mortish-writes

[mortish-writes]

Basically me all week as I edit this scene into something that both feels true to the characters and also doesn’t cross a line.

I think I cracked the code and made something solid, hot, and realistic. As realistic as a priestess sleeping with a pair of hot vampires three nights after they stumble across her in the arctic wilderness can be. Can’t fit Kerach in, at least not in this night, Valdricht is being too Valdricht. It’ll probably be out in a couple of days, I need to give it a thorough preening to ensure you don’t trip on typos or stumble into a void of bad code whilst enjoying. This is one of those scenes that begs for an alternate POV, I can’t wait to share it as soon as I can, the guys are in rare form.

[mortish-writes]

I recently discovered your story, and I’m so excited to see where it goes! I’ve been searching for something like this for such a long time, and I’m thrilled to have finally found it. ❤️ Wishing you all the best in your writing journey—I hope it continues to bring you joy!

Thank you, that's very kind. I think this is the perfect note on which to end my ask answering and get back to writing! <3

[mortish-writes]

When is the next update for dark maiden? Your writing is so good, my heart sank when i saw to be continued😔

Since you're referencing DMR I assume you're on Patreon, I wrote a bit about this at the end of the Kerach sneak peak:

I'll be back soon with a Dark Maiden update, thank you for being understanding about the computer issues. I'm not the type of person to make posts saying "Sorry guys, xyz is happening so I'm going to be behind schedule." When I'm running late I just focus on getting my work done as quickly as possible and explaining later if I'm egregiously late. However, the circumstances in this case were so catastrophic that it merited advising. Essentially, I'd lost about two days worth of writing and a Scrivener file where I kept a good chunk of worldbuilding stuff. Thankfully it was more of a master primer, I have the majority of the info scattered between different stuff in the cloud. And obviously it's all in my head, I've drafted this story so many times. I already have most of the stuff I need sorted back into my new master primer. The most mind-numbing aspect, apart from redownloading all of my programs and updating all of my drivers, was trying to figure out the login info for all the sites I use. I'm still scratching my head wondering wtf my Canva email address is. So it's been a hectic few days of nonstop tech woes but I am back at it now and will be focused on writing as quickly as I can (without sacrificing quality). I've already told my husband and the kids that I'm going goblin mode this week and they'll have to figure out how to cook for themselves and operate a broom while I work.

The answer is this week, I just don't want to give an official day because I cannot handle being late again this month. I find being behind schedule immensely stressful. However I am currently working on Dark Maiden (I'm actually just stopping now to eat lunch and catch up on some of my inbox) and I'll be writing it all day. When I publish will depend on if I opt to finish the moonday + 4th dream and publish or push through to the night. Given that the night will be loaded with sex, it'll probably be the former as quality sex takes a few days to write and I'd rather not rush it.

[mortish-writes]

Ok this.. is maybe gonna be a bit weird? But I was wondering when the MC does get pregnant, will her breasts get bigger? It's what happened with most of my family and a couple friends when they did, so if we set the dearest boobs to generous already will they turn even more.. unwieldy? Or modest ones fill up more? Small ones overflow their usual ... underwear/shirt/decolleté suddenly? I'm a little stumped on which to pick and started wondering and now the thought won't leave me alone, so I figured I'd just ask. 😅

Since you used the word decolleté this is officially a high-brow, intellectual question and the answer is yes. Naturally.

[mortish-writes]

"You know me?" you ask, shifting your back toward the wall to keep the stone hidden.

hi! i think i encountered a bug in the prelude. i chose to "back up and wait" and suddenly got a stone in my hand lol

I fixed that in the last update (little late responding) thank you for taking the time to let me know, I'm grateful!

[mortish-writes]

hi, i'm new to this game so i'd like to ask for clarifications. is there no monogamy in the classic storyline for the public build? like is it really a poly route with all three love interests? btw, this is a really promising and intriguing story! very much love <33

Thanks! No monogamy in Classic (public build), you can have Valdricht & Serax or Valdricht, Serax and Kerach depending on your choices.

