#medieval challenge

[toad-the-second]

I am actually in love with this thank you

New challenge Unlock the medieval uberhoods

Here's a medieval twist on the "Unlock the Uberhood" challenge for The Sims 2! In this version, you'll roll for births, deaths, marriages, and unlocks, giving it that extra layer of unpredictability.

Basic Rules:

Starting Conditions:

Begin with a single family of peasants in a small medieval village. As you progress, you'll unlock more families, social classes, and types of buildings by completing rolls and objectives.

Classes and Unlocks:

Peasants: Start with 1-2 families of peasants.

Merchants: After 3 generations of peasants survive, you can unlock a merchant family.

Nobles: After 5 successful peasant generations and 2 merchant generations, you can unlock a noble family.

Royalty: Unlock after 3 generations of nobles have passed.

Aging and Lifespan Rolls: At the beginning of each Sim's age transition (baby, toddler, child, teen, adult, elder), roll a die to determine whether they survive the transition.

Baby to Toddler: Roll a 6-sided die. If you roll a 1 or 2, the baby dies.

Toddler to Child: Roll a 10-sided die. If you roll a 1, the toddler dies.

Child to Teen: Roll a 12-sided die. If you roll a 1 or 2, the child dies.

Teen to Adult: Roll an 8-sided die. If you roll a 1, the teen dies.

Adult to Elder: No roll, but elders live for a maximum of 15 in-game days. At the end of every 5 days, roll a 6-sided die; if you roll a 1, the elder dies.

Marriages:

Before any Sim can marry, roll to determine their fate.

Roll a 12-sided die:

1-4: The Sim never marries.

5-8: The Sim marries within their class.

9-12: The Sim marries above or below their class (peasants marry merchants, nobles, etc.)

Arranged marriages can be introduced by rolling a 6-sided die at teenhood:

1-2: Parents arrange a marriage.

3-6: Sim chooses their own spouse.

Children:

After marriage, roll a 6-sided die to determine how many children a couple will have.

Roll for each pregnancy: If you roll a 1 or 2 on a 6-sided die, the mother dies during childbirth. If the mother survives, roll a 4-sided die to determine how many babies are born:

1-2: Single baby

3: Twins

4: Triplets

Plagues, Famine, and War:

Every 3 generations, roll a 10-sided die. If you roll a 1 or 2, a disaster strikes:

Plague: Roll for every Sim in the neighborhood. A roll of 1-3 on a 6-sided die results in death.

Famine: Reduce food availability for one full season. Roll for each family member; a roll of 1-2 on a 6-sided die results in death.

War: Male Sims of fighting age (teen and adult) must go to war. Roll a 4-sided die; on a 1 or 2, they perish in battle.

Social Class Progression:

When a family has accumulated significant wealth (50,000 Simoleons for peasants, 100,000 for merchants), they can move up in social class. Roll a 6-sided die to determine their chances of successfully rising:

1-3: They remain in their class.

4-6: They move up a class.

Castle Unlock:

Once you unlock royalty, build your royal castle. You must maintain a royal lineage by ensuring heirs are born. If a royal Sim dies without an heir, the next closest noble family takes the throne, but a rebellion may occur if other nobles are unhappy.

If you would like to play the premades.

For a medieval-themed "Unlock the Uberhood" challenge, here are a few pre-made Sims 2 neighborhoods and families that could fit perfectly with the narrative:

Veronaville

Premise: The town has a Shakespearean vibe, making it a perfect fit for a medieval twist. The feuding families (Monty's and Capps) could easily represent rival noble houses in your challenge.

Key Families:

The Capp Family: This wealthy, aristocratic family could be your nobility. With their large estate and established lineage, they’re perfect for royal aspirations.

The Monty Family: Also a noble family, but rivals to the Capps. You can roll for marriage between the Monty's and Capps for some drama, or play out a power struggle.

Summerdream Family: They are more whimsical, almost fairy-like, so you could make them the magical or mystical part of your medieval kingdom.

Strangetown

Premise: While known for its alien and paranormal lore, you could play Strangetown as a strange, cursed medieval land. There could be a lot of interesting supernatural elements to roll for, especially when dealing with war, plague, or famine.

Key Families:

The Beaker Family: Cast them as strange alchemists or a family of outcasts. You can roll for whether their experiments are successful or disastrous.

The Grunt Family: As a military family, they could be tied to wars or battles in the medieval challenge. Roll for their fate in wars and how they influence your kingdom's power dynamics.

The Specter Family: The Specter family could be seen as cursed nobles or witches, making them perfect to add a supernatural element to the challenge.

Pleasantview

Premise: Though this neighborhood is more suburban, with a few tweaks, it can be transformed into a medieval village. The pre-existing drama here would translate well into the challenge.

Key Families:

The Goth Family: Play them as ancient aristocracy, a family of high-born nobles with a mysterious past. Mortimer Goth can be a powerful patriarch looking to maintain control over the kingdom.

The Caliente Sisters: They could be seen as lower-class or merchant class women looking to marry into higher classes for wealth and status.

The Broke Family: This could be one of your peasant families, struggling to survive in the medieval world. Their lack of wealth would fit the lower class of your challenge.

Each of these pre-made neighborhoods has distinct families that fit different roles in a medieval society, making them great for the challenge! If you want extra drama, you could even mix families from different neighborhoods!

For this medieval-themed "Unlock the Uberhood" challenge, we'll assign the pre-made Sims to different social classes (Rich, Merchant, Poor/Peasant) and give them jobs based on the original "Unlock the Uberhood" rules, with some medieval flavor added to the professions. Here's a breakdown of each family, their class, and the jobs you'd need to assign to them to unlock more families and features.

Veronaville Families:

Capp Family (Nobles/High Class)

Class: Rich (Nobles)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Consort Capp): Lord of the Manor (Politics - Mayor track). This unlocks the Politics career for other Sims.

Teens (Tybalt, Hermia, Juliet Capp): Can work as Apprentices (Slacker career) or be schooled at home until marriage. To unlock more careers or features, they must grow up and contribute through arranged or strategic marriages.

Unlocks: If they remain wealthy and have multiple children survive, they can eventually unlock the military career (Medieval knights) or the law enforcement career (Medieval guards).

Monty Family (Nobles/High Class)

Class: Rich (Nobles)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Patrizio Monty): Landowner or Merchant Lord (Business - Tycoon track). This unlocks the Business career.

Teens (Romeo Monty): Work as a Squire (Military - recruit). Upon adulthood, they can join the full military, which unlocks future career choices for other Sims.

Unlocks: Their family could unlock additional buildings (markets, inns) if they stay successful merchants.

Summerdream Family (Magical/Mystic Class)

Class: Mystic, not part of the standard class structure

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Oberon Summerdream): Healer or Alchemist (Science career - Natural Scientist track). This unlocks medical or scholarly careers.

Teens (Puck Summerdream): Scholar or Healer's Apprentice (Science). As the family is mystical, they can unlock magical elements in the challenge, such as spells or potions.

Unlocks: If the Summerdream family gains influence, you could roll to unlock magical or supernatural elements in your medieval kingdom.

Strangetown Families:

Beaker Family (Alchemists)

Class: Rich/Middle-Class (depending on gameplay)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Loki Beaker): Court Alchemist (Science - Mad Scientist track). This unlocks the Science career for others.

Patriarch (Circe Beaker): Healer (Medical - Chief of Staff track). Unlocks the medical career for other Sims.

Unlocks: By working in alchemy and science, they can unlock the supernatural aspect of the challenge.

Grunt Family (Warrior Class)

Class: Middle-Class (Military/Guard)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (General Buzz Grunt): Commander of the Guard (Military - General track). This unlocks the military career.

Teens (Tank and Ripp Grunt): Squires (Military). This will unlock knightly or guard-based careers for future generations.

Unlocks: The Grunts’ success in military careers unlocks the law enforcement career (Medieval guards and jailers).

Specter Family (Noble but Cursed)

Class: High Class but Cursed (Nobles with dark secrets)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Olive Specter): Retired; historically, could have been involved in witchcraft or black magic (no career required).

Teens (Ophelia Nigmos): She could marry into a noble family, continuing the legacy of the cursed nobility. Alternatively, she could take on a profession such as an herbalist (Science or Medical career).

Unlocks: The Specter family could unlock a darker aspect of the kingdom (supernatural careers or even curses).

Pleasantview Families:

Goth Family (High Nobility)

Class: Rich (High Nobility)

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Mortimer Goth): Lord of the Manor (Politics - Mayor track). This unlocks the politics career.

Teens (Cassandra Goth): Arranged marriage to another noble family to unlock future features (her profession would depend on her spouse).

Unlocks: Through strategic marriages and Mortimer’s political influence, the Goths can unlock more noble families or control over the kingdom.

Caliente Sisters (Merchants/Social Climbers)

Class: Lower Nobility or Wealthy Merchants

Starting Jobs:

Nina and Dina Caliente: Merchants (Business career - Executive track). They use their wealth to climb the social ladder and marry higher-class Sims.

Unlocks: As the Calientes accumulate wealth, they can unlock the Business and other middle-class careers, possibly even marrying into nobility.

Broke Family (Peasants)

Class: Peasant

Starting Jobs:

Patriarch (Brandi Broke): Farm laborer or washerwoman (Slacker career). This family will have to scrape by, and you can roll for random events like famine or war to test their survival.

Teens (Dustin Broke): Apprenticeship (Slacker career). As he grows older, you can roll for his chances of upward mobility.

Unlocks: If the Brokes manage to save enough money and have successful careers, they can eventually unlock merchant careers or even a step up to lower nobility.

Unlock Requirements Based on Original Rules:

Business Career:

Families like the Monty's and Calientes (Merchant class) would need to reach the top of the Business career to unlock new businesses and marketplaces.

Politics Career:

High-ranking families like the Goths and Capps would need to unlock the Politics career to open up new political positions in the medieval kingdom.

Military Career:

Families like the Grunts and Monty's will need to unlock the Military career to establish knights, guards, or protectors in the kingdom.

Medical/Science Career:

Families like the Beakers and Summerdreams would work in the Science and Medical fields, unlocking scholars, healers, or even supernatural elements within the kingdom.

