girlyfrey

[girlyfrey]

Who Will Survive The Great Famine - 1317

The Great Famine continued to cast its shadow over Scotland, stealing the warmth from kitchens and the strength from growing bodies. And yet, even in the grip of hunger, life pressed on - through births, quiet joys, and moments of heartbreak.

The year began with sorrow: Beatrix went into labour as 1317 began, and gave birth to little Marjory. But the baby, like her brother Norman before her, passed from malnutrition. For now, Magaidh remains the only daughter in the household.

Claray also gave birth - this time to a daughter, Elesbeth, who rolled safely into life. A small victory for the Fairbairn girls, who not outnumber the boys in the family.

Amid the hardship, the Fairbairns made space for small joys. Made and Agnes escaped the house for a swim in the nearby stream - though for Made, the experience wasn't all fun, as she developed a fear of the ocean. Not ideal, but thankfully, her destiny lies on dry land.

An impromptu Fairbairn girls' hangout followed, then a larger family gathering at the park with their cousins - moments of connection, even as the world grew more uncertain.

In a quiet corner of the household, David and Deredere Fairbairn became best friends at last. A tender moment between partners who've built a legacy together.

Birthdays brought a mix of relief and growth:

Dougal aged safely into a child

David and Elsebth into an infants

Finian into a toddler

Robert into a child

Dougal Fairbairn David Boyd Elesbeth Fairbairn

Finian Boyd Robert Boyd

But the year's true test came at the end, when the famine rolls arrived.

Over in the McIntyre household, Thornfinn, Beatrix, Asaild, and Eobhan survived. But young Magaidh rolled poorly. It seemed her fate was sealed - until Asaild pleaded with Grim, and was heard. Magaidh was spared.

The Boyds weren't so lucky. While Angus, Alba, Hendrie, Caitríona, Kristian, Caitlín, Robert, Finian, and David survived their rolls, both Diane (Hendrie's sister) and Merdia fell. A plea was made for Merdia, but Grim refused. Diane, however, was returned.

Merida Boyd

Finally, the main household - the Fairbairns - faced their fate, and every single member survived. Out of 23 sims across the family tree, only one was lost to the famine.

A hard year, but not without grace. The famine still lingers, but so does love - and a little luck.

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Births:

Marjory McIntyre

Elesbeth Fairbairn

Deaths:

Marjory McIntyre 1317 (Malnutrition)

Merida Boyd 1307-1317 (Starvation/Famine)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Made's Birthday - 1316

1316 began with a trip to the war camp to see who survived the latest campaign - and thankfully, both Angus and Fergus made it home. A rare bit of good news in these hard years.

Back at home, Finian was the first to celebrate a birthday this year, aging up from baby to infant. To mark Fergus' return, Claray prepared a special meal of roasted fish. The famine made food a precious thing, but if there was ever a reason to celebrate, this was it.

Finian Boyd

Over at the McIntyres', Eobhan aged up into a toddler successfully - a quiet but joyful milestone for a family that has seen more than their fair share of loss.

Eobhan McIntyre

Back in the Fairbairn house, Made shared that she waned a sibling. Agnes, unsurprisingly, shared that she didn't. But it hardly mattered - Claray was already expecting again. James also aged up into a toddler, giving his parents two toddlers in the house - but he's a sweetheart, so all was forgiven.

And then came a nerve-wracking moment: Made's teenage roll. As the first baby of the second generation, her survival mattered that little bit more. With only one bad number (7), the tension was real - but she rolled safe (of course she did), and she aged up into the most adorable Sim. With seven baby tries ahead of her, a new chapter for the Fairbairns would soon begin.

James Fairbairn

Made Fairbairn

To close out the year, Caitríona went into labour again and gave birth to her ninth child, David - another boy, and both mother and baby rolled safely. A high note to end a difficult year.

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Births:

David Boyd

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

The Great Famine Begins - 1315

1315 marks the beginning of the first major mortality event of the 14th century: The Great Famine.

