Yumeno Big Dreams 8.33b: Clumping to the Finish Line [Completed 5 March 2022]

[Granny Lawlor]

Oh yes - I'd forgotten the offerings - yes, definitely offer the good stuff! Lol, funny how we get so focussed on a particular task and then it totally goes out of my head when I'm not using it.

[oshizu]

Oh yes - I'd forgotten the offerings - yes, definitely offer the good stuff! Lol, funny how we get so focussed on a particular task and then it totally goes out of my head when I'm not using it.

Well, your sim could do romantic socials with his fiancee who was also a Secret Society member.
My sim is stuck with an elderly klepto and two hotheaded adults, not really the kind of sims he enjoyed being romantic with, lol.

[oshizu]

3.16b: A Forget-the-Year Party


Mark: It's hard to believe how much our household changed in just three days.
From left to right, Darren, Ji-Won, Kiyoshi, Bong-Cha, Ae-Cha, and me.



Week 16, Wednesday (4th week of winter)
Mark: Ae-Cha-s hubby Kiyoshi is a hot mess when he moves in just before 8 am.
He's a Marine Biologist with 36 days until his adult birthday.
After quitting that job, he sits double-wielding a Re-Traiting Potion and a Potion of Youth.
Don't tell Ji-Won, but Kiyoshi aged up to an erratic YA.  Now he's a proper YA.


After our fourth successful gold holiday for the entire household, Ae-Cha throws a house party.
In spirit, it is an end-of-the-year Bônen-kai (Forget-the-Year Party) in the Japanese tradition
We each approach Zing and Diego, hoping to "discuss expanding the family" with them.
Sadly, all we ever get is was the option to suggest they pursue their dream job. Bah!


Ae-Cha's Bônen-kai earns gold and the Main Event acheevo (tho' she's only thrown 4 unique parties).
For now, we add Zing to our family club.
Or should we leave her alone and hope she phones us about trying for baby?


Ae-Cha and Kiyoshi come with Darren to Pepper's Pub tonight.
It seems the wedding, holiday, and party were all too much for Kiyoshi.
As soon as he and Ae-Cha arrive at the pub, he briefly laughs then dies of hysteria.
And he only moved in with us 14 hours earlier!


Ae-Cha: Please Grim Reaper, please don't take Kiyoshi.
We just got married and we're having a baby tomorrow.
Here, please accept this Death Flower in exchange for his life.


Kiyoshi lives!
Watcher: *grabs a box of tissues


Kiyoshi: I'm so glad Grim accepted your offering, Ae-Cha.
Our life together has only just begun!


Thursday
Mark: Meanwhile, Darren's slogging away at his Sprite Celebration Ritual.
He apparently makes more progress with offerings than socializing with members.
Maybe I'll make him a half dozen Excellent baked goods for next time.
I've been wanting to learn a new skill, anyway.


Darren and Bong-Cha don't like having started their term on Tuesday.
They've been scrambling to complete their papers and presentations in time for Thursday.
At least we're not being dragged along to Zing's nightly Fan Meet & Greets!


Ji-Won, Ae-Cha, and Kiyoshi's Big Dreams are on hold for now.
Darren needs to finish three more tutoring sessions first.
For now, Kiyoshi's been earning satisfaction and learning skills.
He'll be joining a career very soon.


While offering magical training to Ae-Cha, I happen to check on Ji-Won.
When did she become a Virtuoso spellcaster?
We need to visit the Magical HQ so she can learn her last 3 Ultimate Spells.


At Foxbury, when Darren's class ends at 4:25 pm, I send him back immediately for tutoring.
Ae-Cha goes into labor tonight,  so Darren's tutoring should be done by then.

And while we're here, I suggest to Kiyoshi that he take a skill class in Rock Climbing.
You know we won't be visiting Mt. Komorebi anytime soon.


By the way, Ji-Won gave birth to a non-occult brown-eyed boy this morning.
She and Brennen had chosen names in advance: Jade for a girl or Jaden for a boy.

We need to decide how Jaden will be raised, since Ji-Won can't enter the main house. Hmmmm.


Ae-Cha has to review 3 foods as one of her work-from-home tasks.
Sadly, the chocolate scone she bought from this campus vendor doesn't count. Nice try, Ae-Cha!

