oh sorry poll is already closed ^^
didn’t think anyone else was gonna vote haha
but i’ve decided to add it in with the next update 
2 Likes
So I win anyway.
1 Like
sunday update 04.10.2020
This update is a tad smaller because there isn’t much spoiler-free for me to say. I finished the first part of chapter 3 from Xiuying’s branch and half of Bas’ branch. Hopefully, I will finish his part next update, maybe even get a head start on the common branch.
I made some changes regarding trans & non-binary choices, which will be added into the demo with the next update. I also have a rough design for chapter headers. They too, will be implemented then too, though I’m not yet sure if I will even have them in for the final product. Right now, I’d honestly prefer it if there are maybe no ‘chapters’ at all, to allow it to flow better… but that might be a concern for another time.
That being said, this week, I had an unforeseen issue, which might lead to me putting th:de on ice for a little. Or rather a semi-hiatus, which will make it difficult to write more.
I don’t know exactly how everything will play out, but that would be the worst-case scenario for this project. Though nothing is set in stone yet, so who knows… Just a heads up, in case the next update takes forever…
So to not end this on a too sad note, here a sneak peek for chapter 3
You take another look at your phone, your finger hovers over the green button for a moment before you finally press down on the red one, effectively cutting off the call.
Whoever it might be, you have enough to deal with at the moment. Who knows, it might just have been one of those annoying scam calls.
Xiuying raises her eyebrow slightly.
“That’s also an option,” she mutters, sounding slightly impressed.
You want to answer, but then your phone starts ringing again, the same number on the screen. Seems like you won’t be able to get rid of that one that easily.
With a tense jaw, you finally concede and take the call.
“Fucking finally!” Nasim’s voice hisses into your ear. “And don’t you dare hang up on me again,” they growl.
So much for scam calls.
31 Likes
As someone who get’s tons of spam calls, both the MC, and the one on the other end have my sympathy. 
Regarding you not wanting to break things up with defined chapters… Well, considering their archaic origins in classic book craft, it’s not as though having carefully marked off chapter segments is an actual requirement. They can help with story flow in the sense that where they break things down signifies a change of pace; like improved forward momentum, or just slowing things down. You might even be in a different part of the world within the book entirely, with a different character’s perspective, and this change will last for as long as the chapter. Another function is to make the process of editing easier between author, and editor. “There was an issue in chapter four…” said the editor. That sort of thing.
Despite a lot of things being somewhat standardized in more recent years for publishers that create, and sell books for authors, there’s no exact science to creating books. Playing around to see what will work best for your story is 100% your free-form creative right toward discovering your own style as an author. 
All of this said; take your time! We like what we see in your story, so if it takes a while before the next update, then know that won’t be a problem. I’ve got this thread set for passive tracking so I don’t have to stalk it daily. 
If it ends up taking a bit more than a year, I’ll still have this thread passively watched to welcome you back. No worries, you got it? 
6 Likes
Finally got round to reading this, and I absolutely adore the world you’ve created here! I love all the characters so much and seeing them interact with each other, not just MC, really builds a living breathing world. The way you’ve captured the atmosphere and mood of these scenes too !!! [chef kiss] Take your time with this story and take care of yourself, we’ll be here to happily read the next update whenever it arrives 
7 Likes
sunday update 18.10.2020
I was pretty distracted this week; got a little stuck on playing video games x)
But I did manage to finish what I wanted to finish, even if it will need quite some revision before it’s readable. That’s good though because this weekend I will be busy, and uni starts up in November again (usually it would already have started, but you know… pandemic x.x)
I want to use this update to shout a big thank you to all the sweet supporting messages I got in the past weeks! You guys really motivate me to write and keep this project alive, so thank you all for the love and feel loved in return! <3 There isn’t much of a demo now, but there would be even less without all of you, people.
As a treat, have two sneak peeks below!
One contains an unfinished portrait of Nasim, made by little old me, though, so be aware of that if you don’t want to see it.
Sneak peek chapter 3
There is a strange twist in your stomach. Helping a djinn is not exactly what you should be doing, and yet…
They haven’t shown you any undue aggression, even given you a phone without demanding anything in return. Nasim could have killed you the moment they notice that you are a Hunter.
But they didn’t.
It’s confusing and strange, and you don’t know what to think about any of it.
So you don’t.
No matter how you feel about the whole situation, it would still be better to go and help Nasim. If not to simply help them, then at least to gain a favor from them.
After all, djinn do pay their debts.
31 Likes
Have a halloween special ^^ (careful spoilery!)
