The Apocalypse Challenge is a variation on the original Legacy Challenge, created by Pinstar (http://www.legacychallenge.com/apocalypse.html). I am not changing the rules, but I am varying the situational aspects a bit. The premise is as follows:
A nuclear meltdown causes total devastation in the city. All the fabrics of society are unraveled. Your Sims start off in a world full of harsh restrictions because of this. Each set of restrictions is linked to a different career. Once one of your Sims reaches the top of that career, that particular set of restrictions is lifted. Each Sim can only lift one set of restrictions, excluding the Alien Technology and Hopelessness sets. Only Sims part of or contributing to the bloodline of your legacy can lift the restrictions (e.g., founder, heirs, heir’s spouses (once they have children), and spares.) The spouses of spares do not count towards lifting restrictions, unless the current heir dies childless, and they become the new heir.
Starting:
You must start with either a young adult Sim in college, or an adult Sim (if you want more of a challenge ) back at home. Either way, they must move into an empty 5x5 lot with a desert or dirt tile set (you choose) There must be no trees or shrubs on the lot (or any kind of foliage). Sims may not sleep outside, and once it is permitted to move Sims in, THE ONLY SIMS YOU MAY MOVE IN ARE THOSE CONTRIBUTING TO THE BLOODLINE (i.e, the spouse of each heir). To complete the challenge, you must complete all 15 restrictions (the Alien Technology restriction does not need to be lifted). If you want to keep a score of some sort, count the days it takes you to complete the challenge.
The Restrictions are as follows:
Hopelessness
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness”
The physical effects of the nuclear winter are clear, but it is only half of the devastation. The damage to the population’s mindset and willpower has also been great. People are starting to give up hope and despair has begun to set in. People have no motivation to band together or leave the shelters they have made.
-You cannot move in or marry in any Sims or pets.
-Once your founder reaches the top of a career (ANY of the 14 careers, it doesn’t matter which) they show the region that the worst is over, and that things can and will begin to get better. A few Sims are even willing to risk traveling the streets to be with the regions new and only ray of hope.
You may move-in/marry spouses for your founder and future heirs.
You are still restricted to moving in only those who will contribute to the next generation.
Business
“
Your money is no good here”
The chaos in the region set off by the power plant explosions has broken down the basic economic fabric of society. The value of a Simolean varies wildly from place to place. All major markets have destroyed or looted dry. With the economy of the region in shambles, people are unwilling to ‘go shopping’. The only thing that sells well are stories from survivors, as media outside the region is hungry to know what happened and what it is like to live in such a land.
-Your Sims may not start their own business or purchase community lots.
-You may not sell items via the buy or build tab. (You may still sell build mode items, such as walls and stairs)
-Your Sims may not use the “sell” interaction with objects (such as completed paintings, or workbench items)
-Your Sims *are* allowed to finish writing novels and collect the royalties.
-Your Sims may not hire service Sims of any kind.
-You may not “invite headmaster” to get Sims into private school..
-Due to broken supply chains, sims cannot use any crafting benches. Items crafted in college may be brought back. Flowers and Robots must be kept in inventory until their respective restriction is unlocked
Once an economic leader from the family rebuilds the economic structure of the region, the business restrictions are lifted. In addition, the “Open/Closed” sign may be purchased and used from the ‘wall hanging’ category. The old style-cash register may be purchased from the electronics tab, even if these items are still restricted otherwise.
Law Enforcement
“Go ahead and call for help, nobody will listen.”
The local police and fire departments are in shambles and unable to do their job. A strong air of anarchy and lawlessness has swept the region. Violent gangs of anarchists prey on the old and weak.
-Your Sims may not purchase smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, burglar alarms or car alarms.
-Your Sims may not use the “emergency” tab on the phones
-Teenage and Elder sims that have less than a 10 body may not leave the lot for any reason, including going to work or community lots. The ONLY exception to this rule is that teenage Sims can go to High School without penalty.
-Your Sims may not call the police to look for runaway teens.
Once a brave hero from the family emerges, they can clean up the streets and restore order, allowing police and fire fighters to once again help people. The Law Enforcement restrictions are lifted. The smoke detector and burglar alarm may be purchased and used, even if the Science restriction has not been lifted.
