The Survival Experiment

The bills came, which they were able to pay right away, and they had enough funds left-over to build a second house. This one went to Madelyn, the Spellcaster. Same size as the last house, but this one also has a glass roof overhang and a skylight. Decorated in black, grey, and blue.

The Grey House - Madelyn's House:

https://i.postimg.cc/BvS9RD1r/madelyn-ouside-her-new-house.png

https://i.postimg.cc/7LL5sdH0/reclaimed-brick.png

(Note: I used a brick similar to the one on the ruined house that was in the corner. I moved the ruined house to give the new house more room so let's just say they salvaged some of that brick to build the house).

https://i.postimg.cc/Hx0SmPD3/house-2-toilet-and-stove-missing.png

Close-up shots. The rug was made in the fabricator with Grim's dye. The house still needs a toilet and stove.

https://i.postimg.cc/ydRVHGKD/living-room-2nd-house.png

https://i.postimg.cc/T1wsTMjG/missing-stove.png

https://i.postimg.cc/YCdzwn2f/2nd-house-bed-and-bath.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The thunderstorms continued and there were intermittent power interruptions. This affected their earnings from hacking and plug-ins, and also prevented them from writing books and checking for pen pal requests. So, they increased their activity in painting, cross-stitching, knitting, floral arranging, and woodworking. Sierra decided to knit by the firepit during a thunderstorm...definitely not a good choice.

https://i.postimg.cc/6pW63Vdp/sierra-hit-by-lightning.png

Claire decided to put all that beeswax they were collecting from the bee box to use and set up a candlemaking area.

https://i.postimg.cc/sX78hwtZ/claire-begins-candle-making.png

Remember that cowplant that grew in their garden? Well, apparently, Gary didn't take his own advice and must have had a craving for cake, because he got eaten by the cowplant. (I missed this shot, darn it, but then saw that Gary had the drained by cowplant moodlet.) Yep, and Gary milked the cowplant for a happy essence. Well, there was nothing happy about being drained for 2 whole days because Gary was too uncomfortable to do anything. Thankfully, there were backup gardeners who could attend to the garden.

https://i.postimg.cc/X7dz1HJH/someone-didnt-listen.png

Oh, but wait, the cowplant strikes again, and this time it's Blake! (And this time I got a shot! lol). Blake has that drained moodlet and will be like this for 3 days? Three days? Oh, gee....that cowplant is going to go into storage soon if this keeps happening. And these sims just keep going over to the cowplant to play with it. Obviously, they are not getting enough fun and are risking their lives for fun and chocolate cake. (cover shot)

And there was an onslaught of bugs that seemed to hit the camp. Maybe rummaging through the rubble had disturbed them. But have you ever seen a spider this size before? Yikes!

https://i.postimg.cc/ydcyxpkg/attacked-by-spiderws.png

The thunderstorms continued and most of the sims were scared and running around. And let's not forget the fires. Even though Fabian has maxed cooking, he still can't cook. In fact, he has trouble lighting a fire. Poor Fabian.

https://i.postimg.cc/5NSCkDDt/oh-gosh-dont-start-another-fire.png

But he can dance...no music is playing, but that doesn't stop him. Yes, Fabian dances to his own beat...must have something to do with his erratic trait.

https://i.postimg.cc/MHny4s0P/the-only-one-dancing-while-no-music-is-playing.png

The good news is that they are selling a lot of items on plopsy. Gary's cross-stitch went for $324 simoleons.

https://i.postimg.cc/zD4tNWLb/gary-cross-stich-item.png

And does art imitate life? You betcha, because, during one of the thunderstorms, Sierra autonomously painted this painting.

https://i.postimg.cc/J4M5QQSL/will-it-ever-stop-raining.png

https://i.postimg.cc/qvN5GcZj/sierras-painting-lightning.png

The week is done and they have earned $12,302 simoleons.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Milestones for Survivors ~

- Gary maxed the Gardening Skill and completed the Freelance Botanist Aspiration (his original aspiration - I didn't aspiration switch while I was controlling them. I decided that Gary should work on the Lord of the Knits Aspiration next.)
- Cole maxed the Handiness Skill (Yes! That means he can make wooden toilets now!)
- Madelyn maxed the Fishing Skill
- Francesca and Sierra maxed the Painting Skill
- Fabian maxed the Dancing Skill
- Claire and Sierra painted their first masterpieces.
- Claire & Madelyn can now knit rugs (they haven't maxed the knitting skill yet, but this is a big milestone for decor).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I took @artistju advice and decided that after they build a house, one of the "bad" lot traits would be removed. So, using a randomizer, Creepy Crawlies, and Quake Zone have now been removed.

