Chinese Zodiac Challenge (Finished, on a Test Run Now)
You're probably asking this when you first see it: Isn't there another Chinese Zodiac challenge?
I know, I just found out, haha.
But after reading it, in my opinion, it seemed too structured. To the point, it might be more grinding than enjoyable.
I decided to do is make my own version, with some inspiration from the Lunar Zodiac Challenge created by lovely Koffee (check her youtube channel). So this challenge was inspired by the way she made her own challenge; structured but not too much. Enough to get the idea and to let others who play it...have a little fun with it.
So, I will try to get everything down as much as possible. I am playing the challenge at the moment to see if it's possible or not.
I do want to let you know. I mean no harm when I made this challenge, so if I missed something (or if I seem racist), please let me know. I promise, that no harm was intended when I made this challenge.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Story:
Up above the heavens, lived the Jade Emperor and the twelve zodiacs. They enjoyed a peaceful life watching over the humans and talking amongst themselves and the other gods. But one day, everything would change. The Cat, the anger from long ago, still seethed and they wanted revenge. One night, the cat snuck into the magnificent challenge where the Emperor and the Zodiacs slept in ignorant peace. The cat soon got inside each room of the Zodiacs, and one by one snatched their souls.
The Jade Emperor happened to hear the ruckus and woke up to see what happened. He happened to see the Cat who stole all twelve souls and destroyed them. The cat fled as the Jade Emperor summoned his guards to give chase. As the chase commenced, the cat dropped a box which held in the souls of the Zodiac animals. The guards were able to get a hold of it, before the Cat could try to take it back. The cat had no choice but to flee while the guards returned with solemn faces.
The Jade Emperor tried to put the souls back into the animals, but they have been out for so long that the animals had disintegrated and died. The emperor talked to the council, aware that the world will be imbalanced if the animals do not return. The council agreed that the animals will need to be 'replaced'. They told him that he needed to go down to Earth and give birth to twelve new zodiacs, and while he did so, the council will do their best to keep the world intact.
Seeing no option, the Jade Emperor put on his disguise and went down to Earth to make sure his people will stay alive.
(For anyone interested in playing a Female, imagine it being the Jade Empress)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gameplay Rules:
- Try to keep cheating/hacks to a minimum. I should know as I have many mods in my game, so I am not going to tell you which mods are ok/not ok to use. This challenge should be fun and open-ended for anyone doing this. Have the SimDa Dating App? Use it! I am not stopping you. But don't go nuts with the motherlode and kaching cheats, cause honestly, that's too easy. In fact, I recommended you have McCommand Center mod for the sake of the Sims world progressing and populating.
- No restarting after bad events. I mean, c'mon, that's what makes the challenge fun. And let's admit it, it would be boring if every day was perfect. Gotta handle the bad and the good in everything. Of course, if the game crashes, or has a glitch, bug, or other technical problem, you are highly encouraged to restart and handle the game's temper tantrum.
- I recommend Lifespan set to 'Normal' just because it makes time pass quickly. But honestly, you can have Lifespan set in any way you want.
- The Jade Emperor and his/her family is the ONLY family you're playing. You may move in new families into the neighborhood during your challenge if McCommand Center is slacking in bringing in more Sims, or if you just want more choices for the Jade Emperor/Empress.
- If you have The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs you may adopt only dogs. No Cats Allowed. The Jade Emperor still has a grudge against the Cat. Practice caution when you adopt or breed because they take up a Sim slot that would otherwise be used for the household.
- Want to participate in the Lottery? Or maybe get that sweet Money tree? Go on and get them!
- How do you fail the challenge? Few things. One, your Jade Emperor/Empress dies. Two, they become an elder (I have this in mind because child-baring becomes extremely difficult. So it's best if you make sure they don't become an elder). Three, you miss the child-bearing opportunity (It took you more than a Sim year to bare a child). Four, your child dies for any reason before completing their goal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spouses/Children:
- (Sims 4: Seasons) Your Jade Emperor will be trying to give birth to twelve children (I am currently testing this to see if it's possible without modding the household limits). You need to have one child (or one set of twin/triplets if it happens) every year. When New Year's Eve is done, that means another child needs to be born.
