VN Ren'Py Summer's Gone [S1 Steam + DLC] [Oceanlab]

[John972]

As Jazz said, she always enters places without authorization, this is common in her profession.

Such actions are not consequence-free. The media can lurk on public property, such as the sidewalk outside the college. They have no legal right to enter private property. Given the reporter's history, a trespass order would have been slapped on her ass by now. If Mila's fears are well-founded, then Nika could easily enter this Oceanverse college with an AR-15 and a thousand rounds with absolutely no one to stop him.

 

[jadepaladin]

Such actions are not consequence-free. Like I said, a trespass order would have been slapped on her ass by now. If Mila's fears are well-founded, then Nika could easily enter this Oceanverse college with an AR-15 and a thousand rounds with absolutely no one to stop him.

Not to mention, the stories she seems to be chasing are pretty weak. It's tabloid stuff at best. I just write her off as the typical VN excuse for drama. College VNs are notorious for having weak plot threads from time to time.

 

[Miranha157]

Such actions are not consequence-free. The media can lurk on public property, such as the sidewalk outside the college. They have no legal right to enter private property. Given the reporter's history, a trespass order would have been slapped on her ass by now. If Mila's fears are well-founded, then Nika could easily enter this Oceanverse college with an AR-15 and a thousand rounds with absolutely no one to stop him.

At my university I can even enter with a Glock in my backpack and no one will care, lol. I don't know about your country, but here no one takes searches or strangers seriously.

But well, in 5 chapters I haven't seen a single security guard on the university premises, maybe this is a huge mistake on Ocean's part or that no one is brave enough to face the Zanes, Revera and Petrova.

 

[dameromexxx]

Maybe, but I got the feeling that Katie was talking for tbe whole group. I can be wrong and one of them did though.

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

This whole discussion about this rumor has brought to my attention a certain thing that I haven't noticed before.

Namely, we're not really dealing with two cases of rumors spreading, both of them optional, but three.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

It's doubtful that Sai and his gang would go around the College talking about how Nika kicked his ass
Bella doesn't give a damn about these types of situations
The only additional people who saw the confrontation happen are Sasha and her Redhead friend so what? this mysterious ''thingy'' again or Redhead is actually a troublemaker or another crazy theory Redhead + (Sasha Clique)

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

It stands out in the case where we assume that we are dealing with one and the same person.

The design of the tattoo is different, but it may be, as Bob once mentioned, Ocean's imperfection. It is also worth noting that she is visible in one of the previews during the visit to the student house, which automatically reminds us of her connections with Robin, and of course Sasha's trademark painted white hair.

So again the mysterious third angel + (Sasha Clique)

What am I getting at? Namely, that the only thing that connects these three instances of rumor-mongering is the fact that in each of these events there is at least one person present who was seen during that memorable supposedly accidental sit-down in the cafeteria.


What is the actual effect of spreading these rumors?

In isolation, we focus on a single event, so Nika had sex with Robin in the bathroom, Nika almost sent Sai to the hospital, Nika had sex with Nora. But as a series of events and rumors, it makes all of this only and exclusively about Nika, portraying him as one of the bigger Chads and bad guys in College.

Why and for what long-term purpose they would do this I have no idea, but this discussion about rumors brought to my mind this series of connections resulting in this twisted theory about who is supposedly behind spreading these gossips

 

[LHDLLB]

The range of background characters in SG is a beautiful thing, not because they are mostly babes, but because many of these characters break the prevailent AVN stereotype that any visible female character in an AVN is present solely to serve as a simp/fucktoy to the MC.

Ocean chooses to constantly and deliberately put focus on some of these background characters (goth girl, for example), so the assumption is that they have a role (even if small) to play in the story. The college rumor mill is a good example of a role they likely play, especially with that reporter looking for dirt (PS - to be honest, the implementation of the reporter's arc is very weakly implemented IMHO. A TV crew cannot just walk onto college grounds and into hallways to harass students. That reporter would easily be subject to a restraining or trespass order by now).

