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Tag: <span>Sylum Clan</span>

Tag: Sylum Clan

Sylum Articles0

Sylum Essay Series: Recycling

One of things you’re going to start seeing in the Sylum Universe is how the Vampires interact with their environment.

Since the Manor doesn’t actually exist, their impact doesn’t show in where they’re located.  If you look at images of Oak Alley Plantation the house is quite small compared to what Sylum Manor is described … actually Oak Alley would be the front room, beginning of the grand staircase, and maybe Nico’s Manor Office … that’s it.  The Manor itself is 8 to 10 times the size, and that’s not including the outlining buildings: Garage, Stables, Barn, Lab, Medical Facilities to name a few.

Because Sylum Manor is so much bigger, it impacts the surrounding areas, like Vacherie.  For us the town is a larger town, and sustainable by their own shops, smaller farmers in the areas, and employment at the Manor.

All the Clans are similar.  Where the Clan base is located the town nearby would be subsequent chosen ones and working mostly for the Clan.  There would be generations who would know the Vampires, and would have had jobs in and out of the main houses, work locations and just making sure no one asks to many questions.

The longer the Vampire lives the more likely they’ll see their impact on the world.  Some of it would be socially, politically, and even environmentally.   The Vampires would be the first to look for ways to reduce their footprint, especially if they are trying to cover said ‘footprint’.

They would also have the capital to invest into new ideas, and for some re-invest in old ideas.  Sylum Manor had indoor heating way before most people, since they used old Roman techniques.

The Manor itself kept a large portion of their wetlands to make sure they didn’t get flooding.  They would’ve planted their crops in old Medieval versions instead of the new ways, which led them to not being affected by the Dust Bowl.

They would recycle everything they could, have a compost heap in the back, have their own vegetable and herb gardens, and likely livestock up until the modern era (accept pigs because Tony despises the creatures … pigs aren’t allowed on the Manor property and pork is not cooked when he is in the area).

Artemus would like get solar panels onto the Manor the moment it was feasible.   He would also be looking into getting bio-domes to go over the Aviaries instead of the netting.  As electric cars become more prominent they would like switch some of the Manor Vehicles over.

Also put money into science, research, and how to find better ways to conserve.  Some of these Vampires would remember some of the best air quality to some of the worst.  Just talk to Jake and Evie about London in the late 19th Century.

So are challenge to you!

Not all of us can do solar panels or have a compost heap.

But we all can do our part for the Environment, even if it’s just looking to see if that package is recyclable.  Or separate out your garbage or maybe walk instead of drive.  We all can help, even by doing just one thing.

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan0

Sylum Inspiration: Mac Taylor

Sylum: Hunter

 

Mac Taylor was born and raised in Chicago.  His father David Taylor worked for Chicago PD and his mother Kristen worked as a nurse. Both are still alive and living in Chicago.

Hearing tales from his Uncle Lt. Dan Taylor he followed in his footsteps and joined the US Marine Corps.

Once he left the Marine Corps he joined the NYPD – working his way up to Lieutenant in the Crime Scene Unit. He met Claire and the two married and settled into life in New York.

Mac lost his wife Claire in the 9/11 attacks. He threw himself into his work, avoiding feeling anything. The only one who stayed close to him was his friend and colleague Stella Bonasara.

He discovered the reality of Vampires when Daniel Messer was Turned Without Consent. He was soon pulled into the world of Vampires, accepting his place by Danny’s side. Mac started the Bond with Danny when they were in New Orleans helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Soon after, he was mortally wounded by Sonny Sassone. Danny turned Mac in the back of the ambulance, leading them to Bond as Mates soon after.

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan1

Sylum Inspiration: Jack Bauer

Sylum: Hunter

Jack was born in Santa Monica, CA, the oldest son of Phillip Bauer. Little is known of his mother – Jack rarely speaks of her.  Phillip intended for Jack to follow in his footsteps as head of his company BJX Technologies, but Jack chose a career in the military instead.

He joined the US Army, working his way up to the elite unit, Delta Force. While in the Army, Jack received several commendations for performance under fire. He left the Army with the rank of Captain, and made a career of working for various federal and state/local government agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and a stint as case officer in the clandestine service with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).  He is now Lead Field Agent/Field Ops Director for the CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit).

