Costa Mishmash Legacy 9.8: This Stuff Is Starting Now (17 Nov '24)

[oshizu]

"Difficult dynamic" - I've always answered "no" to that question. I think it's popped up for me when they've autonomously been annoying when the other was stressed/bored/upset. Maybe it's the Macabre trait? What does that actually entail? I could see an Erratic and a Macabre Sim winding each other up.
I've never really investigated the family dynamics before. Once you've got a particular relationship, can it change through interactions? Or do you have to dissolve it somehow?

The kids are lovely. Ravena has a really pointy chin with wide cheekbones. I wonder if that will go on into her adult face. Blake is the cutest, imho but Hades will make a great Heir.

Like you, I've never said Yes to a Difficult Family Dynamic before, but then I rarely get that prompt in the first place. I also decline the Jokesters Dynamic out of preference for Close or Supportive, haha.
The Romance Dynamic seems to require frequent attention but I've never had a family dynamic change autonomously.
And once I agree to a family dynamic, I don't popups promoting me to choose a different one.

It's hard to tell what the kids will look like as teens, but I also have a huge soft spot for Blake although, due to his coloring and his Grimborn trait, Hades will become the heir.
He didn't actually roll the Erratic trait but--since his Papa Grim has the Evil, Erratic, and Noncommital traits--I felt Hades should get the Erratic trait.
(I didn't really want my Gen10 heir to be Evil or Noncommittal, right?)

I'm still working on the Gen10 requirements. I just can't seem to get them right.

[oshizu]

9.7: Til Death Do Us Part


Sunday, Week 63, Year 6 (late spring)
Desiree: Last week, all four toddlers maxed their skills and aged up to children.
By the end of the week, they'd all become Llamacorn Scouts, too.
I accidentally feel into a pond of hangry sharks and drowned, but I revived with Ambrosia.
Let's see what else? Oh, Our two Grimborns developed a Difficult Family Dynamic somehow.
From L to R: Hades, Blake, Tim, me, my brother Denis, my husband Dorian, Ravena, and Brigitte


At Brindleton Bay's Vet Clinic
Denis: Hmmm, I came all the way to this clinic to buy Rodent Treats and Rodent Remedies.
But where are the Rodent Remedies?
Random townie: Oh you'll only find the Rodent Treats in that fridge.
Why don't you ask one of the vetertinairans??


Vet:  Buying Rodent Remedies from our clinic's computer is misinformation, sir!
If you do "Web/Research Rodent Fever" from your home computer, you can buy them at home!
Denis: You're a great help! *phones Tim to buy Rodent Remedies
Vet: I do commend you for being prepared, sir! Kids aren't great at cleaning rodent cages.


Brigitte: I've been gazing through this telescope off and on since last night.
But my Logic skill is still only level 6. I really want to be the first of the kids to max it!
Oh, how scary! A meteor is heading for me! As if!
I'm an invincible Grimborn!  Some stupid meteor ain't got nothing on me!



Monday
Hades: This morning I become an Idea Person by completing Creative Genius!
Today, I'll bring home an A from school and finish Whiz Kid, too.
If I can be done with my two remaining aspirations, I can start learning more skills!


Denis: I come home from a meh day of work to find that I've somehow hurt Hades' feelings.
I apoloize then ask him to be BFFs.  We're all good now!


Denis: Ugh! How did I not see this coming when Ravena begged us to buy her a pet rat?
After naming the rat Grumpy, she's only played with her pet that first day.
Go ahead! Take one guess: Who's stuck taking care of Grumpy? *rolls eyes



Tuesday
Hades: How cool that we get to take a vacation day from school in Mt. Komorebi today!
Blake: Yeah, you and I are done with six aspirations already!
Hades: I can't wait for our slumber party on Friday!
Blake: I'm looking forward to dinner at that fancy Japanese restaurant in Wakaba this evening.


