Yeah, harems as a trope have simply never held any appeal for me. If they’re implemented as they existed historically, and if the author does sufficient research and doesn’t trivialise the matter, they could actually lead to meaningful character interactions and an interesting story as a whole! “Harems” as found in animes, though? Like you said, it’s degrading. I’ll pass.
Stringing people along without any consideration for their emotions is something I believe most people would find objectionable, and that’s why I’d also avoid dating more than one character in most games. Cheating is something I just can’t condone, and if no characters in a game are willing to consider non-monogamy, that’s unfortunately what any attempts at polyamoury will come down to.
I hate harems myself, and being a poly person myself, it’s a bit insulting when authors deem harem a polyamorous relationship in any way. It’s not healthy and it’s not really what polyamory is about.
Hopefully we’ll get to see that more in the future. A polyamorous relationship were it’s consensual and that everyone partaking in the relationship is aware of and okay with. The “live with it” aspect of some weird harem story boggles my mind to be honest, it’s not something you just brush under the carpet after all.
I agree! It’s very unethical to encourage cheating or any sort of apathetic approach to romance as a thing that is okay, because it really is not. While I play wips, I mostly already know they aren’t going to be any poly options (when they’re not exclusively said), so I normally romance one person and then play multiple times to romance others. But allowing the player to romance more than one character without their knowledge and/or consent is almost disgusting.
One thing that I dislike a lot as well, which unfortunately is in a lot of media is the famous love triangle. It’s not like a V relationship (those I don’t mind), it’s more about pitting two love options against each other because they like one character (normally the main character). Even when it’s not aggressive, it’s almost like a competition, were no matter what, one gets hurt.
I love the Wayhaven Chronicles, but for the life of me I cannot play the love triangle option because I hate having to hurt one of them.
Either way, here’s hoping there will be more well-written polyamorous relationships in choice of games and wips (and well-written general relationships for that matter).
Yes I agree with everything that you wrote. For the love of whatever that is holy I just can’t play love triangle. It’s frustrating, it’s like we’re toying with people (albeit not real)’s feelings. I never like love triangle in any form of entertainment (movies/novel/games). I might offend some people but I don’t need two characters to fight over me to feel good about myself nor I enjoy the angsty that comes with love triangle.
When I play, I always try to see which RO I’m interested the most and that’s the one my MC romances. If there are more than one, then I’m playing multiple playthroughs. I actually rarely pick the polyamorous relationship even when it exists in the story; unless if I really love the dynamic between two ROs and not just simply because I love them both.
There are two poly options in the game: Kingfisher-Cronos and Ebbin-Ari. Both couples will fall in love with each other unless you romance one of them and don’t allow the poly romance to happen.
This is based on a quick look at the code:
The poly routes can be locked in at the end of chapter 5: Growing Pains. Be on good terms with them (relationship of more than 50 with both of them) and show romantic interest. At the end of chapter 5, you get the option to speak to your companions. Choose one who is part of the poly romance you want to pursue, and then you should get the option to start the poly romance when the other character arrives at the scene. For example, if you choose to speak to Cronos, Kingfisher should arrive and one of the options should be to invite them to join you and Cronos.
For a one-shot game where the story is heavy on romance, how soon is too soon to force the player to choose between ROs? In ME, if you flirt with more than one RO, there comes a time where they will flat out tell you that they won’t go any further until you choose which one you want. Would something like that work well? Should it be after the MC sleeps with one of the ROs or before (some ROs are all about the boom-boom, so they may hop into bed quickly)?
I hate that, too. Love triangles are so overdone in pretty much every media form. That and the ‘will they or won’t they’ thing, where it takes characters forever and a freaking day to finally get together. Either do or don’t. Stop screwing around.
As much as I hate love triangles, this is really the only way I find A to be palatable as a character. A actually shows more interest in the MC if it’s in the triangle, as opposed to out of the triangle where A acts like an angsty tween.
For a poly option, should the ROs make it clear from the start that they’re good with (or prefer) a poly romance? Example:
Two ROs who clearly have an established “close” relationship (where it’s unclear to the MC whether that relationship is intimate or not), that you can romance separately or as a poly–should they try to make it clear to the MC up front that they prefer poly but will be happy with the MC alone?
personally, I would say BEFORE is better . Otherwise, it feel like you led them on and go ‘‘Muh…had a taste…but yeah…my heart belong to X, sorry Y!’’ …really ? YOU HAD TO SLEEP WITH THEM for your feeling to connect with your brain ?!
