-Bagley. The occasion was Robin Hump celebrating his young adult birthday.

Left to right: Dr. Nivert Hump, Robin Hump, Lady Elvy Rab-Saxor Ross, and local Mayor Chopra.

Despite residing Shiningham Hall, Robin is considered a commoner. Young adult birthdays will normally not get a mention here, but let's spend a moment to look into this household and to learn why Robin might fare a bit better than most of same age youngsters.

Selvadorada: Royal Expedition Brings Home Treasure!

(Year 232, Summer) The royal expedition into the Selvadoradian jungle has come to an end. When HRM King Tarriot, HRH Prince Blaise and their 12 servants and path finders returned to Puerto Llamante Marketplace, they proudly revealed a long searched for treasure: three pieces of the ancient Achilles set!

But first, we'll enjoy a few photos from the expedition, all taken by the servant who unfortunately was killed by a snake only one hour before the group returned. Bless him!

Breaking: Principal Prescott Fired!

(Year 232, Summer) It was confirmed that Mei L. Prescott, better known as former Principal of Copperdale High, was fired from her new job at Knowledge Providers Association.

- Someone planted those papers in order to get rid of me!

Prescott, who was the high school Principal until last year, was caught hiding away certain paperwork that is now causing a scandal involving both the University of Britechester and the Academics Guild. As a result, she was immediately dismissed.

Gossips #12

(Year 232, Summer) Hello! I'm back with more gossips in this 12th edition! This time we'll cover most regions of the kingdom.

So much is going on! We just started Summer, which includes both the social season and several sports arrangement, but to get away with my long list of gossips, I figured we need this edition before the serious stuff comes along!

Crafthole Vicarage in Copperdale

(Year 232, Spring) Church of Similius, representing the stately religion of Mazaloom kingdom, has 5 parishes. Each parish covers multiple districts, and one Priest serving the parish church, will normally reside a vicarage owned by the church. In Copperdale we find the only parish where the vicarage and the parish church are both located on the same address; the Crafthole Vicarage.

And today we'll focus less on the church (the stone build on the right), but more on the priest's household as we get an exclusive look inside the life of a Priest's family.

House de Froux leaving Tartosa?

(Year 2023, Spring) Princess Hortenzia and Chalbert de Froux Mester Sangiovese announce their household might leave Tartosa shortly! House de Froux is today of low nobility, but was founded by kings 230 years ago.

There is no real explanation for this quite surprising decision, making the gossip tabloids serving one suspection more creative than the other. And who can blame them, it actually comes as a surprise to everyone.

King Tarriot's Jungle Expedition

(Year 232, Spring) This week HRM King Tarriot traveled to Selvadorada in Sea kingdom. Joining him is his younger brother, HRH Prince Blaise. It's no secret that the two royalties enjoyed Archaeology ever since they were teenagers. However, recently his majesty did not find much time for his dedication to ancient history.

So, it must have been easy accepting the invitation from the King of Sea. This is a return visit, as three members of the Sea kingdom's royal family visited Mazaloom last year. There have been speculations ever since, regarding their youngest son, Prince Weever, being shortlisted as a possible match for our own Crown Princess. Crown Princess Emireza did not join her father on this trip, though.

Duke Merlin von Windenburg turns 80

(Year 232, Spring) The Duke von Windenburg celebrated his 80th birthday last weekend! A grand banquet was hosted at Estate von Windenburg and topping the guest list were HRM King Tarriot and HRH Queen Venezia!

Left to right: HRH Queen Venezia, HRM King Tarriot, His Grace Duke Merlin von Windenburg, and Duchess Mandy. 

After the serving, which included local seafood and more, there was plenty of dancing and fun. The reports say nothing about what parts of the celebration the royals took part in.

Crystal Crafters

(Year 232, Spring) Crystal creation has been taking up on popularity recently, as more and more wants to craft their own bling. To most this is a hobby, and we all know that hobbies tend to last for a limited time. When they filled their jewelry boxes, will they still be as devoted to Gemology?

There are a few professionals, though. They run their business like they did in the past. To run very effectively they need to buy a Produce Deed, and because there are only two of those there are only two such serious businesses. But others can still make a living from their Gemology skills, they just need to sell their products in more tedious ways than the nifty "drag-and-drop" method.

The biggest and longest running professional business is Jespers Jewelry Broker, Inc. It was founded by Erica J. Rab-Saxor, Baroness of Prome. She has been running her business for about 30 years already. She is pushing elderhood, and both her two daughters are expected to get involved now that they are young adults.

