That’s not the MC background, it’s a bit of my background combined with that of some of my dorm mates from my first college. That was why I chose “starved to death” and “spent most of the time at the gym” when building my MC, because I’ve been there (or close to there.)
Would you want me to add in the future something for this combo? Like a unique dialogue option
I don’t know. It’s enough for me that the combination is there, and possible, but that alone might not be enough for someone else in a similar situation/with a similar background. I’d say just use your best judgement on it.
Will do, thanks! Either way, this subject inspired me to think about unique backgrounds for the MC that I might explore in the future.
Hello dear patrons of TBOTA!
By the end of this week, I will release a small update that includes the conclusion of your latest shift at the bar.
By the end of the month, the final part of Chapter 4 will be released, with the option to visit Hell— if you accept the invitation from Yaga.
See you soon
Well, this game managed to hook itself into my brain in less than a week, so absolute masterclass at drawing in those readers that bite at the synopsis. The worldbuilding and character work are all so intriguing. Always feels like there’s so many layers beneath the surface we’ll never see- the nature of practical infinity, I suppose, but making them all feel so alive and real.
The Crew’s absolutely wonderful. They’re all my favorites just from the sheer variety amongst them, though I’ve got a soft spot for Shelly. Regular Human Gang sticks together. The contrasts between them are fascinating to learn, not to mention their pasts. Really love the small bits of banter/antics they spark and I wish we got more of it to see how their dynamics build up. The breakfasts really helped them gel together after the first night, which made me want to see/overhear small character exploration moments there, whether between the Crew or with the MC. Bonding while the bar’s open is great fun, but sometimes you just wanna get to know someone without the Stress of Work or discussions of The Curse looming overhead.
I am excitedly worried about the fate of the Bar itself, too. With Pyriphlegethon attacking and Cassy’s escape from the Cult of the Black Horns, it certainly feels like a prelude for the Abyss becoming a battleground. On that note, I did notice that after Pyriphlegethon tried to seize the Bar, their presence suddenly drops off with no apparent reason or resolution for why they haven’t appeared again. I might’ve just missed something on my route, but given that Hastur got stabbed and temporarily disappeared, there wasn’t much of a comedown to it besides driving them off once. Perhaps the people of the Realms are just kinda Like That with politics, but it’d be nice to see some acknowledgement of it.
Now, for the Big Part: the ROs… oh, the ROs are all so good. My dude Frame’s absolutely enamored with them all except Damien (don’t act like a creep on Peisinoe, ya devil). His heart’s probably way too big for his own good, though that might also just be the backstory and personality I’ve projected onto him. I was wondering whether or not poly relationship would be an option, and I’m happy to see they are. Though I definitely feel like there was a discussion about it with the ROs missing. Death and Morgen talking (and briefly flirting) during the breakfast was great, though Death apparently knew about my date with Morgen despite them having been passed out in bed before I told them. It doesn’t have to be a Big Deal, but having a moment to disclose it with the ROs and getting their feelings on it would help make the flirtatious/intimate choices feel less uncertain. As far as I know, the ROs are aware of Frame’s current relationships and haven’t brought them up when getting onto their paths, but it’d be nice to have a chance to know for certain so it doesn’t feel like a “do it now, pray for forgiveness later” situation. Do not want to be the one to get their hopes up only to inadvertently force them into an arrangement that hurts them, especially since my guy’s seeking romances with Peisinoe (smooched them to give a little small joy) and Hastur (the apron was absolutely what made Frame fall for him). Part of me’s wondering whether the MC will get a chance to possibly kindle something between the ROs as well, but that’s something to think about way down the line.
Regarding the MC, it’s amazing how much they feel like their own character despite running on our choices. My dude Frame doesn’t remember jack about how he died except for the word “Gallery,” and yet it feels like he’s got guilt over something he forgot about. Definitely colored my choices for him; he’s trying to help ease everyone else’s burdens and pains by taking them on himself ( the orb dream sequence solidified that aspect of him), wanting to make up for the lack of his own remembered pains by offering himself up to relieve theirs. Can’t say for certain whether his own mental health’s holding up while he’s looking out for everyone else’s, but given that the Loneliness stat reads 0% as of now, he’s probably managing to contain it.
Can’t wait to see how this next chapter concludes ( as we learn more about Yaga) and how the story will grow from here. Hope the world does its best to keep you in a writing flow!
Hi there! Firstly, let me extend a warm welcome to the COG forums. I am honored to see that your first comment is on my thread hehe!
I LOVED reading your feedback, and your notes on the story and continuity errors are extremely helpful— definitely going to use them because they were all spot on. These kinds of responses and feedback really boost my motivation so thank you so much!
I absolutely agree about the crew dynamics hoping to add more as the story continues.
Also, I love the MC you crafted! I think their personality fits the themes of the story really well. I’m curious how they will handle the rest of the plot and its conclusion
Oh! And as for the poly options, there will be discussions about nature of the relationship with each MC. However, I want these conversations to feel natural and not force. Currently, most of these relationships are still in the early dating stages, so I’m planning to have these discussions start a bit later. But I definitely plan on adding them!
Hello Patrons!
I have released a small update to the latest chapter, which concludes the night shift.
For fans of Morgan/a, you will get the opportunity to uncover some of their witchy secrets
This update also sets the stage for the last part of Chapter 4, which will be released by the end of April (next week hopefully): Your shopping trip to the Bazzar of Dis in Hell, accompanied by Yaga, the Raven, Shelly, and Peisinoe!
As always, please let me know your thoughts on this update and the one before it, especially regarding the plot. Your feedback helps me understand what works and how to approach the next ones!
READ HERE
*oh, another thing: If you start a new playthrough, I added something by popular demand: more save slots! Have fun in the Abyss
Enjoying the game so far though i do have a question will you add death scars? Like burn scars if you died by fire and bullet scars if you died by gunshots etc? Just curious
That’s a really cool suggestion! Adding this to my to-do list Thank you!
I must say there are not many stories that touched my heart as deeply as this one, these characters man…
I love the themes you broach, I love the characters, talking to them, learning about their struggles, doing my best to help them heal. I love the customization of the bar and the reactions it elicits in people.
The intrigue going on in the background and this overarching feeling that there’s something terribly wrong but you have to trudge through it to find the answers. You really nail the sensation of being the only light in the darkness, and how tenuous and frail that light is.
I also really liked the romance with the different characters, they are all already interesting to talk to, but the affection is really the cherry on top of it.
I’m eagerly waiting for more.
Damn, I’m so touched! Thank you for the feedback. I’m grinning from ear to ear like an idiot
Which option did you choose for the bar’s decor?
Bohemian, my mc is wearing what the bar means to them on their metaphorical sleeve.
Love that! I definitely see the decoration choice as an extension of the MC. It’s your own tiny realm, after all
I must fill the void with the noise and colors of life. Bring an end to longing and mourning, creativity and change to nothingness and stagnation. And most of all toast to the soul mates we made along the way.
Wow, I can’t wait for you to experience the ending, then! With that outlook for the MC, I think it will be very gratifying.
Hello everyone! Sorry for being a bit absent this past week or two—Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the update as I had a lot on my plate, despite my best efforts
Anyway, I’m planning on releasing it next week instead! Sorry if you waited for it, I promise it will be worth it
No sane person would blame you. Time takes its due and all things come in due time.
Hi everyone! Disappeared for some time, but back on the wagon and working on this update and the next simultaneously! Thank you for the patience so far