Wags to Witches 3.9: Hard to Earn, Easy to $pend (11/26)

[oshizu]

2.5.  In the Doghouse

Week 2/Saturday

We leave Desert Bloom Park after my pet receives his Celebrate birthday notice around 8 am.
Arriving at Pupperstone Park, we have a hearty breakfast and prepare for training.

By this time, I'm surrounded by clouds of filth and have flies swarming around me.


Chai: When my pet finishes learning how to lie down, he reaches Level 4 Pet Training.
Ken: You're so filthy, Chai, that it's making me tense! Let's go give you a bath!

Chai: And now we're back and ready to start training Ken's only remaining trick.


Chai: Then, suddenly, the unexpected strikes!


Ken: Breeding a Heartsurfer with an Eggplant frog produces our missing frog: Surfer Eggplant!
It's close to 4 pm when we complete both our frog collection and The Curator aspiration.

Chai: *exhales a huge sigh of relief


Ken: Now that we've learned how to Play Dead, all I have left now is to max Pet Training! Go run the obstacle course, Chai!

Chai: This is beneath me! Why do I have to be the one to walk in between these poles?


Ken: You're right, Chai! This obstacle course is way too easy for a smart dog like you!
Look! I've rearranged it and added two more jumps!

Chai: You have got to be kidding me!


Ken: You don't like it?
Chai: You seem to forget that I'm a miniature breed. How am I supposed to jump through these?


Ken: How about if I move the platform between the last two hurdles?
Chai: Uh huh, right. You go first!

Ken: Let's try it together!


Ken: So far so good, Chai! That's the medium-height jump!
Chai: Pffft. Easy-peasy!


Ken: I can't believe you cleared the highest jump without even a running start, Chai!
Chai: Yep, I'm agile like that!


Chai: Let me get this straight, Ken.
I clear your obstacle course with a perfect score, but you "must be a first-class pet trainer"?!

How is it exactly that you haven't maxed Pet Training yet?!


Chai: We continue to "Practice Tricks" and Ken reaches Level 5 Pet Training close to 10 p.m.

Ken: What do you say, Chai? Shall we go and build ourselves a house now?


Chai: Now that the challenge is basically over, we bend the rules and move to a different lot.
What does a witch's house look like, anyway, Ken?

Ken: Apparently, our watcher hasn't a clue. But here's what she built.


Chai: Here's another shot in Build mode with the Daylight filter on.
Is the landscaping finished?
Watcher: I started on it but then thought, "Why bother?"


Chai: You bought me a more expensive bowl that auto-refills every 6 hours?
Ken: Not exactly sure how it works. I think I still need to refill it now and then.

Chai: So now it's always full and I eat whenever I feel like it?
Ken: More or less. It's weird that I've lost the "Call Chai to eat" social. I miss it already!


Ken: Check it out, Chai! We have an outdoor patio upstairs with a sitting area.
Chai: Yeah, it has sofas so you can finally pamper me on the couch!


Chai: What's the point of having a patio like this?
Ken: Well, it's like we're indoors and outdoors at the same time.

Chai: Huh.
Ken: We can still sit and breathe the fresh air, even if it's raining!


Ken: I think this room is supposed to be my favorite but the jury's still out.
Chai: Why?

Ken: Until we get a Supernatural xpack, there aren't many witchy things for me to do!


Ken: My bedroom's upstairs but your sleeping area is here.
Chai: Okay, but why are there two beds? I only need one, you know.

Ken: Well, I was thinking we could adopt a female shiba inu. What do you think?
You feel no driving urge to pass on your genes, Chai?
Chai: I wouldn't mind hearing the pitter-patter of little paws around the house…


Chai: By the way, how much did this house cost us, anyway?
Ken: Around $98,000, furnished.

Chai: So, we only have about $30,000 left?
Ken: That's right.

Chai: Listen, pet. If I'm going to raise a family in this house, you'll need to get back to woodworking.
Ken: I knew that.

[Nindigo]

YIBS, you did it! You're so awesome, @oshizu  Now, you go take a breather before the next challenge. Gratz on that darned frog and Fab W. You must be relieved now that it's all over. PS: What a cool house!

