Hello fellow simmer,Originally I have started this challenge three months ago in July and I write about it in the 'What happened in your game today'-thread. But @MelsieYT asked me if the story is written down somewhere coherently, so I'm going to copy the story parts in here.My challenge is placed in Germany and I'm playing the legacy of the Kaufmann family with adapting the original rules, because I'm a german, so this history is more familiar to me than the american history. During the game I switch to the nice streamer StephKaycee deathroll-method (roll D20 after statistics), which made this challenge a bit more fair, but create less drama. If you don't know her yet, she plays on twitch her own decade challenge.At first I thought I wouldn't stay long enough on this challenge and I had my struggle in the world war 1, but I can't believe that' already 3 months gone.Then let me start:1890The american rules forbid to start in San Myshuno, but for me it's essential for the story.It's 1890. A young and poor couple has move from the countryside to the big growing city. Ludwig and Viktoria Kaufmann, her marriage was arrange by their former squire, who let them go because of a bankruptcy. They hope to find a better paid job there. They found a cheap room in one of the tenement barracks. Ludwig started his 3 years military service and Viktoria became pregnant soon.Living in a cramped building, they have to deal with loud neighbors and dirty environment all the time.In late 1890 their first son named Wilhelm (after the emperor) was born.Ludwig is very ambitious and and impressed his superiors, so he ranked up, while he is proud of his family growing extended.While he is family orientated, he is also unflirty in due of the prudish era, but he did his marital duties and Viktoria became pregnant again. It's now 1891. He began to be interested in the social democratic party and workers right, since the anti-socialist laws were lifted.

We still writing the year 1891. Elisabeth was born in the spring of the year.Ludwig wasn't excited about his newborn daughter, he prefer sons.Even so he blame Viktoria to be a bad housewife many times, when the meal wasn't ready or the bathroom was dirty. Sometimes Elisabeth yelled back, but then he threaten her with the divorce, so she obey, like a good obedient wife has to do in the eyes of the church.Spoiler (Highlight to read)She wrote all financial expenses in a book which she has to show Ludwig.Spoiler (Highlight to read)Over the year Elisabeth grew until she was able to go her first steps, but she is a problematic toddler. Unfortunately her brother hates and one time he hit her. But as a little troublemaker she named him with bad word, she had learned from the loud neighbors. Which leads in to a strong reaction from Ludwig. he gave both children a harsh lectures. Which leads in to another tamper tantrum from Wilhelm.Over the year Elisabeth grew until she was able to go her first steps, but she is a problematic toddler. Unfortunately her brother hates and one time he hit her. But as a little troublemaker she named him with bad word, she had learned from the loud neighbors. Which leads in to a strong reaction from Ludwig. he gave both children a harsh lectures. Which leads in to another tamper tantrum from Wilhelm.Spoiler (Highlight to read)Wilhelm has destroyed the doll house. Now Viktoria was angry too.Living in the tenement was not healthy, many sickness spread around the dirty neighborhood. A treatment from a doctor was too expensive for the family. They have to deal with it without medicine. Viktoria is pregnant again with the third child.Wilhelm has destroyed the doll house. Now Viktoria was angry too.Living in the tenement was not healthy, many sickness spread around the dirty neighborhood. A treatment from a doctor was too expensive for the family. They have to deal with it without medicine. Viktoria is pregnant again with the third child.My main family has entered the year 1892 with three children now, 1 boy and 2 girls. This will be an important year for them, since the military service will end this year and a recently cholera epedemic hits the city of hamburg very hard. Because of the epedemice that politician nationwide and scientist demand a change in the tenements, since they are a source of deseases through the horrific hygiene facilities.It was autumn 1892 when the military service ended for Ludwig. Also the landlord dismissed the family from their home after the politician demanded the demolitions from the old tenements for new and better buildings for the growing city. Ludwig told Viktoria the bad news.They found a tiny and forgotten cottage near the coast, and where allowed to settle in there.It was almost winter when they arrived there. Ludwig got a job as fisherman. It was still a cramped place and they almost had no money, but also it was a new beginning and a new chance for them.In the late 19th century the family protraits became quite popular. One day the family went to the photograph and let made a picture from them.We have Viktoria and Ludwig and the children (left to right) Elisabeth, Wilhelm and Mathilde.

