Five Years of TLS

The post of thoughts I wrote on the fifth anniversary of TLS is now available to everyone. Read it here if you're interested:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/31780081

I had a lot of feelings about that, but I put them into the post. =P Thanks to all of you who enjoy my work, however long you've been following the game!

Several people have contacted me regarding trying to nominate TLS for the Steam Awards. There is no chance that it will rank, but it's harmless and I'm honored you like what I've done. If you want to help out, here would be helpful things in order of efficacy:

1) Leave a review of TLS

2) Review anything else you've played

3) Nominate it for the "Story Rich" category

4) Leave a review for the DLC

Thanks!

TLS 0.47.2 Public Release

Did you know this is the fifth anniversary of the day I published the very first version of this game? I'm going to be posting a retrospective on Patreon soon, but first I wanted to get the newest update out publicly.

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!SlNlkIrC!6YjBK7KWH7KvpPwkf55qBUsO_nubloB0CzckSZqLy40
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/edl6maqxao36hsx/TLS_0.47.2.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!z8MjgYDA!Y7Ha5TsVm0wBo586_EPvzfX41KaAsy3AYYGq2d_prv0

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

I don't have much to add this time. This update has some of everything, the longest sex scene in the game, and a lot of fun payoff in Stineford. Hope you enjoy!

TLS 0.47.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.47.0
 - Big Stineford update!
 - Two new scenes, including the longest in the game by a fair margin.
 - The first final party member sidequest is introduced, though it can't be finished yet.
TLS 0.47.1
 - Bugfixing, typos, and minor improvements.
 - The self-destruct attack now works, thanks to Decanter.
 - The Ledger is now updated to the new version.
 - Sprite animations now play when you access the bed.

Time for the Stineford update! This isn't the longest update in TLS history, or the most complex, or the most combat-intensive... but it has a decent amount of everything. Overall I'm quite pleased with this one, as I think it's a balanced update that will hopefully give everyone something to have fun with for a little while.

This update also contains the longest sex scene in the game... several times longer than the previous record. It's as long as a short story, long enough that it might be a bad idea. =P Anyway, this one is bigger than average but will probably go public in a week.

Don't Save the Princess Public Demo

The newest TLS update is incoming, but first something completely different. If you're looking for completely free content, everything that's been completed on one of my side projects is currently available on Newgrounds:
https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/741269

This is me trying to do something (almost) completely different from everything I've done before. It's an anti-runner that tries to flip the usual formula, letting you control the obstacles to strike the running character. The storyline and characters are aiming for humor, as you'll see in the introduction.

Will this idea work? I can't say, but over the past while I've put together the first two worlds as a sample of the core gameplay loop. It contains four CGs, plus all the levels/dialogue. Please take a look and tell me what you think!

The Newgrounds link above will let you play everything that's been finished so far. If you want to follow the game's development, you can wishlist it on Steam here:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/951840/Dont_Save_the_Princess/

TLS 0.46.2 Public Release

New update is public!

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!G08TAaYL!KTKnOUOwWCCycWB1_zl7rV6gXSdcTCrUh9Ge28I-iIg
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/alkaqs14eet5v7x/TLS_0.46.2.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!qwsFXKJQ!P2FGy7SY6vtZ9TkS0BrOng5zbn2vSu3ZROWKLCQDEvc

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

TLS 0.46.2
 - Minor fixes.
 - Improved chapter iteration thanks to Decanter.

This is a nice little update to kick off the chapter, I think. Hope everyone enjoys it! I have some side projects coming down the pipeline, but I'm also eager to get into the next update, which you'll see set up at the end of this update.

If you replay past sections or check the Ledger, you'll note that investments have been reorganized. There are no mechanical changes, this is just to make checking investments easier. Expect further improvements in the future, then we'll standardize them a bit more.

TLS 0.46.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.46.0
 - New section beginning the last chapter.
 - Seven new skills.
 - Investment list/ledger reorganized by region.

Not a whole lot to say on this one. It kicks off the last chapter with some long-awaited skill updates, a dungeon, and some plot. This is a stopping point on the way to some bigger updates, so I figured I'd keep rolling with the momentum.

