The Time Lord Challenge: The Funambulist ***Update 2/3/16***

[SimPenguin]

Time Lord Challenge – Rules found at: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817792/official-sims-4-time-lord-challenge/p1

I’m going to give this challenge a go… I’m not sure I have a lot to offer with a story, but I like that it is a challenge with no money requirements. I don’t really enjoy the game without a nice environment so most challenges start to lose interest for me as my Sims spend all their time making money and living under major limitations for several generations.

My TARDIS

I started with a lab I had already built for my secret agent base (available for dl at the exchange under my ID, LadyEmperorSims) and expanded out from there. I’m pretty happy with the balance between traditional TARDIS and something warmer and a little more steampunky. I did it with no cc so it’s a bit empty and characterless – Hopefully once Sims move in it will take on a bit more of an eclectic look as I customize their rooms and start cluttering the place up with collectibles and so forth.

Here are the two levels (all pics in this thread are reduced – taping them will pull you to my flickr gallery where there are larger options):





I am still working on the surface. To start with, I used another artist’s park for the grounds, but then chipped away at it significantly for my own purposes and now I don’t think I want to go this route at all… So that will be completely redesigned at some point (except the TARDIS portal):



Back down in the TARDIS, there are areas for just about everything.  The main console room has a variety of games and electronics lying around, a library, and a game room. The Funambulist’s bedroom is also on level one, just off the game room. Down a side hall are doors to a wardrobe room and a pool (with spa and gym). On the lower level there are complete labs, collection vaults, and greenhouse. A separate section holds a living area with a large common room/kitchen and companion bedrooms.

Detail pictures of all the TARDIS rooms, as well as ongoing story pics as I post them, are available at my flickr folder here:  https://www.flickr.com/gp/21552253@N00/A6EVa3 Please note that there are comment fields below the pictures (I’ll be including the story text) so scroll down.

Quick Links/TOC:

TARDIS Renovations
The Cloister Room

First
Entry One (1/27/16)
Entry Two (1/27/16)
Second
Entry One (1/27/16)
Entry Two (1/27/16)
Third
Entry One (1/29/16)
Entry Two (1/29/16)
Entry Three (1/29/16)
Entry Four (1/29/16)
Entry Five (2/3/16)
Fourth
Entry One (2/3/16)
Entry Two (2/3/16)

Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth
Eleventh
Twelfth

[SimPenguin]

First Funambulist



Genius, Loner, Bookworm
Ambition: Nerd Brain

As a loner and being a fresh, new Time Lord, First was pretty content to putter around his TARDIS by himself, reading and building his logic skills.



But every once in a while he would wander out to socialize and explore and on one of these outings, he met Yuki. Hermit he may be, but his people skills are vastly superior to the Sims around him and he immediately recognized a kindred spirit in the teenager next to him.



First hadn’t intended to invite anyone to travel with him for a while, and she was shockingly young, but he couldn’t resist and lured her onto his TARDIS… It’s bigger on the inside.



COMPANION: Yuki Behr



They got along famously and when he had time for her, they would talk for hours and play chess.



Once in a while they would hit the town for some fun.



But for the most part, First didn’t have a lot of time to hang out. He was busy building his vintage rocket and absorbed in his own projects.



So Yuki spent most days entertaining herself with the amusements around the TARDIS and painting.









One day the vintage rocket was “ready” for flight. “What can I say to convince you that this is a very, very bad idea?”



It was a bad idea.



But First walked away with his life and for many days they danced, and talked, and partied until the sun came up.







Until, one day, it was time for Yuki to grow up.  “Will you talk to me about woohoo?”

[SimPenguin]

First wanted to make a special day of it. He told her to get costumed up and brought her to….  A tree. “This is gonna be great,” said Yuki, rolling her eyes. She had gotten a haircut and everything and this was the best he could do?
 


She felt great satisfaction when First failed.



So he took her to the woods instead. Hardly a good substitute. Yuki was disappointed. What was she going to do without computers or games?



There was a lot of fishing. How exciting! NOT.



And *ginormous* bugs.