By strategically using marriages, jobs, and rolls, you’ll unlock new aspects of the Uberhood, from expanding the kingdom to allowing more Sims to join different careers and grow your medieval society!

Here's a good starting point for the Capp family in your medieval-themed "Unlock the Uberhood" challenge, focusing on drama, class dynamics, and rolling for important events like marriages and deaths.

Setting the Scene:

The Capps are one of the wealthiest and most powerful noble families in your medieval kingdom. The family is ruled by the aging patriarch, Consort Capp, who is determined to keep the family in power through strategic alliances. The family estate is large, but tensions run high with their rivals, the Monty's. The younger generation is facing pressure to marry well, increase the family’s influence, and protect their noble status.

Key Characters:

Consort Capp: The family patriarch, Consort is the key to keeping the Capp family in power. He must focus on his political career to maintain control over the kingdom.

Tybalt Capp: The eldest grandson, Tybalt is expected to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and marry strategically to maintain the family’s power.

Juliet Capp: Juliet is of marriageable age and is secretly in love with Romeo Monty, a member of the rival family. You'll need to roll to see if she marries Romeo or if she’s forced into an arranged marriage.

Hermia Capp: She has her own ambitions, whether that’s marrying for love, joining a convent, or supporting her family’s political goals.

Initial Rolls and Events:

1. Marriage Rolls for Tybalt and Juliet

At the start of the challenge, roll to determine the marriage fates of Tybalt and Juliet.

Tybalt’s Marriage: Roll a 12-sided die:

1-4: Tybalt will never marry and instead focus on building political power and controlling the estate.

5-8: Tybalt will marry within the noble class. Roll again to determine which family (could be a Capp cousin or even a noble family from another neighborhood).

9-12: Tybalt marries below his class, possibly a wealthy merchant’s daughter or even a peasant with ambitions. This could cause tension within the family.

Juliet’s Marriage: Roll a 6-sided die:

1-2: Juliet is forced into an arranged marriage with a noble chosen by Consort Capp.

3-4: She marries Romeo Monty despite family objections, which could lead to conflict between the Capps and Monty's.

5-6: She runs away or refuses to marry, which could lead to scandal and affect the family’s reputation.

2. Consort Capp’s Political Career

Consort Capp must reach the top of the Politics career to ensure his family’s control over the kingdom.

Start Consort’s political career (Mayor track). As he moves up the ladder, roll for random political events:

Every time he gets a promotion, roll a 6-sided die. A roll of 1 means a political rival (like the Monty's) tries to undermine him, and he must complete certain tasks (increase his friends, win a debate, or earn more money) to keep his career on track.

If he reaches the top of the career, the Capp family secures control over the kingdom.

3. Family Alliances

With the Capps’ noble status, they must forge alliances with other families to strengthen their power. Depending on who Tybalt and Juliet marry, new families can be introduced into the challenge.

If a Capp marries a Monty, roll to determine if the rivalry intensifies or resolves:

1-3: The marriage leads to greater conflict, with duels or even a war breaking out between the families.

4-6: The marriage brings peace between the families, allowing you to focus on other aspects of kingdom-building.

4. Children and Heirs

Once Tybalt or Juliet marry, roll to determine how many children they have (as per the childbirth rules in the original challenge). They need at least one male heir to carry on the family name and estate.

If there’s no male heir by the third generation, the Capp family could lose its noble status, and another family (like the Monty's or Goths) could take control of the kingdom.

Suggested Storylines to Explore:

Noble Rivalry with the Monty's:

Whether Juliet marries Romeo or not, the rivalry between the two families can drive much of the drama in your kingdom. You can roll for periodic events (duels, political disputes, or sabotage) to keep the tension high.

Tybalt's Struggle for Power:

Tybalt may be forced to marry for political gain, but his ambition may cause him to overreach. He could attempt to assassinate a Monty or even challenge his grandfather’s authority, leading to a potential family schism.

Hermia’s Rebellion:

Hermia could refuse to follow her family’s plans, either joining a religious order or running away with a lower-class Sim. This would create scandal and lower the family’s standing, making it harder to keep their wealth.

Succession Crisis:

If Consort dies before securing his political position, the family could face a crisis over who will take control. Tybalt may be too young or inexperienced, leading to other families vying for control of the kingdom.

Arranged Marriages for Influence:

Use the marriage rolls to introduce other noble families into the story. For example, the Goths from Pleasantview could become allies or enemies, depending on how the marriages play out.

Building the Kingdom:

Unlock New Families: Once the Capps secure their political power, roll to unlock new noble families or merchant classes, adding new layers of intrigue and complexity.

Build New Structures: As the family rises in power, you can build new community lots like markets, inns, and even a castle for the ruling family.

War and Plague: Periodically roll for kingdom-wide events (war, famine, or plague) to test the Capps’ resilience. These events could affect their wealth, family members, or alliances.

In The Sims 2, each household can be associated with a color to help distinguish their themes and classes. Here’s a suggested color for each of the pre-made households based on their characteristics and roles in your medieval-themed "Unlock the Uberhood" challenge:

Veronaville

Capp Family: Royal Blue

Reason: As a wealthy noble family, royal blue symbolizes their high status and power. It reflects their rich, aristocratic nature and influence over the kingdom.

Monty Family: Crimson Red

Reason: The Monty's are rivals to the Capps, so a bold, striking color like crimson red represents their fierce competition and passionate ambition. It also hints at their potential for conflict and drama.

Summerdream Family: Emerald Green

Reason: Associated with magic and mysticism, emerald green fits the Summerdreams' otherworldly and enchanting qualities. It represents their connection to mystical elements in your medieval world.

Strangetown

Beaker Family: Midnight Black

Reason: Black represents the Beakers' dark, experimental nature and their involvement in mysterious alchemy and science. It also adds an air of secrecy and intrigue.

Grunt Family: Steel Gray

Reason: Steel gray signifies the Grunts' military background and their role as warriors. It reflects their strength, discipline, and ruggedness.

Specter Family: Haunted Purple

Reason: A deep, eerie purple symbolizes the Specters' cursed and supernatural elements. It conveys a sense of mystery and otherworldly presence.

Pleasantview

Goth Family: Dark Burgundy

Reason: Dark burgundy reflects the Goths' rich, old-money status and their dark, somewhat morbid family history. It also represents their noble, but somewhat gloomy, nature.

Caliente Sisters: Gold

Reason: Gold represents the Calientes' ambition and their attempts to climb the social ladder. It reflects their desire for wealth and higher status in the medieval society.

Broke Family: Earthy Brown

Reason: Earthy brown fits the Broke family's lower-class, struggling background. It reflects their connection to the land and their humble beginnings.

Assigning these colors to each household can help you visualize their roles and relationships in your medieval challenge, making the gameplay even more immersive and dynamic.

Hope this will be something fun to do <3

here is the original rules<3 @clouseplayssims go follow them on everything <3 https://www.youtube.com/@clouseplayssims3813

[count-pudding]

Prompt 1: hunt

[thesimline]

Those of you who have been around these parts for any length of time know my affinity for 1960s fashion, and ever since I made over the Scooby Doo gang in medieval revival for Halloween last year I've been hung up on tackling a recolouring project in that style. And thus the MERRY MODIEVAL collection was born! The collection consists of three dresses, a hat, a necklace and a belt, all designed with that special retro medieval flair in mind. Please note all items are recolours, so MESHES ARE REQUIRED. Item info and links to each mesh under the cut.

✌🏻 SIM FILE SHARE

✌🏻 GOOGLE DRIVE

My content is always free and accessible - no paywalls or AdFly.

MESH REQUIRED: The Motel Dress by @ilkup which you can find here.

12 swatches in some wonderfully garish 1960s colour combos

Located in Short Dresses

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

MESH REQUIRED: The Kira Belt by @arethabee which you can find here.

21 gem swatches and 2 metal swatches (silver and gold)

Located in Bracelets

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

MESH REQUIRED: The Cross Necklace by @simverses which you can find here.

21 gem swatches and 2 metal swatches (silver and gold)

Located in Necklaces

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

MESH REQUIRED: The Rosebud Dress by @ridgeport which you can find here.

12 swatches in 1960s colour combos fit for a princess

Located in Short Dresses

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

MESH REQUIRED: The Hippie Dress by Ekinege which you can find here (TSR).

12 swatches of the grooviest colour combos

Located in Short Dresses

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

MESH REQUIRED: The Floppy Wool Hat by @femmeonamissionsims which you can find here.

12 swatches in colours picked fresh from an octopus' garden

Located in Hats

Disallowed for random

Custom thumbnail

[lesmana-enterprise-ltd]

Almanara Castle, Historical Landmark in Tatrosa | Museum and Wedding Venue (NO CC)

The Almanara Castle (Also known as "Almanara Al-Tartos", or "Alcazar of Tartosa")

Almanara Castle, once part of the grand Qasr Al-Zayl al-Tartos, was the last refuge of Emir Jabar Al-Tartozi II before the fall of the Emirate of Tartosa in 1497. Spared after the siege, it later became a royal villa and was declared a cultural heritage site in 1876. Now a museum and wedding venue, Almanara offers a glimpse into Tartosa’s past with stunning coastal views.

Lesmana Enterprise led the restoration efforts after the 2021 Tartosa earthquake which damaged the castle, restoring it to its former glory.

The Last of its Kind in Tartosa

This picturesque castle was built in the late 14th century during the early years of the Tartosan Emirate rule by Al-Simhara sulanate engineers.

Its arabesque-moorish architecture is a reminder of a much more different, by-gone era of Tartosa's deep history.

Well Preserved, As if it was Built Yesterday

Our team of highly skilled engineers, historians, craftspeople, and archeologists ensures that the Almanara Castle retains its charm for centuries to come.

From intricate archway designs, geometric tileworks, centuries-old plasters, to water features that had worked for the past 600 years without the use of eletricity, we made sure visitors would experience Almanara Castle the way the Emirs of Tartosa and his royal court had experienced it centuries ago.

