Ren'Py Harem Hotel [v0.19.1] [Runey]

[DigDug69]

I think this is a pretty dishonest framing on what I said. I like story in my porn games; if I just wanted porn I could get it a million other places without any of the fuss. I think adding story and characters you can get attached to makes the whole porn experience more enjoyable by adding context. The problem for me is that the story in HH gets way too lost in its lore that is, ultimately, just a kitchen sink grab bag of a bunch of different anime and video game tropes that are done better elsewhere. I don't mind that it's not "Hugo Award winning"; I don't need it to be. But if you accept that the purpose of the story is to make the porn better, then having characters drone on about their made up religion does nothing. I think we need to realistic and accept that writing in porn games is graded on a curve because we're ultimately here to get off. If you started comparing the writing in these games to others that focus solely on the narrative and characters without the concern of a horny power harem fantasy, then it's never going to go well.

The one issue with part of what you said, is concerning the quantity of background material we are getting.
We have no idea what, if any of that information may become important later in the story.
A simple comment about someone's past, may hold the clue to saving the day later on.

And, personally, I really do like that background stuff a lot, because it makes the story more interesting, when you know why people are the way that they are.
Without the look into Ashley's past, we would just assume that she was insane and far too dangerous to keep around, and not the broken little girl who is just desperate for love.

 

[shadowtempered]

yep … its all a crap shoot…
my primary point and observation…was that Sylvia doesn’t have all that much going for her as leader other than her ”birthright“ & add all her obviously prejudiced & lazy traits make her imo third of the 3 choices.

Personally I would rather have a truely good hearted, hard working, & un-experienced person in charge than a lazy, simple, supremacist, add that they are “entitled“ to it by birth and I’m like hell no …lol.

The term of nepo-baby was more of a reference to the born with a ”I win” button …
nepo-baby’s don’t always slack through life but it’s not uncommon…
*see* that Olivia sminfluencer where her parents paid $x00,000 to get her fast tracked into college and falsified activities like crew so she could get into X prestigious school … and by attending … the nepo displaced a person that actually had to WORK to get accepted.

Some nepo’s of course are absolute striver’s and accomplisher’s in X field …. (Sylvia‘s story to date doesn’t convey that she is one of those).

I don’t necessarily see how Nero & wife would be a “good option” maybe as an “easy” option amongst a bucket of non-ideal choices.
like with politicians irl … vote for the least objectionable Idiot.

Ha ha ha.

I suggested Kali's parents simple as an option - not saying they're a "good option", but an option compared to the existing choices based solely on the characters we currently know? Most likely.

A quick and dirty comparison:
Father is massively wealthy and influential. Has his fingers dipping into multiple industries and has one of the leading tech businesses in the world. Married to one of the oldest half-elves in the world, doesn't appear to be abusive.
Step-mother supports Kali despite early disinterest from Kali. Has sex with her husband(which is why Lucy moved) and doesn't openly seem negative to it. Was concerned when he was shot, suggesting some level of care plus the sex life is important framing because they sound like an actual couple. Supports / suggest the MC shelter and save elves using the money gifted to him by the father.

You have a literal power couple of the MC/Lin but at a national level. Not only does he like elves, he's married to one. Not only is she common born, she's a half-elf. Are they worthy of leading? Not necessarily, but at least the father has some experience in leading a company and she has a shared foundation in the common elves and their mistreatment.

MC/Lin:
Not a ton is known about him prior to moving and inheriting the hotel. The hotel lost much of it's value that it was down to one slave/maid and the receptionist. He turned that into a thriving local business. Aaaaand that's it so far. He's traveled, he's experienced, but he has no real connections to change anything. The false queen turns to him for help and how'd that go? Maria's story events? More of the same. If Kali wasn't staying at the hotel, he'd be even worse off than he is for those he loves. Lin? She's a common elf with a huge heart but is unique about her that would help tie folks to her? She's lived a relatively sheltered life, wasn't abused by slavers, wasn't forced to work the streets. By comparison to nearly every other common elf we've encountered she's had it really good.