*ear-to-ear smile*

[PeregrineTook]

Nice job!  Again, Chai stole the show.  The whole "I finish this course ahd you must be an excellent trainer?" bit was glorious!
The robe and hat combo came back!  Lovely house, too.  It looks like exactly the right fit for the dog and his boy.
Looking forward to seeing what you decide to take on next  ;=)

[commasplice]

This was great! I loved, loved, loved Chai.

[oshizu]

@Nindigo
Thanks so much for all your enthusiasm and moral support! They never actually completed Fabulously Wealthy, though, since that last frog meant they'd completed all their requirements to build a house. No rest for the wicked, don't you know?

@PeregrineTook
Yes, I realize that the rust/black outfit is not a very authentic witch outfit, but now that I've seen Ken wearing it, it stays!!! And the Spooky Stuff hat matches so nicely!
Haha, I also thought the game praising Ken for Chai's perfect score was rather silly.
As for the house, I imagine it would be nice to live in as long as they don't have to do any skilling. In other words, the house is a fail from my perspective. Hmmmm...maybe move the sorcery room to the basement to make room for a toddler's room. *throws up hands in confusion

@commasplice
I'm glad to see that Chai has made another fan! I've been thinking of you lately, by the way, since you posted that you'll be doing the Vet Challenge.
In The SimSupply's Wags to Riches Let's Play series, his vet has been able to get paid by her clients so I'm hoping that you and I won't get hit by the "not getting paid" vet clinic glitch!

[oshizu]

Note:  After the last update which completed the Teen Runaway Challenge, this update simply provides a transition to the Rags to Riches: Vet Challenge.


2.6.  Chai Meets Chibi

Week 2/Saturday

Ken: Now that we have a home, we add a new member to our household.
Meet Chibi, an adult female Shiba Inu.


Chibi: What? I'm expected to eat mere kibble?
Where's my contract? I should only be eating gourmet dog food!


Ken: Chibi looks a lot like Chai but with more white in her fur.

I've given them bandanas so I can tell them apart more easily from afar.
Chai wears a black-with-white bandana, while Chibi wears a white floral one.

Chibi: Why do I get the feeling that someone's staring at my tail?!

Ken: By the way, the "Call x to eat" social still works.
But I need to click on the bowl not the feeder tank.  D'oh.


Ken:  I'm glad to see they're getting along well.
Tomorrow morning's my natural birthday, so I need to finish baking this birthday cake before then!


Chai: Whoa, did Chibi just lick my face!? How forward of her!


Chai (via telepathy): So, did you move in Chibi for me?
Ken (also via telepathy): Yes. Does she appeal to you, Chai?
Chai: *nods


Chibi: What a nice, spacious house for raising a family!
Also, Chai and I are highly compatible. We're both independent and smart.


Week 3/Sunday

Chai: Let us out! We need to potty!

Ken: By the time I call them back around 5 a.m., Chibi has fallen ill.


Chai: Before leaving for the vet, my pet cakes up a few hours earlier than planned.
He's now a Cheerful Dance Machine with his new Genius trait.

Good job, Ken! You earned the Responsible trait, too! You're welcome!


Ken: Let's see, I'll check in Chibi to see about curing her sickness.

Chai: It's Sunday, so sign me up for a weekly checkup next!


Chibi: This vet is creeping me out. Can't you cure me instead, Ken?

Chai: I, on the other hand, take my preventative shot like a boss!


Chibi: How kind of our pet to treat us to Marinated Sausage Link Chorizo after that stressful vet visit!
Chai: Eh, it's just normal quality. I wonder if Ken could make excellent quality at home?


Ken: It's time, Chai! I'm going to encourage you to breed with…

Chai. Ack! I'm so grateful to you for finding Chibi!
The other available females in Brindleton Bay are so… ugh. *shudders


Chibi: I distinctly heard our pet tell you to "Be nice" to me. What's with the hearts?
Chai: I'm not really sure myself. They just happened!


Chai: This is how I roll when I'm serious about throwing hearts!
Chibi: Oh, you think you can handle me, dawg? *licks Chai's face (again)


Ken: I'm really hopeful for Chai and Chibi!
Their chemistry is off the charts!


