Regional Reform Year 233

(Year 231, Summer) A regional reform is overdue and everyone agree that the Year 235 election shall be the first election based on the new region structure, where the number of People Chamber seats per region will better reflect each regions' population. Today Region 12's 3,264,300 residents represent 78,4 % of the kingdom's population, but are represented by 9 seats (=votes), which is less than 43% of the People Chamber. At the same time Region 8's 4,000 residents has 1 seat (nearly 5%). It means that if you live in Region 12 your vote has way less impact compared to residents of the smaller regions.

With a total of 4,163,688 residents, the ideal share would be 1 seat per 200,000 residents (this is without considering the 2 seats currently reserved Church of Similius).

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.

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.

Judith Ward reacts to Horse Ball

(Year 231, Summer) In a press release global movie star Judith Ward (67) reacts negatively to the currently marketed Horse Training Ball printed with her face. It is the Sim City based company Horse-of-Course, that has released the questioned design.

The film star claims: «Using my beautiful face commercially on this horrible product is not acceptable without my permission. Such a permission can only be given at a very high cost, as I'm not the slightest interested in horses. I claim Horse-of-Course, Inc. to remove the design from all stores immediately!»

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 Yacobian Cathedral of Aarbyville

Welcome to San Sequoia's tourist attraction no 1, the Yacobian Cathedral! I just got the The Sims 4 Growing Together expansion pack, and I had planned so much for this world that I'm still very busy building and adjusting. It's a lovely world, I'm positively surprised thanks to quite some simmer community negativism. I'll probably post more about this pack once I get to explore more - including gameplay. But for now, the cathedral!

I planned a church on this lot in Hoapwell Hills back when I saw the map. There are tons of details and history in my game, even in worlds that I don't yet own. San Sequoia is the center of Region 6, a region that in early years was called Aarbyville, based on the original hood, Aarby Wharf. Later on it grew, but the region kept it's old name.

The cathedral was built in the Medieval era, and I based the front on the Yacobian church from Sims Medieval. Back then Yacobian Faith was supported by the King, but around Year 100 Church of Similius became Mazaloom kingdom's official religion. Aarbyville is the only region that still has a Yacobian Priest, and because it's a cathedral, probably the largest of the kingdom, I gave him the Bishop title. However, The Yacobian Faith's impact is restricted to Region 6.

Snorthia scandal: Who was Limia Maiden?

(Year 231, Spring) The recent scandal involving Empire of Snorthia's national treasure, the painting "Moon Liza" and the front employee at Mazaloom kingdom's royal palace, Miss Patricia Maiden, is still seen as one of the worse controversies ever. Perhaps it needs a bit more explanation, or at least a little info on who the painted woman, Patricia Maiden's mother, was? 

How can the truth of a mysterious, assumingly old, portrait become such a big problem between the Emperor of Snorthia and the King of Mazaloom? Is it not just a painting? Does it really matter that the world now knows the true identity of the mysterious woman?

Grand Mazaloom Gathering addressing Equality

(Year 231, Spring) Every year in Spring the Royal Chamber hosts a semi-political symposium where members of the Aristocracy as well as the 8 regional Majors are invited. Every year there is a new main theme, and this year the focus was gender flexibility. The location do alternate a bit, and this year the Grand Mazaloom Gathering (GMG) took place at Hotel Oceana, Tartosa.

The huge doll in Hotel Oceana's reception area has become a symbol for this establishment, despite the original intention of having the display replaced every year.

This year's GMG theme attracted a nice group of attendees. This is not meant to be a political arena, but the themes debated are mostly related to actual community matters, and therefore also should be of interest to more politicians. Isn't this year's theme even a bit controversial?

Glimmerbrook: Brook Herbarium - part two (Underground)

Here is the 2nd part of the Brook Herbarium introduction. In the 1st part article you got to see the public part - that is all above ground level including the old graveyard. But that is only half the lot!

From the secret passage and through a wooden door...

Underground there exist a spacious area that has been used by the schools of magic for nearly a couple centuries. Most visitors have no idea, but members of those schools will normally come to Brook Herbarium simply to access the secret domain underground.

Gossips #9

(Year 231, Spring) Welcome to another gossips edition! This time some fresh Spring gossips, right before we get to this year's Social Season! I'm Antoinette Morck, milk farmer from Henford-on-Bagley, but many years as a city resident brought me pretty close to the celebrities cauldron, *shrug*. This is my 9th edition - hey, someone must have gotten those numbers wrong? It feels like I just got started!

I'm so glad that Region 8 Advorton, including Chestnut Ridge, seems to get more into publicity. I'll be looking out for regional gossips, hopefully there will be some in my next edition. Today I must warn  you there will be very little nobility gossips. I simply had to mash together news from so many other instances, there was no room for nobility!