Announcement/Extended Progress Update (16 January 2025)

Hi Returning Visitors!

I hope you're doing well. 💐

Due to the sudden closure of a file hosting system, there will be a change in how I host our TFS: Book Two alpha! Recently, I was made aware of an issue on iOS devices by one patron in regards to how saves were storing, so I (and a few epic others) were already working/testing out a solution. However, this closure adds a new dimension of change! That being said, you have my word that I'll be working ceaselessly to get our alpha back up and running so you'll be able to experience Fernweh as you all deserve! 🌲

A solution is being worked on for hosting the files that ensures playability and security!

In the meantime, for iOS users, I would suggest using an alternative (such as your computer), if possible, or simply wait. Android and PC users are fine with using our current set up and current links; however, it all has to be reworked by the end of the month due to this closure. It might be best to wait overall depending on how you feel about restarting/remaking your MC.

I can hear the very distant wails of agony, especially since I encouraged seasoned patrons to make saves to enjoy this month's hefty (and emotional) drop. 😭 I understand! Time permitting, I intend to work on an internal feature that might make your lost saves not sting quite as much. However, everyone will have to restart because the other system is going to be taken down.

TL;DR: Due to a file hosting system's sudden closure, our alpha will need to be reworked.

You may still play on your distributed link; however, there is an issue with iOS/Apple saves not persisting once you close out your window. Saves work fine on other operating systems/devices. It might be best to wait until the end of the month to explore Fernweh once things are settled. Please know I'm hard at work trying to come up with a few solutions to ease any strain on you. I'm grateful for your patience/understanding. 💚

It's my hope/intention to have everything up and running by month end, if not before!

_ _ _

I actually need to hop on some coding, so I'm going to share a teaser from Book Two and keep this relatively short and sweet this time around. As for what I've been doing, it has mainly been continuing to learn/improve the website, writing content for us to enjoy, and then working on a new feature for our Book Two alpha that you'll now likely see sooner than later.

(It's a lot of additional/careful coding, so wish me luck.)

One other thing, our JR writing is now a S POV because I'll be shifting theirs to February to make it longer and give it a Valentine's theme. This POV will be getting into S's trauma about witnessing the house fire and shedding light on how young J and R were coping with your absence. (Also, there is a lot of banter I enjoyed writing because R and the MC are peak rivals in this being playful.) It's going to tie in perfectly with things you can discover in Book Two!

I'll make our excerpt a bit longer. What if there's no Book Three because your Returning Visitor accidentally offs themself and their ROs? 🙃 This is a fun choice option with gremlin energy. Edit: This^ was a joke about your MC choosing to jump on J while near an edge. The lack of self preservation in favor of teasing our Detective. There is no bad ending here, lol.

[Spoilers Ahead!]

Here's an excerpt from Book Two:

James and Reese

"Want to creep up on him?"

Reese casts a long glance between where you're both standing and James, gauging the distance. "You wish to do that to someone who is often on edge while he is literally standing on one? I think not." He rolls his eyes when you simply grin back. "You will be on your own for this jest, [Surname]."

"You startled Rosie earlier."

"Not truly, and I adapted to her environment."

Apparently, Reese has boundaries; however, you're inclined to view them as bland rules that ruin what could loosen James up. You creep behind him at a steady pace. Your hands seem to rise of their own accord, bent at the wrist with claw-like fingers that project a mischievous, gremlin energy. It's for fun! You're about to latch onto his shoulders when he's slowly turning around to check on you, forcing your little scare to speed up to—

"Detective!"

Reese's call to him is both a signal and a betrayal that ends in an unexpected collision.

You pounce; James pivots around.

Now, you're in his arms with your hands on his shoulders after he reflexively jolted from your sudden appearance. The edge is lined with warning pavers before dropping off into water, but his work boot goes over that so he staggers slightly to regain his footing. Wait, now he's in a precarious position, which kills your humor when you grip on more tightly until Reese intervenes. He fists your outfit like it's a harness, hauling you backwards along with James, before securing a hold on your arm.

