ToEA Episode 1: Welcome to Willow Creek!

Welcome to my Tales of Ever After version of TS4's Willow Creek! This is my first decent video; my apologies for the small, crappy quality of the first upload that ended up here. I might experiment with different screen resolutions in upcoming episodes, which will eventually be found on my YouTube channel. I'm placing this one here to pose a question.

Which is preferable for this blog? Written stories, or vocal narrations? Any feedback is welcome! ^_^ Sorry for the recording hiccups, and thank you for watching.

ToEA Simseries: Meet the Characters - Tanaris/Draius

ToEA: Meet the Characters

Tanaris

The Tanaris family is named for Elia, who is going to serve as the "Queen of the Desert" of my TS4 A/U. 

Meet Elia Tanaris. She's another whose face I just did the best I could with. Her Aspiration is Soulmate, which means that she wants to find and live a rewarding life with "the One!" Whoever "the One" is. The booster trait for this is Alluring, which means that she's more successful in romantic endeavors than other Sims might be. Her other traits include:

Self-Assured: These Sims tend to be Confident.

Genius: These Sims tend to be Focused, can Share Ideas with other Sims, and may become upset if they haven't improved their Mental Skills for some time.

Ambitious: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from career success, gain negative Moodlets from career failure, and may become upset if not promoted.

 

 Meet Alaria Tanaris, Elia's younger sister. Her Aspiration is Musical Genius, which means that in this A/U, she wants to be an expert musician and songwriter. Naturally, the booster trait is Muser, which means that she'll get a boost to her creativity whenever she's Inspired. Alaria's other traits include:

Cheerful: These Sims tend to be Happier than other Sims.

Creative: These Sims tend to be Inspired, can Share Creative Ideas with other Sims, and may become upset if they're not creative for a period of time.

Good: These Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

 

Meet Sydius Draius, Elia's bodyguard in a former life. His Aspiration is Bodybuilder, which means that he wants to work out and become as strong as he can be. Look at that guy, though. He's already pretty freaking wide. The booster trait for Bodybuilder is apparently Alluring, so I guess he's pretty successful with romantic endeavors, too! Other traits of his include:

Active: These Sims tend to be Energized, can Pump Up other Sims, and may become upset if they don't exercise for a period of time.There's always a drawback to these things.

Ambitious: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from career success, gain negative Moodlets from career failure, and may become upset if not promoted.

Good: These Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

He shares a trait with each sister, which should prove to be interesting...

Even here...I seriously think this may be the widest damn CAS shot I've ever taken. This dude is built like a fridge...

 

ToEA Simseries: Meet the Characters - O'Sullivan/Prentiss

ToEA: Meet the Characters

O'Sullivan

The O'Sullivan family is one of my favorites - I added two extra family members and changed this one up from my original version.

Meet Liam O'Sullivan. His friends call him Little John. He likes loose pockets, good jokes, and games of chance. He has a new outfit that I think he looks kind of dashing in! His Aspiration is Chief of Mischief, which means that he is "all about pranks and mayhem!" The booster trait for Chief of Mischief (go figure...) is Gregarious, so that Liam builds friendly relationships faster than other Sims. His other traits include:

Family-Oriented: These Sims become Happy around family members, become Sad if they don't interact with family for a period of time, and can Boast about Family.

Goofball: These Sims tend to be Playful.

Romantic: These Sims tend to be Flirty and may become Sad if they don't have any Romantic social interactions for a period of time.

 

Meet Robin Prentiss. She likes horseback rides, long stories, and figs. She has custom hair and a cute new outfit that suits her character better, so her second version is a definite improvement! Her Aspiration is Outdoor Enthusiast, which means that she "wants to experience everything nature has to offer." The booster trait for this is Collector, which means that she can find rare Collectibles more often. Since she's usually known as Robin "Hood" in her close circles, this is probably a valued asset to have! Robin's other traits include:

Family-Oriented: These Sims become Happy around family members, become Sad if they don't interact with family for a period of time, and can Boast about Family.

Creative: These Sims tend to be Inspired, can Share Creative Ideas with other Sims, and may become upset if they're not creative for a period of time.

Insider: Another one that I think suits Robin Hood. These Sims love being in Clubs, and tend to be happiest when surrounded by their friends.

