Progress Report

Friday is upon thee. It is upon us all.

Another week ran past, but what a week it was! I didn't quite manage to write every single day — Wednesday didn't give me a respite — but it was close enough. Six out of seven is not a terrible record, I reckon.

Alessa is, as always, a pleasure to write. While the conversation isn't too long, for you don't have a lot of time to dwell around, it has different variations just like Hadrian's did. They depend on your past choices, your past dealings with Alessa, as well as immediate choices. So, for now, my Word document is full of *gotos that don't yet lead to anywhere, but I'm filling them.

On the Book One front, well.... it seems I sent the celebratory rockets much too soon. As more people read the game, they not only found errors (the vast majority of which are only typos but I have two small continuity bugs to fix), but they also provided invaluable feedback.

It seems, I'm sad to say, that I am not done with Book One after all because I want to add a few things that, hopefully, will make it a better game. This will be the biggest patch fix, and this time, I'll send Hosted Games the list with all the changes and additions, but I want to share them with you here. Here is my to-do list:

• Check bug reports on Tumblr.
• Check bug reports on the Forum.
• Check bug reports on Discord.
• Change conversation with [redacted] if you've killed [redacted].
• Add the option to keep Aurelius' cross without wearing it around your neck.
• Put Nero's name in italics.
• Change the description of Lance's coin box in the square.
• Add the No Surprise achievement — if you gathered all the clues that Tarragona was closing down before chapter 6.
• Change the sailor saying "sweetling" at the Harbor.
• Add the option to tell Hadrian you're his first kiss.
• Have [redacted] react if you have high enough Corruption.
• Add the A New Champion achievement — if you beat the Goliath.
• Make the MC always notice the hooded person in the white horse when you first arrive at the Leaping Lion.
• Show Lance's crossbow in Chapter 8.
• Add A Noble Parade achievement — if you go see the Theers in Chapter 7.
• Change the choices when the MC is looking at the black road.
• If the MC has enough Lore, make them recognize the word 'Tablinum'.
• Add the option to be grateful to Salina for treating the scar.
• If the MC has high enough Combat, make them able to graze the Theers' spy in Chapter 7.
• Set variables for if you've told Neia and The Pirate your name.
• Add the Pirate to the relationship panel.
• Add A Sight from the Deep Sea achievement — if you see the Siren.
• Add Fearless achievement — If you touch the Siren and Vulcan.

It seems like a lot, but most of these are quick and easy fixes! I'll be working on them alternately with writing during the next week. The plan is to have the patch ready to send to Hosted Games before Friday.

I'll also send the emails with the prologue to my testers. I have to force myself to do it. I have to. (´༎ຶ ͜ʖ ༎ຶ )

And this is it. As always, I hope you take care and have a gentle weekend. I have been dreaming about the Rose. These dreams are of long dresses and long capes and glistening halls filled with music weaved by the finest of minstrels. A pair of twins stand right in the middle, one shining in gold, the other sporting deep green, while four shadows watch from the corners.

And Romanus, of course, facing them all. 🌹