Note: The lot was getting a bit crowded, so I got rid of the one ruined house with the steel piece on it (cost $3,200). In its place, I put two other ruined houses and a debug old car. I just did a money cheat to ensure that no simoleons were gained from the sale of the first building. The main area, the ruined library, was moved back, and the bathroom area was re-arranged. Because this is a 50 x 40 lot, some of the sims will share a house so that the lot isn't crowded with just all houses. The library structure will remain on the lot and that is the basis of the community center, as well as the pond, which will be the basis of the park. Here is how the lot looks with all the moves.

https://i.postimg.cc/9X4rwSXn/revised-lot-shot.png

It is the last week of summer and the survivors are working on a community site plan. Gary's house was the next to be built. He wanted it to be near the garden and so a plan was made to gather materials from one of the ruined houses to build his house. Gary seemed happy with the plan; however, when Sierra saw the community site plan, she was worried that there was no space for her frog collection. Sierra was told that they couldn't keep a space for her frogs, so she would have to release them all. Sierra was heartbroken. Gary had overheard the conversation and thought about the site where his house was being built. With Cole's help, Gary took some measurements and then approached Sierra. Gary told her that she could keep her frog collection, but he had one stipulation...that she had to live with him and help him in the garden. You see, Sierra was the only sim who came over autonomously to help with the garden, and Gary realized that with the garden being expanded, he really needed some help. Sierra wasn't sure what to say. She was good friends with Gary but wasn't sure about this. The houses that had been built so far only had one bedroom...with one bed. Well, she could always sleep on the couch. And if it meant that she could keep her frog collection, she would do it. Sierra nodded and agreed, and Gary smiled at her and told her she wouldn't regret her decision.

The Red House: Gary & Sierra's House

https://i.postimg.cc/C5FKSrYb/the-house-2-level.png

When the house was finished, Gary brought Sierra over to it.

https://i.postimg.cc/QMtZbLmB/entrance-to-house-3.png

It was a beautiful house with a garden beside it. Gary had created a water garden and painstakingly moved every frog to the garden area. There was even a table with two chairs outside. Gary explained that Sierra could release the frogs for a swim in the pond and then place them back in their homes again. When Sierra saw the garden and her frogs, she was speechless.

https://i.postimg.cc/1z5Vrzbp/the-frog-zone.png

https://i.postimg.cc/3NxhxnJG/the-side-garden.png

Gary brought her inside. The main floor held a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room area. On the left side, a ladder went to the next level. Thanks to Cole, they had one of the new toilets.

https://i.postimg.cc/d0cxSbJQ/1st-floor-kitchen-living-area.png

https://i.postimg.cc/nLQ0Z0cR/had-to-switch-out-the-tub-because-it-wouldnt-fit.png

Heading upstairs, they arrived at the second floor, which was Gary's bedroom. A sliding door led to a balcony area. (Note: Lots of debug items were used on the balcony. They were fortunate to dumpster dive two chairs that matched.)

https://i.postimg.cc/gj3DRJ6v/2nd-floor-garys-room.png

https://i.postimg.cc/W3W2cGp4/outdoor-balcony-2nd-floor.png

Gary told her that there was one more floor, and together they climbed the ladder.

https://i.postimg.cc/L8NQTNxh/up-and-down-ladders.png

When they arrived, Sierra looked around and saw a painting she had painted hanging over a bed. Gary explained that this would be her room. Sierra couldn't believe it! She was going to have her own room. She turned to face Gary and gave him a hug and told Gary that she would help him tend the garden everyday.

https://i.postimg.cc/HsyGZ4b2/3rd-floor-sierras-room.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Farm Animals

