October (2019) — October brings with it the turn of the season. A fresh, cool wind blows down from the peaks of the Halcyon ranges, dusting everything it touches with the first chilly frost. Holding the warm golden memories of summer like treasures in its bower, Salsola begins preparation for the long hard winter yet to come.

• The end of the harvest is upon us, and in the orchard the last apples are dropping. A little sour to the taste, this late-season bounty is best suited to cooking, jarring, drying or fermenting. The rotten apples are also good for throwing at your enemies. Help gather, prepare or use the apples, so they don't go to waste!
• On the outskirts of Millstone Village, a number of cranberry bushes are coming into fruit. These little red berries are tart and harmless, but heavily pigmented, perfect for creating dyes for fur, clothing or decorations. Investigate these dense shrubs and consider some some use for their bounty.
• The first frost hardens the ground mid-month. Best seen at dawn across Lower Tantramar and the boglands, the glittering frost is a treacherous and slippery homage to a winter that will soon be upon us. Admire its beauty, or lament its arrival.
• Bonus Prompt: The Ediling Ravine is starting to freeze over - check it out, but be careful!

November (2019) — November is here, and the teeth of winter snap at our ankles. With a creeping fog still rising from the loch, and the weather rainy and icy more often than not, it is a grim world beyond the doors of our warm little domiciles. Be sure to keep the hearth stoked and a generous supply of firewood handy, as the nights creep below freezing and each morning carries the promise of frost...

• For every singular clear November night there are two cloudy, grizzly ones - nonetheless, when the heavens part the stars above are sharp as tiny shards of glass. Admire a rare cloudless evening for all its midnight splendor, or pay homage to our ancestors in the celestial tapestry above.
• Though we have yet to experience a solid snowfall, early-season rain easily turns to a miserable, icy sleet. Get caught out in some poor weather, and either endure the hardship or search for shelter until it passes.
• All the deciduous trees have shed their leaves and now stand eerily bare. After a night of rough weather, quite a few have dropped large branches onto the frosty ground. Find a use for these spare bits of lumber.
• Bonus Prompt: With the third chapter of our Curse of the Sanctum plot underway, all Salsolans have been warned about the dangers of unsociable and desperate Outsiders. Talk to another Salsolan about your feelings - positive or negative - for those not fortunate enough to be a part of the greatest queendom around - that's us, of course!

March (2020) — After a winter full of blizzards, earthquakes, and food shortages, the arrival of March marks the first signs of spring, and, with any luck, a welcome reprieve from those dreary and worrisome days of the season passed.

• The warmer weather has caused quite a bit of snow melt, particularly after the abundance the region received from the blizzard. Have an incident in which you deal with the soggy and muddy ground left behind, or, deal with the treacherous swell of the Pictou River!
• Wild game has started to return to the area with the arrival of new growth. Engage in a hunt, or, otherwise help replenish the pack's stores by providing dried or smoked meat, or animal by-products such as feathers, bones, pelts, etc.!
• Things that were once hidden beneath the snow are revealed in its absence, from things that were broken that will need repairing, old tools or items that were once thought to be lost, to -gasp- is that a body?! What did you find?
• Bonus Prompt: Are you a merchant or trader-savvy individual? With routes clearing from their winter snow, there is more movement within the region for goods. Make a new business deal for the Kingdom (or maybe keep it on the down low for your own benefit ;D), steal re-purpose items from their original owner (they didn't need it anyway!), or maybe help a fellow trader out (make them owe you a debt in proper Salsolan fashion!).

April (2020) — Spring is here and Salsola is flourishing! Mild, warming temperatures help to get everyone out of their homes, especially with rumors abounding about curious happenings...

• Strange plants have appeared on the shoreline. Those who remember their larger, more dangerous forebears may seek to eradicate these new fauna – though perhaps there's some potential in these intoxicating flowers...
• A trio of masked traders has set up shop just north of Salsola in Fort Cumberland. Either have a thread with one of these characters, one where your character discusses their presence. If you participate, you could always have your character bring the materials they received in their mystery bundle. Got anything good? Wanna trade with someone else?
• The surge in new greenery has led to a surge is something else too – lemmings! A whole colony of these has had a boom cycle, and the little, hungry rodents are looking for any and all easily found food they can. Salsola's garden in particular seems to be at risk. Since lemmings are mostly nocturnal, hold an overnight stake-out to protect what's ours! Alternatively, attempt to locate part of their burrow and figure out a way to get rid of the pest problem.
• Bonus Prompt: A spring storm roars in with outstanding fury, coming to a head faster than expected. The time and your character's location can be of your choosing – as can be whether or not they make it to shelter before the weather turns!

June (2020) — The mild weather this time of year encourages us to begin those projects we've long put off. However, the middle of the month has different ideas - Salsola will see a couple of grizzly, rainy days in a row before the sun comes out again. Make the most of fickle June while you can!

• Dead fish have begun appearing en-mass near some of our waterways. The strange cull is most obvious along our Southern Shoreline, and near the Pictou Delta at the low end of the realm. Over a number of days, the smell begins to reach our homes in the Ruins, carried up the high bluffs by a stern wind off the loch. What do you make of our stinky dead aquatic neighbors? Are you repulsed, or intrigued?
• Midway through the month a heavy rain cell sets in, leading to a couple days continuous deluge. The rain seems to temporarily abate the smell of rotting fish, giving us a small window of relief - even as it dampens all other progress. However, due to the mild and warming weather, the rain is pleasant and not icy - perfect for dancing in!
• Whilst the old saying may be that "April showers bring May flowers", it would appear that our floral boon has only just swung into full force. The rolling boglands of Lower Tantramar hide beautiful, rare copses of stunning purple and blue blooms, whilst the open sprawling pastures of Upper Tantramar are swarmed with waving fields of riotous color. The wildflowers are myriad species and hues, and have a number of purposes when gathered... Perhaps if you fill your den with enough of them, their potent aroma will overpower the fishy malaise?
• From her stall in the Marketplace, Mirte Haumann proudly displays an increasingly varied display of goods for purchase. At the start of the month, she receives a shipment from our Portland traders that includes a number of curiosities: Flint firestarters, little salt pouches, decorative bone buttons, mysterious and foreign animal furs, and luperci-woven reed baskets. Visit Mirte to peruse her goods, and cut your teeth against barter with one of Salsola's most practiced merchants!

