The Wisewoman of Forgotten Hollow -- Legacies in Rotation (Nov 15)

[MarianT]

THE WISEWOMAN OF FORGOTTEN HOLLOW

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My name is Willow Wisely, and I am not a witch, although some have called me that. I merely am a student of herbalism and fortunate enough to inhabit a property in Forgotten Hollow that has magical qualities. I also enjoy interfering in the lives of my fellow Sims -- but only for their own good.

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My teacher is the renowned hermit Rachel.

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I met Rachel in Granite Falls. I was trying to escape from an over-friendly bear.

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Running through the woods, I came across a small opening almost entirely obscured by brambles. That would make a good hiding place, I thought.

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Inside, I seemed to be surrounded by branches. It didn't matter which way I moved, leaves and branches were in my way. Panic-stricken, I pushed them aside, and found my way to Rachel.

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When I began studying with her, she asked what I wanted in life.
"Lots of rainbows," I answered. Rachel merely frowned.

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"Waterfalls?" I said, less certainly.
"Those are pleasant things to want," she said, "but I only take on students who have a strong desire to help others. If you want to become my student, you need to have a clear idea of which Sims you want to help. You don't really need my assistance to learn herbalism, you know. Just gather the right plants, and you can learn almost everything on your own."

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Hardly any plants were ripe yet, but I managed to find a few strawberries. More important, I figured out what type of Sims I wanted to assist.

"Strawberries aid in producing female offspring," Rachel told me. "For males, you'll need carrots. They aren't in season yet, but you can buy the seeds. Have you had any ideas?"

"I want to help Sims who are just beginning a legacy," I said. "And I also want to help those who want to change their nature. Not everyone who is born evil wants to stay that way."

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"Excellent goals," said Rachel, "and your house in Forgotten Hollow is perfectly situated.
 
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"You can place a wishing well on the lot -- I'd advise adding a mirror for clients who need to calm down.

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"The sprites won't do much, but they're pretty.

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"And you'll be close to a fishing spot that does have a waterfall. Rainbows you might have to find on your own."

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Rachel gave me the wherewithal to build a kitchen in which I could craft herbal remedies.

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I was also able to provide a guest room for adults...

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...and a place for Sims who had to be regressed to childhood to work on their characters.

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"Your first legacy family should arrive soon," said Rachel. "And I also know of a very unhappy Sim that you can visit. He might be a little challenging, but it is probably best for you to start with someone difficult, just to see what you can manage."

My first legacy family was THE first family -- the Newbies (more about them later). And my first Sim who wanted to change was Vladislaus Straud IV. Easy peasy, right?

[MarianT]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Newbies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Willow Wisely 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
The Calientes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Landgraabs 1, 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Curious Brothers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Gotharios 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Strauds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Zests 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Cottoneyes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Lee-Scotts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The Heckings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Note: Some chapters contain updates on more than one family, e.g., The Gotharios and Strauds. Therefore, all the families in a chapter will have a link to it.

Generation 2 Table of Contents
Generation 3 Table of Contents
Generation 4 Table of Contents

[MarianT]

FOUNDERS' STATISTICS

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Bob and Betty Newbie

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Bob - bookworm, lazy, slob; Betty - active, creative, unflirty; Barbara - independent
Skills: 19, veterinarian 10, bowling 5, wellness, 4
Promotions: 14, Betty 8; Babs, Griffon Scout, B, A, Unicorn Scout, Pegasus Scout, A, Llamacorn Scout
Satisfaction Points: 14
$30,000 Added: 2
Good Friends: 8, Buddy, Betty Newbie, Barbara Newbie, Shaowen Pollock, Aicha Chafik, Dominique Silva, Hawea Parata, Eva Capricciosa
Lots and Festivals: 15, Brindleton Pawspital, Sunnyside Up Diner, Pupperstone Park, Deadgrass Discoveries Museum, Flea Market, Desert Bloom Park, Newbie Vet Clinic, Planet Honey Pop, Bowl More Alley, Willow Creek Archive, Vital Climb Gym, Burners and Builders, Magnolia Blossom Park, Perfect Balance Spa, The Futures Past
Pet Tricks: 7, Buddy, fetch, lie down, roll over, sit, shake, speak, play dead
Maxed Skills: 18; Babs, potty, imagination, motor, creativity, 8; Bob, pet training, veterinarian, bowling, cooking, dancing, 10
Maxed Aspirations: 4; Babs, Rambunctious Scamp, Artistic Prodigy, 4
Maxed Careers: 2, Babs, Scouting, 2
Negatives: -3, Betty, bladder fail, fire

