Power of 10 - What Pries Glory? [Completed 16 Feb 2020]

[oshizu]

@Joria
Oh, so mertots have a unique Needs icon, like vampire toddlers! Thanks for sharing that!

@reggikko
As I mentioned, the butler was very useful for helping around the house and, occasionally, with the triplets.
It does free the parents from having to clean or tend the garden.....

Haha, no, I failed the seashell job both times. First time, Brise mailed off the seashells but the job failed. The second time, Brise got caught up in birthday prep and forgot to mail them in.
I counted both jobs anyway, since Brise performed both odd jobs, just not successfully.

My screenshot size is 800x450 pixels--it most closely resembles my monitor's screen aspect ratio which makes cropping/resizing screenshots easier.

[Shewolf13]

Those girls are gorgeous, oshizu! I love watching them play in the toddler pool XD There's just something adorable about it.

[oshizu]

Thanks, @Shewolf13
The devs deliberately made toddlers a handful to raise but irresistibly adorable at the same time. ;-)

[oshizu]

3.15: Stormy Sunday

Sunday, Week 16

Bunny (red, center): Why are we doing school projects tonight?
Helen (brown, left): I know right? We haven't even started school yet!
Beatrix (green, right): Let's try to excel in grade school!
Maybe, then, we can take a long vacation before our teen brithday!

Brise: Our girls seem optimistic that their childhood will be an easy one.


My promotion from Level 9 to Level 10 Politician requires 10 more votes!
While out and about seeking votes, I make my last two good friends.

Our gardener here is a piece of work: a hotheaded, unflirty kleptomaniac!
He's my 10th good friend, but he'll never see the inside of our home!


I'd invited the nanny over to mentor Bunny on the violin.
Thankfully, I get my 20th vote from him!  Thanks, Omar!


Three A-grade students, swaggering home from school.
Gratz on completing Whiz Kid, girls!


Our youngest, Bunny in red, is a dreamer.
She is the most artistic among her sisters.


The middle sister, Helen in brown, loves the life of the mind.
When all three sisters start at the same time, Helen always finishes first.
She's not competing with her sisters; she's just smarter.


And our firstborn, green-garbed Beatrix, will have a little of everything, we hope.
Though she can be quite charming, she's also a bit of a geek.


Despite staying out late to secure all 20 votes, I fail to earn my last promotion!
Since I'm so close, I work from home today to get other stuff done.
Like my last emotional whim: Embarrassed/Talk to someone on the phone.
Thank you, Sombrero of Shame!


Beatrix is the first to earn all her scouting badges.
Helen and Bunny aren't far behind.


My job performance bar's full. Do my work-from-home tasks even matter?
Just in case, I head out to Spice Market in the evening to complete them.


Of course, Watcher misses the announcement about my final promotion!
I leave for work one last day, just so you can see me in all my political glory!

National Leader!
I feel like I should buy myself a hairpiece or something.


Late that afternoon, both my grandparents plus Auntie Zoe pass away.
Grandpa Erwin and Grandma Mia had just visited the night before.
I wish now we had all gone somewhere nice together.


Early the next morning, we all take the day off and leave for Granite Falls.
I've invited along my parents and my brother Fynn as well.
Everyone is moping around, overwhelmed with sadness.


I do what I can to make everyone feel better.
Like, I go around discussing everyone's sad mood with them.
In the evening, I prepare a grand meal followed by Stracciata Gelato.
Whenever I can, I brighten everyone's day.


In the process, I discover a benefit from my Emotionally Controlled trait.
When someone is feeling out of sorts, I can do a "Calm emotion" social.
There's a bizarre exchange of orange haze and the other person makes a weird face.

In Beatrix's case, she gets a 4-hour Happy +1 "Emotions calmed" moodlet.
So, I can't eliminate her sadness but I can override it a little.


Hopefully, we can enjoy many more happy moments like this as a family.


Back home, it's late Saturday night of our dynasty's sixteenth week.
Off to Desert Bloom Park!
After every eight weeks, we advance the season from summer back to spring.
And, yes, we remembered to shelter the garden before leaving home!
 


