Meet The Heroes1 Esme Weatherwax From the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett
Appearance: Blond, unkempt hair; piercing blue eyes; favours black practical clothing (not trousers)
Character: Suspicious of technology & books. Feared by all except young children. Deep sense of Right & Wrong. Will only use magic if absolutely necessary. She will travel but prefers to stay close to home, a small village in the Ramtop mountains, where she has a strong link to the Land. Known as “She who must be avoided” by the trolls and “Hag o’ hags” by the Wee Free Men.
Chosen Traits: Self-assured, Proper, Genius
Earned Traits: Good Manners, Responsible, Compassionate
Requirements: 7 collectibles (all frogs); 7 scouting badges (all except Science & Civic); made 7 items (1 painting, 2 planters, 1 wall-hanging, 3 items of furniture); 7 different fish; 7 different plants; skill level 7 volunteering (all 5 ++); level 7 in Gardening
Projects Completed 7 - Assemble an Omiscan museum containing all artifacts and 9 unique relics with rare crystals.
- Write 7 unique songs
- Max Flower Arranging skill and give away 70 flower arrangements
- Complete the Lady or Lord of the Knits aspiration and give away 70 knitted objects
- Make and give away 70 canned goods from own grown ingredients
- Assemble a natural history museum containing 7 collections of 7 unique items each: crystals, fish, fossils, frogs, insects, metals, shells
- Grow 7 perfect fruits, 7 perfect herbs, and 7 perfect vegetables
Gameplay - although Esme Weatherwax the Discworld character is a undoubtedly a witch, she is not a Sims Spellcaster as
a) I don't have the Realm of Magic pack &
b) Spellcasters are not allowed in this challenge.
Personal Note: I'm very fond of the Discworld novels. I like those centred around Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg but also those that focus on the Night Watch. I would say it's quite a British humour but they frequently make me lol - not a common occurrence with many books for me.
2 Darwi Odradefrom the last 2 novels of the Dune series by Frank Herbert.
Appearance: said to resemble the Lady Jessica - a tall, slim woman with bronze-coloured hair, an oval face with eyes as green as the morning skies of Caladan, a small, slightly upturned nose, and a wide, generous mouth
Character: Left over-long in the safety of her foster parents due to galatic wars, her Bene Gesserit tutors tried to train the resultant sentimentality out of her but it was always a cause for concern. Rising to the supreme rank of Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit, she was the daughter of a refugee Reverend Mother and Miles Teg – military commander for the Bene Gesserit. As a product of the Bene Gesserit millennia-long breeding program, she carried predominantly ancient Atreides, Harkonnen and Corrino genes. She over-saw the eco-creation of a spice-producing desert planet (the spice must flow) and engineered the merging of the Bene Gesserit with their sworn enemies – the Honoured Matres.
Chosen Traits: Active, Foodie, Family-Oriented
Earned Traits: Responsible, Good Manners, Emotional Control, Compassionate
Requirements: Earn 7 scouting badges; 7 emotional whims (all energized); 7 non-skill books read; make 7 items (all painting); level 7 adult skill (violin); 7 collectibles (MySims trophies); 7 Good Friends (all from the Watson and Scott families)
Projects Completed 11 - Max Interior Decorator career and do renovations at 7 different community lots
- Guide 7 different Sims to the top of Mt. Komorebi in one or more Mountain Excursions
- Max the Teacher career and mentor 7 children or teens
- Develop a soup kitchen by maxing the Charity Organizer branch of the Politics career and serving 70 meals in a restaurant. If you don't have Dine Out, you may grill 70 dishes in a park.
