Hello! As promised, here's a post to inform you about some new clarifications and changes that I added to the original post about the romance system.
List of changes:
The "Established Rivals" section has been revised.
A new section "Romance Block & Lockout" has been added.
Minor clarifications have been added to the following sections:
▸ Jealousy.
▸ Important Romance Aspects.
▸ Secondary Rivals.
All changes are detailed below, so you don't have to read the original post again.
P.S. For readers who are waiting for a response to their asks, I'll start answering next week. I apologize for keeping you waiting, and thank you for your patience!
▸ The "Established Rivals" section has been revised.
While the new version of this section does not contain the specific names of the ROs [as for now, I want to avoid situations where readers become interested in those ROs only because of it], it still provides more clarification on how to activate this dynamic:
Unique Dynamic with Established Rivals:
In the story, there will be only one open confrontation between two specific ROs if the MC:
▸ Makes the required choices [main story decisions and earns a certain number of romance points with both ROs].
▸ Follows a specific sequence of actions [two opportunities to activate this dynamic, depending on which RO's scene is selected first].
This is the only dynamic in which these two specific ROs will openly and consistently express jealousy over the MC through their interactions with each other, both before and after your final choice.
How to activate the Established Rivals [ER] dynamic:
▸ The first opportunity to activate the ER dynamic occurs in Chapter 3 if you choose the morning scene with RO 1.
Having required romance points with RO 2 will trigger a moment where you must choose between confirming the MC's interest in RO 2 [♥] or disabling the dynamic by selecting the option labeled [Block].
▸ The second opportunity to activate the dynamic also appears in Chapter 3 if you choose the evening scene with RO 2.
As explained earlier, you will be prompted to either confirm the MC's interest in RO 1 or cancel the dynamic [the game will require you to make a choice, without giving an option to leave it unresolved].
Important notes:
▸ This is not a love triangle route, but an open conflict of interest involving the MC.
▸ This dynamic will affect both ROs' routes but will be given minimal importance overall.
▸ A new section "Romance Block & Lockout" has been added.
Romance Block & Lockout:
In the game, there are two ways that prevent romance with the ROs from progressing:
▸ Block: A manual choice labeled [Block].
▸ Lockout: A consequence resulting from previous choices related to interactions with the ROs.
Important note: None of the MC's personal choices or decisions unrelated to romance progression can cause a lockout, even if they don't align or go against the RO's vision [except when such a choice is specifically marked with the [Block] label].
Other information about lockouts:
There are two types of lockouts:
▸ Temporary: Choosing certain ROs' scenes can prevent access to other ROs' scenes later in the same chapter.
▸ Permanent: Choosing to take things further with the RO before Chapter 5 [kissing, having sex] will permanently lock the MC out of pursuing some of the other ROs.
Important note: The game will not provide any warnings about either type of lockout until the next chapter, where it will become clear through events that prevent you from selecting the locked-out ROs.
Minor clarifications have been added to the sections:
▸ Jealousy.
"Conditional jealousy" can now also be triggered by alignment points gained with other ROs [under narrowly defined circumstances].
Previously, only romance points and chosen scenes could activate it.
▸ Important Romance Aspects.
A small clarification has been added about sex scenes with the ROs, specifying that they are available in two options: "Explicit" and "Fade-to-black".
▸ Secondary Rival.
A small clarification has been added about sex scenes with the secondary rivals:
Unlike the sex scenes with the ROs, those involving secondary rivals do not offer a choice between "Explicit" and "Fade-to-black". Instead, they blend both versions, as their narrative intent differs from the sex scenes with the ROs.
These are all the changes that have been made.
While I'm worried about making an already lengthy overview even longer, I still hope that these clarifications will be insightful and helpful, even if some of them might seem too obvious or unnecessary to include.
In morgan's pov at the end of chapter one Ulmer is referred to using he/him pronouns and with the title Ms, then later on I'm pretty sure they're referred to with she/her and the full name of Kelly Ulmer so im wondering if the he/him pronouns in this scene are a bug ?