Total: 100 pts

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Katrina Caliente and J Huntington III

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Katrina - romantic, self-absorbed, family-oriented, compassionate; J - bro, active, noncommittal; Hugh - independent
Skills: 17, acting 10, dancing 5, guitar 6
Promotions: 20, Katrina 10, J 6, Hugh, B, Line learner, A, Practical Performer, A, Junior Artiste
Satisfaction Points: 9
+30,000: 6
Character Traits: 2, Hugh, good manners, responsible, 2
Wishes: 2
Fame: 3
Pet Skills: 3, Brisbane, fetch, sit, roll over
Good Friends: 6, Willow Wisely, Hugh Caliente, Dina Caliente, Katherine Ragsdale, Brisbane, Orange Bailey-Moon
Lots and Festivals: 13, Orchid a Go Go, Burners and Builders, Magnolia Blossom Park, Club Calico, The Solar Flare, Vital Climb Gym, Brindleton Pawspital, The Blue Velvet, Pectoral Fitness, Flea Market, Paddywack's Emporium, Plumbob Pictures Museum, Discotheque Pan Europa
Maxed Skills: 16; Hugh, potty, imagination, movement, motor, 8; J, fitness, 2; Katrina, acting, dancing, cooking, 6
Maxed Aspirations: 4; Hugh, Rambunctious Scamp, 2; J, Bodybuilder, 2
Maxed Careers: 2, Katrina, Acting 2
Negatives: -3; J, fire, -2; Hugh, pass out, -1

Total: 100pts

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Malcolm and Morgan Landgraab

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Malcolm - evil, genius, ambitious, business savvy, responsible; Morgan - good, outgoing, gloomy; Sterling - inquisitive, cheerful, music lover
Skills: 8, charisma 10
Promotions: 29, Malcolm 9, Siobhan, 5, Morgan 5, Dominic 4, Sterling B, Griffon Scout, A, Unicorn, A, Nancy, 7, Moira, 3, Geoffrey, 6
Satisfaction Points: 6
Gold Parties: 1, date
$30,000 added: 22, $351,325
Collections: 2, eggs
Fame: 2
Good Friends: 7, Sterling Landgraab, Geoffrey Landgraab, Flower Bunny, Nancy Landgraab, Siobhan Fyres, Alika Kahananui, Nick Still
Lots and Festivals: 13, GeekCon, Romance Festival, Quad Manor, Flea Market, Desert Bloom Park, Villa Bovine, The Shrieking Llama, Skye Fitness, Casbah Gallery, Spice Festival, Hare and Hedgehog Café, Stargazer Lounge, Harbor Quarter Gym
Maxed Skills: 12; Sterling, potty, imagination, creativity, 6; Malcolm, cooking, charisma, 4; Moira, dancing, 2
Maxed Aspirations: 2; Sterling, Artistic Prodigy, 2
Maxed Careers: 2; Moira, Manual Labor
Negatives: -6; Malcolm, fire, -2; Geoffrey, pass out, -1; Siobhan, fire, -2; Nancy, pass out, -1

Total: 100 pts

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Pascal and Cosma Curious

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Pascal - neat, geek, gloomy, quick learner, connections; Vidcund - neat, active, noncommittal; Lazlo - outgoing, goofball, slob; Cosma - charmer, genius, bookworm, perfectionist, quick learner, responsible; Brenna - independent, active
Skills: 14, logic 10, gardening 8
Promotions: 30, Vidcund 8, Lazlo 7, Pascal 8, Cosma B, A, Griffon Scout, Unicorn, A, 4, Brenna B, Griffon Scout
Satisfaction Points: 16
Collections: 2, crystals
Character Traits: 1, Cosma, responsible
Good Friends: 11, Cosma Curious, Vidcund Curious, Lazlo Curious, Invention Constructor, Enigma, Mya Tomlin, Zoe Patel, Catarina Lynx, Brenna Curious, Stephon Grant, Tom Nulty
Lots and Festivals: 10, 8 Bells Bar, Desert Bloom Park, The Futures Past, Caldera Camp, Willow Creek Archives, Chez Llama, Municipal Muses Museum, Rattlesnake Juice Bar, Enchanted Springs, Brindleton Pawspital
Maxed Skills: 18, Cosma, potty, thinking, imagination 6; Pascal, logic, cooking, 4; Brenna, potty, movement, imagination, 6; Vidcund, fitness, 2
Maxed Aspirations: 2, Pascal, Renaissance Sim, 2
Negatives: -4, Pascal, fire, Connections reward, pass out, -4

