Simarna-Ancient Egypt-UPDATED

[Ahlaam21]

Well, I was thinking about making a palace for Nefertiti... then it transformed into this project.

This is Simarna (loosely based on Amarna) where Nefertiti and Akhenaten ruled. I started out putting the lots in the general layout of the original Amarna, but then decided to change some things (and take out the unnecessaries).

I'll have to build (or find) the lots myself. I do have some models (yay!). I was hoping for some input to make this little city more interesting. I do plan to have hidden tombs under the Temples, palace and a few *secret* places. :D

[TVRdesigns]

I like your layout, I think the problem is that it ends. Just ends. Maybe you could make the map bigger, and use the desert distant terrain that came with WA to make it look better?

Also, try blending your terrain a little more. I don't really think that the grass is realistic, I would put dry grass, mixed in with the sand. The bright green grass doesn't really belong in an egyptian city. Also, The sand goes all the way to the water, as far as I know.. :)

I can't wait for this to be finished by the way, I am in love with the ancient egyptians.

[Esmeralda]

I love this idea, and I too love all things ancient Egypt! Looking forward to seeing this develop.

[thedivineone]

This is soo cool :D cant wait to see how the temples turn out like ;)

[Ahlaam21]

The grass IS actually acurate, the only fertile areas in the country are on the banks of the Nile. However, I can blend it better. :D

I thought I already put in the distant terrain, but I'll go back and redo it. Thanks for reminding me!

I'd really like to make the map a bit bigger, so if I can't find a way to convert it I may have to just start over. When I started out I just wanted a place to build for myself. Then I thought, why do it half-a**ed?

Please keep an eye out for "Egyptian stuff I think is cool," such as objects, wallpapers, etc. I've got to find a cool throne! :) Plans for Pharoah Akhenaten are in the works as well.

*edit:
I was originally planning to make this world w/out roads, only sidewalks. What are your thoughts?

[Jaylo]

i like that Idea: no roads only sidewalks. It's not like they had cars! Can't wait for the update

[HystericalParoxysm]

I have lots of comparison pics for Akhenaten if you want them - including late-Amarna art where the style's a bit more realistic. ;)

[Ahlaam21]

HP, that would be super helpful. :D

I am working on a larger map now, and hope to have a preview by tonight.

Thanks everyone.

[Ahlaam21]

Here is the front of the women's quarters, and an aerial view. The bridge goes over to the king's quarters. There will be a kitchen and some children's rooms in the queen's section.

Which looks better, the plain white wallpaper or the Egyptian motif? And which columns? I can recolor the tops/bases any color I suppose. The actual colums would have lotus type flowers at the top, but these will do for now.

I have some source pics, but the files are enormous. :) I'll see what I can do about getting them up.

[Jaylo]

This looks soo cool! I love the hiroglyphics everywhere

[Winterhart]

I love the idea of no roads. Does that work? I think I'll have to check that out. Great idea!

[monca533]

:D Oh! It's wonderful idea! I love egyptians things! This place is cool! :llama:

[Ahlaam21]

Working on some patterns for wallpaper. Here are two examples!

Also, I am super excited how the king's quarters are turning out. There's a secret passage to the basement, in between the thick walls of the palace. :D More pics to come!

PS-I made the map over, and it's medium size now. It's VERY big, so I can space things out and put in more tombs on the west bank and have the people living in the east.

[I'mSimalicious!]

You didn't answer Winterhart's question. I wanna know too! ;)

[Ahlaam21]

LOL. I hadn't decided yet... BUT, you can go w/out roads, you just can't get a taxi or ride the scooter (or drive). I think I need the roads to expedite travel; I can make them dirt/rock tho. Unless someone wants to make a horsedrawn cart or chariot... ;)

Anyway, more pics! This is the king's chamber. His bedroom has the pattern I found on the walls. It's gaudy and I soo love it. :) Also included are his personal pool and throne room.

*These are all accessed by the Pharoah with his personal bridge over to the Queens' quarters (harem). They are both part of the same big-a** lot.


edit- PLEASE, if there is content you want to see in this world and know where to get it let me know. I am looking for neat-o stuff. I think there is some TS2 stuff that maybe can be converted. I'll have to look.

edit2-king's bath added.

[I'mSimalicious!]

Bigger pictures! ;)

It looks very nice, though!