That's all for now! Public update in a week.

TLS 0.45.2 Public Release + Art Preview

As you probably know, TLS is now in the process of getting custom artwork for every scene in the game. I want to introduce it in a significant chunk instead of starting with just a few images, but many scenes have already been drawn. They're available to patrons at high resolution, but meanwhile I wanted to provide a little preview of what will be added to the game:

https://i.imgur.com/2twJui3.png
https://i.imgur.com/DS9o9Ke.png
https://i.imgur.com/lidv5EW.png

Due to various policies I can't embed them, but please enjoy if you click through. ^-^ See below for your regular update post.

-

New update is here, finishing up the chapter!

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!i49z1CYL!7TiRchcDk0x_XC87tQhcLxATCe6svOnQ27wtDqka3fw
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/ytcytxe94aiuo02/TLS_0.45.2.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!qxkBlCRL!T4FZZaMbkZ-Mpz2Nck2yoPG3tT6-5sCs1vjVCOiXbtM

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

TLS 0.45.0
 - End of chapter and interlude.
 - Two new scenes.
 - Last investment/research cycle of this chapter.

TLS 0.45.1
 - For once, I think there were no true bug fixes. Some improvements and minor graphic things, though.
 - Lots of new dialogue.

TLS 0.45.2
 - Minor touchup.

This update is your last chance to explore the world and invest, plus a few fun scenes. Steam update will be live just a little later. Hope you enjoy. ^-^

TLS 0.45.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.45.0
 - End of chapter and interlude.
 - Two new scenes.
 - Last investment/research cycle of this chapter.

This is a quieter update, but it includes some new plot/lore elements that I think people will enjoy. ^-^ With this, the fourth chapter is complete and the stage is set for the last!

Normally I take a chunk of time off from TLS between chapters, in order to shift gears creatively and recharge. But lately my attention has been pulled between several different projects, so the situation is a bit different. Not only do I not need a break from TLS, I don't really want to take one. Once I've taken care of any issues this update and balance is finalized, I'll start working on 0.46.0.

However, with the fourth chapter complete, there are a couple things I intend to do over the coming weeks. I'll be talking with patrons about my thoughts regarding a major project to succeed TLS. I wouldn't start work on it soon, but extended projects need a lot of time to develop mentally. There will also be some special art previews for my forthcoming epic fantasy project.

Anyway, that's all for now! Public update in a week.

TLS 0.44.5 Public Release

Everybody finally gets to play the double update! (EDIT: Links now updated to 0.44.6.)

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!69UxmADR!xJRUJdEuzQKkOKtVet7q4euPHoirisT2jwlJ2sKpnc8
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/r9gbvzeuvz8wjan/TLS_0.44.6.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!y5U1VASB!aGRD8e-4KDeZYKy09ZgBuFet4Z-poFbQN_kK2u3R51k

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

TLS 0.44.5
 - Additional improvements, fixes, and balance changes.
 - New warfront images courtesy of Lamsey.
 - The balance of healing spells has been changed. There's no effect at lower levels, but at higher character levels healing will start to scale slightly faster. This is especially true of single-target healing spells, which I've felt were lagging in an unintended way.

TLS 0.44.6
 - This update is mostly to fix the heal bug.
 - Improved Tanurak image thanks to Bug Reporting and Decanter.
 - Fixed Erosian maps thanks to Lamsey.

After so long working on this version, I hope it's in good condition. I'm pretty tired, so I'll just say that I hope everyone enjoys. ^-^

TLS 0.44.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.44.0
 - Double update finishing the war.
 - Three new scenes.
 - Tons of new/improved assets. Thanks go to Bug Reporting, Annikath, Decanter, and Lamsey.

This is a big one! Rather than typing a bunch of extra stuff, I'll direct those of you who want a sneak preview to one of the threads with screenshots, such as this one:
https://legendofkrystal.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=4691&p=775443#p775443

Due to the size and complexity of this update, it will definitely spend two weeks in beta testing. It will be followed by a shorter update for investments, some final resolutions, and the end of chapter interlude. More about that later!

TLS 0.43.2 Public Release

New version of TLS!