Personally, I believe that a good “feeling it out” is the good way to go. Going as far as to sleep with someone to see if you like them seems a bit crazy to me. Having the main character maybe show interest in a character, whether that’s by flirting, compliments, admiring, etc, is a good way to go before establishing anything. I think, you should only lock out the other options (whether that’s literal or not), when the main character tells the character that they’re interest or the character tells them they interested (in the ladder, only if the mc feels the same way of course).
I think to get these right, you really need to look into love and how people fall in love. Sounds kind of cheesy but honestly, it helps a lot. Even just a close bond where it’s purely friendship, it’s very close to reality.
Totally agree! It gets a bit annoying, though I love a good slowburn, sometimes it’s very badly done.
Also well pointed out, I noticed that too and that frustrated me a bit. Also angsty tween is a great description for A
As I said before, a poly relationship should be somewhat treated like a normal relationship (somewhat! There are a few things that you need to talk about of course) in my opinion. You know, flirting and whatnot. And realistically, you don’t immediately approach a person saying that you want a poly relationship with them. You need the feelings to grow of course, and in the example you gave, the best way you can do it is making the characters think about it. After all, it’s not something you immediately go “yeah, that’s definitely what i should do”, there’s simply to manys what-ifs.
And there are poly people who are satisfied with a monogamous relationship, which is often called a switch (like me!), so having a character like that, who feels strongly for one character in a playthrough and in another strongly for two characters seems perfectly normal. I think to make it work for the player, you should allow the player to show interest in both and maybe encourage their own romance (only if the poly is closed triad of some sorts and not a V). The player can even make suggestions of hanging out all three together, instead of only choosing one this one time and the other the other time (which i find a lot of games doing in poly routes). Also maybe flirting with one in front of the other to show initiation and see how the other reacts. Things you would do in reality to be honest.
But of course this is all my opinion, you can make the player and direct and honest as you want. There’s no fault in that!
I’ll echo some of the things SmolPirate has said, but for the most part, I’ll try to contribute a different opinion! My answers are a bit long, so I’ll enspoiler them.
First Answer!
I agree with SmolPirate and E_RedMark that having sex with someone just to turn them down is perhaps a bit callous, but it could happen! In fact, it does happen in real life, but it’s been said many times across the forum that “realism” isn’t sufficient justification when it comes to something that’s supposed to entertain. Now, if this hypothetical game allows sex without romance, then this situation could potentially be less insensitive. It would depend entirely on what the prior arrangement was.
Let’s say the PC meets NPC B after having slept with NPC A and then discovers they like NPC B a lot more (hopefully because of compatibility and chemistry, not just physical attraction ). In that situation, it would suck for NPC A if the PC told them that their relationship needs to be discontinued, but it would still be the most humane thing to do. If the arrangement was only to have sex, but NPC B wants an exclusive relationship, there shouldn’t be any hard feelings. If the arrangement was romantic, it’s still fairer to NPC A to end the relationship. If the PC tried to maintain a relationship with both NPCs, however, I feel the NPCs would be justified in specifying their needs, which could very well include monogamy. In that instance, the earlier the situation’s addressed, the better — it’ll allow the rejected NPC to move on and will clear away any doubts. Note the outcome can also be reversed: the PC could decide to stay with NPC A after all, in which case it’d be fairer to NPC B to let them down as soon as possible, since you’d also merely be giving them false hope.
A poly-friendly game would give the player the option to try and convince the two NPCs that choosing between either of them might not be necessary. Why can’t the three of them engage in a V? After all, people can be civil and understanding, so why can’t the individuals on the ends of the V co-exist? In my opinion, that would be a far more satisfying, mature, and I daresay interesting outcome of the love triangle.
Of course, that’s not always possible. If both NPCs insist on monogamy, I once again feel it’s honestly better to make a decision as quickly as possible. And this goes for even if the PC hasn’t been in a relationship with either of the NPCs yet. As soon as they notice the PC shows interest in more than one person, I feel the NPCs have the right to air their concerns, after which mature discussion between all involved parties should ideally take place. Just… spare people the heartache.
Tl;dr: It’s too soon to make the PC choose if they haven’t been given time to get to know the two ROs, but it’s never too soon for an RO to express their desire for monogamy (monamoury, if you will) if they see the PC taking an interest in somebody else too. The PC and both NPCs have the right to say their piece, and I recommend discussing the possibility of polyamoury, but if both ROs demand an exclusive relationship, the PC has to make a choice.
