Strategy Guide, Micro-transactions, AMA

Mark and Flora sat going through the store for the better part of an hour, and realized it was time to meet up with the rest of the girls, so they got up and started to head back to the fountain. When they got there, though, they only found Sam waiting for them.

“So are the others not coming?” Mark questioned Sam.

“No, slight change of plans. We were talking, trying to come up with stuff to ask you about in case you didn’t cover the topic, and then Laura remembered that there was some kind of incentive for cooking. Turns out that if one or both of the residents of the Playhouse cook for at least 3 other members of the Harem, they get a BP bonus at the end of the day. With it being larger, the more people that eat there and the more they enjoy the food, but it apparently caps at 500BP a day unless they cook for you, Mark, and then they get a 50% bonus. So they decided to start cooking about an hour ago or so and said that it should be ready around when we were supposed to meet up.”

“Okay, I don’t see why not, and if we want to go to the BP shop after food, it isn’t like it’s that far.” Mark and Flora proceeded through the portal after Sam.

Stepping out of the portal, they saw the other putting out tablecloths on the various tables and setting the tables.

“This seems to have turned into a whole production. What’s going on? I know you said they were making lunch, Sam, but I don’t know, something feels slightly strange. Like I was almost ready to have an anxiety attack not long ago, and all of them seem to be rather… cheerful or calm, don’t seem like the right terms, but definitely odd given the circumstances.”

“Really, I think it is just that we may have bonded a bit over a combination of shared suffering and shared objectives,” Sam remarked, not seeing anything odd.

“I’m going to have to agree with Mark, there is something uncanny about the situation.” Flora pushed back. “Maybe it’s nothing, but you guys weren’t like this when I left, especially Allie; she was more confrontational.”

“I’ll say we definitely had a productive conversation, and I’m sorry you missed it, but still glad you went to check on Mark. I wouldn’t say we resolved everything, but we definitely made progress on a few significant things. Let’s eat, and then we can talk more.” Sam said, trying to reassure them. So they went over from the edge of the clearing to the cottage.

“Hey Mark, are you okay? I know how you can get, and you weren’t doing great during part of the introduction.” Allie asked as she placed her hand on his shoulder, then gave him a hug.

+1 Hug the Master (-1 Previous Relationship) (First (First Bonus not applied for 0 pts)) Net +0

“I think I’m okay now. Flora coming and sitting with me helped. Thanks for that, by the way, Flora. I don’t think I said it before, so thank you. ”

“Sure, no problem.” Flora purred softly.

“Alright, everyone, have a seat, Talia and Laura said they are just about done. Merida and I are going to help them bring out the food.” Aubrey informed them.

And they brought out a lot, it was like a holiday meal with too much food, and there were sure to be leftovers. A full honey-glazed ham, mac and cheese, casserole, mashed potatoes with a side of gravy, a vegetable blend, and freshly baked biscuits. With three different Pies being set on the windowsill to cool.

“Alright, everyone, before we dig in, could we say grace first?” Talia inquired of the group.

“Grace.” Sam quipped, using the same line her dad would so often make at family gatherings. Receiving a glare in response from Talia and a light snort from Mark.

“Makes me feel like it is one of my family gatherings.” Mark mentioned, “Go ahead, Talia, I don’t think anyone would mind if you lead us.” She gave him a warm smile in response and led them through a traditional prayer before a meal. Then they dug in. This is GOOD. Mark thought as he failed to stifle a moan. “Which of you made the mac and cheese? Actually, more importantly, how did you two make all of this in what, around an hour, according to Sam?”

Talia was mid bite, so Laura took up the response, “Magic Kitchen, remember how Cassandra said, there is an amenity in each room, well ours is a magic kitchen that allows us to cut down on cooking time by a lot. I feel like there is some sort of cost or hidden effect because I feel really good right now. Like a bit horny, but that could just be me. Also, I'm really happy, and seeing your delighted expression when you asked about the mac and cheese just did something for me a lot more than when I looked at the others eating. I figured there might be an effect or something on the kitchen; otherwise, why would Cassandra give us BP? As my understanding was, that was an incentive to do things that might help better align us to be your women.”

