#bridgeportbritt

[armoricaroyalty]

Previous | Chapter Start | Beginning | Epilogue

author's note: thank you to @crownsofesha, @housekonig, @bridgeportbritt, and @simming-in-the-rain for sharing screenshots and headlines with me to fill out the news!

ETA: Thanks to @sirianasims for catching my typo!

[bridgeportbritt]

The Guide on Starting a Royal Story

I’m often asked about tips on starting a royal story and I see more and more popping up which is great! So, I thought I’d compile all my tips into another tutorial! More tutorials here.

Storytelling Starters

So, I’d figure I’d start with just starting a story and then dive more deep into the royal parts of it because at the end of the day, your royal story is simply a story. I’m no expert on storytelling but I’ll tell you what’s helped me tell my story for the last two years along with tips I’ve picked up from some great storytellers here on simblr!

Let’s break it up into the 2 major things your story needs - plot and characters.

Plot

Plot is the story in which you want to tell. The thing I love about storytellign on simblr is how your plot can evolve in many different ways. Many of us have no plans to stop telling our stories, so the storylines grow and change with our characters.

To get started with creating a plot, I have an outline that I create for each chapter of my story. I use Google docs and simply write out the scenes and color code them based on if I’ve taken screenshots, drafted posts, or published a post. You don’t have to do it that way but that is what works for me. Others use tools like Milanote, some do their outlines in a notebook. Find what works best to help you work out your plots.

If you need inspiration, there are so many amazing stories here on Simblr. You can find the Royal Directory here. But, you can really get inspired anywhere - tv shows, movies, even from real life. That’s the beauty of inspiration, it can come from anywhere.

Characters

It’s hard to say whether to start with the plot or the characters because they are both so essential to the story. The best thing you can do for your story is to understand your characters. From their personality, likes and dislikes, what makes them tick, what their background is. Stuff that makes a person who they are.

Those attributes that you give your character will work together with your plot. How your character reacts to certain situations based on who they are can even drive your plot. Which is why establishing them both is really important.

Again, inspiration can come from anywhere, simblr, media, or real-life. You can also Google character building questions to help you.

Now, let’s get Royal storytelling specifically! Since this is getting long and will only get longer. I put the rest under the cut!

Royal Storytelling Starters

Okay, let’s get into the Royal stuff, shall we? There’s quite a few things you want to establish in your story if you’re focusing on a Royal family. Please note that you can always change things as you go and make things up as you go along, but I will say that establishing some things earlier on will help you in the future.

Your Country

The thing about royal families is they govern a whole country of people, usually a country that is completely made up. So, if we’re making up countries, we’ve gotta establish the things that make that country, that country. Here’s some places to start:

1. Names - What is the name of this new land? Does it have other countries, states, cities, capitals? Those also need names. It’s common for a lot of things to have names such as palaces, historical buildings, objects like tiaras. If you struggle with naming things, you can always try a name generator!

2. Geography - What kind of land is this? How big is the land? What about the climate? What kind of seasons does it have? Are there any natural landmarks like mountains, rivers, etc.? I’m terrible at this kind of stuff and made a lot up as I went. And that’s okay! There are even map generators that can help you!

3. Society - What are the people like who live here? Is there anything that bonds them together on a national level? Think state colors, flags, holidays, etc. What’s the population? Are they educated? What kind of work do they do? The best part about this is you can go as in-depth or not as you like!

4. Economy - What kind of system do they use? Capatalism, socialism, etc. Do they import and export goods? What’s the average income? What kind of money do they use? Dollars, pounds, simoleons, etc? Is the economy doing well or poor?

5. History - Your country had to start somewhere. Maybe your story starts at the beginning or hundreds of years later. How was the land founded? How did it go from what it was to what it is today? How old is the country? Are there places where people can learn about the history? Museums, monuments, tv shows, movies, etc.

