Nothing is True. Everything is Connected.
Author: <span>Nicolaus Meridius</span>

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups Closed

Christmas-Garland

 

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups – Closed!

As of today sign ups are Closed.  If you signed to participate there will be check in, the 1st and 15th of October and November.   All Advent materials are due the 25th of November.  If you can’t make this deadline let me know in advance to arrange schedules.

I have to say Advent is going to be pretty awesome this year with everything that is being planned and worked on!

Sylum Inspiration: Pirate Ships

ThePearl

 

Pirate Ships!

There are a variety of Pirates through out Sylum and they usually come with their own ship.

Likely the most famous of Pirate Ships is the Black Pearl.  Anyone would recognized the black sails and ship coming out of the fog heading straight for them.

Flying_Dutchman_SideView

 

Then there’s the Dutchman.  No one wants to see this heading in their direction. No one.

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Lastly there’s the Jackdaw which will be introduced – when the time is right.

 

Sylum Essay Series: Vampire Relationships

Hanover_Institute_Inorganic_Chemisty_Lecture_Hall

 

Sylum Essay Series: Vampire Relationships

The Relationships between Vampires can be vast and complex.   The Sire/Childe Bond, Mate Bond, and other type of Bonds are not always simple and cookie cutter.  Every Bond is different.  Every relationship is different.

Kinda like every day relationships.

As 10th Anniversary Clan War Edition starts to be posted, the variety of relationships will be showcased throughout the series.

It’s not as simple as two Vampires come together as Mates and they live happily ever after.  No relationship works that way.  Even being Soul Mates knowing that they are destined to be together, and if one is to die the other follows – isn’t going to stop the OMG you left your damn shoes in the middle of the God Damn Hallway again!!  It’s also not going to always tie the two so tightly together that there is no one else in the picture.

Some Mates are going to be possessive with each other. Some aren’t.  Some are going to have strong bonds that can handle long distances apart.  Others will always be with the other.  Some will have times when the Bond is closed off.  Others will never close the Bond between them.

Every relationship is different.

Will Turner and Jack Sparrow never close the Bond between them, due to what happened with Davy Jones Locker.  Even when one of them is being beaten, tortured the Bond never closes.

Yev and Craig never Mated even though they knew there Mates for ages, due to their jobs.  It isn’t until Evolution they finally Mate.  But they still have to maintain their jobs, which would require them to close down the Bond.

Ethan Hunt is an Agent/Spy.  He will do what he needs to do.  If that means bedding the target, he does it.  Luther doesn’t get pissy or upset over the situation, he knows it’s Ethan’s job.  Now he will Claim his Mate the moment the job is over, but he doesn’t take it personally.

Older Vampires have established relationships well before they get a Mate.  This can at times cause strife, in some pairs.  For others it’s not a problem.   Arthur and Nico have a long lasting relationship before Guin and Warrick came into the picture.  It’s a relationship that the Mates in time learn not to get between.  Eliot and Neal have a relationship that has lasted 1600 years.  They refused to be parted despite both having Mates – hence their harem.

Then there’s the unique situation of a married couple who is Turned but end up Mated to other people.  Marc Antony and Cleopatra were married with kids, both were Turned and Marc ended up with Alexander.  These two are not just going to stop loving each other.  They have a long history and children.  They will want to be in each other’s lives and Mates would need to learn to deal with it.  But like all relationships – it isn’t simple or easy to do.

Vampires also have connections to old souls, this will pull them together sometimes good and bad.  Carlos and Ernesto have a deep connection that won’t really go away, and it can come out in full force in awkward moments.    Ethan has the soul of Brandt’s wife – these two still act like a Married couple.   Their Mates think its humorous.  Warrick and Guin were married in a past life, tightening their Bond in the now.

Not all Mates can handle the other Mate having sexual relationships with others.  Some like to watch *I’m looking at you Warrick*.   Others like to share between them *I’m looking at you Daniel and Davy*.  Vampires will have Kinks much like Humans do.  The difference is they are older, wiser and have little fucks to give to ‘society’ perception of how they live.