Halloween Special 2020
Total of 1500+ words; spoilers for th:de
The air is cold today. Colder even than in the past few days—a strange contrast to the warm light of decorative lanterns and Jack-O-Lanterns. Maidenbrook’s old town district is bustling with life. Stalls and booths line the streets, advertising snacks and drinks, sweets and toys, and all sorts of little magics. Mostly harmless, some real, some… not so much.
It’s such a strange thing to watch humans and supernaturals mingling. Costumes and glamours vying for attention and grandeur alike. There are compliments and impressed shouts heard all over the place. You can’t help but notice that some people, some supernaturals, wear neither costume nor glamour.
There are wings, careful to move slowly, imitating mechanics rather than life. There are horns and tails, scales, and fur, and no one questions anything. Not on this day. Today the city is at ease.
It’s almost unfair you are not.
~~~~ Bas path ~~~~
Bas slides next to you with ease, offering you a paper cup with something steaming inside.
“Here. If we have to wait out here, we might as well warm up a little,” he offers with his usual crooked smile. With a small ‘thank you’ you take the cup, allowing it to warm your hands. You look back out over the crowds. Families, friends, and lovers walking here and there. All of them blessedly unaware.
“Is it always like this?” you find yourself asking the other Hunter. Bas hums, sipping at his own cup before scratching his stubbly chin.
“In the years I’ve been here? Yes. Pretty amazing, actually.” His voice lowers to a thoughtful mumble. You glance in his direction. There is a smile on his lips. Not a crooked grin, trying to charm and play. Not a smirk trying to tease or provoke.
It’s a soft little thing, hopeful.
His eyes glance in your direction, catching you stare, yet you can’t seem to look away. His smile widens, just a fraction.
“Who knows? Maybe someday it will always be like this,” Bas says. It is hard to tell if he truly thinks so or if it is a fleeting thought, a small hope for what seems impossible. Maybe it is. Hunters have been around since the supernatural has been around—a never-ending silent conflict.
You look back to the crowds of people—human and Supernatural mingling without fear or restraint.
You think of the people you met since you came to Maidenbrook.
And you think of Bas. Right next to you, trying to make a difference.
Who knows?
Every Norm would say your life is impossible.
Even for Hunter standards, your life is impossible.
So maybe…
You lean a little closer to Bas, your arm touching his.
“Yes. Maybe someday,” you confirm quietly and are rewarded with a smile and Bas’ arm snaking around your shoulders.
~~~~ Elian path ~~~~
Elian approaches you with a worried smile.
“You look cold,” he comments after a moment of silence. For a moment, you have half a mind to tell him that he should be cold, wearing only a thin scarf and jacket over his usual clothes. But you know better by now. Still, you can’t help but tease a little.
“You look worried.”
He chuckles, looking to his feet for a moment before coming to a stand next to you.
“I have been told that I do that a lot,” he mutters under his breath. There is a distant expression on his face as he turns to watch the people passing you by.
He looks older like this.
Not his actual age, but… There is a stillness about him—a silent loneliness that somehow feels human and yet isn’t. Too ancient, too deep.
It’s moments like this that make it difficult to forget what he is. Yet it is also moments like this that make it hard to not care for him.
Your gaze drops to your hands, rubbing the cold, stiff digits together.
“Oh. You really are cold, aren’t you?” Elian’s gaze is fixed on your hands before locking eyes with yours for a moment. You flex your fingers and shrug.
“A little,” you admit, and before you can think about reassuring him, his scarf wraps around your neck and his hands around yours.
He is warm. Unnaturally warm as he always is. His hands squeeze yours.
Gentle.
Soft.
Safe.
You can feel the warmth ever so slowly returning to your fingers and look back to Elian. His amber eyes still fixed on your joined hands.
You nuzzle a little deeper into his scarf, his lingering warmth on your cheeks, and squeeze his hands in return.
~~~~ Lupita path ~~~~
Lupita comes to a stop next to you, a heavy sigh leaving her lips.
“I don’t like this,” she mutters under her breath, pursing her lips, brows drawn into a frown.
“Bored?” you ask with a quirked eyebrow. She huffs.
“Well, that too. But I’m starting to feel pretty useless. I don’t like all this waiting,” she grumbles and turns to you, tilting her head. “Is it always like this? Waiting until something happens?”
You offer her a thoughtful hum before you answer, “Sometimes, during stake-outs.” She huffs, burying her hands into her pockets.
“And here I thought stake-outs were interesting.” Another heavy sigh escapes her as she leans her head back, closing her eyes.