Medical
“It’s the dark ages once again.”
The plumbing has been severely damaged in the region. Water brought to the house is dirty and unsanitary. To make things worse, local drug stores have been cleaned out by looters.
-Showers and bathtubs of all types may not be purchased or used at home or on a community lot.
-Dish washers (both types) may not be purchased or used.
-Pools may not be built or used.
-Sims may not use medicine to become well.
-Whenever Sims woohoo, they MUST choose “Try for baby” If ‘try for baby’ is not an option, they may not woohoo. (Unless the sim is already pregnant, too old to get pregnant or the two Sims woohooing are the same gender).
-You may not purchase or use the changing table.
-Sims may not purchase vamprocill. (They may use it if they brought a bottle back from college)
Once a leader in the medical field emerges from the family, they lead the Red Cross restoration effort. This restores clean running water to the region and brings supplies of medicine, contraceptives and to the people who need it. The medical restrictions are lifted.
Culinary
“
Hunger is the best spice”
The gas lines and power grid have been severely damaged. Running a gas stove or electric appliance carries too much of a risk. The radiation levels are too high to risk using a microwave either. Food is scarce. The quality of the food the Sims can get is very poor and can bring illness to some. Coffee is now scarce in the region due to supply cuts. Fresh food is non-existent.
-Sims may not purchase or use anything from the “Ovens” or “Small appliances” category except for the cheapest grill.
-You may only prepare food once per sim day. Once any sim has prepared food, no other may do so for the rest of the day. A sim making a one-serving meal counts. (An easy way to keep track of this restriction is to turn the fridge backwards after a sim has taken food from it, and keeping it that way until midnight)
-Sims pulling out baby bottles does NOT count against this limit and may be done as many times per day as needed.
-Sims may not prepare food on community lots
-Sims may not eat at restaurants on community lots.
-You may not use the “Delivery” menu on the phone to order Pizza or Chinese food.
-Sims may not purchase prepared food from community lots (such as pre-made cakes from a bakery)
-Sims may not hold food in inventory.
-Sims may not flag any food item as ‘for sale’ with the wholesale tool.
-Sims may not purchase or use birthday cakes, wedding cakes, the bakery display case or any catering buffet tables.
Once a culinary master emerges from the household, they invent new ways to preserve food, and better ways to cook the artificial food. They have learned to rewire home appliances so they can be used again. They also open up supply chains to coffee growers. All culinary restrictions are lifted.
Life of Crime
“Nice place you have. I’d hate to see anything bad happen to it.”
The local organized crime family has taken advantage of the lawlessness in the region to set up a protection racket. Joey “The Comb” and his goons force people to pay hefty sums to ensure nothing ‘bad’ happens to what few possessions they have left. While some try to fight the mob, most just give in and pay. . Joey has one weakness; he’s afraid of animals. Because of this fear, he has his goons break up any attempts to organize programs using animals.
-Once per week, by midnight your Sims must sell off all replaceable items on their lot and in their inventory, and replace them with exact same item. The “Protection Money” is the loss of depreciation. You must do this weekly, starting 7 days after you begin the lot. You do not have to do this on the first day
-A “Replaceable item” is any item that can be purchased in the buy menu.
-If you do not have enough money to replace all of your items, you must buy back as many as you can. You must pay protection on items, even if you can’t use them yet.
-You do not have to replace any items that are worth $100 retail ($40 fully depreciated) or less, as the mob doesn’t care about small stuff like that.
-Only members currently in the life of crime career may use the Lie Finder object.
-Because the mob controls the remaining production centers, they don’t take kindly to the family having too many crafted items. You may have only 1 of each type of crafted item (from the toy workbench, robot bench and flower bench) on the lot or inventory at a time.
If the Paranormal restriction is unlocked, you do not have to factor the value of beds.
Once a member of the family rises to the top of the underworld, they become part of the ‘family’. While they do not get a cut of the profits, they no longer have to pay any protection money. The life of Crime restriction is lifted.
Military
“
The government advises all citizens to lock their doors and remain indoors.”
