Sims by Numbers Show - floor plan

Sims by Numbers Show starts on September 6th, and through daily reports until September 30th, you can follow the development both right here on the blog, but also with headlineres on the official TS4 forum.

Right now I'm planning the house where the 8 candidates will live more or less by free will for 20 simdays.

The lot was found in the world Willow Creek, which will be slightly adjusted and renamed Gloomville. There is a hood with 5 residential lots, and the least developed lot near the river was picked. This hood will be named Willow Field and has a back story including farming.

The centered lot is chosen for the Sims by Numbers Show!

The Sims by Numbers Show house will have 2 floors. On ground floor there will be kitchen, diningroom, library, Quest room, Fun room and of course a pretty large hall leading to the garden doors.

Upstairs there will be 4 large bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Not sure if doors can be locked to avoid chaos. Each room gets 2 single beds. Two rooms for males, two rooms for females. Two rooms will have much higher standard, and will be occupied by top 2 males and top 2 females. In addition there will be certain hobby related areas upstairs, I will need to see the entire buy catalog to make final decisions.

Here's a rough sketch of the ground floor. Right side entrance is facing the street, left side doors leads to a huge terrace, with access to a small garden. The library contains a bar and a grand piano which hopefully will cause some conflict between playing and studying sims.

In the long hallway there is a small podium (carpet) between the stairs. The idea is to place varying objects there, like the comedian microphone, instruments, any extra fun objects or even just to exhibit stuff. This is the house's stage, and on certain occasions there might be lined up a few chairs for the audience. There will be a certain theme for every other day in the house, so the podium stuff might relate to that theme.

The Quest room (between library and fun room) will be used for one contestant reporting at the time. Details in the works.

The fun room will contain fun stuff like games and entertainment. TV and a computer for gaming. Maybe also a stereo, although it might be too small for groups dancing. Ther will be a party every 3rd night, and for those I think the music should be moved to the podium area in the hallway.

The lot is only 20 floor tiles wide, so the vegetable garden will be quite restricted, so any fruit trees will probably be in the main garden. The vegetable garden can be reached from the kitchen.

It's difficult to plan all those details not knowing what's in the game, or how the sims will behave. But that is exactly what we will learn from this project :)

Sims by Numbers Show

Voting closes on August 31st.  Show opens on September 6th!

The Sims by Numbers Show is basically about moving 8 single sims into a house to let them roam freely most of the time while observing their behavior, reactions and how they build relations. The 8+8 candidates for the show were created based on their personal number, 1 to 8. When the show begins, many decisions will be based on each contestant's number.

The winning candidate will not only get the project house, but will also be the founder of my new TS4 legacy named Gloomville Diaries! That's some story to tell your grandchildren!

The show will go on for 20 simdays, each day with a certain schedule. The program includes certain chores, contests, parties and challenges, but there will also be a daily period when they all go by free will. Normally they will only be directed to perform tasks according schedule or chores, or tasks they wish to do according to Aspiration. The group will explore the house as well as the town. Right after the free will hours, the greenest plumbob earns 100 points, while the most red will lose 100. There will be many ways to earn points, especially for the Sim in Spot who will split with the group for 10 hours to perform bigger tasks. Every night the group will be ranked by score, and the contestant with the highest score will be titled Super Sim the next day.

Points can be converted to money, and when the group decides to buy something, all contestants will spend equal amount (1 point = 1 simoleon). They won't always agree to the purchase, but majority will decide. There's many more rules to go by, and the standard rules will be posted soon.

Simdaily Sims by Number reports will be posted on this blog, full of pictures, and there will also be some tidbits on the official TS4 forum.

* * * T H E * C A N D I D A T E S * * *

Right now 8 female sims and 8 male sims are fighting it out for the 4+4 spots on the show! You can help picking the lucky 8 by voting. Voting closes August 31.

Vote for female participants here!

Vote for male participants here!

Detesters - 2 - Testing paintings

Yay, it's Pauline and Hector's first day at work as Testsims! They were hired by Twinbrook Imports, Inc. to test all the CC in my game! :)

Pauline: It's our first day as Testsims, Hector!

Hector: I know, I know... I wonder what we will be asked to test today!

