It's the "I'm close but..." post

Hi, hi,

My apologies for being quiet on the patreon page front but bar popping in to discord and the forum it really has been a case of just focus, focus, focus for shipping the chapter.

The Bad News

I need some more time. Sorry. Having had to replace almost all the animation work I did back in Nov/Dec due to it not been as good as I can now do has really bit me in the bum delivery wise. The only work that's survived from that period has been the stills for the domme module. 

I've also been finding a few glitches in the other animations that need correcting. A good example is below. Where it's almost fine - and then it isn't. (No, I've no idea how I didn't spot it either....) Of course the problem with correcting an animation is that you're not just correcting one frame but at least several dozen (if not more) which eats up the time like no one's business.

https://webmshare.com/play/9xWOv

The Good News (yes there is some...)

I'm pausing payments for May. My mistakes aren't yours. I was sure it would ship in April, and said so, which has led to new patreons and it's not fair to them, or indeed more generally, if things haven't gone to plan. So although I still expect to release in May I won't be charging for it.

That's not all...

In playtesting I found that it was still possible, if the player wasn't that committed to a character or didn't take part in the optional missions, for the middle section to still be light. As so much content is path and switch based this will always be a problem of course - but that doesn't mean it should be one I should just shrug my shoulders over. I've got around this, and will also do so going forward each chapter, by having something standalone that isn't path locked or plot based. Of course path decisions will still impact upon the scene but the scene itself will always be unlockable regardless. So for Chapter Four we have another new scene packed with ten new animations and the usual supporting stills. Call it about 1,400 renders all in. Oh, did I mention it was a naughty one?

And there's more...

Although I'm happy with the domme module this chapter (and indeed for the next one too) I did get a slight flash of concern over whether it could get a bit "samey". I don't think it will tbh but risks should be mitigated where possible. So, from Four on, there is a scene unlockable on one of the domme quests which can lead (in fact ensure) that the poor MC has not one but now two dommes to amuse...

And there's more...

I've also been shoving in various special effects, tweaking scripts, and generally polishing it to the point where you'll need sunglasses to play it, I think. The bits I've shared with some of you have been very well recieved. Be it the animations, the special effects, the script etc etc. 

Commission news

Some of you have kindly been holding back on your commissions whilst I raced to get the chapter finished and although I won't be taking new commissions for May, I will still of course be honouring the outstanding ones. I'll be in touch once Four ships. Normal service will resume in June.

In conclusion...

The loss of those two months production wise has been an absolute arse in terms of getting this out, but it has made me more skilled so....that's something? I'm also taking some comfort that writing those two months offs means I've made an absolute monster of a chapter in just four months (Jan to Apr) which given I'll only get quicker is something to look forward to in terms of delivery speed. I've also added yet more content to the chapter to try and ensure you find something you'll enjoy and to give you more to explore. So the delays here are neither for lack of effort, nor lack of care - and of course all the improvement work has come at no cost to you.

I'll be honest, despite the above I'm licking my wounds a bit at the moment over this but I won't skimp on quality nor I will take advantage of your support. So, I shall "take my lumps" as we say and carry on. Besides, it is going to be -so- worth it for your reactions when you see what I've made for you. :)

Thanks. And once again, sorry for the delay.

Notty