After I meet and follow Cortez I get the Play Again end screen
Identified and fixed the problem (it was a remnant of the earlier startup.txt problem—had a version that left the new chapter off the scene_list). Sorry about that!
3 Likes
I don’t mind Charlotte but I vehemently despise Cortrez, potentially even more than Callum. Both are such pretentious, arrogant pricks. As that implies, I am fine with her but hate Callum (rival path, but I would never tollerate him enough to be in a better relationship). I personally do not think they are comparable at all, even ignoring the future betrayal. She at least has redeeming qualities.
I find it somewhat interesting that Charlotte is the only major character thus far I have any positive opinions on. I know much of it is due to the (for me) overwhelming number of male characters (personal problem) and not liking such happy characters as our bound partner, but still a bit funny with “oh, someone else I hate, neato”.
I actually like Charlotte. I think you did a good job making her unlikable at first blush but with a bit more to her under the surface that lures you in. I really enjoyed seeing how she excelled at that game — the strategy one, I can’t remember the name at the moment — and how if you do well enough, she (begrudgingly) admits you weren’t terrible. Showing Charlotte’s mother and their relationship, even just the hint at it, gives the reader even more insight into her. Not to mention the moments where Callum would manage to make Charlotte laugh, which really humanized her.
So I liked her because, like all of your characters thus far, there’s some realism to her. There’s more to her than just Callum’s bratty girlfriend. In another story, she could have been the protagonist, which is a mark of a good character, in my opinion.
Plus, there are some characters that you just love to hate.
Which brings me to Callum.
I loved Callum, but I have always had a weakness for bad guys. One of the things I find so compelling is the charm he has. Villains, when in possession of charisma, are dangerous things, because they can so often overshadow the hero.
Callum is capable of humor and charm; there’s a clear magnetism to him, one which can even make you forget for a moment what an asshole he is. He has the kind of unapologetic confidence that comes from caring about no one but yourself, and many people are drawn to confidence.
He has that sort of personality reminiscent of serial killers — charming yet apathic, kind in one moment and terrible in the next, and oh so full of secrets — which captivates people so much. You hate him, yet you also want to find out how he ticks.
The biggest reason I love Callum so much and why I picked the lover option was because of the drama of it all. It makes the betrayal cut so much deeper for me, makes it almost beautifully tragic. While I would love a chance for my MC to confront Callum, I’m just as happy withholding that closure from them and forcing them to find some other way to move on.
So I like both Charlotte and Callum, and the root of both is how well you’ve written them.
I knew before I even started playing the demo that Cortez would be my favorite of the ROs (with the possible exception of the secret RO). I have a Type™, and he fits it. A well-groomed man with confidence and competence that also wears a suit? I’m a sucker every time.
His introduction only made me love him more. Medical precision with his magic? Ruthless in pursuit of his goals? Can fly? I love him. Can’t wait to see more of him.
Really, I’ve liked all the characters introduced thus far. My least favorite is probably Dyren, but I’m just not too keen on those sorts of characters personally. Valerie is also a character that I’m usually not all that fond of, but her dialogue is so well-done and filled with so much personality, I can’t help but appreciate her.
Seriously, you’ve done a fantastic job so far with all the characters. Each of them has felt fully-realized and with unique and distinct personalities and voices. I’m really very, very impressed by that. The premise of the game is what drew me in, but it’s how you’ve written the characters that has me sticking around.
25 Likes
Charlotte and Callum (summary - I like her, him not so much. Wait, don’t hate me already, thread, let me explain!!)
I like Charlotte. I mean, not like like “OMG, I need her to be the secret RO!!” (what, btw, I know she is - don’t worry, though! I’m keeping the secret 
). But also, it’s something more than “I wouldn’t mind my MC having to deal with her because she’s well written and I’m sure her behavior will be intriguing” (which is the way I feel regarding Callum, spoiler)
Surely, the dismissive/offensive comments of her were entertaining, but it’s possible to hate someone who you think is amusing, right? So why do I like her? If I had to name just one reason, probably would be that scene mentioned by Fawkes (regarding the strategy game). Charlotte is kind of ambiguous (another thing that makes her compelling 
), so I was not sure what make of her until there - I mean, I can’t still be sure, but I loved that reaction and now, the first step taken, I will just keep interpreting each ambiguity in the way that makes me like her even more.
Also, probably helps the fact that my MC turned up maximizing fondness with her without meaning to. After, looking at the options that increase her stats I was like, wow I agree with you, Char - and I’m an amazing person, therefore, you must be one as well. Yay - let’s be friends!
In all seriousness, though, she seems to be the materialization of what I find most compelling in the concept of nobility. This surprised the hell out of me since, based on what was posted on the thread, I was under the impression I would be annoyed by her.
