Fortunicity - Prosperity Challenge by aerisblue2000

Welcome to my second attempt at a Prosperity Challenge; the first one was lost in a game meltdown, but I'm back up and running. I'm sorry not to be able to resurrect my original families, and will miss them, but that's the nature of the Sims2. All I can say is, I will no longer, ever, mess with boolprop! Before starting the blog, I'd like to thank everyone who supplied the custom content I use in this blog - especially the hairstyles, which make all the difference. I've decided to play the challenge in 7 sim day rotation, and will blog after each complete cycle.

Thanks for stopping by, and please leave any comments if you see fit! Don't worry, if you think it's awful, say so! I really won't be offended, just leave some advice as to how I can improve things.

Anyhow, on with the challenge! Unbelieveably, I rolled 6 families. I'm going to introduce them in the order they were created and played.

The Dowling Family

Erica and her Dad, Thom Dowling.

Real names witheld for legal reasons.

Erica knows her Dad won't be staying in Fortunicity. Unfortunately his being an undercover cop has placed Erica at risk. The Criminal Mastermind, Slythos, has indicated he knows there's a man on the inside, he's just not sure who. Realising it may only be a matter of time before he's rumbled, Thom has procured a new identity for his daughter, and uprooted her to Fortunicity, a town so small it's off even Slythos's radar. Leaving her with her forged papers, and enough cash to get some builders in, he gets ready to go. Erica's uncertain when, if ever, she'll see him again.

"It's for you're own good sweetheart. Just don't forget Daddy loves you!"

Knowing there's little else he can do for his daughter, Thom rings a taxi, and hugs her one last time. He can see in her eyes she doesn't really understand, and wishes his recently deceased wife Sheryn could be with Erica to help cushion his departure.

Erica's last look at her Dad!

Erica's not on her own for long. The locals couldn't wait to pop round and give the newcomer the once over.

"I'd offer you all a cup of coffee, but as you can see, you've caught me at a bad moment. I've just said goodbye to my Dad. He's gone off to fight criminals!"

Well, that's discretion at it's finest! Although I can't see Goopy, or Ben Long as potential mobsters, (the Mob don't wear shorts!) I really think you'd be best pretending you're an orphan. Are you listening? I guess not, after all, I'm only the narrator. I suppose you think anyone can do this job? How am I doing so far, by the way? OK, keep ignoring me, but just remember who has the power! And that's Power, with a capital P!

Erica's unsure what to make of the antagonism between her guests. I can see potential problems already, but Erica seems oblivious. Well, she's a teenager, what do you expect?

Nice to see Ben's the forgiving type, and that he doesn't hold a grudge.

"Bye Ben, and don't forget to pop round once I've been through Uni! Maybe we could hook up for a little wining and dining, and who knows what else?"

So the Romance aspiration has already reared it's ugly, and I have to say from my point of view, unwanted head. And if you have to woo-hoo, it will not be with Mr "I'm not grumpy, trust me" Long. I'm so glad you've decided to go to Uni, you'll have a free chance to change aspiration. Which could turn out to be more valuable than a 'get out of jail free card'. For me in particular! I hate Romance sims, and love Family sims, and I didn't roll a single one!

As soon as the last tile is on the roof, Erica gets down to the serious business of getting a job. Even she realises her small nest egg won't go far. Not with clothes, and make-up, and dates, and a hot-tub to pay for.

Aren't you forgetting something Erica? like Bills! You don't even know what a utility bill is, do you? Good grief, the job of narrator just doesn't get easier. Don't worry, your friendly, all seeing, omnipotent storyteller will show you the ropes. Tomorrow. You did save some simoleans for tomorrow didn't you? Right, that's it, the luxury loo is going straight back!

Even I'm impressed! Top of the Slacker Career Track for Teens by Thursday. I can't believe it. Well, that's one scholarship in the bag. And no, you did not earn enough to buy a hot-tub. I conceed you do deserve a treat. How about a date? Yes I'll find you someone nice. No sweat!

Erica quite likes Ricky Cornier; and they are both Romance sims. This means he's a no go. Surely there's someone better than another Romance sim?

That's right Erica, you get on with your homework, and leave the dating business to me. It's just so hard, as you don't know anyone. There's the paperboy! You're right, he is not so cute. What about a girl? There's Sophie Miguel. I thought you liked each other. Enough for an outing at least. OK, so it's not a date! But you're hardly in a position to be splitting hairs; it would be a trip downtown, wouldn't it?

Star Pupil

Even better than Star Pupil, a best friend. A male best friend. A potential date!

Erica and Randy London share a passionate first kiss, outside Red's Diner, Downtown. Hardly the most romantic location, but from the looks of it neither are that bothered. Randy's a Fortune sim, and will probably be heading off to Uni with Erica. Well it would be a shame to split up such good friends. Let's hope he doesn't want to own 5 top Businesses, or something equally as exasperating.

I just hope Crumplebottom isn't patrolling the perimeter. You pair could get into serious s**t if she catches you. Plus you need the aspiration points for a dream date. Remember, it's only about 22,000 for a hot-tub! So break it up already, before the whole date goes down the pan. Quick, she's coming!

Well the date went well, and Erica is in love. Although she has her reservations about Randy, or maybe she's more worried about her own levels of commitment. Suddenly making out with 3 different sims has become an attractive prospect.

"I'm just worried what you'll think. After all you said you hated Romance sims, but I can't help wanting what comes naturally to me. Are you up for it? Can you sort me out more dates? Or will you end up blowing it by getting me caught?"

"I'll think about it. In the meantime best get working on those scholarships. I tell you what! I'll trade you one scholarship for one new date. How's that sound? No we can't start immediately. Your week's just about up, so you'll have to be patient for a bit. But it's nice to know you're committed - and I seriously should be. I must be mad. I don't do Romance sims".

"Well it seems you do now, so thanks."

**tearing hair out**

"Erica, you are so welcome."

Well, I feel sorry for her; it can't be easy to lose contact with everyone you've ever known, in a place where you know no-one. I admire her. She could have whinged, but she excelled in adversity. It's time I got to grips with her sort anyway. Believe me, I'd never have chosen to willingly. Who's idea was it to play this challenge anyway? Hmmm ........ So I really only have myself to blame!