| Follomer |

[nathanthemayor 1,261]

Very interesting CJ

[Follarch 326]

Thank you Pat and Nathan for saying something here! I took a break from this to enjoy the wonderful world of Minecraft, but I found my way back with the release of my sixth ( i think?) BAT. I'd like to see going with this. And what'dya know, I have the urge to blow something up. I dunno what I'm going to do though. lol

Go ahead and check out my latest Suburban-friendly BAT, Tina's Food & Drug!

[Follarch 326]

Somewhere off the west coast of Follomer,

Approaching the airport.

After the raid on the Terrorist cargo ship, soaring back over the blue ocean was calming to Tessa. Watching the water, the surf fly by below her, the sun gleaming off it like a mirror. She liked it. And now that she wasn't drugged and free again, she just wanted to get away. Get away from it all.

Tessa looked across the cargo hold of the Ghost and saw Likisy, keeping somewhat of an eye on her. She slowly stood up and walked over to him.

Tessa: Likisy. I just, wanted to thank you for, coming after me. I didn't know what i would do.

Likisy smiled and reached out, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Likisy: Don't worry about it.

Tessa: I was just wondering. Where, did you grow up?

Likisy looked at her for a second, confused, then relented.

Likisy: Well, believe it or not, but I'm actually from Virgin Shores.

Tessa: Really??

Likisy: Oh yeah. I moved to Follomer with my family when I was about seven. Ever since then we lived just outside Saint Krist.

Tessa smiled. She knew a Virginite now. But it didn't answer what she wanted.

One of the other soldiers sitting close by then turned toward Likisy and Tessa.

Corporal Denning: Hey, did I hear that right sir? You're a Virgin?

Several laughs were then shared around the cargo hold, including from Tessa. Likisy just chuckled a little and turned toward the soldier.

Likisy: That's VirginITE, corporal, but I believe that's the same question I asked your fiance last night.

Everyone then erupted in laughter and remarks. Tessa wondered if this was commonplace in the military. She couldn't help but laugh a little. She also wondered if she saw herself joining the military one day.

Saint Krist-Uniden International

Just off the coast.

Ghost Pilot: S-T-K Tower, Ghost flight requesting permission to land, priority one cargo.

S-T-K Tower Ghost flight permission granted. Airspace is clear, land when ready.

Ghost Pilot: Copy tower, Ghost flight out.

Raven Pilot: Ghost flight, Raven-3-1. Welcome mat is laid out and there's beer in the fridge.

The pilot of the Ghost smirked and slowed the transport down, beginning to land as the two Raven dropships flew past overhead.

Ghost Pilot: Copy 3-1, thanks for the escort.

The Ghost slowly came back down to solid ground and then landed, it's jet engines finally dying down to a steady murmur. The rear door to the cargo hold lowered down, and the soldiers began to exit, with Likisy and Tessa coming out last. What was awaiting them just a ways away on the tarmac, was none other than the same man who awaited Tessa on the helipad just days before.

Tessa: Dad!

She ran out to him and jumped into his arms, embracing him again. Tristan gripped her in his arms, a few tears rolling out of his eyes.

Tristan: Tessa, I'm so sorry. I'm never leaving you out of my sight again.

Tessa hugged him tighter, enjoying the presence of her father once again before remembering her want to get away, and looked up at him.

Tessa: Dad I... I want to talk to you, and mom about something.

Tristan: Tess, anything you want. Lerra and i will listen to whatever you have to say.

The hug then continued. Tessa's mother would be waiting for them back in the Capital. But Tessa didn't want to stay there for long. Anywhere near the Capital, or a big city isn't safe anymore. She just wanted to be a normal girl again. And she's not going to hesitate with telling her parents about what she wants. She then finally got her answer. Her best friend, Jensa. The girl she loved being with every day. She was from a city somewhere north-east of the capital. Way north-east. Far away...exactly what she wanted.

Everything added up, and she fully decided, one hundred percent, that she was leaving Saint Krist. And she knew where she was heading. Where she was going to start a new life, as just another young girl.

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Always good to see new stuff coming here. Looking forward to more update soon.

[Frdm920 50]

Hehe, some classic one liners. Brilliant update, and a nice way to revive the CJ!

[Follarch 326]

Schulmanator: Glad to hear from you still! I need to be kind and bring myself over to Schulmania more often as well.

Frdm920 I'm glad you enjoyed the one liner. lol Every creative writing needs to have one of those.

And I'm glad you stopped by!

[Follarch 326]

Episode 42:

Youngest Home Owner

Raechal, Follomer

Right on the North Follomer coast.