But what can I say? I was under the impression I would like Callum and I don’t. I don’t hate him either – just a little, because, you know, the treason and all that stuff. Tbh, this is not the reason but this post is already big enough to me try to explain. (even if I said I would in the summary lol)
I have to say, though, I love MC’s mother. That exchange – you lie, she knows, you know she knows, she knows you know – is just one but maybe the best example of the reason.
For the well-being of the general public, here’s a list of all characters who were announced - by the author, nothing less - as the secret RO so far.
I’m posting this because I do believe people should have a chance to prepare their hearts to not be disappointed since it’s obvious none of them is the secret RO. Unless of course, one of them is.
Either way, it’s worth keeping track as the list could inspire some theories. In the worst-case scenario, we can still turn them into a bingo.
Museum manager (Jan 22, 2020)
Quartermaster (Jan 29, 2020)
Clumsy Archer (Feb 01, 2020)
Magus Legless (Feb 14, 2020)
Dyren (Feb 15,2020)
Callum (Feb 15, 2020)
Dyren (Feb 16, 2020)
that guy with the spear from the prologue (Feb 29, 2020)
Charlotte (Apr 01,2020)
Ferdinand Frederickson (Apr 14, 2020)
Jacqueline Pickett (May 09, 2020)
Regina Hawthorne (May 10, 2020)
Landon (June 29, 2020)
Anson Arcturus (July 08,2020)
Alan Cortez (August 28, 2020)
Sybil Cortez (Dec 12, 2020)
Edit:
@CorvusWitchcraft Ok, I’ve just finished reading your 53 posts again, and I’m happy to announce - the list is finally updated! How could I have forgotten that guy with the spear from the prologue? smh
Also, please do consider that I can just use as reference what you’ve said in this thread. Unfortunately, I’m unable to keep track of what you’ve said irl, for example. Not 24/7 at least
19 Likes
Some interesting opinions so far! I’m actually pleasantly surprised that people seem to be liking Charlotte; I thought it might take a little longer for people to warm up to her (if they ever did), even with the little glimpses into her more humanizing qualities.
Hmm…is this an issue other people have been having? The past era is definitely a bit heavier on the male characters because of the nature of the times, but on the whole I’ve been trying to keep it relatively balanced, at least as far as the main and secondary characters go. Do the more incidental characters like the soldiers from the prologue factor into your opinion? Because there are definitely a lot of male extras, yeah.
Fun fact—the scene where Callum shatters the MC’s trinket and Charlotte chastises him (despite it belonging to someone she explicitly dislikes, made by someone she also dislikes), and then he busts out the charm and makes her laugh despite herself, that was the first interaction I conceived between the two, and the focal point around which I based their entire relationship.
Thanks! Developing the characters is probably my favorite part of the writing process, so I’m glad that’s coming through.
I’m glad you’re as good at keeping secrets as I am, then!
I mean, in this case “maximizing” her fondness means getting it up to a whopping 5 instead of 1 or 0. But, yes, it is eventually possible, if you pick the right choices, to befriend Charlotte.
I approve of the decision to have a masterpost listing all the secret RO candidates I’ve named, but you should know that this list is actually incomplete. I can think of at least two possibilities I’ve insinuated that aren’t here.
11 Likes
Not related to the extras since obviously there’s not really any reason to care about them. I’m counting Callum, Dyren, and Cortez, a whole one more than Valerie and Charlotte (Kensington does not count yet). I think, excluding personal reason, it is feeling like a lot too me since I like only Charlotte out of the bunch.
I’m really just waiting on Kira… Unless the “you’re wanting respect” line is a hint at changing her through the story, in which case she goes into the like group.
I’ve finally, finally caught up on the updates! I haven’t been active much lately, which I’m sorry about. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much new content there is from the last time I played through.
I definitely feel like I have a better feel for the characters now. I’m going to put my thoughts below a cut, so that any spoilers are hidden.
Thoughts
I feel rather differently about Callum after spending some time with him in the past! I’m not sure why the less consequential meanness I saw turned me off, when I was into the tragic love affair after he murdered my army/my friend/literally me. Maybe because it’s a lot easier to comprehend the kind of mocking meanness, since that’s a real life experience? I still like the idea of MC being tragically betrayed by a former lover, but I’m not going to pine for him. Apparently being a dick is worse than being evil!
Speaking of being a dick, I’m of two minds about the option to tell him he pulled a dick move. It’s the perfect description of his action, but it seems anachronistic. Although, if memories are reconstructed every time you recall them, I can see more modern terms sneaking in…
Charlotte was unpleasant, but I think you did a lovely job of showing why she is the way that she is. Doesn’t make me want to befriend her in game, but it definitely makes sense. Certainly I hate her mother.
I rather respect Valerie’s opinions, but I am irritated by her talking. And annoyed with myself for feeling that way, since it’s not that big of a deal and she did save my existence.
I’ve very interested in Cortez; I deeply like competent people. It’s a bit too soon and our encounter during pretty unusual circumstances, so I’m not sure how I’ll feel about him later. Hopefully he’s not a jerk.
