Scarlet Sorceress is my attempt at creating an otome VN type of game in choicescript, with anime sweetness and an angelic tone to match. Tell me how that went.
Unlike Dragon of Steelthorne, I’m now offering a public link. Unlike Dragon of Steelthorne, please bear in mind that this WIP is not a full draft.
The latest update features two types of gameplay modes - Story Mode and Standard Mode. Story Mode removes the stat and management system completely, turning all skill checks into flavor choices with no negative consequences. This is aimed at players who want storytelling without gameplay, and who wish to make decisions based on role-play rather than stat min-maxing. Standard mode is available for players who still want the traditional stat management in choicescript games. Please feel free to pick what appeals more to you.
Blessed with the gift of magic, you are a sorceress, able to manipulate the power of fire. Sorcery is tightly controlled in the Kingdom of Seraphine, forcing spell casters to live under the watch of the Guardian Order, or live as outlaw mages. Living in the Eterna Forest, away from the city, with your pet cat, you soon find yourself tangled in a conflict between both factions.
This game has a management system based on Dragon of Steelthorne, and will have a mix of romance-focused chapters and story-focused chapters. There are currently four ROs, two male and two female. There are four classes, with three main stats (Alchemy, Healing, Destruction) as well as a rank system.
Jewelry and physical appearance will affect player stats (on standard mode). Jewelry can be swapped around freely each turn. The MC can adjust her appearance using the enchanted mirror each turn.
Other notes:
- Sidequests are still incomplete. The game will automatically give you a large quantity of money to begin with on story and carefree difficulty. Sidequests and Money making will be fleshed out in future updates
- I retained the minimalistic writing style, because that’s more VN-ish and because old habits die hard.
- The game is very easy as of now, as I have not balanced the stats at this point. Do offer feedback on this, but please bear in mind that the stat system is still not complete
Please feel free to put any comments in this thread. Please blur spoilers if you wish to put them in the thread. If you’ve any general questions, please feel free to put those in the thread as well. I’ll try to respond quickly.
Romance Options:
Sofie Hawthorne (Female/Kingdom of Seraphine)
Your childhood companion and adoptive sibling. Sofie is a knight, trained in the combat arts and heir to the Hawthorne name. Sofie is supportive, loyal and brimming with optimism- the perfect companion for your many adventures.
Gaius Darkhammer (Male/Kingdom of Seraphine)
Your Guardian and protector. All mages are expected to live under the watch of an assigned Guardian. However, Gaius is more than your Guardian. Gaius protects you and cares for your well being, in a place which is mistrustful of sorcery.
Mystria Darkstorm (Female/Free Mages of Spiralkeep)
A stern-faced sorceress who hides a more pleasant demeanor. Mystria is blessed with the gift of air. Additionally, she is an influential figure among the Free Mages, one who seeks to end the control of the Guardians and bring in a new order dominated by Mages.
Elbrus ??? (Male/Free Mages of Spiralkeep)
A cunning sorcerer with a complicated background. Elbrus is blessed with the gift of water. Additionally, under his calm demeanor, the man hides countless secrets, perhaps rivalling the power of the Kingdom of Seraphine itself.
The pictures in the game were made by applying an ink sketch filter to some regular photographic images from the public domain. This technique was somewhat hit and miss when I tried to apply it. Do let me know what you think of the pictures, and if any looks particularly awful. I’m planning to add more to the game.
Best of luck with your upcoming IFcomp entry!