Total: 100 pts

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Cassandra Goth and Don Lothario

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Traits: Cassandra - family-oriented, music-lover, creative, muser, piper; Don - active, family-oriented, music-lover; Cornelia, inquisitive, self-assured, vegetarian
Skills: 11, violin 10, writing 8
Promotions: 24, Cassandra 9, Don 8, Claudia B, Griffon Scout, Unicorn Scout, A, A, Cornelia, Line Learner, B, Practical Performer, A
Satisfaction Points: 11
+$30,000: 6
Good Friends: 6, Mortimer Goth, Bella Goth, Cornelia Goth, Claudia Goth, Alexander Goth, Diego Lobo
Lots and Festivals: 11, The Blue Velvet Nightclub, Club Calico, Casbah Gallery, The Solar Flare, Strangerville Library, Desert Bloom Park, Paddywack's Emporium, Magnolia Blossom Park, Municipal Muses, Flea Market, Willow Creek Archive
Maxed Skills: 26; Claudia, potty, imagination, movement, communication, motor, 10; Cornelia, potty, imagination, thinking, movement, creativity, 10; Cassandra, violin, cooking, parenting, 6
Maxed Aspirations: 6; Cornelia, Artistic Prodigy, 2; Claudia, Rambunctious Scamp, 2; Cassandra, Musical Genius, 2
Negatives: -1, Don, pass out, -1

Total: 100 pts

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Vladislaus Straud and Luna Villareal

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Vladislaus - music-lover, romantic, snob, muser; Luna - romantic, erratic, childish; Celeste - silly, self-assured
Skills: 10, violin 10, gardening 9
Promotions: 27, Vlad 8; Luna 7, Max C, B, B, 3; Celeste, Griffon Scout, B, Unicorn, B; Hugo, 4; Frank, Griffon Scout, B
Satisfaction Points: 8
+$30,000: 6
Gold Medals: 2, date, dinner party
Character Traits: 2, Max, good manners, responsible
Good Friends: 2, Celeste Straud, Frank Straud
Lots and Festivals: 10, The Shrieking Llama, Stargazer Lounge, Quad Manor, Hare and Hedgehog, Hare Park, Club Calico, Studio PBP, The Solar Flare, Willow Creek Archives, Magnolia Blossom Park
Maxed Skills: 26; Jacques, logic, 2; Celeste, potty, imagination, creativity, 6; Max, motor, 2; Hugo, cooking, dancing, 4; Frank, potty, communication, movement, imagination, motor, 10; Vladislaus, violin, 2
Aspirations: 8; Max, Rambunctious Scamp, 2; Celeste, Artistic Prodigy, 2; Vladislaus, Musical Genius, 2; Frank, Rambunctious Scamp
Negatives: -1, Jacques, pass out

Total = 100 pts

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Johnny Zest and Candy Behr

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Traits: Johnny - goofball, ambitious, outgoing, gregarious, hilarious; Candy - cheerful, music-lover, outgoing; Mimosa - silly, self-assured, incredibly friendly, geek
Skills: 15, comedy 10, writing 9
Promotions: 26, Johnny 10, Candy 8, Yuki, Griffon scout, B, Unicorn scout, 6, Mimi, Line learner, B, Practical Performer, A
Satisfaction Points: 15
+$30,000: 10
Fame: 2
Gold Parties: 1, date
Good Friends: 5, Candy Behr, Mimosa Zest, Yuki Behr, Willow Wisely, Elsa Bjergsen
Lots and Festivals: 7, The Solar Flare, Villa Bovine, Discotheque Pan Europa, Spice Festival, The Blue Velvet, South Square Coffee, Pectoral Fitness
Maxed Skills: 14; Mimosa, potty. imagination, movement, communication, creativity, 10; Johnny, comedy, cooking 4
Maxed Aspirations: 6, Johnny, Joke Star, Fabulously Wealthy, 4; Mimosa, Artistic Prodigy, 2
Maxed Careers: 2, Johnny, Entertainer
Negatives: -3; Yuki, demoted, -1; Mimi, fire, -2

