State of the Clan: 2026

 

Let’s be honest.  The decade hasn’t been the best.  I’m not sure where 2025 even went, but I can tell you – I still didn’t get any writing done.

Did you know this is the 11th year I’ve been posting – State of the Clan.  I went to look back at some older ones and was shocked at how many there were.

So here we are again.  Another year.

Starting off with some serious conversations, then we’ll get to the fun stuff

For those of in the US – we know what’s going on.  It’s horrible, insane, and down right terrifying.   Please all of you stay safe.

There are moments that it feels as if there is nothing good happening.   So much hate and destruction.

But here we’ll still bring the light.  We’ll work to make sure each day there is something good in your inbox.

I wish I could conjure up Sylum in reality – as we know Hunters would do damage in areas.  We have a future storyline where Nico takes charge … probably should get that down on paper – Mot it into being 🙂

We still need to keep Sylum safe, so as a reminder – we will be updating password this year.  So make sure join: Sylum Security  to keep updated on the password.

Also – what I said last year still stands.

2025 Recap

Well let’s not spend to much time on 2024!

• Aesthetics: 4 Aesthetics – tribute to Val Kilmer
• Artwork: 17 – two beautiful paintings, along with gorgeous wallpapers for a variety of characters *Big kudos for Gil for some amazing artwork!
• Stories: 3 – Plus the many snippets through the year
• AI Images:  This was introduced this year and brought Sylum characters to life

Okay now on to what’s coming in 2026.

Sylum Evnts

Spring Fling: Sign Ups have already begun  – Event starts: April 20th
Seven Days of Summer: Sign Ups will begin April 15th – Event Starts: July 1st
Sylum Advent: Sign Ups will begin September 1st – Event starts: December 1st

 

Be sure to join the fun!  We love new ideas and artwork to share with everyone

 

*hmmm really need to update some banners

 

So yeah not much got done last year.   I’ll admit between health, work, and just life *waves hands outwards towards everything* – things got shoved to the side.  Not just Sylum either, a lot of plans got dropped through the year.

I’ve made changes this year with my work/life balance and making sure to have more time for Sylum.   And happily was able to get the Winnie The Pooh story finished!  Also was motivated as Winnie The Pooh Day was a set date.

Family is still being worked on.  It’s slowly but we’re getting there.  (At least Family and Evolution has been available for download)

There’s also a lot of other stories in the works.  I’ve got three in the works.

I’m hoping to inspire others here to work on more stories.

There will always be snippets!  I’m making it a goal to get at least 2 a month.  (do or do not there is not try)

The who, what, and where of Sylum

 

• Sylum Discord:  Yes we still have one!  I’m honestly not on it much if not at all.  But it is there and available to use for everyone to talk/chat about a variety of things.
• Sylum Archive:  We upload Event Offerings pretty quickly – so make sure to check in to see what’s been posted.  Leave a comment!
• Sylum Blog:  Reminder to get posts in your email make sure to subscribe.  We don’t use social media (okay it does post to my very old tumblr account but that’s it)
• Sylum Wiki: We’re back on track on getting new images for all the characters.  Integridad is close to being finished.  We’re working on the next Kin Clans.  We have goals!
• Sylum Security:  Sadly with everything that happened last year – this slipped by.  We will be doing this soon   So, please join the security group – to always get the up-to-date password.
• Sylum Trivia: I have a lot to catch up and a long list.  There was one for this month – but will likely discontinue it for the rest of the year.  

 

***

AI: Images

Last year I started playing around with some AI images to see if we can get visual representations of Sylum characters in historical context or characters who (haven’t made a film together) into the same scene.   This hasn’t been easy as it takes particular wording and it doesn’t always get historical context.   Something like British Naval Uniform – and you get just a navy uniform usually American or a weird mish/mash.   The more popular the actor the easier the image.

Until now!

I upped my subscription to a higher level and was able to waist ‘credits’ to figure things out.  And man did I figure things out.  I was able to get more of our characters into historical situations, and look like them!  You’ll be seeing more of those in the upcoming weeks/months.   Now this was expensive and I normally have no problem putting money into these type of things – but I can say I wouldn’t mind some help with it.  Sometimes this year I’ll be running a go fund me (as paypal closed their fundraising) to help with the costs.  

And for a treat – here’s one of the new ones. (I may have cackled the longest when I got this one to work)

Quick Note: I will ALWAYS make sure to label anything that as AI Images in it.   This is not my art and the only reason I’m using it is to bring to life Sylum characters.  The actors are no apart of this, nor do we make any money on this.  Despite a fundraiser, this isn’t me using any of this for advertising or profit.  It’s all for fun.

 

How to support Sylum?

The main way to support Sylum?

Be part of the community.  I’m still working on the goal for myself to answer comments and questions, to be more engaged.  I would hope you will also do the same.

Make sure to comment on stories, not just during Sylum Events, but on the archive and even the wiki!

The Sylum Team

 

• Gil – for the support, the amazing artwork and stories.
• taibhrigh – for the banners and for the never ending wiki images
• Sparrow – for the weekly chats

 

But most importantly to my cohort in crime, my partner in all things.  Who keeps me sane, yet feeds the insanity. 

We’ve survived another year.  

It’s you and me against the world!  There is no other I would want by my side.

 

 

As we set off into the new year.

Let us remember the most important thing.

Be Safe.

Be Kind.

Take care of yourself.

So mote it be.

Bj Jones (Nico – Aka The General)