Pauline: I kinda regret what we started! Is there a way I can take the first day off?

Hector: No...

They got dressed, and walked into the atelier to check the instructions from Twinbrook Imports, Inc.

Pauline: So, you was wrong, Hector, as usual! We are NOT gonna keep anything for free! I'm wondering if we were tricked into something bad. We will get §10.000 and we'll have to pay for each item that we get to test! How rotten is that?

Hector: What? Are you sure? The ad said...

Pauline: You probably misread it! Idiot! Now we are trapped!

Hector: What more does it say?

Pauline: Today we will be testing wall hangings. well... my speciality, actually! Oh my...! The first items have already been delivered at our door, and whatever we don't want to keep will be collected again at 8 PM!

They hurried outside to find the front yard filled with crates!

Pauline: Oh nooooo! Hector, make them go away!

Hector: Wow, that's gotta be a lot of wall hangings to test...

They needed a solid break even before getting to the unpacking. Then the rest of the day was reserved testing paintings mostly.

Pauline: Eeeek, is that what I think it is? Grilled cheese? I detest grilled cheese, so I find this horrible to watch for more than 5 seconds!

Hector: I like it, maybe we could keep his one, over our dining table!

Pauline: Over my grilled body!

The next painting was more to Pauline's liking, landscapes is her favourite motive for her own paintings. And her lovely collected butterfly made her feel more relaxed watching this all. Still, she was a bit tense.

Pauline: Lovely, but it makes me feel sick.

Hector: I like it! But I don't think our job is to like or dislike the motives, but more to check functionality...

Pauline: Okay... so how am I checking? I'm viewing... viewing... yes I can view, so I guess this one is okay then? Still makes me wanna puke, though, while I view!

Hector: And this one, um... different, but it works. In fact I like this one, too! I mean, there's two in one... And I can view them both!

Pauline: I'm so tired of all this viewing! It's way too much in just one day! This is such a tough job, after all. I really need to lay down now!

Pauline: Hector? When you say you like all the paintings, I have to ask... do you like them more or less than you like MY works?

Hector: Eh, why do you ask? I never actually viewed your paintings, Pauline...

Pauline: But they are on the atelier wall to dry! Don't you really see anything - or anyone, around here?

Hector: Of course I do! But your paintings are up to dry, then you sell them to the consignment store... eh, don't you?

But Pauline was asleep, and Hector could read the newspaper without further interruptions. Good!

Then someone called him, and as he got up from the chair, Pauline woke up.

Hector: Annie, hello! How is my little girl? Yes, I know you are a teenager, but you are still dad's little girl. What? Your mom and that guy are going on vacation and... if you can stay here...?

Pauline: Nooooo! Tell her no, I can't stand... hey, we don't really got the time now that we are Testsims!

Hector: Of course your room is still up there! Nobody used that room since you spent a weekend here 4 months ago. It's still all your stuff... Sure... a-ha... yes...?

Pauline: No no no!!!

Hector: Okay, Annie, tomorrow at 11 AM, that will be... PERFECT!

(He said that last word while he looked over at Pauline.)

Pauline: Idiot!

A little later Hector had left for a quick walk down to the Diner that he owns a part in, and loves to inspect. Pauline painted a little, then turned on the computer. She filled in the form, and she made sure to say that several of the wall decor made her feel sick, that she simply couldn't view them, and that maybe, just maybe Twinbrook Imports, Inc. would be interesting in buying some lovely landscape paintings instead. As soon as the paint had dried...

Tested today:
"Surreal Grilled Cheese Painting" (EA store, free)
"Beautiful Forest" - by Pigula (TS3 exchange)
"Symphony in Slang" - by
"Pattern Display Unit" - by Cemre/TSR (no longer registered)

The Sims 4 sims for download: Humperton Flock

Humperton Flock
[Is available on the TS4 Gallery - by Simmerville]

Humperton Flock prefers solitude. He lives in a cabin off the main track, that way he don't need to interact with others daily, and he can focus on fishing, all alone.