For the time being, she's better off going to work.
Hopefully, we'll have time for some restaurant-hopping soon.


That night, Ae-Cha gives birth to a warlock.
The parents let me name him, so I choose the name "Castanova."
Sadly, he is not a potential heir.
His eyes are violet but his hair is brown.


I'd promised Venessa that we'd bring over the grandkids, so here we are.
Just a short visit, because it's already late.


Friday
Ae-Cha: I feel really bad about coming to the Spice Festival alone.
But I only have until 10 pm to eat five dishes for my work-from-home task.
I save time from grabbing servings (not "Sample Food") from the sampling table.
Nom, nom, nom.


Darren: Tonight, I completely ignore the other Society members and just make offerings.
Besides my perfect harvestables, Papa baked me loads of baked goods.

Up to now, it's taken me the entire 4-hr ritual to advance my progress about 25%.
Tonight, though, I advance the last 25% and reach Rank 3 by 11 pm.


Saturday
Mark: New Year's Eve in Japan is celebrated by visiting Buddhist temples at night.
For our toddlers, though, we add a costume tradition to our New Year's Eve holiday.

We've already achieved gold status on four holidays as a household.
But we'd like our toddlers to earn some satisfaction. And don't they look adorable?
That's Ji-Won's son Jaden on your left and Castanova on your right.


Ae-cha is putting out exterior decorations for her fifth holiday.
We normally dislike the outdoor decorations, so we're glad she's almost done with this task.


Bong-Cha's halfway done with her last aspiration: Lady of the Knits.
She's looking forward to having only coursework left.
She's never had much time to hang out and chill with the rest of the household.


Cast getting a jet ride from his father.
I thought my daughter Ae-Cha would be the more dedicated parent, but it's Kiyoshi.
For some reason, Ae-Cha and Ji-Won rarely interact autonomously with their sons.
In contrast, Kiyoshi is always helping Cast with his skills.  Go figure.


Darren, as he emerges from his fifth and final tutoring session.
No offense, son, but your tutoring and secret rituals were super disruptive.
Now Ji-Won, Ae-Cha, and Kiyoshi can finally make progress on their tasks.


We spend the last evening of our first year surrounded by family.
Ae-Cha hosts a dinner party at the home of my parents and grand-parents.
As toddlers, Jaden and Cast can't interact with them yet.
But when they're older, they'll get to meet their great-great- and great-grandparents!


Mark: The next generation steps into the spotlight with the new year.
It's been a pleasure sharing news with you about our family!
And may the new year bring you much joy, good health, and prosperity!



Progress: End of Week 16, Year 1
Click the spoiler tag to view this week's progress.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Household

Mark Yumeno - Dr. McSteamy (YA): Finished Week 15
Spouse: Venessa; Children: Darren; Bong-Cha & Ji-Won (twins); Ae-Cha.

Darren - Life-Long Learner (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: Academic 2/4, Renaissance Sim 4/4
✔️Other: Reach Rank 3 of Secret Society

Bong-Cha - Uber Sim (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations (4/5): Painter Extraordinaire 4/4, Lady of the Knits 2/4
Achievement: Over-Achiever
✔️Skills (8/8): Handiness 10, Knitting 10
Other: Complete any distinguished degree (4/12 credits)

Ji-Won - Savior of StrangerVille (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: StrangerVille Mystery 1/4, Purveyor of Potions 4/4
Career: Military/Covert Ops 5
Skills : Fitness 8, Programming 10, Wellness 10
Other: Must live in underground bunker from teen birthday until BD's completion
Spouse: Brennen Bromberg; Children: Jaden

Ae-Cha - Holiday Lover (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: Painter Extraordinaire 4/4, Party Animal 2/4
Career: Critic/Food Critic 5
✔️Other #1: Celebrate 4 five-tradition holidays for which the entire household achieves gold status
✔️Other #2: Host 5 gold-medal parties (Birthday party x2, Dinner party, Wedding, House party)
✔️Other #3: Put out 5 decorations from the Decoration Box on EACH of 5 different holidays.
Spouse: Kiyoshi Ito; Children: Castanova

Kiyoshi - Sports Master (YA)
Traits: Romantic, Adventurous, Proper
Aspirations: Bodybuilder 2/4, Extreme Sports Enthusiast
Career: Athlete/Pro Athlete 5
Skills: Fitness 6, Rock Climbing 5, Snowboarding 6
✔️Satisfaction reward: Gym Rat
Move-in collection: Geodes?

