God-Cursed: Demo
You were found as a newborn, clutched in the arms of your dead mother at the base of a tree. No family came to claim you, but the men who came to your rescue adopted you as their own and became the only parents you’ve ever known. Growing up in the village of Stonebrook, you never want for much, until the day you first fall ill. Life plagues you with a mysterious condition that no one can diagnose or cure. You never know when it will strike or if it will eventually kill you. Living between fear and hope as you age, you try to come into your own as an adult with the ever-looming threat above you. As years pass, your condition seems to improve, until a mysterious mark appears on your body and opens up new questions.
It appears that you’re marked for death with no answers as to why, and your only chance to survive is to go out and seek them.
Journey through the land of Iroda, a fantasy world where the gods have abandoned their people and magic no longer prevails as it once did. Something is brewing that may change this world forever, and you’re in the middle of it, though your role is a mystery you must solve. Wanted dead by some and alive for mysterious purposes by others, you just want to survive. With the help of a few friends, find the answers that you need, and make your choices.
Customize your character’s looks, gender, sexuality, and personality. Choose to pursue someone in romance, friendship, or as simply a means to an end.
For those aged 18+ only.
Potential triggers include, but are not limited to: optional sexual content (explicitly detailed), nudity, swearing and adult language, violence, blood with possible gore, injury (sometimes severe/life-threatening to the MC), death (human, unnatural, accidental), animal death (natural) and in reference to self-defense and food, childbirth with complications resulting in death and allusions thereof, chronic illness with severe symptoms, touching (non-sexual) without specific consent (this work is not written with specific touch-aversions in mind), abduction of MC (possible feelings of helplessness and fear), religious trauma, cults, depression/anxiety, nightmares, disparaging thoughts, substance use and references/use of alcohol, canines (some aggressive).
Last Update: July 2024
Content: short prologue and Chapters 1 - 4
Current Word Count: approx. 333k (with code, which adds at least 10 pounds)
* Chapter 3 Demo update was submitted for the Amare Games Festival 2024
Customize your MC
- Play as male, female, or non-binary
- Pick your character's physical appearance (including tattoos)
- Choose a main hobby/skill/career your MC excels at
- Get a cool scar with an interesting or embarrassing story attached
- Buy 1 of 4 nameable mounts to ride and feed treats to
- Shape your characters personality throughout the story (no “personality checks”)
Romance some people or don’t
- Create a steady and enduring love with 1 of 5 suitors
- Make some life-long friends
- Enjoy some aromantic physical encounters with 2 ROs and/or NPCs you meet in the world
- Enjoy some romantic physical encounters with all 5 ROs at some point in the story (some ROs will require a locked-in [committed] romantic relationship before you get to this point)
Go on a quest for answers and survival
- Meet some gods
- Find some demons
- See the magic that still lingers in the world
- Get the shit kicked out of you and have a few
mental breakdownstotally fun times
Main Companions (romanceable):
Oswin Twinflower
[AKA: Yarrow] (he/him – gender locked)
A childhood friend who’s just not the same anymore. Once a free-spirited softie with a perpetual smile and a penchant for mischief, Oswin has grown into a dour adult. After he came of age, he slowly distanced himself from you. In the ten years since, interactions between you have been awkward or downright hostile with no in-between. He doesn’t joke anymore. He doesn’t smile anymore. There’s something lost about his eyes these days…
-Personality: despite that furrow in his brow that says ‘stay away,’ Oswin actually prefers being in the company of others, as he cares deeply for friends and family. He’s organized and thorough – valuing the predictable and structured, and being driven to always improve upon his skills. Oswin can also be self-conscious, hard on himself, and a bit insecure.
-Appearance: standing around 6'2"/188cm with athletic build, Oswin has black hair that is slightly wavy and kept to his ears, bright-green hooded eyes, and brown skin with bronze undertones. He has a firm squared jaw, which is often prickled with light scruff. Oswin most often scowls, even when he doesn’t necessarily intend to. He dresses in simple tunics with leather armor and boots, and isn’t one for frivolities save for a special tattoo & necklace hidden under his clothing. A few notable scars mar his flesh, each telling a story. His sword is always kept at his hip.
Zahn
(gender selectable)
A sweet and fun soul whom you meet along your journey. Zahn is just trying to fulfill their duty to their faith. They seek to help you in anyway they can, though there’s something torn behind their smile. Where did this fun-loving acolyte come from, and why do they look so sad when they think no one is looking?
-Personality: social and sweet, Zahn is enthusiastic and open-minded about most things. They’re incredibly flexible (in mind and body) and see possibilities in everything, being highly adaptable and skilled at improvising. Casual, warm, and always friendly and willing to lend a hand, they can make a very trustworthy companion.
-Appearance: about 5'5"/165cm tall with petite build, wild blond hair and round blue eyes, Zahn has fawn colored skin with a rosy hue, and a dusting of light freckles with a touch too much wind and sun across their cheeks and nose. They appear a bit tired with slightly sunken eyes and a mite too thin with the lines of their jaw and neck a bit too pronounced – evidence of years of difficult living. If they grace you with a toothy smile, you may be lucky enough to see the slight gap in their front teeth. Zahn dresses in rough linen tunics, usually with layers to make up for how thin and hole-filled they are. They have a particularly ratty cloak that they seem to cherish.