Brindleton mourns: Old-Duchess Claudine dies at 82

(Year 232, Spring) Silence was all that could be heard in Brindleton Bay this morning, after it was announced that the highly beloved Old-Duchess Claudine de Cavalier is no more. The popular lady died this morning after being sick for a short time.

Her full name was Claudine Beatrix (Roxenfox) de Cavalier, born as the oldest of three daughters to the Baron Bendel of Lunderclam in Year 150. Aged 39 she married to Duke Aquess de Cavalier and moved to Cavalier Cove in Brindleton Bay.

Great Mazaloom Symposium: Regional Reform Announcement

(Year 232, Spring) The annual gathering, now with the refined name Great Mazaloom Symposium, took place this weekend at Museum of Classical Music in San Sequoia. Attempting a full regional rotation, this conference finds a new venue every year - last year in Tartosa. It is officially hosted by The Royal Chamber, quite often involving HRM King Tarriot, but other top positions of our community might join as well. This year the local Duke Vibrattore de Aarbyville contributed with a classical concert to celebrate his 50th birthday, and major details regarding the Regional Reform Y233 was announced!

King Tarriot leads the Royal Chamber, and is therefore a central person at the annual Symposium.

The guest list is always topped by the Royal Chamber, the kingdom's 5 dukes, as well as all 8 regional Mayors.

Military Meeting

(Year 232, Spring) The Mazaloom-Snorthia conflict, also known as the "Moon Liza conflict", has been ongoing for more than a year already. It makes communication between the two nations very challenging, and this week Gran Marshal Robert Calves initiated a meeting including HRM King Tarriot and President Rob Wilder. The conflict was frozen for a while, which might make this a good moment for attempting to debate good solutions.

Left to right: HRM King Tarriot, Grand Marshal Calves, President Wilder.

The three Mazaloom leaders met at Calves office at Old Penelope Military Base in StrangerVille. They agreed not to bring any secretaries or other staff, making it easier to discuss freely. This first step will not lead to any big decisions, but might pave the ground for future possibilities.

Jewelry Crafting History in Focus

(Year 232, Spring) Jewelry crafting was always a big thing in Mazaloom kingdom. These days the interest for unique pieces of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets have reached a new top, and it's time to have a look into the history, rules and restrictions - not to forget some of the interesting side careers!

Mazaloom has a system of Produce Deeds. They are certificates that can be bought in order to sell crafted goods more easily through the "drag & drop" system. Without such a Deed, you can still craft whatever you like, but unless you intend to keep or gift your produce, it can only be sold from a retail store or a sales table.

The number of Produce Deeds for Jewelry is very limited, and this is where the toughest restriction ticks in - there are only room for TWO professional business! One is already held by House of Rab-Saxor, who runs the Jespers Jewelry Broker business in Magnolia Promenade. The second deed is vacant!

Political Parties: Annual Gatherings

(Year 232, Spring) Every year in Spring the political parties will arrange their annual meetings. This is where they debate adjustments to their Political Plan, as well as make changes to their internal core group. Their Political Plan normally includes 2 Causes, 4 N.A.P.s and 4 Statements. While Causes and N.A.P.s rarely get adjusted, the Statements are what directly reflect the party's direction, as it might influence on some groups of residents through the «5 years tax».

These meetings are normally minor events that are not reported on this blog. But this time there is a brand new party, SIM WORLD party, which was founded last Winter and just held their very first annual gathering. Due to the switch from 3 to 4 parties, there were also minor changes to each political party's platform. Biggest change regards fewer N.A.P.s per party. The 5 years election is still a couple years ahead of us, so it was the perfect timing for the chambers to decide on a few minor adjustments to the political system, which have immediate effect.

President Wilder (RIGHT party) is satisfied with the results.

- We tried to limit those changes. Just four N.A,P.s per party (used to be 6) will hardly be noticed, and then we have a change to the Statements, which must now represent all five department fields. There will now be only two fractions within each party, and this might also help voters to see differences between parties more clearly. These adjustments will not be affected by the upcoming «Regional Reform Year 233».

The Royal Family - Titles and Payroll

(Year 232, Spring) It takes quite some rules, traditions and routines to make the nation work well. One part of this is how the royal family is organized, including their titles and allowances. A system that might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but when we break it down a bit, most rules make perfect sense.

Below is a fresh family photo released right after the Crown Princess' 20th birthday last year. All of them are related somehow, but not necessarily a member of the Royal Family or the Royal House of Luxe-Hamper. You might wonder why the children were not joining, but at the moment the minors counted only 3 infants. 6 teenagers are featured, though.