Yuki was bored out of her mind and they lingered far longer than either wanted to waiting for the big day. In the end it was a total failure… First was off somewhere when it happened, Yuki was in need of a shower and some serious fun, they didn’t have a party or a cake, and they had wasted days, supposedly relaxing.



When they finally arrived home, Yuki ran straight to bed to cry.



But the next day, it was time for Yuki to get over it and for First to get down to business. Yuki got a makeover and First threw himself into his work.





Now that Yuki was older, something changed a little between them. The occasional flirting would pop up while they worked or played. First had completed his projects and had time to pursue this new development.



But not for long - He soon realized that his time was running out. He started to make preparations. He asked Yuki to paint his portrait. She wondered why, but he couldn’t get himself to tell her.



He put regeneration off day after day until it couldn’t be avoided any longer…



In the middle of the night, while Yuki was sleeping, it was time to change.

[SimPenguin]

Second Funambulist



Cheerful, Good, Goofball
Ambition: Friend of the World

He was a whole new Time Lord, inside and out. Social and outgoing, he couldn’t wait for Yuki to wake before hitting the town. He met new people and liked them. The idea of bringing on a few more companions began to brew in the back of his mind…



But first, there was the matter of his *current* companion, who was just starting her morning in the common room.  She was shocked when he walked in.



Uncertain, angry, but – ultimately – ok. It was *her* Funambulist, after all.



Unlike First, Second’s main interests were in people, not reclusive brain tasks. So the two hit the town, making friends and taking numbers. There were many sims that Second was tempted to invite on the TARDIS.





Some took to Yuki…



Some took to him…



But in the end, it was Olivia that Second asked to join them. Again, with the teenagers, so her father came along as well to watch over her.



COMPANIONS: Eric and Olivia Lewis



Second and his new Posse spent most of their following days out on the town, partying and collecting. Second met many people and befriended them, but rarely sat still long enough to get to know them well. He rarely had to sleep anymore, so often talked to himself while the others were recharging.



Before anyone knew it, it was time for Olivia to age up. They had a birthday party for her in the TARDIS.



They invited her mother to join them, who was warmly welcomed by her husband and daughter as they had been apart for some time.



They had a lovely evening at home for once.



Life returned to its fast paced, social whirlwind after the aging up party except for one thing… Olivia’s mom started stopping by more often and Eric enjoyed the conjugal visits.



Second worked hard toward his most recent aspiration and reached it ahead of schedule. Which left more time for hanging out around the TARDIS and working on miscellaneous skills at a leisurely pace.





Things were relaxed and friendly and then, one day, the tone of the group changed unexpectedly. Second started having urges for Yuki.



When he acted on them, she responded warmly.



Meanwhile, Eric was getting frequent calls and date requests from his wife and began going on dates with her.





Olivia was grown now and Eric was starting to question whether or not he should stay with Second. He missed his wife.

[SimPenguin]

Meanwhile, Second was still dealing with the confused slew of romantic desires he had suddenly started to feel not only for Yuki, but Olivia as well. One day he made a move toward her and she was very receptive.



Second didn’t have a clue what to do about any of this, he was attracted to them both, but Yuki was special to him and he became determined to get his handiness up in time to take her somewhere special for her approaching adult birthday. He felt bad the first time he tried to take her on the trip didn’t work out so he threw himself into it.



In the meantime, Eric had reached a decision… It was time to go. He said his goodbyes and returned to his wife and home.





Maybe it was her father leaving freeing her, or just chance, but the next time Olivia found herself alone with Second, she had the urge to kiss him and she did.



Now Second was really in it, but didn’t have time to deal with what that meant as it was time to take Yuki away for her aging-up trip. Things being the way they were, he decided to leave Olivia at home. The planet Second brought Yuki to was beautiful and she was suitably impressed.





Second had set up a romantic nook for them to celebrate in.





Yuki aged up and they had a lovely day in front of the campfire.





They had never felt closer and both instinctively knew that they shouldn’t ruin the intimacy with kisses, even though they still had not had their first. “Thank you,” she said. “This has been a day I will never forget.” Second was happy he had pleased her.



