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SupportedCity Journals
Our community City Journals
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South Coast
This is again, some of the contents of my imgur that I thought was not CJable. But thinking it through I thought it was a great story. Remember again, this images were not put out as something to tell this story, so use your imagination a little bit At first it was just land. But the people wanted something to stand out. They wanted to protect their land, so they built a fortress to protect it. But urbanization came, people were aproaching the fortress that once protected all of them And then came the roads. The development... More and more the land consolidated. But they had a scar. The road, separated them from the beach. The road actually destroyed the beach. Fortunately, after a lot of discussion, they got their beach back. - 12
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New Goodland Register 09/7/11AS New Goodland, County of New Goodland EASTLAND CAVALRY RIDES TO GLORY IN EXTRA-INNING GAME 7 THRILLER Cavalry edge New Goodland South 6–5 to capture the inaugural Commonwealth Series Championship By Elan Vickers, Sports Editor NEW GOODLAND— In what will surely be remembered as one of the most thrilling baseball games in Commonwealth history, the Eastland Cavalry overcame the odds — and a potent New Goodland South lineup — to claim the first-ever Commonwealth Series championship, winning Game 7 in eleven tense innings, 6–5. The final blow came off the bat of J. Parkes, who launched a solo home run in the top of the 11th to break a 5–5 deadlock, capping a standout performance and completing a sweep of three extra-inning frames. The Cavalry, who entered the postseason as underdogs with a 39–27 record, weathered the storm against the West Division champions (45–21) and emerged victorious at a packed Aces Grounds, with 4,563 in attendance on a cool, clear night. ⚾ Box Score Highlights Eastland Cavalry (6 Runs, 14 Hits, 2 Errors) J. Parkes (CF): 2-for-6, GW HR (11th inning), 2 R, 1 RBI W. Plewes (2B): 1-for-5, 2-run HR (1st inning), solid defense K. Lester (3B): Solo HR (6th inning), 2-for-5 with key double play turn J. Woodrum (P): Contributed at the plate with an RBI single and sac bunt New Goodland South (5 Runs, 13 Hits, 0 Errors) B. Falciani (CF): Player of the Game despite the loss — 3-for-5, HR (9th inning), 2 R, 2 SB S. Holmes (C): 2 RBI single in the 5th to tie the game K. Rhodes (3B): 3-for-5, RBI, continued his strong postseason 🎙️ The Turning Point The game seemed destined for heartbreak for Eastland when B. Falciani’s solo blast in the bottom of the 9th tied things at 5–5. But Eastland’s bullpen held firm, with M. Vineberg pitching two scoreless innings for the win. T. Georges, who gave up the homer to Parkes, took the loss. 🧢 A Season to Remember The Eastland Cavalry, led by manager Devin Markley, built their success on clutch hitting, patient pitching, and gritty defense. After finishing first in the East Division, they surged through the playoffs and overcame a Game 6 blowout to grind out a Game 7 masterpiece. “This team never gave up,” said Markley in the champagne-drenched clubhouse. “Everyone counted us out in June. Now look at us.” 📈 A New Era for Commonwealth Baseball With the Goodland Baseball Association’s inaugural season now officially in the books, fans across the Commonwealth have reason to celebrate. From opening day to the final out in extra innings of Game 7, the sport has woven itself deeply into the identity of the young Commonwealth. League officials confirmed that over 48,000 fans attended games during the regular season, and school league interest has doubled in the past year. “This is just the beginning,” said Commissioner Tyrin Ledwell. “Baseball belongs to Goodland now.” 🏆 Final Series Recap Commonwealth Series (Best of 7): Game 1: Eastland 4 – New Goodland South 3 Game 2: New Goodland South 6 – Eastland 1 Game 3: Eastland 5 – New Goodland South 4 Game 4: New Goodland South 7 – Eastland 2 Game 5: Eastland 8 – New Goodland South 5 Game 6: New Goodland South 9 – Eastland 3 Game 7: Eastland 6 – New Goodland South 5 (11 innings) 🏅 Commonwealth Champions: Eastland Cavalry “This isn’t the end,” said Coach Beck, beaming as her players hugged family and friends. “It’s just the beginning of something big — for Eastland, and for Goodland.” Townships on the Rise: Barrett and Maynard Reflect New Patterns in Rural-Urban Growth By Elsa Malken, Special Correspondent As the Commonwealth’s municipalities continue to expand and adapt to the pressures of growth, a quiet but important trend is taking root: the emergence of distinct townships within the boundaries of larger cities — semi-autonomous, locally-oriented communities that are redefining how space, identity, and governance operate across Goodland. Two of the most visible examples are Barrett Township, nestled near Barrett Ranch in the southeastern reaches of Highfield, and Maynard Township, located along the Williamstead Road corridor on the northern edge of the island of New Goodland, near the long-established Maynard Ranch. Barrett Township: Ranch Roots, Urban Reach Barrett Township is quickly becoming a vibrant satellite within southeast Highfield, where rolling pastureland and ranching operations blend with growing industrial and transport infrastructure. The township, which informally centers around Barrett Ranch, has seen an influx of residents seeking more affordable housing while remaining within commuting distance of Highfield’s job centers. New homesteads, cooperative stables, and feed supply operations have popped up alongside warehouse conversions and freight stops. “We still ride horses out here, but now there’s a broadband tower on the ridge,” said resident Silas Rand, whose family has worked the ranchlands since before the Commonwealth was founded. “We’re part of Highfield, but we’ve got our own rhythm.” Local leaders in Highfield have begun informal discussions about establishing township-level advisory councils to allow communities like Barrett more direct input on land use, utilities, and school development. Maynard Township: The North Island’s Frontier Hub To the north, Maynard Township is taking shape as a distinct rural community at the gateway between New Goodland city and the agricultural frontier leading to Williamstead. Surrounded by fertile croplands and anchored by Maynard Ranch, the township straddles a key route that links inland farms to coastal markets. What sets Maynard apart is its mix of agrarian conservatism and frontier entrepreneurship. Residents have begun organizing seasonal markets, small machinery workshops, and even a cooperative seed bank — efforts largely driven by local families and unaffiliated with municipal departments. “We want to be left alone, but we also want our road paved properly,” said township organizer Ella Dorsett. “That’s the kind of balance we’re trying to strike out here.” Municipal officials in New Goodland confirmed that while Maynard Township remains unincorporated, they are “actively monitoring” the growth of distinct rural nodes, especially as infrastructure requests increase. A New Layer of Localism? Urban analysts and policy advisors say these developments highlight a third tier of community identity in the Commonwealth: neither purely municipal nor entirely rural, but something in between — township identity embedded within larger city jurisdictions. According to preliminary estimates from the Commonwealth Planning Bureau, at least seven townships with distinct civic or economic character now exist across the Commonwealth’s incorporated areas. “This may mark the start of a new chapter in Goodland’s local governance,” said Dr. Miren Alby of the Goodland Institute for Rural Affairs. “How we acknowledge and support townships like Barrett and Maynard will shape how inclusive and resilient our municipalities become.” For now, residents continue to build their lives with a sense of rooted independence — connected to cities, but still deeply tied to land, labor, and local ways of life. Commonwealth Surpasses 100,000 Residents Official Count Reaches 110,809; Highfield and New Goodland Neck-and-Neck for Top Spot By Harold Ennis, Staff Reporter The Commonwealth of Goodland has officially crossed a major demographic milestone: a total population of 110,809 residents, according to newly released estimates by the Commonwealth Statistical Office (CSO). This landmark figure confirms what planners, economists, and local officials have long suspected — that Goodland’s era as a frontier society is ending, and its next phase as a diverse, interconnected republic is now well underway. Highfield Takes the Lead — For Now At the top of the list is Highfield, which now boasts 18,891 residents, just edging out longtime rival New Goodland, which trails by a narrow margin with 18,655 residents. “Highfield’s surge reflects its dual identity as both an industrial engine and a growing residential hub,” said Statistical Officer Myra Lunn. “What we’re seeing is a city no longer confined to its factory roots but evolving into a multi-dimensional urban center.” Both cities have expanded rapidly in recent years — New Goodland through its administrative and commercial prominence, and Highfield through a steady influx of industrial workers and their families, particularly in areas like Barrett Township. Other Population Leaders: Growth Across the Board Following Highfield and New Goodland, Garrettville remains a strong regional core with 10,824 people, reflecting its status as a cultural and logistical anchor in West Goodland County. In the east, Eastland (10,639) and Baylor (10,157) have emerged as co-leaders of the inland corridor, where education investments, housing starts, and the new Goodland Baseball Association franchise have contributed to steady population gains. New Rose, with 7,041 residents, remains the leading municipality in Rose County, though growth there has slowed somewhat amid land use disputes and strained infrastructure. Commonwealth-Wide Implications Officials from the Office of the Resident General hailed the 110,000-resident milestone as “an affirmation of the Commonwealth’s founding vision and long-term viability.” However, the announcement was also accompanied by reminders of the challenges ahead. “A population of this size brings with it new responsibilities in transportation, education, taxation, and local governance,” said Planning Commissioner Arnell Jaekel. “The Commonwealth Charter under development must be ready to meet the realities of a society that is no longer small or static.” What’s Next? With the Centralia Mountain Basin now under development and several municipalities — including Point William, Mercer, and Tolbertson — showing accelerated growth curves, CSO officials expect the Commonwealth’s population to reach 125,000 by the end of 12AS, if current trends hold. The Commission on Municipal Self-Government has already flagged the need for redistricting discussions and potential expansions to the Commonwealth Assembly to accommodate emerging urban centers. But for now, citizens across Goodland have cause for celebration — and reflection — as the Commonwealth enters a new chapter, one with six-figure aspirations and a future as wide as its prairies and peaks.- Read More
