porthecrawl-witness

[porthecrawl-witness]

Hey, guys. 

I am, in fact, alive. So is the story. Still here. Still chipping away. Changing this thing, changing it back...

I’d always planned on two books. These days, I would, in the most literal sense, rather walk into the ocean than even think about two books. So. Right now, I’m re-writing the final chapters to offer what I hope are satisfying conclusions, complete with epilogues. Loose plot threads are being removed, along with references to those things (though, frankly, I’ve probably missed some of them), because they were intended to play out over the course of book two. Rather than hurry to tie up those loose threads, I’d rather just cut them.

But the going is slow and quite frankly, I’m working sporadically. I put it down for a good long while. But the good news is that the story will indeed be releasing for free. It will remain “Free to Play” on dashingdon when the time comes. Do I reserve the right to change my mind? Yeah, sure. Maybe as error reports roll in and get cleaned up, I’ll throw it at the publisher and see what sticks. But right now, I want this hulking bastard off of my plate. I am, however, using the opportunity to bump up the rating. It’s darker, the content more mature, the endings (some of them) grimmer, some fluffier.

And I think, weirdly, having accepted that, I feel better about it. Sort shedding the pressure of worrying about what’s going to sell or be appealing and instead, having silly fun here and leaning a little grimdark there. 

So, in the meantime, I will now be retreating back to my hidey-hole. I’ll send up a smoke signal when things start dropping. Promise.

[porthecrawl-witness]

Hey, sorry, I hope this isn't the wrong takeaway from your last post, but I noticed you said the content would be free. Just wondering if that only applies to the beta?

That is 110% the wrong takeaway from my last post. Hopelessly, shamelessly wrong. 'Your mama should have raised you better' wrong.

At this time, I don't know how TPW will be released. It could very well remain 'Free to Play' on dashingdon. If so, it will be in accordance with choicescript usage policies. Or I might return to my original plan and pursue publishing through Hosted, and it'll cost you a few bucks. One of those two things will happen.

Now, go to the naughty corner, Anon.

[porthecrawl-witness]

When will Asher’s route become available?

Okay, here goes...

I'm always a little torn when I see these in my inbox. But right now, I have FIVE variations of this Ask.

Listen, I'm so, so glad there's excitement, and I know people generally mean well with these messages.

But please, please, when you're getting free content, please don't send these messages to creators.

Because frankly, the answer is: whenever I feel like it/up to it.

[porthecrawl-witness]

hello! i have a question, what choices or stats do we have to make to be able to choose "Be honest with them. "I've encountered something like this before."" at Staci route?

Hi! Just had a look...

You need to be invited to the Strothers' house earlier in that chapter and make a comparable discovery there.

To do that, you'll need Tradition >= 30. Then, there's a few other stat checks while you're there, but nothing difficult to pass as long as you make choices in line with your MC.

#guide

[porthecrawl-witness]

Hi! I just found your if today and it's amazing! I was always on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what comes next :) I was trawling through your asks and saw that Quinn would like a cat as a pet - but in the demo when you go for a walk by the river and suggest they get a cat, they say they're allergic. Just letting you know about the inconsistency ❤️

Oh wow, I'd completely forgotten...Since I said that first, I guess I have to adapt pet answer.

Quinn vetoes four legged pets and suggests they get a fish. They're the extravagant aquarium RO, who'll bore you with an endless stream of fish facts.

Thanks for reminding me. That bit of info had completely packed up its office and left the building.

#quinn #the porthecrawl witness #pets #y'all #i once had an 8 year old betta who was mean mean mean #like #a real jerk #his name was grimalkin #rip you old tool i miss you asshole

[porthecrawl-witness]

So... is the Quinn route doomed if your MC is traditional? :') I'm fully prepared to be denied the answer, of course, hehe.

No, not at all! It's just that a traditional MC who keeps secrets may run into a few speedbumps and unpleasant conversations they have to work through.