 

Meet Taryn Prentiss, Robin's mother. Just like Robin, she also has custom hair and I love its modern style. Taryn's Aspiration is Successful Lineage, which means that she wants to have a family that succeeds in life! She's looking at YOU, Robin. Her booster trait is Domestic, and Domestic Sims see their familial relationships rise much faster. Other traits include:

Neat: These Sims become Happy and have Fun when performing household chores, can have a Cleaning Frenzy, and become really Uncomfortable in dirty surroundings.

Snob: These Sims can Critique Work on low quality items, are bored by "low brow" television, and gain Confidence around other Snob Sims.

Good: These Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

 

Meet Niall O'Sullivan. I'm not positive his face turned out exactly the way I wanted, but I tried my hardest. Niall is supposed to be Liam's uncle, but unfortunately TS4 doesn't give us those kind of familial options. Since they are neither husbands nor brothers, a relationship of "Roommate" will simply have to do for now. Maybe one day they'll make their family trees a little more complex! Fingers crossed... Anyway, Niall's Aspiration is Renaissance Sim, which means that he wants to be good at many things at once. The booster trait for this is Quick Learner, so that he'll build all of his skills a little faster than other Sims do. Other traits include:

Gloomy: These Sims tend to be Sad, can Share Melancholy Thoughts to other Sims, and while sad, gain a boost to their Creative Skill.

Self-Assured: These Sims tend to be Confident.

Loner: These Sims become Happy when alone, do not receive negative Moodlets when their Social Need is low, become Tense around strangers, and become Embarrassed more often by social rejection. (Even though he's also Self-Assured, but whatever. That little contradiction in his personality should be interesting as it plays out.)

ToEA Simseries: Meet the Characters - Hart

ToEA: Meet the Characters

Hart

These guys look pretty obvious - or at least I tried to make them look pretty obvious. I love their design because they're pretty unique and utilize some creative custom content. The Hart family is named for the main character here, Ms. Hart - ToEA's very own Alice in Wonderland. Except in the A/U Simverse, these Wonderlandians can be found in Willow Creek, actually not far away from the Pevensies.

Meet Alice Hart. She likes long books, lovely handwriting, and just about anything chocolate. She's also adorable and I'm not humble about it. ^_^ From her stripey blue dress to her little white heart-printed tights, I love this Sim! Her Aspiration is Renaissance Sim, which, like Edmund, means that she wants to be good at many things at once. The booster trait for this is pretty much always Quick Learner. Alice's other traits include:

Bookworm: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from reading Books and can Analyze Books and Discuss Books in unique ways.

Loner: These Sims become Happy when alone, do not receive negative Moodlets when their Social Need is low, become Tense around strangers, and become Embarrassed more often by social rejection.

Clumsy: These Sims tend to fail more often at physical activities and tend to laugh at failure instead of becoming upset.

Meet David "Hatter" Madigan. He likes clocks, hats, and taking things apart to put them back together. Hatter's Aspiration is Friend of the World, which means that he wants to make and keep as many friends as he can. He's a pretty gregarious guy. That's actually his booster trait, Gregarious. TS4 says that "gregarious Sims build friendly relationships faster." Other traits include:

Loner: Just like Alice, these Sims become Happy when alone, do not receive negative Moodlets when their Social Need is low, become Tense around strangers, and become Embarrassed more often by social rejection.

Genius: These Sims tend to be Focused, can Share Ideas with other Sims, and may become upset if they haven't improved their Mental Skills for some time.

Good: Just like Lucy, these Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

 

Meet Bunny O'Hare. Now, since this is an A/U of my ToEA writing group, the identity of the character of Bibwitt Hare has been replaced with a female persona, in this case, Ms. Bunny. Her Aspiration is Painter Extraordinaire, which means that she wants her life to be "all about art and painting." The booster trait for this is Muser, and these Sims get better boosts to their skills when they're inspired. Other traits include:

Romantic: Like Susan, these Sims tend to be Flirty and may become Sad if they don't have any Romantic social interactions for a period of time. 

Cheerful: Again like Susan, these Sims tend to be Happier than other Sims.