The mobs of radiated zombies wandering the streets make it unsafe to travel anywhere but a select few highways. Neighborhoods are scattered as nobody is willing to risk traveling just to visit with friends. The roads to and from local colleges are blocked. Your founder just barely made it back to the neighborhood.
-Sims may not travel to any community lots.
-You may not invite over any Sims… with two exceptions….
-A sim may invite over another sim they are have a red heart with, or are engaged to. (True love knows no fear).
-If your sim owns a car (and has it placed on a driveway on the lot), you may also invite over Sims your sim is best friends with. (Your sim spins by and picks their buddies up)
-These restrictions also apply to parties, outings and dates if they are available.
-You may still hail and socialize with walk-bys as normal.
-Sims may not be sent off to college.
-Teenage Sims may not “ask permission to go out” or “sneak out”
-Sims may not “Find own place” or otherwise move out of the house.
Once a brave general from the family leads the local National Guard in a strike force against the zombie hordes, the streets will become safe to travel again and the military restriction is lifted.
Athletic
“Only the strong survive”
The radiation in the air weakens muscles and bones. As a result, muscle degeneration has set in. Even simple physical tasks have become impossible.
-Any item that takes up more than one square may not be moved or placed back into inventory once placed on the lot, with one exception.
-Items received as date or outing rewards may be placed into inventory or moved one time, even if they are larger than 1 square.
-Gym equipment may not be purchased or used.
-Sims may not perform the “Leap in arms” interaction.
-Sims may carry no more than 3 items in their inventory.
-Earned, but not placed, career reward objects do not count against this inventory limit.
-Sims may not “restock” items, or delete out-of-stock items larger than one square.
-Sims may not sell buy-mode objects that are larger than 1 square. (You may still move and delete build-mode objects, regardless of size)
Once a sim joins the hall of fame from the “Mutant League Football” arena, they invent new training techniques to overcome the muscle degeneration set in by the disaster. All Athletic restrictions are lifted.
Slacker
“White hot iron, red hot iron, cold black iron. An Iron taste and iron smell, and everywhere an iron sound.” -Bleakhouse
With government regulators unable to enforce fair labor laws and the remaining businesses able to mistreat their workers who are desperate to keep their jobs, standards of employment have gone down the drain.
-Sims may not use vacation days.
-If a sim misses a SINGLE day of work for any reason (including pregnancy) they must quit their job. (If a pregnant sim is lucky enough to have 2 days off in a row and they time their 2nd and 3rd days of pregnancy on those, they can keep their job).
-If a sim loses employment in a career for any reason (quitting or being fired) they may never take a job in that career again. This cross-applies to teenage, adult and elder careers. (For example, if a sim was fired or quit from the Science career as a teenager, they may never take a job in the Science career, even when they become an adult or elder)
-Elders may not retire, they must quit if they wish to stop working.
-You may not ignore chance cards; you MUST select one of the two options.
-Only those in the slacker career may use the slacker career reward object.
-All of the slacker rules apply to pet careers as well.
Once a sim from the family becomes a professional party guest, they host a huge party and invite all the leaders of industry to attend. Little do they know that the federal labor enforcement agents have also been invited. Confronted by the federal agents, the labor leaders agree to follow the proper labor laws. The Slacker restrictions are lifted.
Science
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”-Arthur C Clark
Without the flawless power grid and advanced electronics companies of modern day, the high tech gizmos that were once relied upon have slipped out of the population’s reach again. Technology has taken a step backwards.
-Sims may not purchase or use anything from the electronics category except for a single computer, a single phone, and a single boom-box (the $99 one).
-The one computer you are allowed is nothing more than a typewriter. You may only use the computer to “write novel” or “Write Term Paper”. (If Sims autonomously play games just cancel the action)
-Personal electronics (cell phone, handheld game, MP3 player) may not be bought. The founder may keep and use personal electronics if they bought them in college. They may not give these to other Sims and must take them to the grave (the batteries die)
-Sims may not purchase robots, including Servos. Servos may not be moved in or activated.
-Sims may not purchase or use the “non-lethal” robot making bench.
-Sims may not purchase or use anything from the “Lights” category.
-Sims may not purchase or use the trash compactor, electric guitar or bass.