Duri’naan
[AKA: Duri] (gender selectable)
A demigod to whom you owe a debt, they seem quite curious about you.
-Personality: charming and laid-back, Duri prefers their own company most of the time but readily embraces tight friendships, of which they never tire – though it is all or nothing for them, no surface-level relationship will work for long. They are perpetually curious and casual, having an air of cool confidence and a love for teasing, which can sometimes make them appear disinterested or cold. They are always paying attention, even if it doesn’t seem like it, and often understand others more than themselves. They can stress easily – especially when things stop being fun, be a bit competitive and too independent for their own good.
-Appearance: standing approximately at 5'9"/175cm with a lithe but toned build, Duri’naan has long and straight grey hair, and honey-brown upturned eyes. Their skin is a warm beige, lit up with a bright smile that sometimes shows off a little sharp snaggle-tooth. They bear a strange scar on the back of their neck and are missing a bit from the upper part of one ear. Duri wears simple clothing made from a single and very long swath of blue-grey linen, wrapped around them in such a way that you’re not quite sure how it stays up. They also hate shoes for some reason and are always barefoot.
Rūndis Lyreheart
[AKA: Rune] (gender selectable)
A serious and powerful mage with an oddly fervent dedication to the God of Destruction, Casimir. Though they are capable of wielding great power, they prefer to spend their days as a traveling bard – saying it’s for the purpose of angering their mother. They’d have you think they could not care less about your plight, yet cannot resist lending a hand.
-Personality: Rūndis is an introverted day-dreamer who is curious and in search of deeper meanings at all times. Though they dream, they also have a rational side that comes with a penchant for efficiency and decisiveness. They tend to be calm and analytical, but are prone to anxiety especially in close relationships, making them seem a bit aloof or combative.
-Appearance: standing around 5'7"/173cm, Rune has shoulder-length curly hair that is all black except for a flash of purple on one side. They have almond-shaped purple eyes that are a testament to the magic that flows easily through them, and a beauty mark just under their right eye. They have a strong build and umber skin, wearing a stoic and serious expression that you wouldn’t expect from a bard. Rune favors fine robes and cloaks in colors that match their eyes, but only when they choose to stand out, otherwise they prefer common clothing. Tattooed upon their chest as a sign of devotion is the sigil of Casimir. They also adorn themselves with different types of jewelry.
Thanks so much for taking a look, I hope you enjoy!
~ Lunan
For more information or to ask a question, check out my Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/wings-of-ink
Error Report Form is linked the game menu.
Development log
- Chapter 4 is Live!Jul 23, 2024
- Fixes and Teeny-Tiny UpdateMay 10, 2024
- Chapter 3 is Live!Apr 29, 2024
Comments
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I'm finally finished, that was way too long to be called a 'Demo' are you adding content to it or was that actually an original Demo. Anyways, After I hit chapter 4, I restarted 8 times because, I usually flirt with every woman until I decide who I want to romance, then I restart. And this time I decided I wanted Duri, so I restarted several times because I got uselessly picky and I wanted to see what Duri would say if our hair was Grey like hers. I really can't resist picking Cooking as my skill, the description draws me in the most, and I like to cook IRL as well. Swordplay only interests me because I want to know if I can beat Oswin in that sparring match If I learn Swordplay. Great 'Demo' overall, Spectacular even, Phenomenal, Amazing, Sprezzaturian Level work right here.
okay I just spent two days reading this and I’m blown away. I love the concept so much??? The world you built feels incredibly alive, I really did feel like I was actually there while reading. I love the insane amount of variations you’re doing with the flirting choices 🫶🏽 OSWIN HAS MY HEARTTTT I love his whole character and the dynamic you can build with him is beautiful. To be honest, I love all the LIs you’ve introduced so far. Zahn and Duri are everything to me as well. The customisation + branching is SO good. I’m so excited to see where this goes and I can’t believe I only just got around to reading it (it’s been in my library for while!) I LOVE UR WORK‼️🫶🏽 thank u!!
I did have a question: I know u have a form to report bugs etc, does this include typos you’d want readers to point out? I hope that doesn’t come across nit-picky x
Thank you, my friend! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I'm cooking up more and will have an update soon as well. You are welcome to report typos too in the error form, but you may be there all day, lol. Once chapter 5 is out (*cough, later this weekend I hope, cough*), all the chapters are getting a good old scrub for typos and such. Not a full re-work, just a polish. I figured out a system to help me find those pesky errors (I am dyslexic & ADHD, which makes editing a super-challenge), and I think I can make some good improvements with what I've worked out. So, I still welcome any help you want to provide, but please don't put yourself out either, my dear. ^_^
I hope this system works out well for u!! Pls don’t stress ab it!’ Tbh, I thought the narration and grammar flowed so well, it was only minor typos here and there x I can’t wait for the next chapter 😭🙏🏽 I’m so hooked already
loved reading these 4 chapters and was able to relate heavily as I have chronic issues :)
Oswwiiiinnnn......T_T <3 ugh
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope the illness didn't hit you in the feels too hard. ^_^
I just hit chapter 3 and I gotta say, the story is great. Very unique, the descriptions in just about everything is impeccable, I never thought words could make me flinch but when that Cow was dying giving birth I actually cried and that surprised the hell out of me. The customization is vast and important surprisingly and the Characters are okay too, I honestly only care for my Parents but hey. Only problem I have is. WHERE. ARE. THE. WOMEN. I saw the Gender-Selectable people before I started righting this but I don't think I've seen a woman our age besides Kanta who's a One Night Stand. I most definitely gotta restart though, reread and all that.
