The Carlisle Dynasty - Return to Dragon Valley

[awaytobeunshaken]

1.  New Beginnings

Hey everybody, this is Jordan. 


Say hello to the people, Jordan.

Don't wanna.

Jordan's kind of a Loner.  Clumsy, too.

---------------------------


Sure, just focus on my negative qualities...

You're the one who wouldn't say hi.

Sigh... Hello, wonderful people.  You're all looking lovely today.

Yeah, he's also a Schmoozer.  And Artistic, so at least I have something to work with.  He's gonna be working overtime to make up for those Commitment Issues though.



Oh, and he really doesn't like Bradan McGrath.*

Jordan's lifetime wish is to be a Master of the Arts.  He's living at 81 Claddagh Ct., in this cozy little... box.



That's it?

You should be thankful.  If this was an Immortal dynasty all you'd have is the toilet.

After a quick skill-up at the easel and trip to City Hall to register for self employment, it's time to go meet the people.

But I hate people!

Do this for me and you can spend the rest of the week glued to your easel.






And while Jordan paints, I scour his relationship panel and all public areas for eligible bachelorettes.  I've decided to go for a witch in the first gen, in the interest of including as many original townies as possible.  Sadly, the odds are not with me, as the only unmarried female witch we've encountered is Jennifer Pleasant.  At this point I'm scanning the town once more, on the brink of resigning myself to breaking up a marriage, when I notice that Finn Dolan is having a party.

Hey, Jordan, let's go crash a party.  And yes, I know you hate parties, you're doing it anyway.

And who do we find upstairs...



Oh, look, It's Shannon MacAnna conjuring an apple.

Go get her, Tiger.

----------------------------

So this is my 3rd time starting this dynasty and finally worked out strategy/got far enough to actually bother posting it.  There will be more screens as we go on but honestly at this point I was just trying to burn through the early phase.

[Trip]

Look, a new life states dynasty! Truly a rare sighting these days.

Welcome to the board! Good luck with getting a lot of townie blood into the family.

[Lisa46]

Go for Shannon, Jordan! She's got great genes.

And welcome to the Life States Dynasty club.

[KRae]

Saving the long-lived life states for later makes sense. Best of luck!

[awaytobeunshaken]

Thanks for the replies, glad to see people are interested.

I had moved Shannon in as gen 1 spouse in my last attempt, and she was about the only unattached female I hadn't met yet this time around, so I really lucked out with that party.

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Chapter 2: A Sim-house built for two

After successfully almost becoming friends with Shannon at the party, it's time for Operation: Get her moved into the house so she can cook and fix things so you don't have to.


Shannon: No thanks, I don't feel like coming over right now.

Way to go, Jordan. You weren't supposed to tell her that.

All right, time for Plan B.


Stand outside her house until she comes home from work.  Because your watcher is not above stalking.



Well, she doesn't seem to mind at least, and after a few Schmoozing interactions and a pillow fight, we get Shannon moved in.
She heads over to the salon for a makeover (that I have no screens of), since she's about 5 days from adulthood, and also because I haven't bought a dresser yet.

By this point, though, Jordan has managed to bring in enough cash from painting to remodel his home for two sims.


I'm getting Shannon started on alchemy right away. Got to start stockpiling elixirs for the dynasty.

And in other news...

WHEEE!  Happy Birthday to me!


I'm... I'm getting OLD!

  Yay, Midlife Crisis.

There's so much I haven't accomplished!

Yeah, like the first half of your lifetime wish.  Now get back to your easel, I don't have room for midlife crisis wishes with that "Master Painting Skill" hanging out unfinished in your wish panel.


Luckily, Jordan does master both the painting skill and the career soon after, giving him his first two 5K wishes and a completed mausoleum room.


So after a midlife crisis wardrobe change, haircut and car, it's guitar time.


He's not keeping the haircut.

Jordan finds a willing jam session partner in Cara Gallagher...

In fact, she was having so much fun she was still there when he came back the next morning.

He also picks up his third 5K wish...

with a fuzzy portrait of the recently de-zombified Teague McMillan, wihch was apparently a masterpiece worth $3500.

As for Shannon, with it being the weekend with just a smidge left to go on her job performance til she gets her lifetime wish, I decide to try the old "Invite boss over and beg for promotion" plan. 

But despite a potent friendship elixir, and tactfully refraining from telling him how bad he is at hopscotch, she never got the chance to ask.

You know what, Shannon, you'll get it Monday.  Go plant some mushrooms or something.