Again, just tossing ideas out. I'm not saying my thoughts are gospel or correct. I enjoy the discussion and bouncing ideas around.

Sylvia - While she is improving, she needs to be humbled more, and start to pull her weight. Of all the elves in the hotel, I think she is the one who needs the dungeon most.

My issue with this is the dungeon hasn't been used to humble anyone. Assert a level of dominance, awaken the girls to other sexual ideas? Sure. As a form of detention for bad behavior? The MC doesn't / hasn't rolled like that.

Any of the girls who love/trust isn't high enough can literally say no and walk away, nothing about the dungeon is forced. I can't recall a single event there that is a form of discipline beyond dragging out if the girls are allowed to cum or not. That's really the only thing about it, delaying the gratification. Unless I'm not remembering correctly, but if I am, then this won't be how Slyvia gets humbled unless Runey specifically decides to change it for her.

Besides what could be more humbling than finding out your queen sent you to a foreign land to be raped/enslaved/killed off, only to return home and be locked up and abused. I think Slyvia knows exactly where she fits into things, she's just afraid to confront it and her acting the way she does is just that.

 

[Runey]

I think this is a pretty dishonest framing on what I said. I like story in my porn games; if I just wanted porn I could get it a million other places without any of the fuss. I think adding story and characters you can get attached to makes the whole porn experience more enjoyable by adding context. The problem for me is that the story in HH gets way too lost in its lore that is, ultimately, just a kitchen sink grab bag of a bunch of different anime and video game tropes that are done better elsewhere. I don't mind that it's not "Hugo Award winning"; I don't need it to be. But if you accept that the purpose of the story is to make the porn better, then having characters drone on about their made up religion does nothing. I think we need to realistic and accept that writing in porn games is graded on a curve because we're ultimately here to get off. If you started comparing the writing in these games to others that focus solely on the narrative and characters without the concern of a horny power harem fantasy, then it's never going to go well.

I'm not going to stop focusing on the story, and it definitely doesn't serve to make the porn better, it's the opposite.

Complaining isn't going to do anything. If you don't like it, leave it. If you want to help this project, say something constructive.

I understand that at times I could have written things better, I'm always growing and I'm currently in the process of remaking a lot of content, as I've been doing for years because I've been improving. Without listing specifics problems and how you would like them to be fixed, you just come across as whining and have ultimately wasted time.

 

[Strike-10]

I suggested Kali's parents simple as an option - not saying they're a "good option", but an option compared to the existing choices based solely on the characters we currently know? Most likely.

A quick and dirty comparison:
Father is massively wealthy and influential. Has his fingers dipping into multiple industries and has one of the leading tech businesses in the world. Married to one of the oldest half-elves in the world, doesn't appear to be abusive.
Step-mother supports Kali despite early disinterest from Kali. Has sex with her husband(which is why Lucy moved) and doesn't openly seem negative to it. Was concerned when he was shot, suggesting some level of care. Supports / suggest the MC shelter and save elves using the money gifted to him by the father.

You have a literal power couple of the MC/Lin but at a national level. Not only does he like elves, he's married to one. Not only is she common born, she's a half-elf. Are they worthy of leading? Not necessarily, but at least the father has some experience in leading a company and she has a shared foundation in the common elves and their mistreatment.

MC/Lin:
Not a ton is known about him prior to moving and inheriting the hotel. The hotel lost much of it's value that it was down to one slave/maid and the receptionist. He turned that into a thriving local business. Aaaaand that's it so far. He's traveled, he's experienced, but he has no real connections to change anything. The false queen turns to him for help and how'd that go? Maria's story events? More of the same. If Kali wasn't staying at the hotel, he'd be even worse off than he is for those he loves. Lin? She's a common elf with a huge heart but is unique about her that would help tie folks to her? She's lived a relatively sheltered life, wasn't abused by slavers, wasn't forced to work the streets. By comparison to nearly every other common elf we've encountered she's had it really good.