Thank you, my friend! I am glad you are enjoying it! I hope the death of the cow didn't hit too hard, and if it's any consolation - I cried while writing it. I love cows, all animals really, it was hard. And I'm not sure where all the women are, lol. MC just isn't around many other people their age, in general, at least in the glimpse you get into their early life (there will be more memories and new characters that pop up later though). Willow, who becomes Lakota's wife, doesn't get screen time for the sake of story-focus (yet, more on her in ch 6 in future), but she's probably the main woman around MC that is around their age. The twin sisters are a decent bit older and have this silent-watcher thing going and Betony is more of a mom role. It's not intentional, I can promise you that. I also don't care much for typical gender roles so I tend to write male characters that fill roles you typically see for women characters or with characteristics that tend to get stereotyped as feminine. And I like women-badies (that goes for villains big and small, and general badasses).
The Twinflower women have some secrets, btw. I hope it isn't too much of a downer and dampens your enjoyment. ^_^Oswin, my love.
finished the demo and Y'ALL I CAN'T SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE OSWIN ENOUGHHH
Just wait, teehee! ^_^
I'm soooo exciteddd please i need more oswinnnn
I know I already commented but this is so good afdlkhdsajkfhasfdhgadjkfhgsljfkdghl;dkjdskjfajhjsdghbfsjldgd
LOL Well, it's still nice to see you again, dear. ^_^
I'm very excited for the next chapter! Are we going to be able to meet Rune? So far, it's been at least one LI introduction per chapter. Keep up the great work. Take breaks when you need them and hope you enjoy your holidays. <3
I am also excited for the next chapter! It was delayed from my original goal of November, but it is getting so very close to being ready. I'm editing some final parts and might actually add a bit more to it too (just a tiny bit, another little kiss at the end). ^_^
Oh, yay, I'm so excited to hear about it! I can't wait to read it. ^_^
I just finished the fourth chapter and woah… this is awesome?? It’s very well written and the level of choices and customization is so much more than I’ve seen in games in a similar format. You should be really proud of yourself, Lunan, and make sure to rest when you need it!! :)
Thank you, my friend! I am pleased with it. Comments like this help with my confidence that this is something people truly enjoy. ^_^
Literally so good, I finished it in one session lol.
I hope you had a really solid sleep after that, my dear! Or some eye drops at least, lol. ^_^
Lunan poly route please I'm beggin you
Sorry, my dear, for this story it likely won't happen. But I am considering it for future ones! I just want to write that sort of love story with as much authenticity as I can. ^_^
❤️❤️
I love Oswin
I would say he loves you back, but Oswin would get all huffy and embarrassed and it would be a whole thing, lol. Just hang on a bit and he'll tell you himself. ;)
Thanks for your work and I enjoyed my time. Read through it in a couple of evenings as when I get into books/stories I tend to power through them.
*Warning* Very light spoilers ahead but I’ll try to keep it vague.
I was already quite interested in the setting and story from the start but I found I became more invested after chapter 3 when things open up more and it feels you have more choices to make and influence on how it all unfolds.
You really do a good job with making some of the even more mundane choices feel surprisingly meaningful among IFs that I’ve read. Even things like hair/eye colour had a couple interesting bits in the story attached to them beyond just being tags for your character’s appearance. I was also impressed with things like your choice of career pursuit and hobby having interactions.
For feedback, not too much to complain about. There were some spelling and grammar mistakes but it wasn’t too frequent and this is still a work in progress. Some more customization options would be nice I suppose? I think it is already quite good though, and I appreciate being able to customize the mc at all. I’m biased in this regard as I really enjoy character creation/customization.
I look forward to more and hope all goes well for you.
Thank you so much for the feedback, I'm glad that you found your read enjoyable. I have really loved doing this project and trying to fit in things that I would want to see while reading IFs. My goal is to make those facets of your character feel as real as possible while trying to avoid ham-fisting it. When I get a spot of time to sit down and clean up the first few chapters (definitely going to hit the grammar hard then too), I want to add a bit more customization and refine what is already there. If you have ideas for additions, I happily take suggestions. If you prefer, you can pop them into the error report form instead. It's linked in the game. ^_^
on bro let me hit that wolf
LOL! Actually, in chapter 6, there's a whole segment planned just for that.