Outside of Konayuki Restaurant in Wakaba
Brigitte:  Even though you're not my real father, Papa Dorian, please help me!
That machine stole my money! It owes me a Simmie Capsule!
Dorian: Don't you worry, Brigitte! I'll get your Simmie Capsule for you if it kills me!

Brigitte: Um, does this mean you couldn't get my Simmie Capsule?


Denis: Boss, please take this Death Flower in exchange for Dorian's life.
He's my brother-in-law and my best friend, too! And he has small children!
Grim: Of course, Denis. You're my Right-Hand Reaper! *cue Resurrection music
Dorian: Denis, you are my hero!


Denis: What the heck, Boss? I thought you were gonna resurrect Dorian?
Grim: What can I say? My life's gotten a bit wonky since the new pack!
Denis: Never mind, Dorian. Let's go home and I'll cook you some Ambrosia.
You'll be as good as new in no time!



Wednesday
Denis: Today I visited Brindleton Bay to reap the soul of a sim who died from Killer Rabbit.
Back at the office, I practice reaping one last time for old time's sake.
Our children will be te teens soon, so today will be my last day in the Reaper career.
Grim: No, Denis! Say it isn't so!


And how is my little Grumpy Wumpy today, hmmmm?
Ouch! Why you ungrateful little…that hurt!


Princess Coronis, how have you been?
I bring tribute, you lovely creature!



Thursday
Denis: I'd thought I was catching a colf but I've entered Rabid Rodent Fever's Contagious phase.
Tim: How? That's the third stage and you were only bit last night!
Denis: Tim, will you stay with me in case anything else goes wrong?
Tim: Of course, Denis. I have your Rabid Rodent Serum and an Ambrosia serving in my inventory.


Denis: I plan to spread my illness to some townies then drink the serum before death calls.
I convene the little club I created and go around hugging everyone, the better to infect them.
Tim's safe. Thanks to drinking a Rodent Inoculation Serum, he's permanently immune.


I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll take down a townie or two with Rabid Rodent Fever!
Look at that vampire and edler! They're both feeling Very Uncomfortable.
I'm in no rush. I read somewhere that my Contagious stage lasts 24 hours.


Except that it only last five hours, not 24 hours.
Why did my Rabid Rodent Fever develop at such an accelerated pace?
Ugh, I can't think clearly anymore. Tim, I'm counting on you! *keels over


Grim: Denis, Denis, Denis! Is that what's become of my favorite ex-Reaper?
(whispers: Not to mention that you and I have a son together.)
What a miserable way to go, dear friend.
On the bright side, this was your 13th unique death type.
Congratz on completing all the requirements for your generation, bruh!


Denis: Ugh, I've never looked so creepy in my life!
Tim: It's just temporary, love. Here, eat your Ambrosia.
Denis: Unlike my Beetlejuice death, I'm able to eat Ambrosia this time, but it doesn't revive me.
Desiree: No worries, Denis. I got you! *casts Dedeathify on Denis and resurrects him
Denis: Hey, Tim! Why are you looking so glum? I'm the one who is a giant pink hamster!
Tim: Well, we're divorced now. Did this happen to us when you died the last time?


Tim: Look! Our friendship and romance are still maxed.
And I can ask you to be my Romantic Partner again, both we're still both Widowers.


Tim: Thank goodness I can ask you stay married!
Denis: Go ahead and ask me, babe!
Tim: There! We're back to the way we were! What a relief!


Desiree: Dorian and I aren't as luck as Denis and Tim.
First of all, we're both described as "Widowers." Hello, the right word for me is "Widow."
Next, Dorian asks me to become Romantic Partners again, which is fine.
But he doesn't have the Ask to Stay Married option so he chooses Propose instead.
Dorian: As soon as I successfully propose to Desiree, I lose my Widower status.
Desiree: Not me! Now I'm not only your Spouse but also still a Widower (sic). Why, why, why?