[Ahlaam21]

I can't get them any bigger, the upload manager won't accept them. :( I know, it's awful.

[I'mSimalicious!]

Why don't you take bigger pictures and put it into your post using these:

[ img ](url)[ / img ]

Of course, replace the (url) and remove the spaces.

[Ahlaam21]

This is one of the model pics I am using.

http://www.amarna3d.com/PROJECT-AMARNA_files/gallery/hires/amarna01.jpg

Yay it worked!



http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Throneroom.jpg

This is PART of the map, where the main community lots are and the farms. Off to the lower right is a 'suburb'.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SimarnaMap.jpg

[TVRdesigns]

wow, looking good, I still think you should add some dry grass throughout the desert... :P

[Ahlaam21]

This is the small Aten temple. It has a secret tomb. :) Soulpeace statue in the 'sanctum.' It isn't COMPLETE, but the building part is pretty much done.

I thought it looked super cool at night, so I included that shot.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SmallAtenTempleDay.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SmallAtenTemple.jpg

Any suggestions?

[Ahlaam21]

Some new pics. I am pretty much done with the palace complex unless someone has an idea. :) Going to work on the large Aten temple and a few houses.


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Palaceentry.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Palace_Altar.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Palacecomplex.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PalaceInterior.jpg

[I'mSimalicious!]

It looks AMAZING!

But what's up with the white background? ;)

[Ahlaam21]

Two farms, the bigger has the kitchen as an outbuilding along with a 'chapel' and a gatehouse. The smaller one has the ceiling open in the kitchen, and the garden is right off the side there. Also, there is access to the roof for the kids to sleep up there. (Traditional!)

They are sparsley furnished since I'm still looking for more era-appropriate furniture. These would be considered middle class homes. I'll probably make 5-6 different models and then just plunk them down in random order. Making all the homes different would just kill me! ;D

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Smallfarm.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Farm01.jpg

Next up: Hovels! Poor people gotta live somewhere too!


**edit** To answer some questions, I don't know what you mean by the white background Chris, and I plan on doing the terrain paints individually by lot so I can get finer detail. I promise there will be more grass!

[I'mSimalicious!]

I'm talking about this!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Palace_Altar.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

I don't know, the picture is smaller! Yeesh. :D

[Ahlaam21]

Three tiny hovels. These are fairly easy to make, so I'll prolly make about 6-8 different ones. There are no windows and the only light is from torches. Most have one bedroom with room to expand, and all the crappy appliances you could want. :D


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel03.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel02.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel01.jpg

PS- In the second pic, the trashcan and mailbox you can see belong to the lot across the street. These houses are SUPER close together.


**edit** MOAR hovels!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel05.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel04.jpg

And this is the 'hood...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HovelSuburb.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

This is the map... I put in a monument and did some terrain sculpting around it. I'd really like to know how to put that distant terrain in. I tried it, but it doesn't fit right since it's circular. :( I did paint a no camera route along the edges.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Simarna01.jpg

[Claeric]

One thing you could do for the terrain is place one way in a corner, then click the "move" button. The move directionals for it show up in the very middle of the object(so the middle of the map). Then just move it DOWN, so that the hilly parts are all that are visible(otherwise the rivers probably wouldnt match up).

Then take ANOTHER, put it in the opposite corner, and do the same thing. You might be able to get them to overlap properly and make a good edge.

[Ahlaam21]

Yeah, I tried that, but I can't get them to rotate for some reason. It doesn't want to work. I'm probably not doing it right, so I'll go try again later. Thanks!

[Claeric]

When you place it, click and hold the mouse to rotate. Don't let go until it's roated. If you click and just stop, it stays where it is.

[Ahlaam21]

A combination of rotating the distant terrain and making bigger hills did the trick (I hope). Thanks Claeric. PS- Your tute for tombmaking is great! I have a ton of tombs to make for this world. Any tips would be appreciated. ;)

[Claeric]

You mean the lighting tutorial? Not so much for tombmaking, but I guess it is pretty good ot get the basics down.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the terrain looks.

