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#C7131D - winter preparation guide
[ color and with apologies for the length i'm so sorry about sebastian ]
All,
Before I get to the matter at hand, please allow me to introduce myself if I have not yet met your acquaintance. I am Sebastian Michaelis, the head butler of the Phantomhive household, though from my conversations thus far, I do expect that this may not mean anything.
Regardless, as the season seems to be autumn, I have some inquiries and matters to bring up with regards to winter. After speaking with Mr. Arisato, I was given the impression that this may not be being prepared for. So first, if you are making preparations for the upcoming season, please let me know. This brings us to the main reason that I am reaching out.
From my understanding, no residents have experienced the winters here, and so I would believe it to be of critical importance that we over-prepare with the idea that the winters may be quite harsh. It is better to assume the worst and have extra rather than the opposite, after all. As such, here is a list of the most important tasks that should be undertaken to ensure a survivable, if not comfortable winter:
I personally have begun with these tasks, so if you would like instruction or simply company for them, either would be my pleasure.
And finally, as a general offer, if you are ever in need of assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. The nature of my profession has left me with a great many skills, and so I would imagine that I would be able to help with a great many tasks.
Thank you,
Sebastian Michaelis
All,
Before I get to the matter at hand, please allow me to introduce myself if I have not yet met your acquaintance. I am Sebastian Michaelis, the head butler of the Phantomhive household, though from my conversations thus far, I do expect that this may not mean anything.
Regardless, as the season seems to be autumn, I have some inquiries and matters to bring up with regards to winter. After speaking with Mr. Arisato, I was given the impression that this may not be being prepared for. So first, if you are making preparations for the upcoming season, please let me know. This brings us to the main reason that I am reaching out.
From my understanding, no residents have experienced the winters here, and so I would believe it to be of critical importance that we over-prepare with the idea that the winters may be quite harsh. It is better to assume the worst and have extra rather than the opposite, after all. As such, here is a list of the most important tasks that should be undertaken to ensure a survivable, if not comfortable winter:
- Firewood - Wood should be collected and cut for firewood at a steadier rate than current. While it is not impossible to collect firewood during the winter, if there is a snowfall, it is much more difficult and could not be used immediately. I am used to preparations for a manor, so my estimation may be off, but I expect that for a particularly harsh winter, the houses here should expect to keep between nine and eleven cords of firewood. Storage for keeping the wood dry should also be built if you do not wish to or do not have room to keep your stockpile indoors.
- Chimneys - Similarly, all chimneys (should your home have one) need to be cleaned in preparation for increased use. If you do not know how to clean a chimney, I offer my skills for this, since it is not a straightforward task.
- Winter Clothing / Blankets - The clothing that can be found in the town may not be glamorous, but it is a good start for clothing more suited for the cold season. As you are running errands, pick up the clothing you find, since simply layering clothing is the best option to beat the chill. If you truly despise it, keep the fabric and begin making blankets, or donate it to someone who has the skill to do so. Similarly, for those of you hunting, please take care when skinning your animals to keep the fur as solid as possible. This fur can be used to line existing clothing, or larger pelts can be combined to make quite comfortable blankets once it has been treated.
- Garden Preparation - While there are some crops that can be grown in the winter, they will not be as simple to undertake, especially in the case of snow. As the garden seems to be staffed by quite competent individuals, I will not delve into this topic too much unless requested, but I bring it up as a reminder, should it be needed.
- Food Preparation - And most importantly, a portion of the food being currently harvested needs to be preserved. There are many methods with which to preserve both crops and meat alike, but the methods to best preserve each are dependent on the type of food it is. For example, some crops are best dried, while others should be pickled. If you would like my recommendations for a particular item, I will be happy to provide it.
- General Maintenance - If your house is in a rather dilapidated state, now is the time to make any repairs you may need. The less sealed the house is, the more cold will seep in. It is especially important that you try and repair your roof if it is in poor shape, since it will help the most in keeping your home warm.
I personally have begun with these tasks, so if you would like instruction or simply company for them, either would be my pleasure.
And finally, as a general offer, if you are ever in need of assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. The nature of my profession has left me with a great many skills, and so I would imagine that I would be able to help with a great many tasks.
Thank you,
Sebastian Michaelis
#FFF59D
i think even besides winterproofing our own houses we should try to make some of the ones close to the well safe and cozy too, if people are gonna keep showing up in the well even when it's freezing. if they're wet they're gonna lose heat way too fast!! we'll need somewhere close by to help them get warm again slowly. Σ(,,oΔo,,*)
no subject
Though regardless, that is an excellent idea. I believe I was told people appear about every two months? In which case it would indeed be the height of winter. I doubt it would be a burden to temporarily share our spaces, but having homes well-repaired for their arrival would be much preferred.
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oh! you know, one of the first things i was told when i got here was that there are little supply stations around so new arrivals can have the essentials. maybe we could combine that sort of thing? like a get-warm-and-get-stocked welcome before we let them loose to either find their house or hole up with ppl who've got their houses ready?
no subject
Though I will say in terms of insulation, it does depend somewhat on the particular home. Some may need repairs to their roof, others windows, and the simplest just a thorough inspection and patching up of any holes exposed to the elements.
That sounds like an excellent idea to me. If we can prepare plenty of firewood as well as blankets or lined clothing, I imagine both would be quite helpful to newcomers.
no subject
okay tho!!! so wood, houses, and warm stuff. i think i'll leave the chopping to the people bigger and stronger than me and focus on house inspection. it's not like i'm a trained carpenter, but i can be pretty handy!
no subject
Though to be fair, the particular nuances and artistry of carpentry are not so important (or accessible) here. It is a useful art to pick up, mind you, but that may be something well suited to a winter hobby, essentially.
no subject
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i mean, you're right, but it can't just be stuff that's pretty but useless that makes art, right?? there's this girl i know back home who's AMAZING at everything to do with cars. but it's not just about shining them up and making them look sexy. i mean nice. it's also about making sure the cars run at the top of their game, with the right parts for each car and everything. don't you think? there's art in, like.....The Art of it, too. in doing it right, even if it looks simple. don't you think?
no subject
(Though I must also note, I am afraid I do not know what a car is. It does not matter much for the purpose of this, but should you talk of it more, I will not understand, I imagine!)