[awaytobeunshaken]

Chapter 3: Whirlwind Romance

Well, Shannon might not have gotten her final promotion over the weekend, but she did get to age up on the toilet.



Shannon MacAnna, you've just become a Dynamic DNA profiler and acheived your lifetime wish!  What are you gonna do now?

Uh... go back to work tomorrow?

NO!  You're going to quit your job and spend your life chained to an alchemy table.

What?



But first you can go to France.

With Jordan at 5 days left til elderhood and sitting at level 8 guitar skill, it's time for a vacation.  Shannon grabbed the prepared traveler and jetsetter LTRs and we were off.



Shannon did a bit of tomb raiding, got dates for a couple of shy natives, and learned the basics of nectar-making.  And when she ran out of adventures she spent her time scouring the countryside for gems and precious metals.



Meanwhile, Jordan spent the trip here, mastering the guitar skill for his fourth 5K wish and earning mad tips in the process.



And this French townie decided that the depths of the Celtic Burial Mound would be a could place to chill.



Back home, with the household a fair bit wealthier, Shannon tends her mushrooms,



And adds potion-making to her repertoire, since I cannot find those fountain of youth ingredients for the life of me.



Jordan plays guitar and continues to earn mad tips.  In fact it's not long before he's brought his lifetime total to $25,000 for his sixth and final skill challenge.  It's happening, guys!

He just needs to grab two venues to bring his total to 5 for his final wish,



grab a quick best friend,



Then it's back home for this...



Followed by a bit of this...



and moving on to some of this.

And we all know what happens next...



Jordan Carlisle - Founder
One best friend - Ava Kelly, witch
Two career rewards - Award Ribbon, painting skill certificate
Three oppurtunities - Art Class, A Small Painting, A Medium Painting
Four lifetime happiness rewards - Extra Creative, No Bills Ever, Suave Seller, The Hustler
Five wishes work 5K points - Master painting skill, reach level 10 of painter career, paint something worth $3500, Master guitar skill, Own 5 venues
Six skill challenges - Brushmaster, Proficient Painter, Master Painter, Consignment Profit, Master Guitarist, Money Maker (guitar)
Mausoleum piece - 7 paintings

[Lisa46]

So Ava Kelly is a witch now? Dang, none of her genes then.

Congratulations on completing your first heir!

[awaytobeunshaken]

So Ava Kelly is a witch now? Dang, none of her genes then.

Congratulations on completing your first heir!

Thanks!  And funny you should mention that about Ava.  Jordan is actually a fifth or sixth gen spare from a random town jump I started with the Kellys, with a new last name and fresh trait roll.

[Trip]

Thanks!  And funny you should mention that about Ava.  Jordan is actually a fifth or sixth gen spare from a random town jump I started with the Kellys, with a new last name and fresh trait roll.

That's awesome! And it's better to use Ava as a friend rather than make some incest happen.

I always get random French people in that tomb too. Surely there are better places to hang out...

[awaytobeunshaken]

Chapter 4: Settling Down

The time has come to add the beginnings of a nursery.



Shannon: Why are there two cribs?



Because you'll be spending the next three days on a steady diet of kids' music and tv.

At least I can take comfort in the fact that you have to listen to it, too.

Nah, I have music set to muted.  You would not believe how bad that kids' station gets stuck in your head.

Of course.

Jordan has taken to his impending fatherhood like a pro



Giving massages,





developing a good relationship with his nooboo(s)-to-be,



and, of course, totally freaking out when mom goes into labor.

Yeah, Jordan, you're not helping.  Go play for tips somewhere.  Kids are expensive, you can use the money.



Everybody, meet Penny



and Ramon.

They're both witches who like Chinese music.  Penny is an athletic virtuoso who likes pancakes and the color purple.  Ramon is evil and a heavy sleeper; his favorite color is seafoam and his favorite food is tri-tip tofu steak.  They were born right around 11 pm, making this my best-timed sim pregnancy to date.  And Penny is a shoo-in for heir.

I hadn't intended for Jordan and Shannon to marry, his commitment issues would probably block the wish for it, and her dream bubbles were filled with the same crossed out rings and wedding bells as his.  But motherhood changed Shannon, and as soon as her kids were born she wanted to settle down and marry Jordan.

Or anyone, really.  I'm not that choosy.

Yeah, I see that, but this is a dynasty and there are rules.  So you're marrying Jordan.



I tried to get a shot of this were Jordan didn't look like he'd picked up a grumpy trait somewhere, but it wasn't happening.  He must have known I was about to have him propose.

WHAT?  Propose? Like, marriage?  You said I wouldn't have to.