Following intense and persistent rainfall in 1314, crop failures swept across Europe, triggering widespread food shortages. As harvests failed and cattle sickened, food prices skyrocketed. Peasants, whose livelihoods depended on the seasonal agriculture, were hit hardest - the weather no longer supported the patterns they had relied on for generations.

Europe was shifting out of the Medieval Warm Period and into what is referred to as the Little Ice Age. Winters grew longer and harsher, while the growing season all but vanished. The impact of this climate shift was devastating: historians estimate that up to a tenth of the population in Scotland may have perished due to starvation or famine-related disease during this time.

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The famine had finally reached Scotland - and with it came hard goodbyes. The year began with the Fairbairns letting go of their cow, chickens, and what little crops they had left. Food rationing began immediately, which proved especially difficult considering Made is a glutton.

James aged up into an infant and would remain the little Fairbairn for a while - at least until Fergus returns from the war campaigns. Caitlín also had a birthday and successfully aged up into a child.

James Fairbairn Caitlín Boyd

Made continued her food shenanigans- something that would become a recurring theme for the next two years. But really, what can you do? She only gets away with it because she's so cute.

With no animals to tend or crops to manage, there was more free time than usual, allowing for quality time with cousins and enjoying some long-overdue family bonding.

Over at the McIntyres', Beatrix gave birth again - to another boy, named Norman - but tragically he didn't survive his birth rolls, passing from malnutrition. Given the famine, it made heartbreaking sense. The pregnancy hit Beatrix hard, so much so that the moment she gave birth, she immediately shifted from being neutral to very much not okay with having more children.

Not long after, Caitríona went into labour, and gave birth to another boy, named Finian. In true Body fashion, he survived his birth rolls - maybe they've been hoarding all the luck the McIntyres desperately need.

Made and Agnes ended the year at the newly built park, gathering for a bit more family hang-out time - a quiet and gentle end to a hard year.

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Births:

Norman McIntyre

Finian Boyd

Deaths:

Norman McIntyre 1315 (Malnutrition)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Birthday Blessings - 1314

1314 began just as expected - with war rolls. This year, it was Fergus and Angus who marched off to spend two years aiding in the war effort against England.

At home, life carried on. Made spent time bonding sweetly with her aunts, and the rest of the year quickly turned into a flurry of activity - with birthday rolls aplenty and three births across the households.

The first birth of the year was bittersweet: Caitríona gave birth to another baby boy, George, who tragically didn't survive his rolls, passing from SIDS. Beatrix was next, giving birth to little Eobhan - who thankfully survived his rolls and became the third McIntyre baby to live. Despite his survival, Beatrix continued to see him as an unwanted child, deepening the emotional tension in the household.

At the Fairbairns’, Claray gave birth to James. Both she and the baby made it through safely, continuing the trend of baby boy births - though once again, only two of the three born this year survived, just like a couple of years before.

Dougal finally got strapped into a back carrier, and it was easily one of the cutest sights we’ve seen in the challenge. Unfortunately the moment was fleeting - blink, and it was gone.

As the seasons turned, the birthdays came in fast: Dougal, Agnes, Deredere, and David all aged up into toddler, child and elder stages successfully - clearing 4 out of the 5 rolls for that day, and 4 out of 7 rolls overall so far.

Dougal Fairbairn Agnes Fairbairn

Deredere Fairbairn David Fairbairn

Over at the McIntyres', Magaidh survived her child roll, and Eobhan aged up into an infant - another win for the year.

Magaidh McIntyre Eobhan McIntyre

Robert's toddler birthday closed out the year, and he passed his rolls with flying colours.

Robert Boyd

In total, there were 10 rolls this year and only one failure - baby George. While that single loss still stings, it was, all things considered, a truly blessed year for birthdays.

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Births:

George Boyd

Eobhan McIntyre

James Fairbairn

Deaths:

George Boyd 1314 (SIDS)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

The Calm Before the Chaos - 1313

1313 proved to be a surprisingly calm year - no births, no deaths, no wars. Just quiet moments of daily life, a rare lull before the storm lying ahead.