Back home at the TARDIS, Second became determined to finish his vintage rocket – A project he had dropped a while back – and spent most of his days and night working on it. During meal breaks, his flirtations with the companions continued, escalading to uncomfortable levels.



Yuki became jealous and blue and took to waiting for Second next to the launch pad, waiting for a scant moment or two to get his attentions, away from Olivia, who always seemed to be at hand at meal times and dominating Second’s romantic attentions.



She took her moments where she could find them.



Second was not the type to pursue romance. He certainly enjoyed both ladies, but the flirtations were no more than a side dalliance for him. He had other things on his mind… His time was growing short again. This time, he called everyone to the flight deck and prepared them for the moment.



He took the jump into the next life.



And then subconsciously sabotaged the whole situation…

[MarianT]

Great story, and I love the interior of your Tardis. Looking forward to seeing more!

[Indira]

Very interesting. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[SimPenguin]

Thanks Indira and MarianT for the encouragement! Third isn't far behind. 

[LenaLJ]

What a wonderfull story, and what a wonderfull twist with the gender change.

[SimPenguin]

Third Funambulist



Creative, Music Lover, Perfectionist
Ambition: Musical Genius

The first couple of days around the TARDIS took a little adjustment for everyone.  Even Third felt a little awkward, he had surprised *himself*… erm… Herself.



Olivia didn’t take it well. She had been in love with Second and for her, him being a her turned out to be more important that she would have thought.



Third talked it out with her.



And they got through it – as friends.



Yuki spent several days off doing her own thing, avoiding the issue. One night she came to a decision - It didn’t matter. This was *her* Funambulist and she still loved him, erm… Her.  She woke Third up to tell her so.



Unfortunately, Third hadn’t figured out her own head yet and insisted they take things slow.



Yuki was heartbroken at the rejection, but she would wait. She would wait as long as it took.



Third started to explore her new persona. Suddenly, she was enthralled with music and spent many hours learning the violin.



She hadn’t had a chance to take her jalopy out for a real spin after Second finished it, so she took a trip to stretch its legs.



She returned with exotic plant samples and rocks, which gave her a chance to dabble with gardening.



She tired of playing around the main rooms of the TARDIS, so she sought out and restored the Cloister Room. She enjoyed dressing up and playing in the elegant garden.





MORE PICTURES OF THE CLOISTER ROOM ARE IN THE NEXT POST

One day, Third found herself ready to negotiate.



That night they talked…



They agreed there was something there…



And, lo and behold – after ages together – they had their first kiss!



Meanwhile, Olivia was working hard around the TARDIS.



She took occasional breaks to visit with her family. 



They were starting to age and she tried to get back home when she could.



Third kept playing her violin and composing songs.





But she took breaks once in a while.

[SimPenguin]

Two-level high Cloister Room added – Door is on lower level just off the lab/staircase to the living quarters.

[SimPenguin]

Olivia’s Adult birthday came around and Third took the crew and Olivia’s family to a new tearoom in town to celebrate.



An elegant tea party – Who could ask for a better way to celebrate?





Back home, life continued on. Third dinkered around in the lab.



Sometimes with surprising results.



Olivia was proud that she had completed a collection. The crew’s first, actually.



Third spent some time running around town looking for collectibles. During her travels, she happened across a young fellow who peaked her interest.



Her chance to chat him up came when there was a sudden death in the park. Nothing more fun than a death mixer!



There was an immediate connection – It’s always the young ones…  Like Third, Sawyer Wheatley was a music lover and a perfectionist and nothing could interrupt their rapt discussion.



“So, Sawyer, how would you like to see something cool?”



“Come in and see my collection of etchings, would you like a drink?”



“Hey, it’s bigger on the inside!”



“Do you have someone at home who would miss you? How would you like to join our merry band?” purred Third. “Just a Mom who won’t even notice I’m gone, hells to the yes!” Sawyer replied.



Yeah, baby. Third has GOT. IT.