There were only two variables set incorrectly: "Ms" and one with the wrong pronoun in K's scene in Chapter 2. Both of these have already been fixed.
However, I haven't been able to find the incorrect reference to K. Ulmer's name. Every variable I've checked should refer to them as Kerry/Kelly, depending on their pronounce [he/she].
If you manage to find the exact sentence where it happens, I'd be very grateful if you send another report.
In any case, thank you for letting me know!
For future reference, I'd like to note that I fix bugs much faster when they're reported through this form.
how do I delete new saves and jump to updates? I'm new to the website sorry (╯︵╰,)
First of all, you can ignore the "delete all old saves" message [mentioned in my demo], since the new site [CoGDemos] always sends you back to the beginning whenever the author updates their files, even for a single grammar fix.
But if you're asking in general, you can delete old saves:
Manually [choose the "Saved Games" button at the top of your screen to manage all your saves from the game].
By clearing your cookies [this deletes all data from the site, so I don't recommend it unless you're ready to remove saves from all games hosted on the site].
jump to updates
To jump to the latest update, select the third option listed on the start screen of the demo [marked in red on the screenshot].
This part hasn't changed from how it appeared on DashingDon [old site], so I'm assuming you're reading the story for the first time.
If that's the case, it's recommended that you start the story from the beginning [fourth option on the screenshot].
i just found out about your IF. crazy how i'm already bawling 2 chapters in, it's THAT good. mc is definitely NOT having a good time 😭😭 also, i don't know how to look for the answer if this has been asked but; how will the stress bar affect the story?
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy the story!
how will the stress bar affect the story?
For now, it just serves as a visible indicator of the MC's mental state.
After Chapter 5, the "Introspective" section stats will be used more extensively [which includes "Stress" as well], specifically to:
Add or gray out certain choices.
Change some details of the narrative.
Unlock additional scenes.
There's also another hidden stat for the MC's mental state, but it's primarily responsible for unlocking the most intense or angsty choices or scenes [this is already implemented in Chapter 3 Pt. 2].
Hello! As promised, here's a post to inform you about some new clarifications and changes that I added to the original post about the romance system.
List of changes:
▸ The "Romance Progression" section has been revised.
▸ A new section "The ROs' Scenes" has been added.
▸ The "Jealousy" section has been expanded.
▸ A minor clarification has been made regarding the "Established Rivals" dynamic.
All changes are detailed below, so you don't have to read the original post again.
▸ Romance Progression:
In Chapters 1 and 2 [before you meet all the ROs], you can flirt with everyone, as these chapters serve as introductions to all the ROs and will impact jealousy moments later on.
Starting from Chapter 2 [after all the ROs have been introduced]:
▸ You will encounter moments of jealousy from the ROs [depending on the romance points you've gained and your dynamic with the interacting RO], and [optionally] from the MC.
▸ The game will require you to make a choice between the ROs, with each choice triggering a unique scene with the selected RO.
The final choice [locking the RO's route] will likely occur at the end of Chapter 5. [If this changes, I'll update this post and let you know.] This decision will depend on the choices made between and during the ROs' scenes.
▸ The ROs' Scenes:
When you encounter a choice between the ROs' scenes:
▸ Choosing a particular RO's scene automatically implies that the MC is interested in what is happening or could happen between them and the selected RO.
▸ It is recommended to focus on just one RO to avoid missing important content that will affect future scenes with them.
Important note: Scenes with the ROs are only available if they match your MC's preferences and are not blocked by a special choice labeled [block].
Important aspects that can alter the ROs' scenes:
▸ Previous choices [main story elements; previously chosen RO's scenes].
▸ Romance points with the chosen RO [to enhance attraction in the narrative].
▸ Romance points with the other ROs [for jealousy moments].
▸ Bold / Shy / Other Dynamics [for the MC's and ROs' initiative and jealousy moments].
Important note: All the ROs' scenes imply romantic interest and serve to advance the relationship based on mutual attraction or tension between the MC and the chosen RO. This means:
▸ The narrative will reflect subtle attraction even if you don't select flirt options.