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It Begins
COMING SOON... What stories will this vast place hold? What magnificent monuments and breathtaking landscapes would fill the lands, rivers and seas before us? -
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Ciutà Oposals
Welcome to Ciutà Oposals! This city is in the process of development, but it is gradually becoming a warm and magnificent place.- Read More
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Grand Beacon - Dune Port City
At the tip of the Edge Peninsula sits Dune Port City. Although occupying only on a small plot, it is a bustling and energetic town. Dune Port City sits to the north of Paddleton Town, the only town it shares boundary with. Vastly facing the river, the community mainly involved in the mixed Fishery-Industrial and also railway operations. Dune Port City is equipped with a seaport that serves for the import & export for the city and further neighbouring cities. The people here are characterized hardworking and known for its strong work ethic. The main feature of this town is that the Medium Industrial zone is encircled by train tracks that allow trains to navigate around it, providing views of much of the town's interior. This industrial area is also flanked by residential, commercial, and service infrastructure zones, which are in close proximity to one another. Consequently, the air pollution generated by industrial activities is an unavoidable reality that has become integrated into the community. Individuals who are strong-willed and those who have the staying power, zeal, and gusto, serve as the vital backbone that is observable throughout all layers of the community. Ms Eliza Nile, a local girl, serves as the mayor. She is young and electrifying, having charismatic persona and the palpable energy of the moment create an inspiring tableau of a new generation of leadership that resonates with the vitality of the town she so passionately represents. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of all facets necessary to guide the city effectively. The public has no reason to worry; Dune Port City is safe and sound in her capable hands. - 6
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The Beginning
Here we are starting out the city. You can see how the layout was made. Off to a good start. Let's see what's on the News. Oops, I didn't mean to do that. The giant cliff makes the city dark all day! Unemployment crisis! The only happy advisor is Sam. We're in good hands. I renamed the city to "shadowcity". It went in a depression and everything sucks. They blame me for this to happen. I unlocked World Trade Center. -
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Landmarks
Some of the most attractive landmarks from my city: City Centre Tower, Hôtel de Ville and Natural History Museum: Arc, Courthouse and Police Dept: Opera Palais: Cathedral: Bay Palace Gardens: Main Train Station: Hotel on a Hill: Movie Theater: -
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At the gateway to the "Intra-Muros"
Welcome to this city stop located on a rocky point on the north coast. Although not yet finished, I'll be showing you a few views of the town.
I'll try to publish a few scenes of life in this walled city on a regular basis. Next scene was previously published in “What you're working on”. Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. - 2
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Chapter 5: Highway Construction
Quite some time has passed since the Colkirk City Planing Council and Departement of Justice have presented their plans for the further expansion of Colkirk. Meanwhile, the new prison has already been built, and construction work has started for the new highway! - 5
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South Tyrell: Industrial Crossroads
Hello again, and welcome back to our continuing tour of the City of Tyrell. Today we're going to finally leave the port area and enter the city proper, getting our first look at how the citizens of Tyrell live and work. We'll be sticking to the south bank of the Neskowin River, exploring the industrial parks and poorer neighborhoods which have sprung up over the decades, drawn to the ceaseless economic activity of the southern port terminals. These districts are not exactly old, but have seen relatively little redevelopment since the first waves of construction spread across area in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. As such, these neighborhoods are still dominated by the mid-century brickwork of factories and warehouses, with only the odd hi-tech start-up and re-purposed residential loft breaking the sightline. We'll start in the far south, across the fence from the container yards we visited last entry. Far from any home or office building, this borough hosts only the heaviest (and dirtiest) industry in the city, and serves as the final destination for much of the raw material imports rolling off the nearby docks. Crossing over highway 110, large-scale manufacturing gives way to large-scale logistics and distribution. We're now in the true industrial heartland of Tyrell, downstream of all the port infrastructure we spent so much time exploring. In addition to enormous warehouses and shipping depots, smaller-scale manufacturing concerns and industrial services can be found, which eventually bleed over into our first mixed use and residential neighborhoods in the north. Further inland, the local freight branches of the rail network intersect with the regional train corridor. Crossing to the other side, we begin to see the first signs of redevelopment, with modern hi-tech industry arriving in the last two decades. Clean energy startups in particular have made a home here. Next we move north to the most prominent feature of South Tyrell's skyline: the Mario M. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. This facility, one of the largest single employers in the city, provides power not just for Tyrell proper, but for much of the broader metropolitan area and satellite communities further afield. First commissioned in 1971 with one reactor, the plant has expanded over the years to its current, 2002-built configuration, boasting four operational reactors and eight underground turbine rooms. Water is provided by a series of pumps, drawing directly from an artificial inlet running between port terminals A and B. The power station has had to expand so much to meet the growing energy demands of Tyrell, that highway 110 had to be rerouted to make way for its current footprint. Electricity generated by the plant powers much of the region further south along the coast. Continuing beyond the Koeberg Station, we come to one of the original neighborhoods of the industrial district. This still consists largely of smaller service shops and family-owned businesses, with some buildings being slowly converted into studio lofts. Finally, we arrive at the neighborhoods around the mouth of the Neskowin River. This is a lower-income neighborhood, built amongst and adjacent to contemporary industrial buildings. Highlights include the Riverwalk, a pedestrian loop around the lower reaches of the Neskowin and one of the oldest public spaces in the city; and Commerce Street Station, the second largest rail terminal in Tyrell and the main gateway for industrial workers arriving from out of town. We'll see much of Commerce Street today, but the rest of the Riverwalk will have to wait for a later entry. Looming above Commerce Street Station is the Florence Autobody Assembly Plant, one of the largest of its kind in Simnation. We'll conclude here for now, back near the mouth of the Neskowin and the busy harbor. However, we're not quite done with Tyrell's industrial development. Next time, we'll look at some of the newest and most advanced manufacturing installations in the country. We'll also get an idea of what the landscape used to look like before those installations came to town, by travelling all the way to the edge of the city and the hills and forests beyond. Next entry will be a combination of hi-tech commerce and rustic R&R. See you then. - 3
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Part 2: Orthiver
The district just north of Hiver, known as Orthiver for the small city that resides there, is where I spent most of my uni days. It was in the suburb of Wesbridge to be exact, a 20 or so minute walk down to the river. While we often made the trip down to Hiver central, I've got fond memories of the local watering holes in the downtown's that seem to litter the district.
