Ah, no, it’s gender-choice. The original RP character was male, and I must have gotten too into it in the write up, sorry!
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No worries. It sounds like a nice mystery we get to dig up. I can’t wait to play the demo & find not only what happened to our father but why he left
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Update (Oct 11, 1:09AM): Not really much of an update other than I did the quickest, yet what feels like the laziest render of Vermilion. I needed to think about writing and drawing helps me think. Idk how that works. Either way, I’m trying to add a bit more to the framework to get stats on inmates to increase as the Dampener’s levels decrease. They start at Level 3 and the more freedom they get during your commands, the more of their original power returns.
However! For whatever reason, it’s not working as a true/false statement so I’m gonna do some forum diving and try to understand what went wrong. More than likely I’m thinking of this as other code scripts instead of remembering what choicescript can and can’t do.
If I have time I’ll update this blurb with a bit of a character drabble.
Wish me luck, ya’ll!
Update (Oct 11 5:15AM): I solved it! Now things should be set for whenever the Handler unlocks or changes the level in the Dampener it’ll be reflected in the Inmate Stats. I’ve also added a new set of stats for the boyz.
Originally, it was just going to be Combat and Magic, but then I thought about how nutty the Dampener is and now we’ve got story-appropriate stats for them.
They are the following:
Power - The overall combat prowess belonging to the inmate themselves. This can be read as strength, physical might, or their experience in battle. The main focus for this stat is to calculate how well the inmate fares in close quarters and how much physical attribute can they put into offensive attacks. Someone like Vermilion will have an easier time with this stat versus a more magical-based Supernatural like Azure.
Reach - This stat is essentially used to define how the distance and overall formation of an object does or does not matter to the inmate. Considering this is all more story focused than combat, Reach will be used as a way to unlock options that aren’t open if the stat is low. For instance, Indigo can use Rosa to create a vine wall to move to higher levels while Crimson would have to expend more of his blood essence to get creative in getting higher.
And… Vermilion would more than likely scowl that his height should be enough “reach” as is. (That silly pupper-man).
Integrity - In the world of Deadend, times have changed for the worse. Instead of centuries of waiting for an Awakening, the Veil of Man is shattered and has allowed waves of Supernatural to pour in. However, Supernaturals are split between the Wildings (those that have lost themselves to the Gilded Eye’s Glancing Madness) and the Dwellers (those that are trapped within the mortal plane). Now, why is this backstory important?
Integrity is the stat based on the Supernatural/Inmate’s attunement, control, and overall connection to the magic retained in the mortal plane and their attachment to the plane of existence they came from. A Supernatural being with low Integrity will have a lower chance of finding their way back home as they will be tied to the mortal plane. However, a Wilding - which might as well be the being’s former shell - can be “decommissioned” because of their low integrity.
For Handlers and their Inmates though… Low integrity means you have a better hold on your unit. They are bound by your word with each Inmate attached to your existence as if you’re the anchor that keeps them grounded via a thread of magical golden energy that only Handlers and Inmates can see.
Integrity will come up during points in the story where the Handler must ground themself and their team in order to bypass magical pressure dealt by other Supernaturals, other units, escapees, and more.
Mana - The Mana stat reveals a fancy little bar depicting the Inmate’s mana storage. However, considering the Dampener - it hides the true potential of how much mana an Inmate can harness, absorb, and store. This stat will be used as a depiction of a struggle that an Inmate must go in order to use their abilities. Supernaturals with naturally high Mana will have a hard time doing basic abilities during Max settings on Dampeners. For example, summoning a ray of frost can feel suffocating to Azure, and dealing a ranged attack on a group of individuals without a change in level can cause him to feel nauseous or faint.
I would say be kind to your future Husbandos, but the Corruption Route exists and…
Yeahhhhhhhhhhh…
They’ll be fiiiiiiiine.
Stat Example
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Update (Oct 13 3:05AM) I finished both Azure’s and Vermilion’s scenes. I’ve also tested out the Dampener levels and they all seem to work fine. Well, until it doesn’t. LMAO!
I’m starting on Crimson’s scenes then it’ll be Indigo’s. I might send out a quick little demo link once those are done and when I have the time again I’ll add the Harem scenes. I think the Harem scenes will be shorter because I don’t want them to be spoilery. However, I can at least give a vague idea of how one of the endings will go. I’m still on the fence about whether I should plan for a sequel because I’ve been brainstorming this week and it kinda points to that.
Especially considering the DRC isn’t just one place. It’s a chain of locations with Humans (both good and bad) fighting over the well-being of Supernaturals. This also includes some black market shenanigans I won’t get into too much here.