He has demonstrated a high proficiency with firearms, explosives, electronic devices, resistance to torture (Dilios Note: After being kidnapped by Chinese agents, and tortured for almost two years, it is revealed he didn’t speak a single word for the whole time). He is fluent in German and has demonstrated ability to speak Spanish , Russian, Arabic, and Serbian.  He’s also shown to fly planes and helicopters.

His wife, Terri, was killed by a terrorist, J ack blames himself for her death. His daughter, Kim, worked with him at CTU, while dating Bauer’s partner Chase.

After a day from hell, Kim dumped Chase and disappeared.

Jack was left picking up the pieces.

 

 

 

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan0

Sylum Inspiration: Lily Jupiter

 

Lily is the twin sister of Laurie.

They lost their father when they were four years old.  They don’t remember much, but knew their mom cried a lot, until Riddick came into their lives and helped where he could.

They knew something happened to their Uncle Riddick, he was gruffer and more reserved after the nice blonde man had died.

He came in and out of their lives, always making sure mom and them were taken care of.  After mom died, he stayed in New York intent to find them good husbands.  They disagreed.

He took them back to New Orleans and handed them over to Queen Moussette so they could finish their education and be proper ladies.  He had no idea she was also teaching them how to fight, bringing in the warrior he saw roaming New Orleans a few times that only talks to Nico.

They finally approached him and informed they both wanted to be Turned.

He really couldn’t say no.

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan0

Sylum Inspiration: Dean Winchester

Sylum: Hunter

 

Dean was born to John and Mary Winchester January 24, 1979 in Lawerence, Kansas. When he was four years old, he was excited at his brother Samuel Winchester’s birth. Six months later, his life was destroyed when Balthazar entered their home and killed Mary. John handed Sammy into four year old Dean’s arms and told him to run. Since then he has taken care of his brother, never truly letting him go.

Raised on the road, trained to hunt Vampires, Dean learned to live the life of a nomad. He barely stayed in one school long enough to make friends, but remained loyal to his father John Winchester and brother Sammy. Among the few bright moments in his life are when he and Sammy stayed with Bobby Singer who taught him everything about cars.

As he got older he began to take hunts on his own, running into Maxine Guevera and Logan Cale. Not truly understanding Vampires and the Clan System, he just figured that Vampires weren’t all bad like his father had preached. When he returned home from the hunt he discovered that Sammy had been keeping secrets, and had left the family for college.

Four years later he showed up on Sam’s doorstep with news: their dad had gone missing while hunting. After following a few leads and finding nothing, Dean took Sam back to Stanford, only to discover that Balthazar had come back into their lives, killing Sam’s girlfriend. Swearing to hunt the man down, Sam set out again on the hunt with Dean.

Balthazar soon found them. Dean willingly handed his life over to save Sam’s.

***

New Item at the Sylum Vault!

Dagger Keychain (Inspired by Supernatural)

 

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan1

Sylum Inspiration: Gaius Cassius Longinus

Lead Hunter: Sylum

Shepsit Hemet Amun-Ra had seen the two men and their hatred/love for each other. She assumed the two were Mates, and after Turning Cassius, she also Turned Brutus – only to inadvertently start a rivalry that would last over two thousand and even surpass death.

Cassius started his Vampire life determined to make amends for his actions in his Human life. He worked hard with his Sire and became centered and followed the life of a Medjai Warrior. Soon after, he became the Lead Hunter for the Vampire Council. He had sought Marcus Antonius out when the General had come to the Council with his Mate Alexander seeking his forgiveness. The two men had locked themselves away for a few hours, bringing worry to both Alexander and Imenand. They have never spoken about what they discussed, but the two have been friends since that moment.

The lines of friendship/forgiveness were also sent to Lucius Vorenus who was once Julius Caesar’s bodyguard. Though the two respect each other’s positions, they are not friendly with each other.

Cassius had found solace in the arms of Nicolaus Valerius Meridius, as the two had a deep relationship that lasted well over a century. Even after the affair had ended, they remained friends for all time. The Hunter had always made sure that Nico was safe in his journeys, and if he were to hear of any actions taken against the Medjai Council Member, he would personally see to his protection.

He had taken the name Gabriel in the 1100’s, out of admiration and respect for the Christian Archangels. Though he had still followed the ways of his gods, he respected the Christian Church.

