VN Ren'Py Jezebel [Ep. 2 v2.03 BugFix] [Mr. Pengo]

[Power Broker]

I'm not quite sure what a Sub who wins will look like, yet, but I'll get there.

As a suggestion: a submissive Duvessa who "wins" is a Duvessa who sits on the throne because she can be manipulated and dominated by certain parties (her "allies") to do their bidding. These must not be hostile towards her, just the opposite, and they can be the same as in the dom route; but while their motivation in the dom route might be "We help her because she coerced us / is a great, strong leader / is our best option", the motivation in the sub route could be "because we coerced her / she is obedient towards us / is our best option".

Of course, for this to happen her "allies" need to improve their game and have some agency of their own, not only be star struck and in love and "doing whatever Duvessa wants"; a dom Duvessa might want to have minions, on the sub path, they should be forces of power and progress (and fill the "power gap" in terms of story progression that a submissive Duvessa leaves; e.g. on the dom path, Duvessa might decide to fuck the street rat which leads to a sex scene, on her sub path, this decision is made by the street rat who initiates the sex scene, even if sub Duvessa is against it).

Also, since Duvessa has a genuinely dominant personality, her sub route should not turn her into an obedient little pet, she is still strong and dominant, especially towards "weaker" people, but her rationalisation / justification could be that she needs strong allies and not losers, so allies who dominate her are exactly what she wants / needs to succeed. A bit like "If you can't beat me, you can't beat my opponent either, you are too weak, so I have no use for you".

 

[Nymyx]

Personally I went with renaming the town since of them, it sounded like giving the least. I also only had to give in to one demand (since playing a sub duvessa I got in the bath with him). So far it seems like a decent choice. Especially since most people, even the town folks, still refer to it by the original name so it feels like no one really cares about the name change or takes it seriously.

I didn't know about that, that's actually kind of hilarious lmao. Yeah, the only real unacceptable option is the safe haven one in my opinion, the other three have their merits. I'll have to wait until the later episodes to see which ones are best overall.

I'll mention though that the only town folk seen in episode two are those that have disliked him since the beginning, and we don't really know the overall sentiment of the nameless peasants. They could be calling it Jasen's Oath and we wouldn't really know. Also, I feel like if Jasen really wanted to create a militia, he would find a way to arm his followers with or without our help. Like, he's got great charisma so I wouldn't put it past him to scam his followers and amass a small fortune to do with as he pleases, which would include buying weapons and whatnot.

 

[Durpi]

I'm now in chapter 2 after the trail. Quick question for anyone, is there a path where Veska doesn't leave? I had hoped that I could corrupt her but so far she says that she's leaving the town tomorrow. I tried both options (force her to lie and let her tell the truth) with the same outcome. I also tried withholding the letters that are proving Davos conspiring with the hostile nation.

Is she locked because of the love story with the brother? She would be such a great sub

 

[Buletti]

I'm now in chapter 2 after the trail. Quick question for anyone, is there a path where Veska doesn't leave? I had hoped that I could corrupt her but so far she says that she's leaving the town tomorrow. I tried both options (force her to lie and let her tell the truth) with the same outcome.

Is she locked because of the love story with the brother? She would be such a great sub

On my playthrough she says she is leaving, but does not. I would be really surprised if the story varies so much that this is completely different for you.

 

[Durpi]

On my playthrough she says she is leaving, but does not. I would be really surprised if the story varies so much that this is completely different for you.

Ah thanks, then I will continue playing my original route and hope for the best.

 

[Mr. Pengo]

I'm now in chapter 2 after the trail. Quick question for anyone, is there a path where Veska doesn't leave? I had hoped that I could corrupt her but so far she says that she's leaving the town tomorrow. I tried both options (force her to lie and let her tell the truth) with the same outcome. I also tried withholding the letters that are proving Davos conspiring with the hostile nation.