Second Answer! (Do… these exclamation marks make me seem overly peppy? Whatever, I'm not ashamed of my enthusiasm! XD)
Most people wouldn’t tell you straight away whether they’re fine with poly relationships simply because most people… don’t even realise the option exists. We’re so bombarded with society’s ideals of finding “The One”, getting married, settling down, and raising a family, it seems almost inconceivable that you can sincerely love more than one person at a time, and that these people could be fine with there being another significant other and actually get along!
If somebody’s open to a polyamorous relationship, I feel it’s worth noting, but probably only necessary if the topic comes up. If a character prefers being in a poly relationship or won’t accept a monogamous relationship, though, it’s definitely a conversation to bring up sooner than later. Nobody involved in a relationship should have to hide their needs or desires. However, it’s worth noting that polyamoury is frequently explored by a preexisting couple. That’s a whole topic on its own, though, so I’ll avoid going too much into that right now. (Unless you want to know, in which case you can ask away!) All I’ll say is that you could totally have two ROs already be in a relationship, where the PC can romance either or both, as long as you acknowledge that they won’t end their relationship for you.
Giving the PC the choice between a V and a triad sounds like a pretty good decision, since it would allow the player to experience a polyamorous relationship without the pressure of believing you must date both of the other ROs. What’s important to remember when writing such a relationship is that all members of the V/triad will interact with each other. Expecting all three to do everything together is unfair, but expecting the three pairs of relationships (PC/NPC A, PC/NPC B, NPC A/NPC B) to function as isolated units is as well. It’ll be tricky, but I absolutely recommend that anyone feeling up to it should try to explore such a relationship.
Tl;dre: I think people would be scared off if an RO talks about commitment on the very first date, but it’s reasonable to bring up the topic if it’s clear that the PC and RO are compatible. If the NPC is open to polyamoury or otherwise not opposed to monogamy, it’s not necessary to broach the subject, but it’s also not a bad idea. If the NPC prefers polyamoury or won’t accept monogamy, though, it’s better to make that clear early on. A couple looking for a third member can manifest as either a V or a triad.
…I did say my answers wouldn’t be short, but that’s why I included summaries. (The E in the second “tl;dr” stands for “either”, by the way. ) I’m sorry if you find the full answers undigestable, so if I need to clarify, I’ll be happy to do so. I hope this helps!
Thank you for taking the time to answer so thoroughly! I really appreciate it. I’m in the process of working on a game that will have at least one (possibly two) poly options. The one that is definite will be a triad, where the two NPCs already have some type of close relationship, but have a thing for the MC (and can be romanced separately, though the two NPCs will still remain very close friends). If I do the second, it will be a ‘vee’ and aromantic (while both can actually be romanced separately–or will be open to a FwB thing separately–they don’t have a close relationship and aren’t really interested in being involved romantically with a MC who is with someone else). I’m not certain I can do that one justice, but might try it. I’ve thought about having a third poly option (there are six ROs in all, and they are kinda paired off in how close they are with each other), but that might be too much for me to deal with in a one-shot book that also has a fairly varying story arc. Anyway…
Re: First Answer
Yeah. The way I’m structuring it, it’s fairly clear (fairly quickly) to any MC with the slightest observation skills which ones are willing to be in a poly relationship.
I agree, to a point. I don’t like the love triangle and refuse to have it in my game (it just seems wrong and is done way too much, IMO), but I question my ability to write a romantic V that works well (I think I could manage the V for the aro option, because no feelings are involved, if I’ve read the whole aro thing right?).
And maybe that’s because I don’t really understand it. Are the other two members of the V at least allowed to be friends? Or do they have nothing at all to do with each other? If it’s a thing where they’re friends–or even extremely close with each other, but just not sexually involved with each other, then I could manage it. Are there rules for a V? Hopefully, me asking won’t offend anyone, but I 'm trying to learn what I can before I start the major portion of the writing of the romances.
Thanks. This is precisely what I need. The actual writing for most of this doesn’t worry me as much as the coding does–except for the things I’m still not entirely clear on. I’m trying to set it up where, with certain ROs, you can go as quickly or as slowly as the MC wants. Others aren’t so patient. While all ROs will be playersexual (and with the exception of two, will be the gender the MC prefers), the characters are who they are, and they aren’t going to change to suit the MC., which means not all will be open to sex-only, asexual, or poly relationships.
