Author Topic: A Friendly Play Through-Investigator Profession (Read 15806 times)

Playalot · « **on:** February 28, 2019, 06:08:23 PM »

This is just a very casual, friendly play-through of some sims Ambitions content that MrsFlynn, Nindigo and I haven't either played before or not for a long time.

Anyone can play along and post their sim-shenanigans in this thread, just tell us a little about your sim and their Life Time Wish, and share the journey. We're not writing full stories, we will share screenshots and just general chit-chat about how we are playing and maybe what works and what doesn't.

General Rules:

- Town: Riverview

- Extra money making allowed from any non career/self employment source and from the decided upon Career. (So you don't have to live in a totally ugly house...priorities people!)

- Trips to World Adventure Worlds allowed.

- Time in University Allowed but only if your sim is making a genuine effort to complete a degree *snicker*

- No trips to the future.

- 1 Sim household - Not allowed to hire helpers.

- Romantic relationships allowed.

- No pets.

- Can use items from all eps/sps, store and custom content.

- Static Needs - Allowed, if you want to give more time for skilling and socializing, etc.

- Buydebug - Your choice.

- NRAAS Mods - A must (no kidding but you really should use them!)

Goals of the Play-Through:

To complete the top level of the Investigator Profession

To share any tips and tricks that work well (and perhaps share those that don't work quite as well lol).

To get as close to completing the Life Time Wish as possible: We decided that this would be up to individuals to choose but Pervasive Private Eye is a good fit.

Eventually support your sim off the proceeds of the profession without the need to earn simoleons in any other way. Which may be pretty tough on these Ambitions Professions/Careers.

Playalot · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2019, 06:08:36 PM »

~ Handy Links:

Carl's Guide to the Private Investigator Profession
https://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/careers/ambitions/privateinvestigator.php

Sims Wiki - Private Investigator
https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Investigator

A link to most of the PI Cases -
https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Investigator/cases

See list of cases you can trigger via Nraas here

See our list of PI Cases here

✽Updated: Aug.2023✽

~ Important Notes on the PI Career:

✦✦ The Help Investigate opportunity (The one where Sim goes to the police station to offer their psychic services) is bugged. It does not register as completed. This case is actually for the Fortune Teller Career (Supernatural Expansion). It's best to cancel out of this opportunity when it pops up. This does not harm the save or PI career progress.

– Careers from Ambitions may not be scripted to be used with venues from newer packs, for example Showtime. If you have any lots in your save from the different packs it may cause issues with the PI career.

– Players may get best results playing the PI career in Sunset Valley or Twinbrooke, as they seem to be the most stable in playing the PI career.

****

– Issue: PI Career May Have Issues with Edited/Moved Lots. (Example: Science Lab/Stadium)

If you find your Sim gets reset and aren't able to complete a case or part of one, it may be due to the lot being placed from the library, edited or moved. Try again with an unedited version if available, skip the case or the step in the case that is glitching. For example, step 8 of the Art Heist (Robo Heist). Use Nraas Debug Enabler to queue up the step after to help possibly finish/solve the case.

– If moving or replacing the Stadium, make sure to add it to a Community > Visitors Allowed lot type. This will help cases like Wayward Jalopy and Bad Call work better.

– If the Science Lab rabbithole is moved (even slightly) or replaced, you may have issues with cases as well.

– Rabbit hole rugs and doors may not help and have the same results as replacing, moved or edit lots.

– Rabbitholes place in basements may not make the some cases work properly either, due to them being placed/moved down to the basement.

✦✦ Some PI cases may or may not work or work well in custom worlds due to what lots are placed or not placed when the world got created in CAW and if they creator used the original base game or Twinbrook science lab which were most likely coded to work better with the PI career.

✦✦ Combination Rabbitholes, rabbithole rugs and doors are known to cause issue with this career. The suggested work-around of replacing them with single rabbithole buildings may or may not work for some cases.

Please note replacing rabbithole buildings in the middle of a saved-game may make the case still not work correctly. It's recommended to skip that case and try a different one.

~ Tips:

– To start the career, go to the Police station or check the paper for the Private Investigator Career.

– Click on the police station to have the option to obtain cases and/or do low level police work that can bring in some extra money.

– Try to do cases during the week day, say between 10am and 5pm (Monday - Friday). Reason being - it seems cases have more of a chance at failing during evening/night hours, and some won't work on the weekends.

– Doing Low Level Police Work gives job experience!! (up til you reach level 10 of the career.)

– Skilling up in Chess gains Job Experience!! (up til you reach level 10 of the career and chess skill.)

– Your Sim can earn more than $650 a case if they have the Opportunistic Lifetime Reward. Like $1300. each case.

– Cases take anywhere between 2 hours up to 11 hours in-game time.

– Use computer to search for Investigator case or hack information database.

– Hack Information Database does not give job experience.

– Getting Degrees from University doesn't have any affect on the Private Investigator Career. The two don't have any connection.

****

– The magnifying glass and finger printing kit are placed in Sims' inventory to use when needed for a case. These cannot be deleted while in the PI career. When Sim leaves Career they are automatically deleted.

The rest of the promotional awards can be sold off if desired, as they are placed in the family inventory.

****

– Break In Issue and Always Wanting to Go Home. (Dust for Prints/Search for Clues)

Wait till someone is home or befriend the Sim asking to dust for prints so you can go to the lot together. Use Friendly Introduction.

Ask to Group Up. Click Map View to view lot. Click on the lot or front door of the home to have Group Visit that lot. When on lot, click on door to visit household. -- With someone from household being home it's easier to dust for prints, search for clues and to complete those parts of the case.

You can cancel the go home action when your Sim is searching the garbage can and/or mailbox for clues. They'll still complete that part of the case.

This sounds like it's a conflict between two processes of the game. One that allows the Sim to break in, and one that makes your Sim leave when no one is home or the family has left the lot.

Dust for Prints Tip: After being invited inside, look around for the magnifying glasses around the house, pause the game and then do the action. No more searching around no chance of the magnifying glass moving to a different object.

****

– It's okay to ResetSim FirstName LastName if needed. It shouldn't cancel out the case.

– Reset Sim you're trying to interact with, without resetting case.
Click on Sim you're trying to interact with > Nraas > DebugEnabler > Options: Sims > Object > Reset

– Can't do stakeouts on residential lots, only community lots. Unless a case prompts a stakeout on a residential lot.

– Writing stakeout reports doesn't take any writing skill and you can get $250. from each report written.

– Stakeouts are only possible from level 2 onward and can write reports after doing a couple-few successful stakeouts.

– A stakeout takes about 1 hour 20 minutes - in-game time.

– A couple of tricks for the stakeouts:

When a case calls for a stakeout use map view to look for a special map tag, click on it and your Sim will go to the corner of the lot to do the stakeout. This is sometimes helpful for some stakeouts.

When doing random stakeouts, you want to leave room for the stakeout action to take place or else the game says something like There's nothing going on here. However, this also happens if nothing happens during the stakeout. Though some of these stakeouts still count toward the stakeout want or wish you pin to complete.

If the stakeout doesn't go right first try, leave the lot and come back to it by clicking on the map tag in map view.

****

– If the case icon is slightly off screen and you click it and you can't select Visit lot, use the mouse or arrow keys to go over to the lot and then click the mailbox and/or garbage can to Inspect or search for clues.

****

– If having a hard time following along with a case. Click on the Opportunity tab in the user interface for notes on the case.

****

– If needing to inspect something and it doesn't give the option, click Map View to look for special map tags on the map.

****

– Mouse over the Lifetime Wish to see information about the wish and case count.

****

– Work outfits are known to be buggy. Have Sim switch to another outfit before saving the game. Or else you'll load your save and find an invisible Sim. This can be fixed by clicking the dresser and and select plan outfit or click on Sim and select Change Outfit.

****

– Tip: Trying to Confirm Presence

Once Sim goes to work (into their rabbithole), around 9am you should be able to confirm presence. This part may fail if trying in the afternoon.