Made spent some quality time with Bobby, and the two quickly became fast friends. Their budding bond was a sweet highlight of the season. Unfortunately, the peace was slightly disrupted by the creeping spread of illness through the main household. Nearly everyone fell ill, and with sickness known to sweep through families fast, tensions ran quietly high.

Dougal Fairbairn

Amidst the feverish atmosphere, Dougal aged up into an infant, bringing a small joy to the Fairbairn home. Over at the McIntyres’, Asaild safely passed his child roll - becoming the first proper child in Beatrix and Thornfinn’s growing family.

Asaild McIntyre (becoming a child)

Beatrix also expanded her animal brood with a goat and sheep, welcoming Croquette and Butternut — a woolly and milky addition that brought some productivity (and probably a bit of chaos) to their smallholding.

Not all was harmonious, though. The once-close relationship between Fergus and Edin had soured over time, the tension quietly simmering beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, at the Boyd household, baby Robert aged up into an infant, rounding out the year’s birthdays. Much of 1313 was spent tending chores, gathering with family, and - for once - avoiding disaster.

Robert Boyd (becoming an infant)

There were even a few moments of humour - both Fergus and David attempted to develop squeamish traits ... and were promptly denied. The medieval world has no patience for weak stomachs.

And once again, Claray shared the news with Fergus - they were expecting another baby in the year to come,

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Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Beneath Foreign Skies - 1337

The Hundred Years’ War officially began this year, drawing a bloody line between France and England that would stretch across generations. But even as the world shifted, life carried on - births, deaths, meals, and moments of unexpected grace.

Andrew aged up into a child, and though he initially rolled a number that foretold death, his older brother Conall’s heartfelt pleas were heard and the Grim spared him. A close call, and a reminder that sometimes love truly changes fate.

Andrew Reid

Back at home, Ada continued meeting potential partners. Ever observant, she found herself most drawn to Sorley MacIver, Lachlan Bain and Gavin Kirkland - a strong shortlist of suitors for the year to come.

Domhnall Fairbairn Euan Fairbairn

Domhnall and Euan Fairbairn successfully aged up into child and toddler, respectively - a great success, even if the birthday celebration itself crashed the game. (At least Made’s glutton trait was in full force — always the first to the food.) Despite technical hiccups, the boys grew into absolute cuties.

At the castle, Made and Eachann MacDonald aged up into adult and toddler, respectively. Meanwhile, Alesonne went on her first date with Ruairidh MacDara on the castle grounds. Things were going well until she fell sick halfway through, but the connection was there - wedding bells may well ring within the next year.

Eachann MacDonald

Made also maxed her cooking skill - a proud moment for a beloved Sim and a fitting achievement for the castle’s devoted cook.

Over at the McIntyres’, Thorstein rolled poorly on his toddler birthday, marked to die from freezing. But once again, a father’s desperate plea made the difference: Asaild was heard, and Thorstein lived.

Thorstein McIntyre

Mid-year, we crossed the Channel for the first time this challenge, arriving in southern France to check in on David Boyd, who had fled there a couple years earlier. He safely aged into Young Adulthood - no surprise, given his survival streak. He also began growing closer to Isabeau Dumont, a local woman with the potential to bring a new chapter to his story.

David then rolled to determine his fate in the newly ignited Hundred Years’ War, and once again, fortune favoured him. For now, he remains safely tucked away at the inn, indulging in romance and mischief — as ever.

Back in the Highlands of Scotland, Luithais Reid and Arthur McClery both successfully aged up into adults. The final roll of the year was for young Thora McClery, who safely aged into a child.

Luithais Reid Arthur McClery

Thora McClery

The year ended on a prosperous note: the Fairbairns opened their store, earning 7,930 simoleons. After a 40% tithe, they were left with 4,758 simoleons - not bad for such a difficult era.

To top it off, Ada went on a date with Sorley MacIver at the local park. The chemistry was undeniable, and the two became romantic partners. Another wedding for the main household is now on the horizon.