Is she locked because of the love story with the brother? She would be such a great sub

As Buletti said, don't worry about it

 

[Nymyx]

So far, Jezebel is one of the best visual novels I’ve read recently. Duvessa is an amazing protagonist that has this magnetism about her that makes you want to root for her. Even though she is morally dubious at the best of times, she is also ambitious, cunning, intelligent, and absolutely charming. She can be incredibly funny and some of her brazen remarks made me laugh out loud multiple times. Duvessa also has more nuance to her than just being the villain, and I can’t wait to explore more of her character in the future. It's interesting to see the power struggles between the cast of characters and learning their motivations and goals, and how they interconnect with one another. Can’t wait to see Duvessa eventually demolish all of their schemes and conquer Lyskoria and become queen. Mr. Pengo, I was wondering if you have an estimated date for the early access release because while I’m not able to afford monthly payments, I would love to support you by buying the game.

 

[Mr. Pengo]

So far, Jezebel is one of the best visual novels I’ve read recently. Duvessa is an amazing protagonist that has this magnetism about her that makes you want to root for her. Even though she is morally dubious at the best of times, she is also ambitious, cunning, intelligent, and absolutely charming. She can be incredibly funny and some of her brazen remarks made me laugh out loud multiple times. Duvessa also has more nuance to her than just being the villain, and I can’t wait to explore more of her character in the future. It's interesting to see the power struggles between the cast of characters and learning their motivations and goals, and how they interconnect with one another. Can’t wait to see Duvessa eventually demolish all of their schemes and conquer Lyskoria and become queen. Mr. Pengo, I was wondering if you have an estimated date for the early access release because while I’m not able to afford monthly payments, I would love to support you by buying the game.

My publisher want to wait till Feb to attract new fans in the next fest. Thanks so much, I appreciate you

 

[Nymyx]

My publisher want to wait till Feb to attract new fans in the next fest. Thanks so much, I appreciate you

Can't wait! I have it wishlisted on steam so I'll make sure to get it when it comes out

 

[dragoonknight1221999]

I didn't know about that, that's actually kind of hilarious lmao. Yeah, the only real unacceptable option is the safe haven one in my opinion, the other three have their merits. I'll have to wait until the later episodes to see which ones are best overall.

I'll mention though that the only town folk seen in episode two are those that have disliked him since the beginning, and we don't really know the overall sentiment of the nameless peasants. They could be calling it Jasen's Oath and we wouldn't really know. Also, I feel like if Jasen really wanted to create a militia, he would find a way to arm his followers with or without our help. Like, he's got great charisma so I wouldn't put it past him to scam his followers and amass a small fortune to do with as he pleases, which would include buying weapons and whatnot.

That is a fair point, and I'm sure Mr. Pengo will want to write that Jasen gets something out of whatever you choose in the end so that choices have consequences. So I imagine renaming the time will have at least some impact. I will say that giving him land was the other one I strongly considered since as you mentioned, he doesn't even care to cash in on it right away so it is possible you won't have to follow through on that promise.

 

[MorbinTime55]

Just completed it - love the game so far one of the more promising political NSFW VNs for sure! Hope we get a lezdom scene or two with Dragana in the near future

 

[Rielle]

How long current version? In hours (or words)?

 

[Nymyx]

How long current version? In hours (or words)?

I would say the current length of the game is approximately 10-15 hours long. Each part takes around 6 hours to complete, and even more if you decide to go back and see all of the branching choices. At least, that was my experience.

 

[Rielle]

I would say the current length of the game is approximately 10-15 hours long. Each part takes around 6 hours to complete, and even more if you decide to go back and see all of the branching choices. At least, that was my experience.