It's Christmas Eve. The children were so exicited and energized, the didn't wanted to sleep.In the morning Ludwig decorate the christmas tree and caught the fresh fish, then Viktoria prepared the feast for the evening.A friend of the family came over.It was late afternoon, when everything was prepared. The family went to the local church for the mass. But nobody was there. It looked that the priest hold his mass somewhere else, so Ludwig took the responsibility.Spoiler (Highlight to read) Ludwig has hold the speech for the nativity play and Viktoria played the organ. The other village members were happy. It was almost 7 pm when the family went home. It's about time for gifts. Then we had a surprise for the children. Santa Claus has arrived. And of course everyone was well-behaved last year. (In case you are wondering about the expensiv doll house in the back. Ludwig found it in the trash and cleaned it.)It was a really nice day for everyone. Ludwig has hold the speech for the nativity play and Viktoria played the organ. The other village members were happy. It was almost 7 pm when the family went home. It's about time for gifts. Then we had a surprise for the children. Santa Claus has arrived. And of course everyone was well-behaved last year. (In case you are wondering about the expensiv doll house in the back. Ludwig found it in the trash and cleaned it.)It was a really nice day for everyone.

1893Before playing this year I thought it would be just an ordinary year. Elections to the Reichstag took place this year. The prussian voting system was once one of the modern systems at these time, but it still was highly unequal and unfair, with gerrymendering and so on. Only men about 25 years were allowed to vote and their vote are divided in three categories because of the income taxes.Ludwig is 23 years old and therefore he isn't allowed to vote. Because of his low income he would be only in the third class of the voters, their votes count nothing, so only around of 20 % of the 3rd class voter went to the election. So he doesn't care anyways. Ludwig fullified a dream from Viktoria, she received an easel for christmas.They family saved as much as they could, but the still struggle to get enough money to survive. A fire has destroyed their oven, the family survived the fire, but they can't afford to buy a new one.They dicussed what they should do, they sold almost all unnecessary belonging but it wasn't enough.A new markethall has open near the harbour.Spoiler (Highlight to read)But the days were long and unsuccesful for Viktoria, they had to much competitors. They only sold a few items, which couldn't cover any costs.So they had heavy argument again. Viktoria wasn't convinced from Ludwig Idea to become a self-employed salesman.She didn't want to spend all the money for an insecure future, but Ludwig told her, this would be safer than to be on a tiny boat for fishing.The bought a small vendor stand and started their own business. In the end of the year 1893 Viktoria realized that she was pregnant again. Son Karl was born 1894.But the days were long and unsuccesful for Viktoria, they had to much competitors. They only sold a few items, which couldn't cover any costs.So they had heavy argument again. Viktoria wasn't convinced from Ludwig Idea to become a self-employed salesman.She didn't want to spend all the money for an insecure future, but Ludwig told her, this would be safer than to be on a tiny boat for fishing.The bought a small vendor stand and started their own business. In the end of the year 1893 Viktoria realized that she was pregnant again. Son Karl was born 1894.*1894-1895*The youngest child Karl was born. Every sibling has reacted different. Elisabeth was happy, Wilhelm sad and Mathilde angry.Mathilde had a meltdown, because she wasn't the youngest anymore.But Viktoria could comfort her, a couple of hours later Mathilde was calm again.On a hot summerday the family went to the beach.Spoiler (Highlight to read)The business and the shop is slowly growing.Spoiler (Highlight to read)The family has finally enough money to buy a new oven and their reputation in the society is ranking up. Which lead to more responsibilities and duties. They have to socialize with the neighbors. Which isn't easy for the children.Spoiler (Highlight to read)The Lot and House was created by Amysimsplace (in the galery), I've just have adapted a few things. She made beautiful decade buildings, I love her primary school building.The Lot and House was created by Amysimsplace (in the galery), I've just have adapted a few things. She made beautiful decade buildings, I love her primary school building.Wilhelm and Karl had both a nightmare.