Ken (whispers): Excellent job, Chai! That was…

Chai (whispers): Sssssshhh, can't you see Chibi over there, throwing hearts by herself?
A little sensitivity, please? Now is NOT the moment to praise me for my conquest!


Monday

Chibi: It's all been rather disheartening, really.
Our pet's encouraged us to breed (Chai) or mate (me) every two hours or so since my arrival.
But I haven't conceived yet. Eh, since I'm perfect, Chai is definitely to blame!.


Tuesday

Chai: Today, we all head out to Whiskerman's Wharf.
Ken: Yeah, I've decided to stop obsessing over puppies. *sighs

Chibi: When we are least expecting it, I receive the good news at last!
Chai: Fabulous news, Chibi!

Ken: Okay, y'all. It's 6:30 pm and we've  been here all day. Time to go home!


Wednesday

Chibi: Just before noon, I give birth to two healthy male pups!


Chai: We've decided to name our firstborn son Chai Jr.
He's born Loyal and Friendly…a worthy heir to my name!


Chibi: Here's our second son, who I've named Chara on a whim.
It's pronounced "Cha" as in "chacha" + "ra" as in "ramen."

Chibi: "Chara" can precede the word for male (chara-otoko) to describe a guy who's a frivolous, flirty, smooth talker.

Chai: I think you just cursed our second son, Chibi! He's an Independent Troublemaker!


Ken: Wow, does this make me a grandfather?
Chai Jr: Please tell me my pet's not always this dense!

Ken: So, Chai Jr, are you ready to tackle the "Rag to Riches: Vet Challenge"?
Chai Jr: What about my father?

Ken: I considered Chai Sr, naturally, but you have better traits!
Chai Jr: I do?

Ken: Loyal and Friendly? Definitely! And your father has the Prowler trait, which was a minus.
Chai Jr:  His mysterious packages were a plus but all the baths were a minus?

Ken: Exactly.
Chai Jr: Well then, bring it on, pet! *puts on game face

[Nindigo]

Chibi is the perfect name for Chai's wife. Congrats on the little ones - they are so tiny. I'm looking forward to reading about Ken's progress. Still love his attire. He'll make a great vet

[PeregrineTook]

Chibi was such a delightful dose of sass to go along with Chai's overconfidence.
Looking forward to the Vet Challenge!

[commasplice]

@commasplice
I'm glad to see that Chai has made another fan! I've been thinking of you lately, by the way, since you posted that you'll be doing the Vet Challenge.
In The SimSupply's Wags to Riches Let's Play series, his vet has been able to get paid by her clients so I'm hoping that you and I won't get hit by the "not getting paid" vet clinic glitch!

This was such a great story! I love the puppies! I've been watching The SimSupply's series as well and I'm hopeful we're not going to have the bug either.

[Playalot]

Congrats! Good to see Ken and Chai moving right on into the next challenge!

[KTK10]

Brilliant job @oshizu ! Congrats on finishing yet another challenge and I look forward to seeing the vet Rags to Riches.. I must say the entire breeding scenes were done very tastefully and they looked like they were having a.. ahem.. great time! hahaha 

[oshizu]

@Nindigo
Thank you for all your moral support while Ken was breeding frogs, lol! It was such a close call!

@PeregrineTook
Chibi's so cute! I struggled not to stretch her part in this thread beyond a single update! Ah yes, the vet challenge!
I do want to try out the vet clinic before I run one in a dynasty challenge. You're so brave--adding one immediately to your Took Immortal Dynasty!

@commasplice
Thank you for reading! I'm looking forward to hearing about how your Vet challenge turns out!

@Playalot
I had so much fun with this challenge! Because of a few bad decisions, though, Ken's dog Chai ended up whining a lot in the final week due to lack of attention. ;-)
Thanks again for adapting both challenges! The Teen Runaway: Pets challenge offers great practice/warm-up for the Vet Challenge!

@KTK10
Thank you for reading! I had nothing to do with the "tastefulness" of the breeding scenes--that's entirely a Maxis decision to have the pets throwing hearts, thankfully!!!
I'd initially planned to wait until Chibi went into heat but I got too impatient, hehe.

