The next day after helping Paulie craft the furniture for Huss and Tuss, the player can approach Huss to give the brothers advice on how to organize a party:
Hey, Player! We just want to thank you again for helping us out so much. You, Paulie and Higgins really make a swell team! We've got a new job and it looks like everything's coming up Tuss! And to a lesser extent, Huss.
Haha, don't worry about it. I'm happy you're happy.
Say, while I've got you, Huss and I have been trying to organize a party at our house, but it's proving to be a bit difficult seeing as we're new to this whole "being nice" thing. Care to impart some of your wisdom?
A banquet table is needed.
Delicious food is needed.
You need to invite your guests.
→ A banquet table is needed.
A large table that seats multiple people... We were going to have everyone eat out of dog bowls on the floor but... a banquet table... it's just crazy enough to work! How are we going to get a table like that on such short notice, though??
You can buy one at South Block, or you can get one custom made from Paulie.
Alright, let me just write that down... Paulie... Paulie... is that with one H or two...?
→ Delicious food is needed.
Ah hah! That part, my friend, is well accounted for! Yes! Only the most delicious and delightful delicacies will be served at our bean-feast!
You guys know how to cook, right?
What are the odds of the same house burning down twice?
→ You need to invite your guests.
Hm... you mean people won't just find out about it? I always thought the cool thing to do was not tell anyone about your party. Although no one came to our last one... Alright, we'll try it your way!
My brother and I are hosting a dinner party to thank all the lovely citizens of Portia for bringing us into their fine community. This invitation grants the recipient entry and a "plus one," so don't lose it! I mean, we'll probably let you in anyway, but let's just try to keep things official, alright??
It will be at 5 o'clock tomorrow at our new house on the Bassanio Heights. Don't be late!
The next day the player can enter Huss & Tuss' house at 17:00 to attend the party. If the player tries to approach the house before the party starts, Huss stops them:
Tuss is still preparing the party, Huss won't let any people in. I'm supposed to repeat that until the party starts.
When the player enters the house, a cutscene plays.
Ack, Albert, Arlo, Erwa, Gust, Higgins, Sam, Remington are at the party. Remington waves to the player as they enter, and everyone spends their time socializing, except for Higgins who is watching the player from a distance.
After the cutscene ends, Higgins confronts the player:
Wh...Why's everyone coming up to you... don't they know that I was in charge of this project?!? They're not even paying attention to those two jerks we built it for!
Oh, I see how it is, you're just trying to prove that you're better at parties than me! Allow me to show you how wrong you really are!
Higgins leaves to talk to Gust, then shortly returns.
Gust... asked me not to speak with him outside of work.
Laugh at Higgins.
I can teach you how to make friends with people.
→ Laugh at Higgins.
You!! Laughing at another's misery! Someone must have taught you how to do parties, teach me! Even the playing field so we can really find out who is best!
→ I can teach you how to make friends with people.
You! So you do know more than you let on! Spill the beans, if you know what's good for you!
To be a good friend you need to...
listen to people.
open up.
help people, even if it's a lot of work.
→ listen to people.
Listen to people? I'm always listening! I'm listening to people right now! All I do is listen, even when I'm talking, I'm listening because I'm listening to my own voice as I talk.
It's more than that! You have to listen and remember what people say. If you really care about them, it should be easy.
Listen and remember? I should've known there would be a catch...
→ open up.
Open up? Do you take me for a fool?
Keeping so many secrets makes you unapproachable. Friends feel comfortable talking to each other about anything and become closer by sharing their feelings.
Sharing... feelings?! Gross!
Doesn't it feel better to share your feelings rather than keep them bottled up inside?
Wait a second... the whole reason we're even having this conversation is because I opened up to you about... I... You... You really are good at this friend thing!!!
→ help people, even if it's a lot of work.
Work... for free?! What kind of friend wants to make you work for free?!
When you help people, they will like you more. And maybe help you in return.
Hm...
Hm... so it's not just about parties. It's about general friend making skills. Being here is meaningless, then! I'm going home to train, and soon, I will have more friends than you can count! I'll have far more friends than you, anyway!
The player can leave right away or stay and chat with the others:
Regretably, I am unable to consume chili, but rest assured, I am simulating extensive amounts of enjoyment. Hooray!
I'm glad I brought Gust, he looks like he's having a great time!
The Huss and Tuss brothers have had their run-ins with the law in the past, but... after tasting their chili, I'm willing to let bygones be bygones.
I guess I was wrong about the Huss and Tuss brothers. Evil people can't cook chili this delicious; I simply won't believe it.
I'll bet you're wondering what I'm doing here. ... I am too.
Sam plays hard to get, but my brother told me that girls go for guys who make chili. I'm so lucky to have such a smart brother!
Dang! I need to get this recipe! I mean, how hard could it be if Huss and Tuss can ma- Oops. That was mean. Huss and Tuss are the good guys now, Remington. Ugh!
This party is great, but can you check on Huss? He's winking at me a lot, I think there's something wrong with his eyes.