1895Ludwig is 25 years old and he is now an adult.Storytime with mommy.Tomorrow in my game, the year 1896 will start. Viktoria is pregnant with child number 5. In the neighborhood one female received triplets, she won't survive this, not in this century. :'(1896-1898The time flies away.Wilhelm has gotten a doctor's playset on Christmas. He wants to become a Doctor one day (and he is friendly to every one, even aliens (of course nobody believe this part :D ), but his parents have other plans with him. He should take over the family business on day.The village children are playing together.Mathilde had has her birthday.Ludwig has a booming retail shop and he made enough money with it, therefor the family moved into a bigger house, but the interior is still humble. They still have to save every money for new items.Spoiler (Highlight to read)In due off his success and reputation, Ludwig was asked by his business partner to to join his company and lead a branch, which parts of it strupple before. Nothing could safe these parts, so he had to laid off the employees. But his bonus was safed (and at this part my husband began to hate him), but this is pure capitalism. :DHere's the floorplan from this building.Ground floor.First floorElisabeth and Mathilde were happy to have her own room.Although this monster ... Elisabeth is playing on the violin, this is a picture of the updated living room, with baby Otto in the backThe family has now 4 sons and 2 daughters. Since they are considered as rich they are obliged to have a maid, a gardener and a nanny.In due off his success and reputation, Ludwig was asked by his business partner to to join his company and lead a branch, which parts of it strupple before. Nothing could safe these parts, so he had to laid off the employees. But his bonus was safed (and at this part my husband began to hate him), but this is pure capitalism. :DHere's the floorplan from this building.Ground floor.First floorElisabeth and Mathilde were happy to have her own room.Although this monster ... Elisabeth is playing on the violin, this is a picture of the updated living room, with baby Otto in the backThe family has now 4 sons and 2 daughters. Since they are considered as rich they are obliged to have a maid, a gardener and a nanny.1898-1900Viktoria enjoyes her knitting, but she had barely time for her hobby. The kids needs too much attention.And it is christmas again with the end of the first decade, but this christmas is placed in 1899. I've decorated the dining room for christmas. Eating lunch or dinner is in the father's private offfice.Everyone is ready for christmas and gifts, including the "nanny".Spoiler (Highlight to read)A private moment, if you know childrens christmas, you know how precious such moments are on christmas eve. :) Father Winter was a disappointment this season. The children asked him for gifts, but all he did was hohoho, no gifts for the kid, except for one off the girls. But at least he put some gifts under the christmas tree.It's 1900 now. I made it through the first decade *cheer* :D . Now Ludwig sends his kids to better schools and he'd become member of the commerce chamber.Here he practised a speech.Slowly but steady I changed the interior design (wallpaper yays) of the house.The children invited their friends quite often. Pure chaos. :p

1900-1902 In the last days I've aged up around a dozen neighbor. Wilhelm is now a teenager and I thought it would be time again for family pictures, but I forgot it was friday in my game, so the girls left the shop for school when I made the picture below.Ludwig with his sons Wilhelm, Karl, Gottfried and Otto.Here is the heir Wilhelm.Ludwig and Viktoria (both as adults).I've created and playing for now also the future husband for Mathilde.Spoiler for reasons. ;)Spoiler (Highlight to read)Meet John Clarkson, he's going to be an american journalist. Right now he had left the school and works hard for his dreams.Meet John Clarkson, he's going to be an american journalist. Right now he had left the school and works hard for his dreams.In my game it's still 1902, I do alot of redecorating and neigborhood control. But the year 1902 is a very important year for children.Finally my sims children are allowed to own a teddybear. o:)1902-1904Ludwig had THE talk about woohoo with his son Wilhelm. It was an very arkward moment for both. Viktoria had the same talk with her daughter Elisabeth. It was awkward situation for them too, but now she knows her duties.Viktoria, Elisabeth and Mathilde went to the photo studio to make pictures (for potential husbands).Spoiler (Highlight to read)The three women offf the family together.Eliabeth and Mathilde.Elisabeth.Mathilde. Ludwig has watch a film with his busisness partners.And at last some family pictures.Otto has his birthday, this houshold is now without small children, they grow up so fast.The three women offf the family together.Eliabeth and Mathilde.Elisabeth.Mathilde. Ludwig has watch a film with his busisness partners.And at last some family pictures.Otto has his birthday, this houshold is now without small children, they grow up so fast.