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!G1djjAwS!Huxa2UuL_PsrLf4aGjxe9dmjgrhJ259Bq6IJcuI0bHk
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/25dqw9tgdu04ykl/TLS_0.43.2.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!SsUFlKTL!ws0S2szxY_EgI0pKMOsV5ONHyxV6x7ubnt_mGtZMXAw

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

NOTE: I am aware that the window displays the wrong version number. This is a purely cosmetic error; it's the new version.

Important Reminder: This is the first part of an event that will span more than one update, so the balance may not be final. Keeping saves before the content is strongly advised if balance matters to you, as there may be retroactive changes.

This is a big war update with a whole variety of things going on. Depending on how good your save is, you may have to make some hard decisions. Beyond that, I don't have much to say, but I hope people enjoy the update. ^-^

TLS 0.43.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.43.0:
 - Large new segment covering the first part of the war.
 - Simon's healing skills have been improved (linked to his SP rate). With the right equipment, this can be significant.
 - Orcent has new bust images thanks to Lamsey and Megail has a new sprite thanks to Decanter.

This update is another big one, covering just about every angle of TLS. I decided to get it out to people earlier instead of taking an extra long time with testing, so it may spend a little longer in beta testing than usual (not sure). Regardless, you can look forward to playing it before too long!

TLS 0.42.2 Public Release

New version of TLS!

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!Dg9xhS4T!v27kZtKl4rb8LFs0KRsmrAQ6Ol1TRD_42Kvm0S8d8M4
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/9i8cvxqvkin1096/TLS_0.42.3.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!f5k3SQjZ!UoxpKps6mho6aAes2NvQJLVGIVoriOtFJA9WbTJbwDs

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

TLS 0.42.0
 - Plot advances with a trip back to Stenai.
 - Upon return from Stenai, multiple events and a dungeon prepping for the next section.
 - The optional challenge dungeon in New Givini is now available.
 - Two new scenes.
 - New investment cycle. Includes a new investment on Succubus Acceptance paths that involves a new scene.
 - A new slate of research options is unlocked, and you have a new research project available.
 - Depending on your research choices, Robin may have a new scene.
 - Four new pieces of customized equipment can be created.
 - Simon now has bust images (both green and black outfits) thanks to Lamsey.
 - A conversation between Altina and Riala about the events in the first chapter has been added retroactively (it isn't accessible in current content).

TLS 0.42.3
 - Fixed text box bug and a few minor issues.

Every save should get a chunk of new plot content, plus a whole set of sundry items getting ready for the next major plot event. But the other significant piece of work in this update is the final optional dungeon for this chapter. It requires a large investment to access, but I put a lot of effort into the challenges beyond. Honestly, it may be a bit too far on the frustrating end... but that's why it's optional content.

Though it may take a little while to make the upcoming event as good as I'd like it to be, it is my primary focus. I've finished or moved along side projects like OEA or DStP and I'm hungry for more TLS.

TLS 0.42.0 Released!

New update for supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.42.0
 - Plot advances with a trip back to Stenai.
 - Upon return from Stenai, multiple events and a dungeon prepping for the next section.
 - The optional challenge dungeon in New Givini is now available.
 - Two new scenes.
 - New investment cycle. Includes a new investment on Succubus Acceptance paths that involves a new scene.
 - A new slate of research options is unlocked, and you have a new research project available.
 - Depending on your research choices, Robin may have a new scene.
 - Four new pieces of customized equipment can be created.
 - Simon now has bust images (both green and black outfits) thanks to Lamsey.
 - A conversation between Altina and Riala about the events in the first chapter has been added retroactively (it isn't accessible in current content).

This is a combination of the next major step in the plot, plus some assorted things I worked on while I was trying to rewrite the chapter. So the slate is completely clear of old content like customized equipment and side content like the optional dungeon - what's left is the large plot section that will finish the fourth chapter of the game.

I still have an upcoming book release, but it got put off because I was eager to finish this update. You can look forward to the public release in a week unless something unusual happens. Meanwhile, I hope people enjoy the update. ^-^

Update + Art for TLS

Hey, everybody, let me give a general update on TLS before I get into the exciting new information.