Personal Diary of: TessGirl_312

"Hey Diary, new entry."

"I just arrived in town a couple minutes ago. It's definitely much different than the capital. That itself is a plus. My dad took it pretty hard when I told him what i wanted, but otherwise went along with my idea. Mom was more so supportive, though hesitant. But in the end, they both agreed this would be good for me, to get out of the city and start a new, normal life. At least maybe I'll be living in a neighborhood where almost no one will recognize me as 'the Chancellor's daughter'. But we'll have to wait and see.

Raechal is a very nice suburb city. Nothing's taller than five stories and there's trees and housing everywhere. Hell, maybe I'll even attend the local High School. But one adventure at a time, shall we? I looked through the house and I can safely say I'll be comfortable. Not to mention the backyard, is an entire park!"

"A field with huge trees, neatly placed logs and boulders.

When I told dad I'd be living by myself, he insisted on buying me, and I quote, 'one of the best houses, in the best neighborhood in the whole city'. Well I've just seen the house and I don't even want to ask dad how much it cost, but it's very satisfying. I'd place it within the upper middle class to low high class incomes. And to think, he paid the whole damn thing off in one payment. I insisted though that I pay at least the utilities myself, which means it's job hunting time."

"I'm already set up with a job interview at the local 'Tina's' here. It's tomorrow. It's actually right outside my neighborhood, which is also neighboring a McDonalds. I'm going to have to watch my weight from now on."

|| End of Entry ||

Personal Diary of:TessGirl_312

"Hey diary, another new entry.

I've gotten most of my things unpacked from the moving truck, and I've already gotten several odd looks from the neighbors. A bunch of "where's her parents?" looks i bet. I wonder if some of them will come up to greet me. I also noticed something a bit odd. When I looked up this town, it didn't show any nearby airports, and yet I keep seeing this plane fly overhead. Weird."

"Anyway, after I get settled, I'm just going to be lazy for the rest of the day. Since tomorrow's going to be busy. I'm also going to look up a family living here in Raechal. I owe it to them to visit, ever since the day she died..."

|| End of Entry ||

Above the city...

Phoenix Pilot: Affirmative, she's safely in the house. Continuing overwatch, Sky-Eye out.

Meanwhile, back at the Capital.

The events of the power outtage have mostly died down and some power has been returned to parts of the city, although a large chunk of the grid is still in horrible disarray. After several hours, the city's emergency departments have finally gotten somewhat of a hold on the situation, and a sort of 'curfew' had been put into effect until the rest of the problems had been resolved.

After Chancellor Tristan reunited with his daughter, and then only to let her go off on her own again, he returned to his official duties as the Chancellor, expecting to get some work done in his country.

While the replacement for the destroyed Chancellor's tower is being finished, Tristan's temporary office across the street in the government building is being used.

*knock knock knock*

Chancellor Tristan: Yes, come in.

Kristina: Hey honey.

Tristan smiled and leaned back in his chair.

Chancellor Tristan: What brings you here dear?

Kristina walked over and sat on the edge of his desk, holding up a folder.

Kristina: A few things that wanted to be brought to your attention.

Chancellor Tristan: Right then. Another round of yes/no questions?

Kristina shrugged and started reading off the file inside.

Kristina: First off. The High Council wants to insist, yet again, for you to get your daughter into politics.

Chancellor Tristan: No.

Kristina: The New York Times wants to hold a professional interview of you for their-

Chancellor Tristan: Hell no.

Kristina: The European Union want's to know if you would provide a few assets toward their War in Libya.

He turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

Chancellor Tristan: Do I even need to quote our Isolationist bill?

Kristina: Well then, that covers it. I'll just write a big fat "N-O" on the cover and return it.

She giggled and set the folder on the desk, and faced Tristan.

Kristina: I have a personal worry though Trist. Are you sure Tessa will be alright all by herself up north?

Chancellor Tristan: Let's try not to worry. I'm making sure she's looked after. Even if she doesn't know about it.

  Edited May 10, 2011 by Archean  

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Nice new house... maybe I will drop by and introduce myself... bring over a batch of cookies as a welcome gift.

[Follarch 326]

@Schully: Always a nice pleasure to be greeted by strangers with smiles and cookies. World needs more of those kinds of people.

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

This has been a long time coming. Quoting myself from another post i made somewhere, my CJ, if not already dead, is "writhing on the floor in pain", seeing as replies have steadily decreased to the point to where I've only gotten one in the past 21 days. (thank you for your reply schully.) Not only are my CJ's reply numbers hurting, but so is my will to even continue this. And if you're a lurker that comes and reads but doesn't say anything, im sorry but not everyone likes a lurker. Doesn't help their enthusiasm that much.

