OK when I’m testing my story, I see that I have the option to view the hidden variables. Now for the stupid question — that’s only because I’m the author, right? Someone playing/reading will not have that option?
Correct! For example, I do not have the option to click and see hidden variables when playing Becoming a Warrior or Hopeless Hotties, which I don't own, but do have the option when playing one of my own games.