Sunday, Week 17

We all stay at the park until Arihi can complete her remaining space missions for Nerd Brain.
Beatrix meets the worst-dressed sim we've ever seem.
Checking her relationship panel, Beatrix learns that she is a vampire.
No surprise there!


It's 5:30 am before we can finally leave the park.
Because Arihi's fifth space mission ended as a crash landing, it didn't count.
So we have to rebuild the rocket ship for her final launch.


Sunday evening, we all learn something new about the weather.
Watcher has disabled rain and thunderstorms in our world.
Even so, rain and thunderstorms can occur on days of "mysterious weather."


My father and brother are being mistaken for human lightning rods!
Brother Fynn was struck tonight at least twice.
To prevent death by lightning, I call everyone inside and lock the doors.


On Monday, we spend some time fixing up the backyard.
There's a limit to what we can do on a 30x20 lot, you know?
Then, I phone in a party around 5 pm.


After a pleasant dinner party, I host a house party.
By 11 pm, we're done with our second gold-medal party for the day.
Five parties! My party glass is now half-full!


Tuesday, Week 17

Today is my adult birthday, but I'm having none of that!
Arihi joins me for a serving of ambrosia. 

Brise: Arihi, you think Beatrix will be okay, moving out on her own and all?
Arihi: You worry about her too much, Brise. She'll do great, just like her father!


Coming next: Just four more sim-days until the triplets' teen birthday!

- - - - -

Move-out requirements:  8/10
     1. Career: Politician 10 (National Leader)
     2. Unique skill: Guitar 10/10
     3. Earned 10,000 satisfaction points: 10,000/10,000 sp
     4. Earned $10,000: $10,000/$10,000
     5. 10 good friends: 10/10 (including 3/2 non-human)
     6. 10 odd jobs: 10/10
📌 7. 10 parties: 5/10 (Dinner party, house party)
     8. 10 whims for 10 different emotions: 10/10 whims (Embarrassed)
     9. 10 different community lots for min. 2 hrs each: 10/10
📌10. 10-item collection: 5/10 genre books

Watcher's Remarks
*That "Calm Emotions" social is seriously weird, don't you think? It reminds me some of the vampire's Mesmerize interaction but in orange.
  I have yet to discover the benefit of the Compassionate character value.
*They call it stormy Sunday, but Monday's just the same.
  Not at their house! They bought a Dr. June's Weather Machine for their home and used it to chase away that storm!!!
*The garden is all brown and withered again. I'm fine with that.
  I still prefer that my sims get to enjoy a lot of time outdoors in sunny weather, so I'll put up with temporarily brown greenery.

[Shewolf13]

Awww, rip Erwin, Zoe, and Mia! Moving right along there, oshizu ^^ Do you know how many times I've tried to get a sim struck by lightning?! Far too many to count XD

[oshizu]

@Shewolf13
During my sims' thunderstorm, I noticed that the heir's brother Fynn looked scorched and wondered why. Then I saw both him and the also-already-scorched father get electrocuted by lightning.
Assuming the first scorching was from lightning, I was surprised the second time didn't kill them.
I'm slightly tempted to make a copy of my P10 save file, just so I can check if they got that special lightning trait (whatever it's called).
I've never had a sim with that trait.

Haha, it's like pregnancy from alien abductions--only happens when it doesn't matter or I don't want it. :S

[reggikko]

Good find on the "Calm Emotions" social. Again, I love the house! I get so impatient when building that I seldom come up with a good exterior design. My houses are adequate and that's all I'm going to say about that!

Am I reading this correctly that the weather machine will override mystery weather? Hmm. Maybe I need to start prioritizing handiness skill in the spouses.

You're making really good progress.

[oshizu]

@reggikko
I didn't know whether the weather machine would actually work against "undesirable" mysterious weather.
But I had the household buy one, do an Insta-Upgrade on it, then chose "Clear the skies"; and it worked.
Checking their calendar, I saw another day of mysterious weather in two more days, so I was willing to give the Weather Machine a try.