Gallery Downloads
*Upland Place (40x30): "Get Famous Starter" by AvelineYT. 3bdrm/2bth. §141,064.
  I'd placed this build several generations ago on the lot where Venessa Jeong formerly lived.
  Extremely pricey for a so-called "starter," but a great family home just the same.

*Hazakura Lounge (30x20): "Restaurant Konayuki" by Momofy.
  This is my favorite Japanese restaurant build.
  I enlarged one of the private rooms to replace the four-seat dining table with an eight-seater.

The Gen9 Household
Home: Hay Hill Landing, Whispering Glen (Ravenwood)

Desiree Costa (Gen9 heir) - YA
Traits: Music Lover, Macabre, Loves the Outdoors (+Active, Perfectionist, Family Oriented)
Baby Daddy: Grim Reaper; Child: Brigitte Costa
Spouse: Dorian (Rose); Child: Blake Costa

Denis Costa (Gen9 heir) - YA
Traits:  Loves the Outdoors, Chased by Death, Proper (+Creative, Perfectionist)
Career: Reaper 10+1
Baby daddy: Grim Reaper; Child: Hades Costa
Spouse: Tim (Ravenwood); Child: Ravena Costa

Dorian (Gen9 spouse) - YA (Chopstick Savvy Spice Hound)
Traits: Gloomy, Creative, Loyal (+Active, Perfectionist, Family Oriented)

Tim (Gen9 spouse) - YA (Chopstick Savvy Spice Hound)
Traits: Self-Assured, Chased by Death, Romantic (+Adventurous, Active, Family Oriented)

Hades Costa (Gen10 heir) - Grimborn Child
Traits: Wiggly/Independent; Erratic

Brigitte Costa (Gen10 spare) - Grimborn Child
Traits: Sunny/Angelic; Macabre

Blake Costa (Gen10 spare) - Child
Traits: Calm/Inquisitive; Creative

Ravena Costa (Gen10 spare) - Child
Traits: Sunny/Independent; Loves the Outdoors


Progress: Partway through Week 63

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gen9 heirs: Desiree & Denis  (Completed Thu, Week 63, Year 6)
Shared requirements
👻Move to Ravenwood as teens and own a pet crow
👻As a household, max the Reaper, Funeral Director, and Mortician careers (2/3)
      Desiree/Funeral Director 10, Denis/Reaper 10, Dorian/Mortician 10
👻At least one household member must earn the Burning Soul trait (Renee)
Desiree
👻Skills: Charisma, Flower Arranging, Gardening, Thanatology, Writing
👻Aspirations: B. Author, Bodybuilder, F. Botanist, Ghost Historian, Renaissance Sim
👻Career: Undertake/Funeral Director 10
👻Complete the "Alice's Sorrow" quest
👻Host one gold-medal funeral
Denis
👻Skills: Charisma, Fishing, Fitness, Mixology, Thanatology
👻Aspirations): Angling Ace, Bodybuilder, Ghost Historian, Inner Peace, Master Chef
👻Career: Reaper 10
👻Complete Lady Ravendancer's Tarot Deck 26/26
👻Trigger, witness, or encounter 13/13 unique death types: 1/Mold, 2/Crows, 3/Killer Rabbit,
      4/Hunger, 5/Cowplant, 6/Flower arrangement, 7/Laughter, 8/Beetle Juice, 9/Sunlight,
     10/Drowning, 11/Exhaustion, 12/Vending Machine, 13/Rabid Rodent Fever

Gen10 heir: Hades
  *Complete 6/7 childhood aspirations (excl. Mind & Body)
  *Master 13 skills (1/13):   Charisma 1, #2, #3, #4, #5,  #6, #7, 
    #8, Logic 5, Pipe Organ 7, #11, Violin 10, #13
  * Complete 13 aspirations: ?
  *Plus more

Notes
*Pleading with Grim: Why does this even still exist in the game? It's broken!
  Denis tried the "Demand Dorian be Spared" social on Grim after Dorian's death.
  We got all the Resurrected hullabaloo except that Dorian ended up as a ghost.
  Next, we reloaded our save and chose "Give Death Flower" instead.  Same results.
  When Denis worked as a Reaper, he was able to Revive dead sims. So why can't the Grim Reaper?