- Complete Distinguished Degree in Psychology and counsel 7 angry, 7 sad, and 7 tense Sims, putting them in a happy, inspired, confident, or focused mood
- Max Detective career and lock up 7 felons
- Make Evergreen Harbor the best that it can be by passing the Green Initiative and Modern Development Initiative in each neighborhood and ensuring that the town has a maker space, market space, and community garden;
- Max Chef or Mixology aspiration and prepare 7 excellent meals, 7 excellent gourmet meals, and 7 excellent drinks. Baked dishes and fizzy drinks may also count;
- Clean up Sulani and max conservationist career;
- Nurture 7 topnotch toddlers and send them to good homes when they become children
- Assemble an art museum containing 7 masterpieces, 7 excellent wood carvings and 7 excellent photographs
Gameplay: Clearly with Darwi being adopted in SIMS, her body and face shape are not changeable. I have changed her toddler hair and eyes to conform.
Personal Note: I have read all the Dune novels written solely by Frank Herbert at least 3 times (maybe more). If you’re not a fan, most of the above will be impenetrable but hopefully you’ll enjoy her developing character.
3 Elizabeth Bestfrom the Thursday Murder Club books by Richard Osman
Character: Set in an elder-living community, the four main members of the Thursday Murder Club keep their minds active by trying to solve cold cases. Their skills become more significant as new murders are committed, linked to their community. 76 year old Elizabeth refuses to say what career she had before retiring but she has interesting contacts, an unusual skill set and the sharpest mind. She's been married at least 3 times, not that it's any of your business!
Chosen Traits: Self-Assured, Genius, Active
Earned Traits: Good Manners, Responsible, Emotional Control
Requirements: 7 scouting badges; 7 Emotional Whims, Catch 7 unique fish, Find 7 collectables (all shells); have 7 good friends, Level 7 of adult skill (knitting), 7 made objects (all knitted)
Projects Completed 6 - Max Doctor career and perform 7 successful surgeries
- Create 7 Simbots and give them to 7 elders
- Max Scientist career and stockpile 70 serums
- Make Sim world safer by performing 70 upgrades on plumbing and electrical items on community lots
- Max Secret Agent career and witness the deaths of 7 evil Sims
- Max Personal Trainer branch of Athletics and mentor 7 Sims in fitness
Personal Note: A very different genre of book to both Discworld and Dune and not at all established as a classic but the 2 books make fun reading and the first one is currently being made into a film. I like all four characters and actually Joyce is my favourite but Elizabeth is more heroic.
4 Mara of the Acomafrom the Servant of the Empire series by Janny Wurt & Raymond Feist
Character: Mara lives on a different world - Kelewan, ruled by men but focussed supremely on family honour. At 17 Mara’s family is slaughtered and she becomes the sole heir of the House Acoma. She learns quickly to exploit the need in others for honour and to manoeuvre to keep her family name alive in the cut-throat politics known as the Great Game. She forms dangerous and creative alliances, outwitting enemies and assassins to gain the highest place of prestige for the Acoma House.
Appearance: Dark hair & brown eyes. Her world of Kelewan has a very relaxed attitude to clothing.
Chosen Traits: (Independent) Outgoing, Insider, Family-Oriented
Earned Traits: Good Manners, Responsible, Compassionate, Mediated, Emotionally Controlled
Requirements:Earn 7 scouting badges; Find 7 collectibles; Catch 7 fish of different species; Complete 7 emotional whims; Make 7 objects (drawings); Reach level 7 of an adult skill (logic); Throw 7 parties.
Projects Completed 3 - Max Business or Salaryworker career and donate 70,000 simoleons to reputable charities
- Max the Tech Guru career and write 7 games
- Max Politician career, participating in 7 demonstrations and giving 7 inspired speeches
Personal Note: I love the universe originally created in the Magician series by Raymond Feist and the first book written with Janny Wurts in the series with Mara, Servant of the Empire, builds on that richness. I relish her insight and willingness to make difficult decisions for the good of her House. The 2nd & 3rd books in the series aren’t as good, in my opinion but I still love the 1st.