A Vampire can have many Bonds in his life, depending on who they’ve Turned over the years and their connections to that Childe.  Nico is a unique situation in the fact he’s got strong connections and ties to many in his life.  He has his blood family, souls of his children, past lives, and strong Bonds made over his years on this planet.  This is not the rule, but the major exception that runs as a woven thread throughout the series.

A Sire/Childe Bond will have both sides feeling strong emotions from the other.   They won’t sense normal everyday emotions and further they’re from the other – even less.  But they will feel  a major spike in any emotion or a physical attack – like getting shot.  They will feel the death as the Bond unravels from the loss.

A Mate Bond will feel each others emotions and physical injuries.  The stronger the Bond the more intense.  They can’t ‘track’ someone down via the Bond, like during Family – Warrick despite the strong Bond between them could not track Nico’s location.  All he could do is supply his own strength, love and devotion to his Mate to keep him calm.   Cause he knows if he freaked, Nick would freak and that isn’t’ good.

A Mate Bond with a Non-Vampire.   I’ll take a moment for everyone to get their head wrapped around that…. okay done.  There are at the moment two Vampire/Non-Vampire Mated pairings.   Go ahead try and figure them out …….. Robert De’Lapins and Jack Frost;  Tia and Davy Jones.  Tia and Robert are both Vampires, while their Mates are not.  A Bond is created between them but how they handle each other is quite different from all other relationships.

A Vampire Bond – what is this you ask?  Bonds between Vampires that aren’t Sire/Child or Mates.   Is this possible? Yes.  Hunting pairs build strong Bonds.   Brandt and Tamara have many times Hunted together over the centuries they have a strong Bond to each other.   Their relationships is close, despite Tamara having a Mate and later Brandt’s own Mate.  Evie and Jake Fry – siblings who aren’t Mates.  They still have a strong Vampire Bond that is enhanced by the fact their fraternal twins.

As shown there are a lot of different Bonds that pull Vampires together .  The goal is to showcase the variety of these Bonds over the stories.   So a quick note to the readers: let go of any conception you think Bonded Vampires should act or do.   All relationships and Bonds are different depending on the character, time and place of the story.  How one acts in 21st Century is different from 18th Century – but we already had that Essay Series.

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign-Up Reminder/Last Call/Art Requests

Christmas-Garland

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups

This is your friendly reminder that it is that time of year!!!!

Sylum Advent is just around the corner.  There are stories already in the works!!  Along with, art, videos and fanmixs.  And other great surprises!!

This is our fifth year doing this!!

So lets make this a great one.  If you’ve been interested but never signed up – now is the time!  Come on guys – sign up!!  You don’t have to do a fic.  There is Art, Fanmixs, Videos … anything creative.

How do I sign up?

Reply to this Post.

Just click reply and let us know what your interested in doing, don’t forget to give us your contact info so we can get a hold of you.

Sign Ups close September 10th.  If we do not get your request, by the 10th it will not be included.

***

Also don’t forget to add what type of Artwork you would like to see in Sylum.  Favorite Characters/Pairings/Clan … A banner idea or a set of icons … gif sets?? Think about it and let us know.

Post your ideas here!

And if you’re still contemplating doing something for Advent but don’t want to contact me directly – you can always contact Dr. Janet (sylumdoc@gmail.com) with questions or an idea for art/story for Advent or other Sylum Events.

 

Coffee House Friday

Sylum's Coffee House Image

 

There was an interesting question on tumblr a while back, that I thought would be a good Coffee House Friday – especially as it’s been a while since we’ve done some of these.

How many homes have you lived in?

Now I’m not even going to get into how many times I’ve moved in my life or the reasons why … but curious to see other’s experiences.

 

Sylum Advent 2015: Art Requests

Christmas-Garland

 

As we’re gearing up for Advent – it was suggested that I put out a ‘Art Request’ Post.

Basically, what Art would you like to see?  Specific Characters?  Specific Clans?  A Mated Pair?  Etc…  These can be in wallpapers, banners, icons … just no bookjackets as those are specific to major storylines.

We’re hoping to inspire the Art Muses.

If you were curious to work on Art for Advent – if any of the suggestions inspire you – contact me!!

I know we all have ideas of what we would love to see in Art form.  So lets hear them!!