I really love the premise that, while some of these background characters may be central to the plot, they have absolutely no romantic interest in the MC whatsoever, and never will. I am sure there will be those who throw a tantrum if their chosen background character doesn't get conquered by the MC. Maybe that is where Nadia/Nancy's 18+ roleplaying game comes in - allowing some improbable sexy times with characters otherwise not interested in the MC.

On a different note... We know that Season 2 Chapter 1 will be a big update. I suspect that the playing time of the update will depend on previous in-game choices, because Ocean has reached that point in the game where some serious branching begins in earnest (for example, if not on a Zara path then a player will possibly miss content in the next update. Same goes for Bella. Mila, Nia. Cheeto et al)). As usual, this makes multiple playthroughs on different paths mandatory - not only to savor the entirety of the AVN, but also to discover morsels of new background information only available on particular paths.

I doubt Ocean's new PCs will shorten the time between updates. I suspect they will enable him to implement a complex story with multiple branching (requiring a huge amount of renders). Ocean already demonstrated this in the previews where the clothes Mila wears in a given Season 2 scene depend on previous player choices.

I mostly agree with you on all fronts, the reporter thing is strange but until we know more I will hold judgment. I think that Ocean may make a background character lewable if does not change the story too much, but I agree with you that is refreshing. I sure hope that the updates comes out more fast and at better consistency. Regarding braching I think is still early for something crazy, my bet is that some scenes may be longer or shorter depending on choices but will be mostly flavored

Not to mention, the stories she seems to be chasing are pretty weak. It's tabloid stuff at best. I just write her off as the typical VN excuse for drama. College VNs are notorious for having weak plot threads from time to time.

Agree. but as I said, will wait a bit longer on that. I think that there will be more to it.

At my university I can even enter with a Glock in my backpack and no one will care, lol. I don't know about your country, but here no one takes searches or strangers seriously.

But well, in 5 chapters I haven't seen a single security guard on the university premises, maybe this is a huge mistake on Ocean's part or that no one is brave enough to face the Zanes, Revera and Petrova.

Not the same thing. Granted we have a very differently culture but not even the state police can enter the university grounds I doubt that a report could.

 

[Miranha157]

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

This whole discussion about this rumor has brought to my attention a certain thing that I haven't noticed before.

Namely, we're not really dealing with two cases of rumors spreading, both of them optional, but three.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

It's doubtful that Sai and his gang would go around the College talking about how Nika kicked his ass
Bella doesn't give a damn about these types of situations
The only additional people who saw the confrontation happen are Sasha and her Redhead friend so what? this mysterious ''thingy'' again or Redhead is actually a troublemaker or another crazy theory Redhead + (Sasha Clique)

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

It stands out in the case where we assume that we are dealing with one and the same person.
View attachment 4420920 View attachment 4420924
The design of the tattoo is different, but it may be, as Bob once mentioned, Ocean's imperfection. It is also worth noting that she is visible in one of the previews during the visit to the student house, which automatically reminds us of her connections with Robin, and of course Sasha's trademark painted white hair.

So again the mysterious third angel + (Sasha Clique)

What am I getting at? Namely, that the only thing that connects these three instances of rumor-mongering is the fact that in each of these events there is at least one person present who was seen during that memorable supposedly accidental sit-down in the cafeteria.
View attachment 4420998

What is the actual effect of spreading these rumors?

In isolation, we focus on a single event, so Nika had sex with Robin in the bathroom, Nika almost sent Sai to the hospital, Nika had sex with Nora. But as a series of events and rumors, it makes all of this only and exclusively about Nika, portraying him as one of the bigger Chads and bad guys in College.

Why and for what long-term purpose they would do this I have no idea, but this discussion about rumors brought to my mind this series of connections resulting in this twisted theory about who is supposedly behind spreading these gossips

 

[LHDLLB]

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

This whole discussion about this rumor has brought to my attention a certain thing that I haven't noticed before.