****

– Issue: Game assigning Service Sims for cases.

If you find you aren't able to search the garbage on an unoccupied lot and need to cancel the case. It's suggested to either try case again, during the day. You may need to try more than once. - You can use Nraas Debug Enabler to get the case list. See case list below.

****

~ ✽✽ If needed, use Nraas DebugEnabler to help restart or jump to another step of a case:

Nraas Debug Enabler

How To Use Nraas DebugEnabler's PI Case List - (with screenshots) Under the spoiler tag.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Click Active Sim > Nraas > DebugEnabler > Options: Cellphone > See long list of options > Click on Opportunities > Add Opportunity > Careers > Click on Case > Long Case List

~ Nraas DebugEnabler Case List

Nraas Name | (In-Game Name)

BadApple - (One Bad Apple)
BadCall - (The Bad Call) - Needs a Big Park lot in Town to trigger the case.
BallotStuffing - (Ballot Buffoonery)
CullinaryBackstab - (Cullinary Backstab)
DigDirt - (Little Dirt)
FishingUnion - (Fishermen's Local 105)
Fish Kid - (Someone's Fishy)
FreakyFans - (Enthusiastic Fans)
GnomeKicker - (Gnome Footsy)
HackJob - (Hacker Elite)
LostWallet - (Missing Billfold)
Loved - (Unsure Heart) - Needs a Boy/Girlfriend Couple in Town to trigger the case.
MailFraud - (Snail Mail Jam)
ManLoved - (In the Name of Love) - Needs a Boy/Girlfriend Couple in Town to trigger the case.
MarketValue - (Price Gouged Produce)
MissingBook - (Closed Chapter)
MissingCar - (Wayward Jalopy) - Needs consignment shop to trigger the case and it's about the timing of doing the stakeout. Suggested to do in the morning hours and visiting the shop during business hours. - Maybe need to know the consignment shop Sim before it can trigger?
MissingFlamingo - (Bye Bye Flamingo)
MissingFriend - (Missing Mate)
MissingGirlfriend - (Bermuda Triangle Love Triangle)
NoCar - (Disappearing Auto)
RobotHeist - (Great Clap Trap of an Art Heist) - Timing needs to be right to confirm criminal presence - around 9am.
RogueCop - (Cop Gone Rogue) - Needs a Salon to trigger the case and it's about the timing, check City Hall between 8:30 am - 9am.
Secret Admirer - (The Crush)
Spa - (Freshwater Pumps) - Needs Salon and timing needs to be right, check in with a stylist during business hours to trigger the case.
StolenRing - (Naked Ring Finger)
SuperFruit - (Mutan Fruits)
ToothBrush - (Backwashed Toothbrush)

~ Private Investigator Case List:

We put this list together to help us test the PI Career and it's many cases. We found it super helpful so we thought why not share.

- The cases are numbered to better keep track of them and are going from easiest to hardest. You may not get them in this order in your game.
- You'll get any where between §500. and §1000 per case.

✦ 1. Gnome Footsy:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 2. Missing Mouthwash:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 3. Digging for Dirt:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 4. Hacked!:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 5. Hacked Off Client:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 6. Scrounging for Blackmail:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 7.Rumor Mill:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 8. Stolen Credit Card:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 9. Longing Heart:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 10. Snail Mail Jam:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 11. Closed Chapter:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 12. Bye Bye Flamingo:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 13. Missing Mate:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 14. In the Name of Love:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 15. Backwashed Toothbrush:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 16. Missing Pink Feathers:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 17. Hacker Elite:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 18. Little Dirt:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 19. The Crush:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 20. Footsore Floater:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 21. Bermuda Triangle Love Triangle:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 22. Aloof Academic:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 23. Missing Billfold:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 24. Unsure Heart:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 25. The Bad Call:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 26. Enthusiastic Fans:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 27. One Bad Apple:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 28. Ballot Buffoonery:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 29. Naked Ring Finger:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 30. A Spook Story:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 31. Tattooed Thief:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 32. Price Gouged Produce:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 33. Mutant Fruits:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 34. Culinary Backstab:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 35. Freshwater Pumps:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 36. Someone's Fishy:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 37. Fishermen's Local 105:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 38. Great Clap Trap of an Art Heist:
- Case may not get successfully solved if the Science Lab has been moved/replaced, rabbithole rug or door has been used.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 39. Disappearing Auto:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 40. Cop Gone Rogue:
- Case Cancels Itself or Doesn't Work Properly.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

[nbsp]
✦ 41. Wayward Jalopy:
- Case Cancels Itself or Doesn't Work Properly.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✽✽ See screenshots of the error message for the two cases mention above and some information on how to prevent the error, under the spoiler tag below.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

✦ 42. Help Investigate/Offer Psychic Services:
- This case is not for the Private Investigator. It's for the Fortune Teller Career (Supernatural Expansion). The game cancels the case or it doesn't work properly.

✽✽ This case should be canceled when it comes up or will either be reset by Nraas ErrorTrap or stuck in a loop of trying to help the police.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2019, 06:37:54 PM »

* Name: Calista Bloom
* Gender/Type: Female Human
* Age: YA

* Traits: Bookworm, Computer Wiz, Genius, Loves the Outdoors, Perceptive
* LTW: Perceptive Private Eye
* Favorites: Goopy Carbonara, Geek Rock and Pink
* Sign: Cancer

Nindigo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2019, 08:17:05 PM »

This is the Sim I will be playing for this challenge. You will find him to be a child when you load up a fresh Sunset Valley. Below is just about how I envision him as a grown up. Miraj has been my Sims 3 crush for several years

Name: Miraj Alvi
Gender/Type: Male, Human Sim
Age: Young Adult

Traits: Family-Oriented, Good, Neat, Perceptive, Ambitious
Lifetime Wish: Perceptive Private Eye
Favorites: Kids (music), Pancakes (food), Sea foam (color)
Astrological Sign: Pisces

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2019, 12:40:49 PM »

1st play-through, last night, I wasn't sure what I was doing. Didn't have very many tools (Laptop/bookcase) to help move things along, so I started over.

2nd play-through I am a little better prepared (?) I start off by putting off getting Calista a job and have her head straight for the junk yard to rummage through the dumpsters. While she was doing that, the mascot stopped by and the portal popped onto the lot, which I sold both as well as the camera to help buy the bookshelf, a desk, lamp and laptop.

She's only got two cases done, and starting on logic.

Both times I picked the same house - Teacup Chihuahua 1010 Dogwood Lane, Riverview. Remodeled it and saved it to the library, before starting the game. Hoping to move her into the remodeled version soon.

Still not fully confident we're going this the "right" way, but we're having fun.

Nindigo · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2019, 01:46:55 PM »

Quote from: MrsFlynn

Still not fully confident we're going this the "right" way, but we're having fun.

Looking at the rules and overall goal we decided on, how can we be going the wrong way?

Playalot is probably just completing the challenge before writing anything at all

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2019, 01:56:31 PM »

Oh, errm.. I was meaning me and Calista. *Blush*

We're PI lv3, and lv3 in logic. It's funny watching them do stakeouts.

Quote from: Nindigo on March 01, 2019, 01:46:55 PM

Looking at the rules and overall goal we decided on, how can we be going the wrong way? Playalot is probably just completing the challenge before writing anything at all

Nindigo · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2019, 04:14:24 PM »

Ah, my misunderstanding - sorry. And yes, stake outs do look funny

No one can see me...right? *shifty eyes*

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2019, 04:26:57 PM »

Or you have your Sim go on a stakeout and they don't even change into their PI uniform. *Snicker*

I'm finding we can rummage and inspect for clues in the garbage can even if someone is outdoors on the lot.

I feel as if Bob Newbie was staring at me saying he knew what I was up to...

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #9 on:** March 01, 2019, 04:41:08 PM »

Calista is now Lv5 Logic, Lv4 PI, and has the opportunistic LTR. She has a magnifying glass and finger printing kit in her personal inventory.

