The inspiration of many artists, writers, musicians, thieves…
As we have Leonardo DaVinci in Sylum it was only fitting to have his famous masterpiece. Well that and Mona Lisa herself still bitches about the painting. And we won’t mention how many times Raphael stole it, forged it, or just annoyed Leonardo about it!
For More Information: Mona Lisa
Y’all are probably scratching your head going – why is an empty leash this weeks Sylum Inspiration. I mean after all… it’s well… it’s empty!
Today’s Inspiration is all about Billy!! Murdock’s pet dog that has been his loyal companion for a century!!
Wait…what?
Billy is very special, he’s Murdock’s guide to know who’s friendly and who isn’t. There are those beyond Murdock who can see Billy, and even interact with him, making them part of Murdock’s world. Billy’s important in Sylum not because it’s the ‘visual joke’ or ‘reference to the TV Show’, he’s important because he represents those Vampires that see the world different from others. He showcases the vast spectrum of type of characters and people in the Sylum Universe.
So the question is …
Can you see Billy?
As one who has been to DC a few times, this monument is awe inspiring.
The Washington Mall where it’s located has been described in a variety of Sylum stories, and will be the back drop of many more.
It’s also important as Abraham Lincoln has a major roll in the Sylum Universe.
As I’m working on Shogun Clan – I thought be interesting to showcase the Terracotta Warriors.
The Terracotta Army or the “Terracotta Warriors and Horses” is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife.
The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots and horses. Estimates from 2007 were that the three pits containing the Terracotta Army held more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in the pits nearby Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. Other terracotta non-military figures were found in other pits, including officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians.
My father had the privilege of visiting the museum last year. He was in awe of the vast amount of warriors and the history surrounding them.
For More Information: Terrocatta Army
I figured since we just had the 10 year anniversary, it would be fitting to showcase Sylum Manor!
Actually Sylum Manor is based on two plantations: Oak Alley Plantation and Monmouth Plantation. The outside of Sylum Manor is based on Oak Alley, as location and the surrounding acres of lands.
Sections of the grounds of Sylum is also based upon Monmouth Plantation. Design, interior, and their gardens.
Through my travels and studies through Natchez, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana – I’ve explored and studied both areas and plantations. Giving a strong bases for Sylum Manor.
Sylum Manor actually doesn’t look like the two Plantations. It’s larger, more extensive and well a home for a lot of Vampires. To best put it in perspective of how big Sylum Manor is. Oak Alley Plantation … itself, the whole building – is Sylum’s front lobby.
So the building you see here, is only a small portion of how big Sylum Manor actually is. This is where you would walk into the main lobby, after coming up the oak drive way, pull around the circular drive way, parking in front of the entrance. You would walk up three steps onto the veranda, porch that wraps around to the back of the house. Go through a set of double doors, and step into the front lobby, that showcases the grand staircase.
What you see in this photo is that area.
This doesn’t include, the side wings that lead to the Manor Offices and Speed’s Library on the right hand-side. Or the Dining Room, Ballroom, and kitchen on the left-hand side. Let alone the 2nd floor that holds: Nico, Tony and Speed’s personal wings – some of them having a 3rd story added into their areas that accommodate: The Art Gallery, the Library, and Personal Suite.
And now for some extra visuals that have inspired Sylum Manor. These come from both Monmouth and Oak Alley.
Wolfhounds have been through the Sylum stories. They are large lovable animals, but they are called Wolfhounds for a reason. We introduced them in Clan War with Boromir and Aragorn, and then later had Faramir and Eomer. The Vampire namesakes were not to thrilled.
This tree is the symbol of the Meridii Family.
The names of the Meridii and their Mates are carved into the trunk.
It is very important to Nicolaus, and has been showcased readily through the Sylum stories.
The series as infiltrated the Sylum Universe. If paid close attention you can see the references, characters, and influences that it has through out the Universe. Now I know not everyone plays video games and wondering ‘who are these guys?’ – well in typical Sylum – who they are in the AC world vs Sylum world varies. If you’re curious on the series and do have gaming consuls I do suggest you get them – they are tons of fun. If you don’t – there are a series of books by Oliver Bowden.
As stated the characters have invaded Sylum. Some not quite in the way you would think – others exactly. You’ve been introduced to Ezio and Altair. There has been hints towards Edward Kenway. Connor Kenway lurks but can be seen. Aveline you’ll be meeting very soon. Arno … if you haven’t figured that one out yet – I suggest reading Going Home and watch the AC Unity Trailer.
Now each of the ‘Assassins’ have their own symbols – these will be seen and used through out Sylum to identify our guys.
wait..who? *smirks*
The only hint you get he’s Russian …
*come closer*
… might want to read Michael Westen series
*shifty look*
This hotel made its debut in the release of the 10th Anniversary of Kiss of Death.
In the Sylum Universe – Mandarin Oriental is owned by Speed. His penthouse is on the top floor, where he explains the world of Vampires to his team.
It will heavily showcased in Bonding and future Sylum stories – keep an eye out for it in the Michael Westen series.
As today is May the Fourth Be With You! I figured Star Wars would be a good Sylum Inspiration. As you may have noticed that one of the stories from Advent was Star Wars based. So yes Star Wars will make it into Sylum. Again the how, what, when and where is all a mystery of the force!!
But I will say Obi-Wan Kenobi will play an important roll in Sylum.
And he even looks adorable in cartoon form.
PS: My shoulder is doing better – thank you for the well wishes. Still not up to 100% and doing things at a very slow rate. And because its Star Wars Day and Obi-Wan is my favorite up there with Han….
Masyaf is the home of the Assassin Order.
For Sylum – it’s still full functional and very well hidden. No one can get to Masyaf unless you know where it’s located. A few of our characters have trained at Masyaf, and not just those ‘known’ as Assassins.
Masyaf does actually exist and has an extensive history.
Well first off Alien is an Angora Rabbit – hence his extreme head of hair when it’s humid!!
Angora Rabbits is also part of the Warren Vineyard in Oceania Clan. Robert de Lapins raises them for the Angora. Jack thinks they are adorable but not allowed to play with them.
The photo showed in the Inspiration Block is one shaved, except his ears. The picture below is one not shaved yet.
The Vatican
As this is Holy Week and I’m sure Ernesto is growling at epic proportions at his staff and Pius, we figured it was fitting to showcase The Vatican as this weeks Sylum Inspiration.
The Vatican is an intricate part of the Sylum Universe. *pointedly looks at Ernesto who just waltzed in and took over*
As Timothy Quinn and I are working on the re-writes, 10th Anniversary, pulling together this vast Universe of characters and places. We can guarantee – you’ll be seeing the Vatican a lot more. From when it’s first being built to way into the future.
And yes Ernesto will be involved.
As will his kid.
And let’s not forget Kiernan.
Or Nico.
*runs away cackling*
If there is a visual representation for Speed – it’s the Yellow Ducati.
It wouldn’t matter where Speed lived, there would be a Ducati in the garage. It’s his preferred method of transportation, except when he’s driving the twins around then he steals H’s Hummer.
The bike shown above is actually Rory’s own Ducati, he just used it while they filmed CSI: Miami.
St. Patrick
As tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. I figured it would be a good idea to post St. Patrick as this week’s Sylum Inspiration.
There’s a few ties to St. Patrick is Sylum – if you haven’t figured them out re-read Roads Untraveled!
For more information: St. Patrick