[Ahlaam21]

Ask and ye shall receive:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/EntireMap01.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Monument01.jpg

It isn't completely done, but it's coming along nicely. The roads will have hills and such in the curves. :) I'm really glad this is such a big project; when I get tired of one thing I can work on something else! ;)

[Ahlaam21]

Last pic of the night:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Map01.jpg

I got the second bridge in, and the pyramids. Terrain painting is for the boids... I hate it. Next time I will make a completly dirt world. Just dirt. ;) The terrain paint looks pixely from far away...I promise it's good closer up.

edit- I know it's hard to tell, but there are 92 lots right now. I just added one on the island for the bad guys' hideout. ;)

[Axe Gaijin]

This is coming along nicely :)

Just one small thing I'd like to say, having the pyramids scrabled in a random fashion like that looks well... odd.
The pyramids at Giza are alingined rther carefully, the ancient Egyptiants were rather anal about trivial little things like that ;)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Giza_pyramid_complex_%28map%29.svg/613px-Giza_pyramid_complex_%28map%29.svg.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giza_Necropolis

[Ahlaam21]

Yeah, I know. They're aligned to the stars, which all ancient people seem to be smart enough to figure out... I digress! :) I specifically wanted it to NOT look like Giza, that's why the layout is like that. I'm pretty sure there aren't even pyramids at Amarna, which is my model. But I will take a look at it again and see if I can come up with something better. Thanks!

[Axe Gaijin]

Yeah I understand you'd want to make it different, quite logical :)
Mentioned it becuase to the cassual observer it will look odd placed like that, the pyramids at Giza are such a prominent landmark (and the last one stil standing of the 7 wonders of the world (wich are actually 8 regarding both listings)) that they are grafted into our colective memory, people will unconsiously compare them to it.

Keep up the good work though, even though working in CAW can be tiresome at times. ;)

[Ahlaam21]

I did make some changes, but I patched w/out thinking about it. Now my game is acting fishy and CAW crashes to desktop. I tried all the normal remedies to fix it, and I'm now working on RE-installing. Luckily, I did save all my files before. ;)

Wish me luck!

[Ahlaam21]

It looks like I will have to start over from scratch. I've tried all sorts of things to salvage this world, but it is not to be. Bummer!

It may take me awhile to get back where I was, but at least I know what I'm doing now.

Wish me luck.

[Ahlaam21]

Here are the beginnings of the new map. I can't edit in game anymore, so I'm making all the lots and fixing the terrain first, then uploading to the game. I'm going to make more lots than I need so that anyone who wants can add their own thing. :)

Comments?


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/NEWAmarna.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

I had to split the map in half so you could see everything, it disappears if I get too far away. I have more closeups of the different areas, but photobucket crashes everytime I try to upload them!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/AmarnaNorth.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/AmarnaSouth.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Cemetary.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/CentralAmarna.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/TempleofIsis.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SouthAmarna.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SmallOasis.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

I tried to load this into the game again, and it doesn't work (again). The first couple of saves DID load, and it's all the same world, so I don't know what's the problem. I get CTD after loading about 1/4 through.

[NekoCat]

I got the CTD at the same spot as you. CAW has backup saves, what happens when you load one of those?

This is going to be a great world, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it finished.

[Ahlaam21]

Thanks for testing, Nekocat.

I've been trying to load the old saves, but it seems like the original world is not allowing anything else to install... I've uninstalled the original one already, and removed all the related files in the game, but it still happens.

I renamed everything in CAW test.world, and made sure I got rid of the known corrupt files. However, I made a ton of backups and I'll have to go through them all to see if I can save one.

UGH. This is SO frustrating.

**edit**
SO- I made a new blank map w/a totally different name, loaded it and it worked. What the heck?!? This is what happened with the last map. I loaded it when it was new, then the further along I got it didn't load & CTD.

[ashillion]

CAW also stores a world cache for each project

\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Create A World Tool\WorldbuilderCache\WorldCaches

could it be bad?

[Ahlaam21]

I'm using the newest map, which is medium sized. I'm up to the river, terrain paints, distant terrain and roads. I can load into the game.

I guess after I make ANY changes I'll have to save, export to game and see if it works. <SIGH>

This is the LAST straw. If it crashes again I am D-U-N done. ;)

**edit**
That's a good point ashillion, but I started deleting ALL cache files awhile ago in case that was the problem.

[Ahlaam21]

Things To Do (AGAIN):

Distant Terrain- DONE
Terrain Paints- In Progress
Nile River- DONE
Dirt Roads- DONE on east bank
Lot Placement- To Be Started
Decorative Features- To Be Started
Sim Routing- DONE
Camera Routing- To be Started

[Ahlaam21]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Palacecomplex.jpg


I can now load the world ingame and start building lots!! YAY. :D

[Claeric]

For reference, you *can* save wall/floor styles(I had no idea) by going into CAST.