In the summer Orthiver was cricket mad, and I remember descending on the Madelyn Rage Grammar School to watch the local high school team. It was a strange little culture - a district that goes mad over high school sports, but it was a lovely way to spend a summer day, drinking beers hidden in brown paper bags in the school grounds. There was a little Cathedral, St Edwards, to the north of the district, and St Edwards square had a lovely and eclectic array of shops. One of my close friends lived their, so I often caught the tram up to meet him in one of the shady coffee shops. It was the bridge that used to reside here that gave the city of Hiversbridge its name. The old one fell apart long ago, but the new one stands resplendent over the river to this day. The view of it from Wesbridge where I lived was beautiful. I'd spend many an afternoon wondering as to what magical engineering could have built such a structure. The eastbanks of the district were far quieter, full of little cottages and terraces that Hiversbridge is known for. They were designed by one man and built on mass throughout the inner city. In the old days they were seen as cheap and decrepit. Now you can hardly afford one. While I did love my time here, the callings of other parts of the city were too strong. That and the rent was far too expensive. But I still love to visit the district when I can. - 4
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Honestville
Honestville Is an amazing city to live in with lots of luxurious homes and towering buildings, Honestville is a perfect blend of urban and suburban. Enjoy!!! Honestville-Jan. 18, 1391734473408.info Honestville-Jan. 18, 1391734473408.txt Honestville-Jul. 3, 1331734390413.info Honestville-Jul. 3, 1331734390413.txt Honestville-Jun. 21, 1331734390371.info Honestville-Jun. 21, 1331734390371.txt Honestville-Mar. 25, 1371734473208.info Honestville-Mar. 25, 1371734473208.txt- Read More
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"[...] In the next weeks or in the next month I will post the part II [...]" Well, right, so about that At least I did make it before the end of the year! So we're still on our amazing average of 2.5 entries per year (I always try to bring some kind of special entry during holidays seasons)! As mentioned earlier, today we will get to know the historic Kakisalmi lumber mill, the former paper factory in the city, the industrial park that developed around it and is now the largest employer not only in the city but in the region as well, in addition to the forests, rivers, farms, and villages that surround Kakisalmi. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The industrial development of Kakisalmi began naturally with the extraction of timber from the region's dense forests. Over time, what started as simple wood extraction grew into a profitable industry for the Russian Empire, and with larger government investments after the World War I by the USSR, the Kakisalmi Lumber Mill was established, becoming one the largest in Southeast Karelia. With housing for employees who live far away, connections by railway and a small port, several warehouses, and a large lumber mill, the timber extraction operation in Kakisalmi is one of the largest in all of Karelia. Over the years, a pump and paper mill was built near the lumber mill in an effort to reduce logistics costs and create new jobs to increase the city's population, which was receiving various Soviet investments to develop Kakisalmi and the surrounding region. This triggered the establishment of new industries in Kakisalmi, thus creating the Kakisalmi Industrial Park (formerly the Priozersk Industrial Park). The Soviet government built a railway and a small port to help with the transportation of products, but nowadays, these small docks have become practically obsolete, unable to fully handle the current production. It did not receive significant investments for expansion in the following decades, as this port is only connected to Lake Ladoga, unlike the Viipuri Port, which, in addition to being nearby, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Very close to the southern entrance of the Industrial Park, a tiny village developed alongside a few farms. On the northern shore of the Vuoksi River, also known locally as the city's entrance, another rural village, Larionovo, developed alongside the region's farms. With only a church, a small school, and a small market, its population heavily relies on Kakisalmi's infrastructure, as they are just 15 minutes away, or essentially only a bridge crossing that connects both banks of the river. And this brief presentation concludes our tour of Kakisalmi, as the main highlights have already been covered... a little while ago, haha. I hope you enjoyed our tour, and I'll leave you with some farewell images. Will we meet again soon? I'm not sure if you still trust my promises, not that you're wrong to doubt, haha, but I hope to post a Christmas message before the end of the year. See you guys! - 7
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Chapter One: Vagga af Líf
When we last left our intrepid adventurers, they had just emerged from the sea that had tried to claim their lives. They were standing on the shores of an unfamiliar land with limited supplies and no idea where they were or if they would survive. After their harrowing experience on the sea, the survivors were grateful for the land they now stood upon. To show this appreciation, they named their new land Vagga af Líf*, which means Cradle of Life, as they were like a newborn babe, helpless and dependent on the land to provide for them what they would need. They first retrieved what supplies they could from the sea, being mindful of the waters and looking for any sign the creatures that stranded them here might be returning. Their next task was to secure shelter against the elements. They named their first settlement Nahvalr Strond*, which means Narwhal Shore, to serve as a reminder of the events that led them to this new land. At first there were many survivors to few houses, but as the winter gave way to spring, they were able to build more dwellings and also to begin farming. These new farms added a more stable source of food and supplemented the fish they harvested from the sea, and the beasts they hunted in the forests. Soon, the community began to grow and expand. With this growth they also began to explore the world around them. They soon discovered that they were surrounded by two mighty rivers, the Olmr Flod* (Wild River) to the west, and the Vindingr Flod* (Winding River) to the east. To the south of their oceanside settlement, they discovered deteriorating walls of what appeared to be a volcanic crater. This discovery prompted them to call their land Eld-gygr Skagi*, which means Crater Peninsula. All these expeditions were either on foot, until they were able to capture and tame some of the horses that were native to the peninsula. As we leave our fearless raiders turned settlers, we must ask: Will they once again return to the sea? Will they continue to prosper and fill their new land? Are they alone in this new world, or are there others they just haven't encountered yet? *I am trying to make translations as accurate as possible, but it is difficult to find Old Norse translations for some words, especially more modern ones. Notes: I am creating this City Journal via my phone, but do plan to add pictures from my laptop when I can. I hope you are enjoying the story. Feel free to leave comments or ideas below. I am building this region through a natural growth approach, meaning I have only a vague idea of what it will look like. For this reason, I have not even fully built out the terrain in most of the region, opting instead to only develop around where the first cities are going to avoid destroying development when editing adjacent tiles. I am also filling in each tile as it develops with minimal planning as to how it will look. I am currently playing the game totally vanilla without any mods, not even NAM. I am not opposed to modding, but I want to see how far I can take the base game before bugs and limitations stall out growth. I have played for years, but never successfully developed anything I was happy with, so I am trying a new approach and strategy to see what happens. Part of that plan is this CJ, my attempt to combine my love for city building games and creative writing (neither of which I am extremely good at, but enjoy nonetheless). The other part is less strict gridding and forcing myself to build slowly. I hope it pays off, and I hope y'all enjoy taking the journey with me.- Read More
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Generations of Early Expansion ~ Part 5
(I apologize for the length of this post! I was perhaps a bit too ambitious and I tried to do too much for this entry. Sorry )
Previously on Uncovering the Junon Vale: Hiddenbeck founded! ~ "Sim Bunyon once again has cut down the most trees this month!" Unseen Lake and Unseen River named, from the mysteriously manifesting bodies of water to the south of Oakfall. Timbercove founded! ~ "Looks like all these logs clogged up the river again... Damn!" Hiddenbeck Timber Co. and Hiddenbeck Timber Co. South branches founded! Pitstop founded! Bridgemaker Quarry founded! Ancient Bridge Ruins discovered by the Tidehook sailors, venturing inland on the Sea's Pride vessel! Tidehook expanded, becoming the largest town in the realm. Tidehaven Island, aka Sleepless Sands is founded! Truthseekers founded! ~ "Seeking the truth about our simgod since... wait what year is it? " Knowers founded! ~ "Knowing there is no such thing as a simgod. " Most settlers in the realm considered these the best course of actions: The bridgemakers west of Graincove were leaning towards naming the river the Slyside River, after the lake that it flows from. Tidehook sailors on the Sea's Pride ship decided to found a new port just to the south of the Ancient Bridge Ruins they discovered, knowing many other settlers would soon be coming their way to study & explore. The folks on Godhaven island didn't really notice all of the exceptional accomplishments of the Tidehook folk, and they planned to continue expanding their territory like busy little bees. The Truthseekers believed they would find answers to the realm's mysteries near the mysteries themselves, such as the Ancient Bridge Ruins, the manifesting Unseen Lake and Unseen River leading up to Hiddenbeck, the growing rocks by Graincove, or the haunted forest north of Port Novel. The Knowers were also intrigued by the Ancient Bridge Ruins, so they chose to focus their efforts there, as well as on improving the roadways in some of the realm's towns. The previous map: Knowing the truth is something most people wish for in life, and one tends to find the truth by seeking the truth. And therein lies the similarities between the Truthseekers and the Knowers, though they may not see those similarities presently; perhaps they never will. While the Knowers focus on what they know to be fact (or what they believe they know), the Truthseekers seek truths to be known within all of the mysterious phenomena of the realm. Ironically, if the Truthseekers found truths, the Knowers would accept those truths as known facts... wouldn't they? And likewise if the Knowers proved there was no Simgod, the Truthseekers would accept this and seek truths in places other than the existence of a god... wouldn't they? Perhaps it was far too soon to tell, for these two philosophies were just getting started. For now they both moved forward in accordance with their goals.