He had found his Mate in the late 1500’s only to have him ripped form his arms and killed by his mortal enemy Brutus, who had taken the name Vladimir Dracula. Devastated by the loss, he fled for the Medjai only to learn that his friend Nico had felt a similar pain in the loss of one’s Mate. He arrived at St. Michael’s Mount and offered Nico the very thing he wanted himself. Revenge. They were soon met up with Shepsit and the four (since Thomas, Nico’s manservant had refused to be left behind) set out to Hunt down Dracula.

To this day only those four know what happened during that Hunt.

Not soon after he had met a Priest Andrew Kiernan and learned of a way to earn his Absolution for his crimes and sins from Rome. He had finally found his peace, and only hoped one day for his Mate to return.

In 1754 he was asked by his Sire to travel to the New World to become Nick’s Lead Hunter. He transferred his current position to Maximus Decimus Meridius, and moved to New Orleans. He has never regretted his choice for a moment, though Maximus has cursed his name repeatedly.

As Lead Hunter he’s been quite busy protecting Nico and his children. Recently he had been working overtime. Between protecting the Manor from Richelieu and Lucius Aurelius Commodus he’s found his wife in John Constantine and the return of Dracula in Balthazar.

Not a year later he was facing off with Balthazar again, saving Dean Winchester, which lead him to finding his Mate in the most unlikely of people, John Winchester.

Just when things started to quiet down, Nico was kidnapped by Meela Nais and a war broke out in Egypt.

Now that Nico is back in New Orleans, Gabriel has plans to make sure his Clan Leader never leaves the Manor without guards.

 

 

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan1

Character Introduction: Aveline de Grandpré

aveline-de-grandpre-assassin-s-creed-iii-liberation-21012-1920x1080Sylum: Hunter

 

Name: Aveline de Grandpré

Turn Date: 1776 AD

Sire: Nicolaus Valerius Meridius

Mate: No Mate

(Dilios Note: any of the assassins listed their history is not known by others – very few even know what they look like)

***

Aveline was born in New Orleans on 20 June 1747 to Philippe de Grandpré and his African placée bride, Jeanne. Granted freedom along with her mother at birth, Aveline grew up in a caring and considerate environment, protected by her father’s wealth and influence within the city. However, when her father’s business began to suffer, he married Madeleine de L’Isle, the daughter of one of his investors, in 1752.

While this act put a strain on the relationship between her parents, both Aveline and her mother Jeanne were permitted to stay at the de Grandpré mansion, with Madeleine becoming responsible for the young girl’s education.

Aveline’s carefree life as a youth was cut short two years later, when Jeanne inexplicably vanished, leaving a void in the girl’s life. Despite the fact that Madeleine quickly adopted the role of doting stepmother, Aveline continued to be troubled by the loss of her mother. As a result, she frequently had nightmares about the events surrounding Jeanne’s disappearance.

Simultaneously, Aveline’s feelings and observations regarding the prevailing contrasts present within her city eventually spurred her into action. In 1759, she attempted to free a slave, but was caught in the act and set upon by sailors employed by the slave’s owner. Thanks to an intervention from Nicolaus Meridius,  Aveline and the slave managed to escape unharmed. Deciding her commitment to freedom and justice was beyond compare, Nicolaus took Aveline under his wing.

Following a few months of intense training, Aveline would act as Nicolaus agent in New Orleans, using her skills to help people in need and rid Louisiana of the Templars.

Her first assignment under Nico, was to locate and find Shay Patrick Cormac, who had come to New Orleans specific to have a safe haven for Templars. They discovered that Shay was working with Governor d’Abbadie, who was determined to keep the city and providence under French Templar control.

Between the two of them, they removed the Templar influence.

She discovered his nature when, she found him with Warrick. Upset at first, at hypocrisy she was seeing, she confronted him, only to find herself faced with the Vampire. He explained who he was, and that the man she saw was Warrick, his Mate.

Seeing great potential in her, Nicolaus knew that she would need further training. In 1769 he sent her to Masyaf, along with a letter and trinket for Dastan and Altair.

Aveline proved her skills by taking on novices being trained. Altair taking Nicolaus word, set out to train her.

She learned much in Masyaf, became fast friends with Tamara.

It was her work, that established a network of woman assassins.

Aveline returned to New Orleans in 1775, and discovered Nicolaus was in New York. She traveled up to the city, to find him.

It was here she met Connor Kenway, and worked with him in dealing with Templars roaming the Eastern Seaboard.

She found Nicolaus in 1776, commanding troops. Impressed by his skills as an Assassin, a General, and the fact he had a black Mate, she requested he Turn her.