Re: Second Answer
BTW, you don’t seem overly peppy. I love that you were excited to answer and share your thoughts!
Well, one thing that helps here is that this game isn’t set in our society. Or world, for that matter. People have more to worry about than judging others’ choices or pigeonholing themselves in one group or another. The NPCs are, for the most part more about: “Let’s stay alive, huh??” And they’ve known each other for a long time. A very long time. That said, they aren’t likely to come right out and say that they’re fine with a poly. They’ll just… imply. “We could both help you do what you’re doing, you know.”
It probably also helps that ‘dating’ is a relative term in the game I’m planning. It’s more like the MC will be stuck with this group of people. The only dates may be going into the city during downtime and shopping or hitting the tavern. It’s going to be… different.
For the one that’s definitely going to be included, it’ll be a triad. Maybe after I learn more about the V, I could manage it with the two who will be the aro poly option.
It did help, quite a bit! Thank you, again!
@SmolPirate
Yeah, that makes sense. I’m trying to keep it as natural as possible, but the MC will be in a very high-stress situation. And will kinda be thrown together with the group of NPCs for the long haul.
The problem with slow burn is that it turns into a neverending bunch of interruptions or needless angst. And the couple doesn’t get together until the very end of whatever media they’re in (book, game, TV show, movie, whatever) and for me, that’s just boring. You don’t get to see them together, happy, battling against problems, and growing closer past the overly dramatic, hand thrown over head, fainting bullshit of an admission that “I love you!” To me, slow burn is the actual development of a relationship, not a drawn out angst machine of trying to actually decide whether you like each other or not.
I think the thing is I’m going at this from a different direction. Like I mentioned above, there are two ROs who are fine with a monogamous relationship with the MC or with a poly with each other and the MC. So the NPCs are the switches, in addition to the MC, if they choose to be. I just want to make sure it’s clear to the MC that the poly route is an option.
Thank you for taking the time to answer, though. I appreciate it!
@E_RedMark
I think the problem is that I’m giving two options that are fine with an aro/fuckbuddy thing.
Maybe the answer is to have both of them will flat out ask the MC before banging if they’re looking for ‘fun’ or if they’re open to more. If they say ‘fun’ then the MC can get laid but the romantic path will be locked out for the NPC they’re having ‘fun’ with as well as the other NPCs. Though, maybe I should leave it open for them to romance the one they’re banging, should they change their minds?
You’re most welcome! I’m glad I can contribute to the discussion. (@SmolPirate gave some excellent tips.) I haven’t started reading through and commenting on works in progress just yet, though I’m sure I’ll get to it eventually, but if/when you do post yours, feel free to tag or DM me if you want me to take a look!
Ah, okay! I understand now: the two ROs will only go poly if the PC is willing to “date” both, otherwise just limiting their relationship to a close friendship. Yeah, that sounds awesome! Good luck with the writing.
Mmm, that makes sense. It sounds reasonable to me! What makes you doubt that you’ll be able to write such a relationship well? In your reply to E_RedMark, you ask if you should have them ask what kind of relationship the PC wants, and I think that’s a good idea. If the PC initially only sleeps with them but can later develop romantic feelings, which the RO could then reciprocate, I think you’d have a realistic approach that I’ve seen many forumgoers wish they could encounter more often. Blocking all future romances as a consequence of sleeping with both available ROs in the aromantic V sounds fair to me! Maybe warn the PC of that, though, so that the player can make an informed decision.
The following sections will be shorter than they were in my previous comments.
First Section
A V can be as personal or impersonal as the people involved like. The two ends could ask the pivot to limit their contact with each other, and though it’s not objectively the best solution, it might be the best one for them, especially if they’re monogamous but are willing to compromise for the sake of the pivot. On the other hand, nothing forbids them from being acquaintances, friends, or even best friends. The “rules” are what everyone in the V agrees upon, which includes whether the rules are fixed or amendable over time.
I wouldn’t say you’re offending anyone. In fact, asking questions with consideration and respect is one of the best ways to get people to open up! Courtesy is awesome.
They don’t need to jump these details on the PC straight away, but as long as they’re clear about them, I’m all for it! Knowing your limits and being open about them is a good practice.
Second Section
No complaints here! Your mention of trying to stay alive and specification of the NPCs knowing each other a “very” long time make me suspect something supernatural.