So you can go to edit egypt and save a ton of walls/floors/furniture colors, and they'll show up with a folder icon and be easy to find for building and making sure everything matches.

[Deluxe Designs]

This is looking so cool! :D I cannot wait for more development on this, i check this thread daily! :)

[Ahlaam21]

Claeric- You mean when I do create a style and change the patterns/colors etc? I do save them if they are 'difficult' or important. But maybe I should keep them ALL. Good point.

Deluxe Designs-I'm so happy someone else is excited about this! I'll be working on it this long weekend, so look for plenty of updates. :D

Please feel free to offer opinions as well on color, shape, design, whatever. I'm mostly floundering around in the dark here...

[Ahlaam21]

First update:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PalaceComplex2.jpg

Added a pond & plants, added the small Aten shrine in the courtyard. Decorated the throne room(you can't see it at this angle).

Should I leave the buildings white? I know the Pyramids were covered in something white originally. I think it makes it seem more oppulent, but I can change it if you all think it should be something else.

I'll keep updating this post throughout the day, stay tuned!

Second Update:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PharaohsOasis.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PharaohsBedchamber.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PharaohsBathchamber.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/AtenShrine.jpg

[Claeric]

I think the lot issue is a pretty big deal. Are you going to leave it hanging over like that?

[Ahlaam21]

Do you mean where the steps go down to the river? That is supposed to be that way, so 'boats' can tie up and pick up the royal party.
(On that note, I need a royal barge....lol)

There is another lot behind this one, that also goes into the water. It's a park and I haven't started it yet.


**edit**
Is this any better?

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/RoyalBeach.jpg


I've tested all the steps, they all work... down to the basement & the bridge. My test sim seems to have no problems getting around. This lot needs a tomb in the basement and it's done.

[Ahlaam21]

This is the graveyard. Underground, of course. :D There will be mummies & ghosts under there, and I'm toying with the idea of making it an actual tomb instead of only the graveyard. I hid the rabbithole by the stairs. ;)

**edit**
Removed the pic, game CTD before I saved. I already re-did it, no pics yet.

[Deluxe Designs]

And pretty updates we got! :D And it is only saturday :lol: i love the shrine thing you built, that is really inventive!

[Zinthos]

It's beautiful!
I love it.

[Ahlaam21]

Update:

I made a market, it includes a bookseller, restaurant and a grocer.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Market2.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Market1.jpg

Topside at the crypt:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/CryptPond.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/CryptEntrance.jpg

Abandoned mine:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/AbandonedMine.jpg

Enjoy!

[Fawkes]

OMIGOSH! THESE ARE ALL SO BEAUTIFUL! Great job Ahlaam!

[Claeric]

No, not the steps..the lots are in the water. And it makes a pretty obvious problem iwth the ground texture.

[I'mSimalicious!]

Pretty!

[Ahlaam21]

Thanks everyone, I did forget this pic of the police station:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PoliceStation.jpg

Claeric: So what you're saying is, I need some water colored terrain paint? ;) The steps are supposed to go into the water, so I'll have to figure something out. *Taking suggestions!

edited because I'm an awful speller. <sigh>

Second Update: I've been working on this house for my test sim, I think it turned out alright. The kitchen is across the garden, and there's some neat CC in there. The downstairs is sparsley furnished, the upstairs is empty.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HousePerimeter1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HouseKitchen1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HouseKitchen.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HouseInside.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

Update: A two bedroom house, nice kitchen and a veggie garden. Oh, the 'fireplace' you see in all the kitchens is actually a STOVE. :D

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House2Interior.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House2Front.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House2Backyard.jpg

[I'mSimalicious!]

It looks perfect! This is a great project. ;)

[Ahlaam21]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House3Exterior.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House3Upstairs.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House3Downstairs.jpg

[Thefox18]

Look's fantastic

[Winterhart]

Looking good!

[Ahlaam21]

Ok guys, I know ya love it, but I need some feedback too! ;)

Anyone have any ideas? Thoughts? Pwetty Pwease?

I'm so glad everyone loves it!