The Tidehook sailors whom found the Ancient Bridge Ruins were mostly Knowers, or most would go on to become part of that group. They decided to fulfill their purpose of expansion, and they founded a new port just south of the ruins:
Prideheart founded: ^Prideheart was named after the Sea's Pride ship, which made the remarkable discovery of the Ancient Bridge Ruins. The Sea's Pride dumped off her initial supplies for the settlers to found the port, then began sailing on repeated trips hauling additional supplies from Tidehook and Timbercove, including red granite bricks from Pitstop. ^Very quickly, a group of Knowers seeing opportunity founded a company known as the Prideheart Pioneer Services. Some of the red granite bricks were used to construct a shipping station for this new company. Interestingly, the Prideheart Pioneer Services (or PPS as they would perhaps one day come to abbreviate their company name) offered a variety of services, ranging from shipping goods and parcels, as well as ferrying workers and residents to & from Prideheart. Some of the pioneers even offered adventurous excursions if the buyer was wealthy enough, and the pioneer was renowned enough to be worth such a payment. Many of the workers took pride in being the couriers, adventurers, and pioneers of the great unknown. Many PPS shipping stations of similar style quickly arose in various key ports across the realm, including Port Novel, Tidehook, Slyside Lake, Graincove, Port Ravenloch, and Talonway Bay. ^The Truthseekers quickly erected a building in Prideheart as well, a church to worship the Simgod they believed in, and to praise the discovery of the Ancient Bridge Ruins. ^Near the Ancient Bridge Ruins themselves, settlers of all different walks of life erected a dedicated archeological site for the purpose of excavating and studying the ruins, with warehouses for cataloguing and storing any relics that may be found. A small house nearby served as an informative center for any visitors that wanted to see the ruins with their own eyes. While the area was somewhat open to the public, it was very heavily regulated by the Prideheart constables. Meanwhile, the bridgemakers working on the bridge west of Pitstop (mostly Knowers) were very pleased to finally finish construction. Prospect Path was finally completed, with no gaps from Tidehook to Graincove & Timbercove. This was quite significant as it allowed settlers to get to their destination much faster by easily crossing the Slyside River instead of needing to circle around Slyside Lake or charter a boat. ...but the Knowers work didn't stop there. They knew there would be many settlers aiming to travel to the newly founded Prideheart to pursue their own curiosities (which is also why the Prideheart Pioneer Services were founded). They decided to immediately lay a path towards Prideheart, which first entailed a bridge crossing the Unseen River mouth near the Hiddenbeck Timber Co. South in Timbercove: ^The bridge was simply called Timbercove Crossing From there they pioneered forth eastwards into territory not yet traversed by foot nor horseback, which they called the Keygate Corridor: ^Keygate Corridor was named such because the area consisted of a small corridor of water leading towards Prideheart. Many settlers considered this central corridor not only serving as a gateway into the vast unexplored eastern portions of the realm, but that the unexplored east would also somehow be the key to unlocking many discoveries. Thus, Keygate Corridor was the moniker that stuck. ^Another bridge was constructed, since the Knowers were apparently able to construct bridges in their sleep now. This bridge was called the Keygate Crossing, quickly becoming the longest bridgespan in the realm; the new path as a whole became known as the Pioneer's Passage... ^The pioneering Knowers even started working on an unnamed path to the north, on the eastern side of the Unseen River (top left in the screenshot), but they didn't get very far as this was not a priority passageway. ^The Pioneer's Passage continued all the way up to Prideheart where it concluded (at least at first) at the eastern portion of the Ancient Bridge Ruins. The Knowers planned to eventually construct another bridge here... I mean come'on the ancient people living here clearly did! This area must be perfect for bridges! However, the Knowers really hadn't been getting a lot of rest recently, so in these parts at least a bridge would need to wait. Let's hope settlers get paid overtime in this realm. As we mentioned earlier, knowing the truth is a pursuit of many, however when it came to knowing the accomplishments of the Tidehook sailors, the Godhaven Island folks couldn't have cared less. Sure, they knew of the Ancient Bridge Ruins being discovered, and sure they saw a new beacon on that cute lil' island by Tidehook ("What was that lil' island called again," they thought ), but ultimately the were completely indifferent to this apparent competition Tidehook was going on about. As such, the Godhaven folks just continued building up their own idyllic island (much to Tidehook's dismay of course ). First they expanded west and finally settled Westlance:
Lancepoint founded: ^The path heading in to Lancepoint was simply named the Westlance Path, after the landmass of which it traversed. ^Lancepoint seemed to have everything, and quickly! Located at the very western tip of Godhaven and pointing out towards Tidehaven Island, Lancepoint saw a LOT of ships traversing the area. There was even a branch of the Prideheart Pioneer Services. Because of the shipping lanes, this port quickly came to rival Tidehook's port. ^The masons of Godhaven were even able to replicate the lighthouse they noticed on that cute lil' island to the west. They named this lighthouse the Godseye Beacon. ^On the northern shoreline of Lancepoint, a field of thousands of daffodil flowers was discovered. Deemed too beautiful to destroy for the sake of any housing, the shoreline was quickly dubbed the Daffodil Coast. Occasionally at night, shadowed figures could be seen rowing ashore from ships in the bay and perhaps stomping some of the daffodils, but what sailors would do such a thing... . At any rate there were so many daffodils the stomped flowers were never even noticed. Not long after Lancepoint was founded, the settlers of Godhaven would petition all of the realm to name the massive bay to the west the Godseye Bay in honor of the Godseye Beacon lighthouse in Lancepoint. This was immediately denounced by Tidehook, whom claimed the bay should be named the Tidehaven Bay, in honor of the Tidehaven Beacon lighthouse on Tidehaven Island. Nothing was settled upon immediately, and it seemed the naming of the bay would go to a vote of the many sailors from all the realm's ports... Over the past several generations, most of the flatland on Godhaven had been turned into farmland, as the towns slightly expanded and were upgraded with red granite brick roads. Let's take a closer look at how well the Godshaven towns have expanded over the past generations:
Port Ravenloch: ^Comprised of mostly flatlands, Port Ravenloch quickly became the primary agriculture hub on Godhaven, though Talonway Bay wasn't far behind. In fact, the Port Ravenloch farming industry grew even larger than that of the mainland's Sundown Fields and Graincove. Farmers from Port Ravenloch exported their crop yields to the mainland to feed countless settlers. ^Of course, a PPS branch was right at home in the growing Port Ravenloch. A small community of farmers was also founded to the east, heading into the foothills: Sparrowtail Hills Founded: ^Sparrowtail Hills was really more of a quaint farmers outpost than a full-fledged town, but still their voice was a loud one. Their belief was all of Port Ravenloch looked more like a sparrow than a raven . This led to many disagreements, with the majority sticking to the raven side, but many secretly agreed with the Sparrowtail community. Talonway Bay: ^Over time, a proper port was finally established in Talonway Bay, as opposed to the small smuggler-style dock available at first. Of course, you guessed it... a PPS branch found its way here as well. While Godhaven settlers clearly hadn't noticed much of Tidehook's doings lately, one thing they did notice was the work of the Knowers, both in constructing multiple key bridges in the realm, and in the laying of brick roads in major town centers. As such, one of the more recent endeavors of Godhaven was to commission the Knowers to construct a bridge from Timbercove to the northern shores of Godhaven Island. While the Knowers were quite busy, this commission certainly interested them, however there was much debate of what they would ask of Godhaven in return. While Godhaven was a beautiful island, they weren't particularly wealthy and didn't exactly have skills other settlers across the realm didn't already possess. The Knowers would need to give this more thought. In all due time:
Speaking again of Timbercove, let's also take a look in at the expansion progress of the Graincove & Timbercove area over the past several generations, and since the recent completion of the Prospect Coast Bridge: Graincove & Timbercove: ^Graincove and Timbercove expanded fervently immediately following the completion of the Prospect Coast Bridge, for a variety of reasons. One: Pitstop was just to the west, with the quarry producing slabs of granite used extensively by the Knowers for bridge construction and road upgrades. Two: While Port Ravenloch was the primary agriculture hub on Godhaven, Graincove was undoubtedly the primary farming hub on the mainland, with more crop yield than Sundown Fields to the direct north. Three: Hiddenbeck to the north drifted most of their timber down the Unseen River to Timbercove, making this area also the hub for the timber industry. Four: With the new Timbercove Crossing and the Pioneer's Passage leading into the great unknown towards Prideheart, there was certainly increased carriage traffic from every walk of life. Graincove and Timbercove even started bickering over what the town should officially be called, arguing over which industry was more defining of the area, timber or farming. Naming aside, the city (cities?) even became a sliver more populous than Tidehook. One settler noticed an open plot of land on the other side of the Unseen River mouth, across from the Hiddenbeck Timber Co. South and they had a clever, perhaps devious idea... With all the timber drifting south from Hiddenbeck, they could create a rival logging company to snatch up some of the timber and process it before anyone knew what happened: ^They named their timber company the Otherside Timber Co. The founder must have been pretty well off, because they also commissioned the Otherside Bridge to slow down and catch more logs for processing. Not long after this clever ploy, perhaps an even more clever settler founded the Quickfox Timber Co. even further up the river. Would this be a sign of things to come? The Hiddenbeck Timber Co. was going to need to do something about this ... ^The Truthseekers used some of the Quickfox Timber Co.'s lumber to build a church in the area as well (lower left), so they could worship and examine the nearby Unseen River, which was a river that had miraculously manifested afterall.