Also this year, both Murdoch Fairbairn and Arne McIntyre aged up into infants - with Murdoch looking particularly grumpy about the whole affair.

Murdoch Fairbairn Arne McIntyre

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Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

The Peasant Life - 1312

1312 began with tension in the air as Angus and Hendrie both faced their war rolls. Angus failed his - but in an unexpected twist of mercy (and perhaps a bit of Boyd family luck), Grim must’ve taken pity. Hendrie’s desperate plea brought Angus back, sparing the family another heartbreak.

From there, things began to look up. Merida and Caitlín both passed their child and toddler rolls, respectively, and it seemed the Boyds were finally emerging from the devastation of the past two years.

Merida Boyd Caitlin Boyd

Over in the Fairbairn household, Claray gave birth again - this time to a second boy, little Dougal. Both mother and child survived, and the Fairbairns finally welcomed their long-awaited heir.

In a bizarre turn, Dererede was struck by lightning inside the house (because Sims logic), knocking her out of household chores for the rest of the year. Honestly, she deserved the break.

Later in the year, the McIntyres faced another tragedy. Beatrix gave birth to another baby boy, Magnus, who like his brother the year before, died from a heart defect. His passing marked a turning point for Beatrix: she had never wanted children and saw the newborn as unwanted, while Thornfinn longed for a family and mourned Magnus as a beloved son. Tension brewed between them - the quiet kind born of conflicting desires and unspoken grief.

The year closed with the Boyds once again, as Caitríona gave birth to baby Robert - who survived his rolls. In the end, 1312 became the year of baby boys … though only two got the chance to live.

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Births:

Dougal Fairbairn

Magnus McIntyre

Robert Boyd

Deaths:

Magnus McIntyre 1312 (Heart Defect)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Three Births, Three Deaths - 1311

1311 started at the Boyd household, with the birth of their fifth child. Little Meadhbh was born, but tragically, only Caitríona survived her rolls. Meadhbh passed away from a stillbirth — a heartbreaking start to what would soon become a year marked by loss.

Soon after, Kristian faced his child age-up roll - and he pulled through. A small glimmer of hope for The Boyds, who were reeling from two devastating blows.

Kristian Boyd

Over in the Fairbairn household, Claray gave birth to her fourth child and first boy, Ian. Sadly, Ian did not survive, passing away due to a birth defect.

And as if this year hadn't brought enough sorrow, Beatrix gave birth to her fourth baby, Cormag - who, like the others, didn’t survive. He passed due to a heart defect. With his death came the final birth of the year, and a hope that this string of tragedies would not carry into the years ahead.

Despite the grief, there were moments of growth. The McIntyres moved into a new home, finally upgrading from their cramped quarters to something better suited to their expanding family -however slow that may be.

There was also a renewed focus on building skills - especially with future war rolls looming.

Brighter moments surfaced too. The birthday twins, Magaidh and Agnes, both safely aged up into toddlers. And in a strange twist of in-game weirdness, Fergus accidentally reversed in age and briefly became a toddler again. Oops.

Magaidh McIntyre Agnes Fairbairn Fergus Fairbairn (toddler)

Thankfully, the year ended quietly, with some much-needed family bonding -a soft balm after so much loss.

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Births:

Meadhbh Boyd

Ian Fairbairn

Cormag McIntyre

Deaths:

Meadhbh Boyd 1311 (Stillbirth)

Ian Fairbairn 1311 (Birth Defect)

Cormag McIntyre 1311 (Heart Defect)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Grim's First Visit - 1310

The new decade started off with war rolls to determine which Sims would be sent off - an unfortunate outcome for Angus and Hendrie Boyd, who were both conscripted. It was also the first of many tallage rolls, which, thankfully, wasn’t too punishing at just 10%. A small win to kick off a brand new decade.

Caitlín Boyd Asaild McIntyre Magaidh McIntyre

Caitríona gave birth to her fourth child, another girl - little Caitlín - with both mother and baby surviving. Over at the McIntyre household, Asaild aged up into a child and Magaidh into an infant, a great success for this small but growing family. Agnes Fairbairn also aged up into an infant, continuing the trend of smooth rolls in the early year.

