The Grim Rivalries Tour: Week 3 - Ankou (Part 3) - 28 Mar

[FrancescaFiori]

Okay, first of all, R-T33, you dog! Getting spicy, indeed! You just stay home with your wife and kids, buster!

Ruby is amazing! She's gorgeous, she's pink, and she's got spunk! What luck!

I'm a little sorry Artie cured Genji in the previous chapter. He's probably the coolest, best-dressed game-generated vampire I've seen yet.

Okay, who broke Eric? You can do better, man. I believe in you.

I suppose naming the alien offspring R-T34, R-T35, etc. would be too confusing? You could give them nicknames!

[Ricalynn]

@oshizu So corny it hurts but at the same time... You made me think about it! 

@MarianT Thank you for the suggestions!

@dontmindme I love Star Wars and I've played probably every Star Wars game so I thought about some of them.  Calling everyone meatbags would be hilarious but kind of out of place. However, yes I agree that some of them would really enjoy the personalities of said droids. Too bad we don't have Simbots yet!

@PeregrineTook I like that and I might have to find a way to fit that in if the game will let me.  As @Magpie2012 stated I have skin CC (not mod) that is genetic and randomly appears on all townies so almost all of the Sims you've seen with the colorful skin tones have been generated by the game.  I, of course, made Pink Anvi and my founders like that.  I've hit the wall on how many Sims the game is going to produce for me I think though so I'll have to keep watching the population number to avoid culling while I'm swapping between houses.  Something about the City Living Vendors, Gym trainers and some of the other things just seems to have thrown me near my limit.

@FrancescaFiori I'm already back in R-T's week but I think maybe he just wanted some face time because he seems to have kept himself faithful while I was away haha.  Ruby really was a find and I'm happy that she was able to join the family under Artie and of course she gave me the heir that Artie needs.   And I thought about making more R-T's but I didn't want it be confusing and then the game threw me for a loop anyway.  R-T33 is a joke off Artie since 3's are e's in leet speak.  I actually ended up combining a few suggestions in a way to give me R-T's heir's name but I have to finish updating through Ankou before you can find out!

I'm writing I'm writing...   Thank you to everyone that has been reading and commenting.  It's really appreciated!  I find this gameplay a little strange because I know that i'm in the 6th week of play and can feel that but for each family it's only week 2 which is odd!   Two more Artie updates and then you guys get to see Armand again.

Query for the crowd:  Is it hard to keep up with who is in what house? 


Week 2 - Artie (Part 4)
(Larger Text Version)


Addy - What's going on? Oh!
Alice - Olivia just keep making those potions okay?
Olivia - Okay..
Neelish - I didn't even know him and I find this sad.
Artie - Wow this is a great day. 
Reaper - Where's the door?


Eric - I can't believe he's gone.
Olivia - Can I look yet?
Artie - *clapping* Good show!  Good Show!


Olivia - Granpa? Why is he laying there?
Artie - *maniacal laughter* Because he finally croaked.
Alice & Eric - *groan as they cry*
Reaper Bob - *looking to the 4th wall* It's like these people don't know him at all huh?


Artie - Hey Bob.. Don't you dare break my TV.
Reaper Bob - Would I do that?  I just want to catch this one show. You know Sheila won't let me watch it at home.
Artie - Okay but then you gotta go. 
Reaper Bob - Thanks man.
Ruby Do - I know it's crazy and I'm pregnant!
Neelish - Really? That's amazing.  You're not even fat.
Artie - Hey Neelish.  Let's go upstairs so I can talk to you about why I invited you over.  Before the old man died.


Neelish - So why are we hanging out in the little girl's room?
Artie - Well there's something I wanted us to do but it's best we do it where no one can see us and you won't fry and run away.
Neelish - What's that?


Artie - C'mon Neelish.  I know the rumors are flying and we both know there's really only one reason why a man like me would want to hang out with a disgusting agent of chaos such as yourself.  I mean I'm a criminal and a generally really bad person, but you're a bloodsucking low-life.
Neelish - Wait what?