Again, just tossing ideas out. I'm not saying my thoughts are gospel or correct. I enjoy the discussion and bouncing ideas around.

Ok that paints a somewhat better picture of them being a viable candidate…I think my original negative reaction of them being the leader was due to previous impressions I formed while experiencing the story, and parallels to IRL 1%’RS (Elon Musk, Jeff Besos, Bill Gates) and the simple fact that as a couple they are 75% human 25% Elf and a better “Elf leadership” couple % would be 75% elf 25% human or 100% elf.

 

[shadowtempered]

I'm not going to stop focusing on the story, and it definitely doesn't serve to make the porn better, it's the opposite.

I've always personally appreciated the fact when you have a lore dump about to happen, you ask the MC if he wants to skip it.

Ok that paints a somewhat better picture of them being a viable candidate…I think my original negative reaction of them being the leader was due to previous impressions I formed while experiencing the story, and parallels to IRL 1%’RS (Elon Musk, Jeff Besos, Bill Gates) and the simple fact that as a couple they are 75% human 25% Elf and a better “Elf leadership” couple % would be 75% elf 25% human or 100% elf.

I try very hard not to compare HH to anything in real life but I get your point. Until we see what kind of movement's are created in game-world down the road and how Runey is going to decide on leadership roles, it's difficult to imagine an elf taking up the mantle and having any real success as things stand. Current events suggest failure from any angle, so we can only really project ideas until the ball starts rolling towards change.

 

[Strike-10]

My issue with this is the dungeon hasn't been used to humble anyone. Assert a level of dominance, awaken the girls to other sexual ideas? Sure. As a form of detention for bad behavior? The MC doesn't / hasn't rolled like that.

I’m pretty certain that The Devian was using the term “humbled“ was a written shortcut to reference to Sylvia voluntarily entering the dungeon with the MC … exactly like every other LI … and via the “processes” that happen within … come to a more humble realization/reality and a healthier level of introspection of herself and her past behaviors.

She can also step away from the expectations from others that have been forced onto her and determine FOR HERSELF what she wants.

Somewhat like what happened with Felicity & to a lesser degree Emma.

 

[DigDug69]

I’m pretty certain that The Devian was using the term “humbled“ was a written shortcut to reference to Sylvia voluntarily entering the dungeon with the MC … exactly like every other LI … and via the “processes” that happen within … come to a more humble realization/reality and a healthier level of introspection of herself and her past behaviors.

She can also step away from the expectations from others that have been forced onto her and determine FOR HERSELF what she wants.

Somewhat like what happened with Felicity & to a lesser degree Emma.

Or, he meant that the head pats had gently, and affectionately knocked some sense into her.

 

[Runey]

I'm not going to stop focusing on the story, and it definitely doesn't serve to make the porn better, it's the opposite.

Complaining isn't going to do anything. If you don't like it, leave it. If you want to help this project, say something constructive.

I understand that at times I could have written things better, I'm always growing and I'm currently in the process of remaking a lot of content, as I've been doing for years because I've been improving. Without listing specifics problems and how you would like them to be fixed, you just come across as whining and have ultimately wasted time.

I wanted to add onto this and say that I think I've gotten a lot better at writing exposition into the dialogue, especially in v0.17. Anyone is free to point out some sloppy work though.

I think a lot of people who complain about the exposition here are only upset that they sat through Nala and Vanessa telling them slavery is bad in that one single event, which was optional. Maybe I'm wrong, but everyone who complains says nothing constructive so I would never know for sure.



Side note: I'm also trying to focus more on the slice-of-life aspect of these characters, so many events now will begin with a "prelude" to the main course. For example, Cira and Maria talk casually before the main scene in this new event.

 

[shadowtempered]

Somewhat like what happened with Felicity & to a lesser degree Emma.