It looks like they are given as promotional awards. I see I already sold the door, but I was wondering if the two other items are needed for something? Like that's maybe what helps with investigations ? Or are they not really needed? -- Tried to sell 'em just as a test and they can't be deleted.

* Just checked the family inventory - Still have the Professional's Frosted Door Investigator's Case Board. These can be sold, if desired. As these pieces aren't necessarily needed. The magnifying glass and finger printing kit are.

Nindigo · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2019, 05:55:44 PM »

Quote from: MrsFlynn

...but I was wondering if the two other items are needed for something?

Miraj is using a magnifying glass and dusting for fingerprints in his investigations now, but I don't know if he is using these specific items or if they are simply visuals in the animations.

I have kept all rewards so far and put them in his home. He is fairly well off - 12357 simoleons. Of course, he is rarely home, so the bills are minimal. Like 80 simoleons tops.

I haven't done anything in ways of decorating or building. Guess I'm a bit boring not spending any money. Aside from the bribes. My gosh, the bribes! And to think that a lot of the time, his clients are actually grade school kids

I know the Broke family must not be so broke anymore after all the money (hundreds) they've taken. I have purchased the Profession Simoleon Booster lifetime reward to counter those bribe expenses. Since we didn't make it a rule not to, I thought it to be okay.

His logic is still at level 6, and he has solved 15 cases so far. I try to accommodate his wishes as they pop up. Right now, he has one to conduct 10 stakeouts...whew. I've also put in all packs now, only had Ambition installed when I started out. I sold Emit's teleporter and the university bucket. Unfortunately, I couldn't sell the jock as well...

Snooping for clues.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #11 on:** March 01, 2019, 06:12:20 PM »

PI lv6, Logic Lv5, not sure how many cases or stakeouts done. There doesn't seem to be any records of those things via the game. I haven't been taking personal notes on them.

I have moved Calista into her remodeled house and furnished it a bit more with slightly better furniture. She only had a little over $2000 right now. *Blush*

My best guess is that the magnifying glass and finger printing kit are placed in their inventory to use when needed for a case. Calista used both of them on her last case. Had to dust for prints and snoop for clues.

While she was away from home at the police station, a burglar can and took her $250 toilet. The toilet!! Not the over $1000 laptop on the desk, but the toilet. *Smacking Forehead* -- I just noticed, the couch is missing too. *Sigh* they took off with the couch!! Grr!!

Tips:

If we're to inspect something, and it doesn't give the option, click Map View to look for special icons on the map.

If having a hard time following along with a case. Click on the Opportunity tab for notes on the case.

Nindigo · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2019, 06:49:09 PM »

Quote from: MrsFlynn

There doesn't seem to be any records of those things via the game.

If you have the Pervasive Private Eye LTW, then you can hover your mouse over it to see how many cases you have solved out of the required 35. But other than this, there doesn't seem to be a way of learning of it short of keeping tabs yourself. Of course, if you don't have that particular LTW, there isn't much use for knowing how many cases you have solved anyway.

Thanks for reminding me to buy a burglar alarm!

Nindigo · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2019, 07:19:53 AM »

Okies, folks. I have completed this challenge, but very likely in the most straightforward, boring manner possible. Miraj is only 7 cases from completing his associated Pervasive Private Eye Lifetime Wish which means, that if he had not read up on logic to begin with, he could have completed both the LTW and the challenge in one go. $:-\$

I have had my Sim do a few stakeouts most of which were a part of a specific investigation. I also had him use a computer once to report on stakeout just to try it. Other than that, I have kept him working around the clock, actively obtaining cases either from the police station or via a computer at the library. Perhaps twice, he received a call in between cases and was offered one directly from a towns person.

Three times, he solved a bigger special case and was rewarded by the town council with trophies and/or medals. Sometimes, the cases themselves provided a minor reward - he has received two magic gnomes, for instance.

Miraj has gotten to know the entire town in the process of becoming a Private Eye. This could be useful if one is also working on the charisma skill and its associated challenges. Speaking of charisma - I chose consistently to use bribes instead of befriending the Sim I needed information from. I used bribes of 100 Simoleons each time to make sure I was successful. Yes, I often am the impatient type.

I did not build any friendships for Miraj partly due to impatience and partly because it would be rather awkward if his friend or loved one turned out to be the culprit in a case.

Aside from the repetitive element, I think the Investigator profession is a pretty cool one and perfect for storytelling purposes. Miraj will get his LTW, of course, and then he will be ready to begin life in proper

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #14 on:** March 03, 2019, 08:49:11 AM »

Calista's stats are: PI lv9, Logic lv7. 11/35 cases done. As of right now.

After a few hiccups I finally got back on track with the game. And after a bit, I too finally realized it's repetitive nature. Report in, talk to suspects, search for clues, dust for prints. Can do stakeouts and write reports to help in leveling up. It's still been a pretty fun play-through. Each time my game would throw me curve-balls, I'd go back a save and start from that point and learned what to expect for the PI career.

Odd thing - Now that we've found a work-around for the break in issue (by visiting lot when family is home) it seems -very- awkward to be dusting for prints or searching for clues while they family is home. Calista hasn't gotten yelled at for being inappropriate though so I suppose that's a good thing? *Shrug*

I have added some tips to the 2nd post -
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=30642.msg490343#msg490343

Nindigo · « **Reply #15 on:** March 03, 2019, 11:07:21 AM »

End-challenge photo of Private Eye Miraj Alvi.

Update: He has completed the Pervasive Private Eye LTW now which has taken him 3 Sim weeks exactly.

Playalot · « **Reply #16 on:** March 03, 2019, 06:13:18 PM »

Congrats @Nindgo Laughed about the not so broke Broke family. Miraj ages up rather handsomely!

Meet Jaxon Slade, slightly panicking P.I. Extraordinaire.

Jaxon: Not panicking.
Watcher: K.... Let me redo: *ahem* Meet Jason Slade, slightly constipated P.I. Extraordinaire.

Name: Jaxon Slade
Gender/Type: Male, Human Sim
Age: Young Adult

Traits: Genius, Perceptive, Loves The Outdoors, Brave (seems doubtful but whatever) and Athletic.
Lifetime Wish: Perceptive Private Eye
Favorites: Indie, Fish and Chips, Blue
Astrological Sign: Taurus

Transferred to Riverview to gather background information on a Person of Interest.

Playalot · « **Reply #17 on:** March 03, 2019, 09:22:42 PM »

This town is weird, no doubt about that.

A lot of the residents have a shoe fetish. Not what I was expecting.

They also like to hold interviews in the bathrooms, not that I am a stranger to bathrooms. No. Wait, that's not what I meant...

Anyway, I've been busy

Real busy

And just when I was about to get the goods on the Person of Importance....my phone rang. I'm no closer identifying this person than I was four days ago. The clock's ticking.

End of day 4:
Investigator L7 'Licensed Snoop'
8 Cases Solved
Charisma and Logic L6
Rewards: Opportunistic, Inappropriate But In A Good Way, Observant
Medals: Investigators Medal of Honor (LOL) and Eagle-Eyed Eavesdropper Medallion
Cheats Used: Needs Static as I felt I better get a hurry on and catch up with you both! lol

Pretty much been doing non-stop Cases and chatting to everyone to build Charisma. I've been blackmailing everyone I can and 'taking' items for "Evidence". Have around 9k in simoleons.

Had a glitch where I couldn't get a case to register as solved so I cancelled it and took another. Apart from that, everything's going well and I'm having fun. It's a pretty cute profession to play through. Wouldn't like to grind it with needs dynamic though to be honest, it would probably be a bit slow-going for me that way.

Nindigo · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2019, 10:21:15 PM »

Good captures! Certainly a cool guy you have there

I find the Riverview townies a bit bland to be honest, but that's a topic for a different thread.