Agnes Fairbairn

To reach a financial goal of 3,691 simoleons by year’s end - just enough to pay the tallage fee - the Fairbairns held a few yard sales with mixed results. During one particular distracting sale, Agnes was found inexplicably stuck in a basil bush, which was baffling and, admittedly, just a little bit funny.

Made also made her first friend: Bobby Ward, a noble child a few social classes above her, but he was perfectly happy to spend time with her anyway.

Meanwhile, David made his feelings about Judith Ward painfully clear. Not only did he find her unattractive, but he developed an “anti-crush” sentiment toward her, hoping never to be around her again — a wish that wouldn’t be granted, thanks to all those yard sales. (Sorry, David.)

With the sales complete and the tithe paid, the tillage was successfully covered - a promising start to the decade, despite the foreseeable challenges.

Fiona Boyd Caitlín Boyd

The year ended at the Boyd household with a few more birthdays. Caitlín aged up into an infant, and Fiona’s toddler roll came. With no successful pleas to Grim, Fiona became the first toddler death in the challenge - a heartbreaking loss to close out the first year of the 1310s.

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Births:

Caitlin Boyd

Deaths:

Fiona Boyd 1308-1310 (Froze to Death)

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

The Fairbairn's First 10 Years - 1300 Decade Recap

The first ten years of the challenge are complete - and against all odds (and dice rolls), the Fairbairns have made it through with more laughter than loss. Overall, the decade was remarkably successful, with only two tragic deaths: baby Oscar McIntyre and baby Margaret Fairbairn, both mourned deeply but lovingly remembered as the family pressed on.

As of 1309 the number of family members living is 17.

The Main Household: The Fairbairns (6 sims)

Founder: David Fairbairn [1270-???? - 39 years old]

Founder: Deredere Fairbairn [1270-???? - 39 years old]

Heir: Fergus Fairbairn [1287-???? - 22 years old]

Claray Fairbairn née Morrison [1287-???? - 22 years old]

Made Fairbairn [1304-???? - 5 years old]

Agnes Fairbairn [1309-???? - 6 months old]

Side Household: The Boyds (5 sims - not including Hendrie's parents)

Hendrie Boyd [1287-???? - 22 years old]

Caitriona Boyd née Fairbairn [1288-???? - 21 years old]

Kristian Boyd [1306-???? - 3 years old]

Merida Boyd [1307-???? - 2 years old]

Fiona Boyd [1308-???? - 1 year old]

Side Household: The McIntyres (4 sims)

Thornfinn McIntyre [1287-???? - 22 years old]

Beatrix McIntyre née Fairbairn [1289-???? - 20 years old]

Asaild McIntyre [1308-???? - 1 year old]

Magaidh McIntyre [1309-???? - 6 months old]

There was a total of 9 births this year, with 2 not surviving.

Deaths:

Oscar McIntyre [1306-1306 - 0] Cause of Death: Breech

Margaret Fairbairn [1307-1307 - 0] Cause of Death: Heart Defect

War Rolls:

1306-1308: David Fairbairn - Survived.

Looking ahead to the 1310s, war rolls and The Great Famine will be the biggest threats — but the Fairbairns, Boyds and McIntyres have proven they’re resilient. Whether the next decade brings peace, pain, or both, they'll be ready!

Watch the Decade Recap Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

A Double Birthday - 1309

The final year of the decade arrived with quiet determination. Much of the Fairbairn's time was spent building skills in preparation for the looming war rolls of 1310. Here's hoping the dice show mercy.

The Boyd household kicked off the year with a shared birthday: both Merida and Fiona aged up, into toddler and infant respectively. Both survived their rolls - and Fiona, it turns out, is a little redhead. Only now have I realised the unintentional nod to Shrek’s Fiona, which feels oddly perfect.

Merida Boyd Fiona Boyd

Beatrix McIntyre

Beatrix gave birth to her third child, Magaidh, and both mother and baby made it through safely. Later in the year, Beatrix aged up into a young adult, rounding out a flawless streak of young adult rolls this decade.