Can't wait for the next chapter bcoz this was so fun!! I was completely invested, the plot is great and the characters are well-written. Duri really swept me off my feet as soon as he appeared lol I folded so fast 🤭
I'm so glad you had fun, my dear! Trying to get the update out the first week of December (hit some delays in November, but it's getting there)! Duri has been a persistent heart-stealer, lol. Very appropriate. ^_^
im deep into chapter four and i dont wanna finish it yet 💔but holy moly... this game is so good what the flip, Oswin has to be my favorite so far :D i also love the map of the clearing in chp3, unexpected but it was super cool!!1 Definitely have gained a new devoted follower, cant wait for this to be updated C:
Thank you, my friend! I am very glad you connected with it, and I am happy you're here. ^_^
I'm currently working on an update too. I was really trying to get it out in November, but life kinda got in the way, so I'm thinking it's going to be the first week of December instead.
omg i love the plot and the characters- damn they're so fine. Also is there a chance that there's poly routes!! I would love to see one with Duri and Oz, literally one's a wolf and u have a guy trying to convince evryone that wolves will never hurt anyone unless necessary though not necessarily Duri in particular >:D seems like there could be more going on HAHA literally thinking abt how Oz may bicker with Duri when he's in human form but softens whenever he's in wolf form bcos he can't help his fondness for his wolf form! eager for the next chapter while i go back to studying for my finals hehe :3
Hello my friend! I am glad that you are enjoying it! Unfortunately for this story, there won't be poly routes, but I can def see where a Duri-Oswin match would be a lot of fun though (super flipping cute!). In future IFs, I may do some poly romances, but for these characters for one reason or another, I didn't feel that it fit them as well. It's something I've been mulling on though, so we'll see what happens! ^_^
peak fiction fr ToT I AM SOSOSO INVESTED TO SEE HOW THIS TURNS OUT!!!!
comments on our companions/ROs
(playing with a female character for now)
oswin: he's got that dawg in him but i like his protective spirit
zahn: such a goofy goober, love him
duri: why does he remind me of gale and halsin from BG3 at the same time
i love the dads and lakota sm!!! they really make me feel like my character got the love she needs to keep going!
and i love my horsie Luchika ofc :3
keep it up!!! I really am invested to see how this goes!
if there's one thing i can recommend
listen to some music when writing <3 really helps get you into the vibe of what you write... i personally listened to the MHRise soundtrack while reading because oml it fit well with my character (fiorayne)...
but enough yapping from a monster hunter nerd... ENJOY THIS PEAK! i'm rooting for you!! and in the words of palpatine... "We will watch your career with great interest."
-love, LightningMeliodas, just a random monster hunter nerd and avid gamer.
Thank you my dear! I am so glad you are enjoying the story and characters! There will be more to love soon. I also love some tunes while I write or read, I'll check out that soundtrack too! ^_^
rip cow :(
(this is sososososso good omg)
Thank you, my friend! Sorry about the cow, lol. ^_^
I just finished through chapter 4 and I love this so muchhh. (btw maybe spoilers so CAUTION :> )
Anyways, I just want to say how much I love this story, the world building, even the characters!
I love the parents so muchhh, right when they were mentioned, I already loved them (I even maybe almost cried at a few scenes including the cow scene tbh )
I also really love all the little details and interactions with the characters and how they interacted w/ each other (platonic or not).
And I just wanted to say, the world building of this story is amazing, every little addition to the story always left me a little amazed. I really can't wait until chapter 5 comes out!
Though I do understand writing all that takes a lot time (and work!) So take your time ofc! Take breaks if you need them!
Anyways, for now, I'll probably re-play for each of the romances/companions (prob Duri first) >:D
Thank you so much for the kind words, my friend! I am so glad you are finding so much to enjoy. I can't wait to get chapter 5 out, my goal is to have it out this month (it's been a rough month though, but I am striving forward on it)! ^_^
To start it off: If you're hesitating on reading this. STOP. READ IT NOW!!! I PROMISE IT'S WORTH IT. VERY MUCH SO! PLS, READ IT AND SWOON WID ME!!!!!! QAQ
(long message ahead I apologize in advance so sorry ;_;)
The way my lips curled down in desperate sadness after seeing "Thank you for reading" 😭 I've never felt so so SO hollow before, it's just so GOOD. GREAT. AMAZING! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! So hey, dear author... what do you say about another faithful fan who pledges that this is one of her favorite IFs of all time now ;)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my parents. Da 'n Papa! They're such lovable and caring fathers I couldn't have asked for better ones. I love them with all my heart, I can't wait to get better and to go home and hug them again!!! (that one scene with MC crying for their parents' company and wanting to go home while in pain broke me btw)
ANYWAY. I romanced Oswin the entirety of the game (tho I did stray away a couple times to check what would happen with the other ROs... cough) but I always went back to choose my beloved Oswin in the end! All the events with him, his moments, I treasure them all with my whole heart! I have so much more to say about him, but I'll bleed my heart out once the game iz finished. (pls expect like 100k words) (the key scene made me bawl btw)
Ok so to summarize how I feel about the others:
Lakota: BEST.FRIEND.EVER.
Mule (I named her... uh, better not say): I've only had her for a day and a half, but if anything happened to her, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself.
Zahn: The sweetest, they deserve more LOVE. So caring and kind, like cotton-candy. Adorable af. 2nd fav after Oswin<3
Duri: Fluffy. Sexy. Hot. Did I mention FLUFFY yet?
