Devious Devices - Laura's Bondage Shop (16-aug-2025) v3.55 LE & SE

[neosuduno]

I get that, but I just couldn't play through it. It was the hard cut off for me. Sorry, but I would have been more comfortable with text than.. THAT.  Again sorry, but it is too severe, and it WILL stop others from enjoying your mod. Try to make it either shorter, or less severe, otherwise I doubt I can keep playing it. The context is good, but the execution needs to be toned down.

 

I know you want to give motivation to continue, but this is the opposite of that, it gives motivation to give up.

Edited November 22, 2022 by neosuduno

[IBAGadget]

6 hours ago, neosuduno said:

I get that, but I just couldn't play through it. It was the hard cut off for me. Sorry, but I would have been more comfortable with text than.. THAT.  Again sorry, but it is too severe, and it WILL stop others from enjoying your mod. Try to make it either shorter, or less severe, otherwise I doubt I can keep playing it. The context is good, but the execution needs to be toned down.

 

I know you want to give motivation to continue, but this is the opposite of that, it gives motivation to give up.

No one is forcing you to play it.

 

if you don't like it, don't play it. 

 

It's Laura's story, and she will tell it the way she wants to. 

I'm not a big fan of DD or Slavery, but I quite enjoyed Laura's quest. I don't have it in my mod list currently, as I got tired of the DD stuff and switched over to the Toys framework.

 

I will come back to LBS once the next part of the story is released, as long as the prerequisites want to play nice with AE

[FriedTm]

Ok so I figured it out. First after you are free you must leave lauras shop and save. Then you must exit the game and disable the voice pack. Then you can enter and take the quest. If you don't do any of these steps it will not work. ALSO I did downgrade to skse 2.0.19 so you may need that!

[Laura]

15 hours ago, neosuduno said:

I get that, but I just couldn't play through it. It was the hard cut off for me. Sorry, but I would have been more comfortable with text than.. THAT.  Again sorry, but it is too severe, and it WILL stop others from enjoying your mod. Try to make it either shorter, or less severe, otherwise I doubt I can keep playing it. The context is good, but the execution needs to be toned down.

 

I know you want to give motivation to continue, but this is the opposite of that, it gives motivation to give up.

What would you change?

[aurreth]

16 hours ago, neosuduno said:

I get that, but I just couldn't play through it. It was the hard cut off for me. Sorry, but I would have been more comfortable with text than.. THAT.  Again sorry, but it is too severe, and it WILL stop others from enjoying your mod. Try to make it either shorter, or less severe, otherwise I doubt I can keep playing it. The context is good, but the execution needs to be toned down.

 

I know you want to give motivation to continue, but this is the opposite of that, it gives motivation to give up.

 

I replayed nothing but the Origin quest for several weeks while bug hunting to come up with the Alpha Test version.  And I mean daily, 4 or 5 times a day.  To the point I had to tell Laura I couldn't do it anymore and stopped playing Skyrim for a long time.  If I can manage that, anyone else can get through it once.

 

Yes, it's dark.  Purposely dark.  It deals with themes most people never have to actually confront:  abuse, trafficking, sexual violence.  But it also gives you a chance to ask yourself "why does this disturb me?"  It provides a starting point for serious discussion about these issues in real life.

 

If you can't get through it, believe me I can understand.  But it's an important part of the story, definitely worth playing once.

[Laura]

1 hour ago, aurreth said:

 

I replayed nothing but the Origin quest for several weeks while bug hunting to come up with the Alpha Test version.  And I mean daily, 4 or 5 times a day.  To the point I had to tell Laura I couldn't do it anymore and stopped playing Skyrim for a long time.  If I can manage that, anyone else can get through it once.

 

Yes, it's dark.  Purposely dark.  It deals with themes most people never have to actually confront:  abuse, trafficking, sexual violence.  But it also gives you a chance to ask yourself "why does this disturb me?"  It provides a starting point for serious discussion about these issues in real life.

 

If you can't get through it, believe me I can understand.  But it's an important part of the story, definitely worth playing once.

Well said.

[Mexicola88]

It doesn't matter if the story gets a little "dark", but the bugs should be fixed. It really really sucks having to repeat one scene like 10-15 times, because one of the characters doesn't do what he/she should do. While the characters can't be seen, can't they just teleport through the rooms to reach their destination?