Now, don’t let these things scare or overwhelm you! Trust me, sometimes these things develop with time and you don’t need to figure it all out before you start. Get a comfortable head start and worldbuild as you go!

Your Government

Alright, let’s move onto government which I felt had to be it’s own section because there are Royal sims after all. Your country’s government system is important because it will impact your family. So, here’s a few things to consider:

Your Government System - Your probably doing a monarchy system, but there are even different types of monarchies. So it would be a good idea to do a bit of research on which one yours falls under. Keep in mind, that you can even make up your own kind of system. You don’t have to follow what’s already established.

Political Affiliation - Many countries have some sort of party system (ex. Americans have democrat and republicans and a few smaller parties). I know that most people don’t want to get political, but in some instances you may find it neccessary. But, still keep in mind that you can totally make this up. 

Laws and Such - Who establishes the laws? Who enforces them? These are some things you need to think of. Is it your royal family or monarch? Do you have some sort of parliament system. This kind of falls within the government system part, but mainly you want to establish the role of your monarchy and those they work with to govern your country.

Your Royal Family

Alright, let’s get to the fun parts - Your Royal Family! This is why you’re here. You want to slap some tiaras on a sim and send them to the next gala! But, hold on a second. Let’s establish a few things in our families first:

Titles - When it comes to royals, titles are very important. Some titles are given based on land ownership, family heritage, birth, etc. You want to give your royals titles and establish how they are styled (ex. Her Majesty or Her Imperial Majesy). You also want to create a system for titles such as if someone dies, who gets their title?

Dress code - You’re going to soon find out that dress plays a huge role in royal sims. Many have strict dress codes. Your dress code can look however you want it to look. You may also want to keep in mind traditional or national type outfits based on your country.

Roles - What exactly does your royal family do for your country? Support causes through engagements, engage in political lawmaking, host foreign diplomats? It’s really up to you. You can create some interested storylines based on duty, as well!

Religion - I added this to Royals because I realize that a lot of Royals base their pretty much entire existence on religion. So, I think it’s important to note. Of course, like politics, it’s a touchy subject so you don’t have to do it. Want to make something up? Go for it! I’ve been using the Jacoban religion from the Sims Medieval which has been much easier! You can find my guide on that here.

Royal Sims Community

There is an awesome growing community of Royal Simmers! All of which help us tell our stories, collaborate, and overall have fun. So, here’s a few things of note!

Royal CC and Poses

Tiaras, clothes, jewelry, etc. - @melonsloth, @batsfromwesteros, @glitterberrysims, @normalsiim, @thesimpireblr, @royaltysimblr, @threethousandplumbobs, @rustys-cc, @sifix, @ice-creamforbreakfast, 

Build/Buy - @thejim07, @felixandresims, @anachrosims, @themarblemortal, @strangestorytellersims

Poses/Deco Sims -  @samssims, @royalhouseofcarrington, @novapark, @whitmoreroyals, @reigningsims​, @clanmacarthur​

Tips on Collaborating

Royal Simblr Event/Collab Etiquette 

Guide to Interacting

How to Send Sims 

How to Host an Event 

Collabing with Others 

Royal Sims Discord Server

If you’d like to join the royal sims discord server, send a message to myself, @thealbionroyals, @whitmoreroyals, @trentonsimblr​, @thebaillieroyals​, or @royalhouseofcarrington​. There are 5000 more tips and tricks in there plus it’s where we all hang out to talk about royals, get feedback, and collab!

In Conclusion

This post is so long, but I thought I’d give some parting advice as you start your journey into the crazy world of Royal Sims!

1. Get a Process Going that Works for You

When it comes to storytelling, it’s probably a fun hobby for you that you want to dedicate time to. My biggest tip is to find a storytelling process that what works for you. I recommend something that allows you to be focused without stifling your creativity. And it’s okay if it changes or if you do things differently from time to time.