One seemingly normal day while all the realm's settlers were asleep, a truly remarkable phenomenon transpired; a mystical event of seemingly cosmic importance which would never be forgotten... Similarly to the growing rocks that suddenly appeared near Graincove all those years ago, a new formation of rocks appeared out of thin air. However, we aren't simply talking about a small formation smaller than a town, we are talking about an entire mountain range with mountaintops touching the clouds. Over time many of the settlers would claim they were awake to see this take place, but in truth none of them were. Perhaps they were all coincidentally tired at the same time, or perhaps they were made to sleep by the Simgod (if there is such a thing). One thing was certain, the settlers all knew in their hearts the mountain range was named the Loomterra Mountains, with the entire range seemingly stretching from Tidehook up to the Northwatch Tower and beyond! Frankly, an unfathomable distance for mountains to simply manifest. They never challenged the name the knew these mountains to hold, for the mountaintops were looming high into the sky. While the settlers wouldn't have such a view until aerial technologies were invented, you have the privilege of seeing the Loomterra Mountains from a god's point of view:
^The Truthseekers - and frankly all the settlers - were absolutely floored that the world was capable of such wonders. They knew there existed the chance for geological features to manifest within their world, but the never fathomed something could manifest on this scale. It was a miracle there were no deaths during this cosmic event. There even were some cliffs that manifest on Godhaven Island, not exactly part of the Loomterra range, but certainly part of this legendary event. Many settlers felt the immediate priority was to map every nook of the mountain ranges, setting up camps as needed. The Knowers were interested in what resources there might be hidden in these new mythical mountains. With this much granite, they could upgrade every road in the realm... if they had the time and manpower to do it. "In time, in time" they thought. Meanwhile the Truthseekers just worshiped the mountains, and pondered what such a cosmic wonder even meant. After the Truthseekers stopped drooling over the Loomterra Mountains, they finished up the other immediate churches they had initially planned. Over time, a logging trail from Timbercove up to Hiddenbeck was formed, which was dubbed the Truewood Trail. While this path was mostly used by the loggers to travel alongside the river so they could quickly break up any log jams, it was also used by the Truthseekers to build several churches along the Unseen River. Some of the Truthseekers claimed their Simgod had spoken to them and they spread their beliefs in these areas, claiming what they shared was the word of the Simgod. Thus, the nickname the trail received was the Trueword Trail.
Riverbend Founded:
^Riverbend is a small village of Truthseekers that formed along the logger's Truewood Trail, or as the religious came to call it, the Trueword Trail. Riverbend is just east of Sundown Fields, along the Unseen River. ^Some loggers thought the town was quaint and settled in as well, though they weren't always sure how they felt about those preaching weirdos.
Pocket Founded: ^The next village the Truthseekers founded was in a little pocket recently found after the Loomterra Mountains had manifest, hence why the quaint village name of Pocket stuck.The Truthseekers could kill two simbirds with one stone here, worshiping and studying both the rock and the water. ^Meanwhile, Hiddenbeck to the north continued chop chop chopping away at the woodlands surrounding the town. "Were these massive mountaintops to the west always here?" they wondered, "Oh well, still more trees to chop. Maybe if we keep chopping we'll reach those mountains!" While the logging industry was continuing to boom, they heard some unsavory news of some thieving companies named Otherside and Quickfox plucking their logs out of the water down near Timbercove. ^(messing with CameraPitch 15 at Hiddenbeck. Pocket off to the left/south.) Pitstop: ^The Truthseekers even plopped a church (or maybe their Simgod plopped it... ) down in Pitstop, which had expanded a wee bit with quarry workers building more homes nearby. Pitstop had a monopoly on the granite slab industry for some years at this point, but with the new Loomterra Mountains looming to the north, what would happen now? Lastly, with the newfound manifestation of the Loomterra Mountains the Truthseekers were finally brave enough to venture forth into the forest they've historically thought of as being haunted, where they set up their latest church. They ventured just a bit north from Port Novel, laying a few winding paths up the hills... Darkwood Founded:
^It wasn't hard to understand why Darkwood earned its name.
Considering Port Novel is just down the hill to the south, let's take a look at how things have developed here over the past many years:
^Over time, Port Novel also built itself a suitable new port just to the north of the beach where their great ancestors had first awoken into this strange realm. This realm which still didn't have a name that they knew of at least. While the port perhaps wasn't quite as big as that of Tidehook or Lancepoint, it certainly was a step up from the previous moorings. Newport Founded:
^Newport considered themselves part of Port Novel, however to differentiate the latest port from the old port, this area was dubbed Newport. A branch of the Prideheart Pioneer Services made itself right at home here. Overlook Bluff Founded:
^The more well-off families of Port Novel couldn't resist heading a bit further up the hill from Newport, and breaking ground on a beautiful town they called Overlook Bluff, which easily had one of the best views of the western waters in all the realm. One wealthy settler in the area build up a lighthouse overlooking those western waters. 'Say... wait a second...' thought the settler, '...why don't we ever send sailors to the west, to see what exists out there?' ...An interesting thought to say the least, but just as quickly as they had the thought... poof! It was gone. Anyways, the next thought given to them was to name their lighthouse the Dreamer's Star; over time their home became known as the Lightkeeper's Home. A dreamlike patch of flowers lined the cliffside behind the home. ^Dreamer's Star Lighthouse at night. ^As beautiful as Overlook Bluff was, this did end up having some setbacks almost immediately. The wealthy residents of the area could be quite demanding on the Port Novel leaders, to ensure constant supplies and amenities were provided to their community. Additionally, Overlook Bluff brought in many sightseers to gaze out over the western waters, to look up at the stars above, and to see the Dreamer's Lighthouse and the precious flowers. The residents of Overlook Bluff didn't like the "riffraff" as they called them coming into town , and they really didn't like the riffraff bringing all sorts of trash up onto their bluff. What caused the sightseers to almost hypnotically drop their trash when gazing out over the western waters? Nobody knew... . Was it the western waters, the serene flowers, the nearby haunted forest, or the Simgod herself ? Perhaps they never would know what about his area was so mesmerizing. However, at any rate the residents of Overlook Bluff demanded that Port Novel deal with this trash situation at once! ^Port Novel progressing forward with a PPS branch of their own. To differentiate between the port in Newport and Port Novel's first port, most residents started referring to the original port as Oldport. ^(messing with CameraPitch 15 at Port Novel. Past Oldport is Newport, and Overlook Bluff. To the upper right we can glimpse Darkwood.) While we are nearing the end of our glimpse into our settlers progress in this post, there are yet a few more glimpses of their expansion we can still give. With the Truthseekers busy doing their wacky worshiping (those are the Knowers words, not mine... I mean... poof), the Knowers were busy laying brick roads on the busiest towns thoroughfares. Slyside Lake:
^Slyside Lake was becoming quite the tourist destination, primarily for the resident's laid-back laissez-faire approach to life. The quality of life for the realm's settlers wasn't exactly exceptional; it was full of long hardworking exhaustive days for fishermen, sailors, farmers, loggers, quarry workers, bridgemakers, and pioneers of all kinds. As such, the concept of a bit of R&R at Slyside Lake became more appealing over the years. Even though it was still fun to poke fun at the lazy slysiders, it wasn't a secret more & more settlers viewed it as a vacation destination. Besides the PPS branch that found purchase on the shoreline, a variety of saloons, clothiers, restaurants, hotels, and cabarets also found quick residence in the downtown. The downtown square became known as the Cabaret Crossing, where hardworking men would drunkenly spin with their friends to chose the next cabaret where they would attempt to woo the women. Often times the men left empty handed of course, but not without a night of merry memories they would hold dear and remember even in old age. Perhaps some men & women found their soulmates while having the time of their lives. ^A lighthouse was built near the port, and some claim it would shine with a captivating red light during nighttime festivities. This became known as the Rougefire Lighthouse. Directly to the east was a courthouse where Slyside leaders often deliberated over the punishments of rambunctious vacationers who perhaps pushed the proverbial envelope a bit too far in one way or another. The punishments were often light, for afterall Slyside Lake didn't want to keep the visitors away. The visitors brought commerce and merriment. ^The foothills of the recently appearing Loomterra Mountains butted up against Slyside Lake, turning the entire area into a beautiful valley, allowing a variety of vistas for any vacationers that weren't too hungover to go hiking on either side of the valley. Careful not to fall while hungover! A town found purchase on the main road heading into Slyside Lake from the west; a town of which the road would earn also earn name, the Rushmore Road.
Rushmore Founded: ^Rushmore was a town venture taken on by many of the business owners in Slyside Lake. The purpose was one of advertising, perhaps some of the earliest advertising of this kind in the entire realm.The concept was to place Rushmore on the pathway leading into Slyside Lake, to give travelers a little taste of the excitement that laid just ahead. If a traveler had a good time in Rushmore, how could they resist the urge to travel onwards to see the dancing girls of Cabaret Crossing? Even the town name was conceived to instill the idea that travelers need to have some quick fun in town, but then rush more quickly into Slyside Lake for the real festivities! Since the business owners were invested in both towns, whether some travelers preferred Rushmore or Slyside Lake, it was all the same to the owner.