Meanwhile, Claray welcomed another daughter, Agnes. Once again, both mother and baby survived. But Agnes didn't slip quietly into the world - a true crier from the start, demanding near-constant attention. Just another reminder that surviving the roll is only the beginning.

Made Fairbairn

We ended the year on a milestone: Made aged into a child, successfully surviving her rolls and officially becoming the first official in-challenge child. A small but meaningful step - the Fairbairn legacy is growing up.

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Births:

Magaidh McIntyre

Agnes Fairbairn

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Favoured by Fortune - 1308

In a year marked by quiet blessings and just a little chaos, fortune smiled more often than not.

Beatrix gave birth to her second child, a little boy named Asaild. Both mother and son pulled through - a relief after the grief that had shadowed her first birth. Later in the year, Asaild aged into an infant, already showing signs he’ll take after his father.

Asaild McIntyre

David, too, returned home safely after two years of war, his survival rolls behind him. No rewards awaited him , but peace and health were more than enough.

Back at the Boyd household, young Kristian aged into a toddler, bringing with him the promise of mischief and muddy floors. Caitríona rolled a safe young adult birthday not long after - another breath held and released.

Kristian Boyd

The household was briefly visited by Lady Eleanor Douglas, the fief's noblewoman - but a twist of time (or, more truthfully, a game glitch) erased that encounter entirely. We jumped backward, a gentle reminder that not even nobility is safe from technical difficulties.

Claray and Made spent the quieter days building skills and passing time - unaware that the universe was about to rewind again. Another glitch stole six hours of chores, lost forever to the digital void.

As the year came to a close, Caitríona gave birth to her third child, a daughter named Fiona. Both mother and baby survived, nudging the Boyds into the lead for surviving children - if anyone’s keeping score.

Caitríona Boyd

And just when we thought the year had given all it could, Caitríona celebrated her birthday properly, leaving Beatrix as the sole teen in the family tree - at least for now.

The year ended on a softer note: Claray shared the news of another pregnancy. A new beginning, waiting quietly on the edge of the year to come.

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Births:

Asaild McIntyre

Fiona Boyd

Watch the Episode Here: ↓

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[girlyfrey]

Softly Toward Love - 1336

1336 unfolded with a rhythm both tender and tumultuous. War rolls continued, with Eiríkr being the only one sent off to serve for the next two years.

While the Second Scottish War of Independence raged on and murmurs of the Hundred Years’ War began, life at home carried on.

At The McIntyre household, little Thorstein aged up into an infant, while Eobhan began the delicate process of matchmaking, spending time with local girls in the hope of finding a future wife. Whilst, The Fairbairns kept to their daily rhythms: chores were done, meals were cooked, and life found its way forward.

Thorstein McIntyre

At The Boyds, Ailis — David's lover and soulmate — gave birth to a baby boy named Callum. Both mother and child survived, and though their story remains complicated, the arrival of Callum was a joy.

The winter's harvest brought in a profit of 2,453 simoleons, with 981 paid in tithe - not a bad season

Matilda MacDonald celebrated her teenage birthday, rolling to get married and have three baby tries. She spent her birthday in the company of her aunt (Ada) and sister (Alesonne), meeting potential husbands. Two caught her eye: Lachlan Bain and Ruairidh MacDara.

Matilda MacDonald

Back with The Fairbairns, Marsle gave birth to her third child, Murdoch, who survived his rolls. Sadly, his older sister Eifeag failed her child roll with a 9, and Grim did not grant mercy this time, resulting in her passing from neglect and a grief that was deeply felt.

Eifeag Fairbairn

Finian reached young adulthood and, like others this year, began searching for a wife. Unfortunately, he found no one remarkable enough to spark interest. On a brighter note, his nephew, Colum, found his soulmate in Bridget Sinclair, a small victory in a year of mixed fortunes.