12 Likes
I see; thanks for the clarification. Hopefully there will be more characters you’ll come to like in future chapters. If you like Charlotte, I think there’s a decent chance you’ll like Kira, when she’s introduced.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this TBH. The speech patterns in the flashbacks are already wildly anachronistic, Callum’s especially. Charlotte’s comments about his “crude” way of talking are sort of lampshading this, but even her speech patterns are closer to 19th/20th century speech than 12th/13th, which would of course be incomprehensible to a modern audience.
There also is some degree of past and present blending together in the Memoriam chapters, as evidenced by the narration sometimes referencing events that haven’t been shown yet, though I’m not 100% on whether or not it would actually alter the way events happened in the MC’s mind.
I guess it’s something to keep in mind, either way, but it’s not something I’m considering an especially high priority.
So your Respect stat toward Valerie is high but your Fondness could use some work is what you’re saying.
Oh cool I’m glad you like—
…Hm. It’s, uhhh, funny you should say that!
19 Likes
Callum is probably one of the most infuriating characters I have ever experienced in a CoG story. Like I love him, but I also love how much I hate him lmao. It’s like Dolores Umbridge in a way from Harry Potter, one of my favorite characters (said no one ever) just because of how easy and fun she is to hate. Callum is one of those characters that practically forces you to feel something - mostly the desire to wring his neck - but just the fact that your writing can evoke that is amazing. I hate him so much hahaha and I love him (and you!) for it.
And I also love Charlotte! Even though she’s snobby, she has a lot of depth to her! Her integrity regarding Ferdinand’s bauble really impressed me, as well as her skill with the strategy game. Her relationship with her mother and that vulnerability was also a really nice touch. And maybe it’s just me but I also can’t help but sympathize with her lol. Callum is playing both the MC and Charlotte like puppets. Since I chose the lover path, I kept going holy shit the MC is the side chick and he’s stringing both of them along.
Not enough to go on with Cortez and how I feel about him, but I’m excited for his character! Love his goatee. And Valerie is great as usual. Her dialogue is so so well-done.
I’m looking forward to the next chapter because I already know it’s going to hurt. You did a really great job fleshing out Ashbarrow and the inhabitants so it’s going to sting 2x worse! Very excited for the mayhem and slaughter and depression. Thank you for all your hard work!
23 Likes
Found a typo!
Should be ‘festival’, not ‘fetival’
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading it! Keep up the good work!
Honestly, I had zero expectations for this game - the concept is very interesting, but I was never really into ghost stories HOWEVER something kinda pulled me to it so in with I went and wow. Wow.
Any game that lets me be knight gets bonus points and yet you gotta do it well and boy, you did it so fucking well. Your writing (utterly amazing) and, hm the pacing of the story hooked me right in, I couldn’t stop reading. I did say I’m not a ghost fan, but this certain ghost? Big fan, I love all the melancholy of seeing the world go on without you and not being able to do anything about it, it’s so SAD and AMAZING.
And I will protect Valerie at all costs and, if given the chance again, I will murder Callum twice.
I know updates take awhile so I guess I will just… sit here and look at the horizon longingly.
13 Likes
Cortez: appears
Me: * chuckle* I’ll take that one
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Found out about this WIP yesterday and I’m in love! I’ve already played several versions of the MC. A ghost who is still hung up to the past, a ghost who is waiting for their time to die, a one who is embracing the future. All of them are awesome.
Also, I can’t wait to make Cortez in love with my MC 
7 Likes
And he loves how much you love how much you hate him. So it all evens out in the end!
Thanks!
You’re not the only one!
(But in all seriousness, thank you for the praise. I am always eager to make new people sad!)
Good luck, I hope your MCs are prepared to deal with impossibly high standards and monumental trust issues.
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I’m Asian! We are born with impossibly and unrealistically high standards and monumental trust issues!
Callum was interesting in the beginning but I drew line on LIs that success in killing my MC.
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Today is...a day people celebrate.
But we’re not gonna talk about that!
With that out of the way, I think it’s time for another poll! Recently we’ve been exploring the past, but I’m interested to know about your MCs’ futures—if they, indeed, have any planned. So:
What is your MC’s current goal?
- Just solving the case and helping people
- Returning to the mortal coil
- Finding a way to fix the past
- Plunging the depths of arcane knowledge
- The sweet mercy of eternal death
- Undecided
0 voters
Note that in the actual game, it might be possible to accomplish more than one of these (the “solving the case” goal, in particular, is quite compatible with the other goals). This poll is just for determining your current strongest ambition, should you have one.
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Ahhh this combines so many of my favorite things, and your writing style is so immersive and I just genuinely love everything about this. Seeing there was an update after playing the initial demo was such a great way to come back to CoG. Thank youuu. <3
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Thanks!
Good catch—'twas the result of switching over the way stats were altered in the prologue (Tactics and Trickery used to be the same variable, internally) but forgetting to make the conversion for that particular instance. Should be fixed now.
6 Likes