She-wolf: I've only had her for a day and a half, but if anything happened to her, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself.
Nathan: HOT. Love the pet-names btw. (WHY IS HE NOT AN RO????!!!!)
that's that, I can't wait to meet the others! so so so excited!!!
Everyone is EXTREMELY loveable. I can't find myself hating or disliking anyone!!! HOW, author?! You're amazing! Truly, thank you for this. Genuinely made my day. (The Election Ruined It But You Made Me Feel Better) Please always take breaks, stay hydrated! I love you so much (as a fan) Will be rooting for you and this masterpiece of a story<3333
Awe, my friend you are too kind! Your message made my day - big time.
I am so happy to add you to the coven of devoted fans, my dear. There is always room here. ^_^
I am thrilled that you have found so much to love about it, and I can't wait to share more with you (also, no shame in sampling the other ROs, we'll just keep that between us, lol).
I will strive to bring more memorable and lovable moments with these precious characters in the months to come. I also had a rough day and spent it in and out of despair. But GC will be a safe space for me, for you, and for everyone that comes here. Thank you for stopping by and for the sweet message, it was a truly bright light for me today. ^_^
I love this game so much. It feels really unsettling sometimes(cow doesnt go moo anymore), but it adds onto the story and i really liked it :D
I'm glad you love it, my friend!
If it helps, the cow thing might be the most traumatizing bit that I have planned...maybe, lol.
We haven't gotten to the nightmares yet though...I'm not too far in, but I've made decent progress, and I have a few complaints. Know that this is meant to be helpful, and that this is literally all the fault I can find in this game. It's a very fun game so far.
- Dear god, there are so many grammatical errors. This entire thing is gonna need to be proofread to clear them all out. Most of them are harmless, mostly only annoying to grammar nuts like me, but some do obfuscate you intentions a little.
- Menu navigation is a touch borked. Sometimes back to game doesn't work (though you do seem aware of it, thank you for offering solutions to that one) and if I ever save, the save menu WILL NOT reopen unless I open and close settings.
- I am very early on, so I may not have the best perspective of it, but I have to say that the game does seem a bit designed with female characters in mind. It's not too bad, but it is noticeable, particularly in the customization at the start of the game.
And that's it. Man, if that's all the flaw I can find (and I started looking), you're doing pretty good. Just some gentle editing and a bit of wrangling of the spaghetti code, and you've got a quality work right here. I'd pay around $15 for this with those changes. With these current issues, though, it ends up feeling a little unprofessional, which makes it a much harder sell. Seeming even a little unprofessional does pretty big harm to your salability. But again, this is far less work than many games need, and it's one fun game. I hope this little criticism helps, and I hope to see this baby on Steam one day.
I will say the last few parts of your criticisms seem highly unnecessary - because the IF is currently free (and free games or books etc. will be quite unprofessional) also most IF authors I've seen who charge anything have a patreon (that the author doesn't have) which you opt into for bonus content
The most I've seen an IF go for is 12$ (I think authors deserve more but that's besides the point) and that's on the high end
Which is all to say whatever prices the author 'would' charge you'd get about what you'd pay for but the author isn't charging anything so it's not worth speculating on
I think speculating on what it "would" go for IS important - this says demo, after all, which implies a full, paid version. And I was only attempting to state what I would pay with that comment, not what it would be worth. Also, does IF stand for interactive fiction? I've never seen that acronym before.
Yes! If you search IF games anything interactive fiction will show up
Also I would sorta be repeating myself but since Lunan said they've recently thought about selling the full game and writing with that goal in mind I'll leave that discussion and thought process for them (lord knows I'm never gonna make an IF myself lol)
I'm with you on that. I like to give my input about what's "wrong", because everything else is so right, but I'm just some guy. And who am I to proclaim something objectively anything? I just believe player feedback is important. But at the end of the day, everything is up to Lunan. As long as this story concludes satisfactorily, I won't complain.
Thank you, my dear, I do appreciate constructive notes, especially since I do this project alone! ^_^
I know there is going to be issues since I have no real editor or play-tester and am learning as I go. I had 2 people very briefly proof the beginning, but other than that, it's just been me. I have never coded anything in my life before this either. So, this spaghetti is going to be unhinged, my friend, lol.
Going to note too, that when I began this project - it was not for salability. It was just for the passion of it (the thought of putting it on Steam was like a far-off and untouchable dream). While I wanted it as professional as I could manage, that wasn't the end-goal, so those things were not a focus. It wasn't until sort of recently, with readers encouraging me, that I began really thinking about polishing and selling it one day. It would be a dream come true, to be sure.
Since I am now looking at possibly selling it one day, it will get extensive copyediting and refining. I just want the full story out for right now.
The menu navigation will get an overhaul when I can focus on it. I have a lot of things I want to implement on the stats along with a journal page to track the story. What's there now just won't suffice for all I have planned. I think some of the issues rest in template I've used, but with some research I can fix them.
