Character Builds (Part 1) - Backgrounds

Hello there!

While I'm still heavy at work on 0.1.5 (needs about a week of development still), I wanted to showcase some of the character customization I have added to the game. I am starting with Backgrounds in this post and will also give a general perk tree breakdown in a second post down the line.

I had implemented a 'Soul Trait' gimmick in a previous version, but honestly I didn't really like the concept. I do think that the more character customization in a RPG the better, even if its mostly incosequential, but the Soul Traits felt a bit out of place and didn't interact enough with the game itself to be anything more than a gimmick. However, I didn't want to return to the personality system of OG Domina because it significantly slowed down writing; I had to write alternative dialogue paths for each personality trait and make them feel more than a gimmick (which I don't think I succeeded at). I don't really want to return to that, I much prefer the current rate and speed of my writing.

So, I have taken the time to reimagine Soul Traits into Character Backgrounds. While still gimmicky, these can be used in dialogue in a much easier way since they'll only be checked when the MC's past life is mentioned. Character Backgrounds represent the MC's life before getting picked by Llavanya and are mostly a combat thing gameplay-wise; they add a small stat buff and a heavy but interesting debuff that needs to be worked around. Additionally, as mentioned, they will change the game dialogue when the MC's past life is mentioned accordingly.

I wanted Character Backgrounds to predominantly be a debuff. A big insecurity that plagued the MC during his early life, or a consistent behavior pattern that harms his prospects. For the same reason, the debuff each Background offers is much more significant than the stat boost. The MC is supposed to overcome their insecurity or other problem along the journey they will go through, and this will be simulated by giving you the option to remove the negative aspect of your trait and keep only the buff at around like the 8th or 9th Domina.

So, Domina now has official chud, manlet and gooner support. Rejoice.