I’ll update once I get a portion of Crimson done!
Update (Oct 14 2:08AM) You know how you can find items everywhere to gift to your friends/romance option in Dragon Age? I’m thinking about doing that. I also had thought about making a spot where the Handler can do their day-to-day tasks and gain funds to spend for said gifts. However, I can’t figure out how to do that cycle. So, what I think I might do is end up having little events here and there where you can gain these items via spending time with the inmates.
I also thought about it being a random event, but IDK. There’s a lot that I’m learning, but I’m also questioning how to do it in this code. I’m still wanting to do this gifting system for the boys tho. I just gotta figure how.
Status Checker for Demo’s Scene List
- Azure Mini Scenes - DONE
- Crimson Mini Scenes - DONE
- Indigo Mini Scenes - 50% DONE
- Vermilion Mini Scenes - DONE
- Harem Mini Scenes - Working on
- Random Event Example - Placeholder made
Update (Oct 14 5:36AM) Crimson’s scenes are done, and I did more of a mixed stat block with him. Low BRA (brain) and/or BOD (body) will bring you the natural dread that all humans feel when they’re near one of the more ancient and cryptic supernatural. On the other hand, having a higher BRA stat will allow you to see all the little instances of Crimson hating the effect he brings. It’s one thing to use it during “play”, it’s another thing to try to adapt to the modern world. Annnnd if you’re romancing him - well, there’s a cute bit to further convince myself I need to do gift events.
Romance Variations
Azure
*if (azure >= 15)
The long tapered ears flickered in embarrassment as he’s quickly setting his gaze elsewhere. You chuckle at the sight of a blush painting his cheeks.
Crimson
*if (crimson >= 15)
“Please,” your voice was a mere pleading whisper, “for me.” His gaze attentively looks over you as the challenge in his eyes is replaced with such a tender stare that it leaves you breathless.
Indigo
*if (indigo >= 15)
There was a moment where the teasing sultry smirk had faded into something softer, sweeter. His pale green eyes watched you affectionately before he glanced toward the beautiful sunset painting the horizon in its fading hues. A fist clenched at his side. He was beginning to understand how dangerous this was - how much of his world is consumed by you.
Vermilion
*if (vermilion >= 15)
The lupine warrior relaxes as he feels your gaze on him. His intimidating features soften, and the fiery apricot eyes are nothing more than sweeten gems than the molten lava of emotions they were before. You can’t help but smile at what your presence means to him.
14 Likes
Boi, this sounds so good! Good luck with the project 
1 Like
Update (Oct 15 2:14AM) I am currently finishing Indigo’s scenes. I’m trying to test out the stat blocks again since I’ve trying to add a little flare. Especially, when I’m still plotting out the early chapters.
Thought process on getting them Husbandos: Crimson and Indigo are definitely two characters who you’ll hafta gain a higher number in a Core Stat (Brain, Body, or Wit) along with their relationship points to get all the interactions or feelings they have with the Handler. Azure is the easiest to gain in relationship points, but the hardest to convince for any intimate touches considering he thinks he’ll accidentally harm you with his icy powers. Vermilion may seem difficult cause he’s a frumpy puppy, but in reality, you can get him quicker by flirting. Then again, being a sweetheart to him does amp up the Protective-Good-Boi™. You might even get his tail to pop out and wag.
…You.
I just…
You can take that last bit however ya’ll want. I ain’t even gonna defend myself on that one. LMAO!
Oh! I completely forgot to put up this poll. I need to also test out the random event cycles. I’m thinking about placing scenes that aren’t really storyline canon but cute fluff that would happen during days when you’re not forced to put your unit on the battlefield. I guess I could call it Downtime. I’ll even separate it so you can choose which fella ya want a randomized event to pop up.
- Downtime Events are just Lovey-Dovey drabbles
- Downtime Events are Lovey-Dovey + Holiday drabbles
0 voters
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Do you all think writing in past tense makes for a less immersive story? Like, because what the player is doing isn’t happening “right now”, it doesn’t feel as real to the reader?
No, I don’t feel any difference in immersion depending on tense. Only in perspective
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Sounds like a fun game idea! have you thought about including gameplay elements you don’t get in racing usually like… sudden blizzards? Also, you said you think romance is sparse, if at all. Is it a once-in-a-Blue-Moon thing, or just not really an element you’re interested in?
That is an interesting idea! I’ll have to look into when “weather flags” first started in NASCAR for reference.