Total = 100 pts

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Hunter and Summer Cottoneye

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Traits: Hunter - erratic, paranoid, loves outdoors, collector, angler's tranquility, savant; Summer -- active, cheerful, outgoing; Hank - wild, creative
Skills: 12, fishing 10, charisma 9
Promotions: 24, Summer, 8; Hunter 9; Hank, Griffon Scout, B, A, Unicorn Scout, Pegasus, A; Dale, Griffon Scout, B, A, Unicorn Scout
Satisfaction Points: 7
$30,000 Added: 2
Character Traits: 1, Hank, responsible
Collection: 2, decorative eggs
Good Friends: 5, Summer Holiday, Hank Cottoneye, Dhruv Savalani, Dale Cottoneye, Aleki Lefao
Lots and Festivals: 23 Movers & Shakers, Rattlesnake Juice Bar, 8 Bells Bar, Desert Bloom Park, The Futures Past, Flea Market, Willow Creek Archives, Vital Climb Gym, The Solar Flare, Burners & Builders, Sylvan Glade, Caldera Camp, Strangerville Library, Paddywack's Emporium, Ohan'ali Beach, Sand Simoleon Beach, Deadgrass Discoveries, Hare Square, Villa Bovine, Skye Fitness, Casbah Gallery, Bowl More Alley, Myshuno Meadows
Maxed Skills: 22 Hank, potty, communication, movement, creativity, 8; Dale, communication, potty, imagination, movement, 8; Hunter, fishing, cooking, parenting, 6
Maxed Aspirations: 2, Hunter, Angling Ace, 2

Total: 100 pts

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Liberty and Travis Lee-Scott

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Traits: Liberty - clumsy, geek, bookworm, quick learner, handy; Travis - outgoing, geek, self-assured; Faith - fussy, creative, squeamish; Hope - clingy, creative
Skills: 10, logic 10, Fitness 3
Promotions: 18, Liberty 3; Travis 8; Faith B, A, Griffon Scout, A, Unicorn Scout; Hope B, A, Griffon Scout
Satisfaction Points: 18
$30,000 Added: 2
Good Friends: 4, Travis Scott, Faith Lee-Scott, Hope Lee-Scott, Summer Holiday
Lots and Festivals: 13, Romance Festival, Desert Bloom Park, Willow Creek Archives, Villa Bovine, Spice Festival, Magnolia Blossom Park, Quad Manor, GeekCon, Caldera Camp, Hare Square Park, Movers & Shakers, L'Attente Bistro, Flea Market
Maxed Skills: 26; Faith, potty, imagination, movement, creativity, 8; Hope, potty, movement, imagination, creativity, 8; Liberty, cooking, parenting, logic, rocket science, handiness, 10
Maxed Aspirations: 10; Faith, Artistic Prodigy, 2; Liberty, Nerd Brain, Renaissance Sim, 4; Hope, Artistic Prodigy, 2; Travis, Computer Whiz, 2
Negatives: -1, Liberty, reward, -1

Total: 100 pts

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Brent and Brant Hecking

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Traits: Brent - goofball, romantic, loves dogs, muser, expressionistic, marketable, creative visionary, frugal; Brant - good, art lover, loves the outdoors; Grant - independent, active, music lover, gregarious
Skills: 12, painting 10, dancing 5, fitness 6
Promotions: 14 Brent, 4; Grant, Griffon Scout, B, Unicorn Scout, A, A, Pegasus Scout, Llamacorn Scout; Brant, 6
Satisfaction Points: 24
$30,000 Added: 8
Gold Parties: 1, date
Pet Tricks: 2, Rosie, fetch, roll over
Good Friends: 5, Rosie, Grant Hecking, Brant Hecking, Penny Pizzazz, Ramzie
Lots and Festivals: 12, Deadgrass Discoveries Museum, Pupperstone Park, 8 Bells Bar, Sunny Side Up Diner, Movers and Shakers, Burners & Builders, Brindleton Pawspital, Caldera Camp, Chez Llama, Vital Climb Gym, Pectoral Fitness, The Futures Past
Maxed Skills: 14; Grant, potty, thinking, imagination, motor, 8; Brent, painting, dancing, cooking, 6
Maxed Aspirations: 6; Brent, Painter Extraordinaire, Soulmate, 4; Grant, Rambunctious Scamp, 2
Maxed Careers: 2, Grant, Scouting, 2

Total: 100 pts

Generation 2 Statistics
Generation 3 Statistics

[MarianT]

The Newbies 1

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I was very excited to meet the Newbies, the first Sim family that many people had encountered. They were thrilled with their new residence.