2. Take the Pressure Off

It’s easy to put a ton of unneeded pressure on yourself. But, it’s always been important to me to have fun and use this as a creative outlet. Creativity is very fluid. There is no right or wrong way to be creative. Perfection does not equal creativity. It’s also really hard to be creative when you’re miserable.

3. Interact and Find Your People

For me, this one is the hardest one to do and took some time but I’ve made a lot of great friends here! It started with me following their stories and engaging with them, then I started my story and we’d engage with each other, then I headed over to discord for more interaction. And through that process I’ve found a lot of cool people who motivate me and inspire me daily! Don’t be discouraged by people having their own friend groups or feeling like an outsider. All friendships take time to form but if you put the effort in and connect with people genuinely, it’s really awesome and makes storytelling even more fun!

4. Have fun!

I can’t stress this enough! Actually have fun with what you’re doing. Don’t make this creative outlet a job or set ridiculous expectations for yourself. Don’t think your blog needs to be like anyone else’s to fit in. I think most people here can agree that they very much don’t fit in which is why they’ve turned to a space like this. You will go longer and be less bored when you have fun and not pressure yourself.

[storiesbyjes2g]

Hi! I'm not sure if you've talked about this before but I wanted to ask. Are your stories happening in the same universe? Like are Mel and Luca existing together at the same time or is it completely seperate?Just wondering!

Hey Britt!!

This is a good question, and no I've never talked about it, so I guess it's time to set the record straight lol.

My stories usually exist in the same universe. I love making them reference each other, like how Maya Pruett (from Delicious Dishes & Dreams that I reaaaaally need to finish lol) is obsessed with Bailey Kay. But there are a few exceptions, and unfortunately this is one. 😭 I very much want these worlds to be linked, but I can't do it. Because this story is loosely based on a challenge and is a veeeeery simmish world while the Pierson Cinematic Universe is more realistic, it doesn't make sense for them to be on same plane. So, no, Mel and Luca do not exist in the same universe and will never know the other exists. [sigh]

Thanks for asking!

[trentonsimblr]

@bridgeportbritt here’s Jamie!

[eslanes]

ꜰʟᴏʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ɢᴇʀᴍᴀɪɴᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱɪᴍᴅᴏɴɪᴀ'ꜱ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴋʙᴇ ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ

for @bridgeportbritt (private dl if chosen)

age 31

high-maintenance, ambitious, dance machine

daughter of the mega-wealthy Germaine Family, best known for their chain of luxury hotels

born in Bridgeport, resides in Del Sol Valley

While Florence has inherited her parents’ ambitions and love of money, she’s also been the subject of many tabloid scandals due to her love of partying over the years

Co-starred in "The Quiet Life”, the mega-popular reality tv show with former bestie Cheryl Riche (daughter of famed music producer Q-Tip Riche)

Don’t bring up Florence’s failled pop career, whatever you do!

Florence has been the face of several brands over the years. She hopes to bring her experience in the modelling industry to the KBE team, while (hopefully) carving out a new career path for herself

[crownsofesha]

8, 13, and 28 please!

8. How are members of your royal family styled (e.g., His Royal Highness, Her Royal Majesty,  etc.)

The King is styled as Their Majesty, the same as the Queen. The Grand Princess, who is the King's spouse, but doesn't have the same power as a Queen, is styled as Their Royal Highness. The Grand Princess was also styled as Their Grace until King Edward I changed it to Their Royal Highness. Princes of Esha are all styled as Their Royal Highness. same with their spouses, the Princesses. Grand Duke's are the children of the monarch, but have been given a dukedom after they have reached the age of majority, so they are also styled as Their Royal Highness. King/Queen - Their Majesty Grand Princess - Their Royal Highness/Their Grace Prince/Princess - Their Royal Highness Grand Duke/Grand Duchess - Their Royal Highness

13. Can journalists and public figures criticize or insult the monarch or the monarchy? Do journalists or news agencies face penalties for critiquing or insulting the monarch or royal family? Are those penalties enforced?