 

I mean scenes like when you lie in the bed in that prison cell scene etc. or after you fall down to the floor after reaching that door when trying to escape from there. There should be some failsafes or something that prevents everything from stop progressing. That was the most frustrating part of the quests in this mod IMO.

 

Or is there any trick to proceed if a scene is stuck somehow? A few times i tried to just wait a few hours, but that mostly didn't help.

[Laura]

1 minute ago, Mexicola88 said:

It doesn't matter if the story gets a little "dark", but the bugs should be fixed. It really really sucks having to repeat one scene like 10-15 times, because one of the characters doesn't do what he/she should do. While the characters can't be seen, can't they just teleport through the rooms to reach their destination?

It would've worked from the start if it was that easy.

 

1 minute ago, Mexicola88 said:

I mean scenes like when you lie in the bed in that prison cell scene etc. or after you fall down to the floor after reaching that door when trying to escape from there. There should be some failsafes or something that prevents everything from stop progressing. That was the most frustrating part of the quests in this mod IMO.

 

Or is there any trick to proceed if a scene is stuck somehow? A few times i tried to just wait a few hours, but that mostly didn't help.

Fixes depend on the issue and version you're using. I suggest waiting for the coming update. Origin's issues are fixed in that update.

[Mexicola88]

There is this "Masterstroke" Wabbajack Modlist, believe it or not, i only downloaded and installed that because of your mod and the latest DD beta. Im not sure what version it was.

 

After i finished the quests i uninstalled it again, and only kept the "NEFARAM" modlist. That doesn't have your mod or the latest DD beta, but only the full version 5.1.

 

https://www.fgsmodlists.com/masterstroke/changes/

Edited November 23, 2022 by Mexicola88

[neosuduno]

5 hours ago, Laura said:

What would you change?

To be frank, you had already established enough of a reason to undermine Sloan the first time you introduced us to her. The same kind of guards that the Silver Bloods use in game gives a fair Idea that she was a heartless wretch. This was enough to make imagination stir, and that was a good stopping point. I would have completely glossed over it, or made it optional with a text summary instead with the option to go over it instead. This is especially Jarring since your mod page mentions nothing on how severe the even is, and the rest of the mod goes nowhere near this far.

[Tetras66]

3 hours ago, Mexicola88 said:

It doesn't matter if the story gets a little "dark", but the bugs should be fixed. It really really sucks having to repeat one scene like 10-15 times, because one of the characters doesn't do what he/she should do. While the characters can't be seen, can't they just teleport through the rooms to reach their destination?

 

I mean scenes like when you lie in the bed in that prison cell scene etc. or after you fall down to the floor after reaching that door when trying to escape from there. There should be some failsafes or something that prevents everything from stop progressing. That was the most frustrating part of the quests in this mod IMO.

 

Or is there any trick to proceed if a scene is stuck somehow? A few times i tried to just wait a few hours, but that mostly didn't help.

 

To be fair to Laura, I played through the entire quest line with the original release (unfixed versions) and everything worked without any repeats necessary, I think at least some of the issues are due to script lag or mod conflicts (or problems introduced with Skyrim updates). Pathfinding has always been janky in Skyrim too, even in the vanilla game.

 

Edit: actually I think I had to repeat the mine section, but that was because I'd left when I wasn't supposed to (I think Laura fixed that issue?).

Edited November 23, 2022 by Tetras66

[Tetras66]

13 hours ago, FriedTm said:

Ok so I figured it out. First after you are free you must leave lauras shop and save. Then you must exit the game and disable the voice pack. Then you can enter and take the quest. If you don't do any of these steps it will not work. ALSO I did downgrade to skse 2.0.19 so you may need that!

 

I don't actually use one, but my understanding is that the voice packs (often? always?) modify the esp and that's why they can break the quests, because any update to the quests and dialogues causes a conflict between the original version of the mod and the voice pack.

Edited November 23, 2022 by Tetras66

[worik]

6 hours ago, aurreth said:

It provides a starting point for serious discussion about these issues in real life.

☝️That's what I like most about it. A fine balance to leave enoughh question marks in the players head.

(and an excellent opportunity to come up with your in-role solution if you can stick to your Skyrim character )

 

By the way: @Laura we woriks play/replay the game Disco Elysium with great joy. There, your character's values have a deciding influence on your story and the solution. If you find the time, I recommend to have a look at the game mechancis. I confess, I am truely excited about their concept.