Jaden - ?? (Toddler, Gen5)
Toddler: Top-Notch Toddler (in progress)

Castanova - ?? (Toddler, Gen5)
Toddler: Top-Notch Toddler (in progress)

Notes
*Darren: What a huge relief to be finished with his tutoring and Secret Society rituals!
  Of course, he quit the Secret Society right after he got home that same day.
  Note: It's not a good idea to spam offerings at every ritual or the sprites will get upset about being ignored.
           But I figured, since it was his last ritual before reaching Rank 3, Darren would be safe from the sprites. Hah!

*Ji-Won, Ae-Cha, and Kiyoshi: Ji-Won and Ae-Cha have been YAs for a week now.
  But they're only Level 5 in their careers, like Kiyoshi.
  After the toddlers, Ji-Won has the highest priority among her siblings.

*Mark: He remains in the house, at first to prevent abductions and now to mentor.
  His departure requires careful timing…for reasons.

*Zing and DIego: Sadly, they have yet to give my sims the option to "discuss expanding the family."
  Does this only show up, I wonder, for unplayed NPCS?

[Granny Lawlor]

So close with Kyoshi! Phew!

I usually make my toddlers charmers so they can Share the Love with everyone, including famous family members so that they are already acquainted and don't have to do the awkward Attempt Introduction when they age up.

Ex-family members definitely ring to ask about having a baby. And about seeing other women (Satoru, I'm looking at you!)
Nell rang about having another baby before Dirk's sad demise which led to her having twins.
I haven't yet had a call asking if someone should become boyfriend/girlfriend. I'm assuming this whole new gameplay is to replace the mod that enables NPC familes to progress

Every blessing for the New Year to you and your Sims

[oshizu]

Well, darn, why don't Zing or Dirk phone us to ask about expanding their family?
I added Zing the family club, constantly watching for the opportunity to discuss that with her.
She got removed after 4-5 days because the option never popped up.  Oh well.
We did get a phone call from the founder saying he found an engagement rink in his already-wife's bag.  Thanks for nothing, Tao.

[Granny Lawlor]

Well, darn, why don't Zing or Dirk phone us to ask about expanding their family?
I added Zing the family club, constantly watching for the opportunity to discuss that with her.
She got removed after 4-5 days because the option never popped up.  Oh well.
We did get a phone call from the founder saying he found an engagement rink in his already-wife's bag.  Thanks for nothing, Tao.

That's hilarious! The software designers really need to put some more checks in there!

[GlazeyLady]

Ji-Won is the cutest Sim ever in that strainer-colored lights hat. Jaden is just precious, and the two of them playing together - just adorable. I hope you figure out something for Jaden's raising that allows them to be together.

It sounds like getting level 3 of the Secret Society is more of a pain that I ever knew. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Such a close call with Kiyoshi! Glad that turned out well.

Your toddlers are so cute in those elf costumes!

[oshizu]

4.17: New Year, New Beginnings


Ae-Cha: As the new  heir, I'll be with you as we start a new year.
Here's a shot of us in front of the trailer park, from left to right:
Darren, Ji-Won with Jaden, Kiyoshi & me with Castanova, Bong-Cha, and Papa Mark



Year 2, Week 17, Sunday (1st week of spring)
Everyone agrees that today's priority should be the toddlers.
Papa says the weather forecast in Oasis Springs is warm and sunny.
He suggests we spend the day with Mama to enjoy the nice weather.


Of course, we siblings can guess why Papa really wants to visit Mama.
We're all very happy for our mother Venessa.
She'd tolerated Papa's Dr. McSteamy hanky-panky without a single complaint.
After all that, she deserves his undivided love and attention.


[Monday
My sis Bong-Cha's wearing that sweater she knitted yesterday.
She's having a hard time gifting her knitted items.
Papa already rejected two of them this morning.

