The Detached Stuff

Sup, folks!

This week's devlog is gonna be a light one on Detached news. I haven't had much of an opportunity to work on it, as IRL stuff took over my life. But since we're here, let me fill you in on the current progress of 0.19.0!

The important stuff that's 100% planned:

• 5 Anne events
• 5 Bishop events
• Gameplay routing
• Grammar and bug fixes

Other less important story-wise, but still important plans to eventually be implemented bit by bit (not necessarily in 0.19.0):

• Chapter 2 Generic Events update
• Madison-related menu updates
• Character Status Indicators (WiP)
  • Anne "Companion" Indicators
  • Bishop "Solace" Indicators
  • Madison and ?????? "Bond" Indicators
  • Sam "Cursed" Indicators
  • Rose "Trust" Indicators
  • King "Pride" Indicators
  • Diana "Symbiosis" Indicators
  • Hanako "Deify" Indicators
  • Lupe "Hedon" Indicators
  • Jessica "Trauma" Indicators
  • Audrey and ?????? "Division" Indicators
  • Erin "Loyalty" Indicators
  • Zeke "Bromance" Indicators
  • Kyle "Brotherhood" Indicators
  • "?????????" Indicators
• Backend coding prepwork for the final three characters (they will work differently than the others, and won't be required to progress the story. They will also be worked on separately, when I feel like it, or if there is enough demand for them so as to not impede on the main shit on account of them being entirely optional content. I do, however, either have already, or still need to write them in because they will be important).
• UI touch ups
• Character menus touch up/overhaul
• Better gameplay explanation in the beginning of the game.

As of right now, all scripts are complete, and Anne's 5th event is nearly complete (it's a steamy one, so the time frame that I can work on it, and what I can work on is limited on account of the boychild being around a lot during times where I can work).

Scruffles' Parasocial Bullshit Circus

As mentioned earlier, IRL stuff took over my life. What I mean by that is that I have been in the process of a deep clean of my house. Part of my aforementioned transition, I really need to work on my mental health. Part of this was a medication change (I don't think I have ever felt so… well in my head. Jesus fuck guys, is this what it feels like to be moderately less depressed?)

I have also started talking to a counsellor. By that, I mean I talked to one once. A couple of months ago. I'm actually bad at this doing things that are good for me, I don't know what to say. Which was also my lived experience talking to them, but they were quite skilled at wording their way through my bullshit. It was a helpful conversation where I was able to walk away from it with a ton of resources and a bit of direction, which is great (helps that my insurance covered the visit, to boot). 10/10, would talk about random shit with them again.

This also included doing a deep clean of my house. Depression is a hell of a drug, and it's an incredibly destructive one. 

It's crazy the amount of things that just… collect when you don't care enough to notice, or get rid of it, or put it away, or you're too tired right now, or you'll do it in a minute, or... well, whatever countless other excuses the eternally exhausted get up to. Garbage, debris, cleanliness, it's maintainable, even in a depression hole (no dig on people that lose control on that too though, this shit is hard). Dishes? Quick enough. Laundry? Drop it in and leave it. Carpet needs a vac? The vac does 99% of the work, I just have to hold and push it. But the stuff. Oh my god, the stuff. Not hoarder-level, thank [REDACTED] (my family is bad for that, and it's a habit I got out of years ago), but enough that I didn't have any shelf, drawer, and even some floor space. Laziness isn't it, but indifference is. Unfortunately, when you're tired in the head, the last thing you want to do is be productive, all while the lack of production is driving you nuts.

"Fuck it, I'll do it later."

"Huh, I should deal with that at some point."

Et cetera.

This week, however, I have had a level of active physical and mental energy I haven't had in over 6 years. I looked around my place, and I didn't feel overwhelmed by what I saw. Instead, I saw a path forward, and all I needed to do was pick a spot and start. So I did.  Little bits here and there. A bit in this room, a little in that one, all through the week. I'm proud to say that my living room looks amazing, and my bedroom and kitchen are 85% done themselves. It feels like freedom from my own shackles up in this shit.

A self-made prison, if you will.

Being normal in the head feels weird. But, like, a good weird. Fuck people that tell you "jUsT tAkE a WaLk, YoU jUsT nEeD tO gEt OuTsIdE mOrE". I mean, take a walk and get out more, yes, but also do what you need to in order to take care of yourself. See your fucking doctor, and take that fucking walk.

Also, let me know if you like this format.

Praise be to The One