The animations associated with this profession are quite good, I think. The snooping is really quirky

I got a couple of opportunities at the polics department that wouldn't register as completed, so I cancelled them. I wonder if they are the same that were bugged in your game.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2019, 10:45:02 PM »

I sadly haven't gotten anymore opportunities at the police station since the opportunities glitched game. I ended up deleting that one, since it was a bad save.

Playalot · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2019, 10:59:53 PM »

Yes, it was an opportunity at the Police Station that wouldn't register as complete, guess that is just simply bugged in all games. Something about the modified tomatoes chain and I had to use my psychic powers..or something like that anyway.
I was just thinking how much I like Riverview and wondering why I hadn't played it for so long. I really like the townies especially Hunter Cottoneye and Yuri Ivanov. Something about their bios really tickle me!

Is your save now cooperating with you MrsFlynn? Be a bit tedious to have to start again!

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #21 on:** March 03, 2019, 11:28:49 PM »

There is something about Hunter isn't there? *Snicker*

Yep, my game is behaving better now.

Calista relaxing by the pool at Jon's party -

I did learn that I need to have her switch to Everyday, or another outfit before saving the game. If saved with the IP outfit on, there's a chance that they'll become invisible. That's happened at least a couple times now. Reset Sim or Nraas MasterController Reset Everything helps. But knowing the work outfit can cause issues helps more.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2019, 12:18:47 AM »

I went back to an earlier save just to see if I could get some of the same glitches to happen. I haven't had any opportunities for the police station come up. But maybe that's for the best?

The only thing that has happened so far is she has turned invisible, due to being saved with her work outfit on. -- That has been fixed.

Calista's stats are:

Week 2 Day 2
PI Lv8, Logic Lv7, Handi Lv4. 9/35 cases done.

In her personal inventory, she's has the Honor Trophy, Magnifying Glass, Fingerprinting Dust Kit, and Yomoshoto Evasion.

In her family inventory she has Professional's Frosted Door, and Investigator's Case Board.

In my game where she was (I think) IP lv9 she had two Festus 44 Stoves, but now I'm kind of wondering where they came from. Work case opportunity or a different opportunity.

Anyway, the reason I ask is to see if either of you have these? And if you know if it's a work opp?

Deklitch · « **Reply #23 on:** March 04, 2019, 12:44:57 AM »

It looks like the Festuses? Festus'? Festi? come as a reward from one of the cases: The Case of the Culinary Backstab.

https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Investigator/cases is a link to all the cases, the one that comes from is about halfway down the page.
Reward for the case is Job Experience, §500, Stove: Festus 44. So you must be able to complete each one more than once.

I recall when I played through the investigator career a while ago I loved some of the mission titles - especially the 'backwashed toothbrush' one.

Edited to Add: I understand that the ones where you have to use your psychic powers are somehow bugged. Something to do with the actual interaction between the PI Career and the Police Station, if I remember rightly. And yes, the only way to get around it that I know of is to cancel the case and try for another one. And a thought that just occurred to me ... does the clothes you wear when going to the police station impact on whether the steps can be finished or not?

Edit to Add 2: Another way to solve your disappearing sim is to send them to a chest of drawers and have them change clothes to one of their normal (non career) outfits.

Edited to Add 3: Any restriction on becoming a celebrity vs not becoming a celebrity? And what about the different lifestates? Would the vampire powers, for example, have any impact on getting people to talk to you ... would changing to a werewolf and howling at the moon cause them confess? Would changing to a fairy and sneaking through the keyhole enable you to steal from them without the victim being any the wiser? Am I just being overly silly now?

Playalot · « **Reply #24 on:** March 04, 2019, 02:30:48 AM »

No restrictions on much to be honest as we just wanted to have fun and enjoy a relaxed game. Being a different life state could definitely have some advantages. But that's ok, each person can tailor it to their level of pain! lol

My sim has me giggling at him quite often, the faces he pulls are ridiculous! I've never seen these grumpy ones ever from him. This is an unplayed sim but just the clone of my fav sim I keep in my bin so I know him well.

The intricacies of some of the cases are fab, so enjoyable to be led around the town interacting with a variety of townie sims in search of the end.

Great to hear your game is behaving now MrsFlynn. I remembered not to save my game while Jaxon was in his work outfit but I had a moment where I thought he'd gone invisible...but nope, just gone up some stairs without me noticing so the camera was still on the ground floor! Hahaha! *Facepalm*

Playalot · « **Reply #25 on:** March 04, 2019, 04:03:52 AM »

The next few days were busy. I had a lead.
Sherman: Hi Jaxon
Wait. What? What do you mean? You can see me Sherman?
Whole Town: YES!

Well, I didn't care, I'd solved the Case of the Stolen Fruit! Woo!

But back to my main mission. Odin said he had to meet me urgently in the Library. Clandestine meetings in the library? Hells yeah, I'll take that any day over the Men's Bathroom.

A few suspicious chairs later...

And I had - Nothing. I decided to hit the town, George's party was just what I needed to blow some steam.

The next day saw me in a sorry state, head pounding, excessive and compulsive sneaking and this feeling that the Person of Importance was close but not close enough.

Wowzers, end of day 10:
L10 of the Private Investigator Career, "Private Eye"
18 cases solved
approx $32k
Charisma 7 Logic 8
Added the Attractive and Never Dull rewards.
Sold the Yomoshoto Car for $9,800
Nauseous Moodlet and Charitable Moodlets earned as rewards for solved cases. lol The Charitable Moodlet is great, +50 for 24 hrs.
Also one Mysterious Mr. Gnome, which I sold for 1k

I had a whole string of cases that had about 5-6 levels to them and they took an age to complete. I also stopped using Needs Static cheat so have been topping up my sims Energy but all other needs I've been dealing with.

I didn't get the Investigator's Key to the Town award for reaching L10 sadly, I think because my sims glitched out and now sneaks everywhere something has gone a little wrong with my save! Despite that I'll continue playing, the sneaking constantly isn't really an issue, it does slow him down a little but not badly enough for me to want to start again.

Nindigo · « **Reply #26 on:** March 04, 2019, 05:12:52 AM »

I saved all the time while Miraj was in his work outfit - he never went invisible, not even once. I'm really puzzled as to why your games are giving you so much trouble

Does the version of the game make a difference? Mine is 1.69. I started out only with Ambitions installed and enabled the rest of the packs later. Does that affect the game in a possitive way? Also, I have very little CC...does this have an affect?

The stove is a reward, yes. Miraj got one. Loved getting the Yomoshoto Evasion!

Well done, Jaxon! I had some of the longer quest chains as well.

Playalot · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2019, 06:16:37 AM »

Could be CC or Mods, I have a truck load of both and most of the Store installed too. It's not a big deal, I don't class glitches like this game stopping and I could solve it by evicting Jaxon and then placing him back in his home...only that will reset his case count on in LTW back to zero..so yeah, not going to do that! ~~I'm playing in 1.69 too pretty sure~~* (will check tomorrow as I just closed own my game for the night) but the glitch happened because I had two 'sneak here' interactions queued up and exactly as I cancelled the second one his phone rang, and that was enough to cause him to be stuck in 'sneak mode'.

Agree, getting the car as a reward is great. It's such a bonus either way you look at it, a decent car for your sim or instant cash.

*Nope, I'm an idiot: playing in 1.67

Nindigo · « **Reply #28 on:** March 04, 2019, 08:00:49 AM »

I chose to keep it. Before it, he just had a big lemon that I had painted black. For some reason, I prefer to not use cabs/taxis. In fact, I think there are too many of them - is it because Late Night is installed?

I love the magic gnomes, too. Garden gnomes aren't much of a thing where I live, guess I just find them cute.

Understandable that you aren't going to evict your Sim. 35 cases are a lot and losing just one is just not worth it.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #29 on:** March 04, 2019, 08:17:16 AM »

I don't know if the version really makes a difference. From what I understand the only difference between 1.67 and 1.69 is that 1.69 ties Sims 3 to Origin and 1.67 doesn't need Origin to play.