Sylum Advent 2015: Reminder – Sign Ups

Christmas-Garland

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups

This is your friendly reminder that it is that time of year!!!!

Sylum Advent is just around the corner.  There are stories already in the works!!  Along with, art, videos and fanmixs.  And other great surprises!!

This is our fifth year doing this!!

So lets make this a great one.  If you’ve been interested but never signed up – now is the time!  Come on guys – sign up!!  You don’t have to do a fic.  There is Art, Fanmixs, Videos … anything creative.

What is Sylum Advent? 

Sylum Advent s is our Annual Winter Event.  It will start on December 1st and go through to Boxing Day, December 26th.  It will focus on Sylum Stories, but we also accept Sylum Art, fanmix, and videos.  It’s not uncommon to see stories that are set up that will relate to major Arcs.

What do you need to do to participate?

You will need to sign up and state what your interested in doing.

REMINDER:  All Sylum Stories will need to be approved by Bj Jones.  If you’re interested in doing a Sylum Story contact Bj (sylumclan@yahoo.com).  DO NOT write the story then send it, the story will likely get rejected and you would have to start all over again.  So email Bj first!!!

How do I sign up?

Reply to this Post.

Just click reply and let us know what your interested in doing, don’t forget to give us your contact info so we can get a hold of you.

Sign Ups close September 10th.  If we do not get your request, by the 10th it will not be included.

Is there a deadline of when the Fic/Art needs to be Finished?

Yes!

– Posts will be made on October 1st, 15th & November 1st to check on progress.

– All Fic/Art will need to finished and emailed to (sylumclan@yahoo.com) by November 25th.

I have questions?

– Drop a reply to this post with a *FLAIL* *HELP* with contact info and we’ll get back to you.

– Email: sylumclan@yahoo.com

 

Sylum 10th Anniversary: Q&A

questions_and_answers

 

 

And we’ve come down to our last 10th Anniversary Question!  There were some really good questions, suggestions and comments made through out!!  I hope we were able to answer some of everyone’s curiosity on characters, how we develop storyline and other great Sylum moments.

Q: How did the vampire physiology evolve?

A: We saved this one for last as this isn’t an easy answer.  When Sylum began it was ohh shiny Vampires.  Over time a structure needed to be added into how these Vampires worked in the Sylum Universe.   As you know there are many different legends, myths, ideas and plot devices used for all types of Vampire stories.  Though the sparkling thing still eludes me – seriously wtf was that…

Moving on.

Sylum took a wide range of histories, legends, myth and science tossed it all into a blender and hit puree.  And walla – Vampires.  We used the genetic codes from other vampires to fill the dna strand … oh wait wrong movie!

The main thing was taking the Vampires only come out at night to hunt the for virgin blood.  Ours walk around daylight, have jobs, relationships and really not that interested in virgins.   Obviously blood is their main source of substance, this will never change in the ideas and lore for Vampires.  How they get the blood and where – alters with time.  Sylum Vampires also can eat food, for enjoyment not necessarily substance.

Holy water, crosses, religious artifacts do not affect them.  They are not demons or creatures of the devil.  As we know many of them are very strong in the religious beliefs and continue to practice their religion well after being Turned.

We did keep the myth of sexuality.  They can be very sexual creatures, and it doesn’t always tie to their Mates – but that is another Sylum Essay series that will come soon.

The physical aspects of the Sylum Vampire also had to be figured out.  How does the body work?  How does digesting the blood work?  What is enhanced?  What can or cannot be healed?

We relay some of this information through stories showcasing the Clan Doctors as they would be studying the Vampire Physiology for generations.   A few things we’ll point out here to get an idea of how it all works.

When a Vampire is Turned, the Vampire Gene wraps around the DNA structure that exists freezing that person in time.  So any injuries for ex:  House and his leg, Logan and his back, Al and his amputees.  These stay the same.  They are not healed suddenly.  Now the vampires makes it easier to live with, less pain, the muscles stronger around the injured area, etc…

This also works with being nearsighted or farsighted.   If you needed glasses before hand you would after.   If you were on that verge of needing glasses and was Turned it’s likely when really tired or haven’t fed in a while, the glasses would be needed – for example Nico when extremely tired pulls out reading glasses which is a big warning sign to Warrick the boy needs sleep.