Neelish - Not the garlic!
Artie - *bops him on the head with it*


Neelish - Ahh!  This feels so weird.
Artie - Floating is weird but you get used to it after about seven levels of wellness


Artie - Now get off my property and don't you ever talk to my girl again!
Neelish - Okay jerk.  I'm gone.


Ruby - I heard you fighting Neelish.
Artie - Yep.
Ruby - Don't you think you were rude?
Artie - Yep.
Ruby - You're still wearing your suit.
Artie - Yep.


Ruby - Don't you think you should sweat in something else?
Artie - Eh.. Maybe.  But I haven't slipped in these shoes yet.


Addy - For a moment I didn't think that you were showing but now I see.
Ruby - Yeah I suddenly feel like if I lean too forward I'll fall over. 
Addy - That happens sometimes.  You'll be okay. What you doing out here?
Ruby - With Dennis gone, someone needs to water the plants and what not and I can't exactly get my job at the gym back.
Addy - Nope but that's okay too.  Anything you want just let me know.


Kenjo - Why did you invite me over if you're just going to be all schizo?
Artie - Because I'm abusing your willingness to come over to max out my mischief skill.
Kenjo - You're not a nice person.
Artie - Have I ever claimed that I was?


Troll (Lara something I think) - That's it Artie.  You're doing it.  Just keep that pace going.
Artie - I'm so close I can feel it!


Troll - You did it Artie. Congratulations on maxing fitness.
Artie - Good I can go and not come back to see your mug again.
Troll - What was that?
Artie - *louder* I think Marcus is going to bust the bag again.
Troll - He better not.


Addy - It's so weird to see you in the garden..
Artie - I know I know but I have to maintain it right?
Addy - Yes but do you really think no one has figured out the hidden agenda you've got going?
Artie - It's not that hidden.  Just think of it as.. Upping my awesome level.
Addy - Uh huh.

[MarianT]

Awesome indeed -- Artie as vampire hunter, I love it!

[PeregrineTook]

Another great update!  Poor Ruby.  I don't think she knew what she was getting into by joining Team Artie.  At least she'll soon have a beautiful nooboo to focus on instead of trying to help Artie become a better person (which he would probably argue would be impossible since he's already so awesome).

[Whirligig]

Ruby was a great find! And ooooooh so excited to find out he's a vampire hunter. This is going to be good. Looking forward to meeting the nooboo!

[FrancescaFiori]

*is duly ashamed of her lack of leetness* D'oh! Oh, well. Glad you came up with a naming scheme, anyway!

Farewell, Dennis! You'll be missed. You know, by your family. Probably not Artie. Nice of Neelish to hang out through the reaping so Artie could slay him afterwards. And nice of Kenjo to come right over to be messed with. I love that about Sims 4. Everyone comes over no matter what! Makes Sims 3 sims seem like total jerks.

Hidden agenda, eh? Oh, Artie. Always plotting. You just got done with your last hidden agenda!

[Ricalynn]

@MarianT You know how stubborn he gets sometimes.  Not to mention that whole overachiever thing.

@PeregrineTook Ruby may not be fully aware but I get the feeling she's good to go on managing the situation.  That and she's max fitness so she might be able to pop Artie's head like a bug.

@Whirligig Well the wait is almost over on that nooboo.  But it will take a little longer to find out who he looks like unfortunately.

@FrancescaFiori No need to feel ashamed at all!  And yeah they do come over and if they don't come over, they can be added to the club and then be forced over. *cough* I mean yeah.. they just show up all the time


Week 2 - Artie (Part 5)
(Larger Text Version)


It's always creepy watching Artie have a good time from a distance, but his dinner party was a gold medal event! Two more to go.