▸ It's impossible to play as an oblivious MC [except for L's 'Oblivious' dynamic, which must either develop or be canceled before locking the route].
[To learn more about L's 'Oblivious' dynamic, please check the original post.]
▸ Jealousy:
Jealousy is a secondary mechanic that unlocks additional changes in the narrative on top of those already established in the standard dynamics.
All the ROs are capable of experiencing jealousy, but each shows it in their own way, even if it's challenging for them or not portrayed obviously.
In the game, jealousy can be triggered in two specific ways: optional and conditional.
Optional Jealousy:
▸ When only one option among the suggested choices is marked [♥], this choice will trigger a jealousy moment [from the RO or the MC, depending on the context].
▸ Optional jealousy depends on the Bold / Shy stat [the narrative will change based on which stat is higher].
Conditional Jealousy:
Certain jealousy moments and special scenes require specific conditions to be activated, such as:
▸ The amount of romance points gained with the other ROs.
▸ Previous choices [established relationships with secondary rivals; scenes with previously chosen ROs].
Important note: All ROs will display jealousy mostly when interacting with the MC [before and after choosing their route], and only occasionally with other ROs after choosing their route [unless you've activated 'Established Rivalries' dynamic].
[To learn more about 'Established Rivalries' and 'Secondary Rivals' dynamics, please check the original post.]
▸ Established Rivals [a minor clarification]:
Before: This is not a love triangle but an open conflict of interest involving the MC.
After: This is not a love triangle route but rather an open conflict of interest involving the MC.
Reason: This revision provides slight clarification, as I believe the dynamic fits the description of a love triangle only until the route with one of the involved ROs is locked.
I realize that some clarifications may be disappointing, particularly regarding the "oblivious MC" aspect.
Still, this approach will allow readers to see the ROs' interest in the MC and the moments of attraction between them without the need to select flirt options.
And, if I'm being honest, I want to write the MC who knows what they are doing, because, in my opinion, relationship progression is the work of both characters, not just one.
Hi, Jenna! I was wondering if you were still looking for beta readers?
Hi! I usually offer beta reading only to readers who have already provided detailed error reports with grammar corrections and shown an interest in helping further.
I may look for more beta readers once I move on to Chapter 4, but for now, I'm focusing on finishing Chapter 3 and working through error reports from my current beta readers.
hi! can i ask if you made all the banners? and if you did how?
the reason why i was so immediately curious about sanguine sky was because of the banner art.
it’s so beautiful! 🤩
Thank you, I'm glad you like the aesthetic!
I use Clip Studio Paint. It's a great program for creating art digitally: it offers a one-time purchase license [unlike Photoshop's subscription model], has built-in guides, an intuitive interface, and provides a large library of both free and paid 2D and 3D assets that you can use [from the program's standard library and user-created content].
and if you did how?
To describe it generally, I used program's assets + multiple gradient maps and different blending modes for the layers to create the final result.
The chalice and the black&white image of the liquid are user-made materials I downloaded from the program's assets library, so they weren't drawn by me.
As for how I colored it, here's a step by step in more detail:
Step 1. Adding color to the black&white layer: Using the "Multiply" blending mode, I added color using a water texture image and changed its hue to red.
The reason I chose a texture instead of a solid color is that it adds subtle color accents, which may not be immediately noticeable but prevent the image from looking too flat.
I don't have an example of what it looked like for the cover [since this layer was merged for convenience], but here's an example for the text:
Step 2. Creating a "rendered" look: By experimenting with various blending modes and different gradient maps from the assets, I searched for the best result.
Mixing these can lead to both good and bad results, so the process is somewhat random, but still very convenient.
Step 3. Final adjustments: Merged the layers and made minor revisions using the transform tool, gradient tool [to darken the part near the chalice], and correctional layer for brightness/contrast.
All other banners were made using what was created for the cover and adding text using "text tool".
Not sure if my answer was helpful, but I believe you can do the same in Photoshop as well, as it has an interesting feature generating random gradient map in the adjustable range.
