VN Ren'Py Being a DIK [v0.10.1] [DrPinkCake]

[Tserriednich'sNen]

I doubt it would have changed much for me if I'd tried her path first. The problem is, again, there's no spark there. Bella is someone who could be a friend, easily. But she is clearly opposed to becoming the MC's lover, and the MC respects that... for the first 30 seconds.

From then on, advancing her path is all about the MC doggedly insisting she wants the opposite of what she said initially. No reason is ever given for why the MC feels this way now if he didn't in the library, and no reason is ever offered for why Bella *should* change her mind - only that she obviously wants to. Bella's path in Episode 4 help, because we do see the two interact a lot, but I don't find their connections particularly mutual; Bella will react to the MC's tale of girlfriend woes and the MC will react to Bella's advice, but it's not clear they are responding to the same things. So what gives?

Hell, I could probably go along with the silly notion that the MC's magical baseball bat managed to get her libido going again after all those years - if it weren't for just how tormented Bella's monologues clearly are about the whole thing. That just takes any fun out of the porn tropes, and without them there's pretty much nothing left to work with. It drives me crazy.

MC literally acknowledges the awkwardness between them in episode 6. It's simply the way they communicate with one another, for now at least.

"MC doggedly insisting she wants the opposite of what she said initially" There is no 'doggedly insisting' she continuously says one thing even though she means the opposite. She doesn't want to admit to herself that she's falling for the guy but deep down knows it's true.

As for the reasoning the more interactions you have with her by pursuing her the more obvious it becomes. There's nothing at all difficult in understanding why any of the girls might be interested in MC. At least imo.

 

[ename144]

MC literally acknowledges the awkwardness between them in episode 6. It's simply the way they communicate with one another, for now at least.

"MC doggedly insisting she wants the opposite of what she said initially" There is no 'doggedly insisting' she continuously says one thing even though she means the opposite. She doesn't want to admit to herself that she's falling for the guy but deep down knows it's true.

As for the reasoning the more interactions you have with her by pursuing her the more obvious it becomes. There's nothing at all difficult in understanding why any of the girls might be interested in MC. At least imo.

The MC thinks it's weird that talking to Bella is still awkward after all they've done. To me, that's lampshading the absence of any acknowledgement.

And yes, the game certainly treats it as Bella wanting one thing but saying another. The problem is that it's barely made any effort to actually SHOW that. The only time it came close was the pool in Episode 4, and unfortunately that scene is entirely optional. The romance proceeds unchanged even if the MC never stayed with Bella at all, which is a big part of what makes it so creepy. Bella's monologues certainly don't help there, either. Far from reinforcing the idea that she really wants something with the MC, they suggest the idea is causing her serious psychological discomfort.

I'm by no means opposed to the idea of the MC and Bella feeling an inexplicable attraction toward one another. I just feel the story has botched the execution. IMHO, we needed to see either a lot more platonic connections between them first, or more consistent interest from Bella in scenes that don't start with the MC hitting on her (even if she shuts that interest down just as often).

As is, my overwhelming impression is akin to the MC insisting a recovered alcoholic go out clubbing with him; the fact she sometimes enjoys herself does nothing to make watching it less unpleasant.

 

[Tserriednich'sNen]

The MC thinks it's weird that talking to Bella is still awkward after all they've done. To me, that's lampshading the absence of any acknowledgement.

And yes, the game certainly treats it as Bella wanting one thing but saying another. The problem is that it's barely made any effort to actually SHOW that. The only time it came close was the pool in Episode 4, and unfortunately that scene is entirely optional. The romance proceeds unchanged even if the MC never stayed with Bella at all, which is a big part of what makes it so creepy. Bella's monologues certainly don't help there, either. Far from reinforcing the idea that she really wants something with the MC, they suggest the idea is causing her serious psychological discomfort.

I'm by no means opposed to the idea of the MC and Bella feeling an inexplicable attraction toward one another. I just feel the story has botched the execution. IMHO, we needed to see either a lot more platonic connections between them first, or more consistent interest from Bella in scenes that don't start with the MC hitting on her (even if she shuts that interest down just as often).

As is, my overwhelming impression is akin to the MC insisting a recovered alcoholic go out clubbing with him; the fact she sometimes enjoys herself does nothing to make watching it less unpleasant.

The same could be said about some of the other main girls, there's no point in trying to make sense of the sloppy writing that's in place.

 

[shazba]

...the game certainly treats it as Bella wanting one thing but saying another. The problem is that it's barely made any effort to actually SHOW that...

...we needed to see either a lot more platonic connections between them first, or more consistent interest from Bella in scenes that don't start with the MC hitting on her (even if she shuts that interest down just as often)...

The same could be said about some of the other main girls, there's no point in trying to make of the sloppy writing that's in place.

