Game On

[ Have 1 Nerd Hangout, Have 1 Jock Hangout | None | 200c ]

KENNEDY: Addison! Got time for a quick chat?

ADDISON: Sure, Kennedy, what’s up?

KENNEDY: So, tell me, are you into gaming?

ADDISON: Not really, no. Sorry, Kennedy. It’s just not really my thing.

KENNEDY: Not at all? Not even the occasional 15 hour MMO raid?

ADDISON: Were those words?

KENNEDY: Sigh… then I’m guessing you haven’t heard of the Ultrathon. It’s an elimination gaming tournament held at MPX, the Mega Play Expo. Contestants play console, tabletop, and computer games for a chance to win amazing prizes! If you’re a gamer, winning the Ultrathon is even better than breaking 400,000 XBL points!

ADDISON: Sounds cool! You’re entering the competition, right?

KENNEDY: I really want to, but I can’t afford the registration fee. Can you help me raise some money?

ADDISON: I’ll see what I can do!

[ Spend 3000 coins | None | 15b ]

KENNEDY: Score up, Addison! We raised even more money than I was hoping for.

ADDISON: What can I say? I’m a natural grinder.

KENNEDY: Well, now that I can pay the registration fee for the Ultrathon game tournament, it’s time to drive to MPX. What do you say, Addison? Up for a road trip? I could really use the company…

ADDISON: Sure, sounds fun. Just tell me you didn’t learn how to drive from GTA…

KENNEDY: Ha! Don’t be ridiculous… I got it all from Need for Speed!

ADDISON: Wait, what?

KENNEDY: Let’s roll! Feel free to bring another friend, too!

[ A Classmate, Kennedy (Bailey) | 1h | 300c ]

ADDISON: We finally made it to MPX! And this place is totally amazing! Light-gun shooters! Classic board games! And who knew there were so many different kinds of Pong?

KENNEDY: I did, but gaming is kind of my thing…

BAILEY: It looks like the Ultrathon is about to start.

KENNEDY: Yep! And Round 1 of 3 is Street Tek Fighters! It’s going to be a slam dunk, except not literally because that’s a sports reference!

ADDISON: You sound pretty confident…

KENNEDY: I should be. I’ve hitbox-mapped and frame-counted the special moves of every playable character in the entire STF franchise. This match ought to be like boss-battling in Easy Mode… A few well-timed jab-kicks and then… HADOUKEN!

ADDISON: You did it! You just won your first match in the Ultrathon tournament! You get to advance to Round 2! I really think you have a chance to win it all!

KENNEDY: Thanks, Addison. I’m glad you still think I can win the Ultrathon, because I’m not so sure anymore…

ADDISON: I don’t understand, Kennedy. You totally crushed Round 1. Why do you look so worried?

KENNEDY: Because that was the game I’m best at! What’s going to happen when I play a game I haven’t perfected?

BAILEY: You’re really worried about that?

KENNEDY: Of course I am! Every single one of my opponents has braved the jungles of Pandaria, driven back demons in Sanctuary, and bred at least two rainbow dragons! I’m just not sure I’ve got what it takes to elevate my skills to their level…

ADDISON: Sure, you do! You mastered one game. I can help you master other games, too!

[ Level Kennedy | None | 400c ]

KENNEDY: Level up! I just went King of Kong on that old school arcade classic…

ADDISON: And right before that, you sunk my battleship!

KENNEDY: You were right, Addison. My opponents weren’t better than me. I just needed to unlock the potential buried inside my Gamer DNA!

ADDISON: It sounds like you’re ready to start Round 2 of the Ultrathon tournament!

KENNEDY: I would be, but there’s one problem… Round 2 is supposed to be a war strategy game, but the game they chose is barely even a game! You don’t even roll dice! All you do is talk and negotiate treaties with the other players…

ADDISON: You need someone who can help you learn to negotiate?

[ A Classmate, Kennedy, A Student Gov (Bailey, Hadley) | 3h | 500c ]

HADLEY: Hey there, Kennedy! I heard you need to learn the art of diplomatic negotiation?

KENNEDY: Yeah, and I need to learn fast. Round 2 of the Ultrathon is about to start!