- If you don't have Sims 4 Seasons, then wait until your first child gets to the teenager stage and try to conceive another (and rinse and repeat for the second child to eleventh child). Basically, the next should be born before your first becomes a young adult (rinse and repeat for the second child to eleventh)
- You can have the children come from one person, or multiple partners (or anyone who has the ability to give birth) if you want. Is the Jade Emperor a good spouse or a player? You decide. And will they be a good parent or a neglectful one? Your choice too!
- The children can be male or female; no gender limits there. Twins/Triplets are fine as well. In fact, it will add more to the challenge.
- When your child has completed their goal, it is encouraged to move them out of the house to make room for more children.
- Spouses may bring in any money with them when they move in/marry into the family.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting out:
Jade Emperor/Empress (CAS)
- Male/Female Human, Young Adult. No Vampire or Alien
- Aspiration: Renaissance Aspiration. Any Career can be chosen.
- Traits (Optional. I base these out of what I read from the mythology): Good, Art Lover, Ambitious
- He/She can look any way you want them to be. They're in disguise after all.
- It is recommended they stay as a Young Adult. There are two ways of doing this. If you want to make it easy, use McCommand Center and flag your Jade Emperor to not age. If you want more of a challenge, try to get the Potion of Youth from the Reward Store. If they become an Adult, it's fine. However, it's best if you have him stay at Young Adult in case he accidentally ages up. Because once they become an elder, the possibility of failing the challenge becomes an all-time high.
Lots:
- Can be any lot you desire; bulldozed, fully furnished, or unfurnished.
- You can move out anytime if you have second thoughts about the lot if you can afford it.
Money:
- Whatever you got left after buying a house, is what you start with.
- The Jade Emperor can have any job they want. It's recommended they would have a Creative Job (Painter, Artist, Musician, or Actor), but it's up to you.
Time:
- Start in Spring if you have Seasons.
- Child-bearing can start anytime. It can start immediately or until you are more 'financially' secure. Once child-bearing starts though, the challenge officially begins!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goals: (Some of the zodiac signs might share traits with others. I will do my best to keep them at a minimum)
Rat - Though people consider the rat not adorable, and it even makes its way into derogatory languages, it ranks first on the Chinese zodiac signs. It has characteristics of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility, and vitality.
Traits: Genius, Cheerful, Non-Committal
Goal: Master the Logic Skill
Ox - Oxen used to be capable of farming tools in agricultural society, which attach to the symbol of diligence, persistence, and honesty. People born in the Year of Ox are probably tardy in action, but industrious and cautious. Most of them are conservative and hold their faith firmly.
Traits: Active, Unflirty, Loner
Goal: Master the Gardening Skill
Tiger - Tigers, considered to be brave, cruel, forceful, stately and terrifying, are the symbol of power and lordliness. In ancient times, people usually compared emperors or grandees with the tiger. Court officials often said that 'accompanying the emperor is just like being at the side of a tiger'. There are also many legends about this animal.
Traits: Self-Assured, Snob, Foodie
Goal: Complete 'Leader of the Pack' Aspiration
Rabbit - The rabbit is a tame creature representing hope for a long time. It is tender and lovely. The moon goddess Chang'e in Chinese legend had a rabbit as her pet, which stimulated the thought that only this creature was amiable enough to match her noble beauty. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are not aggressive but approachable. They have a decent, noble and elegant manner.
Traits: Romantic, Good, Paranoid
Goal: Complete 'Soulmate' Aspiration
Dragon - The Dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture. Chinese people regard themselves as descendents of the dragon. In ancient China, this imaginary creature was thought to speed across the sky with divine power. It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as 'dragon'.
Traits: Hot-Headed, Ambitious, Outgoing
Goal: Max the Politician Career
Snake - Snake carries the meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, as well as acumen and divination. In some places, people believe that a Snake found in their court can bring delight. However, in most cases, this animal is considered evil, which scares people from the bottom of the heart. There are some idioms in China indicating the danger of this animal, for example, once bitten by the Snake twice shy of ten years.