Namely, we're not really dealing with two cases of rumors spreading, both of them optional, but three.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

It's doubtful that Sai and his gang would go around the College talking about how Nika kicked his ass
Bella doesn't give a damn about these types of situations
The only additional people who saw the confrontation happen are Sasha and her Redhead friend so what? this mysterious ''thingy'' again or Redhead is actually a troublemaker or another crazy theory Redhead + (Sasha Clique)

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

It stands out in the case where we assume that we are dealing with one and the same person.
View attachment 4420920 View attachment 4420924
The design of the tattoo is different, but it may be, as Bob once mentioned, Ocean's imperfection. It is also worth noting that she is visible in one of the previews during the visit to the student house, which automatically reminds us of her connections with Robin, and of course Sasha's trademark painted white hair.

So again the mysterious third angel + (Sasha Clique)

What am I getting at? Namely, that the only thing that connects these three instances of rumor-mongering is the fact that in each of these events there is at least one person present who was seen during that memorable supposedly accidental sit-down in the cafeteria.
View attachment 4420998

What is the actual effect of spreading these rumors?

In isolation, we focus on a single event, so Nika had sex with Robin in the bathroom, Nika almost sent Sai to the hospital, Nika had sex with Nora. But as a series of events and rumors, it makes all of this only and exclusively about Nika, portraying him as one of the bigger Chads and bad guys in College.

Why and for what long-term purpose they would do this I have no idea, but this discussion about rumors brought to my mind this series of connections resulting in this twisted theory about who is supposedly behind spreading these gossips

I like your idea but I don't think that the rumors and gossip are a thought out plan to tarnished Nika reputation

 

[dameromexxx]

View attachment 4421048

Well, you said yourself that you like reading crazy theories

 

[Miranha157]

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

Robin and Nika, it could well be any of these, even Robin herself, but I remember that she was as surprised as Nika when they mentioned the rumors.

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

As for Nora, I would even be surprised if there weren't some rumors kkkkkk.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

As for Sai, it could be anyone, including Sai himself, just to burn Nika.

 

[John972]

Maybe it's from the branched route when Maja asks Nika for a favor, I remember that one of the options depended on her accepting to do a favor for him. Let's suppose that Nika charges for this sexual favor and Maja would have no option since Vic is above her priorities and a favor is a favor.

Nika has the option to press both Maja and Robin for favors. At this point, I suspect he'll cash them in to aid one of his various plots/schemes, rather than asking for sexual favors.

 

[Miranha157]

Nika has the option to press both Maja and Robin for favors. At this point, I suspect he'll cash them in to aid one of his various plots/schemes, rather than asking for sexual favors.

What if one of these plots is to indict Mario's father for alleged abuse? Nika looks like a fool, but the crazy guy is intelligent and he only didn't take revenge on Bella because she is an ally.

 

[Miranha157]

You must be registered to see the links

Hello,
So...

Chapter 5's full is coming along well, and I've finished the most daunting scene. The Bella heist night from Chapter 2 is done.
Just to give you an idea of how much longer that scene is:

Old Chapter 2: 77 Renders

New Chapter 2: 234 renders

The heist night has tripled in size.

I'll add some comparisons here and there. (4K of all images attached.)

Old Chapter 2

New

Old

New

Old

New

But... will the night end after the heist?

The heirloom Bella and the MC steal now have a separate scene too.

I'd say I'm about 65% done with the rework and around 600 renders in. I'm actually faster than I first anticipated. I did struggle a little with the heist scenes. I had to create so many new environments (Except the outside).

The only stuff that's still missing is the college Part in Chapter 2. I already finished the Bella end scenes (Previewed it in the last log.) and the beginning is also completely done.

I'd say around 500 renders more and it's done.

Here's another scene from Chapter 2 that's done.

Old Noji & Nami morning after the heist.

New

While I was scrolling through the old Chapters... I found this old Nightmare of a scene.

I remember said scene vividly... Before Chapter 3 was released, I completely re-did it because I couldn't render it properly and had to blur the shit out of it bc every character in the background was on the lowest res possible so I could render it. Still, this scene still features the shitty Mila model.

I'm redoing said scene and I'm almost done with it.

I had a pretty long call with my tax office.

I won't be able to buy as much music as I did in the past for quite some time if we ignore a potential Steam success.