HADLEY: In that case, just try to remember this: the best negotiators spend more time listening than talking…

BAILEY: In fact, you should try to talk as little as possible!

KENNEDY: So play the quiet game? I can do that!

ADDISON: Hadley, your negotiating tactics worked perfectly! Kennedy has barely said a word to the other players and claimed almost every country on the game board!

HADLEY: Almost?

BAILEY: Looks like more than that to me!

KENNEDY: King me, France! That’s some diplomacy up in your face!

ADDISON: Congrats, Kennedy! You made it into the finals of the Ultrathon! Are you ready for the main event?

KENNEDY: I sure hope so… this last game is a new combat simulation called Starship Damocles, and it’s supposed to be almost impossible to beat! From what I’ve heard, it makes the Kobayashi Maru look like Kumbaya.

ADDISON: That sounds really tough… I think. Do you need any more help?

KENNEDY: I’m the starship Captain, but I’ll need a crew to carry out my orders. Can you find some friends to help out?

ADDISON: I’ll do my best!

[ Addison, A Level 3+ Classmate except Kennedy, A Level 3+ Classmate except Kennedy (Bailey, Morgan) | 5h | 5r ]

BAILEY: Helmsman Bailey, reporting for duty!

MORGAN: Security Officer Morgan, at your service, Captain!

KENNEDY: I can’t believe it, Addison! You found me a crew to man the consoles of the space combat simulation!

ADDISON: ‘Addison’? I believe you meant to say, ‘First Officer’.

KENNEDY: Heh… First Officer, is the crew ready to play Starship Damocles?

ADDISON: Aye, Captain!

KENNEDY: Then set a course for our most dangerous mission yet, the final round of the Ultrathon! Engage!

BAILEY: Engaging reverse thrusters at 33 percent!

KENNEDY: Security Officer Morgan, we need torpedoes back online!

BAILEY: That’s a negative, Captain! Morgan contracted space dysentery! We had to vent them out the airlock!

KENNEDY: Then we don’t have a choice… launch the Doomsday Orbs!

BAILEY: Launching!

ADDISON: Sensors indicate the rival ship has sustained critical damage and must surrender! We won!

KENNEDY: We won? But that means that I just… Control Alt Suh-weet! I just won the Ultrathon! I’m the ultimate Gamer!

ADDISON: That’s so cool! What did you win?

KENNEDY: Just this note that says, ‘I’m sorry, but your princess is in another castle’...

ADDISON: Oh, that’s not what I expected--

KENNEDY: Just kidding! The prizes are awesome-sauce! I get pre-release versions of all the next-gen consoles, AND a lifetime supply of cool ranch chips! Thanks again, Addison! I never would’ve won without your help.

ADDISON: Any time!

Online Official - Success

BAILEY: Indiana and I decided to go to the mall together!

INDIANA: A guard accused Bailey of shoplifting an ugly outfit… even though it was still on the rack!

BAILEY: Please. I told the security guard to look at what I was wearing. Did he really think I’d steal something that ugly?

INDIANA: The guard totally apologized! How slick is Bailey?

* * *

GEORGIE: Cameron and I just went to a theme park! I was kind of embarrassed to admit I wanted to go on all the kiddie rides…

CAMERON: Are you kidding? Kiddie rides are the BEST part of the park!

GEORGIE: We ended up staying in Fairytale Land the whole time! It’s like I was 8 years old all over again!

CAMERON: Finally, someone who gets me! Georgie and I are a perfect match!

* * *

BAILEY: Indiana and I went to a hot new coffee place downtown.

INDIANA: It was super hipster with quirky art on the walls, weird music playing, and really grumpy baristas. When I asked for a caramel mocha frappucino, the barista gave me the stink eye and stiffed me my change.

BAILEY: Yeah, it made Indiana really uncomfortable. And I wasn’t going to stand for anyone treating my date like that!

INDIANA: Bailey made the guy apologize and got us two free drinks! It was… well, scary, but also really sweet of Bailey to stand up for me!

BAILEY: All I have to say is… don’t mess with me before I’ve had my coffee!

* * *

BAILEY: Indiana and I went to visit the planetarium! There were large models of the planets in the solar system! It was awesome!

