Ooooh

He looks so good. Love the red gloves <3. Great art !

21 - Dating start!!

Some love for UF!Papyrus! ❤

instagram.com/p/DIrQe0XtBoN/?igsh=a2UxdmdicnY2em4y

Touchstarved Origins

Okay, so there's been a lot of divisive opinions over the replacement of 'The Hound' background with 'The Exile' background. I have my own thoughts that I wanted to express on the situation, as well as the origin system as a whole.

TLDR: I'm not against 'The Exile' existing, but I do think it's the least interesting and the weakest of the four backgrounds. I'm also firmly against the replacement of 'The Hound'. I also want to talk about how I would add/fix the current backgrounds. Also these are just my opinions - I'm not speaking objectively.

Spoilers ahead!

What's the point of the Origin system?

There's two main reasons for the current origin system.

First of all, each background has a 'perk', which each background can gather different types of information about the world and the love interests. This info may effect player decision-making.

Secondly, the backgrounds allow for roleplay and MC creating. This aspect is a huge part of the fandom, and RSS encourages people to make OCs with the backgrounds as a 'guide'.

How well is Origin system implemented?

I think it's important to keep in mind that it's only a demo out right now. That being said, as of these demos, I do not think the origin system has been implemented very well.

The 'perks' the backgrounds give and the story/dialogue differences are pretty minimal. This means that the way the Origin system currently works, the don't really meet the intentions behind the backgrounds.

The Exile & The Hound

Welp, onto the issue that inspired this post. First of all, I believe that 'The Hound' shouldn't have been replaced at all. IMO it was the weakest in terms of implementation, but that doesn't mean it should have been removed, just made better.

People have been building their MCs/OCs for years at this point, and it's straight up not fair for people to have their backgrounds taken away for seemingly no reason. There was no communication from RSS or even a survey from RSS asking about changing up the backgrounds.

I've also seen people say the backgrounds are 'similar enough', which I can't fully agree with. They're both survivalists, but the contexts are just too different - One is survival in in a socal world, and the other is survival in 'the wild'. Also, I think the biggest appeal to a lot of people about 'The Hound' was the criminal edge and the social intuition, which in a game about character interaction, is a big loss.

There's also the 'balance' of the original three backgrounds. While I don't think the OG backgrounds were the epitome of character building, they were different in the 'right' ways. For example: 'The Hound' is street-smart and familiar with lowtown's entertainment district, 'The Alchemist' is book-smart and somewhat familiar with lowtown's entertainment district, and 'The Unnamed' most likley has some education and isn't familiar with lowtown's entertainment district. They've also all been betrayed, which adds on to their desperation. This also means they learn different information that is relevent to the LIs (eg, 'The Unnamed senses familiar about Kuras, but 'The Alchemist' notices no magic from the reattached limb).

So, what about 'The Exile'? Backstory-wise, there's the isolation of 'The Unnamed' and a parental figure of 'The Alchemist', but no 'betrayal'. It does take some the the social intuition stuff from 'The Hound' (eg. "I've learned to recognise a leader when I see one" about Ais) but for a character that's described to live away from other people (apart from the hermit), it doesn't really fit or make sense. The 'perk' of an 'uncanny intuition' is very similar in flavour to 'The Unnamed' - I can't see why 'The Unnamed' wouldn't also have the red choice to 'move immediately'. 'The Exile' is also fluent in multiple languages, but that seems like something 'The Alchemist' would know.

In short, 'The Exile' feels like a mish-mash of the original backgrounds, lacking a strong identity - both storywise and gameplay-wise. It has qualities that already belong to a background or qualities that should belong to another background. If the goal was to have more 'cohesive' backgrounds, we ended up with a redundant background.

That being said, I do think there's a place for 'The Exile', but as it is right now, it needs a major rework.

Sidenote, blind/new players of Touchstarved aren't going to know what soulless are when selecting the backgrounds, so making it a 'selling point' of the background isn't a great move.

Things I Would Add to the Backgrounds

These are just some moments I could see happening with events that happen in the demo + feel in-tune with the background.

'The Unnamed':

I'll note it's hard to think of moments for 'The Unnamed', since we lack information on how their religion and temple function.

I think 'The Unnamed' should be the weakest fighter out of the backgrounds. Should probably never feel comfortable in altercations.

Should be the most 'aware' on what their curse does to people. Could come with different dialogue during Mr. Chocky's scene or Leander's 'hold back' scene.

Just more references to 'The Unnamed's' old faith. It was such a big part of their life, that it feels wrong to know so little.

Less knowledgeable of 'normal' society. They say the entertainment district in unfamiliar to them, but we don't actually see them go about the place much differently. For example, they shouldn't assume Vere is a sex worker because of the 'parted pink curtains'.

'The Hound':

I actually don't think 'The Hound' needs to be some super proficient combatant, but they should be the most compatent when caught off guard and general 'physical' situations. For example, they don't get knocked to the floor by the 'lowlife' in the bar, and/or their escape from the soulless is more skilful (not just trying to open a door and failing). Mhin would still show up of course.