Photo from the celebration of HRH Crown Princess Emireza's 20th birthday. Front: HRH Queen Venezia and HRM King Tarriot. Standing left to right: Baroness Suzi de Portefino, Prince Ace, Countess Bequeenie de Tredony, Prince Jerome, Lord Millaus de Luminosa, Prince Bazil, Baroness Amalia de Vert, Baron P. de Vert, Crown Princess Emireza, Princess Duella, Prince Cecil, Lord Nicham de Luminosa, Prince Marcuz, Princess Evendice, Prince Royal Blaise, and Prince Marquis.

Seeing Mazaloom's Monarch in light of the administration of a nation, the Monarch is head of the Royal Chamber, which according to our Institution is one of three chambers sharing the power. Because of this the royals did not exactly choose their position, just as much as they can not just decide that enough is enough - let's become plumbers instead! No, they happen to be one of those three major fundaments forming the platform of our community. The Royal Family is there to assist the Monarch and to serve the nation, but also to secure future heirs. Luckily for the Monarch, there is a bunch of individual persons who can help, but only some of them will get paid by being on the royal payroll.

Population Growth

(Year 232, Spring) Mazaloom kingdom has grown rapidly over the generations, but during the past few years it seems like population numbers have reached a peak for now. Compared to the Year 230 numbers there was actually a drop of 0,12 %.

515 indexed residents aged 25 and up, anno Year 232 (incl. a few foreigners). Click for a larger version.

The population was not counted in detail until recent years, but although we can not calculate the exact graph, in most regions there was a significant growth. This is not unique to Mazaloom, but goes for most nations that we can compare to. With community development living got easier, regions and districts got more specialized, and depending on desired life situation families moved to the district where they saw the greatest possibilities for them. It got easier and safer to move, as well as to sell and buy property. Recently we also got certain restrictions for Landlords - changes that for the most will benefit the tenants. Various sorts of population restriction has been debated over the years. One question is why did the 8 regions develop so differently? This can easily become one of the hot topics for the upcoming Y235 election. We have guidelines, but there is no official politics regarding population growth.

Horse Ranch: The Training Grounds - 5 of 5

Here comes the 5th and last chapter of my unscripted mini series «The Training Grounds», where the The Sims 4 Horse Ranch EP is in focus. The Training Grounds is a residential lot owned by the M.E.A., rented by Stian Pratt-Anderson (57). There he lives alone with his 1 2 3 4 rescued horses. So why does he feel a bit lonely and grumpy?

One of Stian's traits is the High Maintenance trait, which makes him very tense at times. If you want to have your nails done more or less constantly, then you should probably not run a training center with 4 horses in the first place. But if you still do - make sure you get time to tend to your own needs, not only the horses' needs. Tornado, King, Saffron and Tuff seem to get along very well, and at least their social needs should be met.

The Mysterious Glimmerbrook Horse

(Year 232, Spring) There exist several reports, and yet nobody was allowed to get close to the white and pink Unicorn of Glimmerbrook. The owner, Count Helfert of Ticktop (48), can occasionally be seen riding this spectacular creature.

They never take a ride during daylight hours, but there is no information stating whether the horse is shy of light or they simply try to ignore curious tourists. Over the past years tourism has grown and Glimmerbrook has more short term visits than ever before. This is not thanks to the unicorn, though, but the Brook Herbarium that has become quite popular, also for exclusive but small weddings.

Glimmerbrook was always a rather secluded community, their Tickertown is still very hard to locate unless you hire a local guide. Half their population is said to reside there, in Tickertown. Glimmerbrook with Tickertown is the total of Region 8 Ticktop. With a population of only 4,000 this region is doomed to expire, as hey will shortly be merged with a neighboring region. Details are yet not official.

King Tarriot receives Family Tree

(Year 232, Spring) Yesterday HRM King Tarriot held a special audience for the Historical Society's leader, Mila Munch. The occasion was the society's first print of the new series of family trees honoring a few of our most important houses.

HRM King Tarriot received the first framed family tree; tree of the House of Luxe-Hamper. 

The series involves most of the high nobility Houses, but Munch states there will also be a few no longer existing houses. Starting with the royal House of Luxe-Hamper felt natural.

Regional Reform 233 - Speculations

(Year 232, Spring) Following numerous complaints stating that the Regional Reform 233 comes too late and debates taking too long, President Wilder has confirmed more information to be announced in a few weeks! Now that the refined national map is ready, bar a few possible minor adjustments with reference to the ongoing «Come Rain Come Shine» weather system science project, it gets a bit easier to see the bigger challenges. We know where the culprits are located, and while a few changes might stir up protests, there are also smaller changes with hardly any effect.

The Mazaloom Kingdom map. Click for a larger version.