INDIANA: I accidentally lost Bailey somewhere around Jupiter…

BAILEY: ...but we met up again near the planet Venus!

INDIANA: Fun fact… Venus was named after the Roman goddess of love. Coincidence? I think not!

* * *

CAMERON: Georgie’s house has a hot tub in the backyard! I looooooove hot tubs!

GEORGIE: As soon as I mentioned the hot tub, Cameron got… kinda obsessed…

CAMERON: Bubbles! Skimpy swimsuit! Hot, relaxing water! How could I not want to kiss Georgie?!

GEORGIE: Don’t want to kiss and tell, but… we kissed, and I’m telling! Hot kisses in the hot tub! Woo!

* * *

LAURIE: I decided to take Ollie to the circus!

OLLIE: I loved the fire-breathing guy and the acrobats and the highwire act!

LAURIE: Ollie was as happy as a little kid all day long!

OLLIE: And the animals and the popcorn and the clowns and the…

* * *

CAMERON: I invited Georgie over for a board game night.

GEORGIE: My army pieces conquered the entire world! Bwahaha!

CAMERON: It was all over once Georgie captured my heart.

GEORGIE: Cameron laid some cheesy line on me… okay, fine, it was pretty cute.

* * *

CAMERON: I know Georgie loves animals, so we went on a date to the local petting zoo.

GEORGIE: I got to feed a tortoise and a rabbit! Seeing them eat made me hungry!

CAMERON: An alpaca I was petting started to lick my face! I think I prefer Georgie’s kisses.

GEORGIE: It’s because I slobber less.

* * *

BAILEY: I met up with Indiana at a bookstore!

INDIANA: We played this game where we tried to find the most ridiculous book in the store!

BAILEY: I’m pretty sure I won with ‘Help! My Baby is a Demon!’

INDIANA: Pfft! Not even close! I totally won with ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors: A Comprehensive Strategy Guide’.

BAILEY: I think the highlight was when Indiana offered to settle the debate with a game of rock, paper, scissors.

INDIANA: I lost! The book is a lie!

* * *

CAMERON: I took Georgie out for pizza at this really fun pizza joint…

GEORGIE: They brought us a heart-shaped pizza!

CAMERON: I had no idea they were going to do that… I guess the owner thought we looked cute!

GEORGIE: I would definitely go there again.

Anger Management

[ Have 1 Jock Hangout | None | 20c ]

JULIAN: Hey. Addison. You, uh… you busy?

ADDISON: Nope. What’s up?

JULIAN: I, uh, need a little help. With some… uh… shturdy… shmurffing…

ADDISON: What was that? You kind of just started mumbling…

JULIAN: I need help studying, okay? It’s not a big deal!

ADDISON: Calm down, man, it’s all good! What do you need help studying?

JULIAN: It’s math. I’ve got a D- right now, and Coach says if I get an F, I can’t play! How stupid is that?! I guess I’ve got to do well on this test to get my grade up… but I don’t even know where to start!

ADDISON: Math, huh? I’m sure I could find a way to help with that…

[ Julian, A Level 3+ Nerd (Bailey) | 20m | 30c ]

BAILEY: Okay, Julian, this is going to be fun! I happen to be an excellent math tutor, if I may say so myself!

JULIAN: Let’s just get this over with…

BAILEY: Let’s just see your study guide here… okay, first problem. 2 and ¾ minus 1 and ½ equals…?

JULIAN: …numbers?

BAILEY: Oh boy. I’m drawing some pizzas, aren’t I? Okay… one more time… if I have one ten-slice pizza and five more slices… and I eat eight slices… then I have…

JULIAN: Six… I mean seven… I mean… uh… I don’t know! Enough to feel full!

BAILEY: It’s okay… we’ll get this… sooner or later… Come on, Julian, it’s not rocket science…

JULIAN: Just shut up, okay?! SHUT! UP!

You freeze in place, panicked! Julian lunges up, grabs his desk, and smashes it against the ground! It shatters violently!

BAILEY: Ahhhhhh! Splinters! One of my many weaknesses!

JULIAN: Forget this! Forget all you guys!

Julian storms out just as Autumn walks in…

AUTUMN: What’s going on?