As for romance, it generally isn’t a focus for me when I play CYOA games, but really it comes down to something I don’t think I would write well in this format. I’ve played and critiqued a lot of these games, and I have a good feel of my strengths and weaknesses compared to the other authors here. I think that by trying to add romance, I would end up subtracting from an otherwise interesting and well-enough written career sim. It’s unfortunate, because I know romance is a big desire for the overall community, but I’d rather deliver strong on the core premise.
Update (Oct 15 11:16PM) I made some progress and nearly had a heart-attack because I THOUGHT I LOST ALL OF MY WORK. It’s fine! I got it! I’m re-editing Indigo’s scenes, but once that’s done I’ll make a thread and release a demo link. There won’t be any sexy times in the demo. If anything it’ll be drabbles and WIP placeholders for Chapter 1: The Rookie.
8 Likes
This thing now has a deeeeeeeemo!
Annnnd a thread!
It’s only a few scenes with the boys and I’ll be working on the Harem scenes plus a few random events to cycle. If I get more time, I’ll work on rendering the character busts more.
2 Likes
Writing has been slow, but steady. If I keep it up like this, I think I can keep to my timeline. Just gotta get my own brain to work with me here lol. But when it’s ready, it’ll be… a decently sized demo, I think. It’ll be the full chapter 1, aka the first four weeks of the story. There’ll be character introductions, a taste of what working each job will be like, a festival, etc, etc.
But as it’s my birthday today, I decided to post a few teasers of what’s currently available in the demo (and only of Day, bc he’s the only character in the demo at the moment lmao) and a reveal of a very special item belonging to the same stoic officer (tw for self-harm scars)
Sneaky edit: the tumblr may also have some beautiful character art now, for those curious 
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Happy birthday!
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Thank you!
Hi everyone! 
Two ideas to get feedback/an interest gauge on:
I am the author behind College Tennis: Origin Story and Merry Crisis - don’t worry, I’m likely not going to really start on these ideas properly until my in-progress WIPs are done - just had 3am mind-bugs I couldn’t shake.
P.S./Author note
If you recognize CT:OS, then the scocer game is meant to be set in the same “universe” i.e. it’s an “interactive fanfic”, per se - using the same characters with different backstories.
Izakaya for Elves
Themes : Low fantasy (eastern-flavored) x Slice-of-life x Romance x Restaurant management x Small town life
- Play as a grizzled veteran soldier who has deserted the war (well, fled for their lives, is more accurate), and is now keeping a low profile in a small-town.
- Run an izakaya (literally: stay-drink-place, a place to grab a drink and kick up one’s tired feet) at the fraught border between two small kingdoms at war.
- Meet colorful townies and regulars, survive as a human in contested ‘elven’ territory, and attempt to heal and forge a new life for yourself in the quiet town of Ōha.
Will you be caught by deserter police and executed? Will you remain haunted by the ghosts of your past? Will you make enemies within the town when they discover that you’d fought in the war (as the enemy)? Will the izakaya survive even as the war drags on - and will it continue being a safe haven for both humans and elves?
Romantic options/characters
- The boss. The izakaya owner. Big-hearted, with a generous laugh and a colorful personality to match, plus an unhealthy tendency to run off on their latest escapade/obsession and leave you to handle the izakaya on your own, you sometimes wonder how the establishment had survived until you arrived. Still, they’re an absolute cooking / baking whiz, and when they are around, sales double. They’re half-human, half-elf, and their family has lived in the town for generations now. All they want is for the war to be over, so that they can go back to their merry lifestyle. They hate soldiers with a burning passion.
- The garrison captain. There’s a small human garrison present in the town, to keep tensions between humans and elves from going south - but honestly, their presence in elven territory might be the precise reason why things would go south. The captain is brusque, surly, cold, and cynical, as is usually the case with the people who’ve seen and done things they’d rather forget. They might also eventually be the one who figures out you’re a deserter so, best keep encounters minimal - except they seem to have a penchant for coming over for a pint or two (skulking quietly in a corner) after a hard day.
- The merchant. They move your product and bring the ingredients/supplies you need every week and… engage in a ridiculous amount of flirting in the process. Worldly, charismatic, and just a little bit dastardly/roguish, they do what they can to navigate (and flourish) in a world at war. Sometimes, you wonder if their lack of moral conviction will catch up them one day (it seems they have friends and enemies in every town). But as you get to know them a little better, you start to wonder if the merchant’s devil-may-care amorality might simply be a front for something much deeper…
- Not ROs, obviously, but there will be a cat and a child-gremlin involved
FIFA world cup IF (football/soccer)
Themes: Sport, Slice-of-life, Romance
Play as a relatively unknown footballer who has been called up to represent the England National Team at the World Cup for the first time. Is the break-through you’ve been waiting for?
