Tendency Poll #2

Erudite was a clear winner in the first poll. This time, we're going to have three new tendencies to choose from. The ones that aren't picked will be shuffled into the next poll with the two from last time. Erudite won't be making an appearance in Night VI, it's already filled with a bazillion different choices, but it will probably be my favorite to retroactively write when I do the Week One update. Readers have been likening an erudite MC to Hermione Granger and I think that's accurate.

New Tendency Options:

Humble // A humble MC is one who doesn't forget her roots. She won't let fancy baths or lavish dwellings go to her head, and she's likely to feel uncomfortable wearing expensive clothes and adornments. No task is beneath her and no gesture goes unappreciated. (Serax ++, Valdricht -)

Lustful // A lustful MC will find chastity to be a constant struggle. Once she finally indulges in the carnal act, she'll only want more. Not necessarily irreverent, she can still be Pious and Proper during the moonday hours, but once night falls she'll be desperate to slake her pent-up desire. (Serax +++, Valdricht ++)

Perceptive // Few things slip past the notice of a perceptive MC. She picks up on body language, hears what's not being said, and spots trouble brewing before it boils over. Quick to read a room and quicker to read a man, she rarely needs to be told twice—though she'll pretend she didn't notice, if it serves her. (Serax +/-, Valdricht +/-)

My thoughts:

I know this one will be tough. They all have a lot of potential. I specifically chose more Serax-focused traits that way we have a more balanced pool.

A humble MC could be good for readers who want to want a character who isn't keen on letting her new position as a darksinger elevate her above others. I think the humble interactions will really shine with Serax, who won't enjoy a haughty or holier-than-thou partner. It'll be particularly interesting to see a humble Zealot MC.

Lustful will be a lot of fun. If chosen, I intend to go all the way to the prologue to tailor it in. It's irked me that only the Heretic has had steamy fantasies. Again, I think of the Zealot and how intriguing it would be to have her secretly wrestling with lust.

Perceptive is a trait more for players than for the guys. Neither of them will be too happy if you're reading their moods and guessing their real motives, however it could give your MC a big advantage in interactions. I think the Heretic MC will be best paired with this trait, as she tends to be more watchful and content to absorb information.

Weekly Progress:

That's all for today! I'm still working on Night VI. I think once you play it, and replay it, and replay it, you'll understand why. As of right now I'm finished with the main story branches of the first half of the Zealot storyline and the Heretic storyline. Each branch is around the same length as Night III, so I feel pretty comfortable releasing it as a 1/2 Night update. Currently I'm going through and adding additional choices, and then I'll begin editing. I'm also almost finished with the next alternate POV scene, so I might release that before the update to tide you over while I'm editing and playtesting.

I think the first half of the night will be a good place for everyone to stop and reevaluate their tendencies and game modes before moving forward. Up ahead will be some pretty difficult stat checks with major impacts on your story. I'll talk about those more when I release the update.

-Mortish