*Death types for children: I had a whole story arc planned out which never came to be.
  It required Grimborn Brigitte's death but I failed miserably despite all my time and effort.
  I've since learned that since the patch, children can only die from drowning or fire.
  I was so confused: Brigitte froze to death 3 times but immediately came back to life right after.
  She also got three meteorite warnings and one "It's Coming Right at Me!" notification.
   However, no meteor even landed.

*Ghostly divorce: I don't understand the logic behind the automatic divorce.
  Sure, an auto-divorce makes sense if the deceases become a free-roaming ghost or rebirths.
  But if they become a playable ghost in their original household, why the divorce?

*Widower, Widow: Why not change this status to the gender-neutral word "Widowed."

[oshizu]

9.8: This Stuff Is Starting Now!


Thursday, Week 63, Year 6 (late spring)
Denis:  This week really did a number on our marriages!
Dorian got crushed by a vending machine, then Grim promised to resurrect him but…didn't.
Our pet rat Grumpy bit me and I died of Rabid Rodent Fever but Ambrosia didn't bring me back to life.
Shockingly, Desiree and Dorian as well as Tim and I ended up divorced and widowed! It's all fixed now.
From L to R:  Hades, Blake, my squeeze Tim, sister Desiree, me, BIL Dorian, Dorian,  and Brigitte


Ravena: Just cuz poor little Grimpy bit Papa Denis this morning, the grownups all want to get rid of Grumpy!
That's so unfair! Right, Grumpy?


Blake: We invite over our classmates this evening.
Gotta get ready to exchange Friendship Bracelets at our slumber party, right?
Ravena: Who you gonna invite, Brigitte?
Brigitte (orange bear): Maybe that Brendon Specter?


Brigitte: Why are we fishing in Ciudad Enamorada? It's pitch dark!
Blake: Who knows? While our parents hang at that cheesy lounge, we're 'sposed to fish here.
Ravena: They said something about becoming Romantic Explorers?
Hades: Hey, I caught some ole ring? I wonder who lost it?


Denis: Okay, this is our second spot for that "Woohoo 3 times at different locations" task.
Tim: *giggles


Blake: Cool! We've never visited Grandma Bianca and Grandpa Andres before!
Hades: Yeah. Let's watch the Game of Llamas Season Premiere!
Ravena: Isn't it kinda late to be visiting our grandparents for the first time?
Brigitte: That too. And why are we here, anyway? We have a big TV at home!


Hades: Hey, Brigitte! Blake, Ravena, and I asked our Grandma and Grandpa to be our besties.
Why don't you ask them, too?
Brigitte (orange bear): I can't! because I barely know them. And I'm Incredibly Friendly just like you!
Hades: Huh, you think it's a Bear thing?

Denis: I feel weird using my parent's Romantic Blanket but this makes our third location.
Tim: *giggles



Friday
Hades: We took a vacation day from school today. Why are we doing homework?!
Blake: Um, cuz we're Responsible?  Hey, where's Brigitte the Bear?
Ravena: Chatting online with Brendon, probably.


Tim: I hated that we were divorced, Denis. Thanks for this!
Denis: Yeah, I'm glad we took the time to reconnect! Feels right.


Dorian: I'm glad we're also working toward becoming Seasoned Romantics, Desiree.
Desiree: Of course, love. And remember: you must NEVER remove your glasses in public!
Nobody but me must ever know what a hunk you really are.
Dorian: Um, okaaay?


Hades: Awww, everyone's forgotten all about you. No worries, Grumpy. I got you!
Hey, you wanna play? Ouch!


