Hi! I’m Erin. I’ve had fun playing ChoiceScript games for years, but Dragon’s Rise is my first foray into trying my hand at creating one myself.
Dragon’s Rise will be heavily focused on character interactions and shaping your own narrative as the protagonist. Though the MC will encounter magic and adventure (and, of course, a dragon or two), my goal was to create a human story about a cast of characters and a world that will be shaped by the MC’s actions, as well as the person they choose to become.
Currently, my WIP is sitting at about 22,000 words total, not including command lines. It’s still early in the process, and a couple routes are not caught up as far as the rest, so I’ve made those unselectable for now.
If you find yourself interested, any feedback on the story so far is greatly appreciated!
I’ll be sharing updates roughly once a month, though this may become more or less frequent as my schedule allows. All content in the demo is subject to change.
Story
Dragon’s Rise: Flesh and Blood is a fantasy interactive fiction game. You take on the role of a teenager from a nomadic desert tribe, coming of age and finding your way in a fractured world.
Fifty years ago, the last living dragon was slain by the armies of the Cildarei Dominion, bringing their centuries-long purge to a close. With few obstacles left in their path, the Dominion and its neighbors swept across the continent, subjugating those they could, and making war with those they couldn’t.
You grew up listening to hushed stories of a time when your ancestors lived alongside bonded dragons, a time when boundless skies were their domain—but the reality of your life has always been quite different. You live in a land long scarred by war, famine, and plague. Warring realms scrabble for wealth and power, and you and your people are caught in the middle.
On what should have been a routine desert crossing, an unexpected encounter sets you on the trail of something you never thought you’d find; a dormant dragon egg. You and your allies must find a way to steal it out from under the nose of those who would exploit its power. Should you succeed, you’ll have to find a way to deal with the consequences, too.
This time, the stories are yours to shape. Will you be able to hatch, protect, and raise a fledgling baby dragon? And will the bond between you and your hatchling dragon be strong enough enough to keep you both safe?
Will you rekindle the glory of an ancient age? Will you chart your own path, forging a new future for your people?
Or will your discovery shatter the only home you’ve ever known?
Gameplay
- Play as male, female, or nonbinary, whether cisgender or transgender, with your choice of pronouns and gender identity.
- Customize your traits and skills; train and acquire proficiency in a variety of different weapons. Learn and obtain intellectual mastery over your chosen areas of lore.
- Look for love among four different romance options. Befriend—or make enemies out of—a wide cast of characters.
- Open new doors as you make choices that influence your standing with each of the major factions of your world, for better or for worse.
- Ally yourself with an orphaned baby dragon; influence and shape the future of your bonded hatchling as you create a monster, forge a symbol of hope, or simply find a new friend.
- Take advantage of free time to get to know your companions… or work to enhance yourself, your bonded dragon, and your tribe. You’re going to need it.
- Explore the world and uncover buried secrets. Who were the dragonlords, exactly? And who will you become?
ROs
There are four different ROs to choose from; one male, one female, one nonbinary, and one who may be either male or female depending on player choice. All four are bisexual and romanceable by a main character of any gender. They have platonic routes as well, so feel free to pursue friendship/found family bonds to your hearts’ content!
As of the current demo, Noa and Myr/Myrra have not yet been introduced.
Adiye (f)
A compassionate huntress who would do anything for the people she loves. Adiye has a big heart, and she’s always had a soft spot for children and animals—but she’s also a force of nature on the battlefield. A perfectionist to her core, Adiye has high expectations for both herself and others. Stubborn and unshakable when she sets her mind to something, she takes her responsibilities seriously and works hard to keep everyone together. Alongside Safir, you’ve known Adiye for nearly as long as you can remember, the three of you having been raised to prepare yourselves for an uncertain future as warriors of the nomadic Koyukh tribe.
Adiye has deep brown skin, onyx-black eyes, and long black hair that she typically wears in braids or twists. For someone with such a bright, sunny exterior, she hides an impressive number of knives in her clothes. She’s tall for her age, with a willowy frame. Her left eyebrow is split by a scar she got as a child, while defending her best friend Safir.
Safir (m)
A trickster who plays his own cards close to his chest, Safir’s childhood shyness has evolved into a charming, yet aloof demeanor. He never quite seems to take himself—or anyone else—seriously, but he’s quietly brimming with curiosity for the world just over the horizon. Alongside Adiye, Safir has been your shadow for nearly as long as you can remember, the three of you having been raised to prepare yourselves for an uncertain future as warriors of the nomadic Koyukh tribe. His past before being adopted by the tribe is shrouded in mystery, but for as long as you’ve known him, he’s been determined to leave it buried. He might be willing to open up to you, if you let him.
Safir has a narrow, angular build, with olive skin and dark, wavy brown hair. His smile comes easily around the people he trusts—as well as the people he’s trying to con. He has an excellent poker face, with sharp green eyes and a calculating gaze.
Noa (nb)
A softspoken aspiring storyteller and historian, Noa has always had an eye for details that others may miss, the hidden beauty—and tragedy—of the desert they call home. Noa was frail as a child, and prone to illness, leading to long hours spent studying alone. Somehow, they’ve managed to find their own peculiar brand of peace in the knowledge that waking up to see the next sunrise is never a guarantee. Though well-intentioned, they sometimes forget that other people aren’t quite as blasé about death as they are.
Noa wears fabrics dyed in colors that evoke the summer sky at dusk. They have a soft, slight frame and a steady presence; quiet, but assertive. Noa has warm brown skin, grey eyes, and ashen-black hair that, despite their youth, is already streaked with silver. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether they’re paying attention.
Myr/Myrra (m or f)
A peerless fighter, Myr/Myrra took up leadership over their late father’s warband at a young age, relentlessly defending the title from all challengers. Bold, confident, and larger-than-life—with the hard-earned skill to back it up—Myr/Myrra gives off the impression of being both unflinchingly fearless and fiercely loyal. They’re used to proving themselves, to putting their life on the line for others, and they’re happiest astride a swift horse, weapon in hand. All Myr/Myrra wants is a bright future for the people they’ve sworn to protect, but it’s a goal that won’t be easily achieved.
Myr/Myrra has sun-browned skin, laughing amber eyes, and windswept, tangled copper hair, which they decorate with an array of braids, beads, and tiny bells. Both genders, Myr and Myrra, are tall and muscular, with a warrior’s grace, and wear dark kohl around their eyes. Myr (male) sports a sleek beard.
Content Warnings
Dragon’s Rise will feature themes and instances of violence, death, warfare, fantasy-based xenophobia/racism/discrimination, possible animal death and animal cruelty, torture, fantasy- and magic-based human exploitation and enslavement, kidnapping, child endangerment, references to a forced marriage, trauma, and strong language.
This list of warnings is not yet comprehensive, and will be updated as the story progresses.
The story would likely be rated for ages 16+.
Changelog
9/1/21
Initial demo posted
22,084 words, not including command lines
Here is the DEMO link!