COMPANION: Sawyer Wheatley



After a visit to the wardrobe room (Yikes! What was he thinking with those rolled up pants and red boots???) Sawyer met the others and luckily, they took to him just fine. There was even a little spontaneous flirting so, yay.



Sawyer, no surprise, showed interest in instruments.



So Third took the opportunity to start mentoring him on the violin.

[SimPenguin]

It was strange timing that Third should bring on someone new just now. Yuki had realized that she only had mere hours remaining before aging to Elder. There was so little time left to be with Third and now, at the end, Third was obsessed with this boy. Yuki wasn’t jealous, but if she wanted Third, she would have to step up and take her. She approached her…  Can we talk?



“I want to be your girlfriend. Yes? No?”



Yes!



On the eve of Yuki’s birthday, they WooHoo’d for the first (and possibly last) time.



Yuki had never been so happy, or so sad.



In the morning she woke and slipped out of bed. She dressed in her dress from that perfect birthday so many days ago and in her mind, said goodbye. When she was old, how could she stay here? How could she have a relationship with Third? She would age, then slip off and find a cottage somewhere to spend her remaining days. That was her plan.



At breakfast she was melancholy. She didn’t want to celebrate this birthday and intended to let it pass by quietly. She said nothing to Olivia. They hadn’t always been the best of friends, but it was pointless to begrudge Third’s earlier attentions toward her when that was now over.



But when Third woke, she tracked Yuki down and insisted they would have a special birthday celebration, just the two of them. Yuki did not bring up the subject of what would happen after that.



Third told her to dress to the nine’s and brought her to the legendary Von Haunt Estate.



Yuki wanted to be happy, but the future weighed heavily on her mind.



Third snuck into the kitchens and prepared a cake.



Yuki aged up on the terrace.





“How can you stand to look at me now?”



“You’ll always be as beautiful to me as the memory of this day.”


 
They ran through the maze in the growing dusk, romping like children.



When it was too dark to see, Third played for Yuki in the drawing room.



She played so beautifully, it made Yuki cry.



Then the perfect day was done. Back on the TARDIS, Yuki felt it was time for a wardrobe change.



She steeled herself against the upcoming goodbyes. Was it easier that Third was already back to herself and would probably not even notice?

[SimPenguin]

While Third and Yuki had been off on their trip, Olivia had received some bad news. Both her parents had passed away.



She hadn’t been to see them in a really long time and while she knew they were aging, time had slipped away from her and it was a shock to suddenly find them both dead. It threw her into a depression and a personal crisis.



She was getting older herself and still enjoyed the TARDIS, but she also wanted a family of her own. It was almost too late for that already. Feeling claustrophobic and lonely she started spending her evenings at local hangouts, meeting people and looking for love.



Back at the TARDIS, Yuki brooded and continued to struggle with the decision to go.



Eventually she sat down with Third to have a chat. “I’m getting too old for this rigorous lifestyle and for you. I’m leaving,” she said.



“No,” said Third. “I don’t want to lose you. You know how these things go, if you leave I might come back to find you dead and gone forever. You know I’m crap with timelines.”



Yuki really couldn’t argue with that so, without making any promises, she delayed her departure. Third considered the matter settled and threw herself into working with her prodigy. She supervised his violin, art, and guitar lessons while she worked on her own skills.





They all scurried about with their own tasks and lives.









Olivia found someone. Vasyl Chow and she hit it off like wildfire when they met in town and she started sneaking him into the TARDIS.



Third must have been awfully distracted not to notice what had been going on…



And Oliva had her eye firmly on the prize. “So, Vasyl, what’s it gonna be? I don’t have time to mess around. Do you see me in your very immediate, and distant, future?” He did.



“Pop, pop! Let’s get this party started!”

[oshizu]

 Fascinating updates!  I adore the new Cloister, booed when Third initially rejected Yuki, cheered when they hooked up but now but mourn with Yuki for her aging and indecisive lingering.
It's also delightful to see the builds you posted in another thread being contextualized in your Time Lord Challenge.

Really enjoying your challenge!