When the survivors had gone rummaging for bricks for Gary and Sierra's house, they had found some chickens that had been living in the ruined house. They quickly caught them and built a chicken coup near the new house. Now they would be able to gather fresh eggs every morning.

https://i.postimg.cc/t4DYJj77/chicken-coup-and-chickens-purchased.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pond Area - The Park

In addition to Gary and Sierra's house, the pond area was given a bit of a facelift and was designated the park. Lights were strung up, and a bird feeder was set up. In the back of the area, a swing and a horseshoe pit were added for some fun. At the front, a chess table was placed near the pond. Over time, some more flowers would be planted.

https://i.postimg.cc/wTFk83LG/park-area-expanded.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Francesca's House Re-Vamp

Since Gary and Sierra were sharing a house, Francesca decided to ask Claire if she wanted to share her house. They were good friends and had similar tastes. Francesca figured that if they moved some furniture around, two beds could fit in the bedroom. And so, that is exactly what they did.

https://i.postimg.cc/RVcZNnXg/madelyn-and-francesca.png

Cole also made a toilet for them to finish their bathroom, and an extra chair was added to the living room area. Claire knitted a carpet and a cute mailbox for the house. Draperies were also hung.

https://i.postimg.cc/TPn9s09r/revanp-francesca-house.png

Outside, they placed a table with two chairs, Claire's easel, and kept Francesca's floral table. They moved the planter boxes with flowers to the side of the house. Their house is now complete.

https://i.postimg.cc/qR8580SH/revamp-outside-francescas-house.png

Madelyn's House Re-vamp

Additions to Madelyn's house were a toilet made by Cole, a stove, an extra light, and some draperies. A dumpster dive table was added outside to place ingredients for her potions. (Note: The stone piece under the cauldron is debug). A small fish bowl was added to place an angelfish, a key ingredient in one of her potions. Madelyn also knitted some rugs and a mailbox cover. Her house is now complete.

https://i.postimg.cc/Y90ysVXh/mdelyn-house-revamp.png

https://i.postimg.cc/0211zkWn/madelyn-outside-revamp.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The bills came and thankfully they had enough simoleons to cover it. Yikes! $5,663 simoleons. Probably all that furniture in their household inventory waiting to be placed.

https://i.postimg.cc/rmWvQ5db/bills-week-4.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The week started off with a sunny day and the survivors were happy that the storms were over...for now. Life continued for the survivors. Their power still was shaky and whenever they tried to use the computer, it would fizzle out after a few minutes.

True to her word, Sierra tended the garden everyday and got some expert advice from Gary. They spent an entire day moving the planter boxes around in preparation for a greenhouse that was going to be built before the cold weather hit.

https://i.postimg.cc/tgqBYWqj/true-to-her-word-sierra-does-lots-of-gardening.png

Fabian had helped with the planter box moves as well, and spoke to Gary about an idea he had. Fabian wanted to create a little bar area. He and Blake had put together a still and Fabian wanted to test out some of his fizzing recipes. He thought that the area near Gary's pond area would be a nice place for survivors to relax, sample some fizz, and enjoy themselves. Claire, who had overheard the conversation, thought it was a good idea, and maybe they could also enjoy some music while they sipped the fizz. She had recently unearthed a violin in the rubble and was anxious to try it out.

The more they talked about it, the more excited they got, and soon, all the survivors were working together to build an open-air bar.

https://i.postimg.cc/j2J3QTnQ/the-fizzy-bar-beside-garys-house.png

With some teamwork, it wasn't long before the little fizzy bar was done. Now, they just needed Fabian to make some fizz.

https://i.postimg.cc/NGb3gGBS/fabian-loading-up-his-first-batch-of-fizz.png

Fabian loads apples for his first batch. Let's see what he makes.

https://i.postimg.cc/8zq5tBYR/the-fizzing-machine-is-working.png

The Fizzy Maker depends on electricity, so it's a good thing that the power is holding out. Depending on when Fabian's fizz was ready, they would hold a party to celebrate. (Note: The bar, Fizzing station, and the Petite Eloquent Occasion Dance Floor are new skill items. I also purchased two outdoor lights for the tables. Everything else they had, and I just moved it into this area. The overhead lights are debug. There is an overhead glass roof protecting them, so I will probably add a sterero in here as well.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Meanwhile, Cole was very busy upgrading all the beds that had been placed in houses.