The Hall of Jenane

During the rule of Emir Hamid I (AD 1401-1429), Almanara Castle was repurposed as a private quarter of his daughter Amirah Jenane Al-Munr, who added more geometric tilework to the castle, adorned in her favorite azure and tosca colors to every edge of the estate.

In 1415, Amirah Jenane had her wedding in this very hall, where dignitaries from neighboring kingdoms like Kingdom of Windenburg, Grand Duchy of Champ-les-sims, and even norther simlandic kingdoms were invited to attend.

Today, the hall of Jenane becomes an exhibition hall that displays the collections of Amirah Jenane, where centuries-old potteries from different parts of the world can be seen, showing the Amirah's love for future generations who visits the castle.

Also, just like Amirah Jenane, you can experience becoming an Emirate royal by having your wedding in this hall too, by arranging the dates from the Museum's website.

The Emir's Exhibition

On the second floor of the main keep, you can find an exhibition of the Emir Jabar II's personal belongings such as weapons, books, and tapestries.

Pieces like the Emir's silver sword crafted by a Ravenwood master blacksmith, or the Emir's Gunpowder-powered broom crafted by a Glimmerbrook 15th century famed gunsmith-warlock is diplayed in this room.

The Azure Sanctum

In the castle's subterrane, is a breathtaking hall called the "Azure Sanctum", a hall with and endless arrangement of pillars and arches adorned in the finest lazuardi tiles and gemstones, with a fountain that had been running for centuries without the help of electricity.

According to historians' records, the Azure Sanctum used to be a place where the Royals would lounge during the hot Tartosan summer, as this room is proven to be -5 to -7 degrees celcius cooler than the air outside.

Now, the Azure sanctum serves as an exhibition hall for wall decorations and the famed "Scales of righteousness", a golden scale used widely in the Tartosan Emirate's Al-Simharan justice system in the medieval era.

Technical Informations

Packs used

Location

Place Almanara Castle here.

Download via SFS

Almanara Castle (MUSEUM) : Download

Almanara Castle (WEDDING VENUE) : Download

Follow below post to learn more of Almanara Castle's History!.

Sul Sul!,

Lesmana Enteprise Co., Ltd.

[karumods]

13th century historically accurate Kirtle

For the sims 4, Base Game compatible

>>> Download <<<

Don't repost or claim my CC as your own, You're free to convert it without asking, but credit me and tag me cuz I wanna see it :)

[chaosundeadcreature]

A fun thing you can do when you have friends is to tell them to describe an animal but without telling you what it actually is. Try to draw it from their description. You are now a medieval artist who never saw an animal before. Give them human faces if you can, or at least human eyes

[thepersonperson]

Sukuna’s Loneliness Part 5 (Sukuna Did Nothing Wrong in the Heian Era, Probably)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Some notes before we start.

1) Big content warning for in depth discussion of historical slavery and the exploitation of minority groups.

2) I will be mainly using the TCB scans for the manga because of their accessibility. 

3) Raws are from Mangareader(.)to.

(Click images for captions/citations.)

Preface

This is another case of me making everyone suffer the consequences of my fic research. I finally got my hands on 100+ page THESIS on the lives of the lower class in ancient Japan that references multiple peer-reviewed sources. This is my holy grail. Please read all of it. (Thank you Mr. Breann M Goosmann!) Whenever I quote something, I am quoting this source. Most of what I'm summarizing is directly from this source.

Gege may have failed to write a proper backstory for Sukuna, but one was clearly set up using the actual history of that time. So I'm here to infer what's in those gaps using this document.

The Class System in Ancient Japan

During the Heian Era (794–1185) a social caste system called Ritsuryō (you can read more about its application here). The upper class was called 良民 or Ryōmin (good people) and the lower class was called 賤民 Senmin (low people).

The kanji 民 (Min) used for both of these classes can be translated as citizen instead of person. The Wiki page I linked uses the citizen translation. I have decided to change that to people because of 3rd group of people excluded from this system: The 非人 or Hinin (non-people).

Ryōmin included court nobility, citizens, professions that served the court, and tradesmen.

Senmin included servants and slaves.

Hinin included criminals, the deformed/disabled, and those working professions considered "unclean."

The most notable thing about this class system is the mobility between Ryōmin and Senmin. Committing crimes, selling oneself into slavery, aging, paying off debts, and doing good work allowed people to rise or fall from the ranks accordingly. Hinin, however, were confined to their class for the most part because many were viewed as innately "unclean".

Ironically, the best way to understand how this class system functioned is to understand what being "unclean" meant to it.

Uncleanliness (Kegare)

穢れ (Kegare) is a term that can be translated as the following: uncleanliness, defilement, pollution, impure.

晴れ (Hare) is a term considered the opposite for Kegare and can be translated as the following: to clear up, clear skies/sunny, renew, dispel, sacred, pure.

Both of these terms largely inform of how ancient Japan functioned and evolved over time. And though not a black and white dichotomy, it can be generally understood that society was organized in a way to minimize Kegare.

What's interesting about Kegare specifically is its complexity and its impermanence. Rather than being something only bad people have, anyone could acquire and dispel it through the proper rituals.

From the Kojiki, a Shinto document compiled before the introduction of Buddhism, and therefore before the Heian, separates Kegare into 2 categories:

1) Touch Kegare: Defilement through the physical contact with something unclean such as bodily fluids and the dead.

2) Transgression Kegare: Defilement through sinful actions.

"These versions of pollution appear as transient, exorcised relatively simply through misogi (cleansing ritual), seclusion from society, or expulsion of disorder causing elements."

This understanding of Kegare then evolved with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. (This began in the Nara Era and extended well into the Heian.)

"As Jacqueline Stone explains in her study of deathbed rites and rituals, someone who had become enlightened was considered to have a “pure” mind, while those with a deluded mind were said to have a “defiled” mind. Monastic Buddhists also followed their own codes of “pure” conduct such as refraining from the eating of meat and killing of animals."

The old Shinto understandings of Kegare still carried over with the physical avoidment of unclean things such as dead bodies and blood. However, Buddhism introduced the idea that certain groups of people were innately impure. This includes the Hinin who were uniquely ostracized by this system.

"Hinin, like all outcast groups were bound to their “defiled” status. However, unlike other outcasts, they were also cast as blasphemers of Buddhist doctrine afflicted with karmic illness."

But despite being seen as this innately impure, the religious institutions were closest to them. Of the few places in society willing to tolerate and deal with Kegare, they offered outcasts "positions" where they could beg, display themselves as what happens to people who don't follow religious doctrine, and help with jobs considered "unclean". Since outcasts were considered permanently defiled for the duration of that life, they could touch impure things such as the dead, the sick, and blood on behalf of those avoiding temporary Kegare.

This is exploitation point blank. And though this suggests outcasts had some agency when it came to their survival, it doesn't remove the systemic coercion driving their situation.

Please keep this in mind as I explain why Sukuna did nothing wrong.

Sukuna is Hinin

Though there is plenty of debate on what makes someone Hinin, the general consensus is the following:

"All agree that hinin were considered defiled by others in society and looked at with some contempt. One medieval reference book called the Chiribukuro explains that hinin and other outcast groups “are alike in that they are shunned by human society.”"

But when trying to define Hinin more narrowly, this is the result:

"the term hinin indicated a very specific group of social outcasts isolated from the community and cast aside due to disease or deformation. In his description of hinin, Nagahara explains that those referred to as “kojiki-hinin” were of the lowest social class, physically isolated from their families and communities and therefore excluded from society and economic activities in the medieval period."

Sounds like Sukuna, right?

Sukuna does not refer to himself as Hinin of course, but he does call himself 忌み子 (Imigo).

To quote myself from Part 1, Imigo can be translated as "Abominable Child", "Unwanted Child", or "Shunned Child." None of these translations in my opinion get across how severe Imigo is. It's closer to meaning "child who should've never been born". Like the child's very existence is an affront to god. (If you play Elden Ring the Omen are called Imigo in Japanese for this reason.)

And since we know that Sukuna is canonically a conjoined twin, aka someone with a visible deformity, this all indicates he was considered afflicted with a "karmic illness" that would classify him as Hinin.

This means that from birth, Sukuna was designated as fundamentally unclean and non-human. Within that society, there was no route he could take to remove himself from this uncleanliness and be seen as human.

The following views of Hinin were considered controversial for their time (during the Kamakura Era aka right after the Heian):

"Although Nichiren believed in the karmic nature of certain diseases, he also understood that this kind of disease was not a hindrance to salvation."

"Undoubtedly, Eison envisioned hinin as the physical representation of the Bodhisattva Monju and advocated that compassion and charity were the appropriate response to karmic illness."

And since these controversial views of *checks notes* considering Hinin worthy of compassion and salvation were documented after the Heian, I don't think it's unreasonable to assume Hinin had less advocates during the Heian.

In other words, Sukuna could not exist within human society without being shunned or exploited. The manga itself suggests this has always been the case.

As you can see Sukuna is absolutely miserable performing a ritual someone of this lower class would be responsible for overseeing. All while the people he is helping regard him with disgust. (By the way there is a purification ritual in Nara called Yamayaki that involves burning an entire mountainside. Something Sukuna's flames would be very good at.)

This is also from the same chapter where he's assaulted by Yorozu who assumes he's lonely because he's strong. She's wrong about this. Just like Kashimo who assumes Sukuna cares little for love for the same reasons he does.

Love from one person is worthless when compared to the nonstop ostracization that comes from institutional discrimination. At most, love can offer relief from that pain. It does not eliminate it. I'm saying this as a minority myself. I love my friends dearly and they love me as well, but I still wake up and go about my day with the soul-crushing knowledge that most wish for me to not exist.

Sukuna is not lonely because he's not loved. Uraume clearly does. It's that for circumstances beyond his control, he has been excluded from human society and forced to constantly be around people who exploit him for the very traits they scorn.

Sukuna pretty much confirms this himself when he talks to Mahito.

And you know what? Sukuna deciding to kill all the people exploiting him is completely justified. (Imo, he can even kill the non-sorcerers that discriminate against him as a treat.)

The Cannibalism was Justified too, for the most part.

Another thing to note about Sukuna. He was born starving and he died starving.