[aurreth]

1 hour ago, Tetras66 said:

 

To be fair to Laura, I played through the entire quest line with the original release (unfixed versions) and everything worked without any repeats necessary, I think at least some of the issues are due to script lag or mod conflicts (or problems introduced with Skyrim updates). Pathfinding has always been janky in Skyrim too, even in the vanilla game.

 

Edit: actually I think I had to repeat the mine section, but that was because I'd left when I wasn't supposed to (I think Laura fixed that issue?).

 

The LE version usually works fine, with only a minor issue here or there.  SE changed more things than most people know; in this case it altered movement of NPC's using scripts, and introduces an error if that movement happens while a player occupies the same cell.

 

I managed to correct that in, I believe, 4 out of 5 cases; that's where the Alpha Test version came from.  There are a couple more actually, but unless you play Origin over and over for weeks you probably won't run into them    I then tested the same fixes on the LE version (which I found quite hard to purchase legally, but eventually managed).  Multiple tests, and the SE fixes backport to LE without issue.  I was never able to fix Doran (the 5th case) before I burned out, but I did suggest a possible fix to Laura.

 

All these fixes should be in the next version, Laura has all my notes.  There's nothing that can be done about janky Skyrim pathing, so the guard will likely still have trouble with the stairs.  I did actually solve that, by upping his base movement speed by 10% (players still walk faster than him, so not a problem following him), but it's not a perfect fix.

 

But please keep in mind that Laura works in LE.  LBS usually converts well to SE/AE, but it will never be perfect, and we'll just have to deal with a bug here and there.

[Laura]

19 hours ago, neosuduno said:

To be frank, you had already established enough of a reason to undermine Sloan the first time you introduced us to her. The same kind of guards that the Silver Bloods use in game gives a fair Idea that she was a heartless wretch. This was enough to make imagination stir, and that was a good stopping point. I would have completely glossed over it, or made it optional with a text summary instead with the option to go over it instead.

This is especially Jarring since your mod page mentions nothing on how severe the even is, and the rest of the mod goes nowhere near this far.

Origin isn't about Sloane. It's hinted to a bunch that something happened, and Origin shows what happened with the shopkeeper and Katarina. It shaped them into who they are.

But I have to admit that it's also a deliberate shock factor. A lot of content on this site really disturbs me and I want to show what something like that really does to someone.

 

Either way, I understand if you don't like it. It's meant to be horrible. I'll add a skip.

Edited November 24, 2022 by Laura

[aurreth]

2 hours ago, Laura said:

Origin isn't about Sloane. It's hinted to a bunch that something happened, and Origin shows what happened with the shopkeeper and Katarina. It shaped them into who they are.

But I have to admit that it's also a deliberate shock factor. A lot of content on this site really disturbs me and I want to show what something like that really does to someone.

 

Either way, I understand if you don't like it. It's meant to be horrible. I'll add a skip.

 

I wouldn't.  Don't compromise your artistic integrity or have your voice silenced because one person finds part of your story disturbing.  You wrote that part of the story for a very important reason, don't hide it away.

[Taki17]

2 hours ago, Laura said:

Either way, I understand if you don't like it. It's meant to be horrible. I'll add a skip.

You may slap a content warning on the mod page about what's included, since I get how this 2nd half of the storyline would feel out-of-place in a mod that on the box presents itself on being friendly and consensual. However skipping it still wouldn't be the exactly right solution, since I don't feel like its contents per se are the issue. If there is something you want to take a look at aside from addressing the lingering technical problems, I feel it'd be the refining of the presentation and pacing of the quest.

[IBAGadget]

I agree with aurreth.

 

it's your story Laura. you tell it the way you want to.

 

If someone is disturbed to the point they don't want to play it, then that is their choice. No one is being forced to play your mod.

 

there is a reason I do not play Devious Cursed Loot. I'm not crying for the mod author to tone it down for me though. 

[chubjub]

3 hours ago, Laura said:

Origin isn't about Sloane. It's hinted to a bunch that something happened, and Origin shows what happened with the shopkeeper and Katarina. It shaped them into who they are.

But I have to admit that it's also a deliberate shock factor. A lot of content on this site really disturbs me and I want to show what something like that really does to someone.

 

Either way, I understand if you don't like it. It's meant to be horrible. I'll add a skip.

I think your story telling is excellent I can not wait for the next instalment. Please do not change how you tell your story, its your story .