So, to say that I have gone and restarted my plugin folder on top of my will being zip and replies nada, this CJ's dead. Period. I'm not going to come back to it again.

  Edited August 7, 2011 by Archean  

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend how are you,i see you doing amazing work here.excellent cj as allways.

[packersfan 666]

I know how you feel. My journal doesn't get a ton of responses. It has to be something you want to do. If you aren't having fun doing it, that's too bad.

[Yuu Caa Sim 55]

The second to last and third to last pictures were really astounding! I especially loved the one where the clouds seem to be parting to give us a view of the city. Those are definitely the best painted clouds I have seen in a long, and many times better than what the game itself generates. (It also seems that you added the clouds shadows as well!)

---

I can't speak for others, but for me personally, I am very pressed for time, and have been for the past 4 years or so due to collegework. Usually when I visit Simtropolis, I don't go into the City Journal sections. It isn't because I'm not interested in what others are doing with SimCity (in fact I would dearly love to explore these cities and worlds), but it is because I simply do not have the time needed to read through an entry and marvel at the pictures presented within at a level where I would feel able to give an appropriate and detailed response.

Given your remarks above though, and the seeming quality of this CJ, and seeing that I am already here, I felt compelled to give you a reply. I hope you don't mind that it's short and a little vapid. orz

I wish you well on your next projects. Perhaps I'll soon have more time to spend on Simtropolis and perhaps read through this entire CJ...

  Edited May 31, 2011 by yunxiang  

[nathanthemayor 1,261]

@Schully: Always a nice pleasure to be greeted by strangers with smiles and cookies. World needs more of those kinds of people.

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

This has been a long time coming. Quoting myself from another post i made somewhere, my CJ, if not already dead, is "writhing on the floor in pain", seeing as replies have steadily decreased to the point to where I've only gotten one in the past 21 days. (thank you for your reply schully.) Not only are my CJ's reply numbers hurting, but so is my will to even continue this. And if you're a lurker that comes and reads but doesn't say anything, im sorry but not everyone likes a lurker. Doesn't help their enthusiasm that much.

So, to say that I have gone and restarted my plugin folder on top of my will being zip and replies nada, this CJ's dead. Period. I'm not going to come back to it again.

I'm sad to hear that...This was looking awesome!

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Don't delete it... this is awesome. I know how you feel about responses... it can be frustrating. ST has been very quiet the last few months. But that is not an indicator of your work.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

That's disappointing. I have a good excuse for not replying earlier, though! Anyways, I hope you build your wounded pride back up and come back to us at some point. It's a shame to lose a good cj, especially when really terrible ones with very few replies (like my own haha) can't seem to die.

[Follarch 326]

And then i threaten a deletion and suddenly replies! xD

Thanks for your support guys. I don't need to be reminded about not having time, real life sometimes gets in the way of simcity goodness. >_>... I, honestly don't know what to do now. I restarted my plugin folder, which means opening a Follomer city tile would contain numerous brown boxes. (easily fixable, but annoying) I actually started on a new region with two cities already built. I'm wondering...just wondering, If i could take the city tile that i just showcased last episode, and import it into the new region, and claim that THIS is the region Tessa moved to, and thus, Follomer is saved...again.

I still need to build other cities, an airport is a MUST. Freaking love those. Plus a seaport, possibly. If I go along with this new plan, I'll give you a region teaser soon. And I'd just like to say,..

Jacqulina,

Packersfan,

Yunxiang,

Nathonthemayor,

Schully, and

NMUSpidey,

Thanks for showing your support in my CJ! This is probably the most amount of replies I've gotten here in months, and in such a short amount of time too.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

Well hey, you did just win the Best Scifi cj last year. (I have noticed that this section isn't quite as full of posting as it was when I did my first PM cj, just a changing of the times, I suppose...)

[Follarch 326]

Very true, I was very surprised I had won that award, when there were others more popular. Although Ian did say Carpathia wasn't even nominated for that year, so that took out a big chunk of competition. lol

[Follarch 326]

Episode 43

Meeting the Parents

Raechal, Follomer

Tessa's House

In Medson Park, one of Raechal's many neighborhoods, the mid day hours have come to Tessa's doorstep, and for her, it's time to get the biggest thing she's ever done out of the way. Meeting the parents of her best friend that died that cold day.

The trip wasn't too far, and with a bank account stuffed with years of stable living, Tessa called a cab which awaited right outside the house. She came out and got in the back, pulling out her iPad which had the GPS directions.