[mortish-writes]

Hi :) just wanted to say I love your writing. I read your story bevor and after the rework and now I love it even more. So excited for the updates:) and the new design is also very nice ♡

Thank you, that's so kind!

[mortish-writes]

I shared this on Patreon, but you may have missed it because we know how much I love to babble there... and with the public release of the new demo, I could not not take the chance to babble about this publicly, so here I am: look at this wonderful piece of art my friend discovered and tell me this isn't Sir "Seduction Boss" Fated Mates Val (even looks like him) 😂:

Even more repressed horniness context on the dynamic:

There is even a baby, but sadly not theirs, since they're not endgame 😔. BUT, irl, these two are married—not with this actress as Aurora, but the one after:

So win some, lose some, I guess? 😂 Regardless, the whole performance is up on YouTube and I'm lowkey obsessed with it.

I forgot about the Sleeping Beauty, I totally need to watch this!

[mortish-writes]

Here is a comprehensive look at the dynamics system across all story routes. If you already read it on Patreon yesterday nothing has changed, don't torture yourself reading it twice. Also I'll post that Kerach sneak peek tonight, promise!

These are the finalized dynamics, they may look somewhat different from the previous ones although they're largely the same.

It's quite long but I have done my best to format it for readability with icons and styling. I personally struggle reading big walls of text and I imagine you do, too.

Character Key: 🌕 Valdricht | 🌗 Serax | 🌑 Kerach Dynamic Key: ◉ What this looks like | ◎ How to build it | ◈ The appeal/thrill Group Dynamic Key: ▣ Overview | ▢ Intimacy | ▲ Pitfalls Range Key: ⬆️ High values | ↔️ Middle range | ⬇️ Low values Content Key: ※ Important notes

Introduction

In Bride of Shadows, romance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your choices shape how each love interest treats you. Each path teaches your companions how to respond, be it with dominance, gentleness, restraint, or something in between. The same love interest can become a completely different type of partner depending on who you are.

Think of it like so: Will Valdricht see you as his partner who shrewdly challenges him, or as his precious treasure to protect and cherish? Will Serax find himself drawn to fiery verbal sparring matches with you, or will your gentle nature bring out his softer side? Will Kerach be your midnight lover, or a platonic protector? Your choices create these dynamics organically.

Note that I've removed the traits. I feel like a lot of players were getting hung up on that, particularly trying to figure out how they could play enemies-to-lovers Serax while still be Valdricht's doormat. I see you. Play how you want to play and don't stress about the personality that will resolve itself as the prelude progresses.

Classic Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers who love balanced polyamorous relationships and want to explore connections with all three love interests. This is the route you play on the public build.

※Special Note: You can mix and match these dynamics freely, there are no constraints. Kerach romance is optional. Serax & Valdricht are mandatory. No Kerach pregnancy.

🌕 Valdricht | Classic | Anointed Dynamic 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You earn Valdricht's respect through your intellect and careful judgment, becoming his trusted confidant. Your relationship is built on mutual admiration, intellectual stimulation, and the slow burn of proving your worth. You respect his authority as leader, but he values your input enough that you don't fear questioning him or (privately) challenging his decisions.

◎ How to build it: Question his authority (respectfully), show intellectual curiosity, maintain your independence even while accepting his protection.

◈ The appeal: Power couple energy. Respect as foreplay. The satisfaction of earning his regard after 2,000+ years of existence.

🌕 Valdricht | Classic | Devotee Dynamic 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You see Valdricht as your divine protector and guide, finding strength through trust and surrender. Your faith in him awakens his most protective instincts. When you look to him for guidance, something tender stirs within him. He becomes your shelter from the storm, and you become his reason to be gentle...only with you.

◎ How to build it: Accept his guidance gracefully, express gratitude for his protection, seek his wisdom, let him care for you.

◈ The appeal: Worship dynamics. Protective devotion. Submission kink.

