I Wanted to share that after the release of my first build of Lykaois, I was honestly shocked on the outcome. Thousands of page views, hundreds, hell almost thousands of downloads, and plenty of 5-star ratings. I'd want to be the first to say thank you to all of those who are enjoying the story so far. With so many people supporting this, I can't thank everyone personally, but do know, I see you! It's been two days since release, and the number of people interacting with this project is astounding. 

Now! There is a few things I'm gonna discuss here and now before this gets too big and so y'all know what is what. I've gotten some reviews and even DMs about Lykaois these few days. I'm all for constructive criticism and all, but there is a difference between that and well... being an outright ass. Y'all can probably already see where this is going, but were going to talk about it, because I am not only seeing it grow here but I've been seeing it happen to other authors/artist on here as well.  We get those who give these harsh reviews and comments because they don't like something about the story, or even try to have it bend to their will. Some don't understand some points in the story and it frustrates them, and that's fine! But if there's something you don't understand, ask. Don't go on a review rant before clarifying what you want to know.  This may not only discourage the author but many potential readers. They may see your review and be like "oh maybe I shouldn't read this one." Some people take reviews to heart. What you may not understand the next person might. 

"Fenris it sounds like you cant handle criticism." 

Oh no don't get it twisted I can believe you me. But there's a difference between that and being a jerk.  These "concerns" (very lightly put) I've been getting has had a certain pattern to them. The folks with these "concerns" are  projecting themselves and comparing me to other authors. I am in NO way trying to be any other author. I did this my way, and either people like it or they don't and that's fine. Going on a rant isn't going to change much on how I write this novel. Before you push that send button think about what you said and how it may come across. Is this an actual review? Is this a general concern or are you just confused and it frustrates you?  Yes there's a difference. Don't come on here and act you know what the author maybe going for or like you know a certain way a VN is supposed to be because I didn't get the memo. 

"Fenris you sound like an ass and very unapproachable."

Again don't get it twisted. I'm just blunt and I am very approachable. The way my life has been and what I been through, you learn not to let people walk all over you or let them talk to you in any way and try and make it justified by saying "No offense or anything." If you have to add anything like that along the line of trying to tell someone something, you probably shouldn't open your mouth because they're probably going to get offended and it's going to come off offensive.  Listen no matte how far this novel goes, I'm not going to change who I am. What you see is what you get. I've seen many popular furs in the fandom who hit the "spotlight" but put of a face in order to make other people happy without worrying about themselves. By then, it ain't worth it. You're never going to make everyone happy. Someone is going to have those standards you will never meet.  I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea, coffee, alcoholic drink, whatever you want to describe it as lol, but I know who I am as a person.  I know there's some criticism that may sting a bit but is warranted, but I know the difference between that and a asshole.  I may seem unapproachable and I've been told that many times, but the ones who actually approach and know me knows that I'm a friendly ass person. You see me at a con and are like "Hey Fenris! Can I take a photo? Can we hang for a bit?" Hell yeah let's do it! "Fenris let me buy you a drink!" Hell yeah let's kill it! In person I feed off energy. Negative energy warrants a negative reaction. 

"Fenris are you going to continue to use those AI generated background?"

Hey it's already out there. Let me tell you guys something. I don't know how this may sound but I don't honestly mean anything negative about it but how some of these AI generators work almost no different then how artist work.  Let me explain and break it down:

Artist: Gets a request for some artwork to be done. Person pays artist to do a specific piece. Artist ask for some references to help better their workflow. Customer gives said references from various sources to help the artist better understand what the customer wants. Artist completes the work done in their style and customer is happy.

AI generator: Customer opens ai. Customer types up keywords pertaining to what they want. AI scans the web for references matching the keywords the customer typed . AI generates various images based on the keywords the customer typed and the references it found from various sources. 

My point I'm trying to make here is the process is almost the same. These ai generate artwork by going through various references found from multiple sources.  Most people use those generated images and edit them to fit their own style.  Artist ask for references so they have a better understanding on what to make and what they're being paid for.  Now there are some ai out there that outright steals art. They're not hard to miss because they don't hide it. Would I ever generate art for my visual novel?  No. I don't see why I would need too. There's plenty of websites that I can search for what I need and it'll give me free to use, non-copyrighted results that I can edit to fit my story. As for the scenery assets I use now I didn't even know it was AI generated until someone mentioned it. I search itch.io asset shop for what I needed, found this page where they had loads of backgrounds that are perfect for what I need, downloaded them and boom. Lykaois. On top of it all, it's all FREE! I have never, and will never pay AI or an AI "artist" for work. Artist will always have an upper hand on this subject to me simply for the fact, they're living beings. Artist take pride in this: Those AI will never be good at giving what people want. They only give a general idea. If I had the money to spend to have someone work on these scenes trust me I would of. But time are tough, I'm a broke ass bitch, and this was free lol. Do I support AI? No. I won't ever dip money into it. It's a nice tool to get ideas and inspiration from I won't deny that. But if I ever need artwork done right, I'm spending the money on real artist. 

"Fenris you could lose support over this message."

If I lose support or followers over THIS message specifically, then it's probably for the best. Point blank period. We're all chillin and vibin here. We don't want any negativity.

"Fenris I was just saying this not how things go. It should be more like this or that."

Speak up.

"Usually most VNs are layered out like this. This way doesn't make any sense."

Speak up.

"This doesn't seem right. How does the character go from this to that? Also instead of writing it like this or that, it needs to be  like this."

SPEAK UP.

"Hey Fenris, there's somethings in the story I don't quite get and want a better understanding. Can you explain some of the scenes here and here for me? I'd appreciate it."

Ok. I got you. See? It's not that hard and by some reason you simply can't enjoy it, that's fine. Thank you for trying it out we'll see you later. I hate that I had to bring this up already and was honestly hoping I didn't have to, but better it be sooner then later.  I AM BY NO MEANS TRYING TO BE AUTHOR OF THE YEAR. I am just making content expressing my imagination and putting it out there for others to enjoy.

ANYWHO!

Onwards to the other reason I am here. Build 1.5 is underway. Those who have shown nothing but love and support really gave me the inspiration to stop my break and want to continue progressing the story. I've had so many nights prior to the release where I was up until almost sunrise because of how excited I was to make this. That being said here are some updates that are to be expected in the next build:

-Chapter 1 Part 2.

-Beginning of Chapter 2.

-Added dialogue.

-Various grammar and spelling corrections.

-New/updated sound effects and music.

-New CG cutscenes (Possibly) 

I'm hoping to have the artist who made my ref sheet and sona (PFP picture.) added to the project. She was originally going to be the one who made my sprites, but I personally couldn't afford to commission a sprite with so many various emotions.  I ain't got it like that lol. But when I do, she is definitely worth the money. I do want her to create some extra scenes to toss in there to really give more of a...what's the word...immersive feel I guess? She's been my go to artist for a few years now. I've been really proud of all her work. But thank you for taking the time to read this and possibly see where I'm coming from.  Patreon members will have an early update release by a week or two. Also Patreon members will get their names added to the credits. You guys take care and I'll be seeing you. 

***P.S. To stay up to date with me in real time, head over to my twitter, follow and hit the notifications button so you never miss out on what's going on in my life, or the novel. Also to keep up to date on possible delays or concerns that may arise. ***