And it seems the game let me save her without picking a final trait, which is odd. And now it's not letting me give her one, which must be some kind of glitch. It'll probably be solved later, but for now, Ms. Bunny is short one personality quirk. Shame, shame. I'll have to think of what it should be for when the glitch is fixed. I still think she's a beautiful Sim, though...even if she has to be slightly more vapid than the others for now.

Finally, meet my favorite here thus far, Mr. Chester Q. Higginbottom, otherwise known as the Cheshire Cat...or rather, an A/U, Sim version thereof. I obviously display him from the side to show off his magnificent purple tail, which matches his purple ears and badass candyfloss hair. Chester is a gentleman, hence his tailored suit. I only wish he had a monocle as well. Maybe I should go hunting for one! Chester's Aspiration is Bestselling Author, which of course means that "this Sim wants to write books and become a famous author!" Incidentally, Mr. Higginbottom and I share the same dream. The booster trait for Bestselling Author, as with Painter Extraordinaire, is Muser. Other traits include:

Childish: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from watching the Kids Network, become Playful when playing with Children, and become Happy when playing with Children's toys. (They also have a tendency to act a bit immature in addition to this from what I've observed in game play, which is why I chose it.)

Insane: These Sims can Talk to themselves and have unpredictable Emotions. (Because..."most everyone's mad here," and I just can't imagine a Cheshire Cat who's sane. And...well, Ches just isn't quite all there, even when I write. ^-^;) But of course, along with Insane I had to throw in:

Good: The only thing he shares in common with Hatter, whom he mostly dislikes (when I write, anyway...), these Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

 

This, though. I love his pointed purple ears, even if he does have two sets of them, the second of which are human and pierced. That's right, he has TWO sets of ears, bitch. The better to hear you with, so don't be a sheisty little sneak around Chester Q. Higginbottom! The double ears are a little creepy now that I think about it, but I love them regardless. Still not as much as I love his freaking eyes, though. 

Just look at those lovely things! This bit of CC is a work of art by Mia Kewai. (Want cat eyes for your Simmies? You're welcome! <3) They come in several different colors; I'm not sure what this one is exactly but I thought it was perfect for Ches.

ToEA Simseries: Meet the Characters - Pevensie

ToEA: Meet the Characters

Pevensie

In the interest of making my Sim-world as Tales of Ever After-like as possible, I've turned TS4's Willow Creek neighborhood into my A/U Narnia. At least, Narnia's the only country currently represented there. And of course, any savvy Simmer can't just have empty neighborhoods! That's no fun. =( We need Simmies to fill them! Enter my A/U Tales of Ever After cast, beginning where it should, where it all did, in fact - with the Pevensies. Most of these faces have been modeled (well or poorly, depending upon your interpretation) upon real celebrity faces, because these are the actors we've chosen to represent our characters within our writing group. As such, they double not only as the particular characters they're intended to be, but as Sim-versions of particular actors, too. 

Peter Pevensie

Meet Peter. He likes long walks on the beach outside Cair Paravel, red velvet cake, and sharing a pint with friends. His Aspiration is Soulmate, which means that he "wants to find and live a rewarding life with 'the One.'" Other traits include: 

Alluring: Alluring Sims are more successful at romance than others.

Active: These Sims tend to be Energized, can Pump Up other Sims, and may become upset if they don't exercise for a period of time. 

Ambitious: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from career success, gain negative Moodlets from career failure, and may become upset if not promoted. 

Bro: These Sims can Bro Hug other Bros, gain confidence around other Bros, and become Energized from Watching Sports.

Meet Susan. She likes archery, fashion, and curling up with a good book on a rainy day. Her Aspiration is also Soulmate, which gives her the booster trait of also being Alluring. As C.S. Lewis took care to note that Susan Pevensie was considered especially beautiful not only by all Narnians but abroad, this trait seems fitting. Other traits include:

Outgoing: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from Friendly socialization, have their Social Need decay quickly, and gain more negative Moodlets when their Social Need is low.

Romantic: These Sims tend to be Flirty and may become Sad if they don't have any Romantic social interactions for a period of time.

Cheerful: These Sims tend to be Happier than other Sims.

Meet Edmund. He likes playing chess, going sailing, and eating - just about any food except Turkish Delight. His Aspiration is Renaissance Sim, which means that he "wants to be good at many things at once!" The booster trait for Renaissance Sim is Quick Learner, which means that Edmund builds skills just a little bit faster than other Sims. Other traits include:

Romantic.