What? A legendary black-and-white toddler onesie? Yes, please!


Ji-Won branches to the Covert Operator branch today.
I have no idea why that requires marching around in 4-inch heels.
Shouldn't she be learning code-breaking or slinking around, um, covertly?


Mark: We spent the evening at the Arts Quarter for Ae-Cha's work task.
She was so happy. Among other joyful events, she and Cast became BFFs.
Returning home, she immediately dies of hysteria without a single Playful moodlet.

I anxiously approach Grim to offer a Death Flower for my daughter's life.


Tuesday
Grim: I don't mind sparing your daughter's life, Mark.
Maybe your family should try to be more unhappy?
Ae-Cha died because she was feeling Happy +17.

Watcher: It's like the game punishes my sims for being happy!
If only Sentiments could be disabled…


Ae-Cha: Yes, it's me. Back from the land of the dead. *rolls eyes
Our boys aged up yesterday and are off to their first day of school.
Jaden the Good is Ji-Won's son, and Castanova the Mean is ours.
They don’t look a bit alike, do they?


I make Kiyoshi promise not to get bulky while maxing his body potential.
Watcher advises him to avoid the workout machine until L9 Fitness.
He takes a Muscle-Relaxing soak with incense to get Very Energized, then does two Epic Energized Workouts.
The crystals help him stay energized.


Kiyoshi maxes his body potential shortly after maxing Fitness.
He doesn't look too over-muscular, does he?
Honestly, I wouldn't mind if he were more slender. *pouts


Ji-Won: I never get to work on my StrangerVille Mystery. *pouts
Meanwhile, we spend hours in San Myshuno for your work tasks!

Ae-Cha: This weekend will be yours, Ji-Won. Make as much progress as you can!
Ji-Won: The weekend? Eh, I'm gonna plant bugs on some of the locals.


I'm a bit ashamed to visit San Myshuno for yet another work task tonight.
To be fair, we first wait outside the Secret Lab while Ji-Won takes a look inside.
She gathers quite a bit of evidence during this visit.
I'd share more details but…it's secret.


Wednesday
I feel bad about Ji-Won living by herself down in that bunker.
Ever since Kiyoshi moved in, I've been living in the main house.

Ji-Won doesn't mind, especially after buying that surveillance station.
Now she spends much of her time planting bugs and snooping on folks.
Of course, she also helps Jaden with his homework and mentors him when she can.


Thursday
Late last night, I throw an Incognito Party that starts out really well.
But then, I just can't focus on complimenting the guests on their costumes.
When I've finally complimented my 10th sim, it's morning.


Mark: You know I don't mind catering, but this party was the worst.
The host does NOT remain seated the whole time.
You need to circulate, mingle with your guests.
Also reading a book at your own party is poor taste, daughter dear.

Ae-Cha: Papa, I just want to forget this party ever happened, okay?


Friday
Kiyoshi calmly helps Cast deal with his anger management issues.


Tonight, I'm throwing a Weenie Roast.
It only has to be a silver party, but I'm going for gold.
That chess table reward is too sweet.

Um, Castanova.  Really?
Castanova: It's Auntie's fault! She came and sat down in front of me!




Saturday
This morning, Ji-Won and I finally make it to the Magical Realm.
It's time we learn our ultimate magic spells.


The rest of the day belongs to Ji-Won.
The bizarre fruit plants are getting increasingly more disturbing.
Ji-Won spends time out and around StrangerVille, getting ready.


Ji-Won: Actually, I haven't chosen my three recruits yet.
Erwin: You can't just choose your team based on whether they can teleport, y'know?
I've lived here my whole life. I know a lot about that Secret Lab.
You realize that I bring experience and wisdom to the table, right?
Make no mistake, Ji-Won: I'm not just a pretty face!


Jaden's ready for his teen birthday already.


So is Castanova, but they won't be aging up today.
I'm too exhausted to throw another party this week
Next week, I'll have the energy to throw them a fabulous birthday fest.
Darren and Bong-Cha graduate on Monday, so that deserves a party, too!


By the way, can you guess our boys' Big Dreams?
They've each done two extra aspirations.