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"No blue card table," Betty gushed, "and such a pretty setting."
"I'm surprised you decided on Newcrest," I said. "I would have thought you'd want to be in Willow Creek, near the Goths."
Bob made a face, and Betty laughed. "We didn't exactly move in the same social circles as the Goths," she said.
"Bella was all right, but Mortimer..." put in Bob.
Betty frowned at him, and I realized that Bella might not be the most favorable topic of conversation.
"There are many other places to live besides Willow Creek," I said. "Why did you choose Newcrest?"
"It reminds us of home," said Bob.

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"And we really like being so close to the trolley line," said Betty.
"You still have to go through a loading screen to go anywhere," I reminded them.
"Yeah, but it's free now," said Bob. "Before you had to pay 50 simoleons to take a taxi."

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"Speaking of money..." I handed Bob a gift of 10,000 simoleons. "An anonymous donor is making this gift possible for all new legacy founders."

Since I had brought up the subject of legacies, I went ahead to acquaint them with the rules:
The Watcher would control only one Sim in the household, but she would pay attention to all the Sims whenever the household had gained 10 points. Points would accumulate as follows:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

1 point for each level gained in a unique designated skill (cooking, handiness, and parenting not allowed) by the controlled Sim. Your Sim must max this skill before counting points from another skill.
1 point for each job or school promotion earned by any household member.
1 point for each 1000 satisfaction points gained by the controlled Sim. Note # of satisfaction points immediately upon moving in.
1 point for each good friend made by the controlled Sim. You can count a friend only once.
1 point for each enemy made by the controlled Sim. You can count an enemy only once.
1 point for each different gold party (a date can count) thrown by the controlled Sim.
2 points for every $30,000 added to the initial household fund. Note household income immediately upon moving in.
1 point for every wish made by the controlled Sim at the Wishing Well.
2 points for every skill or job maxed or aspiration completed by any Sim in the household. Children's aspirations and skills can count.
1 point for every 2+ hours the controlled Sim spends at a different community lot or festival.
2 points for every completed collection. All household members can contribute to the collection.
Negative
-1 point for every bladder failure.
-1 point for every pass out.
-1 point for every demotion or job firing.
-1 point for every NPC hire. (Each day that a maid works is counted as a separate NPC hire.)
-1 point for every Satisfaction Reward bought.
-2 points for every club perk.
-2 points for every fire.
-2 points for every fight between household members.
-5 points for every child or pet taken by the Social Worker (automatic fail if the child is the heir).
-5 points for every death from anything other than old age.

Their aspirations couldn't be changed until they were completed, and the designated skill had to be maxed before a new designated skill was chosen. Their children had to be given traits according to the day on which their birthday fell, going by the following calendar:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Spring 1-7 -- angelic, cheerful, family-oriented, good, neat
Spring 8-14 -- angelic, cheerful, family-oriented, art lover, glutton
Spring 15-21 -- charmer, creative, family-oriented, romantic, dance machine
Spring 22-28 -- charmer, creative, family-oriented, outgoing, insider
Summer 1-7 -- clingy, gloomy, music-lover, dog lover, evil
Summer 8-14 -- clingy, gloomy, music-lover, jealous, materialistic
Summer 15-21 -- fussy, hot-headed, music-lover, self-absorbed, squeamish
Summer 22-28 -- fussy, hot-headed, music-lover, ambitious, snob
Autumn 1-7 -- independent, self-assured, loves outdoors, cat lover, loner
Autumn 8-14 -- independent, self-assured, loves outdoors, noncommittal, unflirty
Autumn 15-21 -- inquisitive, genius, loves outdoors, lazy, perfectionist
Autumn 22-28 -- inquisitive, genius, loves outdoors, geek, vegetarian
Winter 1-7 -- silly, goofball, bookworm, childish, foodie
Winter 8-14 -- silly, goofball, bookworm, clumsy, erratic
Winter 15-21 -- wild, active, bookworm, bro, kleptomaniac, paranoid
Winter 22-28 -- wild, active, bookworm, mean, slob, hates children

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"Have you thought about what skills you'd like to work on, and what jobs you'd like to take?" I asked.
"There are so many options," said Betty. "I love music, so I guess I'll become an entertainer, but I don't know which instrument to play. I guess the violin -- I never had a chance to learn that."
Bob and I looked at each other. "Good time to walk the dog," I said.
Bob wanted to become a veterinarian once he had enough money to open a clinic.
I gave them a list of traits that they could pick for their lot. They weren't required to pick anything negative, so they chose Homey, Great Acoustics, and Training Ground.