July (2020) — As warmer weather and longer days linger in the area, Salsola prepares to relax and enjoy the summer. New life abounds and puppies can be seen and heard playing throughout the Ruins, young animals are finding their feet, and the streams begin to run clear again. The worst seems over...for now.

• Due in part to their population boom in the spring, whitetail deer have begun to crowd into Salsola's territory seeking more space to forage. Some of the bolder deer begin to threaten the Garden and even come as close as the outskirts of Millstone Village. Help control the population!
• Deer aren't the only things out there looking for an easy meal. Squirrels are stockpiling for winter and looking for anything they can get their grubby little paws on. Not only that, but they're noisy! Have a thread where a squirrel is the main antagonist -- perhaps it's chattering spooks another prey animal you were hunting?
• Seeking respite during the hottest part of the day is much easier now that the awful smell and dead fish are gone. Have your character cool off in any of the bodies of water in or around Salsola!
• Bonus Prompt: Something seems to be stirring in The Blackwoods. Rumors about strange noises and sights begin to spread. Is this all imagination, or is something strange lurking in the forest? Team up with another Family member and investigate. Alternatively, hold a ritual or ceremony to appease whatever spirits may linger in the wood.

September (2020) — September has arrived, and, with it, the end of summer and the start of the autumn season! The land begins to cool in temperature and change physically, becoming the vibrant array of autumn's telltale colors. Enjoy yourself before the fall harvest and winter-prep begins!

• General: Yehk, what is this fleshy, bloody, nastine--oh! It's velvet! Elk, moose, and deer start shedding the felt-like casings for their antlers around mid-September. This can lead to some nightmarish or otherwise off-putting discoveries! Did you find pieces left on a tree or bush? Noticed it hanging from antlers? Thought the animal was injured, only to discover it was just the velvet making a bloody mess? Ever wondered what it tastes like?
• Point of Interest: The Western Coast offers an incredible view if one is brave enough to near the cliffs' edge. The ocean spray is strong even so high up, and the wind can be fierce or comfortingly calm depending on your luck that day. What are you there for? The view? A moment of reflection or thought? Are you enjoying some of the last days of summer, staring out across to the Wabanaki Coast or at a distant sunrise/set? Or is the Loch drenched and hidden behind a thick fog?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by this photograph. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: farm, livestock, horses, trade road, horse-drawn cart, misty breath, cold morning, conversation, fence sitting, repair, racing.
• Bonus Prompt: Just when the world seemed to settle, distant, low rumbles can be heard across the land. Do you notice them, or, do you dismiss the sound (they're not as obvious as the earthquakes were, after all!)? Either travel up into the mountains to see if you can spot the source of the distant rumble, or, have an encounter with Board-NPC, Nelli Silva.

October (2020) — October is here in all its glory! Shorter days and periods of rain are more common, and the nights start to get cold. Salsola's preparations for winter have picked up the pace, especially now that the last trip to Portland has concluded.

• General: Enjoy yourself before the fall harvest and winter-prep begins! Hide in a pile of leaves and scare someone! Alternatively, run through a pile or jump in one (just make sure it's deep enough and that nobody is in it)!
• Point of Interest: At this time of year, the Blackwoods are spookier than ever. The colder temperatures and changing seasons cause shifts in this dark, fog-filled forest. This can play terribly at one's senses, making one see, feel, or hear things that aren't actually there. Maybe it's a trick of the mind, or, maybe...there's some truth to the myths surrounding the dark woods. Are you a believer? Or are your packmates just being jumpy? Alternatively, practice your witchy beliefs where the Coven holds the most power and connection with the otherworldly.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1 2, 3. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: chill, howling, wind, haunted, peripheral, night, tricks, fog, tea/soup, blankets, campfire/fireplace, comfort, tossing, shaking, return, meeting, curfew, celebration, party, thunk.
• Bonus Prompt: Equinest Grievous has posted a call for supplies on the pack's Notice Board. Ensure our livestock and horses don't go hungry this winter!

December (2020) — By early December, the chill has truly set in. Salsola prepares for winter and its annual celebrations. For some, this will be their first winter – for others, the memory of last year's blizzard is too close for comfort. Of course, with Saturnalia to look forward to, spirits seem high all around. Who doesn't like presents?

• General: Hungry birds are looking for meals where they can find them, and none more notably than the ravens coming into Salsola from Drifter Bay. These highly intelligent corvids will take what they can when they can, even from Luperci. Have a thread involving a wild raven hassling your character!
• Point of Interest: Well organized and packed with goods, Salsola's Storage area is a communal area with plenty of items members can borrow or take to trade. Contributing materials and supplies is an excellent way for characters to get noticed ;D Beyond this, as snowfall becomes more regular the path to the door will become difficult to traverse -- spend some time clearing the way!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: frost, ice, snowfall, early morning, campfire, cold nights, sleigh bells, pine trees, blustery.
• Bonus Prompt: A blanket of snow coats the grounds in and around Salsola overnight. How does this change your character's daily routine? It might take some more effort to get out of the door and off into the world. Maybe a snow-day is in order...

