Count and Countess of Ticktop on Cruise

(Year 234, Summer) It's still work in progress, but I enjoyed testing my new cruising ship, so why not share some pictures?

Count Helfert (50) and Countess Elisabeth (55) of Ticktop, on a normal day located in Glimmerbrook of my Crafthole region, went on a cruise! It was the countess' gift for her husband's 50th birthday. And perhaps also meant to get his thoughts off the fact that he is no longer seen as of high nobility, now that the Ticktop county's District Order was paused. It means a huge downgrade within Aristocracy, but not much they can do about. Or should I say - do a boat?

«The Admiral» is obviously not completed yet, I've added more windowes along the side, and some of the rooms need way more attention, too. The ship is operated by a company owning several ships, but this one offers the most popular cruises. They decided to join the cruise in Sulani, quite the trip, but let's just say other options did not fit well with the count's schedule.

Sulani: Royal Wedding

(Year 231, Summer) This week several members of our royal family are visiting Sulani (Sea kingdom), as guests to the wedding of HRH Crown Prince Longjav.

Mazaloom always had a good relation to Sea kingdom, but recently also Sea was criticized by HRM King Tarriot for their old fashioned look at women. However, opinions are not enough to stir up the balance between the two nations, and King Tarriot and Queen Venezia have been steadily topping the Mazaloom guest delegation for this wedding. And they did not go alone - both Crown Princess Emireza and Prince Cecil joined them.

HRH Crown Prince Longjav (34) and Princess Lia (35) of Sea.

The Sea's royal family resides in Sulani, and while the ceremony would have certain modern elements, like the bride wearing a bright dress with a veil, the many old traditions of the area are essential. They still believe strongly in having the spirits' bless, definitely not less important for a royal wedding.

The wedding started at 3 AM - yes you got that right! Formal weddings take place at night, in order to have the newly wed couple meeting their first sunrise as part of the ceremony. The elements are important, such as nature, the spirits, the fire and of course the water. The bride normally carries no bouquet, as stealing from nature could be offending to the spirits. The floral decorations were massive, though.

Sea kingdom: New Alliance

(Year 230, Winter) It's reported from Sea kingdom that HRH Crown Prince Longjav (33) and Lia Hauata (34) are engaged. Following traditions, there is no engagement party, but the couple will be busy seeking the old spirits' blessings by visiting spiritual locations within the kingdom.

HRH Crown Prince Longjav of Sea and Lia Hauata.

The engagement does not come totally without controversies, though, as it seems to be part of a deal following HRM King Salomar's confiscation of the old Chiftain's Villa, where Lia has resided with her assumed grandmother, Keala Hoapili (92).

Gossips #6

(Year 230, Spring) Her is Antoinette Morck with more gossips from around the kingdom (and beyond)!

- Are you ready for some gossips? So much is going on right now! Spring is to be replaced by Summer, but the royal palace still did not announce the line-up for this year's Investiture Day - where nobles get their medals and knighthood. That announcement is traditionally made within end of Spring. And - there are several weddings coming this Summer, but we might need to get back to some of those events in my next issue.

WTG Travels' new Sulani Footage

(Year 227) Way To Go Travels just released their fresh photo campaign tempting more tourists to visit Sulani. The tropical location is already well known, and WTG has increased their activity there. The Science center near the volcano has been upgraded slightly and bunk beds makes it possible for larger groups to stay there. WTG arranges two trips - one for the typical beach life, and the other with a more environmental approach.

Recently they hired top model Penny Pizzazz to do some shots on location, and Penny was quite excited. 

However, it turned out that she had to hide inside the costume of the kidz club pet!

Paranormal #1 - Cats, kids and Bonehilda

(Year 226) Mega picture post! I grabbed the new Paranormal stuff pack, and although there isn't all that much to do until your sim builds some Medium skill, I had a blast getting started!

This is no pack review, I just want to share some pics and stories from my game. I added #1 to the title as I can imagine there will be more paranormal picture posts later on. I play rotationally, meaning I hardly ever get to dive deep into any pack before there is a new pack, and yet another pack. With the Paranormal stuff pack it will be different, because the most interesting stuff takes place during sleeping hours, meaning I can jump over to the haunted houses between playing other houses. It should at least be possible to build the Medium skill rather fast, and from there it will be is possible to start the brand new career, Paranormal Investigator, which requires 5 skill points (unless you spend tons of aspiration points to get the needed certificate).

So, in this post we'll stop by 2 haunted houses - one poor and one wealthy.

Sulani: The Backstory

(Sulani, Year 226) I promised to share my take on the Sulani backstory, so here it is. 

I grabbed the Island Living expansion pack on sale a month ago, and had loads more fun than I expected from exploring and adjusting. I'll basically use the world as a vacation world way outside Region 12, but I will also include 3 local households to my rotation. Knowing their background adds to my experience. The Landgraabs owns a vacation home at Ohan'ali Town, and the Rossie Trust (Duke of Rossie) owns a vacation home at Lani St. Taz. In addition, Calera Camp is a Science Station where Scientists from all SimNation will spend a couple days, occasionally, studying anything from minerals, volcanic activity, the marine biology, wildlife and green environment.

But let's have a look at Sulani's history and how the story leads to the rulers of today.

Sulani Scientists

(Sulani, Year 226) While I'm still preparing a long article giving my take on the Sulani backstory, I want to share a bit from way Region 12's residents will benefit from a stay in Sulani. The place will naturally mainly attract sun seekers, but there is also many reasons for Scientists to visit this small and exotic community.

St. Taz is well known way beyond Sulani. The volcano stayed dormant for more than hundred years, but recently the activity has increased. The eruptions are yet limited, but the mighty impression makes it easier to understand how the volcano could be the God of the ancient community - and still is. Many of the rituals performed for tourists are based on the sacred respect for Taz.

Sulani: Francine Bazar

(Sulani Year 225) Before I introduce you to my take on Sulani's backstory, I want to share some pictures of a new community lot. The lot comes with too much CC to be uploaded, but the concept is very simple and - if you like it - should not take long to rebuild in your own way.

Francine Bazar could work with many lot categories, but I have it as Retail. I wanted a way for vacationers (and locals) to buy stuff, including a few things not typical for Sulani.

The bazar is nothing new, and even further back it was just a herbs garden founded by Francine Ville (pictured). Nobody knows for sure how or when she came to Sulani. Her secret past as a Witch and Herbalist was never spoken of, neither the fact that she left a Mandrake to take over her old life in Glimmerbrook (based on info from a bookshelf description). She probably arrived Sulani around Year 160 (that's 65 years ago).

Happy New Island

Happy new year! First simming thing I did in 2021 was to grab a pack from the ongoing Origin sale, Island Living EP. January 3rd is the last day to save 50% on many packs. Back when this pack was released I figured I did not need it, so I skipped it and never looked back. I already have way too many households, and I would never play mermaids. But now with the "rentable vacation homes in any world" things changed. I want Sulani for vacations, and I'll even imagine some of my richer families owning a vacation home there. And - it might be great for storytelling, too.

So, while I'm already enjoying creating the backstories to a limited number of households, as well as adjust some community lots, here are a few screenshots from the warming up :)