Kids of the hood call him Mr. Gnome, and he must know, but he probably don't care. They say he owns a magical golden ring, and those who ever saw Humperton Flock at a formal occasion, will know that this is true - he does own a golden ring indeed, but very few have seen it. Locals still argue whether he is a local or not, because while some can't recall naming any guy "Mr. Gnome" in the past, nobody can say for sure when he moved in at his cabin. It was at least one generation ago, or did his parents live there too?

Humperton likes a very limited pattern variety, and he doesn't really wash his clothes that often either. If he by chance attends someone's party, a failure is guaranteed as guests will leave little by little. If you end up with Humperton Flock as your only guest, you might get a rare chance to learn about this guy's life. Just make sure to open a window for fresh air.

Seagull Cottage chapter 13: Hatching season

Another update coming up! I had some extra fun this time because this update features a few older versions of Galuccians who are kids in the current Galucca story. It makes it more complicated to involve locals because the more locals Cathrina & Alexander meet, the more details will need to match the other story.

(As if anyone but me would notice a mistake)



This morning was anything but quiet. It's the seagulls' hatching season and everyone at Seagull Cottage do notice...



Alexander: Tina Baby has grown up! I think she might need better equipment now.

Cathrina: I can't stop inspecting these photos... Gloria, where is your grave? And where is your boy, Gabriel?

Alexander: Visiting the priest?

Cathrina: Will see Priest Lavendula tomorrow. I'll try the library today.

Alexander: Do we have time for Gloria's old diary before serving breakfast?

"I put a few extra feathers for Sonia Franken. What must happen, will happen! Some days I feel like a weird force directs me, but I know it can't be true. Gardening helps me to touch ground, literaly. I like how expanding the cottage and moving the entrance brought privacy to the garden. Lodgers might still rest in the garden, but that's all."

Alexander: So they added the common room and the living rooms upstairs?

Cathrina: I guess so... oh... listen to this!

"This morning elderly Sonia Franken was transformed. Everything is back to normal by now, and no complaining guests at the moment."

Cathrina: What is this...? Was she a witch...? Sonia Franken was transformed?

"Ludwig suggested that we open the front room to regular visitors, if we add a bar and a few table games, they might even leave some money."

Alexander: Hmmm...

"Gabriel will soon start school. He would be the perfect student, but i liked it better when he was younger, it feels like the responsibility will grow too big for us. It would be easier if he could stay here at the cottage... someone at the door..."

Cathrina: At least we know that Gabriel got old enough to start school. Maybe there is some old school book at the library?



Alexander: Mr. Hoonk, according to rules of the house guests are supposed to get dressed before entering the common room...

Hank Hoonk: The waffles are burnt again, Mrs Cathy! Extremely burnt!

Cathrina: Oh, sorry for that, Mr Hoonk and Miss Kess!

Burgina Kess: No problem, I don't eat waffles anyway, no eggs for me... I'm 100% vegetarian. I'll just have some fruit!

Hank Hoonk: Hunks don't live on fruit, we need waffles! May I suggest that you hire a cook?

Burgina Kess: Oh, you are a waffle man? Don't you ever think of the poor eggs that could have become chickens?



Hank Hoonk: There's so many seagulls, a new cook would harvest fresh wild seagull eggs in the morning, sweet Miss!

Burgine Kess: Yuck!

Cathrina: Hoonk, some days ago you mentioned the MSW location. Is it far from here, could you show us the place, some day?

Hank Hoonk: Sure, Mrs Cathy! It's up the trail, not very far from here! You should go there on a night with full moon, there might be a bigger chance to see the Lady ghost!

Alexander: Lady ghost?

Hank Hoonk: If you was a brave man like me, man, you would find it... commonly fascinating... I'll take you both there, the moon is full in a couple nights. Deal! Would you come to, Miss Kess? You could bring an apple for the Lady ghost!

Burgina Kess: No thanks...



A little later Cathrina redressed and walked with Alexander to Old Town. He had his first shift at the gas & bus station, while Cathrina asked her way to Elle's Library. To the business building, turning right, then the bar called Heaven on her right hand, and then the library right ahead. A tall white building, and she noticed the noble family weapon up there, the same that she saw at the Historical Museum.



It was a rather quiet day, and the first person she talked to turned out to be Head of the library. His name was Rene Tackott.