I’d actually expect the triad to be harder to write. Sure, the two ROs will be close friends, as opposed to the V’s ends who aren’t close, so their interactions will be easier to write, but any triad consist of four relationships: 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, and 1/2/3. It might be tempting to want the triad to do everything together, but people probably want some alone-time every now and then. You’ll need to consider the interactions between each pair in addition to the dynamics of the triad as whole.
I’m quite enjoying answering these questions. Thanks for asking!
I love this discussion and I’m so glad we’re honest and genuine about what we say! It’s good to talk about these stuff, especially in a civilized way (thank the lord, heaven knows I’ve had my share of ignorant people).
Anyways, I mainly agree with most of everything said here, so I’m just gonna offer a bit of commentary at this point.
Hopefully it ain't too long
Honestly that sounds really cool! Coding and writing the who six ROs is already stressing enough but adding two poly routes even more so. I admire your work determination! But yeah, what you said sounds pretty amazing, I love triads (having said that probably three times already ) so that’s a definite win for me, and that aromantic V sounds interesting. I’m not aromantic myself so I don’t know if I would play it but I’m sure aromantic people will appreciate it greatly! Hope you enjoy writing your wip and I would love to check it out whenever you decide to share it
I don’t believe simply asking will offend anyone; besides, your questions are perfectly normal. I’m no expert (believe me, I really am not), but as far as I know a V polyamorous romance is simply where two people are dating one person, where that person likes both of them. It’s fairly common and encouraged for the two ends of the V to be at least communicative with each other. So it’s normal for both of them to be friends and whatnot, I think if they were romantically and/or sexually involved then it would no longer be a V - I believe??
I couldn’t agree more! Slowburn is something that can be misinterpreted as a journey that ends when they’re together. Slowburn isn’t just the process of them getting together (which honestly, you’re right, there’s too much angst and interruptions in most slowburns) but it’s also the process of them getting to know each other in a relationship and strengthening the bond.
So yeah, I adore relationships in media where you actually get to see them in a relationship. I’m absolutely trash for it!
That’s a hard thing to write about, and what I mean by that is that there are too many factors involved. But I’m not discouraging you, experiment all you want and try out if it feels right and if people like it! I think that type of thing would be cool if the player for example, felt sexually attracted to that person but not romantically attracted, but if they suddenly start to feel romantically attracted to that person then you should give them the option. But at the same time, is the character okay with this? Like are they aromantic? or anything of the sort?
That’s a great outcome to anything resembling a love triangle. It’s very mature and I hate that that isn’t an option in most media, and to be fair, even if it were, a lot of creators make it seem like the two ends of the V hate each other and in some way, make it look like a love triangle once again.
Also don’t be ashamed of your enthusiasm, I feel the same way!
That’s very true, I didn’t it was a possibility since a few years ago. There is still a bit of controversy with things like this, my parents are stern believers that you can only love one person, which I disagree. But it’s something that you normally don’t bring up immediately.
I actually agree with this strongly. Even if you’re in a poly relationship, sometimes you’d rather be alone with one of them or by yourself. It’s important to be able to do that without making it seem like the romance is dying or there’s some sort of preference (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But I find a triad relationship is well written when it shows that they each like spending time with each one of them individually and all together!
For example, in one of my old wips, the player can choose the poly option which is a triad - though right now, it’s barely developed. In this relationship, both romanceable character are very different, as they can also be romanced individually. Both have had a relationship with each other, and might even like each other at the moment. The player can be the driving force of their romance and therefore allowing for both to fall in love with the player as well (though given the story line, one of them is the player’s childhood friend and has always kind of liked the mc).
I love writing interactions together but writing two of them individually is super fun too. The player and one of them were extremely close once, and they know each other very well. The other and the player are very similar, and have that spark of a new love. While the two characters together, understand each other and have gone through very similar things. All of those are different dynamics, but they all work together! That’s what I think it’s fun.
Sorry, this became some sort of ramble . I’m probably repeating a lot things already said here but hopefully I’m not coming across as annoying in any way.
It’s not really an author’s job to encourage people to good behavior. You can do all sorts of things in games that I wouldn’t encourage people to do in real life. That’s the difference between fiction and reality. It’s one thing to say “I would never read this”, but you’re saying “it’s unethical to write this”. That’s quite different.