⬆️ Anointed Dynamic: 75-100%

Trusted confidant who earns the right to question and challenge him, but still respects his superior experience and authority

↔️Balanced Partnership: 25-74%

Sometimes defers to his wisdom, sometimes asserts own perspective

⬇️ Devotee Dynamic: 0-24%

Sees him as her master, seeks his guidance, grateful for protection

🌗 Serax | Classic | Combustive Dynamic 🌗

◉ What this looks like: You and Serax are ice and fire, creating steam wherever you touch. Your relationship thrives on intelligent verbal sparring and the electric tension of two strong personalities who can't quite stay away from each other. Every argument is foreplay, every debate a dance.

◎ How to build it: Match his sarcasm with wit, challenge his cynical worldview, refuse to be intimidated, give as good as you get in verbal exchanges.

◈ The appeal: Enemies-to-lovers energy. Intellectual dueling. The thrill of taming each other.

🌗 Serax | Classic | Kindling Dynamic 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your gentle nature melts Serax's rough edges, revealing the wounded man beneath the warrior's exterior. He finds himself speaking more softly around you, his touches becoming reverent. You don't fight his fire--you warm yourself by it.

◎ How to build it: Show vulnerability, respond to his pain with compassion, let him protect you, be the calm to his storm.

◈ The appeal: Healing love. Hurt/comfort. Watching a hard man go soft for the right person (metaphorically speaking).

⬆️ Combustive Dynamic: 75-100%

Ice and fire creating steam, thriving on intelligent verbal sparring and electric tension between strong personalities

↔️ Balanced Tension: 25-74%

Mix of challenging banter and moments of gentleness, sometimes sparring and sometimes soothing

⬇️ Kindling Dynamic: 0-24%

Your gentle nature melts his rough edges, drawing out his protective instincts and softer touches

🌑 Kerach | Classic | Entwined Hearts 🌑

◉ What this looks like: You see past Kerach's wolf nature to the man beneath, and he sees past your fragility to the strength within. Your connection is deep, emotional, and surprisingly passionate. You communicate on a level that transcends words.

◎ How to build it: Show tenderness toward his wolf nature, treat him as an equal, recognize his intelligence and nobility.

◈ The appeal: Forbidden love. Slow burn.

🌑 Kerach | Classic | Pack Mate 🌑

◉ What this looks like: Kerach becomes your most loyal companion and protector. Your bond is built on mutual respect, shared survival, and absolute trust. While not romantic, this friendship runs deeper than blood and will last lifetimes.

◎ How to build it: Accept his protection, treat him as a trusted ally, respect his strength without needing more.

◈ The appeal: Ride-or-die friendship. Platonic devotion.

⬆️ Entwined Hearts: 75-100%

Deep emotional and passionate connection that transcends words, seeing past his wolf nature to the man beneath [sexual relationship threshold]

↔️ Loyal Companionship: 25-74%

Strong bond built on mutual respect and trust, with moments of deeper connection hinting at something more [light intimacy, no sexual relationship]

⬇️ Pack Mate: 0-24%

Devoted platonic partnership based on protection and survival, respecting his strength without romantic desire [purely platonic relationship]

Classic Route - Potential Group Dynamics

Here are a few of the potential dynamics I've mapped out to give you a better idea of what your relationship could look like in Act I. This is NOT an exhaustive list but a short overview based on some of my notes.

The Power Trio Anointed Valdricht + Combustive Serax + Entwined Hearts Kerach

▣ Overview: Everyone brings something vital to the table, and decisions get made through passionate debate rather than simple hierarchy.

▢ Intimacy: Even intimate moments involve playful power struggles over positions, timing, and control.

▲ Pitfalls: All three compete for MC's attention through their different strengths, and protection disputes turn into ego battles over who knows best.

The Sanctuary Devotee Valdricht + Kindling Serax + Pack Mate Kerach

▣ Overview: MC becomes the treasured center where three different protective instincts create a cocoon of safety and adoration.

▢ Intimacy: Tender competition over who can care for MC best, with layers of gentle touches and reverent attention.