Cab Driver: Where to kid?

Tessa: I don't know the exact address, but I can give directions. Is that alright?

Cab Driver: As long as we can get there, fine with me.

Tessa: Okay then, go to the main road by the McDonalds, and take a right.

Tessa: Then just take three more lefts at each intersection. Should be the house on a corner.

Cab Driver: Right-o. Hey, y'know three lefts make a right? Heh. Get it?

Cab Driver: Alright, house on a corner right? Would this be it?

She looked out the window at the front. She remembered almost every feature of the place from her one time visit long ago as a little girl, back when her friend was still around.

Tessa: That's the very place. Here, you can keep the change.

As she got out, she handed the man a Fifty bill. He stared at it confused to his luck.

Cab Driver: But, the fare's only $12.70!

But she had already closed the door and began to walk to the front of the house. Her legs felt weak, like they would collapse any moment. She hadn't spoken to the family on several years, and didn't say anything when she died. It'll be hard she thought, to face them after all this time and what happened to their family. But she knew, Jensa would have wanted Tessa to be with her family.

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

Alright then! I've updated! Sweet mother of creation it's been a while. Well right where we left off, Tessa has started her new life in a far off city in Northern Follomer, in order to 1. get her life turned into the life of a normal teenage girl...with y'know, cat ears and tail. For her first day in Raechal, she's going to get one thing squared away. Visiting the family of her late best friend, Jensa, who if you remember, died at the Willow Place Massacre which was in the beginning of this CJ. I love making plot lines tie in.

Also, as a note, you won't be seeing Follomer proper that much anymore. I've got a brand new region to show off. An Island state off Follomer's Northern coast that Tessa will journey into, which will let you guys explore part of Follomer's third state. Also, a new kinda-main character will be introduced tomorrow! As well as a visit from an old friend from past updates.

Now if you're wondering what you missed on the cab ride over. I've got a nice pic for yah.

That's the journey from Tessa's new house, to the family she's visiting. I actually put quite a bit of attention into planning that area. Where i want roads to go, neighborhoods to be put, as well as schools. I also wanted to be realist with the schools. Not just the building itself plopped willy-nilly. I wanted it to have it's one space, with sports fields next to them. I'm sure you can tell where the Elementary and High Schools are. And that's just part of Raechal. The other half, including downtown is north of that highway.

  Edited August 7, 2011 by Archean  

[Hamish 1,369]

Whoa, $21.70 for such short distance, sooo expensive

Nice looking city, and great story

[Frdm920 50]

I have to agree with Hamish, that is one expensive taxi

Also, a Maccas? Is there anywhere they aren't? D:

[Follarch 326]

Y'know, I've actually been in a cab before, and you're right, that was a very expensive cab fare. xD I changed it down to be a bit more reasonable.

[Vahr 341]

Oh well look what we have here! Very nice update Mikey! I really like how the town looks, its very nice. And can't wait for the next region!

[kj3400 178]

So lesson learned, update plus 4 am= no replies I kinda just stared at it like this....

So.....a lovely little town. Tessa's lucky to live there. Though the normal teen thing is a bit hard when you live in your house by yourself.

Edit: stares at old pic of Raechal....

new terrain mod, yay!

  Edited August 7, 2011 by kj3400  

[Follarch 326]

Hot off the Presses

More background information on this new region.

Could it hold a few secrets?

Also new to Follomer and soon to come to the North American market. PePola! A great, new blend of Coca Cola and Dr. Pepper products respectively to bring you a new flavor in Soft Drinks!

In Stores Now!

  Edited August 7, 2011 by Archean  

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Woo hoo! Follomer is back and in power!

[Follarch 326]

Replies!

Hamish: Glad you liked the town so far! You can see much more of it with this next update.

Frdm920: I'm going to assume Maccas is McDonalds, and no, they have dominated the world.

Vincey: I came back from the dead. And I have pretty pictures to show!

Kenny: A normal teen would have parents around, yeah. So she's experiencing a life as a normal teen/adult? Yay for complicated lives! And yesh I'm using marsh's terrain mod. I really like it.

Schully: Not necessarily in power but is back! And continuing the story! (as much as i can.)

[Follarch 326]

Episode 44

Sister of My Friend

Jensa's Family's House. Raechal, Follomer

When Tessa knocked, she wasn't expecting the person to answer to be a young girl with brown hair, just like 'her's. The two stared at each other. Tessa not knowing what to say, and the other girl trying to remember where she had seen Tessa before. The cat ears and her face brought it all back, but since it had been years, and Tessa had such a shortened life, it was almost like trying to remember a stranger.

