I’m back to say that I’m still writing! I’ve wrote plenty for the worldbuilding infographic stuff. Unfortunately, that is a result of writer’s block hitting me really hard. I've been writing in circles for the main story in the past two weeks. All of my attempts in the past two weeks have resulted in stilted outline-y words, and it is the most potato of potato drafts.
I’ve tried taking a break by looking at my old writings and editing those. I’ve tried taking some time off by doing (other) things I enjoy, but to no avail. Nothing to it but keep at it since this game won’t write itself!
On the art front...I got notice from my artist that she’ll be very busy until the end of August. That means no more reliable updates on the sprites. Good thing I churned out those worldbuilding infographics, huh? :D
Let’s not stick on the bummer things though.
In my fit of desperation to get to writing-proper-words state, I made my characters in the Sims 4 and watched their shenanigans unfold. I recently answered a tag where I was asked to give my characters Sims 3 traits. Alas, I do not own the Sims 3, but I do have the Sims 4.
It wasn’t possible to carry over some traits, but it wasn’t dramatic enough to affect anything. My characters behaved mostly like how I expected them to LOL. I let them go 98% autonomous the entire time, so this is really how they behave.
The first furniture I ever bought. ...What, is anyone surprised? I am Ursine Vision Atelier.
Okay, okay, for reals this time.
1) My main character Nythera, who is supposed to be cheerful and outgoing, upon being dropped in random generic mansion, immediately heads for the computer and ignore the conversation in the living room.
2) One day later, and Nythera’s gaming skills is already level 3. GURL PLZ. The allure of the computer is too strong. Her favorite game is the Sims Forever. And she makes mods for it.
3) The love interests are apparently aspiring chefs. They keep making food. Maybe they’re planning to woo Nythera through her stomach? I mean, it’s an effective tactic... Though she’s awfully focused on getting achievements...
4) Of course, since this is the Sims, something has to catch on fire eventually. At least five times. In the true otome protagonist fashion, Nythera comes to the rescue and puts out the fire each and every time. Brave, maybe foolhardy, but definitely get stuff done. That’s the protagonist for you!
5) Niànzhēn’s not responsible for everything catching fire, but he has some kind of vendetta against the coffee machine. HE KEEPS BREAKING IT. You jerk, what did the bean juice maker ever do to you?!
6) Both men wants to talk to Nythera. But...they don’t it. Instead, they keep taking water from the tap and leave cups all around the house. Y’all I get it, y’all thirsty. Please make a move before we all croak...
7) It took ten bajillion years for Niànzhēn to make the first move with Nythera and they smooch eventually. Ten bajillion more years later, Nythera and Temerith has their smooch.
8) I wish I could solely put blame on the men, but getting to know Nythera is difficult when Qīngyáng keeps butting in like “NO”. When the men (separately) and Nythera is flirting, Qīngyáng walks by with his violin and starts playing LOL. And Temerith gets embarrassed (which I don’t think he would) so boosting their relationship is ARDUOUS.
9) Nythera becomes hacking queen, and her salary is ridiculous. She can easily cover for all the bills.
10) Not to be outdone, Niànzhēn isn’t slacking either. Instead of getting a HUGE salary though, he makes his money from royalties. He’s churning out books like crazy.
If I ever had doubts that Nythera and Niànzhēn and Temerith are compatible together...well, that solves it. I decided at one point that this is Nythera’s type.
WELL, that about solves it nicely, huh?
11) Okay, well, most aren’t a slacker on the money front really. Solasstas is in school, so it can’t be helped. Qīngyáng’s the equivalent of the starving artist and his music career is stagnating because he can’t get that promotion. But Temerith is a pro athlete and Nythera’s adoptive father is an investor. And the antagonists Nhật Mai is on the villain career track and the mysterious man is a stylist. No one’s really hungry for money.
At some point, I got frustrated that my characters weren’t interacting enough. So I installed some quality of life mods.
1) LOTS of people blows up Niànzhēn’s phone and confess their love to him...but he only ever wants to talk to Nythera LOL.
2) A lot of older women are crushing on Temerith. That’s understandable, I guess. Who can resist a man with fabulous hair?
3) Solasstas should be an otome protagonist in this game because a lot of guys keep texting her. And asks her the weirdest things like, “Is it weird if I like farting?” Oh teenage boys, they’re weird in real life and in fiction.
4) One of Solasstas’ suitor is this rich heir boy Malcolm Landgraab. He’s smart because he makes friends with the rest of the household. I think she should run though because he has the evil trait.
5) Both Nythera and Nhật Mai likes to fall asleep in the hot tub. Aww, they’re similar huh? They get surprisingly well together (okay, unsurprising because their MBTI is actually compatible on paper) and are good friends in this game.
6) Niànzhēn makes a painting after he and Nythera kiss.
Alright, that’s all for now! See you guys next time.