Felicity needed to know she was loved and was capable of making a choice on her own - independent of her sister and father. This is touched upon with the clothes shopping event where it is referenced by Emma that she doesn't approve of Felicity's clothing and neither would their father, giving the MC the option to approve/disapprove. She comments along the lines of "See, he lets me choose", it's important to her. Finding out Emma is also in love with the MC sparks concerns of further loss, so making the decision to use the dungeon after she discovers it is another choice she makes to help prove to herself she's independent of her father/Emma. Emma learns of the events and wants to prove she's just as capable and deserving as her sister. They have a very "living in one's shadow" / "competitive" nature with one another due to their raising which eases back a lot in the later events as they come to "see" each other.

Slyvia doesn't really fit either. Assuming you go the love route, she learns the hard way she was tossed away like garbage. She knows there are assassins out looking for her. She wants nothing more than to sit at home, away from everyone else watching TV. She pushes everyone away, even Nia who she conspired with to get freedom in the first place. She accepts a job doing work she feels is beneath her. She accepts sex with a person she feels is beneath her. Her defensive / sniding comments shield her from a lot, but it's wavering against the harem/MC. I think she's humbled, in the most humiliating way she could have been, and her coming to accept that is what brought her to accept the job / MC sex. I don't think the dungeon will have the same significance that it held for Felicity/Emma in that regards compared to what she's already started doing.

We need more Slyvia and Kali/Maria events

 

[shadowtempered]

I wanted to add onto this and say that I think I've gotten a lot better at writing exposition into the dialogue, especially in v0.17. Anyone is free to point out some sloppy work though.

I think a lot of people who complain about the exposition here are only upset that they sat through Nala and Vanessa telling them slavery is bad in that one single event, which was optional. Maybe I'm wrong, but everyone who complains says nothing constructive so I would never know for sure.



Side note: I'm also trying to focus more on the slice-of-life aspect of these characters, so many events now will begin with a "prelude" to the main course. For example, Cira and Maria talk casually before the main scene in this new event.

Without knowing what they don't like specifically, it's hard to comment. I didn't mind learning about the religion / slave stuff the first/second time around, but I don't need it every single time I restart, but I can't think of any instance where you force-feed it down our throats. On a personal level, I don't care for either - as I'm not overly religious and I'm Native American living in a world with race issues. I however don't translate what is happening around me to events in the game, so I don't have any reason to suggest you change what you're doing, because again, I like reading it and I also like that I have the option to skip it on later restarts (which I do nearly every version).

 

[Strike-10]

… I think she's humbled, in the most humiliating way she could have been, and her coming to accept that is what brought her to accept the job / MC sex. I don't think the dungeon will have the same significance that it held for Felicity/Emma in that regards compared to what she's already started doing…

We need more Slyvia and Kali/Maria events

It’s unwritten so it’s anyone’s guess… only Runey knows!

I’m personally of the opinion that seeing it happen in the dungeon and from activities within it will be the most FUN method.(especially with Her) However there are levels of positives & negatives based around all of it and it’s completely out of our hands.
Runey will tell the story that he decides he is going to tell … as it should be... and for whatever reason
It may be IMPOSSIBLE to incorporate it with dungeon content .
OR
It might REQUIRE the dungeon.
-shrug- who knows?

I just speak up because she has some really annoying character traits and if she was in my irl hotel …
I would toss her ass out on the street unless she came up with some mighty convincing arguments why she should be allowed to stay …
Just the fact she wasn’t all that nice to the best girl Lin … is enough for me to require atonement.

 

[Strike-10]

…
Side note: I'm also trying to focus more on the slice-of-life aspect of these characters, so many events now will begin with a "prelude" to the main course. For example, Cira and Maria talk casually before the main scene in this new event.

WHAT NEW EVENT ???
Screenshots or it didn’t happen!

kidding kidding…

Will look forward to it!

Its not quite the Sylvia & Maria event shadowtempered wanted

We need more Slyvia and Kali/Maria events

but maybe Maria & Cira is an ok substitute.

 

[c3p0]

OMG IM DYING IRL

”a bunch of stuff”

PERFECT!!!

small correction
DigDug69 & Strike & Shadowtempered & halluva and others said:

No way does DigDug69 deserve ALL the credits!!!
They MUST SHARE NAO!!!