I've had the "female-leaning" reference made once before, and I'll say what I said then - I truly believe that depends on your perception of what is inherently male, female or anything in-between. I do realize most of my audience is female-leaning, but I have more often received comments that my writing wasn't as gendered as most out there. I do not believe in gender roles or that things should be gendered - period. The lens I see through is a-gendered as it is, so I just don't see it, personally.
Hey, don't worry too much. I also said all this as something of a utilitarian - most people looking at indie stuff don't care too much about professionalism, and I'm a grammar nut, so most people playing won't notice most of those little errors. As for the female-leaning thing, it's only really even noticeable in character creation, and even then, not all that visible unless you're looking. And the menu navigation was already something you were clearly aware of, so I'm not fussed about it.
Hmm...that was quite unexpected. You really should mention either in the description or in the trigger warning section that we have two gay fathers....I think that's...a bit important no? Sorry but I can't read your story because of that. But I wish you good luck with your work.
Two gay dads do not require a trigger warning, but your comment sure does for homophobia. Don't be sorry, if that is where your line is, I'd rather you not read my work anyway, and I certainly do not need your well-wishes either.
FACTS!!!
That's fine, but you still need to give some warning about it because your work could be seen by other people who aren't looking for that kind of content. They're not gender-selectable like everyone else, you feel me?
No, I do not.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trigger%20warning
Gay parents are not disturbing or upsetting content.
Well, you don't have to put it in the trigger warning specifically. What I'm saying is that you need to make it more obvious in the description who finds and adopts the main character. Because I read it and didn't catch that. Maybe adding Gay tag will also help.
You are not understanding, and I fully realize that you will likely not in a conversation with me. Should readers be "notified" about heterosexual parents too? I suspect your answer is 'no.' That is my issue with what you are suggesting. I will not treat parents with non-hetero orientations any differently in fiction or in real life. End of story.
You need a trigger warning... for what now? I'm pretty sure this game is literally in the LGBT category in the tags. I don't think I've ever read a book that had a big red sign that said "gays portrayed!! read with caution" goodluck in your pursuit of divine heterosexual literature.
The LGBT category doesn't say much. I've played a huge number of games from this category and I'm quite happy with everything. Because either I choose the gender of the characters or I can ignore romantic interests that don't suit my tastes. Here it's absolutely inevitable, so it's worth putting some kind of warning about it. Maybe adding a Gay tag would be nice.
We've established that isn't going to happen because it's ridiculous and the author doesn't want to and it's their work so this is a redundant argument. You made your suggestion and We've established this game is not for you. Good luck in your pursuit once again. I love the gay dad's. I hope they stay forever and always Amen.
Why do you feel so attacked that they put two homosexual parents when it really doesn't effect anyone nor anything. It's painful to see you whine over a game that you don't have to play or even think about. It just really aggrivates me, that small-minded people exist and are more prominent on the internet as ever, as someone who has been discriminated for the person who I am sexually I am intrested in. LGBTQ tags were put in for people who don't like those kinds of things; LGBTQ tags shouldn't be used for what you are describing.
What i legit fail to understand myself is what exactly is the trigger warning here supposed to be for? Because they are gay? Andddd??? It's not like they are out here having sex in every scene or walking around with their asses out. And even if they were this is an 18+ rated game 🙄 but they aren't they are raising an orphan wtf is so triggering about that?
Stupid shit like this makes my brain hurt. Christ alive. Oh no look it's two people who love each other. The horror...
weirdo
Must be Mormon lol
My Mormon nan would go to fisticuffs (probably lose) for her gay son. Not all Mormons suck :>
glad to hear some are awesome 🤩
I've never made reviews or rated stories but this was amazing! it took my attention and the characters are to die for! I'm totally obsessed wit oswin. i love how brutal it is but also charming, and i cant get over papa and da :0. i cant wait to see wat happens next :)
I am thankful that you have stopped by, my dear, and that you are enjoying my story and characters. Brutal and charming is the best compliment to me, lol. I am really shooting for this very month for the next chapter as well, so I hope it won't too long for you to wait! ^_^
This IF is everything I've ever wanted and more I'm so in love with it! You are incredible author and idk I just don't have enough words to say how much I like this story
Sidenote Duri has my mc's heart completely
Oh I'm so glad you are enjoying it! I hope to bring you more to love this month as well. Duri has proven to be quite the heart-stealer too! ^_^
A friend introduced me to your lovely IF a few days ago and I have already played through the available chapters several times, playing with different options and such. I absolutely love it and am excited to see where the story goes from here! All the characters are so much fun to get to know and I absolutely love the world you have created. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Thank you so much for the very kind words. It brings me much joy that you are enjoying reading and rereading. I can't wait to bring you more to love. ^_^
We need chapter five please 🥺
It's in the oven, my friend! I hope to have a tasty chapter ready in November. ^_^
It's great, I love Zahn and Duri so much :D
Thank you! They are quite loveable (the trouble is that they kinda know it too), lol.
is it selfish wanting to read the next chapter right now?
Not at all, I totally get that feeling! I'm aiming for November for the next chapter though! If it is done sooner, I will release it sooner. ^_^
thank you so much
Just found and binged this, bookmarked and all. I will be checking back often. What a wonderful job with this so far, truly.