The issue is that I have to write off music licenses over 10 years if they're over 500-800€. A lot of them are...

This means only a fraction of the music I paid for will be counted as a business expense for the upcoming years

It's ~0.83% per month that I can deduct. The rest of the money I already spent on licenses, I have to pay taxes on... Even though the money has already been spent on the game/business.

I won't have tax problems or something like that, but it fucks with my future music endeavors and I need to be much more careful. Don't expect a big collection of music at the beginning of Season 2.



And it wouldn't be a Season 2 Dev log without a Season 2 preview...

I'll be moving in a few days and I'll try to get everything done ASAP. I'll be one day without internet though.

WiAB's going to be out soon and I'm speedrunning the ~1100 renders for the Chapter 5 Full.


I'll see you in two weeks!

I might make some SG and WiAB Christmas treats. Maybe Bellchen and Katie together... I'll see where my inspiration takes me.


- Ocean​

Does anyone have the previews?

 

[MrTrue]

Does anyone have the previews?

You want the previews of an update that already happened? That post is from 2023...

 

[Miranha157]

You want the previews of an update that already happened? That post is from 2023...

Someone might have it, there are people who keep it or it might still be on Patreon.

 

[MrTrue]

Someone might have it, there are people who keep it or it might still be on Patreon.

Yes but I am fairly certain he searched "S2" or "Season 2" and thinks that is the S2 we are waiting for and not just the remake of the old chapter.

 

[John972]

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

This whole discussion about this rumor has brought to my attention a certain thing that I haven't noticed before.

Namely, we're not really dealing with two cases of rumors spreading, both of them optional, but three.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

It's doubtful that Sai and his gang would go around the College talking about how Nika kicked his ass
Bella doesn't give a damn about these types of situations
The only additional people who saw the confrontation happen are Sasha and her Redhead friend so what? this mysterious ''thingy'' again or Redhead is actually a troublemaker or another crazy theory Redhead + (Sasha Clique)

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

It stands out in the case where we assume that we are dealing with one and the same person.
View attachment 4420920 View attachment 4420924
The design of the tattoo is different, but it may be, as Bob once mentioned, Ocean's imperfection. It is also worth noting that she is visible in one of the previews during the visit to the student house, which automatically reminds us of her connections with Robin, and of course Sasha's trademark painted white hair.

So again the mysterious third angel + (Sasha Clique)

What am I getting at? Namely, that the only thing that connects these three instances of rumor-mongering is the fact that in each of these events there is at least one person present who was seen during that memorable supposedly accidental sit-down in the cafeteria.
View attachment 4420998

What is the actual effect of spreading these rumors?

In isolation, we focus on a single event, so Nika had sex with Robin in the bathroom, Nika almost sent Sai to the hospital, Nika had sex with Nora. But as a series of events and rumors, it makes all of this only and exclusively about Nika, portraying him as one of the bigger Chads and bad guys in College.

Why and for what long-term purpose they would do this I have no idea, but this discussion about rumors brought to my mind this series of connections resulting in this twisted theory about who is supposedly behind spreading these gossips

If you look at the set of Season 2 renders that Ocean released in dev log #15, there is one entitled "Shadowy figures" that shows a female looking at and/or eavesdropping on a group of four other females. The female wears a baseball cap turned backwards...



Could the baseball cap wearer in both these renders be the same person? Does the dev log #15 preview render tell us anything about that person? i.e. is she someone who listens in from the background and spreads rumors? I know this is wild speculation, but, hey, why not?

 

[BobTheDuck]

I like your idea but I don't think that the rumors and gossip are a thought out plan to tarnished Nika reputation

Well, let's not put it past Ocean. As much as we talk about things being plausible, he will stretch what is probable to fit his agenda. We already know the cabin is located too far to drive to for a day trip, but close enough to walk to. Compared to that, rumours will be Ocean's 'get out of jail free' card. "How did they knoy THAT? ...oh right that person in the background ...rumours." It's quite a clever mechanism. Any important event, we'll have to think, what it professor plub or colonel mustard?