Traits: Goofball, Materialistic, Jealous
Goal: Complete "Fabulously Wealthy" Ambition (If too hard, then Max out Painting Skill)
Horse - The Five Elements of Horse is Fire (Huo), which symbolizes enthusiasm and energy. The animal gives people an impression of independence and integrity. Its spirit is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos - making unremitting efforts to improve themselves with passion and diligence.
Traits: Self-Centered, Bro, Insider
Goal: Complete 'Master Mixologist' Aspiration
Goat/Sheep - Sheep (goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make writing brushes and fur to keep warm. The white cute creature often reminds people of beautiful things.
Traits: Creative, Gloomy, Art Lover
Goal: Max out Style Influencer Career
Monkey - The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), the dignified Chinese official title of marquis was pronounced 'Hou', the same as the pronunciation of ‘monkey’ in Chinese. The animal was thereby bestowed with an auspicious meaning.
Traits: Geek, Clumsy, Childish
Goal: Complete 'Chief of Mischief' Aspiration
Rooster - Rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. In Chinese culture, another symbolic meaning of chicken carries is exorcizing evil spirits.
Traits: Perfectionist, Self-Centered, Outgoing
Goal: Max Journalist Career (Writing)
Dog - Dog is man's good friend who can understand the human's spirit and obey its master, whether he is wealthy or not. The Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, it symbolizes the coming of fortune. The invincible God Erlang in Chinese legend used a loyal wolfhound to help him capture monsters.
Traits: Family-Orientated, Dog Lover, Loves Outdoors
Goal: Max out Detective Career
Pig - Pig is not thought to be a smart animal in China. It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat. Thus it usually features laziness and clumsiness. On the positive side, it behaves itself, has no plan to harm others, and can bring affluence to people. Consequently, it has been regarded as wealth.
Traits: Lazy, Glutton, Good
Goal: Max out Cooking Skill
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So these are the rules and gameplay so far. It is a Work in Progress after all. I was able to get all the Zodiacs in, but I have not tested them yet. I will try to test them as soon as possible, but it's not guranteed
Constructive Criticism, Questions, and Help/(constructive)Opinions with the Zodiac goals are encouraged. Thank you for reading this weird list, haha.
I know, I just found out, haha.
But after reading it, in my opinion, it seemed too structured. To the point, it might be more grinding than enjoyable.
I decided to do is make my own version, with some inspiration from the Lunar Zodiac Challenge created by lovely Koffee (check her youtube channel). So this challenge was inspired by the way she made her own challenge; structured but not too much. Enough to get the idea and to let others who play it...have a little fun with it.
So, I will try to get everything down as much as possible. I am playing the challenge at the moment to see if it's possible or not.
I do want to let you know. I mean no harm when I made this challenge, so if I missed something (or if I seem racist), please let me know. I promise, that no harm was intended when I made this challenge.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Story:
Up above the heavens, lived the Jade Emperor and the twelve zodiacs. They enjoyed a peaceful life watching over the humans and talking amongst themselves and the other gods. But one day, everything would change. The Cat, the anger from long ago, still seethed and they wanted revenge. One night, the cat snuck into the magnificent challenge where the Emperor and the Zodiacs slept in ignorant peace. The cat soon got inside each room of the Zodiacs, and one by one snatched their souls.
The Jade Emperor happened to hear the ruckus and woke up to see what happened. He happened to see the Cat who stole all twelve souls and destroyed them. The cat fled as the Jade Emperor summoned his guards to give chase. As the chase commenced, the cat dropped a box which held in the souls of the Zodiac animals. The guards were able to get a hold of it, before the Cat could try to take it back. The cat had no choice but to flee while the guards returned with solemn faces.
The Jade Emperor tried to put the souls back into the animals, but they have been out for so long that the animals had disintegrated and died. The emperor talked to the council, aware that the world will be imbalanced if the animals do not return. The council agreed that the animals will need to be 'replaced'. They told him that he needed to go down to Earth and give birth to twelve new zodiacs, and while he did so, the council will do their best to keep the world intact.
Seeing no option, the Jade Emperor put on his disguise and went down to Earth to make sure his people will stay alive.