https://i.postimg.cc/v8LQ5dMt/upgrading-the-beds.png

Madelyn was the newest cowplant victim, as she milks back her energized essence. She definitely needs this as she is so tired and uncomfortable. Two days of this for Madelyn.

https://i.postimg.cc/63wY4PdT/the-cowplant-sgtrikes-again.png

Oh hello! Is there a budding romance developing between Claire and Cole? This was an autonomous action on Cole's part. I quickly checked Cole's romance bar, and sure enough, he and Claire have some pink together. But, apparently, he has romantic feelings towards Fabian as well.

https://i.postimg.cc/gJQyqBhv/and-we-may-have-a-budding-romance-going-on-with-cole-and-claire.png

https://i.postimg.cc/5y5HYPS9/coles-love-interets.png

I decided to check all the survivor's relationships, and discovered that Madelyn has two love interests. One, is Felix Psyched, and the other is Sierra. Maybe Sierra should have moved in with Madelyn instead. lol

https://i.postimg.cc/y6nsx4Fg/madelyns-love-interests.png

Francesca decides to do some upgrades on the stove, and maybe this will prevent more fires. We shall see if this works.

https://i.postimg.cc/bJmP9Q58/francesca-updating-applicances-handiness-level-10.png

And Blake autonomously kicks the soccer ball with Claire.

https://i.postimg.cc/hGx6G9nM/claire-and-blake-kick-a-soccer-ball-together.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Milestones for Survivors ~

- Blake and Francesca maxed the Handiness Skill
- Madelyn maxed the Knitting Skill
- Cole is a Veteran Werewolf

It's the first day of Fall and what better day than to have the grand opening of the Little Fizzy Bar. Fabian's first batch is ready, and he loads a second batch with honey. Everyone is anxious to try his brew.

https://i.postimg.cc/g2k7yDRz/FIZZY-HONEY-IS-THE-NEXT-BATCH.png

The power is sporadic as usual, but they do get in some dancing.

https://i.postimg.cc/hvxrBqdG/I-GUESS-BLAKE-TOOK-A-SWIM-WITH-THE-FROGS-IN-THE-FROG-POND.png

Blake decided he wanted to swim with the frogs. Maybe he had a bit too much juice.

https://i.postimg.cc/HsDztjq8/BLAKE-HAS-THE-MOVES.png

And then he showed off some fancy dance moves with Francesca.

https://i.postimg.cc/pLwPWwyF/claire-plays-her-violin.png

And Claire played her violin for everyone...um...badly...but no-one seemed to mind.

https://i.postimg.cc/W4x8f7Wj/party-time.png

In all, it was a great time, and the survivors thought this was a great addition to their community.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An old generator was found and up-graded, and Cole discovered that they can produce biofuel from the insect hut. Maybe this will help with the power interruptions. (Note: It didn't, but it was worth a try).

https://i.postimg.cc/MZNvvR1Q/they-found-an-old-generator-and-filled-it-with-biofuel-from-the-insect-hut.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A new ghost visited them. Oh...it was Mary Greenburg. Maybe she heard about the party. Just stay away from that cowplant!

https://i.postimg.cc/SNtFy79B/a-new-ghost-is-visiting.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Speaking of the cowplant, yes, another victim. This time it was Fabian. That cowplant is working its way through all the survivors. Well, the survivors had enough of this plant, and placed it in Cole's werewolf enclosure and locked the gate. Ha! Take that cowplant!

https://i.postimg.cc/Nj5t4BqP/dont-eat-the-cake.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And, of course, the bills arrive. Thankfully, they are selling lots of paintings, which is really helping their funds.

https://i.postimg.cc/C5DyvQff/bills-first-week-of-fall.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There were 3 survivors left who didn't have a house. After much discussion, it was decided that they would all share a house together. Cole had said he didn't really need a house because he could sleep under the stars, but the survivors insisted that he be housed in a shelter. There was only one problem. They also needed an enclosure for Cole when he transformed that could be locked. And so, after much thought, the survivors came up with a plan to have a front and back door for the house. The front area would be similar to the enclosure, where the fence gate and front door could be locked. The back door could be accessed by the other survivors when the front door was inaccessible due to Cole being in the enclosure. The house was a bit narrow, but had an interesting design and suited everyone rather well.