Rene Tackott: That's a lot of questions, old school books, funeral history, local history, heritage protocols and not to forget the old MSW. I can help you with some, but not all at once.

Cathrina: Yes?

Rene Tackott: For instance, the MSW. Do you know... anything?

Cathrina: Just a little. I heard about the location at Moon District, and I know... there were some society, with some meetings...

Rene Tackott: Well. To start, the MSW closed down a generation ago. Their past is rather vague, but there are a few notes locked away in our storage room. I can't give you access, but I can look into what we got and contact you in a few days.

Cathrina: That would be nice. Do you know any local elders who were involved with the MSW?

Rene Tackott: No. If there were any, I don't think they would talk much about it. But if they exists, they will probably have some connection to Moon District.



Rene Tackott: And here we got or collection of history books, local history over there. You can browse those books on your own, my assistant, Anitra Seylouse, can help you when she is back from lunch. Ah... there she is leaving, wearing a white jacket. She is very interested in local history, and she also arranges the monthly Historical Town Walks.

Cathrina: Thanks! And the school book? I assume the boy was born about 45 years ago...

Rene Tackott: And the boy's name?

Cathrina: Gabriel... not sure of his family name, but he was son of Gloria Moonster.

Rene Tackott: Oh, the Moonsters? I never heard of Gabriel Moonster... did you ask the Angler, Albrech Moonster? He lives up at Moon Trail.



Some hours later, Cathrina stopped by the Gas & Bus Station to pick up Alexander. They had planned to walk back home together.

Cathrina: Are you not closing this place?

Alexander: In 20 minutes. That's when the last Bridgeport bus departs. Did you discover anything new?

Cathrina: Not much, but there is a man at Moon Trail called Albrech Moonster! That's Gloria's maiden name, you know, he must be family!



Back at the cottage, they admired the view to the ocean.

Alexander: I don't really understand why this house is built the way it is. There is a grand panorama view to the sea, but it can only be seen from the bathroom window, because somehow they found it smarter to see the trail up to Moon Mountain from the living room windows...

Cathrina: All those birds... it's hatching season, maybe we should go looking for eggs in the morning.

Alexander: Upsetting Miss Kess like that?

Cathrina: She won't stay long anyway. She reserved the yellow room for 3 nights total. Which reminds me, we will need some more variety for breakfast...



Alexander: You worry too much, Cathy. Come...

The Sims 4 - NEW Launching Trailer

A new TS4 trailer was released today. Here's the video.

New screenies from the video:

The Sims 4 is released on September 2/4/5 (date depends on where you are located).

The Sims 4 to download: Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock
[download from the TS4 gallery - by Simmerville]

Created in a hurry, you might insist on that this can't be serious. This can't be the real Sandra Bullock. And you are right, but it was the best shot in a hurry :)

The Sims 4 sims to download: Lona Despond

Lona Despond
[Download from Gallery - Orion ID: Simmerville]

Lona just moved to town, she is single and hopes to meet Mr. Right. Whenever she spots a local man, she runs up to him and starts charming him the best she can. Lately, men have been hiding when they see Lona arriving, but she will always find them. Although nobody asked her, they are pretty sure she never was a Prom Princess.

Lona is a true romantic, so when not searching Mr. Right, she likes to read romantic novels, or to attend a concert. Or she spends the nights at home knitting, while she looks over at her phone every now and then. She could call some stranger, couldn't she? If she call someone first, at least he will get her number and might call back...

Lona wears the clothes she owns, as simple as that. No favourite colour, or super trendy stuff. She does just fine.

The Sims 4 sim for download: Agaton Oaksdale

Agaton Oaksdale
[Download at TS4 Gallery - by Simmerville]

Agaton Oaksdale was on his way to become an elite swimmer, but then he had to move towns. And look at this new place - where are the swimming pools?!

Agaton might need to turn to his second hobby, arts, just to switch focus for a while. Should he start collecting art, or even take up painting again? He has not painted since he moved in with his ex-girlfriend, but now that they split, he is free to do what he wants. Gym and painting every other day? Until she had a week to think and might call him?

Agaton Oaksdale ptefers casual occasions over those formal, that's why he doesn't even own a full suit. Grey and orange is his colours, or maybe not...