“Wait, what?” Talia exclaimed right after swallowing, “You thought it would manipulate us and willingly tested it? Why ask me too then?”

“Simple, we need a second person to compare with after all. How can we know it isn’t just something I felt, for my own reasons otherwise? Did it feel like cooking for the Harem was pleasurable or arousing for you? Like, are you horny right now?”

“That is not appropriate to ask!” Talia becomes more flustered by the conversation.

“I think appropriate went fleein’ oot the windae the moment we a’ got dragged onto some bloody harem game show against oor will, dinnae ye?” Merida chided her. “Look, I ken ye’re al’ proper an’ stiff an’ such, but if ye dinnae loosen up soon, ye’re gaunnae drive everyone mad. So juist answer the bloody question, will ye?”

“I, no, I don’t think so. I do feel content. I guess? But I didn’t feel anything from any of you eating the meal like Laura described. At least no more than I normally would from it.”

“Wait, someone grab Mark a slice of pie.” Chloe interrupted, “Laura didn’t help with those at all; it was all Talia.” Sam, being closest, obliged, cutting a slice of blueberry pie for Mark and one for herself as well. “Alright, good idea, Sam, you can be the control. Sam, go ahead and eat it, savor it, and give any feedback to Talia on it.

“Okay,” Sam, taking a bite, thought this is really good, maybe not as good a my mom makes it, but very good. “It’s quite a good kind of wish we had more than the three pies if they all taste like this.”

“Alright now, Mark.”

Shrugging, he dug into the pie as well. Damn, this is good, pie. If Talia can make pies like this all the time, well, I might just get fat. “Really good, Talia, mind if I ask where you learned to cook?”

“Uh.” Was all she could get out as her mind short-circuited a little from Mark’s expression eating her pie. I wonder if his eyes roll back and flutter like that when he orgasms? “Okay, I definitely felt that when Mark responded, but not Sam. It was a nice, pleasant tingling sensation across my body. And I learned from my mom growing up.”

Assessing the situation, Laura responded, “Yeah, I didn’t feel anything when it was about the pie. But the fact that we both did when Mark specifically asked about dishes we made, as a compliment felt something implies that it is likely an effect of The Hearth Table, which Cassandra conveniently forgot to say the name to us, but is on the board that explains how to gain our bonuses. It seems like a subtle way to condition us to be good little wives for Mark to me. A, ‘here is a jolt of pleasure for a good job’ kind of thing. It doesn’t really feel like a compulsion or anything, so that is good, but I could see it being habit-forming.”

“So, when she said we should cook for everyone if staying here, you thought it was a trap and decided the best way to find out was to trigger it?” Sam was confused.

“I thought it might be. But ‘trap’ seems a bit wrong as Cassandra did specifically warn us that, except for the town, there are little bits of magic everywhere around the resort, and this isn’t the town, and to me, the most natural place to put some enchantment if the purpose is intended for us to eventually interact with them. The bigger thing is that, based upon the names of the amenities, I figured this was the one to be most harmless. I am not saying don’t use the other amenities, hell knows I am going to keep cooking here sometimes, especially for Mark if it makes me wet like this every time. Just if you do use them, realize there might be additional effects beyond the printed ones.”

“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Talia grumbled

“Well, I truly appreciate it, Laura—you’re une vraie perle.” Ellen responded in thanks. “I believe, perhaps now is ze moment for Mark to share what ’e knows about zis Harem Hotel, oui?” That got several nods from around the table.

“Okay, well, there is a lot to go over, but I’ll start with the main four topics to know about. Which are:

1. Light vs Dark seasons and why we are on the first one, and be glad we are.
2. What to expect from challenges
3. Transformations, particularly making sure to examine them carefully for hidden effects.
4. Eliminations” With that laid out, Mark began explaining what he knew over the next few hours, answering questions as he went.