Once a great scientist emerges from the family, they can restore the knowledge of known technologies so they may be produced in the area again, as well as repairing the power grid enough to use these gizmos and gadgets in the house. They also have a breakthrough in technology, inventing something that mirrors technology gained from the aliens. You may choose 1 type of aspiration reward object. Any sim may now buy and use that one type of aspiration reward, even if you haven’t lifted the “Alien Technology” restriction. Only the sim that lifts the Science Restriction may invent one aspiration reward. Other Sims reaching the top of the science career will not invent additional aspiration rewards.
Politics
“Democracy is said to be the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”
The political scene is a mess, more so than it normally is. Local officials are haggling over the how and when supplies are sent to the region, while the citizens suffer. Corruption is rampant and waste is constant. The mayor has restricted the supply of building materials in an effort “conserve” them. Harsh and unreasonable property laws have been enacted. What is left of the police force seems oddly motivated to enforce this building law in particular while turning a blind eye to the looting and anarchy.
-Sims’ houses may not occupy any larger than an 8X8 area, the rest of the lot must be unused.
-You may not place any items outside of this 8X8 area, nor modify tiles outside of it.
-The trash can, mailbox, sidewalk tiles, delivered newspapers and bills do not count for this restriction. They don’t need to be in the 8X8 area.
-The 8X8 area may be anywhere on the lot, but once designated may not be moved.
-Items dropped off from dates and outings may remain outside the 8X8 area. If the items are moved, they must be placed in inventory or within the 8X8 area.
-Sims may extend the house underground within the 8X8 area.
-Sims may build upwards, as long as the higher floors do not hang outside the 8X8 area.
-Sims may not perform influence actions.
Once a great political leader emerges from the family, they take over the office of the Mayor. Political corruption is cleaned up. Building supplies from other parts of the country are shipped in and distributed to those who need it. The corrupt ‘housing permit’ laws are repealed. The prestige and notoriety gained by the family allows them to sway the actions others, who see everybody from the family as a leader. The Political restrictions are lifted.
Artist
“Imagination is more important than knowledge” –Albert Einstein
With survival on everybody’s mind, the arts have virtually disappeared overnight. People are more worried about finding their next meal than they are attending a concert in the park or buying art.
-No items from the “Wall hanging”, “Sculpture” or “Rugs” tabs may be bought.
-No items that build creativity may be bought or used except for the computer. (The Lie Finder and the Hydroponic planter may be used if they are unrestricted by life of crime and natural science respectively).
-Only Sims currently in the artist career may use the Camera.
Once a great artist is produced from the family, a wave of culture is set off and art and music return to people’s minds. The Artist restrictions are lifted.
Paranormal
“One death is a tragedy. 1,000 deaths are a statistic. Stop bothering me before you become a statistic” –The Grim Reaper
With the death toll in the thousands, the grim reaper has been pulling long shifts. He is so tired of hearing pleas he has stopped bargaining for the dead. The whole region has become haunted with angry spirits.
-Sims may not plead with the Grim Reaper
-A Sim’s grave or urn may not be moved from the place it initially appears.
-Graves and urns may not be sold, even if a sim has smashed them.
-Graves and urns may not be placed into inventory.
-Only Sims in the paranormal career may use the Resurrect-o-Nomitron.
Once a sim from the household heads up a cult, they begin to perform rituals to calm down the angry spirits. With the spirits of the dead calmed, the reaper can take a much needed vacation and is much more willing to bargain with Sims upon his return. The Paranormal restrictions are lifted. In addition, you do not have to sell and replace beds for the Life of Crime restriction, as the cult leader has convinced the mob that doing so will anger the spirits. Graves may moved to any spot on the lot, even if the political restriction has not been lifted. The special police of the mayor does not dare interrupt the cult’s funeral rituals.
Natural Science
“Why do they call it nuclear winter? Because everything is dead. The snow you see is toxic ash.”
Any and all plant life in the region is dead. Nothing grows anymore. Natural and organic food is non-existent. With no plants to hold the soil together, the whole region is plagued with dust storms that block out the sun and whip across the land.