Rebecca:...Tess? Little Tess!?

Tessa: Hi Rebecca. It's been too long,..

She then lunged and gave the girl a hug. Rebecca smiled and hugged her back before turning back around to face the hour.

Rebecca:Here! I'm sure mom and dad would love to see you too.

Tessa smiled and wiped away a tear before following her inside. The next few moments were full of hugs, smiles and wet cheeks. Seeing Tessa brought back memories of Jensa, since they were always inseparable while they were friends. It was even a bit weird, seeing Tessa and not seeing Jensa right next to her. After awhile, Rebecca asked if she and Tessa could talk out back on the porch. Tessa agreed and followed, taking in the crisp air and the tall trees around their yard.

Rebecca: I still can't believe you came out here by yourself. How was the trip?

Tessa: Uneventful mostly. Had to drive a rental the rest of the way here from the nearest airport.

Rebecca: You drive now! Goddess how you have grown. I swear you used to be just a little girl last time i saw you. And here I am, barely grew an inch.

Tessa: Well y'know, people like me don't live that long.

Rebecca nodded, with nothing to say about her short lifespan. She hoped Tessa was making the most of it.

Rebecca: You know. Jensa would have liked the fact you came all the way here to visit. She always did like having you around the family.

Tears began to trickle down Tessa's cheeks. Smiling and wiping them away, she nodded and laughed a little.

Tessa: I do miss her. That day just wont leave my mind.

Rebecca then began to cry a little, crossing her arms.

Rebecca: I can't imagine how hard it was for you, to be there and all. You know you're always welcome with us, right Tess? You're like the third sister I never had, heh.

The both of them smiled at each other, drying their cheeks.

Tessa: I'll be able to visit a lot now. I actually moved into a house not ten minutes away. Don't, even ask, all my idea.

Rebecca: Right, haha, you always do whatever you set your mind to. Y'know, I was looking toward seeing a movie in town tomorrow. Wanna come with me? Who knows, maybe you'll find a local boy to help take your mind of things. Got some cute ones around here.

Tessa laughed at the offer, but couldn't help to not get very interested in the idea of 'cruising for boys'. And whenever she though of being close with someone, her mind always trailed toward someone she once got to know back in the big city.

Tessa: I'd love to Rebecca!

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

Okay so, this story update was full of story, and not very full of actual imagery. So I'm going to take you around the city of Raechal!

Just outside Rebecca's house is Tayble Ave, one of Raechal's only "unique" roads. Unique as in I used the NWM on it. Really love how it turned out. It's meant to signify that this is Raechal's more ritzy neighborhoods.

And just south going down Tayble Ave you hit Raechal High! The city's only High school. Because there's no middle school, Raechal High holds grades 7-12. Complete with large parking lot and Baseball fields. Uh oh, it's getting a bit cloudy!

And now it's started to rain. Wonderful. Well it'll be good to dampen all that dead grass. Here you'll see Ferns Hill Elementary. Just right up the road from Raechal High (literally), you'll find grades K-6 here.

West of the schools, we come upon Raechal's pride and joy. A freeway interchange! Westbound heads toward a major seaport and then hits the Follomer west coast. Northbound goes toward the coast and then heads east, then down south. While the southbound goes in that direction before hitting the mountains. They say if you stay on the westbound, you'll hit the Capital city eventually!

The Elephant Ears Main Street exit. You can guess why it's called that.

And here's downtown Raechal! No highrises here! Raechal has done a pretty good job of staying small. (not that being way up north near nothing of interest helped) At first started as a small farming town near the ocean. It's still a farming community, but has suburbanized greatly, with many things to do!

You could hit the Century Theater to catch any of the recently released bit box office hits or enjoy the plaza next door. Those people might want to hurry back to their cars, or a shelter. No one like's being drenched.

Or you can decide to bunk it here in Raechal at it's semi-luxury apartment homes! With reasonable monthly rents of course. Definitely not a day to use the pool though. Unless you don't mind the rain as long as it's still hot out. However one thing to recognize though is about Raechal's one tragic tradition it's seemed to have for itself. Almost everyone who was born in Raechal...

Grew old, and died in Raechal. Town Cemetery is almost 86% local born.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

Ah, old friends. How long will Tessa live (I must have missed a memo somewhere on cat-eared people's life spans)? Hopefully long enough...

[Frdm920 50]

Yes Maccas = McDonalds

And nice town

Elephant Ears, don't want to be driving on that if I can help it