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…
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.
The Great Pyramids
They are a World Heritage site, and one of the Wonders of the World. It’s a recognizable skyline, and the moment anyone sees it, you know what it is.
These Pyramids are distinctive for the Medjai Clan and have been for thousands of years. As more stories emerge for the Medjai, the history of these great structures will also start to be showcased.
Just. Another. Really. Very. Intelligent. System.
Also known as:
Friend, confidant, pain in Tony’s ass – best friend.
He’s a sophisticated AI … that has spread beyond boundaries he was once regulated to. He is also very important in the future of Sylum as an AI.
Hmmm – Maybe I should’ve done this as a Character Introduction!
Caesars Palace
Iconic Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. In opened in 1966, and despite hardships today is still standing.
For Sylum – Caesars is owned by Nicolaus Meridius through so many shell accounts and variety of companies not many know it’s his. Daniel Ocean is the Hotel Manager, Basher Tarr is his Head of Security, and now Rusty Ryan is Casino Manager.
Rumors have there’s mob money in the hotel, but it was built all on Nico’s money and banking investments. It’s Roman themed for a reason, and the largest penthouse is the Meridii Villa.
Not that you can go to Caesars and ask for the Meridii Villa – they may look at you weirdly!!
Caesars isn’t the only one owned by Vampires. The Bellagio is owned by Terrance Benedict. The Monticeto (aka Mandalay Bay) is owned by Ed Deline and his Mate Daniel McCoy. The Paris is owned by Issac Evans.
For More Information:
Quick Comment: This Sylum Inspiration will be up for two weeks, as yours truly will be on Vacation next week!
We’ve introduced Merry & Pippin along with Aragorn and Boromir. Figured it was time to introduce Nico’s section of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Legolas is a golden retriever and Gimli is a Basset Hound. The two mostly stay in Nico’s personal office/study and guard the door. If Nico doesn’t want anyone into his study, leading to his and Warrick’s personal room, they don’t let them in.
Gimli is talented at slamming his heavy weight against the door to stop any intruders.
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….
