(Dev Scroll XIV) — One More Moment

We're back.

Firstly, my sincere apologies to followers and supporters for the recent lapse in activity. Despite what I originally hoped for when I posted the previous Dev Scroll (XIII - Foundations), production stalled and Orphan remained quiet for considerably longer than I intended.

Now, I'm back at work on Chapter 3.6 with a new release goal of Thursday, August 13th. Longtime fans of Orphan will know that I've had lapses in activity like this before... And the returns are often when this project sees its biggest and most dramatic growth spurts.

I deeply believe that the next update or two will lead to another breakthrough that will "level up" Orphan to even greater heights. Time away from the project often gives me that space needed to contemplate and think deeply on what's needed, and what will truly make the biggest difference moving forward.

Sometimes that breakthrough comes through a major advance in the story.

Other times, it comes through improvements to the artwork, sound, interface, and overall presentation. Chapter 3.6 is shaping up to combine all of these, though its most immediate transformation may be visual and interactive.

Much of the groundwork discussed in Foundations remains at the heart of the update. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of Chapter 3.6 as it takes shape. For now, here's a new glimpse at what lay ahead...

Let Your Voice Be Heard

As I return to active development, I also want to breathe more life into Orphan’s Discord, social media, and the community surrounding the game. So, I want to hear your ideas, wishes, and desires. If you could give one existing Orphan character, relationship, or scene one more moment, what would it be?

Perhaps there’s:

• A character you want to encounter again.

• An existing scene that deserves another choice or continuation.

• A relationship you want the story to acknowledge more deeply.

• A reaction or consequence you wish had been explored.

• An intimate or erotic variation you’d like to experience.

• A small atmospheric moment you think would make Orphan’s world feel more alive.

The sweet spot is one meaningful addition. It can be dramatic, romantic, disturbing, erotic, or simply strange, so long as it belongs naturally within Orphan.

Share your ideas in the comments or in the Discord between now and Thursday, July 30th. I’ll select several of the strongest suggestions that could realistically fit into Chapter 3.6 and put them to a community poll.

Then, we’ll see which desire speaks the loudest.

What Comes Next

Thursday, July 30th — Velvet Visions #004

Perhaps the lewdest issue of VV yet, exclusively for Kultist+ patrons.

Warning: This issue will likely contain many character-related spoilers concerning Chapter 3.6... Feast your eyes, but only at your own discretion.

Friday, July 31st — Community Poll Goes Up

Thursday, August 13th — Chapter 3.6

Three weeks from now, the descent resumes.

Thank you to everyone who continued reading, following, and supporting Orphan during the silence. I’m excited to be working on it again, and even more excited to show you what has been waiting beneath the surface.

The bells will sound again soon.

🩸 Onward.
— Truth @ Exalted Text