[oshizu]

3.7: They're Off and Running!

Week 1/Sunday

Chai Jr: I can't believe you tore our house down!
Ken: Hey, you and I are moving on to a new challenge! By the way, I'm calling you Chai.

Chai: What about my parents and my brother Chara?
Ken: They've adopted an obscenely wealthy pet somewhere in Windenberg, I believe.


Chai: Can we visit them?
Ken: Unlikely. The new pet is extremely jealous, I hear.


Ken: Hey, look! Do we have fisherfolk back in our simverse? Or is she merely cosplaying?
Chai: Can we get back to the topic of where we'll be living?


Ken: Well, I've already lived in Bedlington Boathouse and Hindquarter Hideaway.
Let's move somewhere else, away from Cavalier Cove!
Chai: But what about this 64x64 Hound's Head lot? Lots of space, fantastic ocean view!


Ken: It's got a small private beach but it isn't linked to the rest of the beach park.
Chai: Oh yeah, we'd basically have to "Travel" to go anywhere from this lot. Let's keep looking.


Chai: This 30x20 Dominus Familiarus lot is in such a great neighborhood!
Ken: You're just saying that because of Pupperstone Park!


Chai: What's not to like? There's also fishing!
Ken: Our vet clinic will be on the other side of the wooded stream to the right of this house.
Due to current business regulations, you're currently unable to go with me to the clinic.

Chai: I see what you mean. I'd be tempted to run over to see you while you're working.
Living too close to our vet clinic would definitely not be a good idea!


Chai: I hope you're not interested in this 20x20 Ragdoll Refurb lot.  It's surrounded by concrete!
Ken: I'm with you, Chai. We need to be surrounded by nature!


Chai: Guess that leaves the 40x30 Tail's End lot.
Ken: Yep, I've liked this lot all along! It's the right size and the neighborhood's quite lively!

Chai: So what are you waiting for, pet? Buy me a dog bowl and let's get started!


Chai: Ugh, the lot for our vet clinic just has to be right next door to Brindleton Pawspital!
Ken: Our lot doesn't look like much now. But a week later…it probably still won't look like much.


Chai: Let's get moving with the whole survival business, Ken!  Off to Desert Bloom Park!
Ken: Oh yeah, fisherfolk are definitely back! The Immortal Dynasty folks will be jumping for joy!

Chai: You and I, on the other hand, could really care less right now. Keep fishing!


Chai: Ken tells me that this lady is a dog lover.
I'm staring her down until she gives me a treat to go away.


Chai: My pet notices that I'm feeling sad and gives me a hug.
My father was right. Pets really do have their moments!


Chai: I just wish Ken wasn't so preoccupied with making money for the new vet clinic.
We don't even go home to sleep! Well, not that we have much of a home yet.


Monday

Mayor Whiskers: Welcome to Whiskerman's Wharf, you two!
Chai: How nice of you to stop by, Mayor.

Mayor: Your pet and I are nearly friends. Are you wanting to adopt me?
Chai: No offense, Mayor, but you already have a job! We're looking for a "real stray."

Mayor: Fair enough, Chai! The strays of Brindleton Bay all salute you both!


Chai: Catarina Lynx also stops by, claiming to be the Welcome Wagon.
What kind of Welcome Wagon visits empty-handed, huh? Where's my fruitcake?


Ken: While Catarina's still chatting away, I walk off to introduce myself to our postperson. My heart skips a beat!
Maki Mori is enchanting!  She's cheerful, a cat lover, and….a kleptomaniac. Oh well.

Chai: Don't bother asking her to leave, Ken. We got nuttin' to nick.


Ken: I love this Perfect Balance Spa! The shower's left me feeling so clean and refreshed!
Chai: Hey, aren't we in the women's restroom?

Ken: Nah, I switched the entry doors because the women's side was wider than the men's.
Chai: Good thinking! Now there's more room for my bath! Isn't that a club door?!


Chai: Seriously? You want to train me in public with only a towel covering your scrawny body?
Ken: I can't send you to dig sites without Level 3 Pet Training, Chai.