***

(Dilios Note: Remember these are all my notes – nothing is true everything is permitted.  So what you see may not be what you know)

 

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan2

Character Introduction: The Twins

A few weeks ago there was a passing mention of the fact we’ve updated and changed ‘The Twins’.   Their story needed some serious adjusting to fit with the new changes with in Sylum.  While adjusting their stories, it was obvious everything had to be re-worked.

Introducing:

Lily Jupiter

carla_gugino-7082

 

 

Laurie Jupiter

Malin-Akerman

 

 

Turn Date: 1875 AD

Sire: Richard Riddick

Lily & Laurie are Mates

***

They lost their father when they were four years old.  They don’t remember much, but knew their mom cried a lot, until Riddick came into their lives and helped where he could.

They knew something happened to their Uncle Riddick, he was gruffer and more reserved after the nice blonde man had died.

He came in and out of their lives, always making sure mom and them were taken care of.  After mom died, he stayed in New York intent to find them good husbands.  They disagreed.

He took them back to New Orleans and handed them over to Queen Moussette so they could finish their education and be proper ladies.  He had no idea she was also teaching them how to fight, having brought in a warrior he saw roaming New Orleans, who only talked to Nico.

They finally approached him and informed they both wanted to be Turned.

He really couldn’t say no.

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Character Introduction / Sylum Clan0

Character Introduction: Ironhide Too

Ironhide_Percheron

 

Part of building the Sylum Universe is also building the locations.

For example Sylum Manor.

We’ve been working on designing what the grounds look like, the different rooms, outer buildings, etc.  To make sure when we say Nico is going down to the Stables to see the horses … he always goes in the same direction.

Speaking of horses.

Today’s Character Introduction is Ironhide Too.  You will be introduced to him in the upcoming 10th Anniversary Edition.

Ironhide Too comes from a strong line of Percheon Horses.

His namesake and great great great ….. great great great grandfather the original Ironhide was found by Ezio while liberating Rome in the 1500’s.  Ironhide was decked out in armor and war gear, giving him his name.  He also kicked a Templar into a wall, gaining Ezio’s love and devotion.

Ironhide Too – is one from a rare pair of twins.

He was sent to Nico as a gift, a reminder of his time with Ezio liberating Rome.

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Camelot Clan / Character Introduction / Sylum Clan2

Character Introduction: Robin Longstride

Robin_Longstride-300x266

Camelot/Sylum: Member

Name: Robin Longstride

Turn Date: 1148 AD

Sire: Nicolaus Meridius

Mate: Sir Degore (aka The Spirit)

***

Robin doesn’t remember much of his childhood. He remembers his dad having strong hands, and working as a stone mason.

He spent most of his life in the army. His natural skills with a bow and arrow had him moving up the ranks as an Archer.

As the crusades moved on he began to loose his faith. And when he was abandoned by his superiors leaving him and a few friends alone on the battlefield at Damascus he lost it completely.

He fought with his friends, until he was the last one standing. Praying for the final blow to end his life, he closed his eyes in anticipation of going home.

He woke up in a filthy jail cell.

Robin could hear someone in the cell next to him, and soon the two talked and became friends. Hearing the other prisoner say the Rosary daily helped restore his faith.

He could hear defeat in his friends voice, and knew now was the time to escape. The theory being escape or die trying.

They got out of the prison and onto the streets of Damascus. Soon they were surrounded, and ready to die with a sword in their hand, when men wearing black robes swarmed the area. He was pulled away when one bent over his friend, Antonio Crisafi, and begged him to let him save him.

Robin watched in horror, shock as the man grew fangs and bit Tony. He struggled against the one who held him, only to be told he was safe and then promptly blacked out.

Robin woke up in a comfortable bed, he got up and searched out those who helped, to find the dark haired man who bit Tony. He introduced himself as Nicolaus, then explained what happened.

He demanded to be Turned. No way was Tony going to survive without him.

Robin has dual memberships between Sylum and Camelot.  This is rare between the Clans, though many Vampires have ties to other Clans, the ones that swear loyalty to two Clan Leaders are not as well known.

Basically Robin has sworn loyalty to Nico and Arthur and if they call him he will be duty bond to answer.  If both need him, he would discuss with the other Clan Leader where he is needed most.

***

Image: Russell Crowe

Feel free to comment or ask questions on any of the Character Introductions.

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