I get your criticism, but the poltline with Sonya and Arjun will be applicable to everyone going forward! You just get a sneak peek at it in chapter 1, but by chapter 3, you become aware that they have issues going on. You become aware of it through the scene where Arjun tries to greet Sonya but she avoids him like the plague. It’s right before you leave for the hunt.
7 Likes
Phenomenal game, I really enjoyed the world building, culture, and royalty. Can’t wait to see it develop!
1 Like
Thank you so much, I’m glad that you’re enjoying the game! I’m especially glad that you’ve appreciated the worldbuilding and culture as that’s something that, not to toot my own horn, I’ve put a lot of heart into it. I look forward to continuing to develop the demo 
6 Likes
Never played the original demo, but this is rather good. Bit of a slow start but it picks up; I especially like the interactions with the other family members, they feel like real people and all are pretty interesting. The only thing is so far I’ve seen very little from the mother, would like to see a scene with her which is similar to the one with the dad: I also absolutely love the idea of only having one RO. To be frank I rarely ever try out different paths in IF games, so it’s nice to have one singular path which is central to the story.
3 Likes
Chapter 3 Pt. 2 is Live
Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that Chapter 3 Part 2 is officially up. It comprises of 11.5k words, and covers the MC’s journey from the Holy Palace to the hunting grounds. The demo now sits at 70k words.
I’ve also added a new traditional vs. untraditional stat tracker on the stats screen, added a brief character description for the MC, and added a character guide for those who might want it.
As always, if you notice typos or bugs, please let me know.
You can play the new update here.
24 Likes
I’m so glad that you’ve enoyed the demo! The MC’s family is something that I’ve put a lot of effort into, so I’m very falttered that you like them so much. Eulia, the MC’s mother, does actually have a scene with the MC like the MC’s father does. In order to trigger it, you have to choose for either her or Sonya to comfort the MC before they recieve their prophecy.
I chose to have only one RO for a reason, and I’m glad that people are coming around to it.
Thank you for your insight!
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Important Poll
Hello everyone! I’ve been struggling back and forth with a certain deliberation for a while. For some of you, you might recall this deliberation from back on my old tumblr blog. Essentially, I initially conceptualized The Brightest Stars as a single RO game with Lux as the only romance option. As I have continued to write the game, however, I have felt the pull to make two other characters ROs in the forms of Ymeric and Cordelia (ONLY if she does not get into a relationship with Sonya).
This urge to make them ROs is something that I am considering very carefully. I understand that it would mean reconstruction of part of my outline, as well as a fundamental shift in character dynamics. At the same time, I think that the introduction of Ymeric and Cordelia as ROs could add to both replaybility and quality of the game. These are all things that I am weighing the pros and cons of.
In the meantime, before I get too caught in the weeds of what to do, I’m putting a poll up to see what you all think of this. Just to get a temperature check to see if this would be wanted at all. I want to make it clear that regardless of the results of this poll, this is not a gaurauntee that Ymeric and Cordelia will or won’t become ROs. This is still very much a rough idea and not set in stone. The decision, at the end of the day, will be mine and mine alone.
Should Ymeric and Cordelia become ROs?
- Yes, make them ROs!
- No, keep Lux as the only RO!
- I don’t care/See Results
0
voters
You can also vote on the poll on my tumblr if you wish
9 Likes
I would say normally I’m pretty against adding more ROs I think it can get convoluted with too many I also think having only one RO is refreshing. However I think the dynamic for Ymeric and/or Cordelia with mc is too good to pass up. There is just so much potential there with Ymeric being a sibling with Lux, also whatever is going on outside of that with them individually. All in all I think if you can make it work and it makes sense for your story you should I’d be very interested in playing routes for them both. I’m happy if it stays only Lux as well though!
12 Likes
Sorry just to add it seems like you’ve made deliberate thoughts to adding them and it’s not just pressure from readers. Which I think is reassuring that they would be thoughtful routes not just for the hell of it.
Now it seems like I’m pushing for the extra ROs but I swear I would be fine with Lux lol
9 Likes
Alright everyone! The people have spoken. You all have made absolutely amazing points, both for and against the addition of further ROs. In the end, I decided to keep Lux as the game’s only RO. You can read about my reasoning here.
25 Likes
That’s disappointing, but understandable
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I am sorry to disappoint. Like I said, people brought up a lot of good points in my inbox on both sides, it was just a matter of what I felt was best for the game. I hope that you’ll continue to enjoy the game 
4 Likes
Maybe…. Maybe spin-off about Ymeric ;;))))
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hey on the plus side the combination of gender dynamics kinda makes lux already feel like multiple ros to an extent
tbh theres plenty of multi ro games already so its refreshing to see ones that focus on a single one. sticking to your guns instead of changing plans midway usually turns out for the better so yeah i say this is the right call
i do hope theres a non romance route where you just keep the marriage as a formality or even possibly break it off entirely.
11 Likes
You’re back! I remember following your tumblr and waiting eagerly for the game
It’s good to see you return, I missed this game and the dynamics with Lux
6 Likes
In order for the plot as I’ve developed it to work, Lux has to be romanced I’m sorry to say. With this being said, I hope that you’ll still enjoy the game.
I am indeed back! Thank you for being so patient with me! I also missed the game a lot
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oh well that kinda stinks. usually unless the relationship is pre established (and sometimes when it is) you do get options to break off with or otherwise have a lavender marriage of sorts with your spouse. i understand its your story and all but being railroaded into romancing someone isnt something i like
thankfully you don’t have to play this if, amazing right? 
6 Likes
Free will is a great thing.
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I did enjoy having just one RO, though it helps that I do like Lux. Lux doesn’t like having an arranged marriage either, but does warm up to you.
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