The Kaufmann family (Decade Challenge is finished)

124 Replies

Waxintegral
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
Those jeans with the turn ups are so late 1980s.
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
Yeah, the fashion will repeat. Now in the 90s I have the "modern" croptops. Luckely I was a teenager in the 1990s, I can take these things as far as I can remember them or look at the Spicegirls fashion. Then, my favorite spice girl look was this from victoria beckham. I loved the classic posh (black, white and beige/brown) look of the rich and famous then. Which I still find at best in these days. :D
Waxintegral
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
I remember my 90s look: I had the short, combed forward haircut as worn by Noel Gallagher from Oasis, the shirt worn loose but with full sleeves not rolled, straight leg trousers and suede shoes. Essentially I dressed like the young man on the cover of Oasis' "What's The Story Morning Glory" album.
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
My style, if you could call it a style , was more divided during that decade. I wore Baggy pant and hoodies, women t-shirts from esprit (different colors but same design) and comfy checked pants or cordpants or ripped or bootcut jeans with lumberjack shirts (when I had my Nirvana phase). More like Avril Lavigne. Later then all black or black with white jeans, somethime I wore the burgundy blosson and a burgundy mini, if I wanted to be a little bit classy with white sandals. I'm guilty of the fast fashion then, mostly H&M, but I wore many of those still later and mourned after they didn't fit me any more or fell apart.
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
1990 -1994

I was busy with rearranging th background families and building new location and playtesting them, so the time flew away. However it is still a big update. I waive of the backgroundstory this time and I guess in the next couple of years, too. :)

Let's start with the twins Nicole and Tanja, they have celebrated their 18th birthdays with a big party. Actually it should be at home, I had already prepared everything, but then I clicked on the false location without recognize the mistake.

https://i.imgur.com/zXhmlN4.png
https://i.imgur.com/nArumlR.png

Shortly after they moved out and moved in to their boyfriends. Tanja became pregnant very fast, while Nicole got an unexpected proposal. So Sandra became the big bedroom.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/BE64jZm.png
https://i.imgur.com/S3xpg9x.png
https://i.imgur.com/s4gOj7j.png

Sandra's first boyfriend came and went.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/QRo1Apr.png
https://i.imgur.com/UZtxbS4.png

Sandra became a young adult
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/Pse8P9e.png

During her last year in school, she finally decided what she would studying, Law. Because cause of the numerus clausus of this study direction, she has to learn hard.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/kFoptBh.png
https://i.imgur.com/UpI9Mh4.png

Sometimes the stress is too much and she needed some distraction, while complaining about her life.
Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/fPIQ8cP.png
https://i.imgur.com/BqrNboM.png

She became obsessed with the idea of studying in Havard, so she applied there.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/CWwqLAf.png

And her wish came true.
https://i.imgur.com/WrKSuC2.png

It was a huge sum, the tuition, in 1995 the student fee was around 20.500 Euros per year*. Her parents had to swallow when they heard the sum and urged them to apply for a sholarship on student foundation, which was granted to.

*I found this sum in a magazine about the USA which I've bought in 1995.

Meanwhile Fabian solved a crime.

