Hello everyone!

Today we are releasing the alpha version of update 0.5 (Engorgio)! It will remain in this state for at least a week before becoming available to our Magister tier subscribers.

This also means that starting today, version 0.4.5 is now available for the Student tier.

We've slightly changed the overall story structure, deciding to explicitly separate the main storyline and character story arcs.

Furthermore, character story arcs are also divided into a romance branch and a character development branch. You can pursue both, either of them, or ignore them entirely. Each quest is initiated through conversations with the character. Some become available as the main storyline progresses.

We will gradually rework existing quests to fit this structure. For example, you will no longer be required to help Lilian if you don't like her. Additionally, the character themselves will make the final choice in their development arc, based on how the scales of their internal conflict have tipped.

All our characters' relationships will go through roughly similar stages of development, during which the character will gradually reveal their personality and fetishes, culminating in the most impactful scene at the end.

The current number of completed quests for each branch, as well as the number still available, can be viewed on the character's card in the journal.

Now, here's what's new in version 0.5 (Engorgio):

• Rose's character development storyline has been slightly updated; one of the old quests ("Difficult Patient") has been moved to the character development branch.
• Rose's character development storyline has been expanded with three new quests.
• Rose has received the first 4 quests for her romance branch (two with full-screen art and one with a mini-comic). This is just the beginning of the relationship development.
• Added a romance system, displaying progress on the character card.
• Added an internal conflict system, displaying progress in character development.
• Added difficulty levels for Journey mode. You can now choose additional bonuses or penalties before starting.
• Modified Journey location generation – an exit and a path leading to it are now guaranteed.
• Added an additional check to prevent situations where a dead player attempts to use a card.
• Fixed the effect of the "Cursed Flame" artifact.
• Tasks requiring visiting a location at a specific time of day now explicitly state this.
• Some quests can now require N days to pass after completing another quest before they can start or end.
• Fixed the Christmas decorations quest – it will no longer end before all tasks are completed.
• Fixed the dialogue where Victoria suggests removing decorations after Christmas – it now only occurs several days after completing the quest to place them.
• Camera control via keyboard is now available in Journey mode on PC.
• The Save/Load panel now remembers the last opened page.
• Fixed the "Thermoshock" effect.
• Fixed the drop rate for item recipes in Journey.
• Fixed the acquisition of the "Serpent's Lock" item, which was previously unobtainable.
• Fixed the logic for starting mana and starting hand cards – some items now work as intended again.
• Fixed the Sparking Wand.
• Fixed the Shadow Wand.
• Fixed the Phoenix Wand (it also received new cards more fitting its theme).
• Fixed the Alchemist's Robe.
• Fixed the Thinker's Ring.

Thank you for sticking with us and helping with the development of our game!