(For anyone interested in playing a Female, imagine it being the Jade Empress)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gameplay Rules:
- Try to keep cheating/hacks to a minimum. I should know as I have many mods in my game, so I am not going to tell you which mods are ok/not ok to use. This challenge should be fun and open-ended for anyone doing this. Have the SimDa Dating App? Use it! I am not stopping you. But don't go nuts with the motherlode and kaching cheats, cause honestly, that's too easy. In fact, I recommended you have McCommand Center mod for the sake of the Sims world progressing and populating.
- No restarting after bad events. I mean, c'mon, that's what makes the challenge fun. And let's admit it, it would be boring if every day was perfect. Gotta handle the bad and the good in everything. Of course, if the game crashes, or has a glitch, bug, or other technical problem, you are highly encouraged to restart and handle the game's temper tantrum.
- I recommend Lifespan set to 'Normal' just because it makes time pass quickly. But honestly, you can have Lifespan set in any way you want.
- The Jade Emperor and his/her family is the ONLY family you're playing. You may move in new families into the neighborhood during your challenge if McCommand Center is slacking in bringing in more Sims, or if you just want more choices for the Jade Emperor/Empress.
- If you have The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs you may adopt only dogs. No Cats Allowed. The Jade Emperor still has a grudge against the Cat. Practice caution when you adopt or breed because they take up a Sim slot that would otherwise be used for the household.
- Want to participate in the Lottery? Or maybe get that sweet Money tree? Go on and get them!
- How do you fail the challenge? Few things. One, your Jade Emperor/Empress dies. Two, they become an elder (I have this in mind because child-baring becomes extremely difficult. So it's best if you make sure they don't become an elder). Three, you miss the child-bearing opportunity (It took you more than a Sim year to bare a child). Four, your child dies for any reason before completing their goal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spouses/Children:
- (Sims 4: Seasons) Your Jade Emperor will be trying to give birth to twelve children (I am currently testing this to see if it's possible without modding the household limits). You need to have one child (or one set of twin/triplets if it happens) every year. When New Year's Eve is done, that means another child needs to be born.
- If you don't have Sims 4 Seasons, then wait until your first child gets to the teenager stage and try to conceive another (and rinse and repeat for the second child to eleventh child). Basically, the next should be born before your first becomes a young adult (rinse and repeat for the second child to eleventh)
- You can have the children come from one person, or multiple partners (or anyone who has the ability to give birth) if you want. Is the Jade Emperor a good spouse or a player? You decide. And will they be a good parent or a neglectful one? Your choice too!
- The children can be male or female; no gender limits there. Twins/Triplets are fine as well. In fact, it will add more to the challenge.
- When your child has completed their goal, it is encouraged to move them out of the house to make room for more children.
- Spouses may bring in any money with them when they move in/marry into the family.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting out:
Jade Emperor/Empress (CAS)
- Male/Female Human, Young Adult. No Vampire or Alien
- Aspiration: Renaissance Aspiration. Any Career can be chosen.
- Traits (Optional. I base these out of what I read from the mythology): Good, Art Lover, Ambitious
- He/She can look any way you want them to be. They're in disguise after all.
- It is recommended they stay as a Young Adult. There are two ways of doing this. If you want to make it easy, use McCommand Center and flag your Jade Emperor to not age. If you want more of a challenge, try to get the Potion of Youth from the Reward Store. If they become an Adult, it's fine. However, it's best if you have him stay at Young Adult in case he accidentally ages up. Because once they become an elder, the possibility of failing the challenge becomes an all-time high.
Lots:
- Can be any lot you desire; bulldozed, fully furnished, or unfurnished.
- You can move out anytime if you have second thoughts about the lot if you can afford it.
Money:
- Whatever you got left after buying a house, is what you start with.
- The Jade Emperor can have any job they want. It's recommended they would have a Creative Job (Painter, Artist, Musician, or Actor), but it's up to you.
Time:
- Start in Spring if you have Seasons.
- Child-bearing can start anytime. It can start immediately or until you are more 'financially' secure. Once child-bearing starts though, the challenge officially begins!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goals: (Some of the zodiac signs might share traits with others. I will do my best to keep them at a minimum)
Rat - Though people consider the rat not adorable, and it even makes its way into derogatory languages, it ranks first on the Chinese zodiac signs. It has characteristics of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility, and vitality.