As far as Nika's reputation, there are parallel lines in the game concerning that. One is Nika is going to be a rising star of the team, so he'll be exposed to public scrutiny, triggering panic attacks etc. What better way to expose him to panic attacks than rumours he has no control over? He suffers one in the middle of an important game maybe? Then there is is record, he's been charged, even if the charges were dropped. Ceril has it out for Bella, rumours (such as assault or theft) will give her excuses to investigate Nika. Reputation will confirm her suspicions to start tracking him.

And don't forget Emilio deals in rumours. He sends Desiree out to dig up dirt, she's there behind the reporter.

Robin and Nika, it could well be any of these, even Robin herself, but I remember that she was as surprised as Nika when they mentioned the rumors.

View attachment 4421095



As for Nora, I would even be surprised if there weren't some rumors kkkkkk.

View attachment 4421098



As for Sai, it could be anyone, including Sai himself, just to burn Nika.

View attachment 4421101
View attachment 4421103

Looking at each independently is wise, I don't think there's a specific orchestrator of a smear campaign (although Sasha's 'maybe he did deserve it' comment about Nika getting locked up suggests some people have axes to grind.

First instance - there can always be someone else listening in. It'd just be poor form. Nora is likely to start rumours just by speaking anyway, even if Miriam tells her off. Nora probably wouldn't consider it gossip, because she's telling the facts ...she's intentionally designed as a character to be flighty, ditzy and loose lipped. But we know Robin mentioned it herself to people at the bookclub, so there's the chance that the rumours have multiple sources.

Second instance, yeah, can't imagine any of them signed non disclosure agreements. JUst a guy being locked in the locker rooms would be enough to joke about and be in their social media feeds. Surprised there's no post on aurora of Nika in handcuffs yet.

Last, consider that Bella's absence is noted by the girls, and that's a pretty minor thing, but her going out with Nika is an established fact without NIka, Nami or Bella having said anything publicly - except for Nika at the bar, talking with Ayua, Trey, Jeff, Damian - oh and Robin's there. So imagine Sai turns up with a face looking like a split tomato, and Nika's got a split lip. Even NOra will put two and two together. Even if no one has seen it other than those, everyone would be asking Sai what happened, just like they asked Nika. And Jeff knows about it from the hallway moment and the bar talk. So there's no NDA's here either, and people don't need to see the event to start a rumour.

Nika has the option to press both Maja and Robin for favors. At this point, I suspect he'll cash them in to aid one of his various plots/schemes, rather than asking for sexual favors.

Nadia also owes a favour depending on your choices (ie not on Bella's path):

What if one of these plots is to indict Mario's father for alleged abuse? Nika looks like a fool, but the crazy guy is intelligent and he only didn't take revenge on Bella because she is an ally.

Well, with what Bella writes on Mario's car, the whole basic plot to get Stefan cucking Mario, it's already decided that Nika and Bella are trying to do that in some form.

Further on that, from WiaB we know the Holgerson's had a 'paper' business, and the parents were resisting digitising it. I suspect paper means newspaper, not a paper mill. That might mean the reporter is Stefan's employee.

You know, we don't have that many options at all.
Either it's all five together or one of the five or Robin or possibly this mysterious ''thingy'' + or another one of the crazy theories, namely Robin + (Sasha Clique).

This whole discussion about this rumor has brought to my attention a certain thing that I haven't noticed before.

Namely, we're not really dealing with two cases of rumors spreading, both of them optional, but three.

The question that bothers me is who spread the rumor that Nika one-punched Sai and was close to sending him to the hospital. Let's think about who knew about this

It's doubtful that Sai and his gang would go around the College talking about how Nika kicked his ass
Bella doesn't give a damn about these types of situations
The only additional people who saw the confrontation happen are Sasha and her Redhead friend so what? this mysterious ''thingy'' again or Redhead is actually a troublemaker or another crazy theory Redhead + (Sasha Clique)

And finally the third rumor, namely Nika and Nora
Each of them saw what really happened and there was no sex. And again the whole group is spreading lies together, either one of them or again this mysterious ''thingy''. But again does anyone stand out from them?