▲ Pitfalls: Smothering protectiveness that limits MC's freedom, and jealousy when she craves different types of comfort from each partner.

The Volatile Triangle Devotee Valdricht + Combustive Serax + Entwined Hearts Kerach

▣ Overview: MC's bond with Valdricht puts her at the top of the hierarchy. Serax resents MC's favored position even as he craves her, creating volatile undercurrents. Kerach operates outside this power structure entirely, challenging anyone when his instincts demand it.

▢ Intimacy: MC surrenders completely to Valdricht, clashes passionately with Serax before yielding, and matches Kerach's intense desire with equal hunger.

▲ Pitfalls: Serax's frustration at being outranked by MC in Valdricht's affections, and Kerach's willingness to challenge Valdricht creating friction.

Dark Maiden Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers seeking intense psychological dynamics, Stockholm syndrome themes, and breeding-focused romance.

※ Content Note: This route explores psychological dependency, limited agency, and intense submission themes. All three love interests are mandatory romantic/sexual partners. MMFM. Kerach pregnancy.

※ Special Note: The dynamics are linked. Why? Because this is a linear route. Each decoupling is more writing.

Veiled Mate + Wild Beauty / Bound Mate + Tamed Heart are completely linked. You cannot mix and match them within the current narrative. Pick a lane.

Kerach's Fallen Vestal is loosely linked to Veiled Mate + Wild Beauty but can be decoupled.

🌕 Valdricht | Dark Maiden | Veiled Mate 🌕

◉ What this looks like: Your resistance engages Valdricht rather than frustrates him. Every hesitation becomes a puzzle to solve, every moment of internal conflict proof of your authenticity. He doesn't want mindless compliance--he wants to earn your surrender piece by piece.

◎ How to build it: Show internal struggle with desire, demonstrate reluctance to submission, hide your sexual desire from him.

◈ The thrill: Corruption kink. Earned submission. Watching innocence wrestle with desire.

🌕 Valdricht | Dark Maiden | Bound Mate 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You discover freedom through complete surrender to Valdricht's guidance. He becomes your anchor in the new world you've woken into, and you find peace in letting him carry the weight of decisions. Your trust awakens his most protective instincts.

◎ How to build it: Seek his guidance willingly, express gratitude for his protection, find comfort in his control, let him shoulder your burdens.

◈ The thrill: Total power exchange. Stockholm syndrome. That nightmare you sometimes have after waking at 7am so you can get into work by 9am and then spend the next four hours watching the clock for your lunch break with growing realization that you're a corporate slave and this will be your entire life and you just want to scream and then suddenly a hot guy shows up and drags you from your cubical and declares that you're his mate and he's never going to allow you to work again or do anything that doesn't involve having his babies and reading books in his giant library. Gross.

⬆️ Veiled Mate: 50-100%

Your quiet rebellion engages him and every act of defiance is a game he delights in playing

⬇️ Bound Mate: 0-49%

You find deep satisfaction in complete surrender to his control, discovering freedom through giving up all resistance

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Bound Mate with a stoic nature might quietly seek his embrace in the night, whereas one with a tender nature will openly display her affection for him.

🌗 Serax | Dark Maiden | Wild Beauty 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your internal struggle feeds Serax's predatory instincts. He's drawn to the contradiction of your desire warring with your resistance. The more you fight what you want, the more determined he becomes to draw it out of you.

◎ How to build it: Show conflicted responses to his advances, demonstrate that you want him despite yourself, let your internal battle show through your reactions.

◈ The thrill: Predator/prey dynamics. Corruption through pleasure. Drawing out hidden desire.

🌗 Serax | Dark Maiden | Tamed Heart 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your willingness to be claimed and sheltered brings out Serax's most possessive instincts. You become his creature to protect and cherish, and he finds satisfaction in being your refuge.

◎ How to build it: Seek comfort in his presence, let him soothe your conflicts, accept his protection, show how his attention calms your struggles.

◈ The thrill: Hurt/comfort. Protective possession. Being someone's safe harbor.