That made my day too, best quote ever.

I’m pretty certain that The Devian was using the term “humbled“ was a written shortcut to reference to Sylvia voluntarily entering the dungeon with the MC … exactly like every other LI … and via the “processes” that happen within … come to a more humble realization/reality and a healthier level of introspection of herself and her past behaviors.

Knowing him, I say he would use headpats to change the world - and it would even work.

 

[TheDevian]

I suggested Kali's parents simple as an option - not saying they're a "good option", but an option compared to the existing choices based solely on the characters we currently know? Most likely.

A quick and dirty comparison:
Father is massively wealthy and influential. Has his fingers dipping into multiple industries and has one of the leading tech businesses in the world. Married to one of the oldest half-elves in the world, doesn't appear to be abusive.
Step-mother supports Kali despite early disinterest from Kali. Has sex with her husband(which is why Lucy moved) and doesn't openly seem negative to it. Was concerned when he was shot, suggesting some level of care plus the sex life is important framing because they sound like an actual couple. Supports / suggest the MC shelter and save elves using the money gifted to him by the father.

You have a literal power couple of the MC/Lin but at a national level. Not only does he like elves, he's married to one. Not only is she common born, she's a half-elf. Are they worthy of leading? Not necessarily, but at least the father has some experience in leading a company and she has a shared foundation in the common elves and their mistreatment.

MC/Lin:
Not a ton is known about him prior to moving and inheriting the hotel. The hotel lost much of it's value that it was down to one slave/maid and the receptionist. He turned that into a thriving local business. Aaaaand that's it so far. He's traveled, he's experienced, but he has no real connections to change anything. The false queen turns to him for help and how'd that go? Maria's story events? More of the same. If Kali wasn't staying at the hotel, he'd be even worse off than he is for those he loves. Lin? She's a common elf with a huge heart but is unique about her that would help tie folks to her? She's lived a relatively sheltered life, wasn't abused by slavers, wasn't forced to work the streets. By comparison to nearly every other common elf we've encountered she's had it really good.


Again, just tossing ideas out. I'm not saying my thoughts are gospel or correct. I enjoy the discussion and bouncing ideas around.


My issue with this is the dungeon hasn't been used to humble anyone. Assert a level of dominance, awaken the girls to other sexual ideas? Sure. As a form of detention for bad behavior? The MC doesn't / hasn't rolled like that.

Any of the girls who love/trust isn't high enough can literally say no and walk away, nothing about the dungeon is forced. I can't recall a single event there that is a form of discipline beyond dragging out if the girls are allowed to cum or not. That's really the only thing about it, delaying the gratification. Unless I'm not remembering correctly, but if I am, then this won't be how Slyvia gets humbled unless Runey specifically decides to change it for her.

Besides what could be more humbling than finding out your queen sent you to a foreign land to be raped/enslaved/killed off, only to return home and be locked up and abused. I think Slyvia knows exactly where she fits into things, she's just afraid to confront it and her acting the way she does is just that.

As for K-dad and his new wife, I would have to oppose that on every level. Yes, he can run a company, but a company is not a country, and simply turning a profit is not your main goal, it is caring for your people, and none of their events really show them doing that, or thinking about things much beyond the money (oh, and personal desires). Then you have the previews of what is to come for next time, and I am really concerned for Mariella.

They don't really show good judgment, and don't seem to care who they have to hurt to get what they want.

I also realized that I forgot to include humans and half elves last time, since I also think the only way forward is for all people to come together. And honestly, President Lin makes a lot more sense anyway.

And no, I didn't mean that the MC would use the dungeon to humble her, just that doing that would help, the IDEA of it more than anything else. She needs to be shown, that she is NOT better than anyone else. She is the same.