Finian Boyd

Niall Reid Inga McClery

Both Niall Reid and Inga McClery aged into toddlers, marking another wave of growth across the households. At The Fairbairn home, the house was in a bit of disarray, prompting a renewed focus on chores. Ada also explored potential matches, though she felt no attraction to any suitors just yet - not a requirement for marriage, but certainly a help.

The year closed where it began - at The McIntyre house. Jane passed her adult roll, and another baby was welcomed into the world: Arne, who, like many others this year, beat the odds and survived his rolls.

Through love, loss, and the slow churn of passing seasons, the families held steady, softening into the rhythm of life - and moving, always, softly toward love.

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Births:

Callum Boyd

Murdoch Fairbairn

Arne McIntyre

Deaths:

Eifeag Fairbairn 1331-1336 (Neglect)

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[girlyfrey]

A Busy Year for Birthdays - 1307

The year opened gently, with little Made reaching toddlerhood - bright-eyed and full of promise. It felt like a good omen.

But hope, as ever, ran alongside heartbreak.

Claray gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Margaret. For a brief moment, there was joy. But Margaret was born with a hidden heart defect and passed quietly. Claray survived, though the loss weighed heavily. The household grieved — quietly, and for a short time.

Because just hours later, Fergus aged into a young adult. His roll was successful, and somehow, the mourning gave way to celebration. There was laughter, cheer, even forgetting. It was strange, and it lingered.

In the Highlands, Caitríona gave birth to her second child, Merida. Both mother and child survived, offering a much-needed moment of calm. But peace didn’t last.

Grim returned to visit the Fairbairns— this time not for a soul, but for the family cow. It was the second one lost this decade, raising an unspoken question about how fleeting even the simplest lives can be.

In the middle of everything, we forgot Fergus’s age-up entirely. Two full days passed before we remembered. When we finally rolled, he became a perfectionist — a quiet detail that felt oddly fitting.

Hendrie joined Fergus as a young adult not long after, with Claray following suit. Both passed their rolls. Thorfinn did too. It was, statistically speaking, a lucky year.

Merida aged into an infant not long after. She did not inherit her mother’s red hair, to my disappointment. So much for Brave-inspired hopes.

But it wasn’t just hair color that surprised us.

As the days passed, we noticed Caitríona daydreaming — not of Hendrie, but of Allistor Clark. A discovery that led to more: Hendrie and Caitríona don’t find each other attractive. At all. Despite everything they’d once said and done, there was nothing there now. And just to twist the blade, Caitríona found Hendrie’s younger brother, John, very attractive instead (major disagree before his CAS).

Still, as winter drew near, the family received one more surprise.

Caitríona was pregnant again.

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Births:

Margaret Fairbairn

Merida Boyd

Deaths:

Margaret Fairbairn 1307 (Heart Defect)

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[girlyfrey]

War, Babies and Our First Loss - 1306

The year 1306 dawned beneath a shadow of uncertainty. With tensions rising across the realm, war rolls were cast for every able-bodied man in the Fairbairn, Boyd and McIntyre households. Of them all, it was David who was summoned to arms — whisked away from hearth and kin to face the hazards of a soldier’s life.

In the quiet hours between 1305 and 1306, Caitríona welcomed her first child, little Kristain, into the world. Their survival rolls came early — and thankfully, both mother and son pulled through. He quickly became the centre of the Boyd's attention, despite their already bustling household.

Back at the main household, daily labours resumed in earnest. Among the ordinary came the unexpected: a surprise visit, from none other than Robert the Bruce himself - supposedly exiled- who browsed the family's yard sale as if he weren't a fugitive.

Claray, in good cheer, discovered she was again with child, a joyful omen for the family's future. Beatrix paid a visit soon after, bringing not only laughter and company to her sister-in-law, but also news of her own pregnancy, expected before year's end.

Yet joy was soon tempered by misfortune. An unexpected fire broke out, throwing the Fairbairns into panic and leaving everyone more than a little tense. Still, no one was harmed - a small mercy in uncertain times.