“Okay, that was a lot. Is there any more pie by chance?” Sam inquired. Getting a sad shake of her head in response from Flora. “So anything else to add, maybe about BP?”

“BP is a bit harder since there are so many uses for it that make it difficult for me to make suggestions. The one thing I will say is remember, the more each of you saves BP each week, the more I have to buy each week, or Cassandra will. Which might not always be a bad thing for me to have more to spend, as you might see after the other discussion I would like to have. But we don’t want Cassandra choosing. She might be nice generally, but in her mind, giving any of you another transformation would be nice.”

“Next discussion?” Aubrey wanted to know what Mark was getting at.

“Yeah, see when Flora came and found me, we spent time going through the BP stores. First, they are a mess. Second, we found some things people might want. Third, I wanted to ask, does anyone have either a TF path that they really don’t want to go down or a transformation as it stands that they think is particularly debilitating? Because I can probably do something about that to help. Which is the conversation I wanted to have. I want people to go through the store and see if there is anything in it which they thought might help them or that they want.” With that, Talia, Aubrey, Merida, and Sam all raised their hands and indicated that they would like help with their [Faith and Temptation], [Student], Hold That Pose, and Woman In Uniform paths and TFs, respectively. “For Hold that Pose and [Faith and Temptation] and [Student] as well, I guess, Flora and I actually found a few options you two might be okay with, as we kind of expected that to be the case. For the other two, we will have to look. I would like each of you to go through and see if you can find anything you want or would at least not think was too bad, to get, because I have to spend a lot of BP this week, and I don’t think it is fair to spend it all on a small number of people. If we could all spend an hour, maybe two right now, to go through the stores, I would really appreciate it. After that, if you don’t find something, please look when you have some time. I would rather not make a purchase without you asking me for it, but I will spend down the BP if I have to.” As the Girls went ahead and started to browse through the store, Mark had the four that had specific issues come over to him so they could talk separately. “So let's start with the simplest two first. Aubrey, Talia, there are a few options to swap one path for another and an option to Harmonize your existing transformations for that path to your new one, but they will maintain a similar core.” Mark showed them the options he had found so far.

Switch to a specific path of Mark's choice (Cassandra must accept it as a valid path) (???BP)

3 Random Paths Mark Picks one (4000 BP)

3 Random Paths Mark's subconscious picks his favorite (3000 BP)

3 Random Paths Cassandra picks her favorite (2000 BP)

3 Random Paths The audience picks their favorite (1000 BP)

I would suggest the second or third one, and I am heavily inclined to use the Harmonize TFs option as well for an extra 500 BP per TF harmonized.”

“Why not the first one? Then you could pick what we wanted?” Aubrey wanted an explanation because that seemed like the best.

“It is because of the variable BP cost, which I would guess its cost would be based upon what path we pick and how much fun Cassandra thinks she can have with it. I think my opinion on Cassandra picking or the audience picking is clear. There are pros and cons to both 2 and 3. With the former, I could pick one that you might like better, even if it wouldn’t be my favorite; the latter one, though, will pick whichever one I like the best for you. So, cater to you or cater to me and the audience. I think the wiser choice would be 3 because catering to the audience would be a decent choice, but it is up to you.”

“I would like you to actually choose Mark, after all, nothing stops you from picking your favorite, but I want you to consider me too.” Aubrey hesitantly responded.

“I think the subconscious option is better for me. You are right, the audience really doesn’t like me right now, and as much as I don’t like my situation, I refuse to accept elimination. As I am not letting another person on this show if it is within my power to stop it, and if that means being with you, fine, you have shown you are considerate already when you didn’t have to be, and being more your type wouldn’t hurt if I must have a relationship with you.”

“I should mention before I do this, that there is an option in the general store that you can purchase, not me, that gives you a choice of 3 random options. But it is outside of your price range, and you will probably have to take another transformation on your current path before you have enough for it. It also won’t harmonize them with the path.”