The three of you are back on safe ground.

James and Ruby

"Want to creep up on him?"

Ruby casts a long glance between where you're both standing and James, gauging the distance. "You wish to do that to someone who is often on edge while he is literally standing on one? I think not." She rolls her eyes when you simply grin back. "You will be on your own for this jest, [Surname]."

"You startled Rosie earlier."

"Not truly, and I adapted to her environment."

Apparently, Ruby has boundaries; however, you're inclined to view them as bland rules that ruin what could loosen James up. You creep behind him at a steady pace. Your hands seem to rise of their own accord, bent at the wrist with claw-like fingers that project a mischievous, gremlin energy. It's for fun! You're about to latch onto his shoulders when he's slowly turning around to check on you, forcing your little scare to speed up to—

"Detective!"

Ruby's call to him is both a signal and a betrayal that ends in an unexpected collision.

You pounce; James pivots around.

Now, you're in his arms with your hands on his shoulders after he reflexively jolted from your sudden appearance. The edge is lined with warning pavers before dropping off into water, but his work boot goes over that so he staggers slightly to regain his footing. Wait, now he's in a precarious position, which kills your humor when you grip on more tightly until Ruby intervenes. She fists your outfit like it's a harness, hauling you backwards along with James, before securing a hold on your arm.

The three of you are back on safe ground.

Jane and Ruby

"Want to creep up on her?"

Ruby casts a long glance between where you're both standing and Jane, gauging the distance. "You wish to do that to someone who is often on edge while she is literally standing on one? I think not." She rolls her eyes when you simply grin back. "You will be on your own for this jest, [Surname]."

"You startled Rosie earlier."

"Not truly, and I adapted to her environment."

Apparently, Ruby has boundaries; however, you're inclined to view them as bland rules that ruin what could loosen Jane up. You creep behind her at a steady pace. Your hands seem to rise of their own accord, bent at the wrist with claw-like fingers that project a mischievous, gremlin energy. It's for fun! You're about to latch onto her shoulders when she's slowly turning around to check on you, forcing your little scare to speed up to—

"Detective!"

Ruby's call to her is both a signal and a betrayal that ends in an unexpected collision.

You pounce; Jane pivots around.

Now, you're in her arms with your hands on her shoulders after she reflexively jolted from your sudden appearance. The edge is lined with warning pavers before dropping off into water, but her work boot goes over that so she staggers slightly to regain her footing. Wait, now she's in a precarious position, which kills your humor when you grip on more tightly until Ruby intervenes. She fists your outfit like it's a harness, hauling you backwards along with Jane, before securing a hold on your arm.

The three of you are back on safe ground.

Jane and Reese

"Want to creep up on her?"

Reese casts a long glance between where you're both standing and Jane, gauging the distance. "You wish to do that to someone who is often on edge while she is literally standing on one? I think not." He rolls his eyes when you simply grin back. "You will be on your own for this jest, [Surname]."

"You startled Rosie earlier."

"Not truly, and I adapted to her environment."

Apparently, Reese has boundaries; however, you're inclined to view them as bland rules that ruin what could loosen Jane up. You creep behind her at a steady pace. Your hands seem to rise of their own accord, bent at the wrist with claw-like fingers that project a mischievous, gremlin energy. It's for fun! You're about to latch onto her shoulders when she's slowly turning around to check on you, forcing your little scare to speed up to—

"Detective!"

Reese's call to her is both a signal and a betrayal that ends in an unexpected collision.

You pounce; Jane pivots around.

Now, you're in her arms with your hands on her shoulders after she reflexively jolted from your sudden appearance. The edge is lined with warning pavers before dropping off into water, but her work boot goes over that so she staggers slightly to regain her footing. Wait, now she's in a precarious position, which kills your humor when you grip on more tightly until Reese intervenes. He fists your outfit like it's a harness, hauling you backwards along with Jane, before securing a hold on your arm.

The three of you are back on safe ground.

Yay, the trio made it (…for now)! 💜 I wonder how your beloveds react to this little stunt though.