Yeah, but your babymama wants to now.  And your kids have the wrong last name and I don't feel like fixing it at city hall.

So, I have to do this because you're lazy?

Basically.  Hey, at least you get presents.

*grumble* Fine.



Shannon, my watcher is a big meanie, and also a liar.  So, will you marry me?



OMG YES!  I never knew I wanted this until a day ago but it's the best thing to ever happen to me!  Let's get married right away



Good, right here where no one else can see me

If only he knew...



Wow, look at that.  I'm married now.

See, it's not so bad.

Shut up.  I still hate you.

[awaytobeunshaken]

Chapter 5: Toddler Time

Just a bit of bonding to get a head start on that toddler best friend requirement.  Look at these cuties.



The pregnancy/nooboo stage is so relaxing after going hardcore on requirements for so long.

But the peace doesn't last...




Penny ages up without a hitch.

Ramon...



...doesn't.

And of course the brave sim with the ice blast spell can't do a thing about the fire, since she's the one holding the infant. 

Meanwhile I could barely to get Jordan to cancel the "OMG a fire! I should go stand next to it!" action long enough to call the fire department.  Probably payback for making him get married.

Anyway, take 2.




Much better.




Penny definitely favors her father in the looks department with Ramon getting more of Shannon's features.  If I was choosing an heir based on looks alone I'd probably go with Ramon, but there are more important things.  I mean, seriously, seafoam?

A day in the life of an evil toddler:



Om nom nom.  I WILL DESTROY YOU!



Hm, not bad, but it could use a bit more BLOOD OF MY ENEMIES!



Bow before me, minion.  Before I tear your head off!  MWAHAHAHA!

Yeah, I think we'll just leave you alone for a bit.  On to our heir.



I think this xyma-- xylly-- thing is broken.  The music won't come out

Dad, why don't you give her a hand?



Much better.



And as the more logical-minded parent, Shannon gives her daughter a hand with the peg box.

And with that, having developed a solid friendship with both her parents and an excellent groundwork for potential future skills, Penny is ready to become a child.

Penny Carlisle - Gen 2 - Toddler

Best friends with Jordan Carlisle
Best friends with Shannon Carlisle
Level 3 Xylophone
Level 3 Pegbox

[Lisa46]

The kids are so cute!

[awaytobeunshaken]

Chapter 6: Sibling Rivalry

Ramon woke first, the morning of the twins' birthday, so was immediately carried to the cake, while his sister slept peacefully in her crib for a few more hours, unaware of the coming end to her babyhood.




But soon enough the candles were blown out, luckily with no fires this time, and it was time to see the lovely children the twins had blossomed into.



I gave Ramon the Neat trait, in the interest of having at least one person in the house who would clean up after themselves.



And Penny's random trait button was kind and made her a Heavy Sleeper.



Her mother spends the day giving her a head start on her first day of school.

And later that evening, the doorbell rings...



Hey, look, Penny!  It's your future husband, Mason Sackholme.  You can befriend him early and he'll be all ready to move in once you're old enough.

Husband?  No way.  I'm not gonna get married.  Besides, I'm still a little kid.  That's gross.

Whatever, your dad said the same thing.  Well except for the little kid part.  And look at him now.  Right, Jordan?



Can't talk.  Hiding in the basement and painting.

You know, you've painted that same picture like, five times already.

It's not the same picture.  This one is using a very specific shade of pale orange to properly capture... Never mind, you're not artistic enough to understand.



Tag! You're it!

Well, looks like you two are having a good time.

I like tag.  It's good exercise.  You're reading too much into this.

Yeah, you like exercise, don't you.  You know, Mason's athletic, too.

*icy stare*

Well, aside from the arranged marriage (which I'm sure she'll come around on), the kids have a pretty typical childhood.



Oppa-doopa-dee oopa-laaaa

NOPE.



The sheriff's coming!  To the getaway steed!



They're getting closer.  Release the torpedoes!



HAHAHA!  You'll never take me alive, law-abiding scum!



Penny: I'm gonna be a dancer when I grow up.

Ramon: No, you won't, that's not even a job.

Penny: Okay, an acrobat then.

Ramon: You can't.  We don't have Showtime.

Penny: Fine! Then I'll be a firefighter.

Ramon: That's like, the most different thing ever.  And I'm gonna set fires everywhere.  So you can never put them all out.  MWAHAHA!

Penny: MOOOM!



I should probably go check on the kids.

Nah, they're fine.  You got that Young Again potion yet?

*sigh* Almost.

Cool, I've decided you can drink one once you've figured it out.

Really?  Well that's nice of you.