Addy - What are you doing?
Ruby - Going upstairs.
Addy - You're walking around the house to go upstairs?
Ruby - This way I'm avoiding all the people in the kitchen from the party.
Addy  - Yeah.. Probably a good idea.  Though I think a lot of them are hanging out front now.  Trying to get a second gold party.
Ruby - We should tell Artie though maybe.
Addy - Maybe.


Ruby - Oooh this hurts more than I thought it would.
Addy - Just remember to breathe.  That will help.
Ruby - whooo Whoo whoo.  Sure it does.  Just get it out.
Addy - You're doing fine.
Ruby - Where's Artie?
Addy - He's coming had to extract himself from Ulrike.


*sparkles*
Addy - It's a boy!
Ruby - Oh good.. The pain's gone. 
Addy - Do we have a name for him?
Ruby - I think Artie said he had a small list of ideas but I don't remember what we chose.


Ruby - Oh you're such a cute little thing aren't you?
Artie - *belated panicking* Oh my pixels. The baby.. The baby's coming!
Addy - You know.. I am very aware of how many kids you've had.  You'd think after the last batch you'd be used to this.
Artie - Ahh!
Ruby - Isn't Daddy just the silliest thing?
Addy - Yes.. Yes he is.


Kenjo - So hey Artie.  Didn't your wife just give birth upstairs?
Artie - Not my wife but yes, I have a cute little boy now.
Kenjo - Wow congrats man.  I mean I feel sorry for the kid being yours but that's still huge.
Artie - You just reminded me why I don't like you.
Gym Trainer Sidney - Sometimes you're not that smart.


Artie - Oh Alice.  That's the stuff.  I need this to be really good okay.  I want my promotion before Addy abandons us tonight.
Addy - You are such a drama queen.
Masseuse Gil - Excuse me.  You guys are in my way. 


Ruby - You're just a little sweetie, aren't you?
Addy - He does seem unusually good for a Grim.  And he reminds me of Ankou's child which I'll be going back to tonight.
Ruby - But that's okay, we'll take care of little Abe while you're away.
Addy - I know you will.  And then we'll have some toddler training!  Which I'm not sure how I feel about.
Ruby - Me either but hey that's what Nannies are for.
Addy - Exactly.


No matter what we did we couldn’t get the birthday party to register things happening so Olivia had fun without a birthday party.
Addy - Happy Birthday sweetie!


Addy - Oh look at you! So pretty.  I almost like that hair.
Olivia - So it's that bad huh?
Addy - Not what I said at all!


Addy - Naturally the first thing you want to do is take a selfie.
This face is how I look with selfies too.  Glad it's not just me."


Artie - And soon we'll see just what color you are after we're done being abandoned by the watcher.  And that's okay isn't it my prince?
Abe - *gurgles*
Addy - You're lucky I don't make you lose somehow.


Artie - We both know she'd never do that huh?
Abe - *coos*
Artie - Yeah because we're family and family doesn't do that.  We only backstab everyone else. Yeah.. No one else is safe but family is. *bouncing him*
Addy - Yeah, I'm going to get you..  In two weeks.  I'm off to go check on the other infant.
Artie - Say bye Addy.. Come back with lots of experience how to make you smart super fast!


Status Update - Week 2 for Grim Reaper Bloodline

Artie Grim - Founder
 - Aspiration: Soulmate √ / Mansion Baron √ / Public Enemy (Need Level 8 Criminal Career)
 - Career: Criminal - Level 7
 - Skills:  Vampire Lore 15 / Mischief 10 / Fitness 10 / Handiness 6
 - Rocket Ship Upgades: Thrusters, Cargo Bay
 - Gold Parties: House Party
 - Reward Traits: Carefree √ | Connections √ | Professional Slacker √ | Frugal √
 - Portrait:  In the works
 - Heir?  √

Abraham Grim - Gen 2 Heir
 - Born?: √

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hidden Agenda:
 - Garden: Garlic [√] / Wolfsbane [√] / Plasma Fruit [√]
 - Vampires Cured: Genji H / A. Al Arabi / Neelish S
 - Aspiration: Bodybuilder √

[MarianT]

It's great that you're putting Artie's "real" option in the spoiler section. Abe is gorgeous, and how did he get those big blue eyes? (I know, cc).