#quinn #the porthecrawl witness

[porthecrawl-witness]

I've been wondering: Is it already possible in the demo to hear Staci's version of that one incident with Quinn in their med school days? I've been trying to get them to spill the beans whenever I got the chance, but Staci keeps stonewalling me... Don't they like me enough?

Oh, good question! It's not variable or relationship coded at all.

Staci doesn't want to talk about it. There's a conversation floating around somewhere in which they'll tell you that they don't feel it was Quinn's right to say anything either. Staci generally feels like Quinn had ulterior motives in mentioning it to MC.

I think you might be able to find out more in the S/Q route, but for the most part, it has nothing to do with MC and everything to do with Staci feeling like it isn't anybody's business but their own.

#Staci #the porthecrawl witness

[porthecrawl-witness]

Big thanks to everyone who sent in corrections and feedback. There was a pretty big wave this time, and frankly I’ve been hiding under the covers lately. But...I’ve worked through the errors and will continue chipping at the rest. It’s a HUGE help. 

Other than that, chapters 10 and 11 of Staci’s route have been added.

As usual, with new chapters, I recommend making a save before starting them because I always manage to break something in between exporting files and uploading them.

Thanks, everyone. Take care of yourselves!

#update

[porthecrawl-witness]

so we know that Talbot practically looks like world's fanciest Christmas tree, but do any other ROs also like to wear any jewelry/accessories?

"Fanciest Christmas Tree" is PERFECT, anon!

Hmm...now that you mention it, Quinn probably likes a few stylish (and expensive) minimalist style accessories. An expensive watch or bangles. Maybe a ring or two. Definitely favors gold.

Staci...Staci thinks flannel is an accessory. Used to accessorize with baseball caps, but strangely enough, The Mystery of the Trucker Hats occurred not long after befriending Talbot. It's never been solved. M!Staci had a belt buckle phase.

Asher probably likes his really big hats and fancy cravats and wears the signet ring he refuses to give back to his father (100% out of spite, not fondness).

[porthecrawl-witness]

I've a question! So, Tal claims to have found some balance with the occult, and is smart about it, is mc, or Tal, going to be able to help Asher find some balance as well and not be this extreme and less, uh, deadly? Could those two become friends? Also, can mc give Asher a hug by the end of this book and possibly a healthy meal? Srsly, why have u made him this cute, it's illegal!

Asher just spit out his wine, Anon. No one's ever called him cute before and he's horrified.

But...MC can hug Asher. Can confirm.

As for your other question...ehh...I think those two have fundamentally different outlooks on the occult and you should not leave them alone in a room together because one of them will be duct taped to a wall when you come back.

#asher #talbot

[porthecrawl-witness]

A silly question, if I may: I understand that the ROs are all somewhat busy with the whole time rift, magicky plague, possible eldritch horrors below town etc., but hypothetically, if they made it to a brighter more stable future... thoughts on getting pet(s) with beloved MC? :3 Thank you for the lovely game, and I hope you're keeping safe & happy! P.S. very much looking forward to softly holding Asher's hand again someday ♡♡♡

Aw! That's a sweet Ask! All of them would be up for getting a pet with the MC.

MC would have to make the suggestion to Talbot, who would protest and whine about hair on the couch, but would also randomly start showing MC pets they found on adoption sites at least four times a day. Would send screen shots when MC was at work.

MC would also have to make the suggestion to Quinn, who would probably push for a cat. But whatever they ended up getting, Quinn would be buy it really extravagant toys and foods and would probably put it in little sweaters.

One day, Staci goes to the grocery store and comes back with the stray they found in the parking lot. It keeps happening. Is really, really intense about finding the perfect name.

Asher...oh...I think Asher would be an almost identical situation to Staci. He feeds the neighborhood strays and then on a particularly rainy day, he'd show up with a few of them stuffed in his coat, look at the MC and be like..."They live here now."