Because in real life guys know exactly what women are thinking and what they want at any given moment...

That said, I agree that there's really no reason for the mc to keep pressuring Bella. She's made it clear she wants little to do with him (even if that's not what she wants), so why does he keep working on her defenses? I'd say it simply comes down to:

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[ename144]

The same could be said about some of the other main girls, there's no point in trying to make of the sloppy writing that's in place.

It's all in the eye of the beholder of course, but I strongly disagree.

The connection to the other LIs may or may not ring true, but in no other case do I get the impression I'm actively harming the girl by pursuing her. With Bella I do. I consider that not only a difference, I consider it a profound and unmistakable one.

 

[$JACKIE1492]

I liked this scene too. But regarding Quinn helping Maya, she obviously likes the MC (more obvious depending on the paths you take), but she clearly doesn't like Maya. Maya came to the HOTs looking for free tuition while at the same time she didn't even like the HOTs. Quinn just uses her for her own amusement with no intention of helping her, and then once she finds out the MC has some feelings for Maya (whether you as the player like it or not), she uses Maya to mess with the MC. Quinn messes with everyone, it's just her way (she's a cunt), just like she uses Josy to mess with Tommy and she and Tommy are friends. But no, I doubt very much Quinn would lift a finger to help Maya even if the MC asks (Quinn's a fucking drug dealer, she's far from altruistic).

I agree mate don't think Quinn would help Maya but will she help the MC if he's in trouble that's what I been wondering lately.

 

[shazba]

It's all in the eye of the beholder of course, but I strongly disagree.

The connection to the other LIs may or may not ring true, but in no other case do I get the impression I'm actively harming the girl by pursuing her. With Bella I do. I consider that not only a difference, I consider it a profound and unmistakable one.

I don't think the mc is harming her though. He's bringing her out of her comfort zone, making her face something she's been avoiding. He's not doing it intentionally though, not until ep.6 where he talks directly (but too briefly) about it with her. She needs this to help her come to terms with her (ex)(dead)(victim) husband's situation.

 

[shazba]

I agree mate don't think Quinn would help Maya but will she help the MC if he's in trouble that's what I been wondering lately.

I wonder if that slap that Maya gave her when she found out that she was being taken for a ride regarding the free tuition was a wake up call to Quinn that she'd taken it too far (in which case she may relent and offer some minor form of assistance via the mc), or if it just makes Quinn dislike Maya even more.

I don't really think Quinn will change her ways, and I don't think she'll help Maya as a favor to the mc. Maya's problems aren't the mc's problems.

But if the MC was in any direct dilemma, Quinn may help, but she does seem inherently selfish.

 

[$JACKIE1492]

You sir, have been converted to the Quinn side. Now that she has a hold of your fly MC, you will slip further and further into her tangled web of deceit. You're going to have to give her your 5K and your other LI(s) most certainly will become romantic casualties when they learn of the affair. But when Quinn's devious ways ultimately get Riona killed will you still feel the same? Time will tell.

Looks damn good in cut up jeans though.

Jill will always be my No. 1 mate But Quinn she is ..........Deliciously evil I wonder would happen to her and the MC in the next episode. I kope the she doesn't get Riona killed cause I would like to see more of her cheers!

 

[$JACKIE1492]

I wonder if that slap that Maya gave her when she found out that she was being taken for a ride regarding the free tuition was a wake up call to Quinn that she'd taken it too far (in which case she may relent and offer some minor form of assistance via the mc), or if it just makes Quinn dislike Maya even more.

I don't really think Quinn will change her ways, and I don't think she'll help Maya as a favor to the mc. Maya's problems aren't the mc's problems.

But if the MC was in any direct dilemma, Quinn may help, but she does seem inherently selfish.

Yeah mate I think Quinn will suffer a near death experience in order for her to wake up.

 

[ename144]

I don't think the mc is harming her though. He's bringing her out of her comfort zone, making her face something she's been avoiding. He's not doing it intentionally though, not until ep.6 where he talks directly (but too briefly) about it with her. She needs this to help her come to terms with her (ex)(dead)(victim) husband's situation.

Maya's confusion about liking boys or her dread of public sex is someone out of their comfort zone. Bella's rumination that she'd become and adulteress verges on a nervous breakdown.

I'm not saying romance is bad for Bella full stop, I'm saying it's something that shouldn't happen until after her demons are exorcised. Trying to use sex as therapy to solve this particular problem is a spectacularly bad idea to me.

I wonder if that slap that Maya gave her when she found out that she was being taken for a ride regarding the free tuition was a wake up call to Quinn that she'd taken it too far (in which case she may relent and offer some minor form of assistance via the mc), or if it just makes Quinn dislike Maya even more.

I don't really think Quinn will change her ways, and I don't think she'll help Maya as a favor to the mc. Maya's problems aren't the mc's problems.