Further to the west, at the fork where Rushmore Road met the Southpath along with Sharktooth Trail, another little village was founded, but for very different reasons:
Perchance Founded: ^(Forgive the pic, I had to stitch it together from two city tiles). Perchance was an interesting little village, founded out of necessity for there being a fork in the road where carriage traffic was heavy. Coming from Port Novel to the north, the Southpath met the Sharktooth Trail which went further south to various small towns and Tidehook. However, the other direction was the Rushmore Road heading down to Slyside Lake. Many young adults leaving Port Novel for the first time would stop here in Perchance where they had to make a choice... head south to Tidehook looking for work on a sailing vessel, or head east towards the fun-filled Rushmore and Slyside Lake. Many times a coin flip dictated the fate of which direction a young traveler would choose, hence the town name of Perchance.
^If the choice was Slyside Lake, often times the traveler would toss their coin into the Lover's Well as they passed by. Perhaps a better name would have been the Lusting Well , or the Drunkard's Well , because usually it wasn't love that was found in Slyside Lake, but then again sometimes it was. At any rate, the recommendation was to forego drinking the water in Perchance. For some reason it always had a strange taste . ^(messing with CameraPitch 15 at Slyside Lake, looking northwest towards Rushmore and Perchance.) Tidehook: ^Tidehook continued to develop over time, upgrading their seaport with bricks from the quarry in Pitstop. While commerce was a'buzzin', there was a very big problem creeping up on Tidehook, and none of the prideful sailors wanted to admit it. They had run out of room to expand! This was especially troubling because the Godhaven folk seemed to have not even noticed how amazing Tidehook's port was, how exceptional Tidehaven Island was, nor how acclaimed the discovery of the Ancient Bridge Ruins and the founding of Prideheart was. For now, Tidehook was content focusing their efforts on Prideheart, but know this... there were the seeds of dissent within the ranks of many a sailor in these waters... . ^(messing with CameraPitch 15 at Tidehook. To the right/south in the water we see Tidehaven Island, also known as Sleepless Sands.) Oakfall & Oxtrain Village: Without a doubt the two villages which had the most remarkable view of the mysterious Loomterra Mountains was Oakfall and Oxtrain Village. Let's take a peek from their perspective... or should we say peak? A peek at peaks!...shall we? (Yes we shall ). ^A stupefying glimpse into one of the Loomterra peaks looming largely above lil' ole Oakfall. ^Oxtrain Village's vistas of the Loomterra peaks were also unrivaled. ^Oxtrain Village proper, while heavily traversed there was no need for any of that classy brick road stuff over here in oxen country. Say, llamas are as tough as oxen, right? With more rigorous land to explore in the area, a handful of farriers wisely pounced at the chance to perform their oxen and equestrian shoeing work at a farrier's camp along the Oxtrain Pass: Faircamp Founded: ^A view of Faircamp looking along Oxtrain Pass to the east, onward to Oakfall. ^Faircamp was aptly named after "Farrier's Camp", which is what this little podunk town was. Everyone here worked on oxen or horses, everything from shoeing to feedin' to nursing, and telling them they don't smell bad too!
^The newly manifested Loomterra peaks were a sight to behold, and these peaks hadn't even been visited, measured, nor named yet!
^(messing with CameraPitch 15 at Oxtrain Village, looking northeast. Northpath runs on the left side, leaving the frame towards Northwatch Tower. To the right is the Oxtrain Pass heading east to Oakfall.) So in a time when the settlers were seeking to know the truths of their world, the world flipped them on their heads (not literally, though perhaps the Simgod could to that, if there were a Simgod) with the mythical mountain-manifestation event that only posed more unknowns. To achieve something so monumental though, did hint towards a new "known" -- Whatever force was at work in their world... that force was likely powerful enough to destroy the entire world. But so too was this force likely able to make the world a utopia. This line of thought caused the Truthseekers to ponder prayer, to ask the Creator to continue to demonstrate such feats. The Knowers just laughed and said they would continue to play the hand that was dealt to them; they believe asking the clouds for miracles was fruitless. 'No, no,' they thought... 'the settlers must be the authors of their own miracles.' There was one thing all the settlers did agree on however... somehow, somewhere, somewhen soon... they were on the brink. On the brink of what? Unknown. But it was known they were on the brink of something that would change the course of their existence forever. However, pondering such silly thoughts of sims is unbecoming of gods, or whatever you are, so instead let's look at the map of the latest expansions of our settlers: A closer look to the North: The majority of settlers agreed, these were the most pressing matters that needed consideration next: What should the Knowers ask of Godhaven Island as payment for the requested bridge? What Industry is more vital to the Graincove & Timbercove area? The Hiddenbeck Timber Co. plans to take Otherside & Quickfox to court, for their filthy log snatching! However, not many towns even have courts! What town should be petitioned to take on a case of this magnitude? What approach to the Overlook Bluff trash situation should Port Novel recommend to the realm? What is the most deserving name to label the bay by Tidehook and Lancepoint? *(I'll always do my best to honor the votes, but please note if voting is slow I may get impatient and move forward with my own choices) Updates of Uncovering Junon Vale Prideheart is founded! ~ "Did Godhaven see this place yet?" Prideheart Pioneer Services branches found in many of the realm's largest port towns. "We aren't disgruntled, that's just how pioneer's sound!" Prospect Path Bridge completed, allowing direct carriage traffic from Tidehook to Graincove & Timbercove. Timbercove Crossing Bridge completed, starting the passage eastwards into lands unknown, towards Prideheart. Keygate Corridor named. "Keygate Strait just doesn't sound as cool..." Keygate Crossing Bridge completed, allowing passage across the Keygate Corridor waterway. Pioneer's Passage laid from Timbercove to the shoreline east of Prideheart. Westlance Path laid from North Ravenloch to the western tip of Westlance. Lancepoint is founded! Home of the Godseye Beacon Lighthouse. "Say, what has Tidehook been up to these days? We don't talk much anymore..." Daffodil Coast named. "Who would stomp flowers? Say, is that a Tidehook ship out in the bay? " Port Ravenloch greatly expanded, becoming the realm's largest agricultural center. Sparrowtail Hills is founded! "Sparrows are cuter than ravens! Who cares if they aren't as smart?" Talonway Bay greatly expanded, now with a bonafide port; not far behind Port Ravenloch in food production. Graincove & Timbercove greatly expanded, becoming the most populous town (towns?) in the realm! Both the farming & timber industries are boomin'. Otherside & Quickfox Timber Companies founded. "Log possession is 9/10ths the law." Loomterra Mountain Range magically manifests, ranging from Tidehook to beyond the Northwatch Tower. Smaller unnamed mountains also manifest on Godhaven Island. Truewood Trail is laid from Timbercove to Hiddenbeck, allowing loggers quick access along the river to clear any would-be log jams. The Trutheekers call it the Trueword Trail instead. Riverbend is founded! "Naming towns creatively isn't our strong suit, but hey our town has a cool river to look at!" Pocket is founded! "The dresses in pocket DO in fact have pockets!" Pitstop slightly expanded. Darkwood is founded! "This is no longer the haunted forest, we now decree it the haunted-esque forest..." Newport is founded! "If Port Novel builds a newer port somewhere else we are screwed!" Overlook Bluff is founded! Home of the Dreamer's Star Lighthouse. "No littering!" Port Novel expanded, referred to as Oldport to differentiate from the new port. Slyside Lake greatly expanded! The legendary Cabaret Crossing is known all across the realm, for their renowned saloon showgirls! Now home to the Rougefire Lighthouse. Rushmore is founded! Rushmore Road is named, which connects Southpath to Slyside Lake, running through Rushmore town. Perchance is founded! "Drinking the water from Lover's Well might not taste great, but it sure does turn a profit!" Tidehook is... only slightly expanded, while the boastful sailors have no nearby land to expand to. Oxtrain Village slightly expanded. Faircamp is founded! "Come shop for the latest style of oxen shoes! [Fine print: there is only one style of oxen shoe]" Truthseekers build their churches in/near towns closest to all the realms unexplained phenomena. Knowers upgrade the thoroughfares of the realm's most populous town centers to brick roads.
(Phew... like I said sorry for the long entry, but THANK YOU so much for reading, voting, and/or commenting!) - 6
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Suncity Metro
Started this City several years ago and have started playing it again wanted to add all my skyscrapers in 1 city but not making it feel like a grid. Still a working progress.- Read More
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Latest Entry
1. Aritzia Central City, a work in progress...
Welcome to Simply Stunning New Alexandria! A landscape of unparalleled beauty and an array of diverse, eclectic cities awaits.
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I will likely showcase multiple cities in this city journal. After all, I named the city journal the Province of New Alexandria, so we're also going to check out other cities elsewhere in the province, eventually. For now, the focus will remain on (what will become) the province's largest city, Aritzia.
I'm currently working on Aritzia Central City, the city's dense urban core. This is very much a city of glass, with a lot of contemporary architecture, and some older buildings mixed in for good measure. The skyline I've created thus far is preliminary, and will likely change as I begin to consider where I will establish view corridors, as well as the mass transit lines, likely a mix of subways and elevated lines.
