your tags. yeah. it's not that they are progressive or feminist or even written by women -- but they are doing something with women that is complex and worth paying attention to, and in many cases they are the reason we have a version of a particular woman's story at all
yeah that's one of the marketing conceits of the myth retelling novel industrial complex that bothers me, it's the framing as if no one has ever paid attention to these female characters who are buried unnoticed in the myths when often the most complete or the most authoritative version of the character's story that survives from antiquity is in tragedy, a genre that is notoriously interested in bringing female characters out of the house and putting them on stage in active roles, and in using those female characters to explore issues of gender and the place of women in contemporary society.
like to a certain degree it makes sense for the homeric women who don't appear in (extant) tragedy, like briseis or the hanged women in odyssey 22, but we have stories where clytemnestra and deianira and medea insist on make narrative space for themselves to tell their own stories from their own perspectives, refusing to be silent about the violence their society inflicts upon women and the lasting damage it does. they're called aeschylus' agamemnon and sophocles' trachiniae and euripides' medea. and maybe you want to retell those stories for modern audiences, changing things or emphasizing different aspects of them! and that's great! but framing it as if they've been ignored and their stories are as-yet-untold is just not accurate, and it's a cheap way to paint your work as innovative and subversive.
Scotland is a beautiful country where we take care of people. We pay our taxes so that university is free, prescriptions are free, period products are available for free. We provide baby boxes and maternity leave, school meals and childcare. Our communities are largely caring and accepting of others. So yeah, naturally we hate everything Trump is and stands for 🤷🏼♀️
I recently decided I'd try out the Active Careers that come with the Get To Work expansion. I started the Detective Career, and quickly found the need to update (or backdate?) everything at the Police Station. Sadly, I found very little custom content that filled my little Victorian niche, so I decided to try make stuff myself! How hard could it be, right‽
Not as easy as I thought; but, here I am at the end -- ready to share with you all!
First things first: when your Sim has arrived at the Police Station, use ctrl+shift+c to open the cheat menu, type in: bb.enablefreebuild
This enables you to edit the lot - you can now go into Build/Buy. I went into the Gallery and searched for "Police Station" and chose one that I thought would fit in for the period I play, and replaced the police station already there. Now, time to re-decorate!!
The Police Station requires some items in order to complete the career tasks, and for NPCs to do their various jobs - and, I wasn't able to make period appropriate versions for everything, because some functions are too complicated to try work out how to roll it back 🫠
You will need:
1/ Reception/Security desk with a computer on it
2/ Office area with computers and a Crime Map
3/ Fingerprint/Mugshot/Search station
4/ Lab with analyser
5/ Jail cells - group and single cells
6/ Interrogation table
7/ Gym/work-out area for staff
The gaol (which is pronounced "jail" 🤣), during the Victorian-era, had received some updates, after probably centuries of very poor conditions. So, prisoners were afforded some essential comforts, such as beds, and were kept more in cells rather than chains on a wall.
Looking at pictures of some Victorian-built gaols, I put together an image of what I wanted, which reflect in these items in the set (total of 18 items):
Three sizes of glass-less barred windows (Base Game Compatible)
Prison cell bars - tall, medium, and short (Requires Get To Work)
Divider poles, where you can separate the bars, or put in corners - tall, medium, and short (Requires Get To Work)
Two types of cell doors, group and single - tall, medium, and short (Requires Get To Work)
Reception/security desk (Requires Get To Work)
Interrogation table (Requires Get To Work)
Special oil lamp for the interrogation table (Requires Get To Work)
Download the Gaol Set for free from my Patreon here!
More info under the cut!
Now for details on each item:
Three sizes of barred windows; no glass, with bars on the outside (curved out like I've seen a lot); deco slots for the window-sill, in case you want to put a light, or other decoration at the window. 8 swatches each.
‼️NOTE: there are weird cuts that come out from the curved top of the windows - I've tried various things to try fix this, but even the best creators have had this issue and are unable to fix it! If you use a wall with texture, you really don't notice it much - hopefully this doesn't deter you!!
Three heights of bars, dividers, doors. 6 swatches each.
To ensure your gaol cell is secure, and to ensure the Sims know what is inside and what is outside - always ensure the ARROW, in the green footprint, Points OUTWARDS.
The left side of the bars juts out, so there's not a random empty space between them. And you can use the divider pole however you like - but it fits nicely in the jut-out bit, as well as in corners
Each door size has two versions - single cell (only one Sim can be locked in at a time); and group cell (multiple sims can be locked in).