Journalists and public figures are free to criticize and insult the monarchy, it is the public itself that they would face consequences of. It is seen as uncouth since you can air your grievances out officially. There is a portion of the government that takes complaints and tries to show you how to solve them with in the system already or points you towards official routes to solve the problem. A couple actual rules that news agencies have to follow so that they can be published in Esha is no speculating on pregnancies, no price checking outfits (the clothing that the royal family buys is from their own money, all tax dollars go towards bettering the lives of the people), and you are only allowed to publish facts, no speculation. These rules are enforced with fines and if you have repeated offences then public ridicule follows, as well as banning the paper in Esha.

28. When and how does your royal family announce births and the names of newborn children?

The Royal Family announces the start of the labor, then when and if the baby is health, but not the name of the baby until after the 8th day of the baby being alive. A naming ceremony takes place in a Synagogue at 9 am. The ceremony is televised, the Royal Family invites those to take part in the joy of inviting a new life into the world. The name is announced during the ceremony.

[covingtons]

Sorry! I know I'm late but 1,3, and 30 for the worldbuilding asks please!

never too late for you Britt 💖

1. What kind of government does your country have?

I'm super bad at the actual politics of royal simblr and have very little interest in it tbh (which is dumb bc I literally chose to do this twice now and still know nothing about politics or government) so from what I DO understand and know Brighton is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch is head of state but is more symbolic than governing

(I promise I will do more research one of these days when I have the time so that I am actually informed on what I'm talking about)

3. If your monarch died with no legitimate heirs and no chosen successor, who would become the next monarch?

There is always a line of succession, so the crown would simply pass to the next in line. If there really was no one next there would be a council held by Parliament to determine who would take the crown

30. Do children attend school, or are they educated at home by tutors or governesses?

Children almost always attend private school nowadays! Some heirs have been homeschooled along with their lessons to be the future monarch, but in the more modern years most have attended school as a way to stay "balanced" and still live as kids as much as they can

[warwickroyals]

Hey!!! What's the funniest thing that has happened to your OCs in game? Bonus points for sharing a pic!

I think I do have pictures of this buried somewhere, but it was from a while back, when this blog was new, I was taking screenshots and there was a fire! Everyone was freaking out, doing the typical Sims-reacting-to-fire thing, but Phillip just walked directly into the flames and stood there??? Like, he was fully on fire but didn't seem to care at all. It was really funny.

[miyuzarry]

Lady Madeleine as a candidate for SimDonia's Next KBE Model!

For @bridgeportbritt who I'm really thankful to that she let me introduce Madeleine even though I missed the deadline!

About Lady Madeleine Meora:

Lady Madeleine Elizabeth Meora was born to Their Royal Highnesses Princess Brielle and Wilbur, the Duke and Duchess of Valoria. She spent most of her childhood relatively out of the spotlight, which she thought was unfair since her cousins, Princess Theodora and Crown Princess Adira, always were. Over the years, she worked her way up in University and studied Psychology and Art history. After University, she started Modeling. Madeleine is known as a model in Elthonia and Malovia and would love to be KBE's Next Model.

Young adult

Is a Model in Elthonia and Malovia

She loves to Model and has always loved the Spotlight. Her mother, however, made sure she lived a relatively normal life outside of it.

She is a very happy and outgoing person, who spends most of her time outside enjoying the nature, and also posing for one or two pictures

She handles Paparazzi really well

Has a passion for fashion and modeling

Is a bit dramatic

Is outgoing and is a little childish

(Thanks to all cc creators and pose creator, your stuff is amazing!)

[thecharlestonroyalfamily]

Here are my candidates for @bridgeportbritt​ ‘s next KBE model. I made two models cause I’m an indecisive Gemini and I love them both.