Famines and natural disaster were frequent and extremely hard on the commoner population during the Heian. The fact Sukuna was born starving indicates he was of lower birth to begin with since nobility hoarded the resources to avoid starvation for themselves.

One way for commoners dealt with famine was via foraging. We actually see Sukuna doing that when he meets Uraume.

Now there are several very interesting things we learn from this.

1) Sukuna hunts and eats elk/deer. Something massively taboo for the time. Especially since deer were considered sacred animals back then and even to this day.

2) He appears to wander around and owns very little. This is further in line with him being Hinin per the following:

"Clearly, welcome could be revoked at any time, which meant that hinin had to be prepared to leave any location at any given moment. This mobile lifestyle also meant that hinin could only afford to carry essential daily items, such as cooking utensils and begging bowls. The image also reveals that the hinin were never officially invited to stay in that particular area. Instead, they sought out their own locations to set up communities."

3) Despite Uraume being alive and fresh human meat, Sukuna does not immediately see them as food. Nor does he attack them. This, combined with him not taking the dead villagers for eating and preparing deer/elk instead, suggests that cannibalism is not the default for him.

Back to famines, it's also not unheard of for people to resort to cannibalism during them. The logic is simple: An outcast with no support network eats humans to survive.

And given the frequency of death from natural disasters of this time, there’s a real chance he never had to hunt humans in the first place. As Hinin, handling the dead is one of the few jobs he’s allowed to do. So it’s possible the worst thing he did was desecrate corpses in the name of scavenging.

Furthermore, if Sukuna is considered a non-human, is it even cannibalism to begin with? Is a hungry animal evil for eating a human?

I may consider Sukuna human because I refuse to partake in his dehumanization, but it needs to be understood that in the context of the JJK's story, there is not a single character that refers to Sukuna as a human. He's not even referred to as a man. He's either a curse, a monster, or at the very end, a sorcerer. Sukuna has been so dehumanized by others that he himself identifies as a "curse". This is also separate from "cursed spirit", leaving him in his own unique category of non-human.

Sukuna may not see eating other people as acts of cannibalism. After all, they are the ones who decided he was non-human at birth. (And since he is taboo, eating the deer/elk can’t make him more taboo than he already is.)

The following is an excerpt discussing the dehumanization of the starving:

"This strange image is from the Scroll of Hungry Ghosts and the huge emaciated creature depicted is just one of many of the numerous depictions of hungry ghosts or gaki. Invisible to humans, the gaki depicted are the spirits of greedy or jealous individuals karmically punished for their covetous thoughts with perpetual hunger for bodily excretions such as urine or feces."

"The protrusions of the stomach, the red-tinted hair, as well as the greying of the skin, are all genuine symptoms of starvation. In this light, our image appears significantly different. Instead of an invisible monster attacking a man, we have a disfigured and suffering human reaching out for humanity."

The phenomenon of hair during red or blond from starvation is called Kwashiorkor. Gege may be color blind, but Sukuna being depicted with pink or blond hair appears to be deliberate and in line with Kwashiorkor.

Sukuna was probably framed.

The only crimes Sukuna is accused of by Jujutsu Society is murder and cannibalism. As demonstrated by the previous section, there could be a pretty good reason for the cannibalism. But what about the murder?

Another thing that should be noted about Sukuna is how his destruction is largely retaliatory in the modern era. Every kill or kill attempt is made as a response to a challenge that was directed at him first.

When Sukuna first incarnates, Megumi says this to him:

Yuji may be Megumi's target, but remember that Kegare spreads through touch. Sukuna coming into contact with Yuji has made them both unclean. In other words, Sukuna has been informed that in this life, 1,000 years later, where he has yet to do any harm (Those comments about the women, children, and massacre are still sus, but they could've been about the Merger.), he will be attacked by sorcerers no matter what. It's not unreasonable for him to then attack them on sight.

But even when he does that, most of them survive until Shinjuku. During the culling games, Sukuna kills only 2 sorcerers—Ryu and Yorozu. Ryu is given a chance to walk away, but he doesn't. Uro flees and is spared. Yorozu is the sole person Sukuna seeks out to kill and that’s just for his Gojo plans.

And in that month Sukuna has before the showdown with Gojo? Nothing happens. He kills no one and just lounges around. Eating his own corpse is the only cannibalism. He absolutely could have eaten Tsumiki’s body to further crush Megumi’s soul, but he doesn’t.

Then when it comes to the actual showdown, Sukuna kills 3 sorcerers total. It's also very telling that after Sukuna is dead...no one blames him for what happened. They blame Kenjaku, hell even Gojo, but Sukuna isn't mentioned once. Higuruma is convinced that Sukuna was playing around. Kusakabe agrees that Sukuna’s manner of play isn't what they’re super worried about, it's Kenjaku.

The worst thing Sukuna does is Shibuya and that too has nuance to it. The twins aren't killed for fun. Sukuna punishes them for making demands of him. The citizens of Shibuya? Collateral from dealing with Jogo and Mahoraga. (He only really kills Haruta for the sake of it. And let's be real, he deserved that.)

And though the Shibuya civilian deaths are an objectively bad thing Sukuna has done, the fact they are not intentional gives credence to the idea that Sukuna didn't really target them in the past either. This suggests that the "murders" Sukuna did in the Heian were likely retaliation against people challenging him or trying to subjugate him. In other words, self defense.

And if he did wipe out a village, it was probably collateral. But that's kind of the thing. Did Sukuna even kill innocents by accident? The only confirmed kills of the Heian are those of the Subjugation and Military Squads. You know, people who may have attacked him for simply being "unclean".

Who am I kidding he absolutely was attacked for being “unclean”. This is how Angel talks about Sukuna and the incarnated.

She doesn’t care about saving the lives of innocents, all that matters to her are things that she deems evil are purged. Sukuna to Angel is ontologically evil and doesn’t deserve to exist. She targets him more than other incarnated players while ignoring Kenjaku who is responsible for this mess in the first place. She also quite literally did something she deemed wrong and evil so she could follow him into the future and make sure he died. (Move over Gojo Satoru we've got a new minority hunter.)

But it’s not like her attitude is new. Jujutsu Society is notorious for trying to kill things they deem "bad" such as Yuji and Yuta. The striking thing about the wanted executions of these literal children is that the higher ups giving the command make other sorcerers do it for them. Going back to the ideas of Kegare—spilling blood and touching corpses makes one impure so the outcasts are to deal with it. This is the logic driving their decision to coerce Yuta into a binding vow to kill Yuji.

("No matter how many cursed spirits you kill, it's proof of nothing!" <Please take note of how Yuta's good deeds do nothing to earn the higher ups' favor because he's seen as inherently evil.)

Yuta is essentially scapegoated through this manipulation and Yuji initially treats him like an enemy. In the same way characters like Kusakabe blame Gojo for refusing to execute Yuji. Despite the higher ups being responsible for the system functioning this way, the people they’re manipulating bear the brunt of responsibility to other characters.

Who's to say Sukuna isn't also a victim of this scapegoating? His power is comparable to a natural disaster. It would be very easy to blame one on him. After all, the higher ups of the Heian, the Fujiwaras, did exactly that to Uro.

Uro’s situation is much worse than Yuta’s however. She is a military slave. This distinction of military slave is important because unlike domestic slaves, they were allowed to rise through the ranks and be given awards despite their status.

And since Uro is a Sukuna parallel, there is a pretty good chance he was a slave at some point during the Heian.

Slavery in the Heian

A little detail I left out when discussing famine in the Heian. The asymmetrical wealth distribution was so severe during this time that commoners would sell themselves into slavery in hopes of not starving to death.

An example from the Kamakura Era (after the Heian):

"As the article shows, during the three years of the Kangi famine (1229-1232) and several recovery years following, various common people sold themselves, their relatives, and their retainers into slavery in exchange for sustenance. Not only would an amount be given to the seller, but also presumably whoever now owned the sold individual would be responsible for feeding and providing shelter for that individual. In this way, the common populations of Japan created a strategy for survival. There was no certainty that a new owner would fulfill this obligation, but the promise of reprieve from daily struggles was impetus enough for the sale."

Another example from the same era:

"A didactic tale from 1283 tells the story of a small family consisting of a mother and son, who after experiencing severe famine, came to the realization they would soon starve to death. In the hope of saving his mother, the young boy offers to sell himself into bondage, and although the mother disagrees, he goes ahead with the plan."

Yes this is as bad as it sounds, but there is one thing I would like to get out of the way—this slave system did not function anything like the chattel slavery during colonialism. Strangely enough, these slaves had some rights they could fight their owners in court over. They could pay off debts and be set free. They were allowed to be married and have children with those outside of their class. They were not kept in cages or in chains like animals. (Silver linings! /s)

The term used for these slaves was 奴婢 (Nuhi) which roughly translates to “bonded person”. This is more in the contractual sense rather than the physical sense since most were slaves by contract or debt.

This kind of sounds like something binding vows could do, right? Well binding vows share no kanji with Nuhi using 縛り(Shibari) instead. However, Sukuna introduces the concept of binding vows with chains and a handshake.

Sukuna was also born unwanted to a starving mother during a time when starving people sold themselves or their relatives into slavery to survive. This can mean a lot of things for his upbringing and none of them are pleasant.

Here is a summary of what jobs Nuhi did:

"As stated previously, wealthy households frequently obtained slaves and assigned them to various domestic tasks. However, sources further illuminate trafficking of women into the sex trade of Kamakura Japan."

If you noticed, Sukuna's Cursed Technique is perfect for this. He can chop up veggies, butcher fish, till farmland, slash and burn farmland, light fires, and every other non-violent thing a knife and fire can be used for. If he wasn't exploited for exorcising curses, he absolutely would've been exploited for domestic tasks.

And to get to much more depressing line of work Sukuna could've been subjected to as a child, I'd like to discuss why someone as masculine as him would be associated with women's work in the first place.

The Treatment of Women in Ancient Japan

"In Japan prior to the Heian and Kamakura periods, women played prominent roles in religious activities as miko, which was akin to a female medium or female shaman...Since miko functioned as a sacred and integral part in religious communities, issues of impurity did not appear to be an issue. Instead, it was Buddhist ideas that linked the female form to impurity."

