with choices…
Either that or there will be no combat at all.
I guess kinda like in Wayhaven. But yeah, if you have combat, I suppose that makes it more complicated. I have been trying to figure out a way around having Stats…
So far, I come up empty-handed. 
Oh, you specifically mentioned combat in the post, so I thought it would be present.
I suppose if you give enough information (in amount and clarity) in the text that one can navigate the fights without resorting to trial-and-error, that’s fine.
Wayhaven’s… three? combats (as of Book 2) all use stats, though?
But even the combat in Wayhaven is based on stats, isn’t? If your character choose the brainy status in the beginning of the game and in the fight choose the brawn options, you fail.
Maybe some kind of “paths” for the combat could do without stats? If choose this and after made the subsequent “right” choice you suceed?
And about the fight, I don’t care when my character is beaten up after failing a stat check (I kinda like make reckless characters that throw themselves in a fight even if it isn’t their strong trait), but when the character dies and I have to play all over again… 
Like in real life, I have the habit of making bad choices in games.
I suck at creating Stats. That’s why I’m looking for an Alternative.
If I were writing a story it is easy! You get to decide who gets his ass kicked 
But as a game? You gotta give the wheel to the player, and that’s when it gets dicey.
It is.
You can make this happen via choices, you just have to make sure that you the information you give on the description and the choices is clear and informative enough that the player has a good chance of winning.
Let’s say you are in a fighting ring. How would that go?
Don’t you need a health bar?
Not necessarily, you can just put in the description how the MC is increasingly beat-up depending on the choices they pick. Technically you still have stats (“you can fail five choices before losing” is a stat, regardless of whether you display it or not), unless you make it an insta-loss with the first not-perfect choice.
Pretty much, yeah.
So just put an archaic system, like heal-stamina bar + choices and that is it?
My MC after made all those bad choices
Ok that was gold! Thanx for the share! 
I like the concept of Dark Fantasy & over Powered the most either one will be a fun game to play through. If u do the dark fantasy one will their be challenges as well as things that are made easier depending on which creature u get turned into? For example: If someone becomes a werewolf will they lose control under a full moon but be stronger even when they’re in their humans form? That way their player’s choices matter rather than it just going okay u a werewolf, vampire, or mage in modern time go about ur day as if nothing happened
werewolves go crazy if they are in their wolf form for a long time although they are more powerful, vampires have multiple Weaknesses (holy water, sun, fire, etc), let’s say that wizards need to be careful not to become too self-centered because their arcane blood by making them so powerful it makes them become confident
Cool. Can’t wait for the demo
Do tell me if this sounds like it would be of interest to you. Feel free to pose suggestions or ask questions.
MAGPIE COURT
You return home for a relaxing holiday with a friend only to find your father dead, yourself engaged to be married, your mother conspiring with a suspicious member of the clergy, and your house in a state of medley and chaos. Navigate courtly intrigue, a new title, an annoying younger sister, an arranged marriage, home decor, and potential murder.
genre: low fantasy, courtly intrigue, mystery
the protagonist: gender-selectable [m/f]. A freshly-minted viscount(ess) and university student with a customizable name and personality.
romantic options
Relationships are an important part of this story, but they needn’t be romantic. Feel free to make lovers, friends, or foes of the below.
Lishan [m/f – opposite gender to MC] a childhood friend whom you find yourself engaged to. Eloquent, charming, and perversely rich, as well as elusive about their long disappearance. Whether you marry them for love, politics, or not at all is left up to your discretion.
Elia [m/f – gender selectable] inquisitive, studious, and excitable. You befriended them at university and invited them to enjoy a holiday in your home country, but you both got rather more than you bargained for.
Tanager Aquila [m/f – gender selectable] to you, they are Their Eminence. Scheming, shadowy, and well-dressed, they seem to have gained your mother’s favour.
other characters of note
Lady Latona [surname of your discretion], Dowager Viscountess [fief of your discretion]. A widow who has planned out your future in meticulous detail.
The Honourable Artemisia [surname of your discretion]. A spirited and rebellious young woman who looks up to you. Perhaps your guiding influence will shape her. Perhaps it won’t.
You had me at courtley intrigue. Definitely looking forward to this.
Looks good! I think you should go ahead with this. As plots go, it’s not about originality but execution.
Nope, not happening. Make them player selectable like the others and I’d be interested. Force opposite gender to the MC and I’m just going to walk away right now.
Obviously this might not change your opinion, which is fine, but you aren’t forced to romance Lishan - you can also opt for a political marriage or break the engagement off.
The setting of the story is one where marriage is chiefly political and, among the upper-classes (which the MC belongs to), its main purpose is securing alliances and producing heirs. Though you can also opt for a mariage blanc with Lishan if you’re playing a gay or asexual MC, or simply one not attracted to Lishan but still wanting to reap the benefits of marriage.
Again, it’s fine if this stops you from playing the game, I just wanted to clarify the Lishan situation in case it was unclear.
That sounds great! I hope you decide to post it 
Write what you wish. You can’t please everyone. If you try to, your vision for your story might be compromised.