March (2021) — Though winter is slow to leave, the coming of spring is apparent as March moves along. Signs of new life are appearing everywhere, with the promise of new bounties ahead. Mist and fog frequently appear in the early mornings. Snowfall begins to give way to rain, making for muddy trails.

• General: The soil is exceptionally soft, making animal tracks easy to spot! Test your skills or satiate a curiosity, and follow a pair of tracks left behind! Do they lead you to prey? To a packmate? Or something else?
• Point of Interest: As the snow melts, Upper Tantramar becomes a beautiful sight of budding green and eager wildflowers after months of cold slumber. Explore the rolling hills and plains; race on horseback or on foot, chase deer (or a brave intruder!), get your feet/paws dirty from the soggy soil, or roll in the fresh new flowers!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: snow melt, cold nights and warm mornings, clover patch, new growth/life, livestock and horses, flowers, surprises, play.
• Bonus Prompt: Are you lucky or decidedly unlucky this month? Did you find something new, rare, or that you've been searching for for a while now? Have you encountered a bad luck sign? Have a thread that deals with LUCK (or the lack thereof)!
  • Some ideas for scenarios include (but aren't limited to!) getting a steal of a deal in a trade, making an unbelievable catch, surviving a near-death experience, ripping a favorite article of clothing, damaging your weapon, losing a kill, or stubbing your toe.

April (2021) — With winter having firmly left the land, April is full of life! The world is green and flowering, and young animals start to appear in greater frequency as the spring season draws on. When it's not raining, the weather is a perfect balance between "cool" and "warm," making it hard to resist the nice days outdoors! Salsola finds itself quite busy this month!

• General: You find something old amongst your belongings. Do you reminisce the past or does it send you into a spring cleaning?
• Point of Interest: The Orchard is in full blossom with beautiful, white-petaled flowers. Bees buzz about, and the looser petals float to the ground with the occasional breeze. Enjoy (or don't) a walk through the orchard's rows! Do you enjoy the spring feeling? Or are you embarrassed to be found with flower petals on you?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: baby animals, protective mothers, spring flowers, secret meadows, shade of a tree, mid-day, picnics, lunches, relax, "no reason", warm weather, strong scents.
• Bonus: There are plenty of community things this month! Help out with the Firehouse Pack Project, or, check up on our Caledonian guests! While they're here to trade with Salsola, that doesn't mean you can't pose as an also-conveniently-trading Outsider too if you want to keep your identity a secret ;)

July (2021) — July is alive and thriving, accompanied by the heady orchestra of droning bugs and skittering creatures in the underbrush. Summer is in full swing, with the high midday sun basking all below it in humid golden light. The weather is as tempestuous as we are - watch out, for you never can tell when it will turn treacherous!

• General: The stifling heat often leads to short tempers in all those who can't keep a cool head. How does your character avoid the worst of summer's swelter? Have them attempt to stay cool - one way or another!
• Point of Interest: A small jaunt south-east of the Ruins proper, you will find a wide cove of pebbly sand and sparkling clear water. The Southern Shoreline has many little inlets, coves and caves to explore, and the loch is enticing to any who hope to escape the heat. Beach party, anyone?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: gold, bask, sultry, burnt, thunder, petrichor.
• Bonus: Though it is hard to stay industrious in all this drowsy humidity, work will not wait for cooler weather! Idle hands are the devil's playthings, after all. Do your best to contribute this season by earning a Job, or if you already have one, make sure to practice your craft.

August (2021) — August rolls in and brings more hot weather and less rain. While much of Salsola benefits from thick forests, it's not always so easy to escape the heat. Outsiders continue to travel and gather en mass, but Salsola's eyes and ears are everywhere – though as always, the goings-on of La Familia remain complex and shrouded in secrecy. Has the summer heat led The Thistle Kingdom to roast in placidity, or do greater conspiracies lurk beneath those shimmering surfaces?

• General: The summer seasons is drawing to its end, but it feels hotter than ever! Have a thread where you find yourself caught outside when the temperatures feel especially sweltering. Maybe help someone (or a lesser creature!) out that seems to be suffering from heat exhaustion!
• Point of Interest: Knowing where to find water during the summer season is a must. One of Salsola's notable bodies of fresh water is Lake Ligeia! Enjoy a nice swim in the cool waters, make an outing out of it and have a small get-together with friends, or, enjoy a picnic near it! If you're lucky, you might just be able to catch a fish or two out of it as well!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: bountiful, blooming, overgrown, surf, horizon, fields, exploring
• Bonus: Have a thread where your character discusses their future in the Kingdom! Do they daydream about something that will never be? Or are they determined to make their dreams a reality no matter the cost?

November (2021) — November heralds the coming of true winter, and wise Salsolans are already preparing for the coming season. The colorful trees remain, but with rain common (and was that snow?) outdoor activities fall to the mercy of the weather. Despite this, the Luperci of La Familia know the real bounty awaits, and many have begun to take advantage of the prey animals pushing deeper into the territory as they seek out food.

• General: As the cold begins to set in, the time to winterize has arrived. Have your character tend to their home or help out a neighbor or friend. Alternatively, spend some time enjoying your winterized home on a particularly rainy day.
• Point of Interest: Dividing the Pine Barrens, the gentle babble of Deception Creek sprawls for miles and attracts all sorts of wildlife. An often treacherous waterway, the creek hosts one Luperci-made bridge for easy crossing. These days, falling leaves often crowd the fast-moving stream.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: hunt, feathers, warm clothes, watchful, damp, chilly, quiet, fighting, antlers, tracks
• Bonus: While the true bounty of winter awaits, show off your character's ability to provide and host another Salsolan for a meal, drink, or general intimate gathering. Getting in the good graces of your family and neighbors is a great way to form alliances, dish out some hot gossip, or plot nefarious deeds. Alternatively, invite over one of our Pack NPCS!