Yeah, I need to keep you around a bit longer so we can stock up on potions and elixirs.

Say, you're not going to make me regret that, are you?  You won't, say, go around flinging love charms at everyone and making them kiss the wrong people?

That seems like a... very specific worry.

That wasn't a "no".



Penny: Hey, what'd you get for number 6?

Ramon: Setting the house on fire

Penny: Nuh uh!  I'm gonna make the whole house fireproof so you can't.

Ramon: Then I'll invent fire that's fireproof-proof.

Penny: No you won't.  Cuz that's not even a thing.

C'mon kids, why don't you make up?



Ramon:  Haha, you have to get married.

Penny: Haha, your favorite color is seafoam.

That's better.

[awaytobeunshaken]

Well, look at you two getting along nicely, playing video games together.



Aw, and a nice, friendly hug.  Nope, nothing creepy going on here at all.

Penny got honor roll on day 6 of her childhood, but waited til morning for cake so she could have the day off of school.  Smart kid.




Sparkle Time!



Maybe now that Penny's a teen she'll be more interested in boys

*trait roll... Unflirty*

Or not.



And Ramon got the Gatherer trait, in a futile attempt to keep the spare useful and relevant.  He also got back the Neat trait that had got lost somewhere in his childhood.  Which explains why never cleaned up after himself.

Penny's teen years passed by in a blur, because her watcher may have slacked off on screenshots a bit.



Getting another jump start on that honor roll.




And it's also time to start working on her skills.

I was afraid I might have a rough time leveling the graveyard job, but vials of potent bliss + the work hard tone was enough for a promotion every other day.

She did have to miss prom though, since it fell on a work night.

I didn't want to go to prom anyway.  There's probably flirting there.

It can be an easy way to snag a random romantic interest though.  That's okay, we'll just have to throw a party and invite your brother's school friends.

Why don't I have my own school friends?

You actually have to work at school so you can make honor roll.



Penny, this is... uh... *checks spreadsheet* Jack.  You should tell him he looks nice.  Maybe offer him a massage.

That sounds like flirting.

DO IT!



And one kiss later that I forgot to screen grab, and teen requirements are done.

Now go skill or something til I'm ready to age you up.

Hey, look who else likes martial arts!



Hey, you're a cop, right? Can you arrest my watcher, she's driving me crazy.


Penny Carlisle - gen 2 - child

1 opportunity - Pile of Permission Slips
On Honor Roll

Teen

Part time cemetery worker - level 3
On Honor Roll
Romantic Interest - Jack Hackett

[awaytobeunshaken]

At last the day arrived and Penny became a young adult.



She picked up the inappropriate trait, and since the game decided it was going to focus on her virtuoso trait for lifetime wishes and not give me physical perfection, she wants to be a superstar athlete. 

Which we'll get to eventually, promise.  There are more pressing tasks at hand.



So, my watcher thinks you should move in here, not sure why.  Something to do with dynasties and needing a fairy heir... you can just ignore her though.

Yeah, and now they can really get to know each other



You like sports? I like sports, too!  I'm gonna be a sports.  I mean an athlete.  Gah! what is wrong with me.

You seem awfully nervous, Penny.  One might almost think you *gasp* like him.

Well, you didn't tell me he was gorgeous!

You've been friends since you were a kid; I thought you might have noticed at some point.

Game mechanics wouldn't let me until now.

Fair point.




Hey remember Ramon, Penny's brother?  He's graduating, too.  I honestly have no idea what his YA trait or lifetime wish were... Soon after he aged up I realized, I can't be bothered with spares.  He'll be moving out soon.



I kind of accidentally left Jordan behind after graduation, but he found a new and lucrative spot to play for tips.



They love him!

I'd been wondering where I was going to sleep Mason until I got around to romancing him with Penny, until I realized



Oh, yeah, fairy!  Right.



Penny hopped on her brand new custom-painted broom to head to her first day of work at the fire station.

Fire station?  I thought I was gonna be a superstar athlete.

No rewards.  You have to be a firefighter first.



Now get through that handiness book so you can upgrade the firetruck to a speed above "seriously? I could walk to the fire faster than this"

Oh, and I hope you haven't gotten too attached to sleep.



Because you'll be surviving on potent invigorating elixirs for the next several weeks.



Maybe if I break this she'll let me quit this stupid job

Sorry not yet.  But you can take a break.  There's wooing to be done.







But soon it's back to working on the fire engine...



And losing to the training dummy.

But let's end on a high note.  May I present Mason Sackholme dancing in his spiffy new sleeveless workout gear.