Spoiler
It started with the death of of a colleague during his shift.

https://i.imgur.com/Ugc4BBE.png

On the way back to home he found two little children wandering around the street. They lead him to Peter Frankenfels.
https://i.imgur.com/5NBi23t.png
https://i.imgur.com/54XvEfi.png

But something wasn't right, Peter behave stranged and nervously when Fabian asked him about the children.
https://i.imgur.com/68ErehF.png

Peter became aggressive and started an attack on Fabian, but he lost the fight.

https://i.imgur.com/i3yPyDV.png

Then it became clear. He had kidnapped a woman. Fabian rescued her. Instead of her, Peter is now behind the bars for a very long time.

https://i.imgur.com/qrCPA0m.png
https://i.imgur.com/UpyI93e.png

Sandra's first day in Havard, exciting times, get to know each other.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/Hz5R5e2.png
https://i.imgur.com/AmCHyHY.png

Calming downing a tensed friend.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/kDWQpK5.png

Joining the debate club.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/sen27Ad.png
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
Merry Christmas!

1995-2000

I summarize the time I spent with Sandra on the university. She was basically learning, doing homework, eat, clean and going to the lessons.

So here some pictures from her rare free time with her fellow students.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/mBeuupK.png
https://i.imgur.com/ZsO9ymD.png
https://i.imgur.com/UJO55Ch.png
https://i.imgur.com/nY46Tqz.png
https://i.imgur.com/BU9yicH.png

Annemarie and Erika came to visit.
https://i.imgur.com/ERKQuOh.png

During this time period Hans and Annemarie passed away.

https://i.imgur.com/pT7hR90.png

Being far, far away, and not being able to travel home made Sandra feeling very alone.

https://i.imgur.com/hhdJIYM.png

The big day came and Sandra finished the university with the excellent degree (*sigh* I can't use the latin phrase thanks to the filter).

https://i.imgur.com/Zz6IpTZ.png

Spoiler
Before leaving the students hall she applied for a job and was checking for a new home.

https://i.imgur.com/kp7dO1g.png

https://i.imgur.com/ysIVTP5.png

She loved it.

https://i.imgur.com/ZrskaOn.png

Time for a new attire.

https://i.imgur.com/dbqW2xx.png

Sandra in her cubicle.

https://i.imgur.com/lxpReb6.png

She became friend with her mentor with Phylicia Burke and met her two sons Brayton and Darius.

https://i.imgur.com/ouQfW1x.png

Her Boss Jason Landgraab (married) invited her to a formal dinner with clients and they came closer.

https://i.imgur.com/Pazv68Q.png

Too close.

https://i.imgur.com/Hp02zNe.png
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
2001 - 2003

Sigh, the love life was so much easier to tell about in the old times. This will be a picture spam again, I'm so sorry in advanced. Well, before we start with the drama, Sandra discovered in 2001 her new favorite game: The Sims.

https://i.imgur.com/vLcIFDV.png

The law firm, where Sandra got her job, was able to get a quite famous politician as a client. Sandra and Phylicia were obligates to support the candidate John Merks in legal matters during his campaign. Both did really enjoy the job.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/kPAej9F.png
https://i.imgur.com/OrFA6He.png
https://i.imgur.com/BWrmBhe.png

Sandra tried to get informations about John Merks before she met him and his wife.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/jVSmILw.png
https://i.imgur.com/ypOyE6b.png
https://i.imgur.com/rTyMlDp.png

She was impressed of him and found him very attractive and vice versa.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/lSn6znq.png
https://i.imgur.com/33laKF3.png
https://i.imgur.com/VY81G9V.png
https://i.imgur.com/2FBQ2mU.png
https://i.imgur.com/oPsWIiU.png
https://i.imgur.com/blh8ieD.png

And so one after the other came.
Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/9nvD4iF.png
https://i.imgur.com/OsOxz35.png
https://i.imgur.com/2FQmsec.png