December (2021) — With snowfall becoming more regular, Salsola enters December. The wind is brisk and the waterways frigid, but the Luperci of the Thistle Kingdom are well-prepared for the winter ahead. As the daylight hours give way to the long, dark nights, the scent of crackling fireplaces fills the air. Now is the time for bounty, gift-giving, and finding ways to ward off the cold.

• General: Snowshoe hares have turned white, making them harder to spot against the ground. Luperci can sniff them out, however – and their unique (and easily modified) fur can be a valuable commodity for trade. With Salsola's trade allies known for their dye studio, now would be a good time to stock up on goods to have tailored to your favorite color. Either hunt or trade for these pelts: since they're relatively small, the more the better!
• Point of Interest: Salsola's Clinic is a free-standing structure, comprised of an old hunting lodge later expanded and reinforced by early members of the Thistle Kingdom. While minor injuries don't often bring visitors to the area, with the cold settling in sees the building serve as a waypoint between the Ruins and Salsola's greater claim. Those with cold paws are encouraged to stop in and warm up. Have your character make a visit to the Clinic!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: ice, sunset, borders, exploration, windswept, homestead, hot drinks, snowman, fribble
• Bonus: The season for tricks may be behind us, nature doesn't seem to think so. Unseen ice can cause plenty of problems -- encounter a patch of the stuff!

February (2022) — Winter has yet to release its hold as February arrives, and though short, the month remains cold and snowy. Pack members tend to their families and homesteads, while the more ambitious continue to find ways to make their names heard.

• General: Something's got your heart racing and your face feeling flush. Is it the thought of romance? An embarrassing moment, note/letter/text, or involuntary thought? Has someone just gotten under your skin? Or, is it just because you're working hard? All of the above?
• Point of Interest: Salsola's Notice Board hosts any number of messages throughout the year. In addition to those currently active (see our Discord channel!), there's plenty of space left for new notices. Have your character either leave one of their own or find something of interest! Did someone leave a love letter 4 U?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: frozen, melting, discovery, dreary, glistening, stuck inside, unending, opaline, layer of frost
• Bonus: Don't let the winter blues get you down! Find a way to lift your spirits or those of a fellow packmate. If you're feeling stir-crazy, why not visit one of the nearby Loner-run establishments? Both La Estrella Roja and The Rest Stop provide options for travelers (after all, you aren't going to reveal your identity, are you?). Don't forget, you can earn our Striped Skunk Anicomb by having threads with a member of all active Loner Bands!

March (2022) — As March arrives, the Kingdom sees warming temperatures, and, with it, an over-abundance of spring flooding! As the cold, bitter week of rain comes to an end, Salsolans clean up the damage done to the Kingdom, and are left to deal with the perils and frustrations of oversaturated soil, and thoughts of a warmer, drier spring season to come.

• General: As the snow begins to melt, it reveals many things forgotten or lost since the autumn season! What do you happen to stumble across?
• Point of Interest: Perhaps better known for marking the edge of Salsola's eastern-most claim, the Pictou River is a well-known landmark throughout the pack! Fed by its source high in the Halcyon Mountains, its waters are often refreshingly cool and are constantly running. During this time of year though, the river often overspills its banks, and it even its shallowest points can become difficult to travers! Best keep to the bridges! Perhaps you decide to try your luck at fishing though? Maybe you admire (and respect) the power of the river? Or are you unlucky and feel its wrath?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: snowmelt, flooding, bitter rain, leaking, company, cuddles, warmth, sprouts, pregnancy, new life.
• Bonus: As the season shifts from winter to spring, the idea of "new beginnings" is often brought up. Have a thread that highlights this theme somehow!

May (2022) — The rains of April help cleanse the Kingdom in more ways than one, allowing the arrival of May to be full of fresh beginnings, new life, and promise for something better. From the expansive fields of Tantramar to secret meadows within the Pine Barrens to the sprawling Ruins, the Kingdom is abundant in colorful, vibrant wildflowers. The days are warm and bright, and are cooled by breezes coming off of the Loch and down from the Halcyon Mountains. Salsola is teeming with life as trade and merchantry pick up again and its denizens prepare for a particularly extravagant event! (Please see our May Newspost for additional thread prompts!)

• General: Presenting your best face can involve more than simply wearing a new garment – take advantage of the warm weather to bathe. Get rid of those last patches of winter fur, brush out your mane, and wash off any lingering funk! Your character may choose to seek out assistance from any Visagistos or the Profumiere, who may help provide them with guidance when it comes to looking their best or choosing a new scent to wear.
• Point of Interest: While the water may still be a bit too cold to enjoy for very long, the rocky beachfront of The Southern Shoreline can provide a lovely place to relax and explore on warm, sunny days. However, like Salsola itself, this location can be two-faced, and on days when storms roll in, tempestuous. Encounter one of these two extremes while at the shore!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: breeze, warm, buzz, slice-of-life, blush, storage, shipment, tally, commission, nervous, pretty/handsome, perfection, image.
• Bonus: Has your character acquired enough points to claim a home of their own? If so, describe them moving in or otherwise settling into their new domain! If your character already owns a private residency, either assist another character with their move or spend some time doing something around their house. Some ideas include: spring cleaning, repair work, adding storage or a new addition, acquiring new furniture or décor. Remember, you can always make use of our pNPCs for additional help!