[PeregrineTook]

Ruby is going to such good care of that sweet little baby that it may end up hard to recognize any of Artie in him.
Is Artie seriously not going to marry Ruby?  She's so awesome! 

[Whirligig]

Woo, it's a nooboo! Congratulations Ruby and Artie! And from that screenshot, it doesn't so much like Artie is pre-parental panicking as...cheering?

That look for Olivia is so different to what she usually gets of her own accord, I almost don't recognise her. She's rather pretty.

Do the custom skintones not show up until they're toddlers? Can't wait to see what little Abraham actually looks like.

[Ricalynn]

@MarianT I think the eyes I downloaded replaced all Sim baby eyes with those blue ones.  We'll know when more babies are born later.  And yes it is CC, sorry! 

@PeregrineTook I have no idea if he's going to marry her or not.  He's already achieved Soulmate so he may think he doesn't need to go the extra mile.  So we shall see, won't we? haha. 

@Whirligig He was supposedly panicking according to the game but it was an odd face he kept making.  Olivia's clothes didn't get changed because Artie was going to work but I do plan to change that and she might even turn out better than she already has.  Just need to get to a spot where I can do that.  And yes the custom skin tones don't appear on infants, never have sadly so it's like they "bake" in the bassinet a little longer to get their true pigmentation as you'll see below. 


Week 2 - Ankou (Part 1)
(Larger Text Version)


Addy - Slacking without me, hm?
Ankou - Ahh you have returned!
Addy - I take it you missed me?
Ankou - Of course I did but it's time to get back on track, is it not?


The first few days back with Ankou's brood was random skilling and baby care…
Pink Anvi - You're Mummy's little prince. Yes you are. 


Lots of Baby care…
Eliza - You're just so cute I could eat you up.  Yes I could.


Even Anvi White got in on it..
Addy - I thought you hated children.
Anvi White - Who could hate this little angel?  He's just so precious and smells so good.
Addy - No nibbles.
Anvi White - Vampires do not nibble on their own kind.


She took care of him more than most of the others actually..
Anvi White - Here comes the milk train. 
Armand - *squeal*


Addy - Ugh.  That looks.. Wow.
Ankou - *Inhales deep* It smells divine. Plasma Fruit Salad.
Addy - That explains a lot actually.


Bob - I do believe it's a masterpiece.
Addy - So it says but I'm not sure why it's a masterpiece.
Bob - Because I painted it thinking of the way my wife was before we moved in here.
Addy - Wow.  Okay then.  Keep going.
Bob - Actually I have a small idea then I'll get back to painting.


Addy - You're looking pleased with yourself.
Eliza - Guess who just got promoted.. Again.  I'm good what can I say.
Addy - Hm.  Can you make anything fun yet?
Eliza - Definitely.
Addy - We should work on that one day. For now.. Garden watering time.


Bob - Here you go, how's this offer?
Eliza - Bob, what are you doing?
Bob - Oh uhh.. Making a wish?
Eliza - A wish for what?
Bob - I want a child, Eliza.


Eliza - There are other ways to get children.  Some that are even more fun, remember?
Bob - Boy do I?  So.. Do you wanna?
Eliza - I am open for negotiations down in our bedroom.  Yes.
Bob - Let's go. *grabs her hand*


My ability to pause at great moments has not lessened over time.


Bob - Eliza I don't want to disagree anymore.  Maybe we should just relax.
Eliza - Actually, I've decided that you were right.
Bob - I was?
Eliza - We'll go with your plan with a slight change.
Bob - Sure.. What change?


Bob - Welcome to your new home, sweetie.
Lorelei - Oh thank you for adopting me Daddy!
Addy - And who is this?


Lorelei - Is that mother's voice?
Bob - No that's Addy, our watcher.
Lorelei - I'm a watched Sim too!
Addy - Sometimes.  Welcome to the household, Lorelei. 