It's been a long standing bug that Sims disapear if their work outfit is bugged. It might also be somewhat bugged if the game gets saved and Sim is wearing said work outfit.

What packs are installed vs not installed may make a difference. Same goes with custom content, mods and store content. As it's most likely the load on the game that can make things unstable. Specially when playing for an extended amount of time.

Quote from: Nindigo on March 04, 2019, 05:12:52 AM

Does the version of the game make a difference? Mine is 1.69. I started out only with Ambitions installed and enabled the rest of the packs later. Does that affect the game in a positive way? Also, I have very little CC...does this have an affect?

Agathon · « **Reply #30 on:** March 04, 2019, 01:42:32 PM »

Quote from: Playalot on March 04, 2019, 06:16:37 AM

Could be CC or Mods, I have a truck load of both and most of the Store installed too. It's not a big deal, I don't class glitches like this game stopping and I could solve it by evicting Jaxon and then placing him back in his home...only that will reset his case count on in LTW back to zero..so yeah, not going to do that! I'm playing in 1.69 too pretty sure (will check tomorrow as I just closed own my game for the night) but the glitch happened because I had two 'sneak here' interactions queued up and exactly as I cancelled the second one his phone rang, and that was enough to cause him to be stuck in 'sneak mode'.

The constant sneaking can be easily fixed by Nraas Debug Enabler: Click on the sim, Options Sim - Reset Walk.

Playalot · « **Reply #31 on:** March 04, 2019, 02:46:12 PM »

Thanks @Agathon

don't have that installed right now and evicting is an easy fix too, just not for this particular play through.

Also I'm playing in 1.67 can never remember which game build I use lol.

Deklitch · « **Reply #32 on:** March 04, 2019, 02:47:40 PM »

So I decided to take part in the playthrough.

This is Bill Christie ... he's a PI so we can't show you his face in case he needs to stake out the library using some very expensive scenery. He's currently reading all about logic.

I can share that he is friendly, perceptive, eccentric, charismatic, and a genius. He wants to be a pervasive private eye. I'm playing with make needs static.

His house, I have subsequently replaced the front door with the frosted professional door. This is the Tish Cottage at 27 Lost Willow Drive.

A case brought him to the Yuri Ivanov house where Jon Lesson was chatting up the daughter. He's had to dig through their rubbish and their mail twice - perhaps they really do have something to hide!?!
Week 1 Tuesday in game - at 5 cases completed, level 4 career, 4 Logic and 2 Charisma. Rewards - Frosted Professional's Door; Honor Trophy (3 cases reward); Magnifying Glass; Finger Print Kit. Also got a Mysterious Mr Gnome (which was sold) for completing a case. Got him observant LTR.

Playalot · « **Reply #33 on:** March 04, 2019, 02:52:02 PM »

Welcome along Bill Christie

Nindigo · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2019, 04:53:21 PM »

Great to have you aboard, Deklitch. Good luck with Bill

Deklitch · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2019, 05:16:13 PM »

I'm loving this!
I really don't have much experience with Charisma in game, and my sims almost never get a point in that skill as a result. I am using this as a bit of a run through re that for my current Sims 3 ID.

It does seem to me that this would be a useful unique career for one of the Sims 3 Dynasty Challenges that requires multiple unique opportunities, as each case takes up the career opportunity slot.

Currently he is at Tues Wk1@8:28pm Level 4 PI; 4 Logic, 4 Char; 6 cases

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #36 on:** March 04, 2019, 06:58:36 PM »

Calista doing the Smustle while waiting for Billy Caspian to get home, so she could finish a case.

Date: Week 2 Day 5 - Thurs.
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv8, Handi Lv5. 12/35 cases done.
Funds: $19,183.

Didn't do much this playthrough other than do some low-level work at the police station for some quick cash, a couple cases and a steak out.

Question - Is there repeat cases? Or is it my game just being odd?

Calista got a case about something to do with a toothbrush early on in her career it completely just fine. Then got a call to complete the same one from a different client. Started going to interview the client and then stopped got out of her car and stood on the side of the road. The option was still there, so I clicked it again to interview client. And she grabbed out her phone and called the client and boom it was done?

Now that I'm thinking about it more, it doesn't sound like it fully completed as we usually get notices from when cases are completed.

Playalot · « **Reply #37 on:** March 04, 2019, 07:09:35 PM »

Yes, definite repeats on the cases. My sim did the one about tomatoes twice and the missing toothbrush/floss? a few times. I'm a bit guilt of not actually paying attention to their titles sorry. I also had a case where a phone call completed the last step of a case, but it definitely did count against his LTW.

Playalot · « **Reply #38 on:** March 04, 2019, 07:09:50 PM »

The Mayor awarded me The Investigators Keepsake and the Ribbon of Bravery in the same day. Loads to celebrate but at the back of my mind I was starting to piece together the evidence.

I couldn't ignore what my gut was telling me. I put aside the fact that I was about to accuse my Best Friend. Just had to man up and get it done. He denied all knowledge, I knew he wouldn't go down without a fight. I needed that one last piece of evidence that would nail him to the crime scene.

Finally I had it. The last butt print that placed him at the crime scene categorically.

I confronted him. He came clean and explained that he'd stumbled across the Shrouded. Intelligence. Military. Secrets. as he was attempting to download some mods for his favorite game. In his panic he's deleted his browsing history and hoped for the best.

Case closed. After a quick check I could see his story was the truth. I knew it was out there somewhere.

I wasn't quite ready to quit this town, it had grown on me. As had it's quirky inhabitants. I'd had my eye on a sweet little property down by the river. Time to take a break and enjoy the good life.

Strange noises woke me up that night.

I guess it was time to hit the gym, this good life was starting to hit my waist line.

Welcome Xavier!

Day 17 completed the LTW
Received the Key to the City, Investigators Keepsake and The Ribbon of Bravery Service Award the same day
2x Festus 44's
3 more Magic Gomes
Minty Breath Moodlet, Charitable and Nauseous again.
Had $75,177
Purchased and moved into 509 Riverview Road, had $1413 remaining
Charisma L9
Logic L10
Cooking L5
Gardening L3

I enjoyed this a lot. Love the way TS3 throws you a curve ball every now and then and super pleased to have had an alien pregnancy to finish with!

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #39 on:** March 04, 2019, 07:20:43 PM »

I wanted to answer these questions Dek had.

The Help Investigate using psychic powers is bugged. It doesn't matter what outfit the Sim is wearing when they are sent to the police station. I tried it this morning with a test game with my Sim in an Everyday outfit and in their PI uniform and still would register as completed.

I don't think the supernaturals have any impact on the PI career. I don't think the game is that "smart" if that makes sense.

For example, I don't think being a fairy and sneaking through the keyhole would do anything. As the game seems to be programmed to basically kick the Sims off the lot if the owner is not home.

You can have your Sim kind of search through the mailbox and rummage through the garbage can. They'll still try to go home. But you can easily cancel out of that to stop them from leaving and not completing that part of the case.

However, if your Sim tries to break in and dust for prints or search for clues eventually the Sim will teleport out and try to go home.

From what I understand it's a conflict in the game programming.

Quote from: Deklitch on March 04, 2019, 12:44:57 AM

Edited to Add: I understand that the ones where you have to use your psychic powers are somehow bugged. Something to do with the actual interaction between the PI Career and the Police Station, if I remember rightly. And yes, the only way to get around it that I know of is to cancel the case and try for another one. And a thought that just occurred to me ... does the clothes you wear when going to the police station impact on whether the steps can be finished or not?

Edited to Add 3: Any restriction on becoming a celebrity vs not becoming a celebrity? And what about the different lifestates? Would the vampire powers, for example, have any impact on getting people to talk to you ... would changing to a werewolf and howling at the moon cause them confess? Would changing to a fairy and sneaking through the keyhole enable you to steal from them without the victim being any the wiser? Am I just being overly silly now?

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #40 on:** March 04, 2019, 07:24:37 PM »

Ah Thank you for letting me know. I thought I my game was a goner again.