The Sims 4 sims to download: Murgi & Zola Pihi

Murgi & Zola Pihi
[download at TS4 gallery - by Simmerville]

Murgi and Zola origins from Aliens. They moved to town a year ago, and most locals have grown used to see their blue neighbours. Still, Murgi and Zola never got a job, and never made real friends.

Murgi is not a worthy Pihi, that's why he found Zola. She has the correct eye colour for a true Pihi, and they will need to reproduce until they get a heir with the worthy eyes. What will happen to the next generation? There might be more Pihis around by then. 

Murgi would like to make friends with everyone, so it's extra hard on him that they only frequent their neighbours on a regular basis. Give it some time, and it will be easier! He is a genius and loves working on his real weird projects.

Zola loves growing plants, and one day they will grow all their own food. She could have become a Pihi queen out there in space, if it wasn't for Zola's sister grabbing the Prince. Now that Zola and Murgi moved not only hoods but even planets, Zola decided to build up her own little perfect kingdom in this town. She didn't talk Murgi into it yet, but she plans lots of kids!

The Sims 4 sims to download: Hank Stallion

Hank Stallion
[download at Gallery - by Simmerville]

So, Hank Stallion never made a successful life, but guess what; he couldn't care less! Too lazy for a regular job, too mellow for a good flirt. He has moved hoods often, some times because he had to escape - he is a collector after all, other times because he was bored of that... boring hood!

Hank normally finds a small house or flat, or he might even live in a shed owned by others. Without them knowing, of course. Right now he would prefer some luxurious comfort, like a trailer with a little table and one wooden chair, and maybe one lamp hanging from the ceiling. And a mattress on the floor. Anything beyond this would be a bonus.

Well, he can't afford that many outfits. So if you can't stand a guy wearing filthy clothes at your party, just don't invite him! 'Cause he wouldn't care less (unless you'd offer free food and beverages, of course).

Seagull Cottage chapter 12: The Missing Grave

Catrina & Alexander Wooblershield have grown into their new role as owners of Seagull Cottage Bed & Breakfast, located in Moon District of Galucca.

So much is going on as they try to understand the past, and it's pretty hard squeezing it all into these limited updates, but hey-ho :)  Please mind that most of the Seagull updates span just one simday, while in the Galucca thread each update span more or less a year.

Yesterday they found a wall full of old family photos, and Alexander finally know about great auntie Gloria Moonster's old diary.



Alexander: What more is there?

Cathrina: Like I said, Gloria returned to Galucca to take over this place when her mom Luphelia Moonster died. Then Gloria's boyfriend followed, and they got pregnant...

Alexander: They both did...?

Cathrina: They were both involved, don't you think? And, Gloria found Luphelia's old magic book [i]Black Journal of Magica[/i], and obviously tested some spells, and joined the MSW...



Cathrina: Isn't it exciting? And a bit creepy, at the same time...

Alexander: You know I don't believe in magic stuff. But yea, I must admit your old lady sounds like a special case, somehow... sorry, I didn't mean that in the bad way...

Cathrina: That's okay, I think the woman seems a little weird, too. Now I'm most curious about their child, though. If I have family here in Galucca, I'd love to meet them!

Alexander: Sure, sweet!



Cathrina: And here's the old diary... I've read just one page at the time.

Alexander: Shouldn't we just read it all right away to get it over with?

Cathrina: No... well, I feel that would be a bad idea, not sure why... I think I simply need time to understand her, getting to know her bit by bit. Does it make any sense?

Alexander: Sure, sweet! And you know why, I'm so glad you told me about your findings, it's been kinda boring thinking you left me out. Why don't you read another page - loud? Maybe there's more about the child?

"Gabriel was born! He is adorable, and the lodgers love him, too! I try to organize my day, it's even harder to find time for all the tasks now, than it was when I was just sick and pregnant."

Alexander: So, it was a boy! Gabriel Moonster, or he probably took his dad's surname?

Cathrina: Oh, I don't even know Ludwig's surname...

"Gabriel is already a toddler, today he learned to talk a little. Ludwig has taken up painting, I dislike his work so far, but as long as he sells those paintings at the harbour market it brings in a little money, and I really shouldn't complain."