Chai: Sheesh, I'm asking you about the towel, not the training! *learns to sit anyway


Chai: I have Ken spend a few hours interviewing stray cats. The first four were all adult toms!
I really liked Gunner, Piccolo, and Nougat, but Cosmos hissed at Ken when he visited us this morning.

Ken: The Powers-That-Be really want you to adopt a spoiled male cat, Chai. Here are their traits:
Gunner: Free Spirit, Skittish, Frisky
Piccolo: Aloof, Talkative, Spoiled
Nougat: Affectionate, Mischievous, Spoiled
Cosmos: Territorial, Mischievous, Spoiled


Ken: Just when I'm about to give up and go fishing, we meet the exotic Belle.
She's an adult female who's a Playful, Curious Free Spirit.

Chai: Welcome to the fam, Belle! Wow, look at you two covered in post-adoption red swirls!


Belle: I run through the Salty Paws Saloon on my way to bring our pet some feathers.
It gives me the fright of my life! What the heck is going on here, anyway?


Chai: *explains to Belle about Bears' Night.


Tuesday

Chai: By 7 pm, thanks mostly to Ken's violins and frogs, we have earned over $12,000.
Belle: Ken hasn't sold any of the feathers yet.


Belle: Ken's exhausted and he and Chai both stink, but we stop by our vet lot on the way home.

Chai: We can afford to buy all the required and optional equipment, except the surgery station.
Obviously, we've bought the cheaper versions of the exam table, medicine crafting table, and vending machine for now.

Ken: Using foundation blocks (free) and construction quality concrete in various colors (also free), we plan the clinic's layout.


With $1,000 remaining, we go home and do the same for our house.
After buying a bed, Ken stumbles over to it and falls into a deep slumber, green fumes and all.



Author's Notes

*I've restarted this challenge with clean clones of young adult Ken Shiba and an aged-up adult Chai Jr.
*The tour of the available Brindleton Bay lots was conducted in a separate save file. That's why the 64x64 Hound's Head appears as a bulldozed lot.
*We would have chosen Hound's Head if it had offered better access as well as fishing on its private beach. It's just too isolated for a single sim.
*The Perfect Balance Spa is on on the Dachsund's Creek lot. I'd like to try and stay as much as possible in Brindleton Bay.
*This is my first experience with a cat in Sims 4. Wish us luck!
*Am I crazy for still wanting to adopt that affectionate, mischievous, spoiled Nougat (the black cat in the green hoodie)?

[PeregrineTook]

Nougat was actually my choice for you as well until you showed Belle with her weird hybrid raccoon look.  Belle and Nougat would have such gorgeous kittens...
Anyway, I thought the scenic tour of Brindleton Bay was just lovely.  It's such a pretty town.  I haven't really had time in my dynasty file to explore it.  Maybe I'll have to make time.
I'm really looking forward to seeing your clinic become more than a sketch on the ground with sparse machinery, but I think laying it out was a clever idea  ;=)
Best of luck to you, Ken, Chai Jr., and Belle!

[oshizu]

3.8: Paw Passion's Grand Opening

Week 1/Tuesday

Chai: Ken's so exhausted that he crashes around 9 pm on his new bed.
But not for long. Belle jumps on the bed and "sings" to Ken.


Ken: What do you think you're doing, Belle?
Can't you see how badly I need to sleep? *lectures Belle about waking him up

Chai: Uh, Ken, we need to buy Belle a litterbox.


Ken: Oh, right! So sorry, Belle.
Here, I got you the highest-end litterbox available!


Belle: In a show of gratitude, I run off and do what I do best.


Ken: A creepy phone call from a Vladislaus Straus III wakes me up again.
We have no time for random visitors, ever!

Vlad: Alas! Yet another house with the Private Dwelling trait! *sighs


Wednesday

Chai: I finally educate Ken to Level 3 Pet Training.
And what's the first thing he does?
He sends me off to explore some dig sites.

Ken: I would go myself, Chai, but I need a nap!


Ken: Why don't you just run around the bed, Chai?
Chai: Erm, crawling underneath presents more of a challenge.


Chai: Belle goes into heat today. Good luck with that, Ken!
Ken: We can't afford a litter of kittens right now!


