Better than before.

The first thing I want to say is that the progress this month has been good. The main part of the draft is ready. Of course, I hoped that I would be able to surpass myself and finish writing it completely... but it's still better than it was. In any case, speaking of the previous two months, it became clear that after a major update (1.8), I needed significantly more time to replenish my creative reserves, so to speak. And in the second month, factors of a different nature intervened. And only in August was I finally able to work at full force. And I did.

Many have asked for it. All will get it.

Or rather, not all, but only those who make choices that will lead to one of the outcomes... Oh, what am I talking about? About a certain kind of content. Which has been requested for a long time. But I kept putting it off. There was no plot justification for it. And working with it... is difficult. For various reasons. You'll understand what I mean pretty quickly. And yes, everything may go exactly as you think it will when this scene begins.

But three months have almost passed...

Yes, yes, I know. What should I say? Sorry? Sorry. Work is proceeding as usual. With the creative process, it's tricky to set deadlines in stone. Buuut If you need clarification on the deadline... I would say another couple of months.

This update won't be big, but contrary to my desire to “not complicate” my life with complex combinations, the first thing I did... was complicate my life with a complex combination in the first half of the update. Typical me. But I hope you like the breadth of choices there. Because the situation I'm referring to can lead to very different outcomes.

And the attribute of the month...

Intrigue. In the next episode, a high Intrigue value (if a couple of other conditions are met) can give you interesting and unique options.

If you won't see any “curious” Intrigue checks, it means that you simply haven't fulfilled the additional condition. You'll find out about it in another playthrough, where you chose something else in the very first chapter.

Meralion.

A thorn in my side! Oh, sorry. Not the character himself. His possible death. It turned out to be quite difficult to integrate his possible death into the course of events. I had to work out both options. And yes, you will be able to talk to him. Yes, about that too.

Speed up?

I'll see how quickly the rest of the draft gets written. If it starts to drag on (again), I'll put the question to a vote here. Release the update earlier (but smaller), or stick to the original plan. Unlike the previous one (1.8), the next one (1.9) is pretty easy to “cut up.” I'd even say that the crown scene is already ready. But let's leave that decision for next month.

As always, thank you to my patrons for their support. And to the people who leave motivational comments for their kind words. And just for being there. Selene's story continues only thanks to all of you.