Let's look at an overview of Central City so far:
It's not very much, I know. Let's go down to the street and get some views down there: That's all for now. Hope you enjoyed! -
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Entry no.49 - Highway 704 Extension
This update marks a return to the original concept I had for the CJ all those years ago: functional transportation improvements. You see Houston, we have a problem... While my region's highway network is already quite extensive, it turns out my constituents think much like Americans—you can never build enough freeways to satisfy them! In Pretoria, one of these issues exists in the Middle East Borough, where Lindin City is located.
Overview of the Problem
Below is a regional overview of the all the highways and interchanges seen so far. The main goal of the highway network is to efficiently funnel rush hour traffic to and from the Central Pretoria(where the Central Business District/CBD is located) from each of three boroughs; The North Point, Middle East(M.E.) and South Shore - Only the latter two are relevant in this location.
Traffic from the South Shore and Middle East Boroughs have three options to cross the large bay and river standing between them and Central Pretoria. These 3 options collectively provide 16 lanes of highway traffic. IRL, a single free-flowing highway lane is estimated to allow a little over 2,000 vehicles per hour(a range of 1,800 to 2,400 vehicles to pass per hour) this gives us a capacity of around 16,000 vehicles per hour, per direction in total. However, it's important to note that once congestion reaches 100% or more capacity decreases to around 1,500 vehicles per hour. In the overview above the westernmost crossing is the six-lane Cisco Bay Bridge, connecting Dresden and Calgon via Highway 702. Built in 1964, this bridge is always at 100% capacity and often higher approaching 110% to 120% during rush hours. When free-flowing, about 7,000 vehicles per hour can use the bridge in the peak direction. But when congestion exceeds 100% traffic starts to slow down reducing capacity to around 5,000 vehicles per hour and causing hour-long delays. It experiences this severe congestion because this bridge carries about 90% of the traffic from Dresden and the South Shore. In terms of real-world equivalents, it's comparable to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge or the George Washington Bridge in terms of regional importance. Next we have the six-lane Sky Bridge, which crosses the narrowest part of Cisco Bay via Highway 700. The current cable-stayed bridge, built in 1989, replaced a cantilever bridge built in 1937. Before Highway 704 was built and connected to Spaghetti Junction, this bridge operated at about 85% capacity with a traffic flow of about 5,500 vehicles per hour per direction, while handling about 70% of the traffic from the Middle East Borough and the remaining 10% of the traffic from Dresden and the South Shore. Lastly, the easternmost highway crossing is the four-lane Higgs Boson Bridge-what can I say, I like science! This bridge carries the eastern stub of Highway 705 over the Trueno River and rarely operates at over 50% capacity, averaging between 1,500–2,000 vehicles per hour in the peak direction. This low capacity factor is due to a major constraint: the eastern stub of Highway 705 lacks a direct interchange connection with Highway 700 in LC. Instead, it funnels traffic directly into the downtown area, which is perfect if that's your destination but not so much for drivers who want to go beyond there. These drivers must navigate multiple intersections and a low-capacity single-lane on-ramp that feeds traffic onto the northbound 700. Unfortunately no practical solution exists to fix this problem, an interchange at this location is prohibited since it's located in a dense neighborhood and would require the demolition of a large number of buildings to accommodate. While I do love my highways, that's a non-starter. This route is however also still useful for people who traveling through LC to connect with the western section of Highway 705 and heading to work in the large industries of Baycole(e.g. The Apotex Refinery).
This lack of a direct connection between the 705 and 700 wasn’t a huge problem since this traffic would not detour onto the 705 but instead just continue down the 709 and connect to the 700 in Cisco Bay instead and from there cross the Sky Bridge on its way north to Central Pretoria(path 1 on the street map below). However, the situation worsened after Highway 704 was built, which is ironic since that highway was constructed to alleviate congestion, though on a different part of the highway network—in the 700/707 joint section. The 704 provided a congestion-free alternative to the CBD and even though this was a much longer route for people travelling from the South Shore to get to the CBD, it was still a often a quicker alternative to being stuck on the perpetually crammed Cisco Bay Bridge. This increased the proportion of South Shore using the Sky Bridge from 10% to 25%, which brought that bridge's capacity to 100%.
The solution was simple - create an alternative connection to highway 700 & 704 from the 709 so as to take advantage of the spare capacity(about 2,000-2,500 vehicles per hour/direction) available on the underutilized bridge located there and divert traffic away from the route over the Sky Bridge. This new section of highway would designated as a southward extension of the 704 and turned Spaghetti Junction into a 5-way interchange;
The best and most cost-effective path was determined to be along the red dotted path seen on the local street map below. The land through which is entirely undeveloped resulting in very few NIMBY concerns and makes use of the existing highway bridge and interchange between the 705 & 709. An alternative and slightly more direct route along the purple dotted path was also considered, but this would require the construction of a new river crossing, new interchange and required some expropriation & demolition in Mayfield, all for very minimal time savings at a much higher cost- thus it was declined.
Synopsis from above;
1 - The long route that most traffic currently takes and has resulted in congestion on the 700 over the Sky Bridge and through LC due to increased traffic flow from Dresden(purple arrow) to the 704
2 - The short but less preferred route because it's such a go through Downtown LC (exactly where the #2 is on the map). Having so many extra cars cutting through the downtown area also creates an unsafe enjoinment for road users and pedestrians alike, a situation the current major of LC promised to rectify. Hence why he had no objects over building an entirely new stretch of highway in another part of the city.
3&4 - Additionally some traffic from the 709 also began to spill out onto local 2-lane streets and roads in an attempt to seek out alternative and less congested routes, which were never meant to be main thoroughfares.
Overview of the Project
Here's the end result beginning with an overhead shot of the entire extension and a high zoom shot of the area around northern entry point
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We'll follow that with by a series of close ups at various angles where the 704 branches off from Spaghetti Junction
The 707 turns north-east here with the NB lanes running under the 704, while the 704 continues eastward before curving south
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A 550-foot tall structure called the LC Hillsboro-Roads Transmission Tower overlooks the junction
While making this update realized I never released the updated HD-version of this particular BAT with the others a few years back. So for those of you who would like your own citizens to worriedly question; "just what is that thing really being used for...?" here is the updated version of this dark and nefarious looking hi-tech tower, heheh... 😁 Junctions in motion
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Tall sound walls are used to reduced the noise pollution coming off of the highway so that the residents of the Neighborhood of Rockcut can get some sleep
If you're wondering what that high-tech looking lot at the top of the last couple of images is, that would be the Hillsboro TS (Transmission Substation) which was originally featured all the way back in entry number 2! The substation and local area has undergone some changes since it was last seen on the CJ
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Moving on to the Duluth Road interchange which passes diagonally underneath. An embankment was built up on both sides of the road so that it stayed open while the highway was built
Further back we can see how dramatically the highway curves southward as it moves through the neighborhood of Rockcut
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These next couple of shot might be my favorite because of the "open" feel to them
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Messing with the angles a bit
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Back to some normal angle closeups, with an mmp focus
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Emerging from a tunnel underneath the 704 is the Fastraxx ME commuter train line. Previously I had this tunnel continue under the river in a tunnel but then I thought wouldn't it look do much more interesting to have it pop out here and go over it instead?
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That little single piece road tile I left there is the last remaining remnant of a road bridge over the river that previously existed in this spot
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Playing with the angles again
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Moving on to the next portion, overhead high zoom shot of the entire southern section of the extension
I think seeing the automata in motion really helps to get an idea of the changes in the elevation grade of the highway quite well. Straight down;
Looking North
Further back
Even further back still
"World's smallest interchange" merger of the 704 extension and the 705 stub, might need to upgrade this mini-interchange in the future if demand warrants it
The Lealand Sewage Treatment Plant is tucked in this little corner of the city as well
Taking a look down the river towards the rail bridge
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The "Butterfly interchange" between the 704/705 and 709
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Concluding the entry I some long & wide pano shots; South East view
North West view
The completion of the new extension was indeed a success and reduced the congestion over the Sky Bridge by transferring about 1500 to 2000 vehicles per hour in the peak direction to the bridge in LC instead. But who can say how long this will last for before the effects of urban sprawl rear their ugly head again.