That's awesome! I'm glad you're here, my new friend, and I am so glad you enjoyed it so much! ^_^
(Aiming for an update in November, btw!)
Can't wait!
sigghh i miss Nathan already
You know, me too >_< lol
We should do something about that :D
Second to that! I love the ROs (even though we haven't meet them all, yet), but Nathan is a different story entirely.
And his cat! Got to pet the cat~
Shadow deserves all the love! (Nathan should get some too though, lol) ^_^
Okay, I've only just found this and am more hooked than any other IF i've come across and I have to pause to comment this. (potential spoilers if you haven't played)
I named my character Ravi on name day for the sentiment from parents AND Oswin. And there's a CALL out TO THAT? I absolutely lost my mind. I already knew this was easily already in my top 3, and it just became my top for that absolutely insanely intricate detail. Thank you so much for this insane work of art.
Oh, my friend I am so glad you found that and appreciated it! I love little things like that in IFs, so I'm trying to remember to add them. I have a few things that I plan to go back and code more callbacks to as well. Sometimes when I get into the writing, those details slip from my mind. Thank you so much for your kind words, I hope GC continues to bring you joy as the journey pushes on. ^_^
I can't count how many times I've been happily surprised by some choices given like the characters to invite to what you're doing and such
This really earned it's place in my bookmarks!
You, author and everyone else that had worked on this have really earned my respect :D
I'm so glad you like that, my dear. I want to keep options like that where I can since there's a lot of other things that the MC isn't given much of a choice in. Thank you for the kind words! I am happy to be in your bookmarks (very cozy, 5 stars, highly recommend). ^_^
I'm waiting for the next update:33333 so goooooood. My dear Oswin is so gentle and protective
It's well under way, my dear! I can't say for sure, but I anticipate updating before the end of the year. I'll have a better idea of when after next week. My hope is for November at the latest. (There's going to be some very choice Oswin moments too.) ^_^
duri'naan my beloved...... i definitely know who i want to romance
Oh, they'll be very happy about that, my dear. 🐺
Can't. Stop.Replaying.
*obsessively checks for new chapter for the last 65 days*
Im not obsessed.
Definitely not obsessed.
...ok i might be obsessed
LOL, I can totally tell. I am hot on the heels of chapter 5 already (26k words). If you have Tumblr, I've posted a couple ask responses with little mini-drabbles or POVs if that will help scratch the itch a little! ^_^
Eeee yay!
Do u have a patreon?
Not yet, but I'm making plans currently! Probably going to start out with just a couple tiers to keep it simple - early releases, side stories, POVS, and of course some spicy things. ^_^
I'd for sure subscribe 😃
this is a very compelling story!! I'm so glad I stumbled upon while looking for interactive fiction. I cried so much in the scenes with the dads and such, and I kept giggling with the cute things that the LLs do.... I can't wait for more!!
Thank you, my dear! I am happy you enjoyed it so! If it helps, I cried while writing a lot of those, lol. I cry at a lot of things (commercials get me sometimes), so I'm glad I'm not the only one with misty eyes! ^_^
I ALREADY LOVE THIS AAAAAAA
I'm so happy to stumble upon this-- SO MANY CHOICES TO BE >:DD
I love all the characters, for the life of me, I cannot pick, they are equally interesting and fun to interact with!!
Oswin is that childhood sweetheart, turned distant-- but actually cares??? I'm cooked chat, I'M ACTUALLY GONNA FOLD-- (god its like a slow burn with him, slow burn and angst.) (I am going to CRYYYY LET ME TAKE CARE OF YOUUU RAAAHHHH) (I forgive him, but that backstory with the key hurt me actually-- like--)
Zahn is such a cute thing, (especially in the explicit scenes god-- I love them, I could just devour them whole, they are so NEEDY MWAH--) (I didnt know what gender I wanted them to be, so I flipped a coin and now he's a boy :D) (IT WAS WORTH IT THO-- I LOVE PRETTY BOYS TOO) (also-- religious trauma?? same, I wanna save him from it.)
Duri?? I DIDNT KNOW THE WOLF WAS GONNA BE THEM (I went in bliiindddd--) gosh, they make me blush (I chose them to be a girl because I'm gay for girls who could devour me--) (WHAT?? WHO SAID THAT??) (😰)
also, I chose the mule-- I knoow I KNOW OSWIN GAVE ME LOOKS ON MY SELECTION BUT I CHOSE HERRRR SHE IS MY BESTIE I LOVE HER
me and the mule have the same amount of braincells, in which if you combine them, you get 1--
I named the mule Bunn because I saw that mules have long ears, and they look like bunnies to me. she is very pretty and she knows it <33
I love our dads, and my dead mom <33 (never met her, but I stand by it)
also-- I chose being a chef because... well-- no one is a chef in our travels, so I thought being a chef would make me useful in a different way :D (I also think being a badass chef is funny) (Imagine attacking people by seasoning them and frying them up <3)
edit: so sorry-- but is it possible to peg guys and gals in explicit scenes?? I wanna be dominant in most explicit scenes hehe (sorry if its stupid-- I was just wondering ehehe thank you again--) (teeny suggestion) (sorry again--)
I swear-- I want to say so much-- but I also dont wanna be annoying--
also also, hope that youre doing well! get some rests when needed and even if I dont know who you are, YOURE VERY COOL MWAH MWAH
It's alright, my dear! I totally understand, I don't find it annoying, you're good. I am doing very well and am hydrated and all that (perpetually sleepy, but that's just life, lol). ^_^
YOU are very cool *mwah mwah*.
