The Ondarion Project

(Year 234, Winter) Three very small districts from three different nations, have united in a political project called «the Ondarion Experiment». The districts were selected for the project as they are all having a long story line focusing on both leadership and knowledge, but they also happen to be located in a line along equator. Now their head persons will contribute with local information regarding science as well as politics, in order to see how much variation there might be thanks to location and politics. The idea is to learn from each other.

In the west we find Dambele (Empire of Snorthia), centered is Bellacorde
(Mazaloom kingdom), and in the east is Verdemar (Sea kingdom).

The three contributing districts are: Bellacorde in region Tredony of Mazaloom kingdom. Dambele in Simerinia kingdom of Empire of Snorthia. Verdemar in Thebia of Sea kingdom. 

The Landgraab Dynasty

(Year 234, Winter) This morning a press brief hit news desks nation wide. The Landgraab business imperium is reorganizing. The top company, Landgraab Industries, Inc., is among Mazaloom's biggest companies, but there are numerous smaller companies owned fully or partly by companies within the Landgraab concern, or by members of the super wealthy Landgraab family.

Mr Malcolm Landgraab Mester Cacti posing at Landgraab Industries, Inc.'s head quarters.

Today Mr. Malcolm Landgraab (81) is Head of the family, including House of Landgraab and the low nobility title Mester Cacti. To many's surprise, the Landgraabs never held any real peerage, and the Mester status doesn't really qualify as real nobility. They were never involved with Politics, at least not as electable candidates. There's no doubt they had significant influence on our community, though.

The missing Pegasus Music Box found!

(Year 234, Winter) When the testament reading of late Mrs Paula (Ching) Altham took place this week, a big surprise was revealed. Not that the deceased woman was good for hundreds of thousads of simoleons, and not that the recently changed testament favored her widower with as much as legally possible according to heritage laws - 50%. No, the surprise was a very old music box!

Paula C. Altham possessed the Pegasus Music Box, which has been missing for more than 225 years! In fact, it was written off as forever lost a couple centuries ago. It was a dear item to Queen Coldine, who was the consort to King Baltazar II. It's been said she enjoyed its music every night before going to bed, and daily for the princes and princesses while they were infants and toddlers. Then, one day it was gone.

The former King Courtis was accused for having stolen the queen's music box, but he was never arrested as the box or other evidences were lacking. By then the former monarch had been degraded to a village Bard, and he now wrote a verse praising the missing Pegasus Music Box, still known as the «Queen's Mourn of the Pegasus».

Mr. Landgraab warns about Painting Artist

(Year 234, Fall) Mr Malcolm Landgraab Mester Cacti wants to warn anyone who plan ordering the portrait services from well known Painter, Vince Remeréz. He recently paid the well known artist a visit, but today he regret it all.

Mr Malcolm Landgraab (81) in front of some past family heroes.

- I visited Remeréz' studio at Kasbah Gallery in San Myshuno. I spent a full day, but it turns out that it was a complete waste of my time!

Do You Descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 4 of 5 - Advorton and Gloom)

Mazaloom kingdom is nearly 235 years old. The many monarchs left a wide set of descendants, located all over the kingdom. In this series we're learning what current residents do descend from the greatest king of them all; King Baltazar II, reigning Y2-Y48.

Back in the Medieval era his household resided at Heighwood Castle (Britechester), but his children and grandchildren spread widely, mostly through the well established aristocracy.

This is the last chapter, covering regions that include districts like Ciudad Enamorada, Chestnut Ridge, Oasis Springs, StrangerVille, Gloomville, Newcrest, Brindleton Bay and Evergreen Harbor. Only one more chapter remains, the abroad descendants.

Gossips #17

(Year 234, Summer) Hello again! I'm ready with the 17th issue of my gossips column! Upcoming social season must wait until next issue, because there is so much in the line-up. Are you ready, too? Let's go!

As usual, we'll start with the royals.

Judith Ward celebrates 70!

(Year 234, Spring) Global Actress Judith Ward turns 70! Although she would have preferred staying at 69 for a few more years, she went for the big announcement, that a huge party is. In the formal invitation she made it clear that she wanted to check how it is to not limit your friends to the fame level right under your own! Perhaps it was a hint that she has passed the peak of her career, but there were certainly some suggesting that she is still afraid that all the guests would believe she wants their friendship after he party... This was obviously meant as a one night only.

Well, the guest list was long, but they all had some connection to either Judith personally, or to her long film career. The party can begin!

Photo leak: Flock People Baby was born!