June (2022) — As the Kingdom steps into a new chapter with its wedded Mafiosi members, the full heat of summer accompanies the arrival of June. Flowers across the Kingdom are in full bloom, the first yield of vegetables are ready to be harvested, and trade in and beyond Salsola's claim steeply increases. Salsolans enjoy the warm weather with plenty hours of daylight to get chores, errands, and work finished. While an occasional, summer thunderstorm may appear on the horizon, the cooler winds that it brings with it are a welcome reprieve when traversing the expansive terrain of upper and lower Tantramar. Looking east cross the Pictou, the tall, vibrant growths of the sunflower fields wave invitingly.

• General: Summer has settled into each and every crevasse of Upper and Lower Tantramar, bathing the realm of Salsola in golden warmth. There has never been a better time to enjoy the bounty of the outdoors — our borders, in particular, could use a little management! Scent markers are becoming overgrown and faded, and traps require maintenance to ensure they remain active. Even if you are not inclined to such chores, the weather is perfect for a stroll along the winding perimeter of our large territory - and who knows what you mind find, out there?
• Point of Interest: Long abandoned by its original creators, the Docks — a shipping port and warehouse area situated in our claim of Amherst - are in poor condition. Maintained by pNPC Bogdan Kotovo, whose sea-weathered face welcomes all Salsolan visitors, this area is full of intrigues. Interested in learning to fish? Curious about water-faring vessels? Want to jump off the jetty and cool down in the loch? Go and check out the Docks!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: sunset/rise, misty, bloom, hunt, noise, blubber, investigate, fur, trade, merchant, business deal, spooky, cabin, wildflowers, the little things.
• Bonus: Sunsets during this month are a spectacular light show, throwing vivid colors against the backsplash of the heavens. Enjoy a sunset vista, in the company of friends or strangers!

August (2022) — As the height of summer passes, the Kingdom sees the completion of the Shrine, and many decide to make the most of what is left of the hot weather before the autumn harvest begins. Some travel far in search of trade or materials while the roads remain fair, though, they would be well to keep an eye for any highway bandits along the way. Those that remain in the Thistle Kingdom make the most of their free time, and may even enjoy some company beneath a warm, summer sunset.

• General: Strange things always wash up along the shoreline, be it up near the Docks or further out near the southern coastline. You happen upon a creature that is...well, you're not sure what it is, actually — or maybe you do, but you've never actually seen one before. Is it alive? Dead? Angry? Food? Check it out! (Hint: it's a lobster)
• Point of Interest: Millstone Village is a sprawling community of residences and homes often used by the lower-ranking members of the Kingdom. Have a thread that takes place in the Village! Maybe help do some repairs; patch up vacant houses to help them survive the upcoming winter, vanquish some pests that have moved in, or help another Salsolan in the area! Alternatively, perhaps you wish to take a walk down memory lane and visit an old haunt or home?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: fun, relax, laughter, hide-and-go-seek, surprise, creativity, food, hunger, fishing, explore, art, memory, road ahead.
• Bonus: Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries have all finally come into season and are ready to be picked. If one is lucky, they may even find a few strawberries still left, or, perhaps even some strawberry blite! Harvest them, gorge yourself fat, or maybe make something out of them (cooked/baked foods, jams/jellies or spreads, or even use them for dyes!). These delicious fruits could market for a good price, just, be wary that you don't disturb a black bear in the process!

September (2022) — While the heat may linger in the first half of September, by the middle of the month the return of rainfall and departure of geese begin to signal the change of seasons. Within Salsola, preparations for winter begin in earnest: crops ripe for harvest are collected, repairs to homesteads are underway, and many take time to relish in the warmth before it departs for good.

• General: With so many travelers out on the roads and crossing Loch Fundy, it's clear that the event occurring in the north is drawing plenty of attention. This would be an excellent time to do some information gathering! If your character is not participating in the larger event, this may be an ideal time to observe other locations they might not usually frequent. Discover something new about another pack or notable individual.
• Point of Interest: Though still several months away, winter is coming. Help ensure that Salsola's Storage is stocked for the task by donating goods of your own. Alternatively, make use of our supplies and gather what you might need for your home!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: adventure, trails, travel, trouble, beginning, twilight, mysterious, sudden, overcast.
• Bonus: Sometimes our companions can be left by the wayside as other events unfold. Have a thread where your character's cNPC or a minor NPC, such as an animal companion, is the main focus! If your character does not have either, you can substitute a Pack NPC or communal animal.

November (2022) — As the costumes and masks crafted for the Autumnal Last Supper's masquerade are put away, many Salsolans embrace and enjoy what is left of the colorful season. Mornings grow ever colder, and daylight grows ever shorter with each passing day. Where some days are bright for outdoor activities, others are best to stay indoors as chilly, autumn rains create for cold and miserable weather. While some trees slowly loose their are brightly-colored leaves, the evergreens stand tall and full, but continue to steadily shed their pinecones for critters to store in the winter season to come. Deer going into their annual rut may be best avoided...or perhaps exploited while they're distracted. The antlers on some of them are mighty fine this year! As the season comes to its end, frost becomes ever more apparent, and the first snow begins to cover the land.

• General: Oh no! Early in the month, a tremendous storm blows through Salsola, bringing down trees and debris, temporarily overfilling the rivers and lakes. Does the damage reach your home? Do you find yourself out in the downpour? Be careful!
• Point of Interest: As late-autumn arrives, the Pine Barrens become full of pockets of color. Leaves pile high in places, creating fun for a trickster, or disaster for a sneaking hunter. Things become lost, and may take until spring to be found! As the ever-weakening sunlight passes through these forests each day, the atmosphere can change! Dreary mornings may leave the woods cold and damp, bright afternoons may inspire a burst of energy, windy nights may make for an eerie encounter. You never know — you might even see a critter about!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: wet, foggy/misty, careful, quiet, warmth, breath/smoke, leaves, hard work/labor, long day, woodland encounters.
• Bonus: Noble, the resident peacock of Salsola, has taken to roosting in unusual places. Discover him somewhere unexpected!