⬆️ Wild Beauty: 50-100%

Your resistance feeds his predatory instincts and he never wants the chase to end

⬇️ Tamed Heart: 0-49%

Your willingness to be claimed brings out his most possessive, caring instincts

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Tamed Heart with a provocative nature might boldly seek his attention, whereas one with a demure nature will blush and lower her eyes when he approaches.

🌑 Kerach | Dark Maiden | Fallen Vestal 🌑

◉ What this looks like: Each encounter with Kerach becomes a battle between moral conditioning and growing desire. You know accepting him violates everything you were taught, yet you find yourself unable to resist. The guilt only intensifies the forbidden pleasure.

◎ How to build it: Express internal conflict about intimacy, show shame warring with desire, demonstrate how your moral upbringing clashes with your body's responses.

◈ The thrill: Forbidden desire. Corruption through pleasure. Moral conflict as aphrodisiac.

🌑 Kerach | Dark Maiden | Willing Vessel 🌑

◉ What this looks like: You find empowerment in accepting Kerach's nocturnal visits. Rather than fighting your desires, you embrace them. Your willingness turns encounters into mutual connection rather than mere claiming.

◎ How to build it: Welcome his attention without shame, show curiosity about his nature, demonstrate comfort with intimacy.

◈ The thrill: Empowered submission. Breeding kink. Strength through surrender.

⬆️ Willing Vessel: 50-100%

You welcome him, finding power in acceptance

⬇️ Fallen Vestal: 0-49%

Your faith wars with growing desire as accepting him feels like a bridge too far

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Fallen Vestal with a demure nature might hide her face during intimacy to mask her pleasure, whereas one with a provocative nature will be intensely engaged, only to reflect on her shame post-intimacy.

Dark Maiden Route - Potential Group Dynamics

The Emotional Anchor Veiled Mate Valdricht + Wild Beauty Serax + Willing Vessel Kerach

▣ Overview: MC struggles with overwhelming desire and internal conflict around Valdricht and Serax, while finding refuge in Kerach's presence. He becomes her safe harbor during the storm of transformation.

▢ Intimacy: Passionate but conflicted encounters with V&S where pleasure wars with resistance, contrasted by comfort with Kerach who offers solace without judgment.

▲ Pitfalls: Valdricht and Serax may grow jealous of MC's easy intimacy with Kerach, while MC risks using Kerach as an emotional crutch rather than working through her internal conflicts.

The Conflicted Haven Bound Mate Valdricht + Tamed Heart Serax + Fallen Vestal Kerach

▣ Overview: MC finds peace through surrender to Valdricht and Serax, embracing her transformation and leaning on them for comfort. With Kerach, however, her moral conditioning creates internal warfare between duty and desire.

▢ Intimacy: Total submission with V&S, while encounters with Kerach are shadowed by moral conflict.

▲ Pitfalls: MC may struggle with the emotional whiplash of moving between complete surrender with Valdricht and Serax, and her guilt-tinged encounters with Kerach.

Fated Mates Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers who prefer monogamous romance and don't mind a deliciously problematic love interest.

※ Note: Only Valdricht is a romantic option. You will be able to make him jealous, at the peril of Serax and Kerach.

🌕 Valdricht | Fated Mates | Anchored Maiden 🌕

◉ What this looks like: Despite the mate bond's pull, you refuse to let Valdricht's experience and age intimidate you into blind compliance. You recognize his attempts to guide and shape your responses, meeting them with shrewd observation rather than naive acceptance. Your careful resistance forces him to earn what he wants rather than simply taking it through manipulation.

◎ How to build it: Question his motives, assert your independence, maintain your independence despite attraction.

◈ The thrill: Age gap. Earned submission. Cat and mouse.

🌕 Valdricht | Fated Mates | Drowning Maiden 🌕

◉ What this looks like: The mate bond leaves you vulnerable to Valdricht's centuries of experience. He knows exactly how to guide your responses, using your inexperience and overwhelming attraction to shape your choices. You're drowning in feelings you don't understand, but survival means learning to use your submission as a strength.