With the introduction of Buddhism, women began to be seen as innately impure due to the blood and fluids associated with childbirth and mensuration.

"In the Heian period, Buddhist temples such as such as Enryakuji and Tōdaiji, began barring women from entering the premises due to their defiled nature."

"prominent Buddhist discourse painted women as innately defiled and therefore unable to achieve enlightenment in their own female bodies."

"To be born as an innately defiled female was considered a karmic punishment for past actions."

Though not ostracized as much as outcasts, women were seen as innately unclean in a similar vein to Sukuna. Women were expelled from religious institutions but not the courts, while outcasts were tolerated by religious institutions and barred from the courts. (The courts and temples operated independently of each other, which is why it was possible for noble women to hold power despite being designated as unclean.)

A few months ago I made a joke about this panel:

"Sukuna’s two options were helping Uraume transition or becoming a girl himself."

This is still mostly a joke, but I do think Sukuna identifies more with women than with men. Not that Sukuna is a girl, but that he relates to them and their struggles better. (Keep in mind he does wear a women's yukata and a men's obi at the same time as Yujikuna.)

It's important to note is that this mystery woman here wears the clothes of a Miko or Shrine Maiden/Priestess—the main group of women that was displaced and persecuted because of the new religious doctrine. And like every other group without a proper social safety net, selling themselves into slavery became a survival strategy. They did have other options of course. In the case of Asobi, the Priestess that used to serve the courts, turned to entertainment and sex work after their exclusion.

"Either riding in boats or setting up shop on busy routes to the capital and religious sites, Goodwin argues that these performers were part of independent, possibly female-run organizations, which were not stigmatized until the later part of the Kamakura period. However, as Wakita Haruko has examined, at least some women involved in sexual entertainment were female indentured servants, serving as security on a loan issued by their parents."

In this way, the exact identity of the Miko in Sukuna's path may not matter. She might be a representation of those who accepted their exclusion and did their best to survive on society's terms. If the South choice is meant to represent returning to who Sukuna used to be, then it can also mean the types of struggles Mikos faced are his as well.

However, there was a temple that continued to accept women as followers—the Muroji Temple in Nara. Interestingly enough, this temple contains an inner sanctuary devoted to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, the type of Buddhism Tengen brought over. The mountain this temple is located on is also associated with a dragon spirit. Since there is historical precedent of at least one temple accepting a group of people seen as innately impure, a place like this may have also been a sanctuary for Sukuna.

With the information we have, it's not really possible to know exactly what awful thing happened to Sukuna. The most important takeaway from this is that the suffering he experienced was systemic. He didn't get unlucky with a few ignorant and bad people. This was the direct result of the Heian class system dehumanizing people. In other words, his choices were severely limited.

Sukuna's Other Choice

Going North with Uraume appears to be very similar what he did back in the Heian—taking in an abandoned child and looking after them. What makes this choice slightly different this time around is that the class system that oppressed him no longer exists in the modern era. Yes, he’ll absolutely face discrimination for being deformed, but the complete denial of his humanity at every turn for his appearance is gone. He won’t be treated as untouchable and inherently evil. Legally speaking, he has drastically more rights. Violence won’t be his only option moving up in the world.

I will always loathe that Sukuna had to die to obtain this. And that the “reformed” modern Jujutsu Society refuses to acknowledge the systemic failures of their institution. Kusakabe makes it very clear he still believes the immediate extermination of anything deemed “evil” is a valid way to go about things, even if it means the death of a child…as long as he doesn’t have to do it. (Hence him blaming Gojo for it, just like the higher ups.) After the fight, everyone passes blame around, absolves themselves of any wrongdoing, and decides no one is really at fault.

There were people at fault for this. There are institutions at fault for this. But their failure to confront those things directly is probably why Sukuna rejected Yuji’s offer so viciously. Instead of trying to understand Sukuna on his own terms, Yuji showed him the value of a simple life he was never allowed to have, then told him to die or go back into the cage.

Yuji offered Sukuna pity but no autonomy, which is exactly the way Hinin were treated by the religious institutions of old.

"However, Hosokawa argues that even in veneration of hinin as representations of Manjusri, Buddhist monks continue to discriminate against this outcast group and further perpetuate their low position in society. Hosokawa explains that although activity involved in charitable works towards hinin, Eison cared little about the salvation of hinin because he saw outcasts as divine only within the context of the ritual of assembly. Therefore, all charitable works directed at hinin were merely ceremonial. Hosokawa advocates the view that Eison believed hinin lacked ‘nature,’ meaning they were unable to study or practice Buddhism. Essentially, without nature, they had no ability to escape the cycle of re-birth through the study of Buddhism."

Sukuna even thinks of modern sorcerers like the ones of old. Why would he ever want to return to that?

His goals are simple; eat, play, and pass time until his dies. That’s not really evil now is it? But the people attacking him don’t know that. None of them ever stopped to asked because they assume him existing freely will bring evil.

But what does Sukuna do when he’s given a month-long truce a body he completely controls? He does what every minority group does when they are no longer being actively oppresed—he rests. He doesn’t go around killing or tormenting for fun. With his newfound freedom he secludes himself and lounges.

The fight in Shinjuku is essentially a group of well-meaning people from a corrupt institution beating an outcast that was ostracized by it into submission. Albeit for very good reasons.

Why did this fight change his mind?

If Sukuna is basically reliving past trauma via the Shinjuku fight, why did he decide this group of sorcerers was worth listening to? The simple answer of course is he lost to them. Sukuna believes the strong impose their will and the weak follow suit.

I don’t think that’s quite right. Sukuna used to be weak too. He was a child once. He used to controlled by others stronger than him. By his own logic he should’ve stayed like that, but he trained to get stronger and eventually rebelled.

Since Sukuna is a known liar and hides his feelings under several layers of repression, I’m inclined to believe this statement is also smokescreen. And after reading the Uraume Epilogue I am certain of this. But for now let’s revisit the Shinjuku fight, starting from the battle that made me realize Sukuna is indeed a pathetic sopping wet cat underneath it all—Sukuna vs Gojo.

Sukuna vs Gojo

Something fans picked up on during this fight was how Gojo dogwalked Sukuna when it came to Hand to Hand (H2H) combat. During their fight, Sukuna fails to land a single punch on Gojo’s face. It takes Yuta possessing Gojo’s body and fumbling around in it for Sukuna to finally punch that face. But it’s not just Gojo he sucks at with H2H combat. It’s everyone. Here is a compilation of Sukuna getting hit in the head or face.

This seems to conflict with Sukuna’s ability to learn anything visually. He sees someone do something and he can copy it immediately. This contradiction can be explained by him being Hinin.

Sukuna was considered an untouchable. Educated people were of a higher class and believed unclean things like him were to be avoided at all costs. This means that whatever education Sukuna obtained for himself was always at a distance. Aka watch and copy. And since H2H is mostly taught through body to body contact, Sukuna wasn’t allowed a proper sparing partner outside of the attempts to kill him.

In Part 2, I go over Sukuna’s fraud allegations for his copying of Gojo in particular. This is what lead me to realize that Sukuna spent 6 months plotting to kill a guy he met for 10 seconds. This insane level of pre-planning is also shaped by him being Hinin.

We know for a fact that Sukuna hunts deer/elk and that it’s safe to assume he driven to this because of his Hinin status. If you know anything about hunting, it’s that most of it is playing psychological mind games with creatures that are somehow complete geniuses despite having 2 brain cells. You don’t chase after a deer with a gun, you become obsessed with them. You study every little habit of theirs; when they hunger, what they eat, and where they defecate. Using this information, you set up the bait and wait in hiding for the perfect opportunity to kill them.

This is pretty much what Sukuna does to Gojo. He’s got a hunter’s obsession with him. In Part 4, I explain how this obsession might actually be unhinged courtship, but I don’t lay out why Gojo of all people seemingly means this much to Sukuna. This too can be explained by him being Hinin.

I’ve said it over and over, Gojo and Sukuna are twin flames. They are the strongest, isolated, dehumanized, exploited, self-taught, and really bad at showing affection. Part of this obsession is driven by Sukuna seeing himself in Gojo. He's being ordered around by others weaker than him in the same way Sukuna used to be.

But take note of this “I owe you a debt.” It’s easy to assume he means payback for punching him in the face. However…Gojo did actually do Sukuna a massive favor. He suspended his execution, even if it was primarily to save Yuji.

As I discussed before, Kegare was infectious. You touch something unclean and you become unclean yourself. By laws of Jujutsu Society and by social stigma around Kegare, Sukuna made Yuji equally as impure as himself. And Gojo went screw that, I’m going to look after you. He gave Yuji direct lessons, made sure all his basic needs were met, and treated him like a human. Behind everyone’s backs he hid the final finger, intending to let Yuji live for the duration of his natural life.

To Sukuna, Gojo is someone who would have taken him in and advocated for his humanity under different circumstances. Gojo is someone Sukuna would’ve loved to have as a teacher. And so he copies him. He learns and improves his own sorcery as if Gojo had intentionally taught him.

Through the Shinjuku fight, his experiences within Yuji, and Megumi’s memories, Sukuna gets a taste of what could’ve been. With Megumi in particular, he also gets to see what it’s like to be raised by someone who actually cares. Though not intentional, this is how Gojo teaches Sukuna love. This is why when Sukuna looks at Gojo, he thinks about love.

Sukuna choosing to go with Uraume is him copying Gojo one last time. After seeing that even if you’re isolated, exploited, and miserable, there’s still fulfillment in using your power to make sure someone else doesn’t go through what you did. It may not remove all that pain, but it makes it easier.

And bringing back Kegare’s opposite Hare (晴れ). The kanji used are in the Appare Da (天晴れだ) when Sukuna tells Gojo, “You cleared my skies.” (The Da at the end of this statement means it was pretty heartfelt too.) With this additional context, I think it can be taken to also mean that Gojo made Sukuna feel like he wasn’t impure.

Sukuna vs Yuji

Yuji and Megumi are the ones who ultimately make Sukuna realize that it's worth pursing guardianship regardless of marital status or blood relation. They are the two of Gojo’s students/children that are directly compared to Uraume.