It stands out in the case where we assume that we are dealing with one and the same person.
View attachment 4420920 View attachment 4420924
The design of the tattoo is different, but it may be, as Bob once mentioned, Ocean's imperfection. It is also worth noting that she is visible in one of the previews during the visit to the student house, which automatically reminds us of her connections with Robin, and of course Sasha's trademark painted white hair.

So again the mysterious third angel + (Sasha Clique)

What am I getting at? Namely, that the only thing that connects these three instances of rumor-mongering is the fact that in each of these events there is at least one person present who was seen during that memorable supposedly accidental sit-down in the cafeteria.
View attachment 4420998

What is the actual effect of spreading these rumors?

In isolation, we focus on a single event, so Nika had sex with Robin in the bathroom, Nika almost sent Sai to the hospital, Nika had sex with Nora. But as a series of events and rumors, it makes all of this only and exclusively about Nika, portraying him as one of the bigger Chads and bad guys in College.

Why and for what long-term purpose they would do this I have no idea, but this discussion about rumors brought to my mind this series of connections resulting in this twisted theory about who is supposedly behind spreading these gossips

Halfway through this reply, I realised I should mention there are more rumours. Kate already calls Bella Nika's girlfriend the night after they go to the diner (if you get that locker room scene because you didn't kiss Bella). Vanessa also knows things. And not all rumours will be based on Nika.

We also assume Emilio is on our side, but we don't know anything about Emilio other than he's for hire these days, which presumably means he's had a falling out with the Zanes.

If you look at the set of Season 2 renders that Ocean released in dev log #15, there is one entitled "Shadowy figures" that shows a female looking at and/or eavesdropping on a group of four other females. The female wears a baseball cap turned backwards...

View attachment 4421237 View attachment 4421242

Could the baseball cap wearer in both these renders be the same person? Does the dev log #15 preview render tell us anything about that person? i.e. is she someone who listens in from the background and spreads rumors? I know this is wild speculation, but, hey, why not?

And for all we know, her character exists only to gossip with her smirks. But if this is the grey dyed version of the brunette we saw earlier with Sasha, she talks with Coates in the mensa. So she might actually have a serious plot.

Did she really tell? Because we know how gossip spreads very quickly among women, maybe one of the women involved in the bathroom told her friend, and that's how it spread.

Oh and I missed this one:



So we don't know which rumour, but given Robin's embarrassment, it's probably the one about her, so yes, she did dpill the beans.

 

[John972]

Well, let's not put it past Ocean. As much as we talk about things being plausible, he will stretch what is probable to fit his agenda...

Some excellent points in your post. One can only wonder how Ocean with manage all these subtle plot points.

On the subject of Ocean's agenda, among the Easter Eggs Ocean put in Season 1...



Hugo Reyes is definitely not impressed...

 

[Miranha157]

Looking at each independently is wise, I don't think there's a specific orchestrator of a smear campaign (although Sasha's 'maybe he did deserve it' comment about Nika getting locked up suggests some people have axes to grind.

First instance - there can always be someone else listening in. It'd just be poor form. Nora is likely to start rumours just by speaking anyway, even if Miriam tells her off. Nora probably wouldn't consider it gossip, because she's telling the facts ...she's intentionally designed as a character to be flighty, ditzy and loose lipped. But we know Robin mentioned it herself to people at the bookclub, so there's the chance that the rumours have multiple sources.

Second instance, yeah, can't imagine any of them signed non disclosure agreements. JUst a guy being locked in the locker rooms would be enough to joke about and be in their social media feeds. Surprised there's no post on aurora of Nika in handcuffs yet.

Last, consider that Bella's absence is noted by the girls, and that's a pretty minor thing, but her going out with Nika is an established fact without NIka, Nami or Bella having said anything publicly - except for Nika at the bar, talking with Ayua, Trey, Jeff, Damian - oh and Robin's there. So imagine Sai turns up with a face looking like a split tomato, and Nika's got a split lip. Even NOra will put two and two together. Even if no one has seen it other than those, everyone would be asking Sai what happened, just like they asked Nika. And Jeff knows about it from the hallway moment and the bar talk. So there's no NDA's here either, and people don't need to see the event to start a rumour.