“Do it,” Talia said with firm determination, and Aubrey gave a sharp nod in agreement. So Mark complied

Purchased for Talia

3 Random Paths Mark's subconscious picks his favorite (3000 BP)

[Kneel in Lace]

[Good Girl Gospel]

[GoThicc]

Mark’s subconscious favorite for Talia - GoThicc.

Purchased for Aubrey

3 Random Paths Mark Picks one (4000 BP)

[Suited to Serve]

[Pretty Pretty Princess]

[Mark Has a Little Lamb (Hitsujimusume)]

“Um, any preferences, Aubrey? I assume it is not the first option, and the third is an animal girl TF path, sort of like Flora and Allie, but I think Hitsuji is a sheep from context. I know which I am leaning towards, but wouldn’t mind your opinion.”

“No, I want you to pick what you think is best for us. That was the thing I didn’t want it to simply be your favorite. I wanted you to think about us. You are going to be the father of our children, eventually. While I don’t need you to be in charge of everything, sometimes you are going to need to make choices that affect our family. I am telling you this is one of them. I am trusting you, but you can also view this as a test of your character, not just for me but for others as well. Can we trust you to value our wants and needs?” Aubrey finished with hope and trepidation within her.

“Okay, do you want to hear my reasoning or not?”

“I actually do. Knowing why you picked an option matters to me.”

“Well, the first is likely to do with either costumes and or being a submissive, probably a maid. You might want to be a mom, and even if that means being a stay-at-home mom raising the kids, that doesn’t make you a maid. The second is one I think that either has to do with you acting young, which I have negative interest in or it is likely to turn you into a stereotypical girly girl bimbo which while that has some appeal, you might have noticed by who was selected here I have a bit of a type and part of that type is smart women not bimbos.” Not to say that I wouldn’t mind fucking her stupid for a bit, but not telling her that. “And the last one has three implications to me, one I have you, or you are mine, two you will get sheep-related TFs, three you might become smaller. That last one might be reading too much into it, but not sure. Of the three, I am going to pick [Mark Has a Little Lamb] and, unless either of you objects, I am getting the harmonization for both of you.” Which they didn’t.

Harmonize TFs with Replacement Path (1000 BP Total 1 each)

Lead Me Not Into Temptation - > Confess thy Cravings

Confess thy Cravings: Talia is a good Catholic going to confession regularly. Now, whenever she has sinful thoughts about another member of the harem, those thoughts will grow stronger and more desirable, and cause a growing desire to conform with the gothic aesthetic until she confesses them to Mark. Confessing to another contestant will delay the growth, but only for a while. [GoThicc]

Like a Sponge -> Shepherded

Shepherded: Aubrey has always been an excellent student, being led by others to knowledge. Now she will absorb what others teach extraordinarily quickly when learning directly from them or following their example. [Mark Has a Little Lamb (Hitsujimusume)] [Boon]

Mark’s BP 40,700 -> 32,700

“Okay, so Talia, I know it has only been a day, but do you have anything you need to confess to me?”

“I do, but can we do it in private? Please.”

“Sure, no problem, how about we go into the cottage after I finish helping Merida and Sam?”

“Thanks.” And Talia walked off to the cottage to wait.

“Thank you as well, Mark,” Aubrey said, getting his attention. “Not sure I agree with all the conclusions you drew from the names of the other two, but your reasoning was sound, and of the options, I think I like the sound of this one the best.” Aubrey left him with a peck on the cheek.

Mark put his hand to his cheek in confusion for a second before regaining his senses and turning to Sam and Merida. “Sorry for the wait, Merida. Yours was kind of tough to find an option for that we thought would work. There was an option to make it totally consensual only, but Cassandra priced that at -10,000BP, meaning I would need to make up that much in other purchases for you, because apparently, I can’t spend negative BP; I have to bring my order to at least 0 BP. So, unless you find something in your store you really want, Flora and I did find a decent option that gives you a lot more autonomy, even if not all of it back. Here, take a look.” Mark showed the upgrade on his phone to her.