- Will you explode onto football’s greatest stage, and make a name for yourself amongst the greats?
- Will you find a way to play alongside the ageing legend, who unfortunately plays the exact same position as you? Will sparks fly on the pitch (or off)?
- Or will you catch the eye of the kind, confident, ‘poster child’ of football, a brilliant, suave journalist, or your agent - with whom you share a fraught past?
Romantic options/characters
- The rival. Rayyan Afiq was a legend in their youth. Now that they’ve hit 30, they are just as fiery and intense as ever, and absolutely determined that they’re still at their peak, even if everyone seems to be writing them off as a has-been already. It doesn’t help that you’ve come in to give them one good kick to the grave - but does your success necessarily have to come at their expense? You might end up enemies, grudging friends, or … if you play your cards right, perhaps something in the middle…
- The captain. Kind-hearted, charismatic, and sweet, Tobin Harris is currently the footballing world’s golden boy/girl. But it seems they’ve battled every odd to get where they are, and there appears to be a lot more hidden under their easygoing, unflappable surface. They hold themselves up to an impossible standard, and sometimes, someone needs to tell them that they don’t need to hold the weight of the entire world alone.
- The agent. Behind every great footballer, there is an agent pulling strings in their favour. Agents and footballers are often friends, but in your case, you share an even more colorful history - you had gone to school with Sam O’Connelly, and there might be one or two skeletons buried in the closet. Will you be able to maintain a purely pleasant, professional relationship - or is there something more to your easy rapport?
- The journalist. The very best journalists have the power to create—or destroy—careers with the flick of a pen. It’s a pity the particular journalist who has been assigned to cover the World Cup for The Times seems to hate their job with a passion. Ambitious and brilliant, Genevieve/Guillaume has tracked a meteoric rise amongst the journalistic ranks, thanks to several incisive investigative exposés of the rich and powerful. Unfortunately, it seems they’ve ruffled too many feathers, and orders have come down above. They’re being forced to lie-low, and their boss has decided that the sports column is the best way to do just that. Will you catch their (admittedly extremely disinterested) eye?
33 Likes
Anything involving that mob-esque, borderline criminal organisation whose corruption and homophobia makes the IOC look like the girl scouts in comparison is a huge red flag to me.
Also, even moreso than tennis men’s and women’s soccer are completely different worlds.
You’re probably also going to have to fork over most of the proceeds from that game to FIFA, so it’ll probably not be very lucrative for you personally. I suppose you could make it alternate history where soccer is run by something else than FIFA.
And if you do become known (in men’s soccer) the pressure to find yourself a footballer’s “trophy” wife (to spend most of your earnings) and produce a couple of kids becomes immense. 
There’s a reason almost all gay professional soccer players only come out when they’re ex soccer players.
Really? You’re going for those names… I would have thought Shay would have made for a good hot new thing or aging legend…although maybe less of a poster child than Harris due to a more turbulent private life. 
And Qiu would have made for either a fantastic investigative journalist or a slightly amoral sports agent too? 
Nat would make a fine journalist too, but more of the classical friendly sports reporter kind. :think
Ooh…elves…cute and sexy. 
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Might wanna chill out on that. It’s just a idea and I’m sure they’re aware of that.
8 Likes
hat sounds like so much fun!
This is actually really interestingGood Luck on your story!!
(I personally love to gamble, maybe the winning horse always changes?? DM me if you need ideas 
) Can’t wait for a demo! 
HAHAHA OK, I 1000% agree with you on just how horrible FIFA is, and how toxic / homophobic / heteronormative and sometimes misogynistic the (male*) sporting world can be. BUT, does that stop me from wanting to write a football game…? No…
That said, is that part on having to fork over proceeds to FIFA? Do you know if I’d be able to use club names? That really plays into that whole “criminal organization” thing you mentioned. But yeah, I was indeed thinking of setting the game in the future, to get around all the issues you mentioned, and also so it makes sense that I’m not using any current players’ names.
*Not saying the female sporting world is leaps and bounds ahead… but well, maybe it is, socially-speaking and ignoring the problems of abject under-funding. But at least you can be openly gay as a professional female soccer player, and many of them are.
As for the possible Merry Crisis cross-over, you’re absolutely right. Fraught badboy / bad-girl talent Shay and ambitious journalist Qiu makes me so excited. Nat would be perfect for agent-client (will-they-won’t-they-is-it-professional) shenanigans, I think. But yeah - I think it was just more natural for me to think of CT:OS characters because I thought of it as a CT:OS “interactive fanfic” first and foremost 
Hahaha. Indeed.
@bored92 hehe - Yay maybe this means you’re interested! 
6 Likes