Slyvia doesn't really fit either. Assuming you go the love route, she learns the hard way she was tossed away like garbage. She knows there are assassins out looking for her. She wants nothing more than to sit at home, away from everyone else watching TV. She pushes everyone away, even Nia who she conspired with to get freedom in the first place. She accepts a job doing work she feels is beneath her. She accepts sex with a person she feels is beneath her. Her defensive / sniding comments shield her from a lot, but it's wavering against the harem/MC. I think she's humbled, in the most humiliating way she could have been, and her coming to accept that is what brought her to accept the job / MC sex. I don't think the dungeon will have the same significance that it held for Felicity/Emma in that regards compared to what she's already started doing.

We need more Slyvia and Kali/Maria events

And yet she STILL complains about having to work even a little bit, rather than sitting on her ass all day and night, watching TV. She is lazy and entitled.

I don't deny that she is getting there, but she is not there yet. She still thinks that she is better than the other elves, she still thinks that she is too good to work, she still thinks that she is better than the MC too, the person who has gone out of his way to help her, in every way possible so far, without whom, she would be in serious shit, if not dead.

Knowing him, I say he would use headpats to change the world - and it would even work.

If you are a good girl, I will give you nice headpats, if you are a bad girl, you get hard buttpats, and if you make Lin unhappy, I let Android do them...

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[shadowtempered]

As for K-dad and his new wife, I would have to oppose that on every level. Yes, he can run a company, but a company is not a country, and simply turning a profit is not your main goal, it is caring for your people, and none of their events really show them doing that, or thinking about things much beyond the money (oh, and personal desires). Then you have the previews of what is to come for next time, and I am really concerned for Mariella.

They don't really show good judgment, and don't seem to care who they have to hurt to get what they want.

I also realized that I forgot to include humans and half elves last time, since I also think the only way forward is for all people to come together. And honestly, President Lin makes a lot more sense anyway.

I haven't looked at any previews, so I don't know what's to come until it's actually here. That's why I try to phrase my suggestions based on what the current content is. I like the idea of them leading more than the MC/harem simply because of their existing roles but I've already suggested and preferred if someone entirely new was introduced specifically for the role. I don't think anyone we've met is qualified, even if their hearts are in the right place. Ultimately it'll depend on how the stories progress.

And no, I didn't mean that the MC would use the dungeon to humble her, just that doing that would help, the IDEA of it more than anything else. She needs to be shown, that she is NOT better than anyone else. She is the same.
And yet she STILL complains about having to work even a little bit, rather than sitting on her ass all day and night, watching TV. She is lazy and entitled.

So did Felicity and now she's purring in the MC's lap. We need more story events with Slyvia before we'll really know how much the previous events have affected her to know how much she's changed or not changed. However based on current events, we've seen cracks in her routine which is a start. That's why I compared her more to a tsundere personality, as it's clear things are changing but she's still being bitchy.

I don't deny that she is getting there, but she is not there yet. She still thinks that she is better than the other elves, she still thinks that she is too good to work, she still thinks that she is better than the MC too, the person who has gone out of his way to help her, in every way possible so far, without whom, she would be in serious shit, if not dead.

To be fair, she was raised for how long to think exactly that before she was tossed out? We've seen what kind of person she is and we've seen the kind of person she looked up to. She's got a long road ahead.

If you are a good girl, I will give you nice headpats, if you are a bad girl, you get hard buttpats, and if you make Lin unhappy, I let Android do them...

Ok Terminator, dial it back a notch :O

 

[The_Melchior]

I'm not going to stop focusing on the story, and it definitely doesn't serve to make the porn better, it's the opposite.

Complaining isn't going to do anything. If you don't like it, leave it. If you want to help this project, say something constructive.

I understand that at times I could have written things better, I'm always growing and I'm currently in the process of remaking a lot of content, as I've been doing for years because I've been improving. Without listing specifics problems and how you would like them to be fixed, you just come across as whining and have ultimately wasted time.

Hey Runey, I recently did another playthrough and a couple of things bugged me. I hope you will take this as constructive criticism as I still love HH. One of these is pretty minor, the other slightly less so.