If damage occurs after being Turned, the Vampire gene will heal it.   The age of the Vampire, level of injury will contribute to how long a Vampire will take to heal.   The only injury a Vampire cannot come back from is beheading and severe fire – think burned at the stake.

The fangs are the most important part for a Vampire.  It’s how he get his blood.  They need to heal, replenish etc… biting works the fastest.  They can swallow via mug, which will help but for best options – biting.  The fangs work in a way that blood will go straight into the blood stream, and work through the system.  Drinking it via cup – works through the digestive system.  IV can work when Vampire unable to swallow or bite, but it will still be a slow processes.   The fangs, action, saliva that goes with it – are the key elements.  The doctors and scientist are still trying to work out how.

Vampire Saliva has healing factors.  This is how a Vampire can bite and cover the wound up and no one would be the wiser.  It’s also how to help a wounded Vampire recoup faster.  You loose a limb, a Mate or Sire’s saliva can help the re-growth process.  Not pretty but effective.

Vampires senses are also enhanced.  They can move faster, see & hear further, and smell minuet fragrances.   We’re just now starting to show case these in the stories.

As you can see there is a lot more to the Vampire Physiology , and we’re still working out how all of it works.  As the Universe expands so does dealing with other species and how the Vampire affects it.

***

If you have any other questions (that isn’t related to when stories are coming out :D) you can reply to this post or go to the Sylum: Question & Answer Center.  We’ll always answer to the best of our ability – whether directly or in a post similar to this.

Sylum Inspiration: Paris, France

introimgparisbba

 

It seemed fitting this week to post Paris, France for Sylum Inspiration.

It may have something to do with the major story I’m working on that involves…

image1a

 

 

 

Paris is a major location in the Sylum Universe.  Passion Kin Clan has a home base there, many characters come from France, and there are at least three major storylines with elements set with in Paris.

Paris-France-france-31746236-592-333

Clan War 10th Anniversary Edition: Kiss of Death

banner_clanwar10th-ch1-draft2

 

 

Title: Kiss of Death

Author: Bj Jones

Creative Consultant: Timothy Quinn

Link to Sylum Archive

***

As we’re gearing up to start posting Clan War 10th Anniversary Edition, we wanted to take you back to last November when we showcased Kiss of Death.   The beginning is always a good place to start.

Also you might want to go back and reread the CSI: Anthology series to catch up with our boys.  The last two stories of that series will be posted with Clan War as they are specifically attached to the Arc.

Link to CSI: Anthology

 

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups

Christmas-Garland

 

Sylum Advent 2015: Sign Ups

Is it really that time again?

Yes it is!!

Sylum Advent is just around the corner.  There are stories already in the works!!  Along with, art, videos and fanmixs.  And other great surprises!!

This is our fifth year doing this!! *blinks* Damn…. Sorry got distracted there!! We’re looking to make this a great Advent so come on …  sign up already!!  Remember you don’t have to do a story, there are other options: Art, Fanmix, Video.

Sylum is a vast universe – try your hand at working with us on creating something spectacular.

What is Sylum Advent? 

Sylum Advent s is our Annual Winter Event.  It will start on December 1st and go through to Boxing Day, December 26th.  It will focus on Sylum Stories, but we also accept Sylum Art, fanmix, and videos.  It’s not uncommon to see stories that are set up that will relate to major Arcs.

What do you need to do to participate?

You will need to sign up and state what your interested in doing.

REMINDER:  All Sylum Stories will need to be approved by Bj Jones.  If you’re interested in doing a Sylum Story contact Bj (sylumclan@yahoo.com).  DO NOT write the story then send it, the story will likely get rejected and you would have to start all over again.  So email Bj first!!!

How do I sign up?

Reply to this Post.

Just click reply and let us know what your interested in doing, don’t forget to give us your contact info so we can get a hold of you.

Sign Ups close September 10th.  If we do not get your request, by the 10th it will not be included.

Is there a deadline of when the Fic/Art needs to be Finished?

Yes!