December (2022) — Winter arrives in a flurry of ground-shaking events and activity. For the first time ever Salsola partially opens its borders to all visitors, allowing traders to step foot in its trade hub. Though this activity dominates the middle portion of the month, by the time the earthquakes fade and the last of the traders leave, focus turns towards Saturnalia. The cold of winter will settle in soon, but Salsolans are keen to prepare for the joyous and sometimes outrageous events sure to herald the long dark.

• General: The earthquakes continue throughout local regions, and while they have become a familiar presence, sometimes they sneak up at inopportune moments! Have a thread where an earthquake disrupts your character either directly or indirectly. Luckily, these will cease towards the end of the month! As an alternative to the earlier prompt, have your character discuss the events with another Luperci.
• Point of Interest: You may have noticed our newspost -- this year marks the inauguration of the Thistle Marketplace! The first "open-border" event hosted by the secretive pack has brought traders from near and far. If your character is participating in the trade event, have a thread with them in the area. If they've decided not to let themselves be seen, night patrols will be needed to ensure no one is trying to sneak off anywhere they aren't supposed to.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: silence, stillness, frost, watching, following, trails, secrets, wasteland, wealth, visitors, gifts.
• Bonus: With so many events going on this month, one might find themselves desperate for some respite from trade, visitors, holiday and gift preparation and the day-to-day. What do they do to relax?

February (2023) — The shortest month of the year blows in with rain and snow aplenty, but Salsolans know that spring isn't all that far away. Even so, the dreary days can be less pleasant -- luckily, there are always tasks to help fill the void!

• General: Midwinter may be a cold, dark time, but for predators the boon of hungry prey cannot be overlooked. The forests and fields of Salsola are full of life and opportunity, though an adventurous hunter may find themselves drawn into the neutral territories to seek their quarry. Team up with a fellow Salsolan (or, if you're out and about, an Outsider) to bring home some meat!
• Point of Interest: Though pine dominates the local landscape, a thick patch of woodland not far from the Ruins stands tall, dominated by oak trees. The Oakgrove may not be nearly as expansive as the Barrens, but that doesn't mean the sturdy trunks and reaching branches of these trees are any less impressive. Snow provides a beautiful contrast to their bare bark, and many birds and small animals make their homes in this location. Notably, there is a large squirrel population -- many of whom are greedy enough to steal unattended food from predators!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: mist, obscured, adventure, horizon, passages, shadows, apocalypse, derelict, marshland, windswept.
• Bonus: Rain begins to fall after sundown, only to quickly transition to ice and snow! This sudden change may catch your character in a particularly bad place and force them to seek shelter or risk traveling through the dangerous weather. Alternatively, they may be at home when this begins and observe the transition from the safety and comfort of their living quarters.

March (2023) — Winter holds tight, but the signs of spring are beginning to make their first appearances. While snow lingers for the first portion of the month, by the end rain becomes the norm, and with it, the arrival of new life.

• General: As winter struggles toward its bitter end, we see less dense snowfall and enough mild temperatures to turn those great white fields into sludgy, boggy hazards! Common thoroughfares will turn muddy as they are churned by daily foot-traffic. To a distinguished and fastidious noble, mud can prove a great annoyance, staining valuable clothing, slipping underfoot, and compacting uncomfortably between one's toes. To a youthful troublemaker, mud can prove an excellent tool for self-disguise, or better yet, a prank... Have a thread featuring mud, either to your pleasure, or your great annoyance!
• Point of Interest: Soon the great Spring thaw will be upon us, re-opening all the waterways and trade routes for safe travel. These are the last few weeks in which an adventurous Salsolan might explore the Ediling Ravine in its frozen-over state! A deep fissure in the earth, Ediling Ravine is normally a narrow but fast-flowing segment of the Pictou River. But for a little while longer, its frozen currents provide a natural ice rink from one side of the breach to the other.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: isolation, seeking, coincidence, shatter, deviation, precision, departure.
• Bonus: With the sudden and unexpected fall of our only local allies, New Caledonia, the coming trade season looks to be bleak. Soon the winter passes will be clear of snow and safe to travel in merchant convoys. Now is the time to make covert connections to Outsiders or our remaining neighbours in preparation for trades to come. Meet with a non-Salsolan (disguise optional) to discuss future barters!

May (2023) — With the arrival of late-spring, many Salsolans welcome, enjoy, and make the most of the warmer, drier weather and what fortune it brings. Across the Kingdom, the lands become dotted with pretty blossoms and colorful flowers that dance and sway to a crisp, refreshing breeze. Prey animals are abundant, and the year's first batch of herb and crop yields are nearly ready to be harvested, if not already ripe for reaping. Where some Salsolans may reluctantly begin chores, repairs, or other tasks they have put off for a sunny day, others may find themselves venturing beyond the borders in search of business opportunities, adventure, or perhaps something else decidedly "Salsolan".