Yuji who is also the same as Sukuna, fills the role of Gojo when he first chooses to look after Megumi. When he prevents Megumi from being sold by his father. Sukuna has seen both versions of this memory.

Since Sukuna is a twin to Wasuke and they are also the same, JJK 265 is Yuji showing Sukuna an entire alternate universe of the normal life he could've lived if he had been seen as human.

And even if he can’t ever be seen as human or live normally, Megumi tells him it’s ok to be improper and cherish someone anyways.

None of these 3 realize how greatly they’ve affected Sukuna. He barely admits to it even in death. But Sukuna had secretly wanted this from the start. The cracks started showing when he first tried to teach Megumi in his special little tsundere shark way.

There's also something to be said about Uraume making it to adulthood in a time where famine was rampant and parents would sell their children into slavery just to eat. Their cursed technique manifested around the age of 6, just like Megumi. The fact they survived means Sukuna was already doing a pretty good job as their guardian.

Other Things this Changes

I'm also looking at Sukuna's fondness towards Jogo in a whole new light. I thought that Jogo wanting nothing of him was the main reason he was favored. But there's more to it that that. It’s that he regards Sukuna’s life as inherently valuable. Jogo believes in a world where Sukuna has the right to exist as he is and how he wants. No one will try to control him or condemn him for something he had no say in.

He also stands out in his devotion to curses of any background. Mahito basically looks like a human, Choso and his brothers are half human, Sukuna is fully human, and Jogo accepts them all no questions asked. He’s willing to fight for people who exist differently than himself.

There's also that added “wanting to be seen as human” element. Jogo’s world is one where Sukuna would finally be seen as human. It’s the same logic that drove Choso to side with the Disaster Curses. He knew how difficult human society would make the lives of his brothers (both of which have 2 faces like conjoined twins), so he chose to fight for a world where that kind of discrimination no longer existed. (Which is why it's really sad he died and no one mourned him properly.)

And yes we can condemn the mass slaughter of humans as the wrong way to go about this. But the core problem is that Jujutsu Society branded them as taboo and in need of extermination or containment. They were driven into a corner and believed violence was the only way out. The only reason Choso was able to change was other sorcerers giving him a chance despite the hurt he caused. Something Sukuna didn't get outside of the offer to be caged.

Am I being too lenient with Sukuna here?

Absolutely. I am extremely biased.

To me at least, the type of "evil" Sukuna is has a lot nuance. It is very significant that someone as strong as him, who could basically do whatever he wanted (theoretically), took one willing servant in a time where slavery was widely practiced. (If you read the linked document, it's kind of up for debate how legal slavery was at the time.) It's also significant that the Heian crimes he was accused of were limited to cannibalism and murder. He's clearly got rules about his evilness and I really like that about him. I wanted to find the logic driving them and I think I've finally struck gold.

This didn't fit anywhere nicely. But consider the following:

"Earthly sins, on the other hand, were those that only affected individuals or forbidden actions, such as rape or cutting living flesh."

Sukuna's CT cuts living flesh. His very CT was considered impure in the Heian. The flames however, are more aligned with purification. It's just a neat little thing that shows Sukuna's duality imo.

He's also really good at archery. And though this is likely because his flame CT is a bow, he probably got good at it to hunt deer/elk on top of temple duties. (Just another way he enjoys corrupting the divine.)

But please remember, the only reason I've done all of this is because of Umineko's...

Without love, it cannot be seen.

[asoiafccfinds]

Rhaenyra & Alicent: Fashion through time

R: hair, dress, crown, necklace, earrings

A: hair, dress, crown/headpiece, necklace, undershirt

R: hair/headpiece, dress

A: hair, dress, headpiece, necklace, collar

R: hair, dress, choker, earrings

A: hair, dress, bow accessory, jewelry

R: hair, dress, earrings, gloves

A: hair, dress, collar, earrings, gloves, scarf

R: hair, dress, hat, earrings, gloves (ea)

A: dress, hat, earrings, gloves (ea)

Thanks to all the amazing cc creators!

Couln't find the choker for Rhaenyra's "baroque" look, but whatever.

[littlesimsline]

Medieval Hairstyles 900s-1200s

1 - By Melancholy Maiden.

2 - By Bed & Musae.

3 - By Serenity.

4 - By Oydis.

5 - By Buzzardly28.

6 - By By Medieval Sim Tailor & Carpenter.

7 - By Medieval Sim Tailor & Carpenter.

8 - By Sehablasimlish.

9 - By Sehablasimlish.

10 - By Medieval Sim Tailor & Carpenter.

11 - By Owlery.

12 - By Owlery.

13 - By Tekri.

14 - By Tekri.

15 - By Wastelandwhisperer.

16 - By Simkatu.

17 - By Wastelandwhisperer.

18 - By Clumsyalien.

19 - By LeahLillith.

20 - By KiaraZurk.

21 - By GoAmazons.

22 - By KiaraZurk.

23 - By Joshseoh.

24 - By Sehablasimlish.

25 - By KiaraZurk.

26 - By Tekri.

27 - By Enriques4.

28 - By DarkNighTt.

29 - By Clumsyalien.

30 - By Thatonegreenleaf.

31 - By Lunamoth.

32 - By Lunamoth.

33 - By Lunamoth.

34 - By Lunamoth.

35 - By Lunamoth.

36 - By Lunamoth.

37 - By Wastelandwhisperer.

38 - By Enriques4.

39 - By Wastelandwhisperer.

40 - By Wastelandwhisperer.

41 - By Medieval Sim Tailor & Carpenter.

42 - By Medieval Sim Tailor & Carpenter.

Thanks to the creators ♡︎

[medievalfantasystories]

Medieval Baby Dangler - Converted from TS2

I converted this from a wonderful creator on Plumb Bob Keep who creates things for the sims 2.

Here is the original post with the download for ts2.

You can download this from my patreon here for free!

I'm not a professional, I just wanted this for my own gameplay, all original mesh credits go to the original creator.

This does require growing together!

[westerosisimhistorical]

60s/70s Medieval Revival

look 1: hair, dress, diadem, belt, accessory top, tights

look 2: hair, dress

look 3: hair, dress

look 4: hair, dress, headband

The medieval fashion revival of the sixties, occurred as a subset of the psychedelic and hippie subculture styles. The trend was popular amongst 60s folk musicians and most famously epitomised by Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones. Medieval revival (as the name suggests) borrowed heavily from the medieval renaissance and incorporated elements of 60s psychedelia 🍄 Rich velvets and brocades were key fabrics along with classic renaissance shapes and cuts such as leg of mutton and exaggerated bell sleeves.

-tveye_vintage (instagram)

thanks to all the wonderful cc creators!

@daylifesims @ilkup @flowermilksims @laeska @simstrouble @vroshii

@trillyke @sentate @sychik @surely-sims @simverses

[lvrrgirlll]

Knight in Shining Armor

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

Pairing: medieval princess ! reader x knight ! Patrick Zweig

Word count: 3k

Warnings: smut, p in v, fem reader, knives mentioned (briefly in a nightmare?), some Christian biblical imagery and mentions of sin/religious related guilt (I was playing into the whole medieval royalty thing idk)

Notes: Thank you guys for all the love on the moodboard/little blurb on this!!! Without all the support I wouldn’t have been inspired to go crazy and write this (I fear this will seem like the most pretentious fic ever written bc I really lent into the medieval thing so the language feels kinda crazy at some points…idk, if y’all were rocking with the last one, you’ll probably rock with this lol) Enjoy!!

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

You did your best to avoid Patrick in court the following days. You were unsure if you could even face him after your dream. But, of course, nothing can last forever. An attempted attack on your wing of the castle (which was, thankfully, stopped by the valiance of Sir Patrick) led to a change that would greatly affect your fate.

As you entered the grand hall of the castle to take your seat in court, you noticed Sir Patrick in his armor —something rather unusual to see in the castle, though you didn't mind— speaking to your father, metal helmet in hand. Your father had always favored Patrick, you presumed for his determination and natural swagger, and acted as such. He was the head knight of the royal guard and spoke with the King frequently. Taking notice of your presence, your father addressed you whilst you curtsied. “Good daughter, what fortune you arrive now of all times. In light of the attack on your wing, I have decided to appoint Sir Patrick himself to be your personal guard. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me and this entire kingdom. It is only right I appoint our best knight.” Your father smiled warmly at Patrick then.

“I thank you, your majesty,” Patrick bows before the King. “I shall be prepared to risk my life for the life of our princess.” At that, he turns to you, offering a look so secretly smug you have trouble maintaining your composure. You simply smile and nod, silently acknowledging the workings of your father and the knight that now create a great dilemma for you.

“Father, I am suddenly feeling quite faint. Might I take my leave and rest for the afternoon?” You just want to get away from him. He’s dangerous. You can hardly control yourself around him. And what’s worse is he knows it.

Your father, concerned, approves of your leave, though you feel dismayed when Sir Patrick follows you. “I am perfectly capable of making my way back, myself. Thank you, sir,” you offer, trying to be as strict as you can, for your own sake more than his.

“M’lady, perhaps you did not understand. As your personal guard, I am tasked with protecting you at all times. This would require that I be with you at all times. The King wills it so.” He speaks formally though his tone is far too pleased to be merely dutiful. You had not considered that. Sighing, you merely nod in understanding before turning again to return to your room.

In your room, Patrick takes his station directly outside the door. “I am only a moment away. Do not hesitate should you need me.” He may not know exactly how you may need him…

You nod, though, smiling softly before closing the door, creating a divide between the two of you. You are overcome by desire. You feel dirty, guilty, and wrong…but you know he feels the same. And he is noble; he is a gentleman…would it be so bad if you acted on your feelings? God, you feel foolish. You have hardly spoken to him in the years he has served at the castle. What feelings could you really be harboring?