1) Seems to be a lost plot thread? After the event with Maria where you sneak around other people's rooms (until Android effectively stops you) there is a scene where Lin looks at you very cross: arms crossed and literally going: "hmph". The MC is confused as to why she is angry (although her being used as a distraction is one reason she could be angry) Yet nothing seems to come of this. No period where she doesn't want to talk to you or anything. Just that scene and forgotten. It looks like a minor plot thread got lost.

2) I bit more about the world building - OK, the country has a law about elves having to wear a collar in public. I understand that this is to show how things are crap for elf slaves..but..

It kinda doesn't make sense: In most slave-based societies here on earth collars were really used on a daily basis as they simply weren't practical. Having to pull out a collar every time you had to got out with a slave would be annoying to many people. Sure some would enjoy pulling a slave along on a leash, but many would prefer the slave be more less burdened to do work they need them doing. Its also a bit inconsistently held - multiple times you go out with Lin or another elf without a collar.

There's also the publicity issue. The nation, while knowing it desperately needs slave labor, does seem at least a teensy bit embarrassed at having slaves. Not that they'll do anything about it but they don't necessarily want to highlight their slavery with big collars around every slave in public. Remember how the Deep South US tried to avoid mention of the word slavery when talking to outsiders - preferring the term "our peculiar institution".

This doesn't need a radical change, with lots changed artwork and scenes. It can simply be a case of an making it be an old law that can be satisfied in modern times by a faux collar such as Lin's lace maid collar (while some cruel masters just love keeping their slave with a heavy collar) . Or its just rarely enforced except by cops trying to be a-holes. This can even be presented as Masters showing how much better things are for elves now.

Its juts a thought. As I said the inconsistency of the law is what bugs me the most. There are many scenes in this game of elves being out without wearing a slave collar and you only get grief that one time (so far).

 

[Runey]

Hey Runey, I recently did another playthrough and a couple of things bugged me. I hope you will take this as constructive criticism as I still love HH. One of these is pretty minor, the other slightly less so.

1) Seems to be a lost plot thread? After the event with Maria where you sneak around other people's rooms (until Android effectively stops you) there is a scene where Lin looks at you very cross: arms crossed and literally going: "hmph". The MC is confused as to why she is angry (although her being used as a distraction is one reason she could be angry) Yet nothing seems to come of this. No period where she doesn't want to talk to you or anything. Just that scene and forgotten. It looks like a minor plot thread got lost.

I don't believe that whatever it was, was important. IIRC her being a bit upset was due to what happened in that event. And she doesn't hold a grudge so she wouldn't bring it up again.

2) I bit more about the world building - OK, the country has a law about elves having to wear a collar in public. I understand that this is to show how things are crap for elf slaves..but..

It kinda doesn't make sense: In most slave-based societies here on earth collars were really used on a daily basis as they simply weren't practical. Having to pull out a collar every time you had to got out with a slave would be annoying to many people. Sure some would enjoy pulling a slave along on a leash, but many would prefer the slave be more less burdened to do work they need them doing. Its also a bit inconsistently held - multiple times you go out with Lin or another elf without a collar.

It's cultural. And humans don't care if it's practical or not, it reminds them of who they are. This collar isn't for pulling, and is only necessary in public so their work wouldn't even be affected anyway. If they're on a farm, they're not wearing a collar.

It's also just plain safer for an elf to wear a collar. it shows other humans "I am claimed" like a wedding ring almost. Other humans will never try to steal another human's slave because there can be a whole mess of legal issues around property theft and damage.

There's also the publicity issue. The nation, while knowing it desperately needs slave labor, does seem at least a teensy bit embarrassed at having slaves. Not that they'll do anything about it but they don't necessarily want to highlight their slavery with big collars around every slave in public. Remember how the Deep South US tried to avoid mention of the word slavery when talking to outsiders - preferring the term "our peculiar institution".