Addy - When you're done playing with everyone walking by, we have someone new for you to meet. 
Ankou - But this is entertaining.
Addy - I'm sure it is but Bob has just adopted a daughter and I thought you would be interested to come greet her.
Ankou - I'll be there right after Sofia lets me have a small sip.
Addy - Alright and next time leave poor Naoki alone.


Lorelei - And I love to draw.  It's one of my favorite things to do!
Bob - Really?  Then I think you'll enjoy the kitchen--
Eliza - Ahem *clears throat* Bob.  Who is this?
Bob - Oh.. Whoops.  Eliza I would like you to meet our daughter, Lorelei. Lorelei, this is your mother and my wife, Eliza.


Lorelei - Oh thank you thank you!
Eliza - Oh careful, you might choke me sweetheart. And You're welcome.  I'm happy to finally meet you.
Bob - Don't stress your ankles too much dear.  They look a little odd. I'm going back inside to get the drawing table ready.
Lorelei - A drawing table!  Yay!


Ankou - I can't believe it, it's time.
Addy - Yes.. Finally.  Come on little one.  Let's see what a handsome fellow you turn into.

I thought about ending this update here, but decided against it.


Armand - Whee!
Addy/Ankou - He's blue!
Addy - And he's adorable.


Ankou - That's Papa's big boy.
Armand - Papa!
Ankou - Oh they grow so fast.
Addy - Well you know it's a Sims thing.  Now the real fun begins for us all.


except for Shingo.. He's the local Nanny and currently trying to teach Pink Anvi how to play violin. And she's exceptionally bad at it.
Addy - Anvi.. Your son has become a toddler.  You might want to come see him before we put him to bed.


Ankou - Hold on tight little one and close your eyes.
Anvi White - Don't drop him.
Addy - Are you sure it's safe to turn into a bat with your child in your arms?
Anvi White - Only if you don't drop them.


How much blue could I fit into one picture? LOTS
Ankou - Good night tomb, Good night goon.  Good night Martians taking over the moon. Good night bones and the black lagoon.  Good night mummies. Good night tummies Goodnight claws And good night jaws.
Addy - What are you reading him?
Armand - Shh!
Ankou - Good night moans and good night groans. Goodnight goo and good night to the old werewolf hollering Boo.  Goodnight You.. Get under there.  Good night monsters.. Everywhere.


Addy - And good night little fangling.  You have much skilling to do when you wake up.
Ankou - No pressure or anything.
Addy - None at all, Mr. I need to finish becoming a Grand Master.
Ankou - Going.. Going. Wait..what does it mean a vampire is breaking in?


Addy - Caleb, Are you really sneaking around another vampire's house?
Caleb - Oh.. Uh.  Guess I am.  I think I have the wrong address.
Addy - Well since you're here.  Maybe you should fight with Ankou some.
Caleb - Sure why not.

[MarianT]

I love Ankou's version of Goodnight Moon. And you're right -- you do have a talent for taking pictures at exactly the right moment -- Bob and Eliza! I'm still giggling.

[FrancescaFiori]

Man, I remember that octopus-cloud-with-a-pink-bow painting from Sims 3. Of all the paintings to carry over to Sims 4, they picked that one! It creeped me out then, and it creeps me out now.
I think Bob and Eliza made a very wise choice in going for the adoption method. Something was just not right about Plan A.
But most importantly, Blueboo! He is adorable. What a delight! I love the term "fangling," and I agree with MarianT, that is a truly inspired rendition of Goodnight, Moon.

[PeregrineTook]

Oh.  My.  Goodness!  Loved that version of Goon Night, Moon!!  So cute!
REally, Caleb?  Breaking into another vampire's home is just asking for trouble!

[lesleyj42]

I know I'm not the first to say this, but I loved  Goodnight, Goon. Can't wait to see what little Armand gets up to now that he is out of the bassinet.