ADDISON: I don’t really know… except that Julian has some serious anger issues…

AUTUMN: We should go help him…

BAILEY: Uh, we really need to fix this desk here… before a teacher sees what happened!

[ Spend 400 coins | None | 10b ]

ADDISON: There, that should cover it… all fixed up…

AUTUMN: Beautiful! I love abstract modern art! Is it an allegory for broken preconceived notions of education in society?

ADDISON: It’s… just a desk covered in duct tape…

AUTUMN: Oh! Right… I knew that.

ADDISON: Fixing the desk was the easy part… but making sure Julian doesn’t smash it again? That’s going to be a lot harder.

AUTUMN: He’s always been… hot-tempered… but I’ve never seen him just lose it like that. Something must have really struck a nerve…

ADDISON: Yeah, well, I don’t know how we’re going to figure out what it was. Julian’s not really the ‘talk about his feelings’ type.

AUTUMN: Maybe we could find someone he’s comfortable opening up to… someone with good people skills…

[ Julian, A Level 2+ Student Gov (Hadley) | 40m | 40c ]

JULIAN: What’s going on, Addison? What’s all this about?

ADDISON: There’s just someone I want you to talk to…

JULIAN: Is this about that stupid test? Because I’ve got nothing to talk about.

HADLEY: Are you sure? Because it seems like there’s something you’re holding back.

JULIAN: What are you doing here?

HADLEY: I just want to talk. It sounds like there’s something upsetting you.

JULIAN: Uh, yeah, there’s something upsetting me! If I don’t pass this test, I won’t be able to play in the game!

HADLEY: Tell me more.

JULIAN: Urgh! It’s just… it’s just so stupid!

HADLEY: What’s stupid, Julian?

JULIAN: It’s just… I don’t even see why it matters what grade I get on this math test! It’s not like I’m gonna be some fancy-pants math guy! It’s not like I’m smart! It’s like my dad always says. Playing football’s the only thing I’m ever gonna be good at. I shouldn’t waste my time trying to do anything else!

HADLEY: Your… dad says that?

JULIAN: Yeah. And he’s right. I’m just a big, dumb jock. That’s all I’ll ever be.

ADDISON: Julian… that’s not true.

JULIAN: You… you don’t think so?

ADDISON: No. Of course I don’t.

AUTUMN: You’re SO much more than a jock. You’re a great friend and a fun guy…

ADDISON: And you are absolutely smart enough to demolish this math worksheet.

JULIAN: You really think that?

ADDISON: We really do. And we’ll be there for you if you need any help.

JULIAN: ...thanks.

HADLEY: Here’s an idea. Instead of jumping right back into the worksheet, maybe you should do a little studying? Get yourself warmed up?

[ Level Julian | None | 50c ]

ADDISON: How you feeling, Julian? Did that studying help?

JULIAN: Yeah, yeah, I think I’m starting to get it! It’s like these variables are the opposing linebackers… And the quadratic formula is an I-Formation McKinley Double Play!

ADDISON: Julian, I have no idea how your mind works… but it sounds like you’ve got it covered!

JULIAN: Okay! What’s next?!

ADDISON: Well… I think we’ve gone as far as extra credit will take you. It’s time for you to go back to that worksheet. Think you can handle it this time?

JULIAN: ...I’ll give it my best shot.

[ Julian, A Level 4+ Nerd (Bailey) | 1h | 5r ]

ADDISON: Okay, Julian… it’s time to study… And remember, even if this doesn’t go well… if you get hung up… it doesn’t mean you’re just a dumb jock. Not at all.

JULIAN: I said I got this!

BAILEY: Okay… let’s start with the Pythagorean theorem…

And so, half an hour later…

JULIAN: So that’s the Quadratic Formula? That’s not even hard at all!

BAILEY: I’m glad you think so… because I think it’s time for your test!

JULIAN: What? Now?

BAILEY: I’m afraid so.

ADDISON: Don’t worry, Julian. You’ve got this.

JULIAN: Yeah… I hope so… Whoo! I did it! I did it! B+, baby, B+! That’s the best I’ve ever done on any test, ever!

AUTUMN: Congrats, Julian!

BAILEY: Seriously! You’re a really fast learner! If we keep this up, you’ll get an A next time!