Sandra still worked with him until the labors came (we are still in the usa, so no maternity leave for Sandra) and they kept this love as a secret.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/QnEnY4w.png
https://i.imgur.com/e7US2JX.png

Baby Amelie was born in 2002 and was proudly present to John.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/NJBjzN0.png
https://i.imgur.com/AZHgCpH.png

John couldn't get enough enough from Sandra and visited her very often, even when her dad came to visit.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/ehfc1eS.png
https://i.imgur.com/VVDTJ5I.png
https://i.imgur.com/cokKjnD.png

But he and Sandra became careless and got caught in the act by his wife.
Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/UBsAdaV.png

They got the attention of press too, and the scandal made it into the public.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/3YcffBp.png
https://i.imgur.com/UE3Jf6r.png

John, faced with the choice, either saved his marriage and career or get a fullified love life, decided for his career.

https://i.imgur.com/SSkc2pe.png
https://i.imgur.com/Boav36Z.png

Sandra was blamed for everything and presented as the sole culprit and destroyer of a marriage. The bad publicity, and her boss was personally offended too, was too much for the firm and Sandra got fired.

https://i.imgur.com/oynTCfh.png

Deeply hurt, her american dream was shattered, she moved back to germany, back to her parents, there were no other place where she could hide.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/gtaL8pQ.png

More bad new for her, she wasn't allowed to practise as laywer in germany and so she has to go to university again. And she got pregnant again, somehow the proctection didn't worked.

https://i.imgur.com/PSNk3DD.png
Waxintegral
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
Very dramatic! Where's Mrs Merk's hair from, is it CC?
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
I don't have much cc hair, so I had to check. It's from snowy escape, the uncolored version. For the Merks and Sandra-style in this episode, I took the look based on JFK jr and his wife Caroline Besset.
Daravi
Seasoned Ace
4 years ago
2004 - 2005

I forgot the last time to post a picture of Amelie as toddler.

https://i.imgur.com/zs6lufc.png

While Sandra was studying hard, the grandparent took care of their granddaughters.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/NUv3C6t.png
https://i.imgur.com/LnWezjM.png
https://i.imgur.com/HXUG8QP.png

Playtime with Amelie and Grandpa Fabian

https://i.imgur.com/YNAt2x5.png
https://i.imgur.com/TujgZC4.png
https://i.imgur.com/oszRXse.png

Not funny, Grandpa has played a monster.

https://i.imgur.com/RKTwiUt.png

Amelie needed to be consoled.

https://i.imgur.com/zfOw6zM.png

Grandma Erika told good story, well as a famous writer, it's not a surprise.

https://i.imgur.com/mIiqJDv.png

https://i.imgur.com/4UOt3wm.png

Sandra met her new baby sister and she's happy.

https://i.imgur.com/KROqbph.png

I did an update on the kitchen and living room.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/ntQqoC9.png
https://i.imgur.com/0RJXCxS.png

Amelie was the only one who is happy to see her dad.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/gmk8HHW.png

Sandra was not so happy, but the children has the right to see their dad, and Sandra was not one of these women who denied the access to the children just to punish their ex-partners.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/wjhxu4f.png
https://i.imgur.com/f14n11z.png
https://i.imgur.com/XCvL0kg.png

Christmas time.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/kMNX4Jo.png

Baby Annabelle born 2004 became a toddler.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/CFTcuWu.png

John Merks was not happy to see Sandra and the daughter in such living conditions, Sandra was also tensed with the time. Moving back to the parent, as helpful as they are, felt like a big failure to her. John promised to help her. It took a while for Sandra to find a landlord, who was willing to rent out to a single student mother of two (hint: she moved in 2006). Sandra got also a job offer from a friend for a style magazine to write columns.

Spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/wXih5ql.png
https://i.imgur.com/S22o8Fv.png

Sandra is now 30 years old and became a adult, and still needs a high maintenance.
Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/t45UThI.png

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The Kaufmann family (Decade Challenge is finished)

124 Replies

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