The map might appear as rather compact, but Mazaloom kingdom is just a small corner of the world. The number of 8 regions shall not change, but some borders will adjust, hopefully with more equal population numbers per region than today, which is the goal of the entire reform. The main challenge is that Region 12 is too large, stretching through most of he nation. It covers districts like San Myshuno, Del Sol Valley, Magnolia Promenade, Gloomville, Evergreen Harbor, Brindleton Bay, Newcrest and the arid Oasis Springs with StrangerVille annex. Everyone acknowledge the splitting of this region is the most dramatic change to come, but how will it be executed?

Nobility Calendar of Year 232

Now with photos! Time has come for a more narrow focus on the royal house and just one high nobility house from each region. Awaiting the Regional Reform Year 233, this might be the last time we have most high nobility listed.

It's now Year 232!

The Royal Palace Office (RPO) handles all events, invitations and more. The Royal House will mostly serve the community by attending various events out in the 8 regions as well as abroad. In addition there will be a few events hosted by them. In addition they might accept invitations from each region's highest nobility house - they equals to the 8 members of the High order of the Baltazar.

Summer is Social Season, packed with smaller or ad-hoc events with less formality and shorter notice, leading up to the Grand Ball at the royal palace. On top of this there are quite some representations involving patronages and more. Each high nobility house will typically host a couple events every year. They rarely take on community engagements outside their home district, unless being urged by the RPO. Guests are traditionally from same or one step down ranks, or even lower ranks if there exist family, historical or geographical connections. Each house will rarely accept more than two invitations per season, Summer (Social Season) is the exception, and the Royal House with more active members might get busier.

Mazaloom NEWS - Year 231

Year 231 has closed, and Mazaloom NEWS is here with highlights (and some less lighted) news from Mazaloom kingdom and beyond. The format has changed, no longer focus on Region 12, but the entire kingdom, and even a new section covering news from other nations like Empire of Snorthia and Sea kingdom. Five minutes video with news, job openings and family notes, hosted by Simmerville Studio's news anchor, Paulo Caliente.

Princess Evendice has grown up

(Year 232, Spring) Last Winter a young woman graduated and turned into a young adult. This weekend she was observed with her closest family dining in San Sequoia, most possibly to celebrate her birthday. The real party takes place in two weeks, a little bit delayed, and probably more private than their family outing at the Museum of Classical Music's restaurant. Despite being 6th in line to the Mazaloom Throne, the young woman hardly got much attention in the past.

HH Princess Evendice (26) is oldest child of HRH Prince Royal Blaise (61) and HH Princess Duella (66). Her full name is Evendice Delleira Luxe-Hamper, and the family of 4 resides at Wyvern Hall in Britechester, one of the finer properties owned by the Royal Trust. Her uncle is HRM King Tarriot, making the Crownprincess her cousin.

Royal Guest at Gobelin Fashion Show

(Year 232 Spring) With plenty of hush-hush and invites only, last night Gobelin Fashion arranged another successful fashion show for the elite. The models did a great job as usual, and guests were treated well with lots of inspiration for the upcoming season.

Before we check out who were there, let's take a moment to step outside for an overview: What is Gobelin Fashion?

Too many Rentals?

(Year 232, Spring) This Winter we got a new Landlord Deed, and the rental business has really reached a new level. In most of our 8 regions we got rental units, and Landlords have also been fighting over land to build their rental residential establishments. Not everyone applauds this development.

On the main street of Newcrest's Crestville this morning, Politician and Vice-President Silverbone allowed herself one hour of protesting. Fanny Silverbone (72) belongs to the «Simoleons for Everyone» fraction of the LEFT party, and despite also representing the nation as the 2nd most important Politician at People Chamber, giving less room for individual opinions, she had to let go of some steam.

History Lesson

(Year 232, Spring) The ever enthusiastic leader of Mazaloom Historical Society since many years, Mila Munch (78), expresses one sincere wish: That more residents would build knowledge of the history of their family as well as of our community. There is a waiting list to join the popular Historical Society club, but Munch can recommend additional ways to get enlightened.

Mila Munch in Historical Society's genealogy library.

If she had to list just one field where Mazaloom kingdom did well, it would be to make the common history available to anyone interested. Did you know that the online registry provides family trees all the way back to Year 1? Or that the National Museum frequently display portraits and other old heirlooms showing the history of some of our early heroes? Or that there exists a packed History Book online, helping you to trace historical events and persons based on geographical region or department?

The Simmerville Show - #6 Landlords and more

(Year 232, Spring) Happy New Year! Fritz Mervil is back with 6th edition of The Simmerville Show, and this time several guests are Landlords. This edition has no clear theme, though, and the five guests bring various subjects to the table.

This show was recorded a while ago, but editing process was delayed by RL. 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.