I’m actually a proponent for options- even ones that are not on the proverbially moral “up-n-up”… Other than the fact that the character you create may be very much unlike you, I think that IF games give people the opportunity to explore choices that they may have never made in real life…
I don’t consider polyamorous romances unethical. I think that existence, attractions, and relationships are no one’s business but the person who experiences them… if you have 2 or 10 () people in a relationship and they are all okay with the status, more power to them and I wish them well.
Some things happen in real life, others don’t, but if it’s an option in a game, I’m personally game for exploring it regardless and going down the proverbial rabbit-hole. lol I appreciate the creativity involved in coming up with something that takes me by surprise.
Sorry wow you’re absolutely right , I totally forgot those wips that I play that I act like some soulless human. I think what I meant was in real life than in a wip. But yeah you’re right, sorry lol.
And yeah I totally agree! I love a game with good surprises and with options that you wouldn’t be able to play in real life, I mean when do you get to be a queen, a cowboy, a vampire and all that.
And yes, polyamorous relationships are not unethical, so I’m sorry if it came across that way. After all, people’s attraction, romance and identity has nothing to do with anyone except the person being affected by it.
@SmolPirate Nah, I think I got what you were trying to say, and things sometimes come off differently than they sound when you type/ think them. Having said that, I also think that it’s totally fine for people to have different levels of comfort with options in a game, based on their personality. It’s great to be able to agree to disagree. I mean if we were all of the same mind, these forums would be very boring.
I love exploring, BUT I actually have avatars with personalities willing to do the stuff that would make me squirm as a person. If the writer put it there, I HAVE to know. This covers all manner of sins- crappy attitude towards characters I love or some pretty dark and messed up paths. For example, there are two different paths in @Nocturnal_Stillness 's Unnatural that I went all gung-ho with, but I had to have the right character for those… It was rewarding in a very different way that my close-to-RL character would have ever experienced. Beyond fun in a very inhuman way. lol
Thanks! I’m glad I didn’t offend anyone. Also I totally agree with that, people are different after all so it’s obvious people are gonna have different levels of comfort.
Also that sounds really cool. Every time I play wips, my characters always vary in personality. I’m normally a very nice person, mostly shy and playful, but I’ve played some evil or mean characters. And everytime I play a flirty character I cringe on the inside because I’m baby
Ahahaha! That’s so funny! You should see my face when I go through some of the WIPs/ games. I sometimes think that my friends will get popcorn and watch me instead of the TV. LOL
It’s a weird thing when it comes to ROs because I have REALLY liked a few that make me cock my head at myself… i.e. Victor for Unnatural… (@Nocturnal_Stillness said there’s a term for us people… and I’m quite sure I should not feel as proud of it as I do. LOL) or Mason for Wayhaven.
… Pretty sure there are professionals out there that have made a small fortune “helping” people like me.
It isn’t but for a good poly relationship the other characters have to be into each-other and into the mc romantically or sexually and only then can you form a true poly relationship, instead of a mere love triangle. The noble path of @Moreau 's old Myrmidon game would have had a good example of a true poly relationship. Can’t think of any other titles that do, without it feeling like a harem where they are all just into the mc. But then our society loves to demonise poly and elevate monogamy to something sacrosanct. Fortunately fantasy cultures don’t have to have our hangups on this matter, even if most of them, sadly, do.
). In that situation, it would suck for NPC A if the PC told them that their relationship needs to be discontinued, but it would still be the most humane thing to do. If the arrangement was only to have sex, but NPC B wants an exclusive relationship, there shouldn’t be any hard feelings. If the arrangement was romantic, it’s still fairer to NPC A to end the relationship. If the PC tried to maintain a relationship with both NPCs, however, I feel the NPCs would be justified in specifying their needs, which could very well include monogamy. In that instance, the earlier the situation’s addressed, the better — it’ll allow the rejected NPC to move on and will clear away any doubts. Note the outcome can also be reversed: the PC could decide to stay with NPC A after all, in which case it’d be fairer to NPC B to let them down as soon as possible, since you’d also merely be giving them false hope.
) so that’s a definite win for me, and that aromantic V sounds interesting. I’m not aromantic myself so I don’t know if I would play it but I’m sure aromantic people will appreciate it greatly! Hope you enjoy writing your wip and I would love to check it out whenever you decide to share it 
. I’m probably repeating a lot things already said here but hopefully I’m not coming across as annoying in any way.
) people in a relationship and they are all okay with the status, more power to them and I wish them well.
Thoroughly enjoyed where questionable judgment got me in Unnatural. Lol