Life, as ever, pressed on. Kristian aged up into a sturdy, red-haired infant, taking after his mother. Beatrix and Claray, now bound by shared anticipation, found solace in each other — exchanging stories, hopes, and the unspoken fears that come with motherhood.

During the stillness of the year, little Made reached toddlerhood, bright-eyed and full of promise.

Made Fairbairn

But not all births end in celebration. Beatrix gave birth to her first child, a little boy named Oscar. Tragically, he was breech, and though Beatrix survived the ordeal, baby Oscar did not. It marked the first time a baby did not survive, and the loss hit hard. The family mourned in quiet grief — a sobering reminder of how fragile life is.

And so 1306 closed not with celebration, but with reverence. The war sent off the family's founder. Childbirth claimed a grandson. And still, the Fairbairns and their kin, endured. As they must.

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Births:

Kristian Boyd

Oscar McIntyre

Deaths:

Oscar McIntyre 1306 (Breech)

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[girlyfrey]

Another Wedding - 1305

1305 served as a reminder that love isn’t always sparks and swooning — sometimes, it’s simply a matter of duty.

The year began with a brutal revelation: Beatrix found every eligible bachelor in town terribly unattractive. Maybe it was her way of saying marriage wasn’t quite her style — a quiet rebellion against expectation — but fate, as always, had other plans.

So began a year of quiet compromise. While love at first sight clearly wasn't in the cards, Beatrix did have one thing going for her: Thornfinn. Though she didn't find him especially handsome, they had built an easy, steady foundation of companionship over the past couple years. Their marriage, then, was one of practicality - rooted in mutual respect rather than passion - and sometimes, that's what endures.

There was more cause for celebration. Little Made, the firstborn of Fergus and Claray, aged up into an infant, filled the household with the joyful chaos of baby giggles and new parenthood.

By now, the Fairbairns, were somewhat seasoned in the marriage circuit, and this wedding came with a touch more ease. Gone were the chaotic days of guests wandering off and refusing to sit down. Beatrix and Thornfinn’s ceremony was calm, and dignified.

By year's end, Beatrix and Thornfinn were officially married, securing another link in the family chain. With all the main households now wed and the next generation beginning to grow, 1305 closed on a hopeful note: less about romance, more about resilience — but a success all the same.

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[girlyfrey]

A Happy Year - 1304

1304 was the year of flirtation, indecision, and - finally - new life.

The goal for this year was simple: find Caitríona a husband and secure another match for the Fairbairn family. Easier said than done. The year began with a renewed round of socialising, and while Beatrix wasn't totally convinced by Hamish Blackwood, Caitríona certainly was. She found him attractive and charming, even if he didn't spark much excitement from anybody else.

At home, there was cause for celebration: Claray shared the news of her pregnancy with Fergus, and the two were equally thrilled. With a baby on the way, the Fairbairn's found themselves balancing new romance with preparations for a growing household.

Caitríona, however, was still sorting out her feelings. She had another romantic encounter — this time with Allistor Clark— and was immediately struck by how attractive he was. Unfortunately, their actual conversation went … poorly. Somehow, she managed to insult him, and things quickly turned tense. It was awkward, it was unintentional, and it was classic Caitríona.

So once again, fate stepped in. A die roll decided that she’d marry Hendrie Boyd — someone she’d met a few years earlier in 1300, and had carried a quiet crush on ever since. Their chemistry was there from the beginning, and while she may have admitted to some lingering daydreams about Allistor, she also found Hendrie deeply attractive. Mixed signals? Absolutely. But hey, it’s the 1300s — arranged marriages and emotional confusion go hand in hand.

With another wedding on the horizon, money was once again tight. The Fairbairn's scrambled to scrape together enough for Caitríona’s dowry, all while she spent more time getting to know Hendrie better. Thankfully, this ceremony was far less chaotic than her brother's — a small but welcome miracle.

The year ended with Claray giving birth to her and Fergus’ first child, little Made. Both mother and baby survived their rolls, continuing the Fairbairn legacy — at least for now. With new life and new love, 1304 proved that even in uncertain times, happiness can prevail.

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Births:

Made Fairbairn

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