Hmm.. I wonder if that's partly what happened in my game, that the phone call completed the last step of the case, but didn't count towards the LTW.

Quote from: Playalot on March 04, 2019, 07:09:35 PM

Yes, definite repeats on the cases. My sim did the one about tomatoes twice and the missing toothbrush/floss? a few times. I'm a bit guilt of not actually paying attention to their titles sorry. I also had a case where a phone call completed the last step of a case, but it definitely did count against his LTW.

Playalot · « **Reply #41 on:** March 04, 2019, 07:38:04 PM »

In some ways playing as a supernatural state would be to your advantage. Witch sims would be able to use powers (depending on their hidden skill level) to top up needs etc, and as they level alchemy faster could also use potions to make instant friends etc Other sims can also use potions, my human did but he was restricted to whatever was on sale at the Consignment Store.

But as for having a direct impact on the profession, no I agree with you MrsFlynn, there is nothing in the code for that kind of game play. Really, being a supernatural would be a greater benefit if you were to play with all needs dynamic and have already leveled up some of the supernaturals unique skills.

The conflict to go home while searching bins/mailboxes etc was very minimal. Perhaps it was because I had purchased the Inappropriate But In A Good Way Lifetime Reward early on in my play-through. But once cancelled for me, it stayed cancelled as long as my sim was actively doing something and not just standing around on a residential lot while the owners were out.

My sim broke into many houses and never teleported away, nor tried to leave the lot if busy. Be worth testing if it is the Inappropriate reward making that difference. I'd just assumed it would make a difference, which is why I choose to purchase it as soon as possible.

Leveling up charisma skill is great. Once you hit that sweet spot where a charming introduction grants you instant friends, makes life easy for any sim.

Nindigo · « **Reply #42 on:** March 05, 2019, 06:43:17 AM »

@Playalot Congrats on the alien babe

Miraj only had the Profession Simoleon Booster LTR since I chose bribes over befriending. He had no problem searching mailboxes and bins while nobody was home. There was only a problem when he tried snooping around and/or dusting for fingerprints if nobody was home.

He also had quite a few repeat minor cases. My guess is that there are about a handful of these to act as a filler between the bigger special cases.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #43 on:** March 05, 2019, 08:07:33 AM »

Feeling stuck on a case - (The Great Clap Trap of an Art Heist)

Everything is completed so far of this particular case except for Confirming suspected Sim. I have to wait till they're at work. Thinking that means waiting till Mon, after 8am to confirm criminal's presence.

Date: Week 2 Day 7 - Sat. 6:23pm
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv8, Handi Lv5. 14/35 cases done.
Funds: $23,823.

Update: Canceled the case, as the option to confirm criminal's presence disappeared. It may have conflicted with the other opportunity (Not related to PI career) that came up at the science center.

I can't tell if that means that case is bugged or if it's just oops my bad.

Date: Week 3 Day 2 - Mon. 3:26pm
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv8, Handi Lv5. 14/35 cases done.
Funds: $33,123.

Has anyone else run into this case? If so what was your experience? I tried to find out more information about the case via this site - https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Investigator/cases ; but it doesn't have anything on this particular case.

Nindigo · « **Reply #44 on:** March 05, 2019, 09:07:56 AM »

I believe I did, but I have nothing of use to add since I don't remember how exactly it went. I do recall, however, that it was a bit of an odd situation, and I think the case completed when the suspect simply showed up for work (business tower), but Miraj wasn't there when it happened.

deedee_828 · « **Reply #45 on:** March 05, 2019, 09:50:01 AM »

You all have done a great job with this! I love the pics and congrats on your alien son Jaxon! I always loved the PI profession, then it started glitching out and you couldn't search for clues or anything.

But it sounds like most of that is fixed except for those psychic cases at the police department. Glad to hear that as I now have two Perceptive sims in my heir generation and can't wait to give this profession another shot. Since my Sim is a born in game, it won't be the same as starting with a new YA like you all did, but I hope it's just as much fun!

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #46 on:** March 05, 2019, 09:52:19 AM »

I had a similar case where Calista has to confirm criminal's presence (Auto Theft) Goal: "Confirm Criminal's Presence" at local Business Office (Tower) while suspect is at work. It worked flawlessly. Seemed to be done in an instant.

The case just above happened to come in after having to cancel the The Great Clap Trap of an Art Heist case (Science center)

Quote from: Nindigo on March 05, 2019, 09:07:56 AM

I believe I did, but I have nothing of use to add since I don't remember how exactly it went. I do recall, however, that it was a bit of an odd situation, and I think the case completed when the suspect simply showed up for work (business tower), but Miraj wasn't there when it happened.

Nindigo · « **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2019, 02:31:12 PM »

Quote from: deedee_828

But it sounds like most of that is fixed except for those psychic cases at the police department.

Those are exactly the opportunities that would not complete. Thanks for the reminder.

Playalot · « **Reply #48 on:** March 05, 2019, 03:57:11 PM »

Quote from: MrsFlynn on March 05, 2019, 08:07:33 AM

Feeling stuck on a case - (The Great Clap Trap of an Art Heist)

Everything is completed so far of this particular case except for Confirming suspected Sim. I have to wait till they're at work. Thinking that means waiting till Mon, after 8am to confirm criminal's presence.
..snip...

Has anyone else run into this case? If so what was your experience? I tried to find out more information about the case via this site - https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Investigator/cases ; but it doesn't have anything on this particular case.

The 'confirm presence' cases just require you to visit the work lot in those sims hours of work..makes sense, after all you can't arrest someone who isn't there. They can be a bit of a pain if you have to wait over a weekend, luckily with my play through it was just a case of going to the work lot as it already was during business hours.

@Nindigo @deedee_828 thanks, you have no idea how long I have been trying for an alien nooboo, and then when I am not even thinking about it..there ya go!

Deklitch · « **Reply #49 on:** March 05, 2019, 05:24:11 PM »

Just to clarify ... most of those questions were me being silly.

In my playthrough, Bill is on his 11 case and is level 5 in his career. PI Christie is at level 4 logic and level 7/8 Charisma and has completed the 100 jokes skill challenge - apparently tell funny story counts as jokes!?!

Sneaking for clues at a distant fishing spot - one of the flamingo cases - the one that people seem to love flamingos ...

And sneaking for clues at the art gallary - one of the other flamingo cases - the one that people seem to hate flamingos ...

Hunting for clues in the mail ... or perhaps he's just looking for his invite to something!?!

Reporting back to Constance Shelley re her flamingo ...

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #50 on:** March 05, 2019, 06:43:16 PM »

I should clarify that I actually waited around almost all day Monday to see if the suspect would go to work. It never happened and the option to confirm presence disappeared.

The best that I can tell is that it was my oopies as a previous unrelated (to the PI career) popped up for the science center and most likely conflicted with the case (also at the science center) my Sim was working on.

Quote from: Playalot on March 05, 2019, 03:57:11 PM

The 'confirm presence' cases just require you to visit the work lot in those sims hours of work..makes sense, after all you can't arrest someone who isn't there. They can be a bit of a pain if you have to wait over a weekend, luckily with my play through it was just a case of going to the work lot as it already was during business hours.

Playalot · « **Reply #51 on:** March 05, 2019, 08:28:05 PM »

@Deklitch Go Bill! I've never completed the 100 jokes skill challenge! I just never think to use jokes etc when socializing my sim! Love the disgust in the completion case text where your sim thinks it's rather terrible that people consider a plastic lawn ornament as "Art".

Gotcha MrsFlynn, did think it a bit weird you got stuck on that lol

Deklitch · « **Reply #52 on:** March 06, 2019, 07:09:43 AM »

Bill has now completed all the skill challenges of Charisma Skill - Charisma is at level 9.