Hold that Pose: A phrase Merida has uttered many times during her yoga classes, now she will have to practice what she teaches. Merida becomes poseable by any member of the Harem, though anyone besides Mark will feel a desire to pay her back later for any inconvenience caused. [Posing]

Upgrade: How long Merida is able to be posed is dependent upon how much Merida trusts the poser. She is able to hold the pose longer than the limit, but she is no longer required to. While being observed holding a pose, she becomes more aroused, being able to reach climax from just being observed holding a pose if done long enough. (2000BP)

“I mean… ay, it’s better, I’ll gie ye that. I’d tak it ower leavin’ it as it is, nae question—but gie me a wee bit tae look through the store first, awe richt? If I cannae find somethin’ else, then I’ll tak it.”

“Sure, no rush, one thing we had considered was just getting an upgrade transformation purchase, but we don’t know what the specific upgrade would be for the ones we found, so not sure that it's worth the risk. But if you find other options that can make the 10,000BP price point work, I will buy it for you.”

“Thanks, truly. Nice tae ken some things dinnae change—ye’re still juist as considerate as ever, aren’t ye.” Merida playfully punched Mark’s shoulder as she finished and went over to the others to look through the store and talk about potential options.

“So, just me now?” Sam said, looking up at Mark

“Yeah, so what were you looking to change about A Woman in Uniform, and what are you willing to tolerate to change it, broad strokes?”

“Honestly, I don’t mind what I am wearing, but I do wish I could wear pants that weren’t skin tight, and I would really like not to have to wear the style all the time. Any chance we can do something about that?”

“I can think of two options in the store that Flora and I found, but it doesn’t seem like they would be something you would like. The first one would kind of make it like Laura’s clothing transformation, but instead of getting more aroused for not being in uniform, you become more obedient to your ‘superior,’” Mark said while using finger quotes around superior. “In this context, that would be me. To the point that while wearing normal clothes, you will be very obedient to me.”

“That isn’t ideal. Maybe we can find something else; if not, I'll think about it. Is it only you or any ‘superior’,” using the same air quotes Mark did.

“It’s just me, and in the maybe pile it goes. The second option I have found was one that people will feel like they need to physically correct, punish, or **** you. Based upon how much against the dress code your attire is.”

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Sam shouted loudly with a bit of distress in her voice, enough to gather concerned looks from all the girls by the cottage. “Sorry, Mark, you didn’t deserve to be yelled at, just please don’t pick something like that for me, EVER. Okay?” Sam said in a stern voice that broke with her eyes glistening as she meekly added with a plea, “Please.”

“Sure. I promise.” Mark recognized a trigger response, growing really concerned about Sam. “If you ever want to talk about it, I will listen.” Mark continued in a whisper as some of the girls were still staring at them. “Also, are you going to be okay with the [Discipline] path? I mean, I know that you have gotten things about being a disciplined person this past time, but I could see an option that goes the other way, with discipline in that you would be the one disciplined, and giving your reaction right now. Will you be okay with that?”

“I hadn’t really considered it like that, as you said, that wasn’t what my TFs were about from that path this time. I — I think I will need to think about that.” Sam didn’t respond to his comment about wanting to talk; that wasn’t a conversation for now.

“I would like to know what specific part set you off when I described the second upgrade.” Sam simply was not going to answer, but Mark continued after waiting for a moment. “I just don't want to put you in this state again, Sam, you're clearly distraught.”

“The physical bit to it,” she said meekly, looking crestfallen.

“Okay, and Sam, I realize this might be a bit away, but if anything we are doing together gets too much, just tell me.” Sam lightly nodded at Mark’s words.

“Thanks, can—can I have a hug?” Mark obliged her request

+1 VP Hugged the Master (x2 First to gain bonus)

+1 VP Be Emotionally **** to the Master (First x2)

They stayed that way for a good long minute. “Okay, thanks. I think I will be okay. Let's go rejoin the others and look through the store, together, to see if we can find something better than that shitty option.” They walked over to the others, getting a few raised eyebrows but no comments on what happened. They sat there for a while just going over choices, while Mark went inside to take Talia’s confession.