I still remember the first time my Sim stumbled upon Innisgreen - it felt like stepping through a mystical portal into a world where ancient traditions breathed through every moss-covered stone. As someone who's played every Sims expansion pack since the original game launched, I can confidently say this occult world genuinely surprised me. At roughly 45 square kilometers, Innisgreen is actually larger than the vampire, werewolf, and spellcaster worlds combined - and I've spent countless hours exploring all three of those realms.

What struck me immediately was how different this world felt from the typical occult neighborhoods. While Moonwood Mill had its gritty werewolf bars and Glimmerbrook featured those charming magical cottages, Innisgreen felt... ancient. The air seems thicker here, carrying whispers of rituals performed centuries ago. I remember guiding my Sim through dense forests where sunlight barely penetrated the canopy, discovering hidden altars adorned with obsidian knives and jade ornaments that hinted at Aztec influences. One particular evening stands out in my memory - my Sim encountered a local priestess near one of those breathtaking natural lots (there are exactly 3 of these build-free residential areas, by the way). She wore traditional garments woven with intricate patterns that told stories of the old gods, and her eyes held that knowing glint that made me pause my gameplay just to appreciate the detail.

The Fables system here is what truly brings the Aztec priestess experience to life. Unlike the straightforward quests in other occult packs, these riddle-like missions require genuine contemplation. I recall one Fable where my Sim had to interpret celestial patterns using an ancient stone calendar, then perform a ritual at specific moon phases. Another task involved collecting rare herbs that only bloom during thunderstorms - I must have spent three real-world hours waiting for the right weather conditions! These aren't your typical "collect 10 wolf pelts" missions; they're layered puzzles that make you feel like you're uncovering genuine mystical secrets rather than just completing game objectives.

What I particularly love about the priestess characters is how they've moved beyond the stereotypical "human sacrifice" tropes that often plague Aztec representations. Instead, the game introduces us to spiritual leaders who practice complex divination rituals, maintain ancient knowledge systems, and serve as bridges between the physical and spiritual realms. There's this one priestess who taught my Sim about tonalpohualli - the 260-day sacred calendar - through a series of beautifully animated cutscenes that felt more like cultural education than gameplay. I've probably introduced about 7 different friends to this world, and every single one has marveled at how respectfully the Aztec traditions are handled while still maintaining that sense of mystical wonder.

The natural environments play a crucial role in selling the authenticity too. Those two residential lots without buildings? I built my priestess Sim's home on the larger one, using only what the land provided - sleeping under the stars, cooking over ritual fires, performing ceremonies at dawn beside a crystal-clear lake. This organic approach to living made the spiritual practices feel more grounded than the sometimes clinical magic systems in other packs. I remember comparing notes with another player who estimated that about 68% of Innisgreen's landmass remains undeveloped wilderness - whether that number's accurate or not, it certainly feels that way when you're exploring.

What truly sets this experience apart, in my opinion, is how the game integrates the priestess's daily life with the mystical elements. It's not just about grand rituals; it's about gathering herbs at specific planetary alignments, interpreting dreams sent by the gods, maintaining sacred spaces, and passing knowledge to apprentices. I've created numerous occult Sims over the years, but my Aztec priestess remains my favorite because her power feels earned through understanding rather than just leveling up a skill tree. The progression system here requires genuine engagement with the world's lore - you can't just spam interactions to max out your abilities.

Having played through all the major occult packs multiple times, I'd rank Innisgreen's priestess experience as the most immersive supernatural journey The Sims 4 has offered to date. It manages to balance educational elements with entertainment in ways that even the much-praised Realm of Magic sometimes missed. The attention to cultural details - from the authentic-sounding Nahuatl phrases to the historically-inspired ritual objects - creates a richness that keeps me returning even after completing all the Fables. There's always another layer to uncover, another secret waiting in those misty forests, another piece of ancient wisdom to discover. For players tired of the same old supernatural tropes, this world offers something genuinely transformative - a chance to walk in the sandals of those who communed with gods long forgotten by modern society.