Wow! It's a good thing we're so unpopular! Otherwise we couldn't fit all the guests in our house!
You missed the party celebrating the completion of Huss and Tuss's new house! You'll have to tell me what it tastes like... What it tastes like to have so much egg on your face! They may as well call you Eggy Eggface from now on, cause of all the egg! On your face, that is!
In other news, after a most exhilarating experience at the party, I've taken it upon myself to become the most popular person in Portia, a million times more popular than you! People are going to forget all about you when I'm done befriending them. Ta~
Higgins
The player will still get the next mission from Gale.
Characters' comments about the party[]
Some characters have unique lines about the party after it takes place:
I heard the party was quite fun! Perhaps I'll come up with my own kind of chili... I'll call it... Djili! ... Nah, that's silly, I'll just call it chili.
My friendship skill is increasing rapidly! Have you made plans...? As to how you react when I become the most popular person in Portia?!
This might surprise you but... I used to be quite the party animal! These days however, I find the breakneck pace of Cross Five to be all the partying I need! Care for a game?
I was at the party that day. No, you didn't see me. But I was there.
How was the party? I didn't go... those guys still kinda creep me out. Sorry.
I heard Huss and Tuss made great chili for the party... but Carol just won't let me go... maybe we still need some time to accept them...
If those Huss and Tuss boys wanted to have a party, why didn't they just get some hamburgers from me? Are my meals not... happy enough?
You were at the party right? They didn't spill any chili on the couch did they? They better not have... I'd murdalize 'em!
I think Huss and Tuss and I are cool now. It's amazing how far a little chili goes in repairing relationships.
You see, we at the Civil Corps are about rehabilitation, not punishment! Just look at Huss and Tuss! We're still working on that... thing... they seem to have for me... but other than that, they're doing great!
Stupid adult parties! Us kids are going to unite and have a party way better than that dumb chili thing! Oh, er, you can come, Player. But don't tell the adults, okay?!
Hey. Sorry I didn't make it to the party. Comes with the job, you know?
Characters' comments about Higgins[]
Several days after the party, some characters will have unique lines about Higgins:
Have you ever spoken with Higgins about literature? He's surprisingly well-read, I've discovered. He helped me find a rare book I've been looking for!
Did you hear about Higgins? He took some time off to get some R&R. Good for him!
Higgins called me by the correct name for the first time yesterday! I guess finally he appreciates all the fine wood we send his way!
I should tell you, your rival, Mr. Higgins, has signed up for my defense classes. Just thought you should know...
All my chickens got out again the other day; it's a shame you weren't here. But who would've guessed it, Higgins was passing by and came to help me out! He must've been in a really good mood or something.
The strangest thing happened the other day... Higgins didn't pick up a commission in the morning, so I went to go make sure he was okay. Sure enough he was in his workshop but, you know what he said to me...? He said... "I'm taking the day off!" Taking the day off! These are strange times we live in, friend. Strange times indeed.
Higgins has been acting oddly normal lately; I hope he hasn't lost his edge as a builder.
Ah, you just missed it, Higgins and I just played the most splendid game of cross five I've played in a long time! Quite the wit, that man. I'm surprised he never came out to play sooner!
At first I wanted to keep Higgins away from Toby... he always seemed like such a creep to me. But after getting to know him a bit, I see he was always just a bit misunderstood.
Oh, hey there. I was going to ask if you could help fix our printing press but... Higgins came by and did it already! When did he become such a nice guy?
I lost my doll, but Higgins helped me find it! He smells funny, but he's a nice man.
Expect some new decorations in the church sometime soon! We just got a sizable donation from a "Mr. H." Any idea who that could be?
Have you ever spoken with Higgins on his opinions of manliness? I was pleasantly surprised the other day by his insight on the subject.
My balloon popped the other day. Higgins taught me how to make a new one, though. What a nice man!
Somebody said I was looking for you? Oh, yeah, uh... I needed some binoculars for patrolling but don't worry, Higgins got me some.
Higgins made me a Cat Ears Umbrella Hat, it's like... super adorbz!!
Higgins said he'd teach me how to make weapons when I'm older! Aweeesoooooome!
I was feeling ill the other day and had to step out of the clinic for a bit. I was going to ask you to bring me some medicine while Phyllis held things down but... Higgins brought me some before I could get in touch with you!
The player can bring another character to the party with them (either their spouse using the Follow command or their date or play date). However, the character they bring will not appear in the cutscene, will not acknowledge the party, and, in case of a date or play date, will not get bonus mood points.
If the player tries to bring one of the characters who already attend the party, their date or play date with that character will automatically end once they enter Huss & Tuss' house.
If the player declines to help Huss or accepts the mission and fails to deliver the invitations in time, they will still be invited to the party.
If the player does not attend the party, they will still get the next mission afterwards.
The player can skip the mission and the party entirely, and still trigger the next mission.
Housewarming Invitation (+3)
Experience +1500
Gols +500
Reputation +50