This will likely be the last time I work on this city, a final few parting city-wide shots
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Sayonara L.C. it's been fun 👋 - 55
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The article found its way to the Office of Interior Affairs a month later and the initial response was mixed. On the one hand, the Office had figured some administration was better than none. On the other hand, the Office did not want to have to step in to govern another claim. Deliberation was quick as the Office, acting in its authority to grant charters of self-governance, did such on the 1st day of the 3rd Month, Year 11. Whether the move was guided by a determination by the Office that there were signs of New Desten’s “commitment to the principles of self-determination, civic responsibility, and the collective welfare of their community” or by a desire by The Nation of Sim to have “New Desten figure it out and save us the headache” is notable debate. Notwithstanding the motives behind the move, the families and the OND had to figure out how to finally govern the families all and the OND agreed through correspondence to meet in New Desten City beginning on the 21st day of month 6 of Year 11 with hopes that a charter can be written and agreed to within 30 days. There were a number of issues that needed to be addressed but they all boiled down to two categories: money and governance. In regard to money, the Families and the OND recognized that money would need to be raised to build infrastructure needed to attract industry , but outside of the grant given from the Nation of Sim, where would the money come from. In regard to governance, the Families wanted to keep as much personal control of the counties as possible, while the OND wished to give as much control as possible. The OND wished to have judges, and a legislature with an executive, but the Families wanted nothing to do with government, or any apparatus that will limit their power. Such a stance destined the upcoming convention to be stalemate until the Rose family matriarch, Nel Rose, passed and the convention had to be postponed 3 months. During this time the families realized how precarious their “fiefdoms” can become, as Roseville fell into chaos while the other family members began trying to stake claim to leadership of the city. These events led to a change of heart which allowed for the convention to start in a more collaborative mood. It was not lost on the members of the Convention that what would be agreed to here is a significant cession of power for each of the families. Their goal was to keep as much as possible.
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Chicago Some Querry !
Chicago Query ! Some information about something you build would be nice. I found some interesting statistic and graphs about chiacago on SecondCityZoning ! https://secondcityzoning.org/zones/ Thie describe seveal area of the city with their assigned designation and wealth numbers, up there´s a link to the under The Zoningmap wich gives a graphical representation of the city. When you these figures this doesn´t say much about the economic model used wich is completely different from the rest of america ! Under a video about Chcago economic model by Peter Santenello a interview with First Ammandmen Attorney Benjamin Barr about this ! This enlighten some of the economic and demographic moves the city maid in the past and present ! If you want to know anything about this city this is very usefull information to understand the politcs from the 1920 till now, thank thesesources for sharing these ! Prakticly, except the graph and info on detail there isn´t much to add except add excellence of venues in their splendour and here there add some historic thriomph or failour if so ! Inbetween I started the central loop area with various result will post these soon ! Sincerey yours, Kschmidt- Read More
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I. Founding of Armonia
Hello all! I've loved SimCity 4 ever since I was a kid picking it up from Best Buy in the early 2000s (and The Sims even before that), and the incredible creativity of the mod community has always awed me, albeit maybe lead to a bit of carpal tunnel. Real life distracted me from city-building for a bit, but the bug bit me again recently, combined with the incredible recent DLL mods, both the ones I've installed that have increased stability about 1000%, and the mind-blowing 3D mod I'll install later as my cities grow bigger. I thought to help the hype train out, catalogue my newest city, and work on my writing, I'd put out a journal of my newest city, New Armonia, inspired by Zurich, Buenos Aires, and Cologne. We'll start humble, but if anyone could help out with a question I'll post later in either it's own thread or general, I'll be able to use SC4 Cartographer at least, and maybe more later! Let's begin. (OOC comments will be in italics.) The Black Mountains off the Seren Coast had long been a blockade against the expansion of the Germanian people towards its lucrative shoreline, in the year XX01 as New Armonia's chronicle begins, an isolated trading port only of use as a stopping point by Brazonian and Franzosich trade ships (and, in its unsavory past, pirates). A lack of ambition and technological advancement by the eastern Germanians would be amended, as our record will exhibit, in their push eastwards, and the founding of New Armonia on that very coast, which would later become the primate city of its country. To tell the tale of New Armonia, we must first speak of Armonia, the village furthest east which would later lend its name to the metropolis we inhabit, and which represents perhaps the soul, if not the success, the city and its leaders have lost in the face of its inevitable expansion. An artist's overview of Armonia in the year XX01 (Fareman). The old entrance to the village. A newcomer to Armonia would be immediately greeted by its crisp, unspoiled air, a village of abundant trees and covered paths. Indeed, its founders had emphasized the necessity of living in harmony with nature, and accepting it not as an obstacle, but a benefit to continued human habitation. The auto lot, though more an exhibition by "beloved" local peddlers for rich visitors at the time than a shop for locals, was still a popular gathering spot for its novelty. In the western foothills, across the River Bergama, laid a cradle of farms that at that time mainly supplied food for locals, rather than for export. A small collection of farmers' dwellings, where they both kept permanent house and sheltered workers during the most grueling months of labor, were considered a part of Armonia rather than a separate community. Without access to the sea, Armonia kept mostly subsistence farmers, limiting its growth. Assuming one did not cross this bridge, their path across the river's coast and Harmonia's outermost street would lead to a fork, as the dense trees to one's left gave way to mostly squat, brown brick or timber houses cross-hatched in the Germanian style. Once could either travel straight, keeping the forest to their left as they entered the city's dense network of forest pathways, or continue right towards the auto lot and the main crux of the village's urban habitation. The founders took great pride that the entire village could be traversed horizontally by foot, a vision that mostly survived even with the advent of early automobiles. A ranger's tower protected against dangerous local wildlife, mainly bears, though such threats had faded in recent years. A traveler following the street south-southeast would come to the village's main core, nestled either in the forests and paths or huddled by the coastline. This was where the village's other farmers, and those few those worked in its scant commerce at the time, resided, with a beautiful view of the river and forest on the cliff beyond. Those under the forests' canopy were the richest in the village, those who had helped found or otherwise funded Armonia. Armonia's urban core. The local bratwurst and beer stands were a village necessity. The main street leading northwards towards the village's chapel, centerpiece of the community, was traversable by sidewalk as well. It led to the city's monument to the known and unknown alike who had fallen in Armonia's founding and defense, called Remembrance Park. Two Angels of Remembrance watched over the shrines and multicolored flowers, to remind the Germanians of their due diligence towards vigilance and faith. The Angels of Remembrance. Armonia's chapel, where all would gather by foot on Sunday. Though a visitor would have little reason, as they approached the eastern edge of the city they could cross a bridge east and walk up a couple of hills to the local industrial core, unfortunately and inevitably very polluting with an exclusive use of imported coal. A local landfill had also been built too close to the factory, and had created even more noxious fumes. Luckily, the growth was halted before too much damage was caused, and serious effect on air and water pollution for the village was avoided. A carpool system transported workers with one automobile to the factories; this would evolve into the town's bus line. A new, more efficient landfill was constructed in the dense trees between the coal factory and the western farms, to minimize its impact. As one reached the eastern-most edge of the town, they'd be confronted with the River, where development had ceased on its opposite shoreline due to lack of will for another bridge. Thus, they'd be advised to take the sloping path north, where a new collection of farms dotted the gently sloping hill to the chapel's left as the River's path righted itself straightward. An inn was available on the eastern end of town for visitors. The couple of fields on the hill left of the chapel are tilled by church members; they will rise, attend to worship, and then work with the sun lighting the chapel under them. In the very north of this stretch of farms had sprouted a new community, almost isolated enough to be its own hamlet. The farmers that resided here would spread their fields and houses farther east, as far as the mountains would allow; this event, which we will record in the next entry, played large part in the founding of the Port of Armonia, and then New Armonia itself. A humble farming community, whose push east for more land would portend much greater things. North: Farm Road. South: Gothic Road. Two roads lead to the very eastern edge of Germanian expansion in the foothills of the mountains, the former leading to the farmers' lots. The visitor taking the main road would take the southernmost way, the Gothic Road, and be led a few last hamlets before the sublimation of civilization by scarcely-mapped forest and rock. The unification of these two roads, and the events that would lead to the founding of the Port of Armonia and a beginning shift towards an export-based economy, will be chronicled in our following two chapters. -
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Europe ANNO 3D Cityscape !
Europa Anno 3D Cityscape ! Real freedom to wonder around ! Europe Anno the second region visited with this new tool. Some content works, some don´t but it gives a new unique look at my cities from a different perspective ! In this yournal we visit the following cities ! Bern, Dresden, Budapest, Frankfurt, Luzern, Munchen, Prague,Vienna and Zurich ! Bern ! Dresden ! Budapest ! Frankfurt ! Luzern ! Munchen ! Prague ! Vienna ! Zurich ! Hope you enjoyed this alternative 3D View and see you back next time ! - 35
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That's a lot of industry! Im curious, where are the commercial zones in the city? I couldn't spot them. -
By ilikehotdogsalot · Posted:
Lovely airport! Nice to see Pan Am made a comeback in your city! -
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By Tyberius06 · Posted:
Very cool images and nicely designed airport! Great work! -
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those patterns are really cool! You're a patient planner. congrats!
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Can't remember what I voted last time. I think it was a few farms. Anyway I'll go with SAND DUNES today. -
By justforfun · Posted:
Ploppable textures would amazing! Meanwhile I also made a small set of S3D fillers. Of course they don't work so well on slopes, haha.
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