Oh, thanks, 10 hours is cool!!! Was afraid it would be too short

 

[Buletti]

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This week we're continuing the trend of my not having any relevant preview images to show, so here's another random behind the scenes picture instead. Fun fact, this sketch of Duvessa and Branko is directly inspired by the poses that Vegeta and Nappa make in one of the menus for Budokai Tenkaichi 3. I thought Duvessa's grin didn't look evil enough, so I had the artist change it up for the final release.
I will soon start the process of mapping out the plot events for Pt. 2 before I get started with writing; I have an absurd number of notes, so the process might take a while. Here's hoping I'll be close to done with it by the time the next of these drops.
Until then, some problems remain. Here are three notes on that front:

1. From now on, I'm thinking that, if we're in a month where there is an episode release, I won't put out a bonus scene. This is a compromise that will ensure I don't get too swamped with workload and that I can fully focus on the main game when we get to crunch time. As I didn't end up releasing a bonus scene last month, I am retroactively applying the rule now . I'm going to try and get the next one out tomorrow, the 25th, aka the regular release date.
2. 
   
3. I am also trying to get a new update for Episode 2 out tomorrow. I've been alerted to a pretty major bug that I am gobsmacked hasn't been brought up to me before; put simply, if Duvessa goes to the cave where Griffinsbane are lodging in Episode 1, and then she ends up not giving Scars the money after certain "events" transpire, the game is supposed to proceed as though Devereux remain at war with Griffinsbane and the trial is meant to be affected as such. It looks like the proper flag wasn't there in the script for some reason, so this entire route has been bugged until now. If that is the path you took, you might want to start a new game when I release the update. I'm super sorry about this oversight and again, am very surprised it took this long to come to my attention.
4. The aformentioned 2.04 release is also finally going to fix the busted Android UI; I apologize that it has taken so long to do so.

So, if all goes well, expect new stuff tomorrow! That's all from me for today, thanks again for playing.

 

[Nymyx]

A couple days ago J1215 brought up what would be the best choice regarding the direction we should steer Branislava towards, and I wanted to throw in my two cents since this decision was one of the most difficult for me to make, since this isn’t really a choice with a direct consequence, but more of a long term route that will go on for multiple episodes with a lot of branching options. So for those who haven’t finished Enmity part 1, be warned there will be spoilers.

I speculate that if you choose to consider the marriage plan with Lord Radek, he will have a much more amenable relationship with our faction and his support will be considerably easier to obtain. However, he understands his strategic leverage he has over Branislava, and will not allow her to string him along like we can with Calder due to him being in a much stronger position. He will continually pressure her into wedding him, and if we allow that to happen Radek will use his elevated status to try and usurp Branislava’s role as the head of house Quinza, and subsequently ends our opportunity to influence her.

On the other hand, outright rejecting him will make him hostile right away and make winning the battle of succession much more difficult. It boils down to dealing with him now in an upfront and risky manner, or in the future through subterfuge. I first chose to reject him, but I wasn’t really satisfied with Duvessa’s explanation. It seemed to lack the pragmatic and calculated reasoning she usually has, and Branislava even points this out to us in the conversation. I have some doubts this was the right decision, but I am willing to continue this path for the belief that this is not her honest thoughts but an intentional tactic on Duvessa’s part. By being heavy handed about marrying for love, I think Duvessa is purposefully weaponizing Branislava’s burgeoning crush on Shai against her. If she is continually pushed to pursue her feelings, It would be an absolute and complete victory for us if she takes Shai as her husband, who we completely control. I’m unfamiliar with the rules of succession, but if we dispose of Branislava, could Shai become the Patriarch of Quinza? Even if that were not possible, she would effectively be our puppet at that point.

 

[Buletti]

A couple days ago J1215 brought up what would be the best choice regarding the direction we should steer Branislava towards, and I wanted to throw in my two cents since this decision was one of the most difficult for me to make, since this isn’t really a choice with a direct consequence, but more of a long term route that will go on for multiple episodes with a lot of branching options. So for those who haven’t finished Enmity part 1, be warned there will be spoilers.

