Just got to the part with the Tether, could do with a little explanation.
The Tether seems to be a limiter on the number of places we can visit at this stage, with each 'step' triggering 'conversation' scenes in towns. Is there a formula for figuring out/manipulating who Stewart pursues, or is it just ticking down a list of interactions that are keyed to happen at each 'step'? I found Stewart/Lindsey in one town and had a conversation with them, which I'm assuming cockblocked that route from advancing? Is that a way to prevent certain girls routes from advancing?*
*Okay yes, that seems to be the case. Save/loading to see the difference; one was just a fruitless conversation, the other was Heather sucking Stewarts dick.
Also, what are these random stats? Like talking to Heather sometimes gets me 'Interspecies Relations +1', while talking to Lindsey gives me 'Relationship Counciling +1'. Is this the groundwork of some sort of player-focused affection system?
Not even sure what I'm supposed to be doing, just kinda bumbling around. Probably supposed to be looking for 'Fragments', but there's seemingly nothing in any town except triggering conversation scenes.
Also does getting someone 'the job' in Evergreen lock out/influence routes? I'm guessing maybe Stewart can't start getting 'acquainted' with a girl that's missing for that part of the story. For example, I can't seem to find the redhead at all during any of the 'tether' step town conversation, so I'm guessing whoever you 'get the job' becomes unavailable?