5 Benita Alvarezfrom Fresco by Sherri Tepper
Character: Benita is trapped in a loveless marriage with an alcoholic husband who has delusions of his artistic ability which he has passed on to their over-indulged son. Benita has a perceptive mind and rages inwardly at the justice system that gives rights to those who have no regard for others. She feels voiceless and impotent. Their daughter is trying to climb out of the situation and wondering how to help her mother when Benita has a Close Encounter of a Third Kind. She becomes a spokesperson for the Visitors as they implement solutions to societal problems as presented by the politicians.
Appearance: Central American heritage
Chosen Traits: (Angelic) Active, Bookworm, Creative
Earned Traits: Good manners, Responsible, Compassionate, Self-Controlled
Requirements: Earn 7 Scouting Badges, Find 7 collectibles (frogs); Make 7 objects (paintings), 7 whims, level 7 adult skill (logic & fitness), 7 volunteer outings, read 7 non-skill books
Projects Completed 2 - Complete Paragon of Hope aspiration
- Publish 7 motivational best-sellers
- Interplanetary Ambassador -- Max the Astronaut career, visit Sixam, and have 7 Sixamite friends
Personal Note: Sherri Tepper writes science fiction with a strong eco-feminist message. Her heroines often start in quiet desperation, trapped by trying to be loyal and "doing the right thing". Fresco is a favourite, as are Family Tree, Grass and The Margarets
Lessa of Ruathafrom the Dragon series of books by Anne McCaffrey.
Character: Set on Pern, a planet beset by a voracious parasite called Thread that falls from the skies. The original settlers developed the tiny native fire lizards into enormous creatures with the ability to carry and to bond with humans. Together, dragons and their riders fight the Thread, keeping the thankful or grudging populace safe.
Lessa, heir to the Hold of Ruatha, was orphaned by the ambitious Fax. Far from the one remaining dragon weyr, and in hiding as a drudge, she uses her talent of psycho-manipulation to bring about a deadly confrontation between Fax and Weyrleader F’lar who has come in search of a candidate to bond with the last precious dragon queen egg.
Appearance: Short (which isn't do-able in Sims)
Chosen Traits: (Independent) Loves Outdoors, Dog-Lover, Self-Assured
Earned Traits: Good Manners, Responsible, Emotional Control
Requirements: 7 Scouting Badges, Adult skill to Level 7 (violin), 7 whims, 7 made objects (all carving), 7 odd jobs, 7 collectibles (shells & treasure), 7 unique fish
Projects Completed 2 - Max veterinarian skill, cure 7 pets, and befriend 7 strays
- Make 70,000 simoleons running a retail store that sells essential items
Personal Note: I discovered these books when I was at university and they get re-read whenever I want some pure escapist fantasy – dragons, danger, romance – what’s not to love?
Katniss EverdeenFrom the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Born into poverty in District 12, her father was killed in a mining explosion, sending her mother into a depressive stupor. Learning to forage and hunt from an early age to support her mother and sister Primrose, she never aims to be a hero. She is not “good”. She just does what she thinks is the right thing when she and those she cares about are threatened. Her passion for justice and her eloquence when moved are what draws people to follow her – The Mockingjay! It is also what makes politicos try to use her for their own purposes, forgetting that she is always her own person. She struggles with her own mental health but eventually always rises to the challenge.
Character: Impetuous, Passionate, Brave, Loves Outdoors
Appearance: Gorgeously Scary - “They’ll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you.”
Gameplay note: Katniss will only get to do one project as that will complete the challenge. I would have loved to have her compose the music as a 2nd project as singing is a significant part of her character, but it’s just not heroic enough as her only one.
Chosen Traits: (Wild)Loves Outdoors, Active, Loner
Earned Traits: Good Manners, Responsible, Emotional Control, Compassionate
Requirements: 9 Scouting Badges, 7 Good Friends, Level 7 of Adult skill (knitting), 7 Made objects (knitted), 7 unique plants, 7 Volunteer Activities, 7 Odd Jobs
Projects Completed 1 - Defeat the Mother in Strangerville
Personal Note: My daughter introduced me to the Hunger Games books and I devoured them. I was so nervous when they began to release the films but Jennifer Lawrence was brilliant as Katniss.