Annabeth Jackson, 27

Annabeth is a 27 year old architecture student from New Avalon, Eulmore. She’s been modeling since she was 13 and has worked with some notable brands over the years in Eulmore and it’s neighboring countries. Before she was scouted Annabeth used to feel insecure about both her blonde hair and vitiligo but now wears them proudly as her signature features. Annabeth brings a confident feminine energy with her to every shoot and is a natural when it comes to flirting with the camera. Modeling for KBE would be a dream come through for her as well as the final stepping stone in sealing her name as one of the best on the scene.

Vi Harris, 25

Meet Vi, or Violet if you feel like getting punched, a 25 year old boxer & Twitch streamer from Charleston. She recently got into modeling via her girlfriend Annabeth and quite frankly has been loving it. Due to her boxing background Vi has big energy on camera and really shines in dynamic poses. She also tends to nail her shoots within the first shot. Being a newcomer in the scene modeling for KBE would give her the international attention she needs to further her career as well as a chance to hone her craft to it’s fullest.

[armoricaroyalty]

Jacques, in voiceover: ...but it was Freddy’s idea. He insisted on throwing me a bachelor party and he insisted on bringing his girlfriend.

Jacques, in voiceover: ...she clearly didn’t want to be there.

Kelly: ...what? Freddy: What do you mean, ‘what?’ You’re the one looking at me. Kelly: ....oookay. Jacques: Shut up, dude. You’re drunk.

Jacques, in voiceover: He wasn’t, but it was easier to say that then tell him he was being an asshole. You know how he gets.

Jacques, in voiceover: I think she was pissed though, because she kept poking at him. It was like she was trying to start a fight.

Jacques, in voiceover: It worked, because of course it did...Eventually, the rest of us got sick of listening to it, so we just left them to it.

Jacques, in voiceover: You know he gets. Freddy: ...six months ago, you wanted to be part of my world. You wanted to meet my family.

Kelly: Oh, sorry for not wanting to pound shots with the lads— Freddy: That’s not what I’m mad about and you know it! This is about how you never want to step out of your comfort zone at all— Kelly: Uh, why would I? ‘Stepping out of her comfort zone’ worked out great for your sister-in-law!

Freddy: What happened to Vivi isn’t— Kelly: Why wouldn’t it? I’m not a society girl, my parents weren’t rich or famous. You hear the shit they say about her, right? I don’t want to live the rest of my life like that, Freddy.

Freddy: [sighs] What is it you want, then? Because I am getting some mixed signals over here. Kelly: ...don’t get mad at me, but...

Kelly: ...do you remember that ‘teach Armorican abroad’ program I was telling you about? Freddy: ...I don’t like where this is going.

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CREDITS: thanks to @bridgeportbritt, @trentonsimblr, and @ardeney-sims for sending me your guys, sorry for taking so long to get this post together!!!!

[bridgeportbritt]

A Guide to Jacobanism

I noticed that there is an interest in Jacobanism or religion in general in Royal stories, so I thought I’d share some of the worldbuilding I’ve done around the religion. This is very much based on the Sims Medieval religion and was my way of including religion in my story without including real religion. Feel free to use these elements in your story!

Note: I put things unique to my country, SimDonia, in italics, but I’m happy with sharing these elements if you’d like!

Overview

Jacoban, a monotheistic religion, is a religion where followers believe in a god known as the Watcher, who created them, watches them, and guides them. They believe that the Watcher is vengeful and merciless and thus must be feared and appeased by submitting to a strict moral code, lest It decide to punish them.

Accordingly, Jacoban priests work to drive fear and obedience into the hearts of worshipers by making intense sermons, encouraging Sims to absolve their sins, and teaching and spreading the word of the Book of Jacob.

Church Hierachy

The official Jacoban Church is organized by and run by the The Proxy, a Jacoban priest who has been elected to hold the position. The Proxy is said to speak for Jacob, who in turn spoke for the Watcher. Under the Proxy are the Eyes of Jacob who are appointed by The Proxy to guide the religion across it’s many churches across the simverse. Eyes of Jacob can appoint High Shepherd(esse)s in their church. The lowest ranking members of the church are the attendants of the priests. The absolute head of the church is the Sovereign in many countries where monarchies reign.