As the game drew closer to the end of chapter four, I realized that there was a problem. Usually I stick closely to my original outline for the game, but in this case I didn't think the outline for the chapter four finale is up to the quality I want for TLS. So I found myself taking a step back and trying to see how I could rework the game so that the same events occur in a better way overall. I'm generally confident in the foundation that's already been laid, but the next update will need to set up things I'm uncertain about.

I recognized that this was going to delay me, and I don't like to be inactive, so I decided to take some time to try to clear my plate of side projects while I thought about TLS. That included a very large chunk of work on Once Ever After, which is now in a decent place to set on the backburner. It will also include a public demo of Don't Save the Princess that will be free for everyone (look forward to it before too long).

Basically, I hope to finish major stages of these things, then return to TLS with new energy once I'm completely confident in the plan. But meanwhile, there has been a potentially exciting development!

As I've said many times in comments, I had come to doubt that I would ever be able to find an artist who was willing to commit to a project as large as TLS and who had a style that fit the game. However, for some time I have been talking to a long time fan of the game who wanted to offer their art. I've been discussing it with patrons, but now I'm letting all of you know too!

The above is just an image I commissioned for fun, but there is a current Patreon thread with another scene meant to be representative of the style used for the game. We are discussing many details about what exact style of art to use, how certain characters should be drawn, and what types of art are highest priority.

Anyway, this conversation will continue for a while! No matter what is decided, you can count on me trying to make TLS the best game it can be and making it available here for everyone. Thanks for caring about my stories. ^-^

Once Ever After Beta Testing

I've been putting this off for a long time to finish  more content and get TLS on Steam, but it's finally time to do major testing on my next project. People at the $10 tier on Patreon and SubscribeStar now have access to the first build of Once Ever After:

This build has 5-10 hours of gameplay and 9 fully-illustrated scenes (art by Crescentia). After making improvements to this build, I hope to make more content and finish the core storyline, though it will take quite a while for the rest of the scenes to be drawn, not to mention the improvement of mapping/UI/etc that I hope to do before the game is released.

I also finished putting together the art package for Desecration of Wings. This is all the game's art at full resolution - I said that patrons would get access to it, but hadn't put together the package until recently. I plan to give that to patrons later this month.

Work on TLS will continue as it always does, but meanwhile I hope people enjoy this side project. If you want to wait for the final version, you can count on me mentioning it here once it releases.

TLS Steam Release!

It's finally happening, everybody! Go here if you want to play TLS via Steam:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/951830/The_Last_Sovereign/

Even if you aren't interested in Steam, check out the link to see the fancy trailers Lamsey made. They do a much better job of showing off the game than I could have made. ^-^

If you have an account you're willing to associate with an adult game, please review! As a free RPG Maker game, it's pretty much going to sink or swim based on good reviews. Letting people know your thoughts about the game is good, but even short reviews are votes of confidence!

There is also a pure donation DLC because people on the forum requested it. This fixes the game in your Steam library but otherwise does nothing. Originally I wanted to make the DLC give you a few images, just for fun, but I've given up on this because trying to work with Valve's back end systems is misery.

Hopefully the Steam release will encourage some new people to try TLS for the first time. I also have my fingers crossed that it won't prove too time-consuming, as I'd like to get focused on creating things again.

TLS 0.41.4 Public Release + SubscribeStar

The new release is below, but first, two announcements:

1) Many people leaving Patreon have asked for an alternative and I finally got my SubscribeStar account approved. If you sign up via this link, in theory I get more of your support:
https://www.subscribestar.com/?sref=kG2r

2) The Lunar New Year sale is way bigger than I expected, so it would be unwise to launch TLS on Steam right now. Expect it fairly soon, though, as there are no real obstacles to the release.

Anyway, the newest version of TLS:

Download*: https://mega.nz/#!Okd2hACA!YABiPLEZglUetnQvxz7fd8tuoYeftMEaNEalBdNGFNo
Mirror*: https://www.mediafire.com/file/68a9rxmhf1p8pal/TLS_0.41.4.exe/file
RTP: https://mega.nz/#!ehEWSarR!WxznvRGAuXdD6ZxF7OlWJUnm00icIdm7Dfhw0vClpnM

*Requires RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to be installed. If you don't know what that means, use the RTP link.