Traits: Genius, Cheerful, Non-Committal
Goal: Master the Logic Skill
Ox - Oxen used to be capable of farming tools in agricultural society, which attach to the symbol of diligence, persistence, and honesty. People born in the Year of Ox are probably tardy in action, but industrious and cautious. Most of them are conservative and hold their faith firmly.
Traits: Active, Unflirty, Loner
Goal: Master the Gardening Skill
Tiger - Tigers, considered to be brave, cruel, forceful, stately and terrifying, are the symbol of power and lordliness. In ancient times, people usually compared emperors or grandees with the tiger. Court officials often said that 'accompanying the emperor is just like being at the side of a tiger'. There are also many legends about this animal.
Traits: Self-Assured, Snob, Foodie
Goal: Complete 'Leader of the Pack' Aspiration
Rabbit - The rabbit is a tame creature representing hope for a long time. It is tender and lovely. The moon goddess Chang'e in Chinese legend had a rabbit as her pet, which stimulated the thought that only this creature was amiable enough to match her noble beauty. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are not aggressive but approachable. They have a decent, noble and elegant manner.
Traits: Romantic, Good, Paranoid
Goal: Complete 'Soulmate' Aspiration
Dragon - The Dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture. Chinese people regard themselves as descendents of the dragon. In ancient China, this imaginary creature was thought to speed across the sky with divine power. It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as 'dragon'.
Traits: Hot-Headed, Ambitious, Outgoing
Goal: Max the Politician Career
Snake - Snake carries the meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, as well as acumen and divination. In some places, people believe that a Snake found in their court can bring delight. However, in most cases, this animal is considered evil, which scares people from the bottom of the heart. There are some idioms in China indicating the danger of this animal, for example, once bitten by the Snake twice shy of ten years.
Traits: Goofball, Materialistic, Jealous
Goal: Complete "Fabulously Wealthy" Ambition (If too hard, then Max out Painting Skill)
Horse - The Five Elements of Horse is Fire (Huo), which symbolizes enthusiasm and energy. The animal gives people an impression of independence and integrity. Its spirit is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos - making unremitting efforts to improve themselves with passion and diligence.
Traits: Self-Centered, Bro, Insider
Goal: Complete 'Master Mixologist' Aspiration
Goat/Sheep - Sheep (goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make writing brushes and fur to keep warm. The white cute creature often reminds people of beautiful things.
Traits: Creative, Gloomy, Art Lover
Goal: Max out Style Influencer Career
Monkey - The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), the dignified Chinese official title of marquis was pronounced 'Hou', the same as the pronunciation of ‘monkey’ in Chinese. The animal was thereby bestowed with an auspicious meaning.
Traits: Geek, Clumsy, Childish
Goal: Complete 'Chief of Mischief' Aspiration
Rooster - Rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. In Chinese culture, another symbolic meaning of chicken carries is exorcizing evil spirits.
Traits: Perfectionist, Self-Centered, Outgoing
Goal: Max Journalist Career (Writing)
Dog - Dog is man's good friend who can understand the human's spirit and obey its master, whether he is wealthy or not. The Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, it symbolizes the coming of fortune. The invincible God Erlang in Chinese legend used a loyal wolfhound to help him capture monsters.
Traits: Family-Orientated, Dog Lover, Loves Outdoors
Goal: Max out Detective Career
Pig - Pig is not thought to be a smart animal in China. It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat. Thus it usually features laziness and clumsiness. On the positive side, it behaves itself, has no plan to harm others, and can bring affluence to people. Consequently, it has been regarded as wealth.
Traits: Lazy, Glutton, Good
Goal: Max out Cooking Skill
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So these are the rules and gameplay so far. It is a Work in Progress after all. I was able to get all the Zodiacs in, but I have not tested them yet. I will try to test them as soon as possible, but it's not guranteed
Constructive Criticism, Questions, and Help/(constructive)Opinions with the Zodiac goals are encouraged. Thank you for reading this weird list, haha.