Hades: I need to talk with you, Papa! We kids are ready for a slumber party. What about later today?
Denis: Sure. We could schedule it for 4 o'clock since your classmates have school today.
Hades: Also, can we release Grumpy to the wild? It seems cruel to keep him all caged up, y'know?
Denis: Not sure Grumpy could survive in the wild, but I'm not a big Grumpy fan myself. Let's ask Ravena.
Hades: Ask my sister? Are you kidding? She's never fed Grumpy even once!


Denis: After preparing some pizza for the party, I decide to create a patio area out back.
Come to think of it, we've never invited our parents over.
We've never invited Great-great-whatever Night and Lou over from Moonwood Mills, either.
We'll have to throw a big family party in the near future.
The bright green in the drink fountain is Party Extender Punch. Sounds great but totally wrecks the ambiance!


Ravena: Thanks for throwing that 2-minute slumber party, Mama.
Desiree: Sure, you kids can finish your "sleeping bag stories" before the "real slumber party."
Denis: Yes, then you'll only need to tell two later for the party goal. Everyone's told their three stories, right?
Brigitte: Not me! I've only told one story so far! It's not my fault! Nobody listens to my stories!
Hades: Well, hurry up! Our slumber party starts in 15 minutes!


Hades: Our real party reaches silver-medal status in no time then gets stuck at the 2 sleeping bag stories.
Ravena: Hey guys, I finished telling my story. Did Brigitte already finish hers?
Blake: Brigitte, what are you doing? How long have you just been sitting there?
Brigitte: Huh? Oh, okay, give me another hour or so to tell someone a story from my sleeping bag.


Hades: Okay, kiddos! We've earned our gold medal! Everyone exchange your Friendship Bracelet already?
Once that's done, we can end our slumber party and age up to teens!
Brigitte: No, wait! I'm not good enough friends yet to ask Brendon to become Bracelet Buds yet!
Hades, Blake, and Ravena: *groan in unison


Two hours later…
Hades: Um, Papa Denis? Is Brigitte really related to the rest of us?
Denis: Yes, son. She's the daughter of your Auntie Desiree.
Hades: Huh. Whatever, we end our gold-medal party and I shoot from L4 to L9 Charisma.
Blake: Me, too, but I had L3 Charisma when our party started.


Denis: Thanks to Brigitte, the kids' birthday party starts three hours later than planned.
Still, we invite our parents, grand-parents, and ancestors Night and Lou.
Tim: We should do this more often! I love parties!


Denis: Hades is my Grimborn son and the next heir. He's Erratic and Chased by Death.
Tim: Both Denis and I are Chased by Death, and so is our daughter Ravena.
Desiree: My Grimborn daughter, Brigitte, is Macabre and Erratic.
Dorian: Our son Blake and I share the same two traits: Creative and Gloomy.



Saturday
Dwaieww: We all enjoyed seeing the family so much last night, we invited them over again.
The teens are thrilled to have so much help with their school projects.
Hades: How exciting to meet our ancestors from Moonwood Mills. They're Immortal Wolves!


Bianca: A little bird told me you'd like to become a spellcaster, Hades.
May I offer you the Rite of Ascension?
Hades: Yes, please, Grandma Bianca!


Blake: I overheard you telling your parents that you plan to go to uni, Hades.
Hades: Yeah, I want to get into a distinguished degree program at Foxbury.
Blake: Um, would you mind if I go to uni, too? We've always done everything together, so…
Hades: Yay! I was hoping you'd want to go to uni, too! We better get our skills up, bruh!


Ravena: Hades and Blake are so close! If they move out together, what happens to me?
The other day, the grownups were talking about Blake inheriting this house.
Does that mean I need to leave?  And what about Brigitte? Will I get custody of Grumpy?