JULIAN: ...what are you implying? You saying a B+ isn’t good enough? Only a big, dumb jock would get a B+?!

BAILEY: What? No, I… I just…

JULIAN: I’m just messing with you! It’s all good!

BAILEY: Heh… fair enough…

JULIAN: Seriously though, thanks for pushing me, guys. I… I guess I get caught up in what my dad says sometimes.

AUTUMN: Don’t let him get to you, Julian. You’re so much more than just a jock. You’re…

Autumn hesitates, like she’s struggling with something, then shakes her head.

AUTUMN: You’re a good guy. That’s all.

JULIAN: Thanks. And you’re good friends.

Party Animals

[ Have 1 Prep Hangout | None | 120c ]

PAYTON: OMG! OH EM GEE! OMG OMG OMG!

ADDISON: Hmmm… I get the feeling you’re excited about something…

PAYTON: They just opened a new animal shelter downtown… and it is PACKED FULL of baby animals!

ADDISON: Animals? At the animal shelter? Now that’s just crazy…

PAYTON: Could you send someone with me to check it out? Please? I need someone else to appreciate the cuddly fluffiness!

ADDISON: And to take photos of you with all the animals?

PAYTON: Is that so wrong? Is it?

[ Payton, A Level 4+ Classmate (Bailey) | 1h | 140c ]

PAYTON: Yay! This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait to see all the baby animals with their tiny, little paws and big, sweet eyes and fluffy, furry butts!

BAILEY: Wow, you are really into animals…

PAYTON: Hee hee! Could you tell?

BAILEY: Well? Did you have fun?

PAYTON: Are you kidding? That was totes the best ever! Did you get a photo of me with the baby ferret?

BAILEY: Of course! It’s already got 45 Likes! You have a lot of friends…

PAYTON: So… Addison… I’ve got good news and slightly alarming news. Good news first… the shelter was so much fun! Alarming news is… I may have adopted a bunch of animals.

ADDISON: Payton!

PAYTON: I’m sorry, okay? I couldn’t help myself! They were so sad and sweet and needy! I got four kittens, two puppies, and a baby goat!

ADDISON: A goat?

PAYTON: What do you think I should call him?

ADDISON: Charles!

PAYTON: I don’t get it… but I love it! You’re a good little goat, aren’t you? Yes you are!

ADDISON: Payton, the goat’s cute and all, but who’s going to take care of these animals?

PAYTON: I am, of course! I’ve got this, Addison! I’m great with pets! Although… in the meantime… do you think maybe you could set up somewhere for them to play?

[ Have 6 Trees, Have 3 Hedges | None | 160c ]

ADDISON: There! It’s like a nice little park for them to play in… TEMPORARILY!

PAYTON: Yeah, yeah, I know… but look! Look at them play! They’re so cute and happy!

JULIAN: Hey, Payton, what’s going on over here? Why are there all these animals? And why does it smell like my uncle’s trailer?

At the sound of Julian’s voice, all the kittens spook and scatter, rushing off around campus!

PAYTON: Ahhhhh! Julian! What have you done?! Your stupid voice scared all the kittens!

JULIAN: I don’t see how that’s MY fault that they’re a bunch of scaredy-cats! Whoa. Scaredy-CATS. I just got that.

PAYTON: Help, Addison! We need to find them before they get off campus!

ADDISON: I’ll try, Payton, but finding kittens is like finding needles in a haystack… evasive, easily-startled needles…

PAYTON: We’ll just need some people to help me look… some people with exceptionally good vision and hand-eye coordination…

[ A Gamer, A Level 3+ Nerd (Kennedy, Bailey) | 4h | 180c ]

BAILEY: What’s up, Payton? You wanted to see us?

KENNEDY: This better be important… we were in the middle of a pretty important game of Monkey Marbles…

PAYTON: Oh, it’s very important! I need you to test a brand new video game!

KENNEDY: Really?

PAYTON: Of course! It’s all about finding lost treasures scattered across an ancient, buried city!

BAILEY: That sounds pretty cool…

PAYTON: Yup! Except they aren’t treasures, they’re kittens, and instead of a city, it’s this school, and it’s not a game, it’s real-life.