Next is the reception, or security desk (you should be able to use this in Hospitals as well). 11 swatches.
You need to put a computer here, for the Receptionist to do receptiony things.
There is a telephone there - unfortunately part of the Receptionist's animations is picking up and answering a phone. If I deleted the phone, the animation would still play - and a phone would magically appear in the Sim's hand; so I decided to keep it.
And finally we have the Interrogation Table and Lamp. One swatch each.
The lamp has a double wick, and a shade to try angle and direct a bright light on the suspect (Off-the-grid!).
The game's interrogation table has a lamp attached to it - you can't place anything on the table or remove the lamp. My version has ONE slot on the table, where you need to place the lamp.
I think the interrogation table caused me the most problems. Firstly, I couldn't do what the game table has - a joined lamp, the flame animations just would not work - so this is why there's a separate lamp.
Also, I discovered that, despite having ~6 different swatches, the game interrogation table only works on swatch 1. I almost didn't include it in the set until I figured out where this bit of code was, and changed it to my table.
Now it works perfectly! I am so happy!
As a side note - the detective career is so buggy sometimes, I'm astonished that none of these weird issues have been fixed, considering it was the from the first expansion pack.
Anyway, ENJOYY
Download the Gaol Set for free from my Patreon here!
Here’s the final part to my Smoke x Annie Wedding series — the reception/ wedding night!!!
This one’s for all you Smut lovers out there 😏
TW/CW - use of the N word, cursing, unprotected sex, oral sex, mild bondage, mild choking, dominate vs. submissive, fluff, f!ingering
OG time period with modern influence; Smoke and Annie 1st person POV — Inspired by the song So Beautiful by Music Soulchild
***********************************************
“As the best man, y’all know I’m obligated to make a speech…” Stack started, interrupting the roaring chatter of guests in Delray’s — the intimate, local juke joint Annie and I were holding our reception at.
“…So why don’t y'all sit ya’ll happy asses down and let a real playa speak to you for a minute.” He continued, clinking his glass.
It was visibly clear that Stack was feeling a little tipsy — his goofy ass pacing around the stage as he waited for everyone to take their seats —but he was still holding onto his usual suave composure tightly.
“Oh lord, here he go.” Annie said, chuckling softly; hand covering her face.
This nigga betta not embarrass me… I whisper to myself, taking a seat beside Annie at a circular table toward the front of the Juke.
Taking a swig of my Italian wine — courtesy of a connect I made while up in New York — I turn my attention toward Stack, mentally preparing for whatever shit he was about to say on the mic.
“Anybody who knows the SmokeStack twins, knows that I inherited all the swag, and Smoke inherited all the sense…” Stack began, already getting a few chuckles from the crowd.
“I mean, if it wasn’t for me the nigga would probably wear a wife beata and khakis every damn day!” He added, eliciting more laughter from the audience as if he were a comedian testing out a new set.
“Not to mention, he has no game — The looks and some more help from me saved him in that area…“
“Alright nigga, not too much! ” I interrupted, with a light chuckle, taking another swig of wine.
Annie laughed, rubbing a gentle hand along my arm in an attempt to defuse any ill feelings that tried to arise at the mention of Stack’s arrogant but well-intentioned comments.
“Don’t worry chief, I’m getting to a point.” Stack laughed , tilting his glass toward me.
“Even though I helped Smoke become the sharp looking pimp we see here today, he’s helped me in more ways than I can count; far more important than looks and sweet talk…” he started up again, his tone shifting from playful to sincere.
“Growing up, Smoke was the closest thing I had to a dad.” He continued, tensing up a bit at the thought of our deceased deadbeat father. “He taught me how to shave, how to fight, how to drive — the list goes on. We’ve developed a system; a bond that not many understand. It takes a lot for people to get close to us and infiltrate that system. And on the off chance they do, they’re usually too intimidated to stay. But Annie… Annie you different.” Stack said, turning his attention directly to the woman next to me.
“I knew from the moment we met that Annie would steam roll her ass between us and stay.”
I turned to look at Annie who was laughing heartily, her bright smile lighting up the room. I sat there staring for a moment, admiring her beauty as Stack proceeded to speak.
“In all my 25 years of living, I ain’t never seen Smoke care about a woman the way he cares about you Annie. Hell, I’ve rarely seen him talk to or think about a woman longer than a few days before you come along.” He stated, throwing in another joke for good measure.