[Momodoll]

It's hard to suggest something to change when it's this good, haha :P

For the sake of saying something, though, I'd suggest making the windows blend in with the walls more and, also, making the bins and mailbox a stone colour so they don't stand out so much.

btw, I really love that all of the lots aren't replicas of each other. It must be really tedious to decorate each individually, but it's definitely paying off.

[Winterhart]

I did a screenshot for you that might help with blending water with land. I would put rocks in the areas outlined in red that cover the obvious corners. In the space outlined in blue you could put pond rocks paint with a gradually blend it to sand paint.

[Ahlaam21]

Thanks SO much you two! That's exactly what I needed. Working on those ideas now.

As for the lots being replicas, I intend to make 5-6 different houses of each class level, and sprinkle them around the neighborhood. I don't know if I'll change the interiors or not.


Here's the hospital, it only has the reception area. I don't know really what else to put in there, so I left it blank. The 2nd floor is a dummy floor.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hospital1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hospital2.jpg

[Winterhart]

How about a computer on a desk for a receptionist. You could have magazine racks and chairs for a waiting room. You could maybe have a little gift shop. Flowers stuffed animals, and anything small that you find in a gift shop.

[TVRdesigns]

Winterhart, theres a problem with that... this is an ancient world.. They dont have computers :P nor magazines, or stuffed animals.

I would suggest putting some beds, some bedside tables, and maybe a medicine area, like a kitchen, but.... you know, without appliances. Just a sink, some bathrooms... and.. hmm. Maybe a courtyard in the hospital for patients?

[Ahlaam21]

Ok, here's an update on the Palace:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PalaceRocks2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PalaceRocks1.jpg
I think the rocks look alright, and I smoothed the terrain some.

And for the Hospital, I did the chairs instead of benches, added a gift shop and a bathroom. Reception area now has computers.
****tom, I'd rather keep the world completely in the dark ages, but I don't know what sims will do with themselves.... lol. So I'm still thinking about it. I like your ideas though, and will probably add them.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/HospitalNewInterior.jpg

And here is a 4th house, with 4 bedrooms or three and a study. Top floor also has a deck. Backyard has a small pond, and swing.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House4downstairs.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House4Upstairs.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/House4Backyard.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

PS- If you downloaded my Nefertiti sim in anticipation of this World, please re-download so you can get the proper crown. *Sorry* :( I had NO idea.

[Nyn]

I really like the way you've used the rocks to hide the corner of the Palace lot - it works really well. Are there the same rocks in CAW? I can't remember. If so, you could place some just on the edge of the lot so you completely lose the square shape.

[Ahlaam21]

I thought about that... I have a list of things to do in CAW now! I try to get a few things saved up, go back to CAW & then replace the lots. My edit in game doesn't work anymore. Too bad for me!

These rocks are smaller I think than the ones in CAW. There are some really big ones in there, which I used to make the abandoned mine.

[Ahlaam21]

This is the Great Aten Temple, and City Hall. :D As you can see, the city hall rabbithole is BIG, and I can't seem to find a good way to hide it. I tried hiding it in one of the obelisks, but the sims won't enter. Boo. For now, it has to stay in the open.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/GreatAtenTemple.jpg

Some hovels:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Hovel1shower.jpg

That last shot is a pic of the outdoor shower. I still have to test it, but if I remember correctly from another house I made it should work.

The biggest problem I'm having now is with the rabbitholes. If anyone has any suggestions, or knows of smaller/invisible ones I'd love to hear about it.

[Ahlaam21]

Police station, here's the outside pic again, and I did some stuff with the inside. Two offices, a reception area, a holding pen, and cells.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PoliceStation.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PoliceStationCells.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/PoliceStationOffices.jpg

[hazuitokage]

There are new, shareable and much more easy to use rabbit holes here, as of today :D :
Customsims3 (http://www.customsims3.com/smf/index.php/topic,1931.0.html)

Very good feedback on them apparently :).

[Ahlaam21]

hazuitokage, thanks so much for the link!! These are better. Still have to get the placement just right, but at least they are small. :)

The schoolhouse:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SchoolExterior.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/SchoolInterior.jpg

The science facility will be on the same lot, but is unbuilt as of yet. I feel like the Priesthood (who were the scientists of their day) should be nearby to teach the kids. :D I'd LOVE to incorporate different careers into this world as well, but there's already alot to do here.

Let me know what you think!