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As I left, Betty was beginning to practice the violin.

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Bob was making friends with Buddy and getting ready to take him for a walk.

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It wasn't long before the two of them were ready to add to the family.

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Betty made the unhappy discovery that giving birth was more difficult now, but at least she didn't have to produce a bassinet in addition to the baby.

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Bob was totally freaked out about the whole process.

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But he could relax -- Betty had the situation well in hand.

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They named their little daughter Barbara, Babs for short.

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I heard her happy gurgles as I walked by their house in Newcrest. It was near the bowling alley, something Bob told me they were very happy about.

[BallerinaHippo]

Oh man, this brings back memories.  The Newbies are looking good.

I really like your premise for this story (or stories).  What a clever way to write about the lives of multiple sims!  I'm already trying to figure out what the Wisewoman will do with Vlad.

[MarianT]

Thanks! I've decided not to wait for witches, but to use the herbalism skill and some other things. Vlad's chapter is coming up soon.

[MarianT]

Willow Wisely 2

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"I have this recurring nightmare," Count Vladislaus Straud the Fourth told me. "I am approaching this mansion. It is not quite as large as my mansion, but a respectable size, worthy of my lineage.

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"Inside, I find a beautiful maiden settling down to a sleep of innocent dreams.

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"I awaken her, and she comes downstairs with me, wholly trusting and not the least afraid, friendly even.

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"But there is a momentary trace of fear in her eyes when I place her under my power and she realizes that she cannot escape.

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"I slake my terrible thirst, sinking my teeth into the neck of this beautiful creature.

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"Pulling away, the sight of the wound that I have given this harmless, innocent being fills me with so much shame, so much horror..."

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Vladislaus sobbed uncontrollably for a while. "I can't continue as a vampire," he said. "This has only been a dream, but what if I meet the woman some night when an overpowering thirst is upon me? What if the dream becomes a reality?"
"You might --"
"Don't tell me that I could turn her into a vampire," he said angrily. "Yes, I have the power, but she would hate me forever if I made her a monster like myself. Is it true that you know the cure for vampirism?"
"I don't know the cure, but I know that it exists," I told him, "and I believe it can be found in the pages of one of my books."

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Vladislaus studied in my house for several days, growing more and more frustrated. "I know all this stuff," he told me crossly, why do I have to read it again?"
"To prepare your mind for the cure when you find it," I said. "It's no good just reading the formula; you have to have the power to implement it."
He sighed. "I don't know whether it will do me any good to cure myself. I'll still be an ugly, evil, unlovable old  fellow fit for no one's company but my own, when I want to be my beauty's protector, champion, and knight in shining armor."
"I think I can do something about that," I said. "If you like, I can regress you to childhood. You'll retain your love of music, but you won't be evil and unsocial anymore."

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With this hope, Vladislaus returned to his studies with a renewed vigor.

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One evening he called out to me that he was attempting the cure.

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He swallowed the potion...

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His scream of agony brought me running downstairs. "I'm fine," he gasped. "But now is the time to take me back to childhood before I get too settled in this new form of existence."

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Vladislaus did not change his personality completely. He was still an old-fashioned gentleman. "It's a pity there isn't an aristocratic trait," he told me, "I guess I'll have to settle for being a snob. And I'd like my other trait to be vegetarianism. Meat holds no appeal for me. As for my character, I'd like to develop good manners and emotional control."
"What about responsibility, empathy, and conflict resolution?" I asked.
"Let's not get carried away," he said. "I don't want to develop more empathy; I feel guilty enough as it is. And responsibility is for servants. I don't know about conflict resolution; I'm not used to considering anyone's wishes but my own."

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As he left for school, I realized that Vladislaus might benefit from having a companion nearer his own age. My original plan had been to take in the Sims who needed me one by one, but it might be better to have several at a time.

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Consequently, I added Malcolm Landgraab to the household. He couldn't stop being evil, but at least he didn't have to grow up to be dastardly. As for being a snob -- the girl at school that he had a crush on had told him that his family would never be as old as hers nor their property ever as large. Even if he could persuade the girl to marry him, Malcolm told me, his snobbishness would destroy any chance of happiness. So he moved in and tried to beat Vladislaus at voidcritters.

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My other resident was Katrina Caliente. I had intended to add Nina, but Katrina intercepted me. Her daughters were always becoming dynasty and legacy spouses, she said, but no one wanted her because she was too old. She'd spent her entire life looking for love in all the wrong places, etc., and she wanted a second chance. This time around, she wouldn't be as angry, and she'd become an actress.

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The three of them soon settled in. It worried me that Vladislaus couldn't gain any weight. His stomach still had difficulty processing food. I hoped it was something he'd grow out of, or maybe he was still adjusting from the vampire cure.

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One morning he gave me a big hug when I came downstairs and thanked me for taking him in. That's the kind of moment you live for. You can't expect them to happen, of course, but the joy when they do occur is that much sweeter.

[Deme]

What a cute framing device!

Also, it's interesting to see what you're doing with Vlad and them; I'll be curious to see how it plays out.

[MarianT]

Thanks! I do like playing witches, and it occurred to me that rather than wait for Maxis to provide some, I had most of what I needed to make my own.

[BallerinaHippo]

That's quite an eclectic household!  It's nice to see Katrina get a chance, and Vlad as a child is kind of cute in a Gothic sort of way.

[MarianT]

The Calientes 1

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One evening when Katrina asked for my help with homework, I gave her some advice, too. "Homework help is a great way to become friends with someone," I said. "And you do want to become friends before getting romantically involved, don't you?"
"I don't know," said Katrina. "That doesn't seem possible for me. I'm, like, a 'love at first sight' kind of woman."
"And how well has that worked for you?" I asked. Katrina didn't have anything to say. "There are three eligible bachelors living over in Oasis Springs," I told her. "They're all older than you currently are, so it won't be possible for any romance to develop. Go do your homework there, and see what happens."

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The first young man Katrina met was J Huntington III. "I'm not sure I'm the best person to help you," he said. "Math was never my strong point."

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"That's okay," said Katrina. "If my homework is perfect, the teacher will know I had help. I just need to make fewer mistakes than usual."
By the time she finished, she and J were good friends.

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"I think I'm ready to age up," she told me at breakfast.
"Not so fast," I said. "You want to develop some character, don't you?"
"I don't know," said Katrina. "J is really good-looking. If I don't grab him, that cute girl in his house will."
"Developing empathy would help you become a better actress," I said. "And the way to develop empathy is by doing volunteer work."

So Katrina spent Saturday at soup kitchens and nursing homes. Her manners took a hit when she dozed off while an elder was telling her about the days before computers, and her responsibility dropped when she put too much food in the soup at the soup kitchen, but her empathy steadily rose.

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Early Sunday morning, she was ready to become a young adult.

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It didn't take long for her to get J to agree to get married. I was much impressed, especially as J tends to be noncommittal.

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I tucked a Simvarius violin in Katrina's backpack. If I'd realized how expensive land in Del Sol Valley was, I would have made it two. After buying their lot, she and J had enough for a cooler, a tent, and a bathroom, and that was about it.

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I gave them some time to settle in before going for a visit. Katrina had a bunch of photographs to show me.

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"The views around here are amazing," she gushed. "Even on a cloudy night, Del Sol Valley is gorgeous.

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"And here it is at sunset," she continued. "I've been able to pick up some spare cash by selling pictures.

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"Of course, what really sells is if you can get a shot of a celebrity. The tabloids will pay a lot for that."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I asked. "Sometimes celebrities don't like being photographed without their permission."

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"I know," said Katrina. "She got back at me by having her picture appear in The National Simquirer with the caption, 'Judith Ward's New Boy-Toy?'

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"But J assured me there wasn't anything in the story and I believe him.

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"There are two pictures that will never appear anywhere," Katrina assured me. "This one of J...

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"...And this one of the three of us."
I almost fell off my chair. "You had a baby?"

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"Yes, and J was in quite a panic about it," she laughed.

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The costume designer at DSV Studio was the first to notice she was pregnant, Katrina told me.

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Luckily she was in a commercial where her looks didn't matter so much.

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And later she was in one where they could pose her behind a ship's wheel. "I wish they wouldn't keep giving me brown hair," said Katrina, "but they say my flaming red hair is too memorable -- they want viewers to remember the product, not me."

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Before I left, Katrina insisted that I meet Hugh. She says I'm his fairy godmother even though I am definitely not a fairy.

[MarianT]

The Landgraabs 1

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I cannot say that I am happy about the way Malcolm has turned out. I feel that I have failed him. Perhaps if I had regressed him all the way back to toddlerhood? I had thought that we could keep his snobbishness and get rid of his evil tendencies, but it was not to be.

When he first arrived, he went straight for the doctor toy, and I thought that he might want to develop some empathy. But no -- Malcolm was briefly interested in becoming a doctor because they made lots of money. And he decided against the career because he doesn't like the sight of blood.

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I think what worries me about Malcolm is that when he does do the right thing, it's for the wrong reason. You can understand it when someone does the wrong thing for the right reason -- like Katrina dozing off in the middle of someone's story that she was making an effort to listen to. But I don't think Malcolm developed a responsible character because he wanted to be helpful to people. Once he had the trait, he insisted upon being aged up to teen.

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And then, when he found out that somehow this resulted in his having an F average at school (which I agree with him was most unfair), he wanted to become a young adult. So here he is -- evil, a genius, and ambitious. I very much fear it's a worse combination than what he would have gotten if I'd just left him alone.

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He immediately went over to the Fyres' house and became friends with Morgan.

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The next day, he invited her over so that she could become a young adult, too.

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After that, Malcolm worked quickly, moving from flirtation...

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...to proposal...

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...to wedding.

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And finally, to impending parenthood.

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Also, Malcolm moved his parents into the household. I'd like to think it was because he had missed them while living with me...

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...but I suspect the reason might have been the almost 300,000 simoleons they brought with them. Moira, I know, was a little taken aback to find them in her bedroom.

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Malcolm built a small cottage for them on the property, and I do hope everyone will get along. One good thing is that there will be plenty of people to look after the baby, because I can't imagine Malcolm going out of his way to change diapers.
He plans to go into politics.

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Back at home, Vlad has been moping around because Katrina and Malcolm have moved out, and he's "all alone."

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He's begun dressing up as a bear, and only feeling happy when he's in his bear suit. I think a psychologist would say that he feels vulnerable now that he's not a vampire anymore.

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One good thing is that he's able to eat a whole meal now without getting sick.

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Vlad wants to be aged up as soon as possible, but he does see the wisdom of waiting until he's at least a B student. He doesn't want an F like Malcolm got.

[MarianT]

The Curious Brothers 1

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I was walking through Oasis Springs the other evening, wondering if I ought to interfere in anyone else's life considering how disappointed I was in Malcolm, when I noticed that the former Landgraab house appeared to be occupied. "I don't remember there being a telescope on the roof," I said. "I wonder..."

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It had been a long time since I'd seen Pascal Curious. "What are you doing here?" I asked.
"We moved in a few days ago," he told me.
"But why here?"
"We fell in love with this house the moment we saw it -- all those lovely flat roofs. We could each have our own telescope if we wanted."

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I followed him inside and met his adorable little daughter Cosma.

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She lurched towards me with the awkwardness of someone who had just learned how to walk.
"It's amazing that she'll be able to visit Sixam some day," said Pascal. "And who knows? Maybe she'll meet her other parent. That could never have happened before."

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I watched him read her to sleep, and then I had to use the bathroom. "Did Vicund and Lazlo come with you?" I asked.

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Unbeknownst to me, Vidcund came and settled himself in the bathtub.

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I was definitely shocked when I emerged.

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"They're both here," said Pascal. "Lazlo wants to become a master chef, and Vidcund got a job in business.

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"He's already met one of his co-workers, Jade Rosa.

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"These days he wants to be a serial romantic, so he was excited to find that he was already working with one of his future conquests."

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"I'm still a little surprised that you boys would have chosen Oasis Springs," I said. "I thought for sure you'd want to move to Strangerville."
"Well, finding a house with nice flat roofs already was a big factor," said Pascal, "but we also met someone who was just perfect for Strangerville. We didn't want to get in his way, so to speak."
"Really? Who?" I couldn't help asking.
"He made us promise not to tell," said Pascal. I still had lots of questions, but it was getting late. The Curious Brothers here in town -- I couldn't help wondering how Vidcund would fare as a serial romantic, and Lazlo as a chef. I hoped he would remember to wash his hands before cooking.

[reggikko]

Someone perfect for Strangerville? Can't wait to see who it is--and see if my hunch is correct.

[MarianT]

@reggiko, I have a suspicion that your hunch might be correct. More soon.