I speculate that if you choose to consider the marriage plan with Lord Radek, he will have a much more amenable relationship with our faction and his support will be considerably easier to obtain. However, he understands his strategic leverage he has over Branislava, and will not allow her to string him along like we can with Calder due to him being in a much stronger position. He will continually pressure her into wedding him, and if we allow that to happen Radek will use his elevated status to try and usurp Branislava’s role as the head of house Quinza, and subsequently ends our opportunity to influence her.

On the other hand, outright rejecting him will make him hostile right away and make winning the battle of succession much more difficult. It boils down to dealing with him now in an upfront and risky manner, or in the future through subterfuge. I first chose to reject him, but I wasn’t really satisfied with Duvessa’s explanation. It seemed to lack the pragmatic and calculated reasoning she usually has, and Branislava even points this out to us in the conversation. I have some doubts this was the right decision, but I am willing to continue this path for the belief that this is not her honest thoughts but an intentional tactic on Duvessa’s part. By being heavy handed about marrying for love, I think Duvessa is purposefully weaponizing Branislava’s burgeoning crush on Shai against her. If she is continually pushed to pursue her feelings, It would be an absolute and complete victory for us if she takes Shai as her husband, who we completely control. I’m unfamiliar with the rules of succession, but if we dispose of Branislava, could Shai become the Patriarch of Quinza? Even if that were not possible, she would effectively be our puppet at that point.

For me personally this was one of the easiest decisions as I want Brani to be one of Vs girls. So fuck the dude.

 

[omen777]

I choose to allow the relationship hoping we could manipulate the dude like we manipulate Calder. I of course hope to make him a cuck and in the end deny him the prise. But I can admit that sometime Duvessa can loose some of her bet. I hope she wins most of the time nearly al the time but some loss (1 or 2 time in 10?) speecially if ti's only temporary setback would make the game more intersting : we'll get the feeling our choices are important.
I like the game but that's one point a little disapointing for me in this part 2 : we accomplish not much and we don't see how our choices can lead to bad situations unlike the first episode who make us feel clearly that choosing to be very aggressive could lead to loosing the trial. I hope the second part will be more meaningfull. We can feel there is depth in the story and that one day we will have the consequences of our choice. It just that for now it's a little as Duvessa's choices are of little concequneces.

 

[Nymyx]

For me personally this was one of the easiest decisions as I want Brani to be one of Vs girls. So fuck the dude.

So true. I was really disappointed she didn't seem interested in girls, but that hasn't stopped Duvessa before. Sexuality is basically a suggestion, or a hurdle to overcome for anyone she's interested in. If we can seduce Veska, who by all accounts is straight and in love with our brother (and who we're also blackmailing), then we can surely seduce the cute tomboy right? Hell, in my playthrough I even made the abbess of the church fall in love with me.

 

[dragoonknight1221999]

I choose to allow the relationship hoping we could manipulate the dude like we manipulate Calder. I of course hope to make him a cuck and in the end deny him the prise. But I can admit that sometime Duvessa can loose some of her bet. I hope she wins most of the time nearly al the time but some loss (1 or 2 time in 10?) speecially if ti's only temporary setback would make the game more intersting : we'll get the feeling our choices are important.
I like the game but that's one point a little disapointing for me in this part 2 : we accomplish not much and we don't see how our choices can lead to bad situations unlike the first episode who make us feel clearly that choosing to be very aggressive could lead to loosing the trial. I hope the second part will be more meaningfull. We can feel there is depth in the story and that one day we will have the consequences of our choice. It just that for now it's a little as Duvessa's choices are of little concequneces.

If I had to take a guess, the big thing for Chapter 2 is the tournament and a lot of our choices will determine if things work out the way Duvessa wants them to. I know that originally Chapter 2 was going to be a single release, but later it was determined to be better split into 2 parts for a number of reasons. So similar to the trial, I think we'll be able to see the impact of our choices by the next update which should wrap up the rest of Chapter 2.