[progress] check-in (Q3, 2025): looking for closed-beta testing/feedback

I’m not done with every route of chapter 14, but it’s complicated enough that I’m not likely to test it thoroughly myself. So I’m looking for closed-beta testers. My first beta-tester already found one section of the existing routes that I forgot to write. I’m certain the rest is not ready for open beta until I get several more different playthroughs by other people.

Use this google form to let me know if you are interested in playing what I currently have and are willing to send me feedback on:

• code errors that prevent progression, HTML markup mistakes, broken choice links, choices that go into an infinite loop, etc.
• continuity errors (dead people coming back to life, strange reactions for decisions you did not make, etc.)
• obvious typographical errors, more than 1 blank line between paragraphs (send screenshot of its location if that’s easier to explain), or unexpected breaks in a sentence
• historical/cultural details that could be closer to the truth with minor tweaks; I will at least learn something for future projects if I can’t change them now
• as email attachment: save files (when you use “Save as file” option in the Save menu) at the start of chapter 14 and at the end of it of one specific run, name these files something that broadly describes the route (ie. c14begin_dancer_loyalist_maxromance.save, c14end_argent_ambition_noromance.save, etc.)

If you do help me improve the draft, I may contact you again in the future for more closed-beta testing. Much appreciated. You are not obligated to keep helping me, of course. This is unpaid labor, so I appreciate your time and support.

So far…

• 349,732 words (based on illume proofing method calculation)
• average of 455 clicks to the end of chapter 14 (if not ending the story earlier)