Haha, I'm not really "coming up" with good exteriors.
Mostly, I browse photos online of the type of house (features, colors) I want for a particular neighborhood, then try to reproduce it in TS4.
I love Ana's purple-and-white shotgun house and look forward to seeing more of Francisco's beach house with its cool colors.

As for progress, I'm really eager to restart in the next town, but still a ways to go! Hahaha.

[Joria]

I loved this update but it left me with a bunch of questions, which I will message you about rather than take up your writing space.

Ok, to start, was the photo of them working on their school projects in a park?  I'm assuming you didn't have that much space left in the yard.  It is really adorable to see them all working together.  My twins each got a project from school and helped one another since Mom and Dad were busy.  It was nice watching them cooperate.

That self, satisfied strut was priceless.  Talk about a Kodak moment!  Is that their normal walk?

Interesting how they are so different.  Doesn't seem like their is rivalry or competition with each of them having a special thing about them.  Jon Tom is definitely the smart one between the boys.

Looks so handsome in his Leader of the World business suit  Sometimes they can really be quite attractive on their own.  I've never tried that particular aspiration.  Seemed like too much work for lazy ol' me.  All those votes to get!

I'm really bummed over Erwin and Mia dying.  Zoe not so much.  I'm going to miss his adorablenes and paranoia.  He had seen enough space ships in his day but even so I'll bet he's riding high in the sky with his love.  RIP for the three.

Emotionally controlled trait?  That's one of the traits kids can pick up, right?  Certainly is weird looking but definitely effective.  Wonder if the other traits have a special thing like that.  Came in handy to damper that awful sadness mood.  It's really hard to get rid of.  As far as I know you just have to ride it out and do the best you can with things to keep you buys and ameliorate it.  Still, it looks like they had a really fine time and some fun was had for all.  Love the campfire scene!

Ok, question not for message....why do you go from Summer to Spring?  This is a function of the weather machine?  I've never had or used one.  I'm assuming you don't like the weather in autumn or winter, I know I don't!  Never thought of manipulating seasons that way though.  And, never knew about "mysterious weather" days, although I experienced some for sure.  Not good!  At least you all survived electrocution!

The yard and party looked great.  You chose such cool chairs and all so it looked really festive.  I totally fail at this.  Never used to but lately I just throw some food and drink out, have a dance floor and call it good.  Mental funk with parties.  Or maybe, just being tired.

I like the idea of using the ambrosia.  I'm kinda sorta planning on that too.  You run out of youth potions too soon, and since ambrosia doesn't spoil, why not make up a batch? 

I removed Vampires from my games so I don't have to worry about Vampires, creepy ones or ones who just need a stylist badly.  Lol  It really wouldn't have taken a lot to fix her outfit but EA doesn't seem to know how to put things together in general.  The proof of that is how awful the outfits often are at age up.

[oshizu]

That first image of everyone doing school projects is in the backyard, behind the garden. the current heir Brice hadn't built a patio yet.
Brice is my first generation to live on a 30x20 lot, so I decided to have the triplets complete their aspirations and scouting before Brice gets serious about parties.
That way, the girls will be done with playground equipment, so Brice can build a patio.

The triplets strutting: I've never set their walk so I suppose it's the default walk? I'd thought they were just happy after a good day at school.
Brice reached Level 10 of the Politican career; it's not an aspiration.
Until his Level 10 promotion when he needed 10 more votes, Brice mostly asked his immediate and extended family for votes, lol.

Yes, I play through spring & summer, then use the Weather Machine to advance the season to spring again. rinse, repeat.
You're correct--I prefer to just skip autumn and winter. The Mysterious Weather days are marked on the sims' calendar as a yellow question mark instead of a weather icon.

Haha, it doesn't really matter what kind of parties we throw; each generation just needs to throw 10.
Because my in-game weather is always spring or summer, it's easy for me to go the outdoor patio route. It helps that they're rich by this time, too.

Ambrosia's not a bad option for this Hallow Slough lot, since angelfish can be caught out back.
I'm surprised by how little the vampires have bothered my P10 sims. Vlad and Caleb have both visited a few times, but never enter the house.

