Chapter 3
Parts total: 3Chapter 3 was already impressive in terms of reactivity. And partially, this is why it currently has the least number of injections in our mod.
However, it was the amiable breakups with Daeran and Lann that inspired the name of this mod. Starting with version 0.9.9e, these components will be considered part of the core.
Daeran’s romance
Graciously breaking up with Daeran
in 0.9.9e+
Drezen Chapter 3
Nexus Chapter 4
Drezen Chapter 5 Docs
Breaking up with Daeran becomes available after his "Not a date" event in Chapter 3, and the default opening line of this dialog branch in the vanilla game sounds like this: "Our relationship has to end right now. I regret getting involved with you in this way."
While this is a valid, albeit a little harsh, way to end things on the spot, we wanted to add more amicable breakup options. So we tweaked the lines in this dialog branch, while still aiming to maintain Daeran's signature bite.
Text snippet(s)
— We need to discuss our relationship.
— Oh? Do we now?
— I want our relationship to end.
— I see. Could it be that… I have failed to satisfy you?" {n}Daeran arches an immaculate eyebrow.{/n} “Of course not, I would never."
Lann’s romance
Graciously breaking up with Lann
in 0.9.9e+
Drezen Chapter 3
Nexus Chapter 4
Drezen Chapter 5 Docs
In the vanilla game, a new line "I want to talk about our relationship" is available in Lann's general dialog tree after the first romance event (i.e. the sparring match) in Chapter 3. However, at this point, Lann and the Commander do not have an established relationship, nor have they ever talked about being together!
So we changed this entire dialog branch to start with the "I want to talk about us" line, making the responses and mood of the entire dialog sub-branch less harsh and more accommodating for those who would prefer it. After all, Lann has always deemed himself unworthy of the Commander, so why be extremely harsh when all it takes is a suggestion to make him go away?
Text snippet(s)
— I want to talk about us.
— {n}Lann sighs.{/n} “An opening like that never bodes well…” default
— I’m not sure about this anymore.
— {n}Lann’s face falls.{/n} “To be honest, I’m surprised you ever were…” […] edited
The sparring match
in 0.9.9e+ Drezen Docs
For some players, the moment when Lann asks the Commander to spar was the stumbling block to his romance route. This plot point was drastically discouraging to female players who didn't understand why the hell their potential love interest was calling them into a fist fight.
When we looked at this scene, we thought that while it was really nicely woven into the plot of the whole romance route, it might feel weird for players with an extremely non-athletic, pure caster Commander.
We've adjusted the pre- and post-sparring lines for those Commanders who have a spellcaster top class, and we've added an Athletics skill check to adjust Lann’s lines and expectations based on whether the Commander is martial-oriented.
However, while this decision worked for some players, it bothered those who preferred that this particular scene remain unchanged. And so, while we're not removing the content we believe in, we've lowered the Athletics check to DC 22 , which is the average for mid-Chapter 3. Starting with version 0.9.9e, this part will also be optional.
Text snippet(s)
if the player has a spellcaster top class
“Besides, you are a spellcaster, so maybe you’d like to try something new, right?”