But if the MC was in any direct dilemma, Quinn may help, but she does seem inherently selfish.

Quinn won't change her ways until she finally hits rock bottom. Given that she just shrugged off getting mugged, I think that might be a while. If that finally does happen (and she survives), Quinn could change considerably.

Until then, I think she might help the MC if he's not dating Maya and the opportunity arises, but I would be surprised if she helped him when he's on the M&J path. I think Quinn has very little respect for an MC she views as a dumb white knight, and pursuing the game's designated damsel in distress makes it pretty hard to argue that label. And I don't think Quinn would lift a finger to help Maya under any circumstance.

 

[shazba]

Maya's confusion about liking boys or her dread of public sex is someone out of their comfort zone. Bella's rumination that she'd become and adulteress verges on a nervous breakdown.

I'm not saying romance is bad for Bella full stop, I'm saying it's something that shouldn't happen until after her demons are exorcised. Trying to use sex as therapy to solve this particular problem is a spectacularly bad idea to me.



Quinn won't change her ways until she finally hits rock bottom. Given that she just shrugged off getting mugged, I think that might be a while. If that finally does happen (and she survives), Quinn could change considerably.

Until then, I think she might help the MC if he's not dating Maya and the opportunity arises, but I would be surprised if she helped him when he's on the M&J path. I think Quinn has very little respect for an MC she views as a dumb white knight, and pursuing the game's designated damsel in distress makes it pretty hard to argue that label. And I don't think Quinn would lift a finger to help Maya under any circumstance.

Yeah, if you're on the Maya path Quinn is not interested, that's established in Ep6 after the mugging.

Not knowing what Bella's trauma is makes it obviously difficult to more accurately speculate, but she's spent 3 years seemingly in denial of whatever happened between her and her husband. If he's dead, asking for him to return after three years is more than a little delusional and she's unlikely to snap out of it soon without outside influence. If he's left her due to something she's done, after three years she needs to understand he's not coming back. Pining for him that long shows she needs someone to assist her through it. If he's tied up in the locked room and she's ass raping him with a strap-on each evening... not sure what to say about that.

If he's dead though, which is what I've felt all along (and not because she murdered him), I can understand her feeling she is betraying him by being with another, but asking for him to forgive her and come back... doesn't really hold up that idea unless she's mental, which she seemingly is anyway.

 

[Tserriednich'sNen]

Assuming Mona's gone for good or the time being, will Sage at all question why her Daughter decided to not just leave the HOT's but the school as well or will DPC not bother with that like Derek wanting to get payback on Quinn?

 

[Deleted member 2528490]

Assuming Mona's gone for good or the time being, will Sage at all question why her Daughter decided to not just leave the HOT's but the school as well or will DPC not bother with that like Derek wanting to get payback on Quinn?

Mona leaving is tied to some plots(Quinn and tangently Jade, mainly) and it was delivered in a high profile moment, so I feel like it is definitely going to be followed up on.

 

[shazba]

Assuming Mona's gone for good or the time being, will Sage at all question why her Daughter decided to not just leave the HOT's but the school as well or will DPC not bother with that like Derek wanting to get payback on Quinn?

I'm still hoping the Quinn payback is in the cards; a dose of her own medicine is long overdue.

Mona's disappearance will surely be addressed, it was one of the surprise notes during the ending sequence, and hopefully the MC will get more Sage time in Ep.7 where perhaps Sage will start to question Quinn's unhealthy influence over the sorority.

 

[felicemastronzo]

from the point of view of MC it must practically always force the LIs even if for different reasons.

the only exception is Sage who takes the initiative, they are fuckbuddies because it is Sage who wants it.
with Josy the situation is less linear as she is the one who places obstacles and then asks Mc to force them (I'm engaged, but it's not goodbye ... I shouldn't have called you, but let's arrange an appointment ... I shouldn't have invited you, but just stay and sleep here ... I can't trust you for a threesome, but I know I would have been happy with you ..)
MC has to put pressure on Maya otherwise she would never have crossed the screen of lies and omissions
in the same way he must act with Jill, he cannot wait for her to take the initiative (if it were for Jill the relationship would have ended no sense in the sixth chapter)

so from this point of view the relationship with Bella is not so different (except that she is married, that she is twice his age and she is a teacher ...) however, with the difference that Bella would have objective reasons for rejecting MC and that their relationship already starts under the sign of immorality, Bella wants to know him to defend Jill but she ends up being a big obstacle to Jill's happiness

but from our point of view, as players, it's undeniable that MC will regret what he's doing, confusing a woman who would need help instead.
even a moment for MC apparently of consolidation of the relationship like that of chapter 6 (the after sex ...) for us players it remains an omen of tension and danger

if, absurdly, chapter 7 opened with Bella's suicide, MC could have doubts about why, but we don't, for us a lot of the responsibility would be precisely of MC / our behavior

I find the comparison of ename144 very fitting: Bella behaves like an alcoholic who is carried around the bar by a friend, tries to resist but falls.


but in the classic DPC paradox, we can choose whether to let her go, and abandon her to her fate, or continue to press her and be responsible for her impending breakdown.

 

[KoolMe]

To me, Josy has the worst LI storyline by a lot. You boot up the game and MC and her just like each other, but that never transfered to me as a player. There was very little development compared to the other girls, and what was there came off to me as she being way too flirtatious for someone in a relationship.
So yeah, I wouldnt mind it too much if I had to choose, it would be easy Maya

To me Josy was the most relatable gal next door in the game without all the shitty unnecessary free tuition dramas
The two actual dates with her had more character development and immersion than the entire one sided delusion of honesty with Maya(its time we get to swap her for a better blonde like Lily or even better Riona)

her sex scenes even gave sage(my fav gal along with jill) a run for her money .
But all went downhill when she stepped on the pile of dog shit , the maya drama , and stank up her whole story


I hope the great holy father of Maya , who art in heaven , hallowed be thy name , may finally cleanse the dog shit off Josy,
amen

 

[felicemastronzo]

Yeah, I simplified things for the sake of not overextending the comment, but I'd argue every girl but Josy has something that made them grow closer and closer to MC.

Josy: She's already your crush as you start the game. All of a sudden she decides do be very flirty with MC for some reason. She hooks up with you a couple of times, kinda disappears, comes back as Maya's GF, and now you're already discussing relationship status.

Jill: She's meant to be the angel character, so she meets MC as she's trying to help him. But that's just who she is, she'd do that for anyone. However what sets MC apart for her is that you're different than all the snobs she's surrounded by. You're a simple guy, yet you're indifferent to her money and status, and you're not out to impress her like the other guys do.

Sage: Notice I said "romance" and not "sex". Sage has a much more casual vision of sex, so it doesn't mean much here. That aside, you can see them growing closer on other aspects. She starts off blackmailing MC into helping her, but from that you grow into being her confidant, and eventually her friend. As her relationship crumbles, you're the guy that's there for her, listening to her frustrations, and providing her sexual relief. I'd argue she's still in the "growing closer" phase, rather than "romance phase". She's still getting development, as she never thought of the MC as something more than a casual fling, but we're getting there.

Bella: Has a shitty opinion of you, but gives you a chance because of Jill. She's very reluctant to you at first, but comes to know you mean no harm (in chick route). Again, wouldn't say they are at a romance level yet, but definetly growing closer. She's drawn to MC because she's a fairly lonely woman, deemed an "ice queen", but she sees you trying to crack through the ice. Plus, she has unresolved issues with her housband, and you can tell that deep down she craves for affection.

Sorry for the wall of text. If you got this far, here's a photo of a kitten as a reward:

View attachment 944218

and imagine if a wall of words scares me ...

with each LI the conditions for a relationship are built, but how this empathy is born is quite lightning-fast

Jill takes MC to heart because she believes him to be bullied as she had, but from this to making him sleep in her bed (for such a sober girl) at the first opportunity is a big jump

Isabella decides to give MC a chance for Jill's sake, Mc shows up drunk and despite this they make out at the first opportunity, going against Bella's impression of him and the reason why she wanted to know him and against friendship that Bella has for Jill.

it hardly ever happens that first they know each other and then like each other, but always the opposite, they like each other, they want each other and then they try to get to know each other (even with Sage it is like this)

the relationship is built later, very quickly, with not so many motivations

 

[felicemastronzo]

To me Josy was the most relatable gal next door in the game without all the shitty unnecessary free tuition dramas
The two actual dates with her had more character development and immersion than the entire one sided delusion of honesty with Maya(its time we get to swap her for a better blonde like Lily or even better Riona)

her sex scenes even gave sage(my fav gal along with jill) a run for her money .
But all went downhill when she stepped on the pile of dog shit , the maya drama , and stank up her whole story


I hope the great holy father of Maya , who art in heaven , hallowed be thy name , may finally cleanse the dog shit off Josy,
amen

I still think that the arrival of Maya's father puts Josy in more danger than his daughter.

as far as we know, for Maya's father, Josy is the problem, it is she that the daughter should not attend, and with her who tried to prevent her daughter from communicating (it was not understood how and when)

and it is probable or at least credible that he already knows that Josy is there, now she is Maya's official roommate, a phone call is enough to find out.

it could be the trauma that shatters the couple of girls again.

but even in that hypothesis Josy would have to find a new role, which she does not currently have outside of Maya. aside from Tommy, who has avoided her for now, she has no other important interactions with other characters (the inexplicable friendship with Jill is not)

 

[MyNameIsAssEater69]

Anyone know what the 2D poll choices are?