• General: As the weather becomes more and more favorable for travel, merchants, traders, and Others in general roam more frequently to and fro in the neutral lands beyond Salsola's claim. Interact with an Outsider; secure a deal or business connection, meet an old acquaintance, revisit an old haunt or simply explore the world outside of the Kingdom! If you haven't yet, decide whether or not if you want to be an outed Salsolan, or, one who hides behind an alias (or multiple aliases!).
• Point of Interest: Many Salsolans call The Ruins home, and, as such, the community is hardly small by any means. Separated into five main districts or sectors and its neighboring countryside, the Ruins are a reminder of the craftsmanship of those of Before. Time and Mother Nature have certainly done their best to reclaim it though, the reminder of their presence and wrath seen in the rubble and skeletons of old homes and structures scattered throughout the habitable ones. Low, stone walls line some of the more prominent roadways, and hedgerows help split the expansive fields and clearings in-between. Vines and ivy climb their way up broken walls and other buildings, some abandoned, some not. Explore the Ruins or perhaps linger in one of the main community areas such as the Library, Feasting Hall, or War Room. Alternatively, do something with or within your own home! Maybe do some cleaning or repairs around the homestead or Kingdom, or, have a nice tea party!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: reflection, perspective, relax, play, creative, simple times, pure, warm, deal, arrangement, business, different paths, walk.
• Bonus: May marks the success of yet another year of Salsola surviving as a pack, and is a time to be celebrated for all. What else might your character celebrate though throughout the year? Have a thread in which pertains to or discusses birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, milestones, or some other reason that your character might celebrate or honor something.

June (2023) — As spring bleeds into summer, the days grow longer as they grow hotter. The Kingdom and realm beyond's forests have grown thick with vegetation, creating much-appreciated, large expanses of dappled shade during peak hours of daylight, and ample coverage for any in need of sneaking about. The gardens and their harvest grow more promising with each day. Prey within Salsola's bountiful territory remains as abundant as ever. Trade both within and outside of the pack sees its usual, steady climb in activity and bartered goods. The world is alive and active, but, there is still time for some Salsolans to relax and unwind, or, possibly even enjoy an evening with friends (or political allies).

• General: Because of the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, summer is often a time for projects, be they personal or communal! Repair, build, tear down, clean, salvage, or commission for work to be done either at your own home, or, help out somewhere around the Kingdom. Alternatively, maybe your "project" is less construction-based? Perhaps you want to do specific training with your familiar? Maybe you're working on building up that cardio? Have a difficult tailoring piece you need to figure out? If it's a "project," work on it!
• Point of Interest: With the warmer weather being here to stay, activity has increased in more places than just the Thistle Kingdom. The streets of Amherst see more and more traffic by the day as foreign traders are drawn in to hawk their wares in the Marketplace. Adventurous Salsolans explore and scavenge what they can from the long-abandoned buildings, and a more ambitious individual might look into their own means of setting up a shop of their own to do business and practice their trade out of. Connected to the town, and with the increase in activity, patrols through the area might even discover a (stupidly) brave or lost soul meandering about on the wrong side of the border.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: ruins, explore, ancient, social class, walk, secret/private, hopeful, travel, future, wonder, companionship, magic, fireflies, memories.
• Bonus: Perhaps you've heard of the rumor that Starflowers should be in bloom? Maybe you've seen it with your own eyes in the past? Go on the hunt to see if you can find this mythical plant, or, pick your brain for where you remember seeing it before. Pick it, paint it, or just appreciate it, find the Starflower!

August (2023) — Late summer arrives in the Thistle Kingdom, and the days continue to remain hot while the sunlit hours remain long. The denizens of Salsola carry on with their duties, from summer chores and projects, to taking swift advantage of the fair weather to secure trades and fostering relations for a growing trade network in preparation of the harvest season to come. Some, may simply enjoy what is left of this hot season. After all, wild berries can be found throughout the realm, drawing out all sorts of creatures — though, not all of which are wanted! There are whispers, too, to be heard around the vast expanse of the Kingdom. There are those who gossip on the recent single's party, while others prepare for or are suspicious of the Kingdom's official invite into Del Ceneren's border town of Charmingtown. Perhaps our reputation precedes us, though, whether it's for better or worse, one can only guess.

• General: The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the nights of August 12th and 13th, and shooting stars fill the night skies. What does this event mean for your character? Will they make a special trip somewhere to watch the night sky?
• Point of Interest: The Pictou Delta is known for its rich soil, but each tide brings new changes with it. Does your character take advantage of these times to fish, or does the strong current provide the disposal needed for more nefarious sport?
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: end, sunset, residual heat, summer ambient sounds, heat, trek, adventure, overlook, high ground, ruin, overgrown, history, ancient, hunt, dew, practice, education, legend, knowledge, curiosity.
• Bonus: While the Lancaster Stock Show is still weeks away, the citizens of Salsola planning to attend have plenty to prepare for the event. Have a thread where your character spends some time getting goods, gear, or themself prepared for the trek! Alternatively, have a thread set during the journey north. If your character isn't attending, perhaps they aid a friend or shadow our company as they head out!

September (2023) — The end of summer heralds the beginning of the harvest season, and, with it, a boost in activity both within and outside of Salsola. Those returning from the Lancaster Stockshow in the north may regale their peers with their experience, however, there is work to be done! There are projects to finish, trade to be had, and a wealth of fruit, herbs, and vegetables to begin harvesting. The more proactive Salsolans go through their stores to take inventory of what they need to stock up on before the first snow, meanwhile, the more carefree may continue to enjoy the last of these warmer days while they can. The Kingdom itself slowly begins to become bright with fiery hues as the weeks go by and more of the trees exchange their greenery for trendier, autumn colors. Mornings gradually become chillier, and a fog may even start to curl in from the Bay of Fundy.