Let. Them. Steal. The best moment I can think of is after they left Kuras's clinic, they pickpocket someone and use the money to buy food. I think it would make sense because they're already thinking about money in that scene.

Related to the last point, but 'The Hound' should be the most 'comfortable' finanally. Unlike the other backgroudns who have likely not been finanally responsible for themselves, 'The Hound' is used to poverty and low spending power (since most of the money they did have was for a cure). And of course, they have the means to steal. Maybe alter MC's lines about being worried about money.

'The Alchemist':

Not a great physical fighter, but as they get more settled in Eridia, having 'The Alchemist' preparing things such as protection enchantments. If taken off guard, they'll be weak, but if they can prepare for an encounter and such, they'll be in a better condition. That's to say, I don't mind them being 'weak' in the demo.

Some more general history stuff. For example, 'The Alchemist' thinking about how old Eridia is.

'The Exile':

I think if you're going to add a choice to fight the soulless, and a new backgound that's 'familiar' with soulless, I think it's fair to say the MC should have lived in the encounter. It's not like Mhin wouldn't have swooped in to kill the soulless anyways.

Final Thoughts

I do hope RSS come out and explain why 'The Hound' was removed, since I doubt they can add it back in without adding a lot more work the finished game. This also isn't made as a dig at anyone who likes 'The Exile', I just have a Thoughts™.

Also, please tell me if I've missed anything I should have mentioned or if I've said something incorrect!

This seems like a rel scenario. Well written !

Mhin and Kuras are the sweetest, as always. While the other three just fuck around hahaha

Thank you !

Headcanons for a Touchstarved MC who is poly and seems open to all of them:

Ais

Ais is not the jealous type—he thrives in situations where he has to fight for someone’s attention. In fact, the idea that you’re open to all of them makes this so much more fun for him.

At first, he smirks. Of course, you’re interested in everyone. You’ve got good taste. Deep down, he’s amused but also watching closely. Are you seriously considering all of them, or are you just entertaining the idea?

He gets bolder—leans in more, throws out suggestive comments just to gauge your reaction. If you flirt back? Oh, it’s on. Casually sizing up the others, he makes just enough provocative remarks to stir the pot. Guess I’ll have to work harder to keep your attention, huh? He treats it like a game—one he plans on winning.

Leander

Leander loves connection, and he’s open-minded, but… let’s be honest—he’s used to being the person someone wants. The idea that he’s one of many? That’s new.

At first, he laughs, wide and genuine. All of us? Really? He finds it endearing. He brushes it off like it doesn’t bother him, but deep down? There’s a tiny spark of possessiveness. He wants to be special to you.

He doubles down on the charm. Extra flirty, extra affectionate—pulls you close and whispers, But I’m your favorite, right? Surprisingly accommodating, if you really want all of them, he’ll go along with it. He just needs to make sure he’s still your first choice. He teases Ais and the others just to stir up tension.

Vere

Vere lives to be desired. But shared? That’s an entirely different matter.

At first, he gives a slow, sharp smile. How greedy of you. He doesn’t mind the idea—but he does mind not being the one who has the most of your attention.

Immediately, he starts testing you. If you flirt with someone else, he’ll slide up beside you and whisper something dangerous enough to make your pulse jump. He loves watching the others react—if they get possessive, he eats it up. If they don’t care, he’ll make them care. He acts nonchalant, but there’s a sharpness in his gaze. If he ever feels like he’s just one of many without something special between you, he’ll pull back.

Mhin

Mhin already struggles with trust and attachment—this only makes it worse.

At first, they scoff and roll their eyes. Figures. Their mind jumps straight to the worst conclusions. Do you actually care about any of them? Or is this just a game to you?

Immediately, they pull away. If they were starting to open up to you, this would make them slam their walls back up. But if they believe you genuinely care about all of them, that you’re not just playing with their feelings, then it terrifies them how much they want to trust you. They’ll be the last to accept it—but once they do, they won’t fight for your attention. They’ll just… wait. If you want them, you’ll have to come to them.

Kuras

Kuras is the least affected by the revelation. If anything, he finds it intriguing.

At first, he gives a calm, thoughtful look. Is that so? No judgment, just observation. He has seen many kinds of relationships before. This does not surprise him. But why do you want this? That’s the question he’s interested in.

He doesn’t react outwardly, but there’s a softness in his gaze when he looks at you. He won’t compete for your affection, but he will make it known that if you truly want him, he is here. He is patient. Watching how the others handle it with mild amusement, he seems as if he’s observing something inevitable.

Would they all be okay with it? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is for sure: the tension would be unreal.

Made this little thing and can't stop watching it because mhin is hot 🥺

Nice !

A fallen angel i need gabriel ultrakill gone ! !

Long night ...

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

... Happy belated birthday to us both, Mhin <3

by OlePatrick