#ohd

I'm writing Pursa's Epilogue today.

Don't worry about the demo content for Cwylla's route (the next to be released), that's all already done and just needs editing.

Most of the epilogue is done, and oh boy, do aspects of Pursa and her circumstance strike real close to home for me... but I find myself on a structural question I wanted to test the waters on.

TECHNICAL/MECHANICS SPOILERS BELOW

Without spoiling various plots, for each route, typically in the latter half, there is the option to choose whether the MC is initially attracted to any of the characters. All attractions are relatively subtle, but it allows some early signs of possible future relationships, as well as making room for early emotional intimacy (depending on the route).

Again, avoiding story spoilers, I've reached a point in Pursa's route where, after the MC has shown initial attraction, I have the opportunity to give the two space for an extended one on one conversation.

Question is, do I give you folks control over the MC's decision in whether to pursue the opportunity, or do I keep things tight and controlled, and use pre-existing past decisions to determine the outcome?

Gut reaction says, more choice = happier reader

Time and sanity conscious side of my mind says, less choice = tighter narrative + quicker production

Second point is unfortunately true, regardless, but I'm not so sure about the first.

OHD isn't the MC's story, not really, it belongs to the wider cast, to give them all texture and to give you all a bit of insight into who they are and how they think.

Taking objectivity away for a second, I really like in choice driven narratives, where a character I'm overseeing takes the reins for themselves for a scene or two. So long as they remain the person I've been shaping, of course.

So, with the fair warning that regardless of the outcome, to keep structure controlled and timelines reasonable the results might not be implemented...

What do you all think?

Poll will be open for three days.

Version 1.20 is live!

This update included Léiṡ' route up to chapter 4.

Just as it was last time with Ana's update, if you come across any bugs, please let me know. Details and Screenshots of said bugs would be greatly appreciated.

Hope you all enjoy our moody, moody boy!

Apologies for the lengthy delay between that tease of a post a month ago and this one.

To say things got complicated would be a touch of an understatement.

This isn't the post to go into all that, though.

This is a post to announce the next demo release will be up Wednesday 21st at the following time:

AEST - 23:00

IST - 18:30

GMT/BST - 14:00

EDT - 09:00

PDT - 06:00

Gotta love how tricky it is to schedule a reasonable time around the world. Sorry Americas, maybe next time.

This update will allow you all access to the remainder of Léiṡ' route up to the end of chapter 4, alongside several new features, not least of which is Reader Profiles, which allow you to carry character customisations between your playthroughs of the different character's routes.

Big spike!

Get curious.

Find the old Myrk Mire demo is being discussed over on the hosted games subreddit.

Spend the next hour reading over the subreddit incident.

Get a slight existential crisis about the nature of having work up online and no real way of knowing all the places and ways it's being discussed.

...

Weird day.

---

Slightly stealthy update to the demo.

The Word Switch is now implemented, meaning you can switch the Old English words On, Off, or so they only occur within dialogue (as terms like 'sweoster', and 'bróðor' previously worked).

I've also given everyone access to the opening of Léiṡ' route too, since it was already up and running.

In addition, I've updated the backgrounds for most if not all scenes. This has been done to try and unify the art's style throughout the game, and to trim the edges off issues in the original renders relating to lighting and shadows.

Enjoy, and as always, let me know if you're having problems with bugs or errors.

Progress has actually been pretty smooth:

I want to run things through a few hoops before it's bumped to the public demo, but know it's on its way.

I'm leaving the behaviour of the Word Log as is for now, tweaking that too much might cause unforeseen errors.

I'll work my way back through the asks sent in over the course of the poll and answer them individually over the next few days.

Original Opinion Poll