October 22 Update (Patreon)

Not going to lie, having a rough time of things lately. I'll keep this post short and focus on one important item of business, then an update on TLS development.

Some of you may be aware that Patreon updated its policies on adult games and is temporarily taking down many pages based on unclear criteria. Though I have not gotten hit yet, it's not a great environment for work and I've had to spend time keeping up with the news and trying to comply with the new rules. If I am taken down, expect more information at my blog or the wiki:

http://the-last-sovereign.blogspot.com/http://thelastsovereign.wikia.com/wiki/The_Last_Sovereign_Wiki

This is probably not the best place to comment on the changes, especially since many things are still ambiguous. Just rest assured that I'll be monitoring the news and taking any steps I can to avoid problems.

Anyway! That aside, let me talk about something I'm working on. For the last two chapters of the game, you'll have access to a home base that you can improve and customize. After gathering information from backers, I've divided the base choices you can make into three categories:

1) Expansions - Rooms or wings will start out empty and you have the option to build something, usually inspired by a harem member.

2) Plot Trophies - As you advance in the story, elements of the base will change. Expect these to be character notes or plot related, so you won't see much about them for now.

3) Design Choices - Purely cosmetic alterations to the base.

Since you will see only some of the first and none of the second in the coming update, I want to focus on the third for this post. You'll also get a chance to try out all the options in the release as a special preview.

Here is a view from the engine map editor. Each of the little squares represents a customization option of some kind:

That map is the control room of the base, where you can modify many things. Want sexy succubus statues instead of knights? Go interact with them in the left block. Want a particular color of banner? Have 19 choices to the right. The top squares you can't see are different thrones (they'll be visible in gameplay mode). Notably, in the lower right, you can choose your walls/floors/carpets.

All of this is really time-consuming. >.< I'd hire somebody to help with the tedious parts, but unfortunately I'm making so many design decisions in the process that it wouldn't really be feasible. I hope the end result adds some more depth to the game and is enjoyed by everyone, though!