Progress: End of Week 17, Year 2
Click the spoiler tag to view this week's progress.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Household

Mark Yumeno - Dr. McSteamy (YA): Finished Week 15
Spouse: Venessa; Children: Darren; Bong-Cha & Ji-Won (twins); Ae-Cha.

Darren - Life-Long Learner (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: Academic 3/4

Bong-Cha - Uber Sim (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations (4/5): Lady of the Knits 3/4
Achievement: Over-Achiever
Other: Complete any distinguished degree (8/12 credits)

Ji-Won - Savior of StrangerVille (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: StrangerVille Mystery 2/4
Career: Military/Covert Operator 8
✔️Skills : Fitness, Programming, Wellness
Other #1: Must live in underground bunker from teen birthday until BD's completion
Spouse: Brennen Bromberg; Children: Jaden

Ae-Cha - Holiday Lover (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: Party Animal 3/4
Career: Critic/Food Critic 7
Spouse: Kiyoshi Ito; Children: Castanova

Kiyoshi - Sports Master (YA)
Aspirations: Bodybuilder 4/4, Extreme Sports Enthusiast 0/4
Career: Athlete/Pro Athlete 8
Skills: Fitness 10, Rock Climbing 8, Snowboarding 8
Move-in collection: Geodes 4/6

Jaden - ?? (Child, Gen5)
Traits: Good
✔️Toddler: Top-Notch Toddler
✔️Child: Whiz Kid, Social Butterfly, Rambunctious Scamp
✔️Scouts: Llamacorn
Skills: Logic 7

Castanova - ?? (Child, Gen5)
Traits: Mean
✔️Toddler: Top-Notch Toddler
✔️Child: Social Butterfly, Artistic Prodigy, Rambunctious Scamp
✔️Child: Use only Make Friends at school for 3 days
✔️Scouts: Llamacorn
Skills: Charisma 6, Mischief 5, Violin 10

Notes
*Weenie Roast: My sims don't catch on fire as often when I don't snap the "log seats" to the campfire's grid. 
Fires still happen, though.
Also, I guess the "Discuss encounter with wildlife" party goal can only be completed when hosting a weenie roast in Granite Falls?

*Household size: We're badly in need of a household vacancy, but Papa Mark can't move out just yet.

*Perfect Genetics: If one of Ae-Cha & Kiyoshi's next two kids could have violet eyes & violet (or very light-colored) hair, I would be supremely happy.

[GlazeyLady]

You get so much done in one week!

Thanks for the tip on the weenie roast - those so often involve burning Sims.

I would guess Love 'Em and Take 'Em for Castanova. I'm not going to guess on Jaden because I'm pretty sure I know that one from chatting in Discord.

[oshizu]

You get so much done in one week!

Thanks for the tip on the weenie roast - those so often involve burning Sims.

I would guess Love 'Em and Take 'Em for Castanova. I'm not going to guess on Jaden because I'm pretty sure I know that one from chatting in Discord.

Once Ji-Won's done, we won't need the bunker and can move. I can't wait to relocate!

As for the weenie roast, I caught Darren heading for the study room to do research on the archive machine.
So I locked the house to "Everyone" for the duration of the weenie roast, lol.

yes, Love 'Em and Take 'Em for Castanova, my little lover boy spellcaster. 
I wanted to make him Evil instead of Mean, but his cuz Jaden has the Good trait.

[Granny Lawlor]

Does Castenova need to be mean or evil or does that just make his task easier? I'm asking for a friend 

[oshizu]

Does Castenova need to be mean or evil or does that just make his task easier? I'm asking for a friend 

Haha, tell your friend that I don't usually pick the Evil or Mean treat for my sims, but only an Evil or Mean child can smash dollhouses.
(I'll be bypassing the negative character trait by doing their alternative requirements.)
I'd have preferred a cackling, evil sim, but then he and his good cuz Jaden might have been constantly unhappy.  I've never actually played that combo in the same household, though.

[Granny Lawlor]

I'm thinking Virtuous Vet for Jaden?
 It's the only one that needs him to be good and I don't think you've done it yet.
I think you do Llamacorn as a matter of course... so if it's not the Vet, I haven't got a Scooby-Doo

[oshizu]

I'm thinking Virtuous Vet for Jaden?
 It's the only one that needs him to be good and I don't think you've done it yet.
I think you do Llamacorn as a matter of course... so if it's not the Vet, I haven't got a Scooby-Doo

Bingo!  Jaden will be doing Virtuous Vet. 
A pet can only move out with a departing household member, so I hope I can time that right.