◎ How to build it: Accept his guidance without question, show overwhelm at new sensations, demonstrate your inexperience.

◈ The thrill: Worldly/innocent. Power imbalance. Lost little lamb.

⬆️ Anchored Maiden: 50-100%

You refuse to let his experience intimidate you into blind compliance, meeting his manipulation with shrewd observation

⬇️ Drowning Maiden: 0-49%

The mate bond leaves you vulnerable to his centuries of experience as he uses your innocence against you

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Drowning Maiden with an idealistic nature might see his guidance as romantic destiny, whereas one with a cynical nature may recognize the manipulations even while being unable to resist his allure.

※ No group dynamics. Too many spoilers, play and find out.

Tips for Players

Building Your Ideal Dynamic

Be consistent: Your early choices set the tone, even in the prelude.

Play your truth: Choose options that feel authentic to how you want your character to respond.

Don't min-max: There are no "wrong" dynamics, only different love stories (and kinks).

Dynamics lock: After the prelude your dynamics are fixed, at least for Act I...

Dynamics evolve: Your dynamic will evolve with each act. More on that later.

Understanding the percentages

Numbers aren't everything: A 30% Devotee dynamic is just as valid and complete as an 80% Anointed dynamic. Once the prelude ends the percentages will disappear and you will be left with a detailed description of your dynamic.

Classic extremes are optional: You can absolutely stay in the middle ranges for more balanced relationships.

DMR & FMR have no middle ground: Your dynamic will be based on your final percentages in the prelude, with some choices (i.e. sleeping with Valdricht pre-Meyrrvik in Fated Mates or eager/reluctant first time with Kerach in Dark Maiden) carrying much steeper weight. Once your dynamic is fixed, your personality determines how your MC operates within the dynamic. No escape, only evolution through acts.

[mortish-writes]

​You wake in a frozen wasteland, abandoned, hungry, and with no memory of who or what you are.

Two enigmatic and powerful men find you in the snow. They take you in and keep you warm. Try as you might to resist them, it isn't long before you lose your heart and your virtue...

The third moonday of the Bride of Shadows rework is now available on the public build.

Learn new lore.

Banter with Serax.

Have your first encounter with Kerach.

Sink into your third dream and choose your patron goddess.

Mature female-protagonist interactive romance novel, 18+

[Play the Public Build]

​

My computer broke last week. Thankfully it's all fixed as of yesterday and most of my data was saved to the cloud, but I'm still in the process of getting all of my programs re-installed and trying to figure out which email/password combos I used for various sites. Bear with me while I get my stuff sorted and I'll have an estimated date for the next update later this week. I have a big backlog of messages, I'm not ignoring anyone, I'm just running a little behind schedule and I'll answer everything once I'm caught up.

For those who haven't seen it yet, I'll be posting the dynamics guide here on Tumblr in a little bit. That will give you a comprehensive breakdown on how the new romance system works.

-Mortish

[mortish-writes]

Thought I'd break up "What's New on Mortish TVland" with this TikTok:

Mom matching with her mini me! And this made me think, "Huh, Val would probably love a nun who loves dressing up their baby (especially a daughter, if Nightborn's demo is anything to by) and would find it cute if she matches with them." But then that lead me to, "Would Val be willing to match with them?" and I... don't think so, unless it's something in black and maybe his own mini-me, gender-wise and everything 😂? I feel like Serax would be more willing to do this regardless of gender, but only after making fun of the nun. Either way, I'm going to get one of these bozos to match with our babies 😂.

Omg I'm just seeing this. It got buried beneath a mountain of NSFW recs for Dark Maiden Route, so I was reading all of these (wonderfully) depraved asks and then boom, cute baby ;_;

I think if Valdricht has a son it'll be a mini-Valdricht. He's too old-fashioned to have a daughter who wears pants. He'd probably dress her up like the MC. If the MC opts to go goth, he'll still be buying his daughter frilly pink stuff until she's old enough to object.