The Yellow House: Cole, Fabian and Blake's House

Photos were taken during a rainstorm. A tropical hut.

https://i.postimg.cc/d1dQmLtJ/the-eyllow-house-in-the-rain.png

https://i.postimg.cc/8CQC0RFq/front-of-house-with-werewolf-enclosure.png

The front door and enclosure area for Cole to use when his fury is too much.

The main level living room. The carpets in the house were knitted by Claire and Madelyn. The octopus on the table was knitted by Gary, as well as a llama cactus decor item in Blake's room. All housewarming gifts. Paintings on the walls were painted by Fabian, Blake, and Cole.

https://i.postimg.cc/DwWFFSkn/front-living-room-area.png

https://i.postimg.cc/LXq953ss/to-the-next-level.png

The kitchen is very small, and still needs a stove.

https://i.postimg.cc/zXhZP9nG/the-back-kitchen-and-very-small-bathroom-area.png

The bathroom as well is tiny, and I actually purchased that off-the-grid wall shower from the uni pack. They have a lot of showers, but I needed that one to make this room work.

https://i.postimg.cc/6qnBL6nJ/bathroom-area.png

The door off of the kitchen leads to an overhead sheltered area with table and chairs. This is the back door, in case the front enclosure is being used as a containment area for Cole.

https://i.postimg.cc/y6rFxG3B/back-door-area.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fabian's bedroom. Picture he painted is hung on the wall.

https://i.postimg.cc/C1TQ31YP/2nd-floor-bedroom.png

Blake's bedroom is a bit larger, but not by much. I had to switch out a single bed in Francesca's house, as the single bed that was left had no yellow swatches on it. It did have a green one, so worked perfectly in their house.

https://i.postimg.cc/02b0Cv1b/2nd-floor-front-bedroom.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Landing on 2nd floor. Stairs and ladder to third level. I will need to put a picture there as the wall looks bare.

https://i.postimg.cc/CLGLXBgt/anding-stairs-and-ladder-to-upper.png

The balcony outside of Cole's room. Yes, I bought them a little pool. lol

https://i.postimg.cc/zXGpyWfZ/upper-balcony.png

Cole's open-air bedroom. Windows on both sides. I did purchase the werewolf painting, as I thought it would look good in the room. The "headboard" is made from fence pieces from Snowy Escape.

https://i.postimg.cc/vTRx7Jr6/coles-room.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And, they even built a little area for their cowplant. The problem was that they forgot to lock the gate, and, Sierra has that chocolate cake craving.

https://i.postimg.cc/PxnZQJ8T/permanent-spot-for-cowie.png

https://i.postimg.cc/sgbcKX3x/and-now-sierra.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As it was already autumn, the next priority for the survivors was keeping the plants safe, as this was their main food supply, and it was decided that a greenhouse would be built. And, so salvaging some windows and building materials from the ruined houses, they built a large greenhouse. Gary decided that they should keep two of each plant, and perhaps they would find more seasonal plants to grow. They had also built a separate area for the trees and excess trees were left outside near The Yellow House.

https://i.postimg.cc/bNp7FRj2/the-greenhouse.png

Gary had been giving a lot of thought to space and constructed some vertical planters for the greenhouse as well. Cole and Blake were working on some self-watering planters, but it was in the test stage right now.

https://i.postimg.cc/jdMF30XG/gary-hard-at-work.png

Sierra decided to add a whimsical scarecrow. Everything looked pretty good.

https://i.postimg.cc/t4fmy38k/the-tree-area.png

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Random lot trait removed is Off-the-Grid. I have never been so happy that they will have power again, although the bills will go up.

~ Milestones for the Survivors ~

- Sierra and Madelyn maxed the Dance Skill
- Claire maxed the Painting Skill
- Sierra maxed the Gardening skill
- Francesca maxed the Violin Skill and can now craft violins on the woodworking table
- Francesca maxed the Entrepreneur skill (Level 5)
- Cole maxed the Fishing Skill
- Fabian and Madelyn painted their first masterpieces.