“That man right there...” Stack pointed at me.“would lay down his life for you and then some. And knowing the kind of woman you are, I know you’d do the same for him.”
“And would!” Annie shouted boldly, placing a reassuring hand on the back of my neck.
“So imma end with this: I ain’t much of a praying man but I hope the powered that be give you both everything you want and more. Love y’all to life; Now drink up mothafuckas!” Stack finished, chugging the last of his drink and tipping his glass toward me and Annie. The crowd erupted into applause as Stack exited the stage to make his way over to us.
“That was beautiful Stack, thank you!” Annie said, embracing him and placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
“Not gon lie you had me in the first half nigga, but I appreciate you. Much love bro!” I said, dabbing him up.
“ You know I gotta keep you on your toes G.” Stack teased before returning to his seat at the table behind us.
For the next 30 minutes or so, friends and family went up to the mic, recounting stories and saying their congratulations to me and Annie. There was of course little Mary, Annie’s grandmother and cousins, Delta Slim— who was like an Uncle to me, my homies Bo Chow and Corn Bread; hell even little Sammie got up and said a few words.
After all was said and done, it was time to party.
With the moon high and dry, those with young kids said their goodbyes, while those grown enough to stay coupled up and took to the dance floor to do what they do best — bump and grind.
Finishing off my drink, I could see Annie looking at me from my peripheral, a glint in her eyes.
“How you feeling?” She asked me, her voice soft like the supple skin on her radiant body.
“Full.” I said, turning my attention to meet her gaze. I meant that in every sense of the word as I took in the beauty of my newly wedded wife and the moment surrounding us once more.
“You?” I asked in return.
“Like I’m on cloud 9.” She smiled with that big ol’ smile of hers. “Dance with me Elijah.” She demanded, standing from her seat and grabbing me by the hand to follow.
The room filled with sensual rhythm and blues as me and Annie made our way to the dance floor. Like second nature, her arms wrapped around my neck, as I snaked mine around her waist, resting at them at the small of her back.
Like two pieces of a puzzle, our legs intertwined as we began slow grinding to the melodies swirling around us. It was like we were the only two people in the room.
“Mrs. Moore, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I said, voice thick with awe.
“You’re not so bad yourself Mr. Moore.” She said, placing her head on my chest. Even though I was fully clothed, the contact made my skin sting with desire.
“You don’t know what you do to me.” I whisper in her ear, hunger lacing my tongue. “Drives me crazy…”
I could feel Annie’s body shiver against me as I began peppering kisses along her neck.
“Elijah —“ she warned, lifting her head to look me in the eyes. I cut her off with a deep kiss, no longer in the mood for talking.
“Respectfully, Annie…” I started, pulling away from our kiss to remove my jacket and place it on a nearby chair. “ The only words I want to hear come out of that pretty little mouth of yours for the rest of the night are: “more”, “right there”, and “yes”. “ I said pulling her body against me, tighter than before.
Though bashful, I could see the lust-filled excitement dancing around in Annie’s eyes.
“Whatever you say Elijah.” She whispered, biting her lip. Our lips reconnected with more intensity than before — tongues swirling around, as carnal need coursed through our veins.
“I’m gonna make you feel so good Annie. Not just tonight, but for the rest of your life. So long as I’m by your side, you won’t have to worry about nothing.” I said between kisses, promise infused in every word.
“Show me.” Annie said, eyes dark and daring.
***
Smoke grabbed my hand, leading me carefully through the crowd of dancing bodies until we reached a room on the second floor of the hole in the wall Juke.
Opening the door, I could see a small bed on one side of the room and a closet and dresser —- dawned with candles — on the other. Fragrant rose petals scattered the floor, as the moonlight peaked in through the cracks of a small window to the left of the bed.
“I had a buddy of mine fix the room up for us.” Smoke explained, closing the door behind him and locking it. I took a moment to revel at the intention put in by the man beside me.
“You are too sweet Elijah Moore.” I said, my gratitude evident.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that baby.” He said menacingly, undoing his tie. “Sit.” he commanded, ushering me toward the edge of the bed.
“You remember what I said downstairs right? Those words I want you to say?” Smoke questioned, lust dripping from his lips with every word.
“Y-yes.” I answered, voice catching in my throat. I could feel myself already getting aroused at his dominance.