[Meg]

Just got all caught up, and Brise is doing great, whizzing through those requirements. I love the house and all three girls. That picture of them swaggering home after getting As is hilarious! I’ll have to watch out for that in my game.

You mentioned in an earlier post that you found two children to be the right number for this dynasty, and I was wondering why? Do you find having a sibling is helpful in fulfilling the requirements but too many makes it more difficult?

[oshizu]

@Meg
The girls all had those little sun/rainbow icons over their heads, indicating a great day at school.
The icons don't show up my image because I used the default Camera function.

I like the heir to have a sibling who, after that heir moves out, can help with mentoring that heir's spouse and children (while the heir works).
Assuming that the heir is doing a career and odd-jobs, a stay-at-home spouse can hire a nanny to raise twin toddlers at the same pace.
With triplet toddlers, one of the toddler's skills will lag behind (which is why I hired a butler while Brice's triplets were toddlers).
So, for me, a working heir and stay-at-home spouse can readily raise two top-notch toddlers with a nanny's help, but triplets are a stretch.
Of course, there's no need for spares to be top-notch toddlers; I just can't help myself.

One more thing, I like the heir to have a sibling to play and chat with. I love to see toddlers hugging.
I don't believe twins is the best number for every P10 player, but it works for the way I play.

[oshizu]

3.16: Window Shopping

Tuesday, Week 17

That pesky kava toast!
Thankfully, my kava party ends successfully without having to do a second toast!


On Thursday, we celebrate the Spring Solstice.
Hey, Watcher! Um, shouldn't that be the Spring Equinox?
Oops!

Anyway, we manage to complete the Decorative Egg collection!
Thanks to Beatrix, who finds the last egg!


Late Friday night, I phone in a birthday party for the girls.
It's past midnight when Beatrix blows out her candles.


Helen (brown): It's lame not being the heir. We get the leftover hairstyles!
Bunny (red): Not only leftover hairstyles, girl! Names, too! Can you believe my name is Bunny?
Helen: Noooooo, don't tell me! Because…Beatrix Potter?
Bunny: *sniffle, sniffle


Beatrix: I'm a cheerful Geek!
Helen: I'm a cheerful Genius!
Bunny: I'm cheerful and Creative!
Brise: So shoot me! I thought three cheerful children would be easy to raise! And they were!


Beatrix: Must be nice to spend your satisfaction points on reward traits!
Helen: Ugh, we don't want to hear about it, Bea. You get to move into your own house!
Bunny: Yeah, you get to marry and have a family, too! Me and Hellen are so jelly!


Helen: Nobody told me that our retail job starts this evening!
Bea and Bunny left from home already, I guess, but I was off fishing!


I'm thinking I might as well finish up my parties.
On Saturday, I host a Spooky Party.

Aayla Helen: Explain to me again why we're the ones carving pumpkins?
Mascot Bunny: Papa says Bea's learning to host parties.
Aayla Helen: Hey, why does Mama get to be the sexy witch?


Mascot Bunny: Forget about the witch! Bea's wearing the best costume of all!



Sunday, Week 18

On Sunday evening, I phone in an Incognito Party.
How confusing that so many people come dressed as astronauts!
Bea's the one on your left in the light-blue spacesuit.
I'm dressed as a maid, which pretty much captures how I'm feeling tonight!


Thank heavens Bunny maxed Homestyle Cooking earlier today!
When our bartender pulls a no-show, my wife Arihi tends bar.
Meanwhile, Bunny takes Arihi's place in the kitchen.


Not a lot going on at this party at the moment, as you can see.
Bea is busy discussing and complimenting costumes, which is our remaining goal.
Arihi and I are off dancing away our stress--throwing a good party ain't easy!


On Monday evening, I'd planned to throw a Black & White Bash at home for my last party.
But don't you think we need to get serious about finding a spouse for Bea?
So, instead, I throw a dance party at Pan Europa in Windenburg.

Sorry, ladies, none of that Chippendale nonsense this generation.


My guests include Grandpa Erwin and Grandma Mia.
It's great to see them both looking happy.
Which reminds me: I've left their urns in family storage.
Do I still need to strengthen their connections to the physical world?