-You may not place any landscaping items (Flowers, bushes, trees)
-You may not alter the ground color.
-You may not buy or place any items from the “Plants” tab.
-The Family house must be on a dirt or desert landscape.
-Other than the founder, the colleges Sims attend must be on a desert or dirt tileset.
-You may not plant the cow plant.
-You may not use Hydroponic planter career reward object. (From the Slacker Career)
-You may not purchase or use the wedding arch.
-“Chef Salads” may not be cooked, ordered at restaurants or bought pre-made.
-You may not order groceries for delivery via the phone or computer.
-Sims may not use telescopes (too cloudy to see anything).
-Sims may not “watch clouds” or “stargaze” on the ground.
-Any flowers received as date rewards must be placed into inventory or sold by midnight.
-Sims may not buy or use the flower-arranging bench, nor any of the flowers it produces.
-Sims may not use the water tool from the landscaping menu.
-Houses MUST be built on a foundation/deck and/or be built on pillars. (You may still have objects on the ground, but walls may not be placed on the ground level)
Once a brilliant natural scientist emerges from the family, they invent a plant serum that lets plants use toxic ash as fertilizer without making the plant itself toxic. With this serum in wide supply, the region begins to return to life. Food can actually be grown again and people can have lawns. With plants once again anchoring the soil, the raging dust storms cease and the sky can once again be seen. All natural science restrictions are lifted.
Show Business
“It’s the end of the world and you’re wearing THAT?”
Sims don’t care about personal appearance anymore. They would rather be fed and safe than pretty. Cosmetics, hair care supplies, and clothing stores have all been cleaned out by looters or destroyed. Nobody wants to spend any money to bring these items back to the region. As a result, Sims’s appearances have taken a turn for the worst, leading most to keep to themselves. Large gatherings, socials, brunches and parties have virtually disappeared. The social elite of the region have long since fled for greener pastures.
-Sims may only use the “Practice Speech” or “Practice Romance” interactions on mirrors
-Sims may not purchase or use anything from the “Wardrobe” tab.
-Sims may not purchase perfume or the Love Potion 8.5
-Sims may not throw parties of any kind.
-Sims may not have “Outings”, casual or scored.
-Sims may not go on scored dates. (They may still invite other Sims over for romantic interactions, but it won’t be scored as a date)
-Sims may not purchase or use the stylist’s makeover chair.
-The Diva and Mr. Big NPCs may not be moved into the house for any reason.
-The Show Business career reward object may only be used by Sims currently on that career track.
Once a sim from the house rises to superstar, they unleash their show “Stylish eye for the zombie guy” on the world. The Sims of the region, seeing radiated zombies shambling around looking 10 times better than them, gain a renewed interest in appearances. The profits from the show are used to bring fresh supplies of cosmetics, hair care products and stylish clothing to the region. “Fallout wear” becomes a new trend across the country. Once Sims have bought their new threads and gotten all gussied up, they are once again confident enough to organize social gatherings and show off their new looks. Even some members of the social elite decide to return. All show business restrictions are lifted.
Alien Technology
“Earthlings are seen as quite primitive. It is a culture that still thinks digital watches were a pretty nifty idea. Pathetic”
Sim City has been using alien technology for over a year, gained from the crashed remains of an alien saucer. With the labs and factories that held this technology destroyed in the blast, the alien discoveries are once again a mystery.
-Sims may not purchase any aspiration reward objects.
-If the founder brings a reward object back from college in inventory, you may use it. You must delete this object once its special ability is used up (This includes the love tub, which must be deleted when the candles go out).
This restriction can be lifted in one of two ways.
-It is lifted if a Sim is abducted by aliens. The Sim abducted may be any age and of either gender. The abduction does not have to result in an alien pregnancy.
-It is also lifted if a sim who is a “Top Secret Researcher” or “Mad Scientist” goes to work with a satellite in their inventory. This satellite must originate from the family’s lot.
You do NOT have to lift this restriction in order to complete the challenge.
A Sim fulfilling this restriction can still fulfill one of the main 14.
Once the alien technology is back in the family’s hands, either given to them by the aliens or reverse-engineered from a crashed space craft, they can once again gain benefits from it.