[oshizu]

4.18a.  Not Again!?


Ae-Cha: I have a feeling that we'll enjoy good fortune this week!

Hey, why is Kiyoshi alwas scooched up next my sister Bong-Cha?
He's my husband; he should be standing next to me! 
From left to right: Jaden, Darren, Ji-Won, Kiyoshi, Bong-Cha, me, Papa, and Castanova.


Week 18, Sunday (2nd week of spring)
No, it's not Talk Like a Pirate Day.
My son Castanova and Ji-Won's son Jaden are dressed like pirates for a Spooky Party.


I invite all of the extended family, as usual.
I earn a gold medal, but it doesn't register.
Why not? Does a Spooky Party not count?


In the evening, Castanova invites over the elderly Rarahu Oponui.
It takes several hours of dissing and jeering, but he finally declares her his enemy.

Castanova: I'm sacrificing my childhood so I can devote the rest of my life to kissing and woohoo.
Well, at least until I achieve my Big Dream and then settle down. *winks


Castanova: Nadia Blackburn, I now declare you my enemy!
Ae-Cha: Another elder, son? Why?
Castanova: Oh, I'm trying to separate my enemies, kisses, and woohoos by age.

Watcher: We won't bore you by showing all 10 of his declared enemies.
Know that he'll working on this task in the background.


Monday
Jaden refuses to leave for grade school this morning.
Since Darren's at a final exam, we can hardly travel to make Jaden go to school.

Ji-Won decides that her son might as well age up.
He's a dog lover, but someone needs to move out to make room for Jaden's first pet.


Bong-Cha's taking forever to become Lady of the Knits!
She's so contrary! When needing excellent items, she knitted Legendary ones.
Now that she needs legendary items, she only knits normal or excellent ones.


Darren and Bong-Cha graduate from university this evening.
They immediately join the Professor branch of the Education career.

Darren only needs two promotion to complete his Big Dream.
He's looking forward to living with his wife Kaori and their twins.


Kiyoshi visits Sixam every 2-3 days to gather unpolished geodes for his  collection.
He only needs one more!


Tuesday
In the morning, I'm promoted to a Level 8 Food Critic.
And in the evening Ji-won maxes her Covert Operator career.

Her work-from-home assignments have always been easier than mine.
Yesterday, she only had to do research at the StrangerVille Library for around 90 minutes.
Today, I have to not only write a book (!) but also review drinks in 3 different places.


Bella: Do I know you people?
Ji-Won: Don't mind us, Bella. We'll just be sitting here knitting.
Bong-Cha: We're waiting for our nephew to wrap up some unfinished business.


Castanova: I declare my third and fourth enemies today.
Mr. Goth ran off this afternoon and wouldn't come back over to our house.
So I invited Mele Kahananui and made her my enemy instead.
Then, on her way back from The Lab, Auntie Ji-Won brought me to the Goth home.


Ae-Cha: After everyone's home, we head to that bar so I can review a drink there.
You know where I mean, that little bar in our neighborhood.

Ji-Won: Oh, it's you, Mr. Cahill! We never knew you were a bartender!
George: Who said that!?


Ae-Cha: Next, we head to the Arts Quarter in San Myshuno for my second review.
For my third drink review, I want to visit The Sand Bar in Sulani.
I'm sure everyone in our household will love that.


Except that Bong-Cha dies a few minutes after our arrival.
Three deaths by hysteria in three weeks?! This is getting ridiculous.

Grim: I agree, Mark. We have to stop meeting like this.


Well, we're all glad to have Bong-Cha back, but it's hardly surprising or miraculous anymore, is it?
Darn bartender, though, won't go back to tending bar.

Looks like we're off to Spice District's karaoke bar for my third drink review.
So, like I said, I don't earn promotions as easily as Ji-Won did.


Wednesday
Thanks to Watcher @GlazeyLady, we finally figure it out!
I immediately invite Zing over then Ji-Won talks to her about expanding her family.
Apparently, Zing's been thinking about it, too!