(Year 233, Winter) Earlier this year we learned that Landgraab Science Lab attempted to secure the mythical Flock People by making a science baby based on DNA from the old Flock man. The project was successful, much thank to Edith Mox (47), a local Flock People enthusiast who volunteered to carry the baby and give birth. The birth took place already, and today the first photos were leaked!

The baby obviously has the green skin of the Flock People, and hair is red. It's a bit early to tell the facial structures, but we can definitely conclude that the ears will be bigger than  normal!

The Wealthiest Man and his Heirs

(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.

With a testament, there can be one favored heir getting up to 50% of the value, meaning one son might get half of the fortune before the other half is shared equally between the 3 of them. But, who would be the favored one? One son is naturally the oldest, but because the two oldest are twins they might be seen as equally old. Perhaps their efforts in school will decide?

The Military Horse Statue in Oasis Springs

(Year 232, Summer) At Desert Bloom, the community park at Verde in Oases Springs, we find a huge horse statue. This is far from random, as the old Verde was a center of equestrian masters and military support. In those early years Horses played a major role in this district, and the statue was erected to remind us on the history.

The tallest monument of Mazaloom kingdom is located at Verde in Oasis Springs.

Verde barony was created as early as Year 5 by King Baltazar, and the first Baron was the king's Knight, Wilhelm von Donnersmalt. He was known as a warmonger, building up an impressive system in Oasis Springs, where horses were bred and trained for military purposes. To some extent, this activity also spread to Chestnut Ridge.

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.

First official Landlords

(Year 231, Winter) At a brief but full packed event taking place at People Chamber last night, the new Residential Rental routine was officially announced, and the Merchants Guild core group leader, Corinne Dougham, introduced the brand new deed that all major Landlords must purchase. And why was HRM King Tarriot there? He was the first to receive this new deed!   

Left to right: HRM King Tarriot, Claudine Tangerin Mester Shine, Corinne Dougham Mester
Crestville, Malcolm Landgraab Mester Cacti, Nina Caliente, and Eleanor Elderberry.

These days we see a lot of buzz regarding the residential rental business. We had plenty of rentable homes in the past, but the new system makes it more interesting to run this as a business, and - the restrictions might actually bring some exclusivity to the Landlord title. Mazaloom kingdom can only provide 56 units (7 per 8 regions) and because we now require the bigger Landlords to hold a limited deed, the business will not be an option  to just anyone.

Horse Ranch: The Training Grounds - 3 of 5

Here is the 3rd part of my unscripted mini series «The Training Grounds», where I explore parts of the The Sims 4 Horse Ranch EP. Stian Pratt-Anderson was forced to allow the Equestrian Club use his horses free of charge. The entire M.E.A. seems to work against him. Is it time to focus more on his equestrian dream?

Stian Pratt-Anderson (56) rents the old Chestnut Training Grounds, that's why he must obey the M.E.A.'s rules, even rules that were not mentioned in the rent agreement. He rescued two horses that visitors can borrow/rent for a ride. Stian is single, and his plan is to earn big money from winning competitions at the Equestrian Center. When he can afford it he will buy a small ranch for him and his rescued horses.

Horse Ranch: The Training Grounds - 2 of 5

Here is the 2nd part of the mini series «Chestnut Training Grounds», where I explore parts of the The Sims 4 Horse Ranch EP). Can Stian Pratt-Anderson fulfill his dream of equestrian championship? What about his business idea of charging strangers for borrowing his rescued horse? And - can he keep the Equestrian Club out of sight? Most pictures are taken during gaming sessions, unscripted.

Stian Pratt-Anderson (56) is no hero, he just rents the old Chestnut Training Grounds and he rescued one horse. He protested when the Equestrian Foals club Leader, Lady Aili, suggested to use the Training Grounds for club meetings. Stian prefers peace and quiet, with plenty of time to tend to his mental wellness while getting ready to train the mare Tornado for future competitions.

At the same time he could tell something was wrong with the horse. Tornado had no horsey friends, and although their relation was building, Stian felt sorry for his new Needy mate. He knew Mini-goats were perfect company to a lonely horse, but having them jumping around would totally step on his nerves. Could he take Tornado for a ride to meet other horses?

Horse Ranch: The Training Grounds - 1 of 5

Here is the brief story of Chestnut Training Grounds, located at New Appaloosa (The Sims 4 Horse Ranch EP). It will feature several known sims of my Mazaloom kingdom, as they come to borrow a horse to practice their Horse Riding skill, as well as Stian Pratt-Anderson, a Military guy who just wants silence and suddenly finds himself surrounded by numerous horses and an eager Equestrian club! Along the way there will also be some of my findings and comments, because most pictures are taken during gaming sessions, me exploring, normally not following a planned script.