Alexander: We didn't find any of his works here, did we?

Cathrina: Nope. Must have sold them all. But maybe he was the one taking all those photos we just found? A painter could easily become a photographer, don't you think?

"Lodger Sonia Franken has become the new grump! Now she orders her meals to be served in her room, the pink room, and she complains about Gabriel crying. He cries a little every day, but not enough to upset anyone. I'm worried he might be sick, maybe the MSW can help us?"

Cathrina: No Gloria, don't use magic on the boy, take him to a real doctor!

Alexander: Stupid woman if she did!



Cathrina: You remember the seagull I tried to help in the garden? Right after we moved in here?

Alexander: Sure, but there are so many of them...

Cathrina: Well, lately I found it seems to live on the stone next to the blue flowers! Come, I'll show you, it's been there every day I checked!

Alexander: Oh, something's there, all right!



Cathrina: There it is! Do you think it's hurt?

Alexander: That's not a seagull, sweet silly! It looks ike a Cockatoo!

Cathrina: Oh, I think you're right... but that's even weirder! It doesn't look afraid, maybe we should rather keep it in a bird cage or something? It might be safer too, the snakes, I mean...

Alexander: Snakes?

Cathrina: Our neighbour, Brad Kragger, you know...



Cathrina: Mr. Hoonk, the blue room is yours! It's a little bigger than your previous room, so you will need to pay just a little more.

Hank Hoonk: That's perfect, this is my old room, well suited for a stud like me! I'll gladly pay the cost! Hey, the painting is gone!

Cathrina: It was just moved to another room. We'll get you another painting soon, if you find the wall too naked.

Hank Hoonk: Naked sounds great, Mrs Cathy! *Rrrrrr*

Cathrina was saved by the doorbell, and she ran off.



Cathrina: Yes, how can I help?

Burgina Kess: Hello, I need a room... just me, just a bed and hopefully with a private shower...

Cathrina: Oh, welcome to Seagull Bed & Breakfast! Of course we can help, please come!

Burgina Kess got the yellow room, and Cathrina was quite happy with their second lodger! Yay, half of rooms were taken already! And she did no mistakes either, she had informed the guest about the house rules, like when the breakfast is served, and how to pay. Then handed over the key. Would running a Bed & Breakfast be this easy?



A little later, Cathrina and Alexander had arrived the old cemetery, near Old Town. Cathrina had contacted old Emma Hydront, asking her to take them to Gloria Moonster's grave. There was only one problem, Emma was not sure where to find the grave.

Emma Hydront: The graveyard was full long ago, so all the organized graves were already taken by the families who lived here long ago. But I think Gloria should be here somewhere, too... uhm... you better look, perhaps among those who died without a spouse, over there...

Cathrina: But you said earlier that Gloria was married?

Emma: I did? I really did say that?

Alexander: You said you didn't meet Gloria's hubby often...

Emma: Oh, I have to run! If the grave is not here, you should talk to the priest of the Church of Similius! His name is Lavendula, but I think he must have left for the day. There are numerous urns stored underground!

Then Emma ran off, in a hurry like she often did.



They didn't find Gloria's grave in the poorly organized section for single residents. Cathrina insisted on checking some of the formal graves, and there they found something!

Cathrina: Look, Luphelia and Don Moonster! They were Gloria's parents! They are my family, too!

Alexander: Oh, but why isn't their daughter buried here as well? The other graves are packed with more than 2 stones, and there should be no problem adding Gloria in here...

Cathrina: I think I will need to talk to Priest Lavendula some day. Now I kinda worry that Gloria's death had something to do with the MSW. If we only found Gabriel, we would know.



On their way back home, they passed the gas station where Alexander did apply for a job. So, he stopped by, checking if there were news for him.

Alexander: Sweet silly! I got the job! I'll serve the gas station and bus terminal of Galucca!

Cathrina: That's great! Congrats, let's walk back home to celebrate!

So, Alexander's job would secure them some money even if the Bed & Breakfast would let them down periodically. It limited the risk, and would make it possible for them to upgrade Seagull Cottage much sooner!

Well worth a bottle of good nectar!