– Posts will be made on October 1st, 15th & November 1st to check on progress.

– All Fic/Art will need to finished and emailed to (sylumclan@yahoo.com) by November 25th.

I have questions?

– Drop a reply to this post with a *FLAIL* *HELP* with contact info and we’ll get back to you.

– Email: sylumclan@yahoo.com

Sylum 10th Anniversary: Q&A

job-interview-questions-and-answers-660x330

 

 

Q: What exactly is Jack the Ripper? He doesn’t seem to be a regular vampire like everyone else?

A: Jack the Ripper is a Vampire.   He’s also a cold-calculating, highly-intelligent, serial killer.   He has a mission, and sets out accomplish that mission.  When it doesn’t work to his exact specifics, consequences are paid.

The only reason he has the name Jack the Ripper is because no one knows who he really is, where he comes from, or when he was Turned.  He comes to the Vampire Communities attention and focus in 1888.

Q: What’s the connection between Jack the Ripper and Dean?  Why is he protecting him?

A: At one moment in time Dean showed Ripper mercy.  Not necessarily in this lifetime or the one before, or even the one before that … And from that he protects him no matter the incarnation.

More of his connection to Dean will come out in further stories.   Dean isn’t quite sure how to handle a psychotic fairy godfather that will not just kill, but torture for him.

Character Introduction: Carl Casper

jon-favreau-in-chef-movie-8-e1424655416704

Sylum: Member

 

Name: Carl Casper

Turn Date: 2015 AD

Sire: Happy Hogan

Mate: Inez Casper

***

Miami-born Carl Casper is the head chef of Gauloise in Brentwood, California. While popular with his kitchen staff and hostess Molly, the restaurant owner Riva wants Carl to stick to tired “classics” rather than innovative dishes. Carl has a strained relationship with his tech-savvy preteen son Percy and wife Inez (the two are in a trial separation).

When Carl has a chance to prove his talents during a visit from prestigious critic and blogger Ramsey Michel, Riva demands that he to stick with old favorites at the last minute, causing Carl to concede, leading to a scathing review. On Twitter, Carl insults Ramsey, not realizing that his reply is public, and gains a large Twitter following. Carl comes up with an inspirational new menu that his staff loves and invites Ramsey to a “rematch”. After a confrontation with Riva, Carl walks out, quitting. At home, he prepares the menu he wanted to serve to Ramsey, goes to the restaurant, and angrily berates Ramsey.

Videos featuring Carl’s meltdown go viral, and his professional credibility evaporates. Molly and Inez encourage him to run a food truck. He accepts Inez’s invitation to Miami, where he spends some quality time with Percy and rediscovers his love for Cuban cuisine. Inez’s father offers him a dilapidated food truck, and Carl reluctantly accepts. He and Percy bond while restoring the truck and buying groceries and Carl buys him a chef’s knife. Martin, his friend from Gauloise, turns down his restaurant promotion to work with Carl, who has become an exuberant and passionate chef again.

The three drive the food truck across the country back to Los Angeles, serving top-quality Cuban sandwiches and yuca fries. Percy finds ways to promote the food truck on social media websites, and the truck becomes successful in New Orleans.

It was while in New Orleans he finds out there is more to life than food.

He’s invited along with Gaullist and Percy, to Sylum Manor. It’s where he meets Nico Meridius, who wanted him to train his kitchen staff how to make the proper Cuban Sandwich. He also sits him down and explains a situation that Carl has now found him in.

It would seem his father had an affair with another woman, and had another son. None of this shocked Carl. His brother though is Happy Hogan, the bodyguard to Tony Stark. And now that Carl is ‘famous’ it wouldn’t be surprised that Stane or others would use him to get to Happy.

Carl overwhelmed with the situation asks to see Happy.

The two are surprised at how much they look alike. They sit down for a long time to discuss everything.

In the end Carl decides to be Turned.

***

Note:  As the new wiki is being built (almost there…almost there) bios of Characters are inputted who’ve been Turned up to 2015.  So you’ll see some new characters that will impact storyline.  Carl Casper is one of them.  He will actually have a roll in one of the Advent Stories.

Image: Jon Favreau