Okay, to add to the little tidbit of the dictionary. I’m wondering if it would be better to have a dictionary that just has all the keywords you’ll come across or make it so that whenever you come across a phrase the definition is unlocked. The third option would have some basic definitions with others unlocked. Hmm.
- Have a Regular Index
- An Empty Index that fills up over time
- Basic Phrases + Unlock more as the story plays out
I had a bit of extra time so I figured I’d work on more of these choice variations while I got them playing in my mind.
Here’s the Crimson vs Vermilion fight, but dealt if you called Indigo for assistance!
The Start of the Fight
A fierce snarl is torn from Vermilion as in seconds he’s pinning Crimson against the pale brick wall, cracks scattering from the sheer force. Yet, the blond does nothing, but grin widely. His vivid red lips are a bloody smile fueling the rage building inside his lupine comrade.
“I am no child of Lycaon! You shall not name me as such!”
“Oh, I’m sure the humans would think otherwise.”
Another snarl, one that rumbles deeply like rolling thunder in a passing storm. Those apricot irises were heated, molten lava from the sheer fury boiling. The Dampener whirls, all three layers of the black metal collar already charging itself in preparation. As if waiting for Vermilion to act beyond his orders.
“I am no such thing,” Vermilion leans closer. Teeth extending to fangs overpeering lips. "Just as you are no vampire, Defiler!"
A rich, dry, chuckle fills the room’s silence beyond the rumbling growls.
Crimson’s smile widens eerily.
Those white beacons of light flared once as the madness begins to set in.
“My, name calling now? Might as well take me to bed,” the purring blond only enrages the lupine further.
Crimson vs Vermilion, Indigo Assist
With a mocking grin, Crimson allows the distance between them to shorten. Just enough to kick his feet hard against Vermilion’s broad muscular chest. Knocking him back into a stumble, the blond effortlessly sweeps upward into a flip, landing against the wall on all fours. He is poised like a jaguar ready to pounce.
The delicate pale fingers belonging to the vampire were lengthening into a bloody red dipping heavily to pitch black as they shape themselves into claws. In turn, Vermilion’s thick long mane of hair bristles as his face stretches to transform.
The sight and sound of their bodies beginning to morph are activating their Dampeners. The three layers of the black metal collars are whirling wildly. Bits of electricity can be seen sparking as runic writing glows.
Your eyes fluttered closed under long eyelashes. You take a deep breath then exhale slowly, and easily, as you recall your training. In your mind’s eye, time stops. The room narrows until it’s just you and the one that is bound to your word.
A sweet aroma fills your senses with a flood of warm, temptatious, emotions. The sultry chuckle of an amused devil is a sensual caress to your ears. Then a surge of lust, power, and wisdom beyond your years encompasses you like a long-lost lover.
You call forth the archdevil of temptation itself.
[Indigo.]
Your tone is calm, even, as the pressure around you shifts.
Indigo flexes and stretches his limbs as the Dampener whirls clockwise. A growing grin of amusement on his face as each whirl of the middle ring brings forth the acknowledgment of the fun he’ll soon have. The whirling stops at four specific runes before the collar widens and with a hefty breath of air and the smooth exhale through the flare of nostrils, Indigo felt free.
His powers returned, slowly, yet it was enough to feel whole again. Enough to be a temptation to the archdevil of temptations, himself, to run amok. However, all thoughts of gaining true freedom halts at the arrival of your command.
[Separate them.]
“Fucking - finally,” is the smooth, chuckling, response whispering in the back of your mind. The sound alone brings an instinctive shiver down your spine.
Indigo sits himself in mid-air, cross-legged and lazily leaning back with his head propped on his hand. He’s held up by the strong thick spaded tail. His amused grin never faltered at the sight of Crimson and Vermilion rushing toward one another as time resumes.
“Rosa, come out to play~” A hand raised, then a snap of the lavender devil’s fingers triggers the thriving shift of movement as the tattoos on his form come alive. Jets of ink pours from his skin as it writhes and morphs into emerald tendrils covered in thorns and blooming swirls of roses. Rows of teeth and a long lash of the tongue are revealed within each rose.
In seconds the tendrils launch forth!
Zooming passed you as they work quickly to ensnare the two before they’ve collided into a brawl. Vermilion flails in his bindings, his entire body struggling as the tendrils only tighten further.
“Just relax, Spottacus. The more you struggle, the more - well,” Indigo’s grin widens to the point you’re already rolling your eyes. It doesn’t take long to get the archdevil in a mood.
Crimson is fairing much better despite being held upside down.
“You know, Indy. If you wanted me tied up so bad, all you had to do was ask.” Crimson cackles softly at the choked scoff Vermilion made.
“At least they are no longer fighting?” Azure gives you a comforting smile. You can count on him on behaving - sorta.
Handler questioning C's Need to Fight with V
Handler: “Why do you always antagonize him,” you questioned. An on-coming headache nears the minute Crimson gives you a faux expression of “What? Me? Never.” Looking absolutely dramatic.
Handler: “Seriously.”
Crimson: He stares at you for a few seconds. Those eerie white lights gaze over you as if pondering whether he should spin another web of lies or be truthful. It was a second later that you begin to wonder if you should give up, but then - it happen. Crimson’s gaze flickered over to the sight of the scarred warrior currently snarling at the toaster to release his meal. As if the said machine was an enemy to face on the battlefield.
Handler: Tilting your head, your eyes take in the softening of those ever mischievously white lights into something akin to affection. The twitching corners of the bloody red lips were as if the vampire was preventing himself from enjoying the scene.
Handler: Your mouth opens to speak, but Crimson spoke first.
Crimson: “I just like them dumb, perhaps.” He gives a nonchalant shrug, already looking down at his nails and beginning to clean them.
You figured that was as much of an answer as you’re going to get.
A bit of an update: I’m trying to write variations while adding stats checks for different responses during conversations and storyline. It’s been interesting trying to figure that one of out. I think I’ll hafta make a test scene to do all the debugging for all these concept ideas. I’m also working on getting an intro for the inmates.
BTW, anyone know what’s an ideal word count for releasing a demo? I’m trying to set a goal. 
Oct 4, 3:27AM, Edit: I just spent God only knows how long on making a quick character customization sequence. I mean it works! But, somehow, I’ve screwed the “Begin” portion of the main line so I gotta go fix that. LMAO! It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t screw up somewhere else. Jeez!
I also wrote a mini scene that’ll lead to variations in how much of a relationship you’ve gotten with certain characters and what stats you have thus far! I’ve been using it for testing so there’s that. I’m hoping to see if I can get more writing done this week so that I can set up an itty-bitty demo. I’m nowhere near my original goal, but I think having more feedback would at least clear some of the indecisions I’m having in areas. This is why the demo date will be sooner than later.