“Good girl. Now lay down and scooch up.” He smirked, a devilish sparkle in his eyes.
Oh this man is on demon time tonight I thought to myself as I silently obeyed his command. I watched carefully as my husband made his way toward me, his undone tie draped in hand.
“Put your arms above your head for me baby.” I do as I’m told. Without warning Smoke pulls my arms together, preparing to tie them to the headboard above me.
“Let me know if this gets too tight.” He said, tying a firm knot around my wrists. I could feel my adrenaline rush through my body as I began to fantasize about the things this man was about to do to me. Whatever he had planned, I knew it was going to be good
Pleased with his work, Smoke trailed a hand down my arm and placed it gently on my neck, giving it a squeeze. I clinched at the sensation of asphyxiation mixed with the warmth of his lips as he leaned down to plant a long sensual kiss on my lips.
Smoke pulled away slowly, a teasing smirk on his lips. He turned to unbutton his shirt and remove his shoes. My body twitched at the sight of his chiseled muscles flexing in the moonlight, as he threw the discarded clothes in the corner.
God took his time on this man I thought, watching intently.
Rather than making his way back to my lips, Smoke moved toward the edge of the bed, kneeling at in front of me as if he was praying at an altar. Removing the heels from my feet, he began to rub my sore ankles and toes, causing a soft moan to escape my lips.
“Feel good baby?” Smoke asked, his sexy voice piercing the air.
“Mhmm” I moaned again with a sigh of relief.
“Good.” He replied softly, placing a gentle kiss to my ankle.
As Smoke continued to massage my feet, ankles, and calves with his strong, heavenly hands, I could feel him start to leave soft kisses up and down my legs.
“Elijah—“ I whispered breathily, heating up at the sensation of his lips on my skin.
“Shh mamas. Let me take care of you.” He said between kisses.
Shifting positions, Smoke rose to hover over my lower half — one hand anchored on the bed, the other on my thigh. Lifting my dress for further access, he placed warm wet kisses along my thighs. As he got closer to my sex, I could feel my pussy throb in anticipation; legs tensing up in response.
“You gon open up for me mama?” Smoke joked teasingly as he looked me square in the eyes, mouth inches away from heat. His warm breath sent goosebumps throughout my body.
“Yes.” I exhaled, slowly opening my legs.
“Thats a good girl.” He said before placing firm kisses against my clothed pussy. I could feel my breath hitch as Smoke moved my panties to the side, taking a long thick finger and sliding it down my swollen wet core.
“Look at that pretty pussy already warmed up for me.” Smoke said proudly, before sticking his tongue deep into my folds and swirling it around.
Not being able to use my hands, I squirmed and whimpered under his touch.
“Use your words, baby. Tell me what you want. I’m all yours.” He said assertively, backing away slightly from my now aching center.
“Please Elijah, make me cum.” I said looking down desperately at the beautiful man peaking between my legs.
“ My pleasure.” Smoke replied smugly, immediately going to work.
He inserted two thick fingers into my pussy, instantly moving them in and out — slowly at first, then picking up steam. My hips bucked wildly. A frenzy of moans filled the air; signaling him that I wanted more. Digging deeper, he began slurping up my juices with his tongue.
“God damn baby, you taste so good.” Smoke moaned into my heat, the vibrations of his voice sending me into overdrive.
“Shittt” I moaned out; my skin on fire from the overwhelming, addictive pleasure I was receiving. “ Right there Elijah. Just like that.”
I could feel myself getting close, as Smoke inserted a third finger, curving his digits and circling his tongue around my clit.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I’m gonna cum, Elijah. I’m gonna cum.” I cried out, chest heaving and sweat dripping from my brow.
“Let loose baby.” Smoke said, mouth never leaving my heat. He placed a firm hand on my stomach, the pressure sending me over the edge.
Engulfed with pleasure, I cried out, unraveling as Smoke continued to eat and finger me through my release.
After a minute or so, I finished — post orgasm waves surging periodically through my tired body. I breathlessly watched as Smoke removed his face from between my legs, licking his lips like he had just finished the last supper.
Using his dry hand, he wiped my excess orgasm from his beard. As if he couldn’t get enough of the taste, he began sucking on one of his wet fingers.
“Want some?” He asked, looking deep into my eyes. Matching his fiery gaze, I nod my head yes. He moves to stand beside me, towering over my disheveled figure.
“Open.” Smoke ordered.