Music Lover: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets and boost their Fun Need when Listening to Music and become Happy when playing instruments.

Glutton: These Sims have a greater negative reaction to Hunger, always enjoy eating (no matter the food's quality), can eat Spoiled Food, and can Rummage for Food in garbage. (Not that a King would need to do that...but hey, it would still be grossly hilarious to watch.)

Meet Lucy. She likes painting, knife-throwing, and baking when life stresses her out. Her Aspiration is Successful Lineage, which means that Lucy "wants to have a family that succeeds in life!" The booster trait for Successful Lineage is Domestic, which means that she will see her familial relationships grow stronger, faster than most other Sims. Other traits include:

Cheerful.

Good: These Sims become Happy around Sims with positive Moodlets, can Donate to Charity, become Sad when interacting with Evil Sims, and can Discuss World Peace.

Creative: These Sims tend to be Inspired, can Share Creative Ideas with other Sims, and may become upset if they're not creative for a period of time.

My bonus "family" (even though it consists right now of a singular Sim) is another Pevensie, simply because she wouldn't have a surname if not for becoming Edmund's wife - which has happened within the writing group, but not the PC game! 

So, meet Seraia. She's an OC, a slave from Calormen who was freed from the entourage of Prince Rabadash by a plot she cooked up with Edmund that saved her life. She was a dancer within the Calormene court, hence her style of dress. Seraia likes dragons, mediums of art such as painting and sketching, and of course, dancing. Her Aspiration is Big Happy Family which, suffice it to say, means that she wants to "build a large, loving household!" The booster trait for Big Happy Family, just as with Successful Lineage, is also Domestic - probably because both of these Aspirations have to do with family. Other traits include:

Creative.

Art Lover: These Sims gain powerful Moodlets from Viewing works of art and can Admire Art and discuss art in unique ways.

Dance Machine: These Sims can't wait to get down, boogie, and party all night! When at venues like Bars, Nightclubs, and Lounges, these Sims can get a burst of energy with the Party Time interaction. Dance Machines also receive a happy Moodlet when arriving at social venues.

 

 

ToEA Simseries: Wyvernholt Manor

Not much more can be said about this clip that isn't already in the video except that I think I forgot to show off a little corner study in the house with a green couch in it, but that can be seen through more in-depth clips of play. This is just an indoor look at Wyvernholt Manor in my Sims 4 A/U. Right now it is definitely one of my favorite lots to play.

Oh, I should also probably mention the Bandicam stamp at the top of my videos. It's there because I'm using a demo version of Bandicam's recording software at the moment, until I decide whether to purchase it. So far it seems to be living up to everything I need it to do, so its prospects are looking good. =) Sorry about the watermark, but it'll probably be gone soon!

Bad News and Good News: ToEA Simseries

In my first post after the new year I have some unfortunate news: My computer needed a complete factory wipe at some point during the holidays, which has sadly resulted in the loss of such wonderful Sims as my whole Modern Pinup Collection (nooooo!) and the eccentric half-alien McSims family (noooo!)!!! R.I.P., Modern Pinups. And Norman. And Norman's little blue children. =(
BUT - in every catastrophic ending there's a new beginning, or at the very least a silver lining (at least in comic books, anyway). So, the bad news is that those versions of those Sims are forever lost.
But the best way to cure my melancholy was to start over and make new Sims (especially because I didn't have much choice...), and the good news is my new Simseries: A short set of videos in a slot called ToEA, which stands for "Tales of Ever After."

It's basically what I like to call a "modern/medieval mashup A/U."TS4 is set in a modernized world, but my writers' group is set within a medieval world of fairy tales. I've created a strange mix of both by deleting all the Maxis premade lots and families that come with the game and creating a blank canvas of all the different worlds, as detailed above. I've replaced the mostly modern-style houses with medieval cottages. I refer to it as an A/U (Alternate Universe) because it's clearly not the same thing as my writers' group, but it is a way to entertain myself with a different version of it that doesn't require as much thought or input when I'm dealing with a rough day. Narnia is the most prominent world represented so far, but I still have quite a long way to go with this project. I can't continue with the others, so this will take their place. Fingers crossed that nothing happens to lose this one!