[Ahlaam21]

Here is the quarry, which is also the athletic rabbithole. I figured since the 'slaves' would be working all the time they might as well get the benefit of real jobs. lol BTW, the building holds the rabbithole rug, but is basically a dummy building.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/QuarryandAthletics.jpg

Also, just built the brewery:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Brewery1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Brewery2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Brewery3.jpg

[Ahlaam21]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/BraidedSidelock3.jpg

A Child's sidelock.... Traditionally seen on kids until they hit puberty. I mad this for children only though... Males and Females, and completely recolorable.

[scoopy_loopy]

I absolutely love the idea behind this world! Im a total Ancient Egypt fanboy. (Although, Akenaten was perhaps my least favourite Pharaoh, and I feel the Amarna period was a pretty shitty time for most involved tbh :p )

You're "less prestigious" lots are absolutely amazing, I love the look its quite authentic. But Ive noticed with some of your more oppulent buildings, they become rather bland and solely limestone. Which is, okay, but the Egyptians actually made INSANE use of colour, and since this is set "back in the day", prior to the desert sands weathering it all away, maybe you could try and implement some more colour and artwork?

Also, in some of the opulent buildings, maybe some more neolithic sized architecture and decorative features? The Egyptians were afterall abit of a fan of flashing their money about on things like that.

[Ahlaam21]

This city is based on Amarna, and the layout and buildings can be found here:
http://www.amarnaproject.com/

I've tried to make the buildings basic models for people to 'make their own' with color, design, whatever. The inside of the palaces has the most color, and the outsides I made white based on what I know of the Pyramids; but I can add some color there also.

As for artwork, it is limited for this genre. I've scoured the Sims sites for more Egyptian stuff!! lol. But, it isn't a priority like making Ikea furniture seems to be. ;)

I have to say, the only example of Neolithic architecture I'm personally aware of are standing stones. The buildings I've made are 2-3 stories high, and to make them higher would look silly I think. What do you suggest?

I'm glad you chimed in, it seemed as though interest in this project was waning.

[scoopy_loopy]

Personally, Im a huge fan of the hypostyle halls! I know youre trying to stick with Amarna, but the Temples at Karnak and Luxor are amazing, the reconstructions of their interiors are amazing and where my love of Hypostyle comes from.

[Deluxe Designs]

Wow, you're really rather talented at building this desert style home, they all look so brilliant! :D

[Ahlaam21]

So, here is the Science & Education complex. The rabbitholes for school, business/journalism & science are found here. There are beehives & fishing out back, chess in the courtyard, a library & lab inside, and a sitting area for important 'scientific' discussions. ;)

Downstairs will have a tomb of some sort, but I wanted to show the layout. Also, that's where the science rabbithole is right now.

Let me know what you think!



http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceEducation1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceEducation.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceCourtyard.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceEntrance.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceLab.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/BusinessJournalism.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceSitting.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceBeehives.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/ScienceBasement.jpg

[monca533]

Absolutely wonderful! :lovestruc :llama: :D

[jenba]

I am trying to think of something constructive to say, but I just can't! I know almost nothing of ancient Egypt, but everything looks amazing to me. It's instructive and exciting to watch a world be built from the ground up like this. I wish you the best of luck with this project!

[Calline]

I love this idea!

First thing I'd like to point out is your landscaping; you use plants that are not very common in the saharan region. I'd keep your trees mainly palm trees and not put so much colour into the plants - it gives off a tropical feel rather than desert.

[Ahlaam21]

The reason I have all the plants (flowers) is that they've used their proximity to the Nile and their knowledge of irrigation to overcome the severe dryness of the area- it's part of the story. If you'll notice, they are only in areas near water. I tried to mostly use low lying shrubs and plants that would be easier to water, instead of the random Pine tree. That would be weird! I'll go back through and see what I can do about the tropical-ness though.

Thanks for the input! :D

[Ahlaam21]

Sorry it's been so long since the last update, I had to move across the country. :D

Should have regular updates from now on. :)

[Ahlaam21]

MIlitary lot: barracks, gym, chow hall, bathrooms, watch tower

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Military1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Military2.jpg

Criminal Hideout: Two stories down, a simple hideout for all the stolen loot.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Criminal1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/andrea2123/Egypt/Criminal2.jpg

[dolldrms1]

Goodness, you had worked so hard on so many really cool buildings for this world. Is this project still alive?

[Katie Turner]

Amazing, you truly have put alot of work into this project :gjob: