mdqp Not right away have I realized, that you are the creator of the TOTDD. Damn, I played this game soo long ago, didn't get to finish it, but still, it was a blast.
Moving to the point, I'm making my
first (that's actually not 100% true, but it was too long ago and too short-lived to count
) semi-second attempt at Caliross, and I must admit, that I'm pretty overwhelmed. Any general pointers on what to focus at the beginning?
Glad to hear you liked TOTDC! My next game (after Caliross) is actually going to be the sequel (I'll make it using Ren'py). Hopefully it will be a good follow up.
Anyway, as for Caliross, it depends on what you want out of the game.
If you are trying to find sexy scenes, the jobs are a good place to start (if you go to the commercial district, there are a number of boards, and one of them lists a good chunk of the available jobs, as well as some point of interests). The jobs are spread around a number of locations (the inn, the bakery, the casino/strip club, to name a few), so you'll need to explore a bit. Working a few days here and there will also help you get some starting money if you want to join the guilds (see below).
Generally speaking, you'll want low inhibitions to get access to most scenes, but you can also see the hypnotist at the circus (outside of the starting city), which can give you early access to some traits (fetishes) which unlock extra scenes and help you ignore inhibitions requirements at times, or drink a bit at the various bars/pubs/whatever if you are too shy (drinking lowers inhibitions temporarily, but if you get drunk you might trigger a random scene, instead).
If you are interested in progressing the story and/or explore the world, you can just go to sleep and after the first day, you'll get a visit as you try to exit your house. From there, the main story leaves you a trail to follow which should make your progress straightforward.
If you are interested in seeing some long-term interactions with the factions you can join (or which manipulate/mind control you into joining), you'll want to check out the guilds (both have quests, and sometimes your alliances will play a role in what happens and what you can do in them). Being part of a guild is also necessary if you want to see the noble path. Both guilds are located in the commercial district.
There is a lot to do, and a lot of characters you can meet, so in the end you'll have to explore on your own, if you want to check everything out.