I don't want this to be some kind of major feature, but instead a fun option for people to play around with if they want.
It occurs to me that many of the features of this game run the risk of feature creep. As mentioned already, the spell to alter sexual orientation, which is an important facet in Callie's and Belle's stories, could potentially be used on any girl. Invade Mind would be extremely useful in myriad situations, if only to be able to have a conversation with a character which they will not remember later. Have a stubborn guard that's impeding your progress? If you happen to uncover one of his secrets, you can use Remove Inhibitions on him: "Guard duty is so boring. Wouldn't you rather head on over to the local pub and throw back a pint?" I do think it's a testament to how good some of these ideas are that they can ignite the imagination, but I can also see things spiraling out of control.
Once I found Callie was not interested in men, my mind just kind of moved on since that'd be a waste of time and I don't see what right MC would have to try to make her change her preferences.
2) Callie (Not as a romantic option, but something about her attitude just seems endearing, I guess? Like the big sister you never had.)
I think 05841035411 said this quite well. There are other ways to like a character other than romantically. I share your wariness of imposing such a drastic change upon Callie; it feels like a fundamental violation of her character. She's still currently second on my list. I am very interested in seeing how the friendship between her and Dickon will evolve.
Anyway, Samara seems to be the lowest for everyone... and I'm ok with that.
She is the least developed of them all. I suspect she'll rise quite a bit in the ranks once I start to reveal her story. She's way more than just an angry fighter.
Samarra just made a bad first impression with me. First, she's wearing typical female fantasy armor, which is a pet peeve of mine. Armor is supposed either absorb or, preferably, deflect blows. The angles of a chain-mail bikini-style armor creates traps that actually deflect blows towards vital areas, such as the sternum or throat. It's actually more dangerous for the wearer to be in a fight in that armor than no armor at all. It can transform what would be a superficial wound into a mortal one. I know realism isn't necessarily the best mindset to have while enjoying a fantasy game, but it just bugs me. I'm also fairly conservative, and I find tattoos unattractive, further hindering Samarra's appeal to me. Finally, I don't like conflating sex with violence; therefore, I do not share Samarra's arousal from the adrenaline rush of battle. I'll try to keep an open mind, and Samarra may still win me over, but she definitely started with a handicap compared to the other girls. Everyone has different tastes, though, and it's good that Samarra's in the game for those that find her attributes appealing.
3. Primrose(super cute weirdo who seems to be into you, sadly lacks any real personality)
4) Primrose (I do love bookworms, but it doesn't feel like she has enough characterization yet... She'll probably rise a lot in my rankings once she's more developed.)
I must cavil at those assessments. Everyone has their own tastes, and "beauty is in the eye of the beholder;" consequently, it's only natural some will like some characters or less than others, but I actually think Primrose is one of the most developed characters in the game. She's a romantic, and she lives partially in her own little fantasy world. Ahab is her wise, benevolent, and protective father. Sure, he drinks too much and his glances make her a little uncomfortable, but he really is a great man. Then there's Dickon. He used to be boring and a bit of a nuisance, but then she realized that he's a type of mage, just like in the stories. So powerful and dashing, and . . . and he seems to understand her and help her. Could he be her hero?
Primrose is probably, besides Belle, the most fleshed out character in the game at this point. That might be part of the reason why those two characters are dominating the poll so far. She isn't delusional, but her romanticism colors her perception of the world, allowing her to see value in things others would cast aside. The subtle evolution of Primrose's reactions to and interactions with the protagonist speak volumes about her character and her personality; however, with Primrose being so understated, reserved and introverted, it speaks in a mere whisper. On the other hand, Belle is the only one that really knows Primrose's character, and I may be letting my own romanticism color the way I view the character.
On a slightly related note, here is small update on the poll for non-patrons as of the time I'm writing this. Earlier, it was neck-and-neck between Primrose and Belle, with the pixie seeming to hold a slight edge, but Primrose looks like she's starting to run away with it.
6) Evelyn (I don't dislike her or anything, but we don't see her often, and I'm not really into the whole incest thing. I kind of wish there was a path for her to end up with Thaddeus instead of Dickon, just so she could have a healthier relationship than pining for her brother, but the playerbase would surely revolt.)
Considering the planned New Game+ feature, this made me imagine a
Groundhog Day scenario. At first, Dickon just wants to use his powers to seduce beautiful woman and benefit himself, but eventually he realizes how empty and shallow such an existence is. He decides to spend his ever repeating existence to learn to help those around him. He finds Callie a nice girlfriend, he convinces Evelyn to pursue a relationship with Thaddeus, he amicably resolves the tension between Primrose and her father. He becomes a wise and beloved figure in his town. I'm kind of interested in seeing a scenario and ending along those lines, but I'm also unsure whether the average player would consider that a good ending or a bad one.
At least she got my vote