I need the Red Bull effect to wear off, after that I'll read and comment, for now I'm thinking about sucking Vanessa's tits.

 

[LHDLLB]

Well, let's not put it past Ocean. As much as we talk about things being plausible, he will stretch what is probable to fit his agenda. We already know the cabin is located too far to drive to for a day trip, but close enough to walk to. Compared to that, rumours will be Ocean's 'get out of jail free' card. "How did they knoy THAT? ...oh right that person in the background ...rumours." It's quite a clever mechanism. Any important event, we'll have to think, what it professor plub or colonel mustard?

As far as Nika's reputation, there are parallel lines in the game concerning that. One is Nika is going to be a rising star of the team, so he'll be exposed to public scrutiny, triggering panic attacks etc. What better way to expose him to panic attacks than rumours he has no control over? He suffers one in the middle of an important game maybe? Then there is is record, he's been charged, even if the charges were dropped. Ceril has it out for Bella, rumours (such as assault or theft) will give her excuses to investigate Nika. Reputation will confirm her suspicions to start tracking him.

And don't forget Emilio deals in rumours. He sends Desiree out to dig up dirt, she's there behind the reporter.



Looking at each independently is wise, I don't think there's a specific orchestrator of a smear campaign (although Sasha's 'maybe he did deserve it' comment about Nika getting locked up suggests some people have axes to grind.

First instance - there can always be someone else listening in. It'd just be poor form. Nora is likely to start rumours just by speaking anyway, even if Miriam tells her off. Nora probably wouldn't consider it gossip, because she's telling the facts ...she's intentionally designed as a character to be flighty, ditzy and loose lipped. But we know Robin mentioned it herself to people at the bookclub, so there's the chance that the rumours have multiple sources.

Second instance, yeah, can't imagine any of them signed non disclosure agreements. JUst a guy being locked in the locker rooms would be enough to joke about and be in their social media feeds. Surprised there's no post on aurora of Nika in handcuffs yet.

Last, consider that Bella's absence is noted by the girls, and that's a pretty minor thing, but her going out with Nika is an established fact without NIka, Nami or Bella having said anything publicly - except for Nika at the bar, talking with Ayua, Trey, Jeff, Damian - oh and Robin's there. So imagine Sai turns up with a face looking like a split tomato, and Nika's got a split lip. Even NOra will put two and two together. Even if no one has seen it other than those, everyone would be asking Sai what happened, just like they asked Nika. And Jeff knows about it from the hallway moment and the bar talk. So there's no NDA's here either, and people don't need to see the event to start a rumour.



Nadia also owes a favour depending on your choices (ie not on Bella's path):

View attachment 4421289 View attachment 4421290



Well, with what Bella writes on Mario's car, the whole basic plot to get Stefan cucking Mario, it's already decided that Nika and Bella are trying to do that in some form.

Further on that, from WiaB we know the Holgerson's had a 'paper' business, and the parents were resisting digitising it. I suspect paper means newspaper, not a paper mill. That might mean the reporter is Stefan's employee.



Halfway through this reply, I realised I should mention there are more rumours. Kate already calls Bella Nika's girlfriend the night after they go to the diner (if you get that locker room scene because you didn't kiss Bella). Vanessa also knows things. And not all rumours will be based on Nika.

We also assume Emilio is on our side, but we don't know anything about Emilio other than he's for hire these days, which presumably means he's had a falling out with the Zanes.



And for all we know, her character exists only to gossip with her smirks. But if this is the grey dyed version of the brunette we saw earlier with Sasha, she talks with Coates in the mensa. So she might actually have a serious plot.



Oh and I missed this one:

View attachment 4421321 View attachment 4421322 View attachment 4421324 View attachment 4421325 View attachment 4421326

So we don't know which rumour, but given Robin's embarrassment, it's probably the one about her, so yes, she did dpill the beans.

I quite agree on all fronts. What I intented to say is that there is no master mind behind those rumours. People gossip and make up stories, it does not need to have a person or group of people scheming against Nika.