My dance party is a success, but my search for Bea's spouse options is not.
I introduce myself to a half dozen fellas at Pan Europa, Narwahl Arms, and a café.
But, darn it, every last one is an adult.


The next day, Bea takes matters into her own hands.
She invites some of the world's young adult males into a club.
She plans to interview them all with her sisters.
I inform Bea that Fetu is a vampire and Seiji is a pear. She's down to five prospects now.


Bea: After school, I invite over the first three. All unemployed, they are (from left to right):
*Aarush Mahajan (Child of the Ocean, Active, Foodie) can't fish. That's a bit of a bummer.
*Ace Arias (Active, Perfectionist, Insider) has that red hair going for him.
*Afu Lefao (Perfectionist, Child of the Islands, Insider) is Papa's fave. Because they share two traits?


After work, I invite over my remaining two prospects.
Genji Mori (Art Lover, Bro, Dog Lover) has not-bad traits, but I would NEVER choose him.
He has horrible taste in clothes and just look at his pretentious facial hair!


Can I just say that Desmond Morris is a straight-up hunk?
And, does it look to you as if he's making (giggle) bedroom eyes at me? *blushes
His traits (Dance Machine, Bro, Childish) aren't as great as those of Ace or Afu.
But…does that really matter?


When I ask him to help me with homework, he gets super serious.
He even looks a little scary.  Maybe he's not the right guy for me, after all.


But when I give a present to thank him for his help, he radiates with a soft green glow.
That's when I realize he's an alien! Wow!
My family doesn't know yet. Do you think I should tell them? Nah, too soon.


My young adult birthday isn't for another nine days, so I still have time to shop around.
But I'm thinking Desmond is a keeper, even though he's childish. What do you think?
Just in case, I've asked him to become my BFF.
(Gah, is Desmond sniffing my hair?!)


Coming next: Staying productive (?) until Bea ages up and moves out in nine sim-days!


Move-out requirements:  9/10
   1. Career: Politician 10 (National Leader)
   2. Unique skill: Guitar 10/10
   3. Earned 10,000 satisfaction points: 10,000/10,000 sp
   4. Earned $10,000: $10,000/$10,000
   5. 10 good friends: 10/10 (including 3/2 non-human)
   6. 10 odd jobs: 10/10
   7. 10 parties: 10/10 (Kava party, Birthday/Teen, Spooky party, Incognito party, Dance party)
   8. 10 whims for 10 different emotions: 10/10 whims
   9. 10 different community lots for min. 2 hrs each: 10/10
📌  10. 10-item collection: 8/10 novels

Watcher's Remarks
*Urns in family storage: I got my answer while playing through the following day: in-game notifications that the spirits of Erwin's wife Mia and their daughter Zoe were fading.
  I had left the gravestones/urns in personal inventory then later moved them to family storage. Not sure on how gravestones/urns work.
*Spouse options: Which one would you choose?
*Desmond Morris: He has met everyone in Beatrix's household already, but only Bea's relationship panel describes him as a "Known Alien."
  (If Desmond's Childish trait really bothers me, he can always buy a Retraiting potion, haha).
*Okay, I am sooooo ready for Bea to move out!!!

[Shewolf13]

Ha! Loved the fact that the other girls are jealous of Bea getting to do all these things and then her costume ends up being one of the best is great. I laughed a bit too hard XD I have to say I like Desmond the most out of all of them, honestly. And Childish isn't a bad trait, at least, I never thought so.

[reggikko]

#TeamDesmond!

Concerning Aarush, and fishing. Someone may have gotten the Child of the Ocean trait when he became a YA. I sent him fishing just to test it out. There is a sad moodlet, but it's only +1 and lasts 4 hours, I believe. Anyway, it's easily overpowered by happy moodlets. If they eat fish, they'll get an uncomfortable moodlet(haven't tested this), but I think the sad moodlet is a non-issue if you have some postive moodlets built up.

I can't wait for Bea's next update. And I feel you on the wait. The last week of the teen stage is a killer.