TLS 0.41.4 [2/8/19]
 - More fixes and tweaks.

TLS 0.41.3 [2/6/19]
New Additions
 - Previously, nothing changed in Zirantia. Now more things are updated.
 - This includes an event leading to a brand new scene.
 - Herin and Kaskia can be found in various locations. Not essential, just flavor in response to the synod.
 - Depending on vote results, Tak'Kan has a sanctification team in the Wilds.
 - Also potentially a new location in Tak'Kan.
 - A foreign succubus captured during the Gathering shows up then and later in Gasm Falls.
Minor changes
 - Usual typos and minor improvements.
 - Synod: Slight balance change to Esmera's deal.
 - Small lore addition giving Sarai a formal title.
 - Xerces coloration standardized thanks to Decanter.
 - Retroactive: Lady Entila now has a faceset and her conversation has been modified to use multiple expressions.

There was a whole lot of tweaking in this one, plus I spent the two weeks of beta testing adding some more conversations, events, and scenes. I hope the result is enjoyable and makes it rewarding to revisit old locations.

Barring an unnoticed error or serious new issue, this is the final synod balance. Doing such a complex segment was quite an endeavor, but I hope it's a satisfying climax to a lot of the social elements.

Following this release will be the Steam release and some special events, so please look forward to those! The next TLS update will come after those and will get back to some recent plot points, moving us closer to the end of chapter four.

TLS 0.41.0 Released!

New update for patrons! Version history updated, you know what to do, etc.

TLS 0.41.0
Core Updates
 - Significant synod overhaul. (see details below)
 - Entire world updated based on synod results.
 - 4 new plot scenes, 3 new affection scenes.
 - Sarai can now join, depending on your synod results.
 - Orilise can now be maxed, depending on your synod results.
Synod Overhaul
 - More speakers added to the votes in the latter half (flavor only).
 - Zirantia now sends a representative. He's mostly flavor, but he influences the last vote.
 - Tak'Kan Vote: Ignias's support increased.
 - Tak'Kan Vote: Simon speaking now grants an additional bonus.
 - Tak'Kan Vote: Nabith + Sanitation Guild bonus improved.
 - Tak'Kan Vote: Kerannii's deal has an impact on her results.
 - Fucklord Vote: Kerannii's deal now has a greater impact.
 - Economic Vote: The cost now varies based on the Religion stat.
 - Eustrin Vote: There is now a new option to spend additional influence on this vote.
 - Eustrin Vote: The result requirements have been tweaked.
 - Goddess of Magic Vote: Requirements and rewards tweaked.
 - Goddess of Magic Vote: Yelarel's contribution now varies based on her influence variable.
 - Mother's Guard Vote: Requirements and rewards tweaked.
 - Mother's Guard Vote: Yelarel's contribution now varies based on her influence variable.
 - Inquisition Vote: You can now receive a bonus from Religion, but the requirements increased a little.
 - Succubus Holy Knights: The cost of applying Sarai's influence now varies based on Yelarel's influence.
 - Succubus Holy Knights: The Yelarel bonuses have changed.

TLS 0.41.2 (1/29/19)
 - Lots of polishing and minor variants/fixes, no significant new content added.
 - New scenes added to Reflection menu.
 - There was new content added to the Aramite fort, but it was inaccessible before now.
 - Fixed the bug in the harem menu.

Well... this one is the synod overhaul plus the update to the entire world plus some of the content I was originally planning to put in 0.42.0. There's a lot of work to do: test final synod balance, check many different outcomes, add more content, and polish in preparation for the Steam release. The public release of this version will likely take two weeks, but hopefully the Steam version will occur around that time as well.

Speaking of, all my games on Steam are on sale right now, most 50% off or more. Check them out if you're interested.

This update isn't the flashiest, but it includes some elements that I've been waiting to do for a long time. I also want the world to really feel responsive to the player's choices, so I intend to keep adding more content based on the decisions you made during the synod.