Sick of your racing thoughts, you resolve that a nap would be the best right now. In your sleep, though, you dream of enemies breaking through your windows and climbing up the tower of your wing. It is utterly terrifying. You can feel yourself stirring, heart racing and sweating profusely, as your subconscious plays tricks on you. In your nightmare, a cloaked figure, face hidden in the shadows of his hood, plunges a dagger through your heart, causing you to lurch awake with a loud cry. You are breathing heavily, trying to adjust to your new, real surroundings and shake the terror of the dream when you hear Sir Patrick through the door.

“Your Majesty? Are you alright…?” You do not answer, still shaken and attempting to compose yourself. “I am entering, m'lady.” And before you can tell him not to, that you’re alright, Patrick burst through the door, already reaching for his sword. Seeing you are merely sat in bed, his urgency leaves him, concern taking over. “Is there not a threat?” He observes, then, the state you are in. Dressed only in your thin, white nightgown (which has grown somewhat see-through on account of your nightmare induced sweat soaking through the fabric), Patrick is reduced to nothing but a mere man in love, forgetting himself entirely. Unbeknownst to you, he adjusts himself in his trousers, clearing his throat.

The room is illuminated only by the cold, pale light of the moon shining through your large paned windows. Shadows dance across his features as a breeze blows the trees outside steadily. He has never looked more beautiful. Both concern and lust play on his face, leaving you to squirm just a bit more than you normally would have under his gaze. Looking down then, you reply, embarrassed. “Forgive me for my foolishness. There is no present threat. I am sorry to have wasted your time and effort, good sir.” You bow your head in remorse. This on its own is a sign of you respect for the knight before you. Technically, he should be bowing to you, but under his gaze you feel so small, yet so regarded at the same time. It is unlike with any other man, though it is rare you interact with many often anyways. You lift your head, meeting his eyes again and feeling your stomach flip.

A pang of guilt runs through you as you realize you are noticeably smiling at him. Despite his nobility, you believe the two of you would never be. The only way your union: emotional, physical, spiritual, or (more officially) marital would ever occur would be if your father willed it. And though Sir Patrick was your father’s right hand man, it was the relationship of that of an employer and his best employee, not that of father and son nor of old companions.

Your smile dropped and so did his. He knew what he was doing, his silent, unspoken, but clear pursuit of you ever since that fateful night was wrong. But he did not care. He had no regard for his own life or death, he was a knight, after all. He risked himself for this kingdom, he would be willing to risk himself for you. He brought a hand up, cupping your face in his large palm, and offering you a sorry smile. “To defend you, threat or no threat, is my life’s honor, m’lady. You have wasted nothing of mine.” His hand brushed your ear as he tucked your hair behind it. Seeing you with your hair down for the first time was something entirely new to him, similar to when you first saw him shirtless that night. In typical court fashion, you would never leave your chambers with your hair fully down. Seeing you so bare, so honest, and unadorned felt novelty. He was grateful for his wit, being able to convince the King that he should serve you personally.

You, however, were so deeply conflicted. You knew better. Your station in society as well as in life did not allow for these endeavors. But your mind, you body, your heart…they longed for your knight in shining armor. His touch, though somewhat chaste, only holding your head in his hands, felt deeply intimate. You considered your options. “Sir, might I ask your discretion in asking a favor?” Your felt fearful of your own desires, but conjured up as much confidence as possible.

“Always, m’lady.”

You tugged your bottom lip into your mouth for a moment, before continuing. “M- might you…kiss me?” It was hard to maintain your composure, overcome with shame as you looked up pleadingly into his eyes. It was only the two of you in your bedchamber, the door closed —yet another forbidden thing.

Softening, a smirk gracing his features, he sighed. “I would be a fool not to.” This was exactly what he had been wanting since he first saw a portrait of you. The strength required of his position kept his feelings concealed, but in this one, small moment alone with you, he could reveal them. He leaned in slowly, closing the gap between you as his lips move against yours feverishly. You can feel his tongue dart out and wet your bottom lip, but you pull away quickly before he is able to deepen the kiss.

“I am sorry. This is…” you search for the words, not wanting to be so harsh but wanting to be clear. “This is sinful.” Your eyes meet his, pleading for him to offer you a reprieve from your consuming feelings by distancing himself. Though, that twinkle behind your eyes and in the corner of your lips betrayed you. He could see you had fallen for him the same as he for you.

He takes a seat next to you on your bed, looking into your eyes earnestly. “If I it is a sin to touch you, I would become a sinner every day till I am dragged to hell, should you allow me?” He was begging you to let him touch you, feel you, love you. And who would you be to deny him?

You were quiet for a moment, considering your fate and whether or not you would be able to find absolution after giving in. Throwing caution to the wind, you allow yourself, for once, to make your own decisions. "Please, good sir. Touch me. Take me, for I am all yours."

He wasted no time, leaning in to kiss you, his armor clanging against itself as he did so. The kiss was passionate, the years of admiring you from afar being poured out in this one moment. Breaking the kiss, suddenly, he stood, leaving you confused until he began swiftly removing his armor. He made sure to set each piece down gently, so as not to alert and servants lingering nearby of his presence in your chambers. You tried to stifle your smile as his form was revealed more and more with each layer of metal gone. It was new and exciting, and his gentleness despite his clear eagerness was unbelievably admirable.

Once he had removed it all, clad only in a white linen undershirt and trousers, he returned to your bed, leaning over you and pulling you into another deep kiss. This time, he slipped his tongue into your mouth, licking softly into it, his nose brushing against your cheek as he pressed closer into you, as if he longed for your two bodies to be one. It was impossible to be any closer, but you did not mind one bit. Though timid at first, your kisses matched his fervor. You could feel his calloused hand combing through your hair as his other snuck lower, carressing you through your nightgown. You let out a shivered breath at his touch.

"Is this alright, my lady?" He pulled back, looking into your eyes longingly. God, forgive you, but you needed this so badly. You both did.

You nodded, lifting your hips to gather your nightgown up and off of you, casting it aside carelessly. Now, you really felt exposed. But something about Patrick made you want to feel honest; made you want to seek pleasure shamelessly. His eyes widened in tandem with his smirk. He was so pleased and so in love.

"I've never...I-...I'm a virgin," you admitted, looking up at him through your thick lashes. His smile only widened, but not in some sort of sick, smarmy way. It was genuine and kind.

"Oh, I know, your highness. Or...I imagined as much. Not to worry, I am well aware of how to please a woman," he spoke softly, trying not to intimidate you. You would have taken offense at his mention of his previous experience, but you had imagined he was experienced in the first place, as many men and knights of his age are by now. It is different for you, a princess, always expected to remain pure. With him, you did not fear impurity after this. You felt strongly that you would steadfast remain pure in his eyes till the end of time.

He leaned in again, placing hot kisses along your neck. He moved to remove his trousers as he did so, working at the string that held them up quickly. As he did so, your fingers found their way to the tie that held his shirt together, pulling at the string with a new confidence, you brought your hands to the hem and he pulled away from your neck to remove his shirt. Both his bandages and bruises were gone, a good sign, but there was a scar where he had been scratched, a reminder of your previous encounter.

His trousers finally hanging low around his legs, he teased himself around your entrance, causing you to jolt and whimper beneath him. The feeling was entirely foreign but oh so enchanting. He reached a hand down, running his fingers through your folds, smirking at the wetness that gathered on his fingers. "You are like the Lady of The Lake...beautiful, otherworldly, and so, so wet..." Patrick murmured lustfully. It was such a dirty compliment, but you were so deeply moved.

Like your dream, you were both under your layers upon layers of white sheets, so warm, close, and intimate. His fingers danced around your clit, circling it at an agonizingly slow pace. You gasped, sucking in a breath quickly and biting your lip so as not to make any more sound. He did not miss this, leaning in to peck you on the lips before reminding you "The walls are stone, the door thick oak and iron. We should be cautious, yes, but you mustn't be embarrassed to make a sound. It is better, in fact, if you do."

His reassurance brought a smile to your face as you dropped your lip from your teeth, a sign that you were allowing yourself the honesty you so craved with Patrick. He resumed his hand movements around your most sensitive spot, causing you to let out a symphony of high pitched gasps. His fingers moved away then, moving down and slipping inside of you, first one, then another. The stretch was unfamiliar and hurt a bit, something your scrunched eyebrows didn't hide, but he did not move them for a moment, allowing you to adjust. "All will be well," he cooed into your ear, lips brushing against your skin. "I just need to warm you up."

His fingers began to move, first only in and out at a steady pace, but soon replaced by him scissoring his fingers deep inside of you, your walls squuezing him tightly. "Good sir..." you sighed in pleasure.

"Patrick," he corrected. "You may call me by my God given name: Patrick."

"Patrick..." you sighed again as he quickened the pace of his fingers. To your surprise, though, he pulled his fingers out abruptly. You almost protested, but he swiftly replaced his fingers with his cock, pushing lightly at your entrance.

"May I," he asked, looking into you eyes unwaveringly.

"Please," you nearly moaned in response. He followed your request, sheathing himself inside of you slowly, allowing you time to adjust to the thickness and length that so differed from that of his fingers. He watched your reaction carefully, taking in the way your breath hitches and your eyes flutter shut, eyebrows knitting together in both pleasure and pain. You inhaled sharply as he bottoms out, feeling as if he was practically prodding at your stomach.

"Are you ready for me to move," he inquired, eyes lidded and breathing already heavy in awe of you beneath him.

Looking up at him then, as if he were an angel or possibly some type of temptation sent by the devil that you had so easily fallen for, like Eve and the apple, you yearned to take a bite. "Patrick," it felt unfamiliar to address him so informally, but there was an undeniable intimacy in doing so as well. "If I should wait any longer it may kill me."

With that, he began moving, his pace quick but not agonizing, instead quite tender. You cried out, moans, sighs, and gasps leaving your lips repeatedly as his hips met yours time and time again. His gaze didn't leave yours, except when he would close his eyes, losing himself in a particularly deep thrust. His skin on yours was warm, a stark difference from your naturally cold body. "God, Princess, you are better than I've ever imagined."

The thought that he had imagined this with you made you feel elated, but you couldn't even bring yourself to offer a witty reply, overtaken by pleasure. "P- Patrick," you moaned, your whole body feeling hot suddenly. He quickened his pace just a bit, leaning in to suck at your neck as his other hand came up to toy with your hardened nipples. It felt so sinful but so perfect and right. How could something this good ever be wrong?

