We could call this a compilation update of some informal notes from my blog! 

A few weeks ago, I thought it would be neat to have a small scene with a random beetle that wandered into your tower in the next chapter. That scene turned into 4 different reactions. Those 4 reactions turned into another set of choices. One of those choices includes keeping the beetle with you for a time. You will be able to name the beetle if you choose one specific option.

In true CYOA fashion, this encounter could end very quickly for MCs with a fear of insects...

...and very poorly for the beetle, lol.

Chapter 2 has been officially re-outlined to accommodate anyone who chooses the path of peace: the beetle happened to fit very well with the original theme of the chapter, oddly enough, and so I couldn't pass up the opportunity. By the way, it will be more an interconnected series of vignettes than a proper beat-by-beat narrative this time, and that is very much intentional. You'll find out why in a few weeks to a month (hopefully) when the chapter is finished. 

Speaking of a replay, a new chapter selection page has been added! Now you won't have to replay the first chapter when Chapter 2 is released. It's not the most elegant skip-to-chapter feature yet, but so far the code isn't breaking and that's the most important thing right now. Only took me three days and a headache!

And I am unexpectedly LOVING the audio landscape for the next chapter, so if you enjoyed the music in the first one I think you'll enjoy it this time too. It's been very meditative to layer sfx together this week and find the right tracks - listening to your first glimpse of Chapter 2 as I type this and it's close to perfect. But I have something in mind now for almost every scene. 🪲 Including the beetle.

I usually find it necessary to swap out the different pieces of audio multiple times before deciding what adds sparkle without unintentionally drowning your moment...

That's all for now!

~ Effie