Once Bill got the first few skill challenges done, I sent him to a house with a number of people (I chose the McDermotts, but the Brokes, the Shallows or the Ivanovichs would work). I greet each person in turn with the charming greeting. They jump to friend level. I then invite them to a meal at the restaurant (the more expensive one). They drive. I have the meal with them, and normally a number of other locals gather outside the restaurant. While I'm in having a meal with the first lot, I select the eat meal here with others and select everyone I can. Back and forth until you have the 10 Best Friends challenge met. Not even old Hunter 'Grumpypants' Cottoneye can resist the charms of Bill.

Oh, and he's now on his 17th case, at level 6 as a PI - Gumshoe. He's still at level 4 logic.

Nindigo · « **Reply #53 on:** March 06, 2019, 11:47:52 AM »

I can add the small piece of, perhaps self-explanatory information, that the magnifying glass and fingerprint dusting kit disappear from your Sim's personal inventory when you quit the profession.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #54 on:** March 06, 2019, 01:42:34 PM »

Date: Week 3 Day 4 - Wed. 8:22am
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv8 ; Handi Lv5 ; 15/35 cases done.
Funds: $37,185.
Misc. Info.:

Just got the art heist case again. Luckily it's a Wed. in-game. So it should go okay. *Fingers Crossed*

Most of the case is going well. It's Thurs. 3:14 am, so I'm having Calista do some low level police work till around 8am and then head to the science lab.

Suspect showed up around 9am and got 'em. Case closed and registered completed!!

Wha-hoo!! I'm actually thankful this case came back around and was successfully completed!!

This particular case isn't bugged, it was taking that unrelated science lab opportunity that glitched the case.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #55 on:** March 06, 2019, 04:59:52 PM »

Date: Week 4 Day 4 - Wed. 9:50pm
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv10 ; Handi Lv5 ; 25/35 cases done.
Funds: $56,874.
Misc. Info.:

Ten more cases to go!! I had a previous hiccup with a case, but it came around again and fully completed this time.

Calista is finally receiving some of the awards she didn't get earlier? I'm thinking due to the hiccups I had in the game early on. Let's see we have two Keys to the City, two Mysterious Gnomes, Honor Trophy, Hero Metal and car. It would have been 3 Gnomes, but sold one early in the game to help with living expenses at the time.

She had at one point the Hero Metal, but it disappeared ? Until just recently. Thinking the reset everything may have helped.

Did I mention something in the game made the car glitch and so after completing the case I reset everything just to be on the safe side.

I see Dek is going an awesome job!!

I almost forgot to mention, I gave Calista Inappropriate but in a good way to hopefully prevent prompting the go home when trying to go through the mail box, garbage and going inside Sims home when other Sim isn't home.

The game still prompted Go home for most things. Specially when I was trying to get her to break into a house when the family wasn't home. To complete that part of the case I had to have her wait till a member of the family was home.

Deklitch · « **Reply #56 on:** March 06, 2019, 06:46:25 PM »

I had an issue for a time there of Bill not being able to do a thing ... I'd click on his target, it would remain there for a few seconds and then the task would disappear. I then deleted the case, and tried to send him home ... same thing happened. So I found him and told him to walk to another point on the property he was on ... same thing, I ended up resetting him and he went back to normal.

Also - I love Hunter Cottoneye's formal wear - black singlet and shorts and flip flops/thongs. At least he's dressed in black

Great work Mrs Flynn! Are you playing with make needs static, or dynamic?

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #57 on:** March 06, 2019, 07:12:22 PM »

I had a similar thing happen where Calista wouldn't talk to people in a couple of cases. Had to cancel the case and hoped they came back around. One of them did. The other hasn't come up again yet.

I've used Reset Everything via MasterController once, maybe twice in my game due to some hiccups. Silly game.

Static needs of course.

Dynamic needs are for the tougher Simmers *Giggle-Snort*

I keep getting distracted now that it's Spring in my game... Gotta catch 'em all. *Snicker* Sell some, keep some.

So yeah, if you finish the game before me Dek, that's okay!! Unless you get the oooh shiny flowers like I do?

Deklitch · « **Reply #58 on:** March 06, 2019, 07:28:14 PM »

I think if I get distracted by anything it'll be the inventing skill

He is eccentric

I play without seasons installed.

I don't think anyone has died yet, though someone has moved house (Brackenridge, I think it is, in with Billy Caspian

Also Bill has a romantic interest

Elaine Joy ... she found him cute and apparently they had traits and starsigns that were a match.

So I had him flirt back ... nothing improper, at least not with her father standing behind her, staring at Bill all the time ...

Also all the eating out ... multiple times a day ... has seen Bill Christie put on a bit of weight

He's obviously the Bustopher Jones of the Sims world

"There can be no surprise that under our eyes he has grown unmistakably round"

Oh and the kid who starts as a toddler Dimitri, isn't it? ... He's aged up to child and his fashion sense is ... interesting

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #59 on:** March 06, 2019, 07:59:35 PM »

This only some-what relates to the IP thread, but wanted to ask about it anyway.

We found this dog barking in the Library the day before, as Calista had stopped there to question someone in a case. The next day, the dog showed up in her front yard. I quickly locked the doors from them just walking in. I've had that happen before.

I love pets in real life, but in-game not so much. I don't know if this dog has an owner or not. Is there a way to turn off or disable the "extra" pets and the pet adoption center?

I do have all strays turned off through Nraas Register > Animal Control. Still there's wondering pets.

Or is this a normal thing? I've been noticing this happening more and more in my game lately now that I've been playing more regularly again.

deedee_828 · « **Reply #60 on:** March 06, 2019, 09:08:30 PM »

Do you mean you want no pets at all in game?

If so, you can turn off pets using NRAAS>Register>Animal Control>set all animals to zero or just the ones you want or make the numbers very small. Is that just for strays?

And I think you can change the number of them overall in the world too---that may be under demographics---by species? maybe, then for horses, big and little dogs and cats.
Then change it in SP> Hhmm, not so sure about that process and I don't have it written down. I'll have to go check on that one.

Since I had no pets at all in IP due to the lag and glitchiness, I did allow pets in Riverview but limited it to no more than 3 in a household.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #61 on:** March 06, 2019, 09:35:44 PM »

I've got the game set to no pets in the Options already, and as I said in my post I have it set in Register = All stray animals to zero.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #62 on:** March 06, 2019, 10:37:41 PM »

Date: Week 5 Day 2 Mon.
Levels: PI Lv10, Logic Lv10 ; Handi Lv5 ; 35/35 cases done.
Funds: $80,497.

Reached 35/35 cases done!! Wha-hoo!!

I feel like once I got a rhythm down, it was easier to get cases done without to much distraction.

Deklitch · « **Reply #63 on:** March 06, 2019, 10:39:24 PM »

I dislike Pets almost as much as I dislike Seasons and don't have it running normally either. I remember no matter what I did, horses kept on annoying me with their antics when it was installed. And no, I don't like mods ... as Sheldon Cooper once put it I'd rather be disappointed in the order that George Lucas intended (replace George Lucas with EA)

And YAY Mrs Flynn! Well done!

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #64 on:** March 06, 2019, 10:55:13 PM »

How you doing in-game Dek? I saw your previous post from early this morning. Have you gotten to play since?

Quote from: Deklitch on March 06, 2019, 07:09:43 AM

Oh, and he's now on his 17th case, at level 6 as a PI - Gumshoe. He's still at level 4 logic.

Deklitch · « **Reply #65 on:** March 07, 2019, 01:23:52 AM »

No - work for me is happening and my boss doesn't appreciate me playing games while at work

But, close to end of work day

YAY end of work day is here ...

So, it's back to work for our PI

Hmmmm ... Norman is home and this time in the shot!
Norman - I suppose you're checking her throat for clues, young man?
Elaine - DAD! *blushes*
Bill - No Sir, I'm kissing your daughter.
Elaine - BILL! *blushes*
Norman - Very well, don't mind me. I do want grand kids.

Bill searched the database for the finger prints in the naked ring finger ...

And it was Flat Bloke who tried to frame his 'friend' Dallas Shallow by losing it.