You may have missed this, it's only in one or two story events, but Syl'anar is a powerhouse. They are essentially the US, China, and Australia merged together. Together with slave labor, they were able to build walking mechatanks during the industrial revolution while the rest of the world was still figuring out the printing press. Syl'anar is so culturally, economically, and militarily dominant within this world, that they essentially control it. They made the internet, and they currently make most of the world's consumer goods, like phones, robots, cars, planes, etc. To this world, everything is as it is because of slavery, and the best (worst) part is that the rest of the world doesn't even need to think about it since it's contained to Syl'anar only.

This doesn't need a radical change, with lots changed artwork and scenes. It can simply be a case of an making it be an old law that can be satisfied in modern times by a faux collar such as Lin's lace maid collar (while some cruel masters just love keeping their slave with a heavy collar) . Or its just rarely enforced except by cops trying to be a-holes. This can even be presented as Masters showing how much better things are for elves now.

Its juts a thought. As I said the inconsistency of the law is what bugs me the most. There are many scenes in this game of elves being out without wearing a slave collar and you only get grief that one time (so far).

It shouldn't be inconsistent, but I always welcome questions Remember, it is basically my whole life to just think about this world.

Police are not everywhere all of the time. You are more likely to encounter the police in downtown or the slums than on the beach.

 

[torresm]

They are essentially the US, China, and Australia merged together.

So they're a heavily corporatist country, with continuing disregard to individual rights, and the fauna there is trying to kill them?

 

[The_Melchior]

I don't believe that whatever it was, was important. IIRC her being a bit upset was due to what happened in that event. And she doesn't hold a grudge so she wouldn't bring it up again.

OK, it just seemed a little out of place since the MC seems confused as to what has made her miffed. No biggie, just that when I saw it I figured there'd be follow-up.

It's cultural. And humans don't care if it's practical or not, it reminds them of who they are. This collar isn't for pulling, and is only necessary in public so their work wouldn't even be affected anyway. If they're on a farm, they're not wearing a collar.

It's also just plain safer for an elf to wear a collar. it shows other humans "I am claimed" like a wedding ring almost. Other humans will never try to steal another human's slave because there can be a whole mess of legal issues around property theft and damage.

OK, fair enough but it still seems impractical. I've noticed slavery societies have other ways asserting the slavers are on top.

You may have missed this, it's only in one or two story events, but Syl'anar is a powerhouse. They are essentially the US, China, and Australia merged together. Together with slave labor, they were able to build walking mechatanks during the industrial revolution while the rest of the world was still figuring out the printing press. Syl'anar is so culturally, economically, and militarily dominant within this world, that they essentially control it. They made the internet, and they currently make most of the world's consumer goods, like phones, robots, cars, planes, etc. To this world, everything is as it is because of slavery, and the best (worst) part is that the rest of the world doesn't even need to think about it since it's contained to Syl'anar only.

I did pretty much miss that. I knew Syl'anar is a powerhouse but I got the impression is was more of the up-and-coming powerhouse rather than an old school dominating power. I figured they were probably more than a match for any nation now, but in the past the MC's home country was the dominant power given the wealth of Capitol City and K-Dad.

Even so, the most powerful nations can be pressured: England was near the height of its Empire's power when it ended the international slave trade which several of their colonies depended on. Syl'anar would not go that far but at the same time they might feel some sense of not needing to put a spotlight on how elves are slaves with the collar requirement. It seems a bit inconsistent given that they are working with K-Dad to make the elfbots, which K-Dad and several forces in the Syl'anar openly hope will replace elf slavery.

It shouldn't be inconsistent, but I always welcome questions Remember, it is basically my whole life to just think about this world.

Police are not everywhere all of the time. You are more likely to encounter the police in downtown or the slums than on the beach.

In a way, I mean you go out with Lin all the time and she seems to not be wearing a collar, (except for her lace Maid Collar). Seems risky to me.

 

[DigDug69]

[QUOTE="The_Melchior, post: 10733188, member: 1465730"

In a way, I mean you go out with Lin all the time and she seems to not be wearing a collar, (except for her lace Maid Collar). Seems risky to me.
[/QUOTE]
No one walking by Lin would know whether there was a steel band hidden under that lace.
A collar is on her, to anyone just glancing at her.