So, this is Stian Pratt-Anderson (56), born and raised locally. Being a Horse Lover he did try Horse riding back in his youth, but he never owned his own horse. With the Championship Rider aspiration, he always wanted to spend more time with these fascinating creatures, but he also is blessed with the High Maintenance trait. How do you combine a well rested soul and perfect toe nails with the hard work of cleaning a stable?

Plants and Climate Zones

(Year 231, Spring) Our kingdom covers 8 regions that represent numerous climate zones. It makes sense that some plants can not be grown in just any zone with the same good result. Today info on climate zone was added to the already existing "The Duchess' Botanical Table".

CEO Malcolm Landgraab looked a bit skeptical - will the climate zones interfere with his business plans?

Because we already knew what plants thrive in our own region, many would see this is a minor thing. But the project team found it worthy of a full scale press conference at Landgraab Science Institute in Oasis Springs. The results were presented and a few details regarding future focus revealed, because the job is far from completed! The project is a cooperate effort involving the Health & Welfare Dept., the Science & Education Dept., and the institute. Rebekah Starks (MIDDLE party), Leader of the Health & Welfare Dept. stated that the work includes environmental facts, that are not always accurate because each district can span multiple zones.

The Simmerville Show - Equestrian edition!

(Year 231, Spring) Fritz Mervil is back with The Simmerville Show, and this time most of he guests are Equestrians debating horses, ranch life and competitions.

Disclaimer: This edition was made before the Horse Ranch EP release, so if anything said is not matching the true content, forgive me *not* :) The focus of the show is how I play my game, and all sims involved - including the live audience - are actual sims from my game.

Top 10 Wealthy Residents

(Year 230, Winter) So, let's take a look on the gossip-ish side of things. Who is the wealthiest resident of Mazaloom kingdom?

I keep pretty detailed lists of every resident's investments, stocks, land property, cash and other possessions like valuable heirlooms and jewelries. Head of top nobility houses will also possess the house's Trust. And some have large bank loans.

You can find most of these details in the online residents registry (history and heirlooms section, but some tidbits also list on the individual Profile pages. When a sim dies, heritage rules tick in, and in some cases the rank gets affected.

When all this sums up, who make it to the top 10 list of today?

The Royal Chamber: Changes to the Large Peerage

(Year 229, Chateau Peek, Del Sol Valley) This week the 75th Grand Mazaloom Gathering (GMG) took place at Chateau Peek. This annual conference is hosted by The Royal Chamber and gathers all dukes of the kingdom as well as the 8 regional mayors to debate various community aspects. This year The Royal Chamber announced an upcoming redefining of the Peerage of Mazaloom, aka the Large Peerage.

And this is actually the perfect occasion to announce that there is a brand new Mazaloom Peerage overview on the Community Pages - a quick way to see the status of each peerage, their rank, and who the current dukes, counts and barons are. 

The Royal Chamber (left to right): Prince Jerome, Count de Tredony (64). Duke Merlin von Windenburg (77). His Royal Majesty King Tarriot of Mazaloom (61). Duke Victus of Meadows (55). Lord Dominic of Deadgrass was not present, and Count Marcel II of Advorton (77) was too sick to attend this year's conference. Posing on the right is Lord Floyd Altham (91), not a knight of The Royal Chamber.

The large peerage was instated by King Baltazar II all the way back in Year 2, and the first peerages created in addition to the kingdom were dukedoms and counties, followed by some baronies. The system quickly came out of order when also a few "lordships" were created, unintendedly. It did not help a bit that the monarch was ditched as result of the Year 118 revolution, and the fighting Royal Chamber - mostly in order to secure more titles for their own houses, created numerous Lord and Lady titles outside the large peerage, not connecting to any land or real peerage.

Llamas everywhere!

(Year 227, Oasis Springs) So, we are eagerly awaiting the Cottage Living pack and with llamas introduced, TS4 will take a giant step forward, for sure! It's funny how a game with the llama as a legendary cultural element from the very start took more than two decades to add the animal itself to the mix. We have all been waiting for this moment- the wait is not over until July 22nd, but at least we find ourselves counting days.

As long as I can remember, there were always numerous of small hints of the llama being an important element of the simmish culture. Llamas on t-shirts, naming the Sim City football team, and many of the popup text events featured a llama reference, also, even if we never ever saw a single llama or knew exactly how or when they were such a big deal to simkind. At the moment I'm accessing neither my game(s) nor the internet, so I won't dive into all those reference details.