Erwin: What the heck are you doing?
Ji-Won: I need to vaccinate you before I can recruit you to my team.
I've decided to ignore the rest of the household's needs today.
It's time for the showdown.  You ready, Erwin?


Ji-Won: Here we are at the final door!
Mark: Where's Erwin?
Ae-Cha: He doesn't teleport, remember?
Ji-Won: But he deserves to be here more than the three of us combined!


Spoiler Alert
If you wish to discover the source of StrangerVille's misery for yourself, do NOT click the spoiler tag.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Ji-Won: Once Erwin arrives, we rush into the next room and take our positions.
We ignore the zombie minions and simply alternate between attacks and breathers.
We also ignore the meters in the top left because we don't understand them.


We defeat The Mother rather easily, to our surprise.
I guess it's because we're just that awesome.
My Big Dream is complete!

Ae-Cha: Back home, Ji-Won gives Erwin a Potion of Rejuvenation to thank him for all his help.
Part of me wishes that she'd married Erwin instead, but it's too late now.


Ji-Won moves in with Brennan and his elderly mother.
It's just temporary.
As soon as we move out of StrangerVille, they will be moving to this lot.
And you can see that Jaden smiles just like his father does.


Thanks to Ji-Won moving out, her son Jaden can welcome Hayate into our home.
Hayate is a black-and-tan Shiba Inu.

Also, we've moved to Oasis Springs tonight and had a vet clinic built as well.
We'll tell you all about it next time.



Progress: Middle of Week 18, Year 2
Click the spoiler tag to view this week's progress.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Household

Mark Yumeno - Dr. McSteamy (YA): Finished Week 15
Spouse: Venessa; Children: Darren; Bong-Cha & Ji-Won (twins); Ae-Cha.

Darren - Life-Long Learner (YA)
Tasks Left:
✔️Aspirations: Academic
Career: Education/Prof 9

Bong-Cha - Uber Sim (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations (4/5): Lady of the Knits 3/4
Career (any 10-level career): Education/Prof 9
Achievement: Over-Achiever
✔️Other: Complete any distinguished degree

Ji-Won - Savior of StrangerVille (YA)
Tasks Left: Completed Big Dream on Wednesday and moved out same day
✔️Aspirations: StrangerVille Mystery
✔️Career: Military/Covert Operator
✔️Other #1: Must live in underground bunker from teen birthday until BD's completion
Spouse: Brennen Bromberg; Children: Jaden

Ae-Cha - Holiday Lover (YA)
Tasks Left:
Aspirations: Party Animal 3/4
Career: Critic/Food Critic 8
Spouse: Kiyoshi Ito; Children: Castanova

Kiyoshi - Sports Master (YA)
Aspirations: Extreme Sports Enthusiast 0/4
Career: Athlete/Pro Athlete 9
Skills: Rock Climbing 9, Snowboarding 8
Move-in collection: Geodes 5/6

Jaden - Virtuous Vet (Child)
Traits: Good, Dog Lover
Character traits: Responsible, Compassionate
Teen: Own a dog and teach it to perform 8 tricks
Aspirations: Friend of the Animals, Mansion Baron 4/4
Skills: Logic 10, Veterinarian 3, Pet Training 4

Castanova - Take 'Em and Leave 'Em (Child, Gen5)
Traits: Mean
Character trait (Irresponsible): Smash a dollhouse 10/10x as a child and Slack Off as a teen for 3 days
Character trait (Insensitive): Declare enemies with 4/10 other sims as a child/teen
Skills: Charisma 7, Mischief 8

Notes
Harvest Bizarre Fruit: Later in the Mystery, clicking Nurture on a bizarre fruit should show a Harvest option.
Ji-Won had no option to Harvest. According to posts on EA Answers, this is a bug.
Thankfully, we can just go to the Curio Shop to buy them. Thanks, Erwin!

Discuss expanding the family: I couldn never find this social for the longest time because I expected it to be on the Friendly menu's first page, where I always found "Pursue dream career."
Today, while I was whining about this, GlazeyLady informed me that she always sees it on the 3rd or 4th page.  Doh.
Thanks so much, GlazeyLady!