[Jessy2012]

I have play the mod very often, maybe too often but i love DD and such kinky storys, for me it was never to dark since the vanilla skyrim self have much dark themes,

or is the first travel to Solitude and see a execution is not dark theme too, or the vampire slaves/cattle, and all the other stuff we can find with dark theme behind.

When laura starts add skip Buttons for any thing thats someone may not like, then the story will at some point just be a click the skip Buttons game.

 

Its realy nice of you Laura thats you even think about add a skip, but your story is fine, you have write it like this and put so damn much time in it, there is no need for a skip button.

If someone can't play this while it have some dark thems then -- don't like it, don't play it. --.

For me it fits skyrim very well, skyrim is a dangerous rough place, i mean you're get hunted to death for just poking a damn chicken!?

[Allen Harris]

I don't know if this is just an issue with the VR version, but does anyone know if the issue with tracking down the thief in Riften, that just hung when u find her, was fixed?

[Taki17]

20 minutes ago, Allen Harris said:

if the issue with tracking down the thief in Riften, that just hung when u find her, was fixed?

There is no tracking a thief in Riften mission. If you mean Solitude, what was the issue exactly?

Edited November 24, 2022 by Taki17

[Laura]

4 hours ago, aurreth said:

I wouldn't.  Don't compromise your artistic integrity or have your voice silenced because one person finds part of your story disturbing.  You wrote that part of the story for a very important reason, don't hide it away.

I know, but I don't want it to bee too much.

 

 

4 hours ago, Taki17 said:

You may slap a content warning on the mod page about what's included, since I get how this 2nd half of the storyline would feel out-of-place in a mod that on the box presents itself on being friendly and consensual. However skipping it still wouldn't be the exactly right solution, since I don't feel like its contents per se are the issue. If there is something you want to take a look at aside from addressing the lingering technical problems, I feel it'd be the refining of the presentation and pacing of the quest.

I already fixed the issues and I changed some stuff when I tested it a while ago. Don't remember what I changed though.

Adding a content warning is a good idea.

 

 

4 hours ago, IBAGadget said:

I agree with aurreth.

 

it's your story Laura. you tell it the way you want to.

 

If someone is disturbed to the point they don't want to play it, then that is their choice. No one is being forced to play your mod.

 

there is a reason I do not play Devious Cursed Loot. I'm not crying for the mod author to tone it down for me though. 

Good point. It's meant to be this way. But I'll check it again to make sure it's not too much.

 

 

3 hours ago, chubjub said:

I think your story telling is excellent I can not wait for the next instalment. Please do not change how you tell your story, its your story .

Thank you.

 

 

2 hours ago, Jessy2012 said:

I have play the mod very often, maybe too often but i love DD and such kinky storys, for me it was never to dark since the vanilla skyrim self have much dark themes,

or is the first travel to Solitude and see a execution is not dark theme too, or the vampire slaves/cattle, and all the other stuff we can find with dark theme behind.

When laura starts add skip Buttons for any thing thats someone may not like, then the story will at some point just be a click the skip Buttons game.

 

Its realy nice of you Laura thats you even think about add a skip, but your story is fine, you have write it like this and put so damn much time in it, there is no need for a skip button.

If someone can't play this while it have some dark thems then -- don't like it, don't play it. --.

For me it fits skyrim very well, skyrim is a dangerous rough place, i mean you're get hunted to death for just poking a damn chicken!?

You're right about the game itself being super dark at times.

 

 

 

 

I'm going to play through it again and maybe change some stuff if it's too much. If it still is way too dark after that, I'll add a skip but I don't think it's needed as I can do a lot with dialogue.

@neosuduno Thanks for the feedback.

[Allen Harris]

3 hours ago, Taki17 said:

There is no tracking a thief in Riften mission. If you mean Solitude, what was the issue exactly?

Ah, yes, sorry - Solitude. I track them down into the castle, they use the drug on me, then walk away. I can't move and nothing happens. I've left it running for upwards of 10 minutes, and nothing.

[neosuduno]

I think adding a skip would work better, since it is too much of a shock. Giving the option to skip it would be kinder, and would alienate fewer people from the mod. Not everyone has the stomach for that kind of thing, and to put it in when nothing else in the mod is remotely like it was way too harsh.

Also, Laura herself mentioned that this wasn't something she 100% liked herself, so if she adds a skip, that will also make it easier on her. I am just providing options for her to make her mod more accessible for everyone without compromising the content for others. This way if people want to go through it, they can, but people who cannot go through it don't have to.