• General: The Autumn Equinox arrives on September 23rd. Bid farewell to summer in a spectacular (or more intimate) way! Some ideas include: a dinner with your closest friends, a group hunt, a trip up the Halcyon Mountains to watch the sunset, a spiritual ritual.
• Point of Interest: As the major landmark that separates Upper and Lower Tantramar, Deception Creek is the most well-known and traversed body of water within the Kingdom. Its fresh, cool waters provide a welcome place to quench one's thirst, and the bridge along the main roadway is one that is well taken care of. Any Salsolan would be wise to remember the reason for its name, however, and only ford it at its safest, shallowest points. Autumn rains may cause the creek to swell, and its chilly waters will only feel that much colder. With the changing seasons, too, the river may become more colorful as it reflects the changing leaves and carries those that have fallen to their final resting place.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: fog, eerie, quiet, crisp, fungus, moss, discovery, curiosity, remnants, caution, Before, drip, search, explore, collection, wet, cold, sharp.
• Bonus: The cooler weather signals the approach of autumn, and beyond that, the chilly grip of winter. Begin making preparations for this now! Gather supplies for your own homestead or the pack to ensure Salsola is not caught unprepared for the first frost!

November (2023) — As the festivities from the autumnal Last Supper begin to die down, many Salsolans find themselves returning to work and chores to be finished before the season's rapidly-approaching end. Homes and places of storage are stocked and repaired in preparation for the approaching winter. Around the Kingdom, the world has fully embraced the warm and colorful hues of autumn, though, as the weeks go by, the deciduous trees become increasingly more barren as seasonal rains and blistering winds pluck them of their leaves and scatter them throughout the land. The nights grow ever colder, and it isn't long before the first frost, and, so too, the first snow.

• General: The first frost of the season surprises your character one early morning. How does this sparkling landscape change the course of their day?
• Point of Interest: The Oakgrove may have lost most of its color as the leaves turn brown, but there are plenty of things to be found in the area -- squirrels are especially active as they prepare for winter, several trees look like they might need to come down, and plenty of other fauna frequent the area that could prove entertaining (or filling, should one choose to hunt).
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: rut, clash, brisk, heated, rainy, damp, cool, vibrant, rustle, leaves, harvest, abundance, frost, breath, chill
• Bonus: The Thistle Market will be returning next month! Begin early preparations: gather supplies, start crafting, or get that shop you've always wanted to open up and running!

December (2023) — With temperatures dropping and snowfall occurring more frequently, Salsolans look forward to many events. The presence of Outsiders tasks all members with additional vigilance, while those looking to profit from these visitors have eyes for their goods. With daylight hours short, the long nights call for warm hearths and patrols in the dark. Despite this, the prospect of the pack's annual gift exchange and upcoming Saturnalia feast has spirits riding high.

• General: Snow becomes more frequent this month, and can both hide and reveal the unexpected. Discover something -- such as a cache of food, a lost item, or animal tracks -- in the fresh powder!
• Point of Interest: The Marketplace is bustling with activity both before and during the Thistle Market. Take some time before the event to set up shop, engage with a fellow Salsola before (or during) the open market, or patrol late at night to ensure no filthy Outsider ruins the fun.
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: frigid, silence, deep, exploration, warmth, cosy, craft, expanse
• Bonus: Noble, the resident peacock of Salsola, is not a fan of the cold. Always on the lookout for places to roost, it seems he has decided that the next best place is none other than your character's home! Don't worry, he'll leave in the morning -- but until then, play host to one of Salsola's iconic animal friends!

February (2024) — With any luck, the Thistle Kingdom finds the worst of the winter behind it, though snow still falls and nights can be particularly bitter. Even so, the Luperci of Salsola remain productive. New positions, Jobs, and opportunities suggest that many are looking to climb the hierarchical ladder. Hints of spring begin to show themselves by the end of the month, but those familiar with the local climate may err towards caution – sometimes the weather can turn without warning. There's nevertheless a growing restlessness as all animals begin to look towards the coming change in season.

• General: What does your character do in their free time? Do they have a hobby or craft, play games, or do they prefer to socialize? Have a thread that focuses around the "downtime" your character has, and what they do to fill it!
• Point of Interest: Though typically used for short-term visitors, Firehouse can provide Salsolans a quick escape from unexpected weather or the cold. While the more diligent might see to the place's upkeep, some might take advantage of this somewhat isolated structure to hold secret meetings...
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: snowfall, secret, hunger, horizon, sabbatical, pathways, lupine
• Bonus: Encounter an Outsider! Sometimes these meetings can be beneficial, especially for those looking to trade or glean information about our neighbors, but things aren't always so pleasant. This could be a good time to spread some rumors about Salsola, good or bad.

March (2024) — Though nights may still be cold, temperatures begin to rise and the warmth of the sun starts to coax new growth out of the earth. While Salsola hasn't seen the last snowfall quite yet, the lengthening days signal a turning point from winter to spring. This transitional season presents new opportunitues and obstacles for the Thistle Kingdom and its members. Melting ice and snow spill into the local waterways, while the ground itself shows just how marshy it can become, retaining excess water that refuses to completely dry out.

• General: Early spring flowers begin to bloom among Salsola's vast territory. Have spring blooms be the focus of a thread: does your character merely admire them while out and about, harvest these for medicinal or decorative purposes, or is this in their own garden?
• Point of Interest: The Pictou Delta can be dangerous this time of year as melting snow leads to higher and faster water, but the rich soil found along the banks can aid the quality of crops and fishing can be extremely successful here. Salsolans are warned to be careful, however, for the water can be a dangerous place!
• Photo Inspiration: Have a thread inspired by one of these photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Need some help for ideas? Here are a few words that might get your brain working: warming, melt, growth, discovery, difficult terrain, arrival, equinox, life cycle
• Bonus: Everything is muddy! Mud is everywhere! Deal with the problems that come with mud being ever-present. This might be a good time to reach out to an Ancella for some house-cleaning, or call in a favor with someone skilled with removing stains from clothing or fur.