I so thoroughly enjoyed this comment, it was the absolute best thing to read before bed. [Lost my shit at the "(WHAT?? WHO SAID THAT??)"]
I had the most fun dreams after that, lol. I am so thrilled that you are loving the story and have a passion for the characters. Bunn is a fabulous name for our mule too! Her ears are especially long even among mule standards.
As for your question, I am not sure yet but I am thinking about it. I think I have a way to do a world-friendly toy that the characters can use for pegging. It could be limited to certain moments, but I'll see what I can do. I'd like those experiences to be as flexible as I can possibly get them. ^_^
HASHAHDHVBV STOOPP YOU ARE SUCH A TREATT <33
Like, respectully, I would suck your dick (if you dont have one, then its a metaphoric dick, yk yk?) (also this is a hyperbole-- I JUST REALLY THINK THIS GAME IS GOOD-)
also, no problem if you cant do it btw!! its not the end of the world, and I'd still love to see this story to its conclusion! I just hope you enjoy yourself making the game! <33 And I'm happy to hear that your life is doing great!! I hope it continues doing so!
also, the way you speak in text makes me visualize that I'm talking to a gentleman/woman/person (like-- HELLO?? HI, UH-- I AM A HUMBLE PEASANT) (I STUMBLED INTO YOUR OFFICE?? AND CURRENTLY STEALING YOUR INK AND PARCHMENT?? UHH NO IM NOT?)
(WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M "currently in the process of escaping through the window that I broke to get in"?? YOU MUST BE SEEING THINGS)
all that to say that you sound very proffesional, I am so embarassed to be in your presence, teehee~ (why did I type so much) (and went on a tangent on an imaginary senario???????)
anyways-- sleep well! and also, NO YOUR COOL--
You're an absolute joy, my dear, lol. I appreciate that you'd go to such hyperbolic levels to show your appreciation. Can definitively say it's a first for me, lol.
I appreciate that you see me being a genteel soul, and I can be, but I'm actually a goblin in a suit (no pants though, but I have a bowtie). The more you get to know me, the more you see the goblin. So don't be embarrassed, I quite like your way of things - you are terribly cool to me. ^_^
The ages in this confuse me. After the timeskip, it says the MC is 24, but also starting their 24th year, making them 23. I think the same happened when the MC was 7/8 and 13/14. Is this a mistake or did I misunderstand something?
Hello my friend! I'll be on the lookout for errors here. The ages did change during editing for the first draft a very long time ago, so there may be something off about the wording in some places. I've provided some clarity below, but I'll be sure to proofread for continuity when I can. Thank you for the heads up! ^_^
At the conclusion of the Prologue and start of chapter 1, MC is only 5 years old (Lakota is 1 year older and Oswin nearly 4 years older but hasn't hit his 9th birthday just yet). After the first bout with the illness, there's a summary for the 3 years in-between that covers the rest of age 5 and on through age 8 (the incident in the barn happens during this time and is meant to be in the same year the MC is 8 years old). In that same year, before their 9th birthday, is when MC picks their favored skill/profession. After this there is another summed up few years that leads up to the 14th birthday - the "Name Day." During that summary there is mention of Lakota's name day, which occurs a year prior to the MC's, so the wording there may be confusing. Once the MC turns 14, there is a 10 year skip to jettison them into their next most important birthday. The MC is turning 24 the same day the mark appears, this would be the start of their 24th year. This is where most of the character creation is concluded and ends chapter 1 and bleeds into chapter 2.
But the 24th birthday is the start of the 25th year, no? It means that the 24th year is now complete, so the next one starts. Like someone's first birthday, when they turn one year old, marks the end of their first year in life and the start of their second one. So the number of someone's birthday is the number of years they have behind them. That kind of phrasing is used rather frequently, so that may be where the confusion stems from.
I think we may be just from different semantics on that. For me, the 24th birthday is the start of the 24th year - the year you spend at age 24 might be a better way to phrase it. I can see it your way of course, it's just not from my frame of reference I guess. Like, I had my 37th b-day last month, that day marked the beginning of my 37 years walking this earth. It's almost like not counting the first 12 months of infancy honestly lol (like the counter starts at 0 and you build up to age 1 and so on). It's just the way I know it at least.
Oh, I am kinda curious, it says 5 LI but we only see 4 written...*eyes* is the god one love interest?
Also, just a little confused, does this have love triangles or stuff? Ngl it's hard not to reach to the halfgod even when going oswin routes...this is hard choice
That is correct, there are 4 "main" love interests and a 5th mystery man who hasn't been revealed yet.
No Love triangles or poly in this one, but you can flirt and such until you choose a love interest (or none) to lock into. Oswin and Duri are creating a lot of conflicts of late, so you're not alone there. ^_^