Style

The Gothic style of Jacoban cathedrals and the heavily-dyed and adorned clothing the clergy wears is notably awe-inspiring. The main symbol of the Watcher is the Watcher's Eye, a constellation that's said to look over all of the Sims. Many eyes feature prominently in religious-themed architecture and items. One piece of significance in SimDonia is the Watcher’s Staff which is bowed to as a sign of respect at ceremonies.

You can find plenty of Sims Medieval/Jacoban converted cc here.

Common phrases used by believers, “Shine the Watcher’s Gaze Upon Thee” which is meant to help Sims focus and reflect on the Watcher. It is said during significant life moments and any time Sims reflect on The Watcher. Also commonly used is “Jacob Guide You” which is what believers say to each other normally as a greeting.

History

The Jacoban faith was started by a Sim named Jacob who was born in Yacothia, the Jacoban holy city run by a The Jacoban Proxy. Jacob is believed to have spoken for The Watcher and is likely the first Sim to have talked about The Watcher at all. 

Ceremonies

There are a few ceremonies that fall within the religion - Marriages, Funerals, Coronations, and Conversions.

For each ceremony, Eyes of Jacob must give the Jacob’s Trilogy of Praise. This praise is meant to give the ultimate blessing to any believing sim directly from The Watcher.  The Trilogy of Praise includes three key blessings:

The Watcher’s Absolution which absolves sims of their sins so they can look forward without the past blocking their path. 

The Watcher’s Touch which protects the sim from dangers and obstacles. 

The Watcher’s Blessing which is meant to fill the sims’ heart with the Watcher’s love and cherish thee. If a sim is given this praise at their funeral or just before death, they are said to live forever in eternal bliss.

For Conversions, a sim can convert at any time in life. They must meet with an Eye of Jacob and have a ceremony where they are given the Jacob’s Trilogy of Praise. Parents may also have the ceremony performed on their children.

Holidays

Significant Holidays that are celebrated within the faith include:

Winterfest which is at the end of December. It is said that Jacob traveled back from Yacothia during this time with a mission to spread the knowledge of The Watcher with the rest of the world. He endured many obstacles but his belief and fear of The Watcher protected him on his journey. During this holiday, Sims share gifts as Jacob shared the gift of knowing The Watcher. 

Harvest Fest celebrated in November is when Sims gather around a large feast as Jacob did when he finally returned home to Yacothia. It is said that The Watcher blessed the meal because Jacob was so strong in his faith and spread the message with the world. 

Ybtirten is an 8 day celebration in February of The Watcher practiced by the most faithful. Traditions include: Fasting for 8 days as Jacob did during his journey spreading the Word of The Watcher, converting sims to Jacobanism, proclaiming love and respect for The Watcher, and doing acts of kindness such as donating to the church or otherwise. It’s common to acquire “Watched Water” during this time from the Church of Jacob to absolve sins.

Well there it is! Let me know if there is anything else you would like me to talk about regarding Jacobanism. Please feel free to use this made-up religion in your stories, if you’d like and adapt it to your story as you see fit!

[storiesbyjes2g]

{💌} It's time to spread some positivity! Send this to 5 other simmers to show how much you appreciate them & their content ♡

Awwwwwww I appreciate you and your content too!! So much! 💛

[trentonsimblr]

{💌} It's time to spread some positivity! Send this to 5 other simmers to show how much you appreciate them & their content ♡

💜💜💜

[lrsimmer]

❤️ You are amazing and you are doing great ❤️ Send this to other bloggers you think are wonderful and make their day even better 😌

BRITT!

I'll take the double love <3

[crownsofesha]

💌 This is the Amazing Person Award! Once you are given this award you are supposed to paste it in the ask of eight different people, who, in your opinion, deserve it. If you break the chain nothing will happen, but it is sweet to know someone thinks you’re amazing inside and out! 💌

Thank you!