At his added touch, hips still pistoning in and out of you, it all felt like too much. Your stomach began to tighten, walls clenched tightly around him, bringing him to an almost sorry state as his jaw went slack, eyes closing suddenly and his thrusts becoming sloppier. It was impossible to restrain yourself as your hips began bucking up to meet his. "Please, please, please," you didn't even know what you were asking for but you knew you needed it.

"I'm there too, Princess. Come on, let's finish together..." he moved his hand from your chest to you clit, rubbing swift circles as he slammed his hips into yours. Pleasure finally overtook you entirely as you fluttered around him, body stiffening and falling weak as you reach your high. He pulled out of you quickly, his hand moving to finish himself off lazily on your stomach through stifled grunts. When you were both completely spent, he momentarily laid next to you in bed, both of you looking up at the grand vaulted ceilings of your bedchambers.

"Thank you, Patrick, for showing me a kindness I should never know how to repay," you whisper softly. He sits up slightly, turning to you and offering a chaste kiss to your cheek.

"You should never have to 'repay' me. After all, I live to serve you, my dear Princess."

[thesimline]

I could hardly make a medieval revival CC collection and not also do an accompanying lookbook, it's too much of a fun period for fashion. I love the fact that the sartorial whimsy wasn't just reserved for women's clothing either. CC links under the cut.

LANCE

Hair (TSR) | Headband (TSR) | Necklace (TSR) | Top (TSR) | Undershirt | Pants (Lovestruck) | Shoes

MARIANNE

Hair | Necklace | Dress | Shoes (TSR)

JOSIE

Hair | Crown (TSR) | Necklace (TSR) | Dress | Tights (Base Game) | Shoes (TSR)

CAROL

Hair | Earrings | Necklace | Top | Belt | Pants | Shoes

ARTHUR

Hair | Headband (TSR) | Beard (Base Game) | Cape | Top | Ring | Pants (Romantic Garden) | Boots (TSR)

POLLY

Hair | Dress | Ring One (TSR) | Ring Two (TSR) | Tights (Base Game) | Shoes

With thanks to some amazing creators: @goamazons @shandir @wistfulpoltergeist @flowermilksims @marsmerizing-sims @dissiasims @surely-sims @joshseoh @its-adrienpastel @arethabee @dancemachinetrait @duplica-imite @waxesnostalgic @regina-raven

[lesmana-enterprise-ltd]

WIP | National Simographics and Lesmana Enterprise Presents : Our World, Featuring Hitomi Okada ; Reconstruction of Almanara Castle in Porto Luminoso, Tartosa

This is Hitomi Okada,

Model, Influencer, All-year-round Traveller, and a history-arts Enthusiast.

Hitomi is no stranger to Tartosa. In fact, she travels to Tartosa a lot for her works and leisure, not minding the 8-hours-long flights she has to take to fly from Del Sol Valley.

Today, we will be following Hitomi to visit one of Lesmana Enterprise's latest Reconstruction Project in Porto Luminoso, the Almanara Al-Tartos Castle or Almanara Castle, as how the locals refer to it.

The Almanara Castle

Seated on top of a huge rock formation overlooking the Southern Tartosan coastline, is a Castle built in the 14th Century with an intricate Arabesque-moorish architecture, assimilated with Tartosan medieval architecture. Its beauty is a rare gem in Tartosa today, and Almanara Castle is currently the only one of its kind still standing in the country as a reminder of a bygone-era, of which the history books of our times refer to as the Tartosan Emirate period of 1396-1497.

In 2021, a powerful earthquake striked the coast and damaged the castle severely. In response, the Tartosan Government hired the Lesmana Enterprise to lead the reconstruction effort of the castle to restore it to its former glory.

Accompanying Hitomi Today

Are some of the best minds Lesmana Enterprise has hired to lead the reconstruction of this one-of-a-kind castle. Greeting Hitomi by the ornate gate towards the castle courtyard, are Felipe Cardona, a Lesmana Enterprise Head Reconstruction Engineer that had been working with the reconstruction of the castle since its beginning in 2021 and ; Sabrina Abdul-Zayed, a professional Archeologist from the prestigious Al-Simhara University Faculty of Archeology who had been flying back and forth to and from both countries to oversee the reconstruction of Almanara Castle.

A Heavenly Courtyard

Hitomi follows Ms. Abdul-Zayed to the picturesque courtyard where time seems to stop - the impeccable work of the engineers, craftspeople, and historians seems to keep this courtyard as how it was built in the 14th Century.

In the words of Ms. Abdul-Zayed:

"The original builders of this castle, the Al-Simharan sultanate builders, wanted to reimagine paradise by infusing masterwork craftsmanship and lush greeneries; I'm so grateful they left us with this"

As an Art-History enthusiast, Hitomi can't help but wonder:

"This place is so beautiful. But, if all the Tartosan Emirate structures had faded throughout history, why does this one still stand? "

Well luckily for Hitomi, her guide is a walking-talking encyclopedia of the Emirate's History, and knows the whole story of the Almanara Castle by heart.

What Happened to the Castle? as narrated by Sabrina Abdul-Zayed of Al-Simhara University.

After the Al-Simharan Sultanate under Sultan Yusuf VI had successfully taken over Kingdom of Tartosa from Queen Isabel de Montejo in 1396 after a four-years grueling war, the Sultan appointed his son, Emir Nizar Al-Simhari to lead Tartosa as a vassal kingdom to the sultanate. Thus, the Emirate of Tartosa or Emirate of Al-Tartos was born in the same year.

After the Al-Simharan army sets off accross the sea, the Emir needed somewhere to base his court at, and a place close enough to coast to oversee the robust southern sea trade. Thus, a much-larger palace complex was built upon Porto Luminoso's hill called the Qasr Al-Zayl.

"What you're seeing now as vineyards accross the castle is where the Al-Zayl stood about 600 years ago.", She added.

On the Final Years of the Emirate

The Emirate of Tartosa found itself at war with the western simland coalition from 1491-1496.

The Western Simland Coalition consisted of Kingdom of Henford, Kingdom of Britchester, Republic of Foxbury, Grand Duchy of Champ-les-sims, Kingdom of Windenburg, and finally the exiled Tartosan king Alfonso de Fiore XI.

The Coalition launched a full-scale invasion of the Emirate in 1491, and finally reaching Porto Luminoso in 1493, where the great 2-years siege of Al-Zayl began.

King Alfonso de Fiore himself led the siege of Al-Zayl with an overwhelming force of about 3000 men and 200 mercenaries, accumulated from 6 different nations with the same goal in mind:

End the Emirate, restore Alfonso de Fiore, and secure the southern sea trade route- where all the gold comes from.

With brutal tactics from both sides such as naval blockades, starvations, and use of early firearms, the al-Zayl finally came down in 1495, forcing the then Emir, Emir Jabar Al-Tartozi IV to seek refuge in a much more smaller castle, the Almanara.

On the Spring of 1496, the Almanara was finally breached, leaving the Emir and his last 100 men on the mercy of the besiegers.

He and his last loyal men were captured, and held prisoner in the Almanara until his execution in 1497 on the courtyard, which spells the end of the Tartosan Emirate.

To commemorate the victory over the Emirate, King Alfonso de Fiore XI spared Almanara due to its beauty, securing its place as a King's retreat after the war ended.

Good Thing they Spared this Place!

Is what the three can agree. Hitomi continues the tour to some of the castle's most beautiful halls, such as the Hall of Jenane shown in above photo.

When it is complete, the Hall of Jenane will be a museum ; and a space rentable for picturesque weddings!.

"Reconstruction of the whole castle; I can confidently say is at 90% to completion, and we can see reopening very soon around March 2025- or earlier maybe." Added Felipe Cardona.

Into the Subterrane

You will find this beautiful Azur Sanctum, a room adorned in intricate geomerty made of the finest Lazuardi and gemstones. There is also a working subterrain fountain which had been flowing without eletricity for the past 600 years!, even the air here seems a lot cooler than the air outside!.

"You know, the Emir made his last stand here with his most loyal men-the Mamluks. Many of the Mamluks perished in this very room" said Ms. Abdul-Zayed

"Okay you do not have to scare me like that" replied Hitomi.

And That ends our Short Trip for Today!

Don't forget to periodically check the Tartosan Board of Tourism for updates on the opening of the Almanara Castle!, experience the history for yourself ; or maybe plan an unforgettable wedding in the Hall of Jenane!.

Whichever you choose, don't forget to come here next time you're in Tartosa!.

I'm Hitomi Okada, and this is - Our World.

Sul-Sul!

Sim Hitomi Okada by : @mellowtrait

[millieposes]

[MP] Group Poses - Big Family

PATREON (free)

!! This is a scheduled post as I am currently on holiday, any issues with the pose will be addressed when I'm back (week beginning 26/08) !! 

Get all the family together! It's picture time!

A pose pack for 20 sims of varying ages! Can use all groups together, or use them separately - it's up to you! I will also eventually be doing an add-on pack with more sims to add to this (if 20 just isnt enough 😂)

Includes:

Middle section: 5 x Adult (teen-senior), 2 x Child, 1 x Toddler

Left section: 3 x Adult, 1 x Child, 1 x Toddler, 1 x Infant

Right Section: 2 x Adult, 1 x Child, 2 x Toddler, 1 x Infant

Requires: Andrews Pose Player Teleport Any Sim Searchable Pose Player (recommended, highly!) Chairs used are: Executive Guest chair, Arrrmed Chair, and a meditation pillow sized up once (SEE BELOW FOR PLACEMENT)

Placement References:

(Place all teleporters in middle of executive chair)

!! This is a scheduled post as I am currently on holiday, any issues with the pose will be addressed when I'm back (week beginning 26/08) !! 

T.O.U: the basics - Do not claim as your own - Do not reupload - Do not put behind a paywall Feel free to edit for personal use (i.e. to avoid clipping) but do not do any of the above with the edited poses

Tags, thank you for any and all support!

@ts4-poses

[itssimplythesims]

*cue the lute*