#pets #the porthecrawl witness

[porthecrawl-witness]

Hey there! Don't know if it's been asked before, sorry in advance, couldn't find the answer anywhere. Regarding mc and available height choices, how tall would u say average height mc (and the rest) is? Depending on the country it varies so I'm curious. Amazing game, in love with your writing style, ty for creating it!

Hi! So...it's pretty vague, but I think these are rough estimates:

Short - 5'4" or below

Average - 5'9" or below

Tall - 5'10" or above

Also...I'm in the ring at a staggering 5'2" so let's be honest, my perspective might be skewed.

#asks #height #the porthecrawl witness #mc

[porthecrawl-witness]

How do we get Staci to help us with the notebook? I can only ever seem to get Quinn to help. Sorry if I'm over thinking it. I love Quinn but I also kinda want to know what happens if you pick Staci to help instead. Thanks!!

Hi anon. It's no problem. It's actually pretty specific, so the stars need to align to do it.

Okay, so in Chapter 8...

1) Do not raise suspicions at dinner. You should get an achievement if you do this successfully.

2) Choose to help Asher.

3) Do not acquire Quinn's help. This can be accomplished via failing (intentionally or not) personality-based stat checks (so if your MC goes about asking in an out-of-character way); or by having a low relationship with Quinn; or by continually acting deceptively towards them

4) Leave the house. If Talbot tries to stop you, don't give them the book.

5) You need an especially high relationship with Staci for them to offer to help. It needs to be above 45 (you can see this if you turn on the numerical relationship bar in the options).

6) When you get to the choice following this line: A cold shudder runs up your spine and your steps quicken, only to stumble when a voice calls out from behind you. You had not noticed the door reopen, but as you look over your shoulder, you are surprised to see…

You should choose "...Staci."

Hope that helps!

#guide #staci #the porthecrawl witness

[porthecrawl-witness]

Hey, how are you? As an open Talbot simp, can my mc start backing away when they push away?? Cuz not only it hurts my feelings but also my pride. Crying and throwing up in the club😭👉👈. Thank you so much 💞.

Sure! That's definitely an option.

It was a little tricky coding wise, but Talbot should notice/respond to/remember those types of situations. That route's all out with the angst if you want it to be. You can put things on slow-burn/will they won't they if that's your thing.

#talbot #relationships

[porthecrawl-witness]

Apologies if this was answered before, my search turned zero - I've spied guides on befriending Talbot/on getting them violent, but is there a way to, uh, avoid them as much as humanly or inhumanly possible (at least in Q/A routes)? They're very well written and if other people enjoy them, that's wonderful, but they honestly give me a (well-written, colourful) headache. As much as they'd probably have interesting info for my occult-focused MC, I'd rather not interact. ><" Sorry & thank you!

Hi!

Okay so, Talbot will generally make more appearances 1) if they're looking out for a friendly MC or 2) if they're antagonizing a hostile one. Don't be overtly warm to them and don't give them reason to dislike your character. Keep them uninterested.

Hmm...otherwise, don't accept their help if offered in Chapter 8, because that's a good way to see more of them.

At certain points, however, Talbot will crash your party whether you want them to or not.

Their appearances can be made relatively scarce in Quinn's route, and likewise in the Quinn/Staci triangle and 'townie' routes. But they are fairly present and harder to avoid in Staci's and Asher's routes. And obviously in their own route, of course.

Hope that help, anon!

#guide #talbot

[porthecrawl-witness]

Too much recursion is the error that pops up when I try to play.

This seems to be a browser issue from what I can find out.

You can try this solution, provided by another anon with the same issue: here

[porthecrawl-witness]

Update - New Route Open

Hey guys.

I’ve updated Chapter 9 to allow you to select Staci’s solo route. I think it should be pretty solid, so if all goes well, I’ll probably go ahead and add chapter 10/Staci tomorrow.

Anyway, thanks as always. If you’ve sent in error messages, I think I’m caught up on them!

Enjoy the weekend!

#update