Surely if he needed money THAT badly, he could have just pawned it. But it got Bill a reward for the wall so yay for Bill Christie.

For the first time in this game I got a job to do for someone Shana Natcher (turns out she's a homeless townie). It was the flamingo one again. The case messages left out her name, and my interaction with her to get offered the case and to solve it were via phone.

Gotta love the messages of "No I haven't seen a flamingo. No I'm not looking for one." Got that one two out of three times that time.

The Christie house with all of his interior rewards.

Bill went to the library to read up on logic. Reached level 5 logic and level 8 PI Career. He also picked up a Yomoshoto Evasion.

PI Christie studies Logic and his stats at Saturday, Week 2
Level 5 Logic Skill (no skill challenges)
Level 9 Charisma Skill (all skill challenges)
Level 8 PI Career (19/35 cases solved)
22,544 Simeloens
LTRs - Observant, Profession Simeloen Booster, Opportunistic, Discount Diner
Rewards- Yomoshoto Evasion, Honor Trophy, Heroe's Medal, Task Board, Frosted Door. Also received charitable moodlet x2 and minty breath moodlet x1

To avoid double posting, I'm editing this post to update the fun I've had tonight with dear old Bill.

Firstly, he always remembered at PI training that they were told to make sure their cars wouldn't stand out ...

He was also told he had to be good at logic

and hacking

and he'd have to conduct the odd stakeout ...

Monday Week 3
Level 5 Logic Skill (no skill challenges)
SUPERMAXED Charisma Skill
Level 9 PI Career (20/35 cases solved)
22,544 Simeloens
LTRs - Observant, Profession Simeloen Booster, Opportunistic, Discount Diner
Rewards- Yomoshoto Evasion, Honor Trophy, Heroe's Medal, Task Board, Frosted Door. Also received charitable moodlet x2; minty breath moodlet x1 and Saw Great Game Moodlet x1
Also gotten messages that Norman Joy and Flo Broke are going with Grimm today

Nindigo · « **Reply #66 on:** March 07, 2019, 07:05:33 AM »

@Deklitch Nice and inconspicuous car, Mister Deklitch

It's very brave of you to play with both needs and aging on. You know, I really appreciate the "mature geek" aspect of you. Gotta love all those quotes and references of yours

And congrats on surviving all the bumps, MrsFlynn. You've had so many. It must feel good to finally have crossed the finishing line all things considered

Deklitch · « **Reply #67 on:** March 07, 2019, 02:59:33 PM »

@Nindigo oh I'm not that brave

My needs are static. I've just got aging on.

Nearing the end of this

More deaths have occurred ... this one was Hope Carpenter - Sunday Week 4. Bennie Dean died shortly after.

I believe Buzz is still alive, but ...
Bill - shhhhhhhhhhhh I'm on a stakeout - my 29th case. Mutant food, major problems involving pollies, cooks and more

You may recall that Norman Joy tasked Bill with providing him a grand child a little while ago. Well, Maria Joy has been born and is being raised by her single mother, Elaine Joy. Bill wants to complete his final six cases so that Elaine and Maria can come and live with him.

Sunday Week 4
Level 1 Inventing Skill (because ... why not) LOL
Level 9 Logic Skill (no skill challenges)
SUPERMAXED Charisma Skill
Level 10 PI Career (31/35 cases solved)
39,115 Simeloens
LTRs - Observant, Profession Simeloen Booster, Opportunistic, Discount Diner
Rewards- Yomoshoto Evasion, Honor Trophy, Heroe's Medal, Task Board, Investigator's Keepsake, Key to the City, Frosted Door, 2 x festus stoves and every day there seems to be paintings, plants or similar items in the letterbox. Also received charitable moodlet x2; minty breath moodlet x1 and Saw Great Game Moodlet x1

Edit to Add: After a stakeout, you can go to a computer, choose the investigator career option and 'write a stakeout report', this can be done at 0 writing skill. On completion you get a one off payment of 250 simeloens; not a lot but every little bit helps. If memory serves, regardless of writing skill it is 250 simeloens you receive for doing so - I don't think that's on the 2nd post of this thread yet

Edit to Add 2: If you get the "Someone's Fishy" case to complete, you get to stakeout a sim's house at one of the stages. You also get a book and a service ribbon for completing the case. Book sells for only 90 simeloens

BUT you don't get to write a stakeout report on it.

Playalot · « **Reply #68 on:** March 07, 2019, 04:13:45 PM »

Woo! Congrats MrsFlynn! Thought your save might not make it there for a while!

So close now Deklitch and that car! Wow...lol

Deklitch · « **Reply #69 on:** March 07, 2019, 04:50:11 PM »

This deserves its own post ...

On Wednesday, Week 4 at 4:17am, Bill completed his 35th case and became a pervasive private eye. Jebediah Wilson was his final client.

So now there's only one thing for him to do ...

Teach Maria to walk.

His final stats for this playthrough are:
Wednesday Week 4 completed LTW of Pervasive Private Eye
Level 1 Inventing Skill (because ... why not) LOL
Level 10 Logic Skill (no skill challenges)
SUPERMAXED Charisma Skill
Level 10 PI Career (35/35 cases solved)
44,006 Simeloens
LTRs - Observant, Profession Simeloen Booster, Opportunistic, Discount Diner, Body Sculptor, Fertility Treatment, Fireproof Homestead
Rewards- Yomoshoto Evasion, Honor Trophy, Heroe's Medal, Task Board, Investigator's Keepsake, Key to the City, Frosted Door, 2 x festus stoves and every day there seems to be paintings, plants or similar items in the letterbox. Also received charitable moodlet x2; minty breath moodlet x1 and Saw Great Game Moodlet x1

Bill and his rewards (sans vehicle and stoves)

Finally, a relative front on picture of Bill's face.
Elaine Joy is being incredibly difficult for Bill to woo at the moment to get her to marry him etc. But I will keep on trying and hopefully succeed.
Just realised ... that 'map' on the task board ... it looks remarkably like Sunset Valley
He kept on trying until eventually ...
She said YES!

Elaine and Maria moved in with Bill ... Elaine's got 7 days to elder ... so no time to waste on efforts to expand the family.

But why oh why are you sick, Elaine? You no longer have to work!

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #70 on:** March 07, 2019, 05:53:53 PM »

With this playthrough and my test game as well I have been keeping regular backups in case I needed to go back a save. So I knew I was going to make it to the end, I just didn't know how long it was going to take me.

Looking over Carl's PI Career page, I definitely didn't get all of the rewards for Calista's game. But it looks likes there's cases I didn't get either.

In my test game there were stray/wild horses getting into routing errors. Even though I have Pets turned off in options and via Nraas Register > Animal Control they were still there. However, I did reset Everything on my test game and that seemed to help.

It's been an adventure that's for sure!!

Dek, Thanks for the reminder to put the $250 for stakeout reports in the tips post. I have that in my personal notes too. I'll have a looksee over my personal notes to see if there's anything else I can add to the tips.

Quote from: Playalot on March 07, 2019, 04:13:45 PM

Woo! Congrats MrsFlynn! Thought your save might not make it there for a while!

Playalot · « **Reply #71 on:** March 07, 2019, 07:15:06 PM »

Congrats Deklitch! And Elaine too I guess!

deedee_828 · « **Reply #72 on:** March 07, 2019, 08:17:21 PM »

Well, I got one of the psychic cases for my PI and decided to see what would happen.

And sure enough it errored out both times I tried it and she immediately popped back to her home lot.

I wonder if that happens in all the towns or just in Riverview?

I'll be checking it out when we jump to our next town just to see what happens and I'll post my findings.

Congrats to MrsFlynn and Deklitch on completing the challenge.

Playalot · « **Reply #73 on:** March 07, 2019, 08:24:16 PM »

Yes those psychic cases are definitely not working as intended. My sim didn't teleport anywhere but just could not get them to complete even though time was spent in the police station.

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Author Topic: A Friendly Play Through-Investigator Profession (Read 15806 times)