Serax would 100% dress his daughter exactly like him, probably even add a charcoal beard just to really scandalize the MC.

Kerach is more about function and will just care that his kid is warm. I think he'd be very confused if the MC attempted to put them in matching clothes.

Now, what we can do is put the kids in matching clothes.

Okay, now I am remembering that I still need to add the clothing feature. I was thinking I'd do that post-Meyrrvik, but it's 100% going in the profile section and the kids will have clothes, too.

I love making my own video game.

[mortish-writes]

I just read this for the first time today and now I have critical brain rot, I can't think about anything else, thank you for making this 🙂‍↕️

You're welcome and sorry for rotting your brain.

[mortish-writes]

Obviously I am here, like everyone else, because I am weak to hot vamps 😵 BUT I want to say that what REALLY impresses me is the amount of thought you put into the craft, balance, and mechanics of the story. Like, this isn't just smut running on pure horny energy (no shade to that), this is erotica craftsmanship, and I respect that so much.

If I ever make it big, I'm hiring you as my hype man.

[mortish-writes]

OK I BARELLY STARTED THE REWORK AND I AM ALREADY SO IN LOVE WITH THE NEW AESTHETIC ITSELF?????

I AM SO EXCITED TO GO THROUGH IT

Glad to hear it!

[mortish-writes]

with the poll- I feel like coding (which kinda to me included the whole "adding features" thing? unless I misunderstood) is the biggest hurdle cause for all the flaws of my writing, I'd learn if I just got a story out. I'd figure out how I best wrote and what I enjoyed and better get the hang of it, but coding just is such a hurdle (the biggest, besides RL being a real bitch and getting in the way of forming good writing habits). probably just a mental one cause I know there are some resources out there for at least the basics. that said, in regards to the actual writing- I always worry my ROs (or the romance aspect) suffer. as much as I love romance, I avoided it a lot in main media. growing up I always read action/adventure fantasy type and the romance was always tacked on and poorly done and the ham fisted in. it's only recently I've been realizing I need to give actual romance a try and that's not always great but it's been better. but it does really really mean I just don't have confidence in the romance aspect (years of fanfic or not).

The features was referring more to feature creep, wherein we tend to add a lot of features without considering the amount of time it would take to implement them. I see a lot of new IF writers fall into that trap and to an extent I did myself.

I figured coding would be #1, I almost didn’t add it just to get a better idea of where writers are actually struggling because basic coding is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but things like technical writing skills can take years of refining to improve.

Likewise grew up consuming media where the romance was the B plot although I thankfully got into shoujo manga when I was in high school which helped me to develop a passion for love stories. I see a lot of IFs where they seem like a romance but then the authors kind of get carried away with the action stuff. I suspect it comes from a disconnect with the characters, especially when there’s a big cast. When I do the romance IF workshop we’ll be focusing on writing a single relationship story that way writers don’t get overwhelmed.

At their core, romance and action follow similar scaffolding. The real difference is that in action the stakes tend to be physical whereas in romance they tend to be emotional. If you can choreograph a fight scene you can do the same for a kiss, argument, or confession.

[mortish-writes]

I cannot believe Serax got 5 times funnier in this beautiful new version, I am CRYING actual TEARS

I’m glad you’re enjoying him, he’s going to be a nightmare in the next episode so he needs all the goodwill he can get.

[mortish-writes]

Congrats on the public release of the rewrite!! Gonna go play it again in celebration, haha. I'm actually surprised by Kerach being a love interest because I really couldn't ever tell if you were joking or not lmao. I'm quite excited to learn about him though I'm hesitant about his addition to the polycule- I'll definitely be keeping an open mind but for the time being I'm rooting for that platonic option for Classic. Being able to have a man in MC's life that's just a loyal friend would be a nice balance. I hope you enjoy getting back to focusing on writing now that everything is launched!

Thank you! Based on talking to readers we’ll be doing romantic and platonic depending on your choices although Kerach won’t make it easy to be just friends.