Chai: Wow, that litterbox and its laser eyes are amazing!
Belle: Yeah, they just zap my poop to another dimension!

Chai: And, no, we didn't get another cat. That's the ceramic cat I found at my first dig site earlier!


Ken: I've started using the medicine crafting table a bit every morning.
I don't want to open my clinic next Monday with zero Vet skill!
Whoooaaaa!


Chai: Before heading to the park, we stop by Brindleton Pawspital.
Ken: Wow, this clinic has all the latest medical equipment!


Ken: I check the vet podium and it only costs $100 for neutering.
Belle: Gee, thanks!

Chai: When we can afford kittens, you can have the un-neutering procedure.


Ken: After more fishing, I end the day by reading a Handiness skill book at the Willow Creek Library.
Once I level up a bit, I'll craft things we can use at home.

Chai: What!? You've got something against knife blocks?


Thursday

Ken: There seems to be so much I need to accomplish!
After some fishing, I use the new woodworking table at Desert Bloom Park.

Chai and Belle keep interrupting me for this and that.
But I manage to craft some garden planters, a mirror, and an end table tonight.


Friday

Chai: This morning, my pet and I become companions at last!

Belle: What is that tantalizing aroma? Catnip herbs?

Ken: Yes, they'll be very useful for two of my aspirations.
And I can also use them for fishing bait.


Saturday

Chai: Let's visit the Windenberg Library to check out the librarian.
Ken: Shoot, it's a guy, like the Willow Creek librarian.

Belle: So why are you chatting up this married Willow Creek resident?
Ken: I'm not interested in her that way, but we need to be friends!


Ken: Meet my newest friend, Fallon Priestly, a teen vegetarian geek.
Chai: Hurry and ask her mom if Fallon can live with us, Ken!

Belle: Isn't that a rule infraction, guys?
Chai: Nah, Playalot says we can make this challenge our own.
Ken: Right! We're playing with ageing off and I could use some help with household chores.

Chai: It means, Belle, that our pet will have more time for you and me!

Note: This forum's dynasty challenges frown on this type of bait-and-switch ploy to move in a teenager.


Week 2/Monday

Chai: Time flies and when we turn around, it's almost 9 am on Monday!
Today's the grand opening of Ken's new clinic, named "Paw Passion."
Belle: Sadly, you and I must wait here at home. Fallon's at school.

Ken: Brindleton Pawspital uses a modern style in navy blue.
That's why we're going country quaintness, maybe even a fairy garden style.


Ken: As you can see, we could only afford to build a portion of the clinic.
For now, I'll give exams and perform surgery in the same room.
The reception area's also too narrow but we'll fix that later.


Ken: My first client is Bartholomew A. Biddlebun Sr. and his pet Catarina Lynx.
Thanks for matching my room décor, you two!


Ken: Next arrives Blue with her pet Supriya Delgato.
See what I mean about the reception area feeling cramped?


Ken: Is it wrong to feel secretly overjoyed that Blue needs surgery?


After running brain, intestinal, and vascular scans on Blue, I realize my Vet skill is too low to perform surgery. Dagnabbit!!!
Oh well, I give Blue an expensive preventative shot!

I'm feeling just like a real veterinarian already!


By taking breaks during lulls between customers and disallowing customers at times, I stay open for twelve hours.
Three of my six patients today are Catarina's cats!

I'm tired and hungry. Time to go home!


Fallon: So how was your first day at Paw Passion?
Ken: It went okay for the first day, but I need to replace all the equipment!

Fallon: Already? Why? Didn't you just buy them a few days ago?
Ken: Yeah, but I could only afford to buy the cheapest models.
And just being around them makes me uncomfortable unless I'm focused!
Regardless, I believe I'm getting the hang of things!


Author's Notes

* Ken's adult birthday is still 16 days away, the same day as the elder birthdays of Chai and Belle.
* Fallon's young adult birthday is in five more days. I can't wait until she can stop attending school!
* Part of me wants to see Ken and Fallon's nooboo, but another part of me would prefer to keep Ken and Fallon as young adults.
* Ken and Fallon are in their own club which I use solely for mood boosts (Set Club Vibe).
* After one day, I'm loving the vet clinic so far!