On the outskirts of Crow's Crossing
Hades: What is that huge, abandoned manor?
Tim: You know how my family name used to be Ravenwood, Hades?
Hades: *nods
Tim: This is the Old Ravenwood Estate, my ancestral home and my birthplace.
Hades: But it's so rundown and broken now! What happened? Where's your family?
Tim: Well, my father died of grief after losing the estate in a gambling bet. Mother soon followed him.
Hades: Nooo, Papa Tim! That's too sad! I'm going to save up to buy this place then restore it to its former glory!
Tim: Oh Hades! You'd do that? You don't know how happy that would make me! *sniffle, sniffle

Hades: C'mon, Blake, Ravena, Brigitte! Y'all in for Operation Old Ravenwood Estate? This stuff is starting now!



The Gen9 Household
Home: Hay Hill Landing, Whispering Glen (Ravenwood)

Desiree Costa (Gen9 co-heir) - YA (23 days to Adult)
Traits: Music Lover, Macabre, Loves the Outdoors (+Active, Perfectionist, Family Oriented)
Baby Daddy: Grim Reaper; Child: Brigitte Costa
Spouse: Dorian (Rose); Child: Blake Costa

Denis Costa (Gen9 co-heir) - YA (33 days to Adult)
Traits:  Loves the Outdoors, Chased by Death, Proper (+Creative, Perfectionist)
Career: Reaper 10+1
Baby daddy: Grim Reaper; Child: Hades Costa
Spouse: Tim (Ravenwood); Child: Ravena Costa

Dorian (Gen9 spouse) - YA (32 days to Adult)
Traits: Gloomy, Creative, Loyal (+Active, Perfectionist, Family Oriented)

Tim (Gen9 spouse) - YA (15 days to Adult)
Traits: Self-Assured, Chased by Death, Romantic (+Adventurous, Active, Family Oriented)

Hades Costa (Gen10 heir) - Grimborn Teen (20 days to YA)
Traits: Wiggly/Independent; Erratic, Chased by Death

Brigitte Costa (Gen10 spare) - Grimborn Teen (20 days to YA)
Traits: Sunny/Angelic; Macabre, Erratic

Blake Costa (Gen10 spare) - Teen (20 days to YA)
Traits: Calm/Inquisitive; Creative, Gloomy

Ravena Costa (Gen10 spare) - Teen (20 days to YA)
Traits: Sunny/Independent; Loves the Outdoors, Chased by Death


Progress: End of Week 63

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gen9 heirs: Desiree & Denis  (Completed Thu, Week 63, Year 6)

Gen10 heir: Hades
🪦Complete childhood aspirations (excl. Mind & Body)
    *Master 13 skills (2/13):   Charisma 10, Cooking 3, #3, #4, Gardening 7,  #6,
      Handiness 3, Logic 7, Pipe Organ 7, Research & Debate 5, #11, Violin, #13
    *Complete 13 aspirations:   Freelance Botanist 3/4, Musical Genius 1/4, Nerd Brain 1/4,
      Purveyor of Potions 1/4, Renaissance Sim 1/4
    *Move to Crow's Crossing as a Teen (start Fab Wealthy only after moving out)
    *Graduate with a Distinguished Degree in Psychology
    *Buy and restore the Old Ravenwood Estate (start Mansion Baron only after buying the lot)
    *Plus more

Notes
*Hades' skill requirement: I want Hades to max 13 skills but keep changing my mind about which ones.
  While playing and writing this update, I replaced two skills with two other skills, hehe.

*The parents' Adult birthday: Every time one one of the YAs has died, their age resets to Day 1.
  That's why Dorian and Denis respectively have 32 and 33 days until their YA birthday.
  So, all four of them will consider Tim's birthday as their YA birthday.
  Hades will have moved out by then, so he'll drop by to give them each a timely Potion of Rejuvenation.

*Hades and Brigitte: Their family dynamic remains Difficult though I haven't seen them arguing.
 Hades has no sentiment toward Brigitte, but she feels a Festering Grudge and Impressed toward Hades.