Obeying his command, I open my mouth wide — making sure to look him dead in the eyes — as he placed two of his slick fingers in my mouth.
***
“Shit.” I whispered through gritted teeth as I watched Annie suck her sweet nectar from my fingers.
She looks so sexy with my fingers in her mouth. Imagine how good she’d look with my d— I cut off the tempting thought, feeling my dick twitch in my pants. As much as I loved the idea of getting head right now, tonight was about Annie.
“You like how sweet you taste mamas?” I asked, shoving my fingers a little deeper down her throat.
“Mmhmm” Annie nods, the vibration from her throat sending electricity down my spine. Slowly, I remove my cleaned fingers from her mouth.
“What else do you want to do tonight?” I probed, reminding Annie that I was here to take care of her needs. “Let me hear you say it baby.”
“I want you inside of me Smoke.” she whispered darkly, her voice hoarse. Even though she was still reeling from her last orgasm, Annie wanted all that Smoke had to offer.
That’s my girl I thought, a small smile creeping on my lips. I lean in to give her kiss before making my way back down to the edge of the bed.
“Lift.” I requested, urging her to raise her hips.
Pulling down her soaked panties, I throw them to the corner of the room with the rest of my clothes. Wanting to take in the full view of her body, I roll up her dress even more so that it sat just above her chest.
“Can I remove this, baby?” I asked, looking down at her laced white bra. Annie, completely submissive in the moment, lazily nodded her head yes. She lifts up a bit so that I can unclasp and remove the binding cloth from her chest. I turn to throw it in the pile with the rest of our clothes.
“Mmm…” I moaned, returning to take in the sight of my wife’s ample bare breasts. I could tell she was feeling a little shy from my scanning eyes as her body started to tense.
“Mrs. Moore…” I started, softly caressing the skin on her cheek “you are truly a work of art.” I affirm, placing a gentle kiss to her forehead. I could feel her body ease under my touch.
That’s more like it, I thought. Standing, I move back toward the edge of the bed to admire the fullness of Annie’s body.
“How you want it ma?” I ask, unbuckling my pants; ready to please my woman in any way that she needs.
“Deep and slow.” Annie said seductively; fully embracing the power of just being able to lay back and give commands. Her teasing eyes caused my dick to stiffen.
Dropping my pants, I began to roll my thick shaft in my hands. Annie watched with lustful dark eyes — lip tucked between teeth — as I twisted and tugged. Moving to hover over her, I position myself so that I perfectly aligned with her center.
Kissing up her stomach and chest slowly, I land on one of her swollen breasts. Cupping it in my hand, I take her nipple in my mouth, sucking on the warm chocolate mound. I could hear Annie hiss at the sensation, as I began swirling and flicking it with my tongue.
“S-Stop teasing me Smoke.” She whispered, her voice stinging with need as her eyes fluttered close.
Not breaking away from her chest, I reach my free hand toward her ankle and lift her leg so that it’s now propped over my shoulder.
“You said you wanted it slow baby, remember?” I teased before readjusting myself at the entrance of her peak.
“You ready?” I asked, searching Annie’s twisted face for confirmation.
“Yes.” She replied hungrily.
Slowly, I slide my dick into her wet folds, cursing instantly at how tight she was.
“Fuck Annie…” I exclaimed, letting myself get used to the pressure of her warm pussy around my hard cock.
Getting fully acclimated, I began bucking my hips to the slow, steady rhythm of the music that’s been playing throughout the Juke.
“Ohhh yes, just like that baby.” Annie exhaled, her eyes rolling back in pleasure. As I continued grinding my hips into hers, I made sure to place gentle kisses along her stomach and legs.
“Fuck you take me so good Annie. You look so beautiful taking me like this.” I praised her, marveling at the woman beneath me.
As I went deeper with every stroke, wild moans continued to escape Annie’s plump lips; mouth agape. Her cries, mixed with the music from the band below, created the most beautiful symphony.
Man I could listen to this shit for the rest of my life I thought to myself, no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
What Beyonce say? “Fan me off I’m hot, hot, hot….” Cause SAME sis.
The wayyyyy I’d turn Smoke every way but loose if he told me he’d do whatever I asked him to. I’m talking round after rounddd!!!!
ANYWAYS, yall I hope you enjoyed this series! I had so much fun writing about Smoke x Annie’s marriage story — especially with it being in 1st person. Let me know what you thought about the shifting POV’s, speeches, or literally anything else, in the comments 😊