Hello, my friends. I’m J.R. Salazar and this WiP is my first attempt at writing an IF gamebook. I’ve been reading IF for a number of years now and I decided to make my own.
Hunter: The Shadow Within is a Dark Fantasy Interactive Novel set in a vicious medieval world, stripped of its magic by gods who abandoned it, with mysteries to uncover that many would kill to know and the few who do know would kill to keep them secret.
There are twelve planned chapters. I plan on updating every month. I’m shooting for 80.000-100.000 words, so as you can tell, this is a medium scale project.
Chapter 1: 11K words. Complete.
Chapter 2: 15K words. Complete.
Chapter 3: 10K words. Complete.
Chapter 4: Under Construction.
The Blood Temple of Kroathar is an ancient and forgotten place, deep in the cursed forests of the realm. It is said that a powerful sword lies within its depths - a sword that could turn the tide of any war in the favor of whoever possesses it. So, the nobles request the help of a hunter to escort them to the bosom of blood magic.
In this adventure, you’ll play the role of such a hunter, one of the last of your kind, afflicted with a strange illness that brings you nearer to death’s door every passing day.
This very uncommon offer might be just the chance you needed to change your fate, avoid an early passing and know your origins.
In this journey, challenges will be confronted to get to the depths of the truth and alliances will be forged against the heat of battle with your companions
- Play as male or female; gay or straight.
- Marry into nobility, romance the heir of an Archduchy or his sister; explore passions with an alchemist, or forbidden love with a holy knight.
- Customize your character’s appearance, personality, and Hunting Path.
- Make decisions that will shape the Kingdom of Eudhaymon for years to come.
- Uncover secrets about magic that humankind was never meant to know.
- Discover the mystery of your disease and unearth your dark past.
ROs
- Lord Arthur of Euphyristos
Apperance
The man is very tall and muscular, with a face that seems to have been chiseled from stone, except for the scar on his face which runs across one eye and cheekbone. His hair is a burnished, dark, glossy black, and his eyes are emerald green and cold as ice. He proudly dons his knightly armor built in intricate detail by the best craftsmen in all of Eudhaymon.
Personality
He has led men into battle from the front, both in war and in his schemes, and he’s known to be an inspirational leader, loyal to his allies, but ruthless to his enemies. He has a strong sense of justice and respects those who fight for their ideals. He’s bold, and ambitious, although his emotions sometimes flare, but he mostly keeps them under control.
- Lady Aella of Euphyristos
Appearance
Lady Aella is tall for a woman and is often dressed in the finest silks and velvets, her auburn hair is usually drawn into a simple braid. The Lady’s eyes are green and flecked with gold, mischief twinkling within the depths of those mysterious orbs. Her lips, soft and full, form an enchanting secret-keeping smile, the rest of her features are as sharp as a razor’s edge.
Personality
Lady Aella is passionate about making the world a better place than the one she was born into, a firecracker of a woman who possesses the confidence of a queen. With a wicked sense of humor that often catches others off guard, Lady Aella has a relentless and cunning side, capable of carrying out whatever task she sets her mind to. Along with her brother, she’s a visionary, and she sees a bright future for the lands of Eudhaymon and its people.
- Lucia/Lucius, the Alchemist
Appearance
They own an extremely rare pair of golden eyes, set in a serene face that many would accuse of beauty, accentuated by pointy ears and a sharp nose. Their hair is the color of gold, and it’s shiny as if it’s made from pure sunlight.
Personality
Mostly calm but commanding, but something’s concealed under intelligence, and resourcefulness. They’re not one for idle chatter or gossip, and are quick to judge others. They deviate from society’s norms, disregarding conformism and orthodoxy. They tirelessly pursue their goals, regardless of how difficult they might be, and will go to any length to fulfill them.
- Alayn/Alayne, Holy Knight of Kaine
Appearance
Their long hair and armor are both pure white. They’re tall, athletic with a toned frame, and slanted, purple eyes that tell of many horrors witnessed. They own a strong, square jaw, full lips, and brows almost always set into a subtle snarl of anger. The narrow forehead accentuates their proud look.
Personality
Their expression and posture reflect a quiet, calm demeanor and sense of duty. The weight of their duties, and worries about the state of the realm weigh heavily upon them. Beneath this stoic exterior, there is a strong, iron core of grit and determination. They’ve tried to maintain their honor and faith intact in a vile, lawless age of corruption and darkness.
Content Warning
Blood and gore, dismemberment, violence, strong language, insults.
I’d like feedback on stats, choices, dialogue and prose. English is not my native language, so feel free to comment about anythng that gets your attention. Thank you.
To play the demo, which now contains 36000 words, go here: Demo