KENNEDY: Wait, what?

PAYTON: Go! Well? Did you find them?

KENNEDY: Yup! Four kittens, just like you asked!

PAYTON: OMG! You did it! And they’re so cute!

KENNEDY: I know! We named the tiny one Princess Zelda… and the big one’s Master Chief…

PAYTON: ...let’s just talk about names later.

ADDISON: Well, that was a close call. Good thing Kennedy and Bailey really know what they’re doing. Now seriously… we need to talk about these animals, Payton. They can’t stay here.

PAYTON: I know… I know. I’d hoped I could just take care of them here, myself… but I’m starting to think maybe it’s just too much responsibility.

ADDISON: What if you took them home?

PAYTON: I can’t! My parents said no more pets! And they were serious! I just… I don’t understand how the world can be so mean! They’re sweet, little creatures who need love and attention and good homes! What am I supposed to do, just ignore them? ...everything deserves to have a home.

ADDISON: Hey… wait… that gives me an idea! Payton… why don’t we try to see if some students at this school will take the animals? You can hold an adoption fair!

PAYTON: You’re a genius! Let’s do it right away!

ADDISON: Maybe we should find some people to groom them first…

PAYTON: Why?

ADDISON: Well, the kittens are splashing in their bowl of milk, the dogs are playing in mud, and the goat is chewing on the side of the school.

PAYTON: Touche, Addison. Touche.

[ A Level 5+ Classmate except Payton, A Level 4+ Classmate except Payton, A Level 4+ Classmate except Payton (Dale, Finley, Morgan) | 4h | 200c ]

PAYTON: Okay! Here’s the plan! Dale, can you groom the kittens?

DALE: Of course! They’re soooo cute! Their paws are like little calico pom-poms!

PAYTON: And Finley, are you up to prepping the puppies?

FINLEY: Of course! I’m great with dogs! Sit! Fetch! Drool on my shoes!

PAYTON: Hee hee! And Morgan? How’s that goat?

MORGAN: It certainly is a goat.

PAYTON: It sure is! Let’s do this! Well? How’s it going here? OMG! You’ve got the kittens wearing tiny cowboy hats!

DALE: It wasn’t easy getting them on, I’ll tell you that…

PAYTON: And the puppies look so nice and fluffy!

FINLEY: Giving one dog a bath? Kind of fun. Giving two dogs a bath? A lot of fun!

PAYTON: How about you, Morgan? How’s the goat handling?

MORGAN: Here’s a fun fact. Goats eat shirts. Did not know that until today.

ADDISON: Ready to hold the adoption fair?

PAYTON: Maybe… but I just had a crazy idea! What if it’s not just an animal adoption fair… but an  animal adoption fair PARTY?

[ Complete a Party with Payton | None | 5r ]

ADDISON: Whoo! That was an epic party, Payton! How’d the animals do?

PAYTON: Amazing! Every one of them found a good home! I even convinced Julian to adopt!

JULIAN: Yeah, yeah. Colonel Gruff is really going to like my uncle’s farm.

PAYTON: Julian likes to act tough, but he’s a big softie!

JULIAN: Hey! I heard that!

PAYTON: Hee hee!

ADDISON: I have to say, Payton, I was a little worried back there… but you really managed to come through and make it all work!

PAYTON: Yeah, I know I went kind of crazy at the shelter… seeing all those baby animals without families really got to me… I want to make sure all the shelter animals will be getting enough love and attention… so I’ve decided I’m going to volunteer at the shelter on weekends!

JULIAN: Just try not to adopt the whole shelter again, Prep.

PAYTON: Heh! Don’t worry. This way I can play with all the animals without taking them home! Plus, it’ll apparently look great on college applications!

Payton walks off, and you turn to Julian.

ADDISON: You know, I used to think Payton only cared about partying and drama… who knew she’d care so much about finding those animals a good home?

JULIAN: It kind of makes sense. You know, because of how things are for her.

ADDISON: Huh?

JULIAN: Don’t you know? Payton is adopted. She grew up in some pretty rough places before her parents took her in. That’s why she cares so much. She knows how lucky she is to have a good home… and remembers how tough it was before she did.

ADDISON: I had no idea…