For all the annoyance she portrays, you can practically feel the nervous energy moving through her. The tapping of her foot, the way she bites her lips with her canines. Her fingers occasionally playing with the moon pendant of her necklace.
Her energy is almost infecting, jumping over to you and filling your chest until they spread to your fingers, urging you to drum them on your leg.
“Want some?” Lup gently nudges against your arm, and you turn to look at what she offers. She holds her pocket open as much as the material allows, revealing a surprisingly large variety of sweets.
“Did you buy all that?” you ask, a smile tugging at your lips. Lupita shrugs.
“Some. There are some people handing out free ones as well,” she offers with a smile. “Not that you need anything, Sweetness.” Her wink is playful, teasing—a good distraction from the tension in both of you. You laugh but take one of the offered candies from her pocket.
Together you nibble on the sweets, silence stretching between you. And for a time, it is just that—both of you in companionable silence. You reach out again, but when your hand finds her pocket, it also finds her hand.
You want to draw back again, maybe apologize, but her hand catches yours, holding tight, but softly.
Neither of you let’s go first.
~~~~ Xiuying path ~~~~
Xiuying almost startles you when she comes to a stop next to you. A thoughtful frown on her face.
“Anything?” you ask, almost casual. She shakes her head and returns the question.
“You?”
“Nothing,” you reply with a shake of your head. A frustrated sigh leaves her lips, and out of the corner of your eyes, you can see her crossing her arms over her chest. Her sharp eyes are fixed on the people walking past, and you follow her example after a moment.
Silence stretches between the two of you. Not unpleasant or stiff, but amiable. Comfortable. Such a strange twist from how you first met her.
“This is… strange,” she mutters suddenly, and you turn to look at her once more.
“What is?”
She nods towards the people walking between the stalls.
“All of this. Humans and those creatures… It’s not going to work out like this forever,” she mutters, yet you spy a hint of thoughtfulness on her features.
“You didn’t have to stay here, you know?” you point out. You would understand it. After all, she had told you, after all, she saw and lived through. No one could blame her for her distrust. She opens her mouth, glances in your direction, and catches your eyes. Quickly she returns her gaze to the crowd and presses her lips close.
Silence again. Less comfortable this time, and you are sure she will drop the topic, but… she doesn’t.
“I hunted that… you all the way here,” she mutters. “I plan on seeing this through to the end.”
You can’t help the chuckle slipping past your lips.
“Well, you did find me,” you answer. “And I’m glad you did.” Your eyes shift back to her, meeting her dark ones. This time she doesn’t look away, not for a while. The frown is lesser now, smoothed with a softness you rarely have seen on her.
With a deep breath, Xiuying looks back out to the crowd and takes a small sidestep in your direction. It could have been an accident, the brush of her arm around yours—just a little misstep.
But she doesn’t move away, and you can see a hind of flushed cheeks that has nothing to do with the cold autumn air.
So she stays. And so do you.
16 Likes
So, a week late update because… well, I forgot tbh x)
It’s slow progress, and I got pretty stuck on the first fight scene until I decided to simplify it for now and polish it later. There are a ton of variations for that scene depending on who is there and what weapon and picked, and how the player’s stats are looking at that point.
In other words, the next big update will have a pretty bleak version of that first fight, but considering this is an alpha demo… I’m not feeling too sorry (as I write it, at least).
I hope to be able to upload the third chapter at the end of November. After that, I will work on the small side project I mentioned several updates ago and open up the romance poll I mentioned a few times. If there are any topics concerning romance or other gameplay things you feel are important and should be addressed, let me know! Unless it’s things like ‘I want to romance X.’ Believe me, I’ve probably heard it a dozen times already x)
If in doubt, there is a FAQ and an Index of most asks I have received already ^^
Currently, I’m not able to work as consistently as I’d like, but that’s life ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I hope y’alls lives are a little more in order than mine is rn haha,
And that’s that for today! Have a good one!
26 Likes
Us non-combative staff wielding researchers are gonna get squashed like a bug, but at least it should be epic. 
1 Like
Sunday update 22.11.
There is not much to update y’all on, I’m afraid.
I’m just trying to find time to write whenever I can and hope that my laptop will manage a few more years and not get more keys semi-stuck. (If I ever write something and there seems to be a ‘j’ or a ‘z’ missing, I’m very sorry about that…)
Veye is now officially written into the game, and there really isn’t more to say, I think?
(I’m bad at updates x))
Yeah, see you soon and take care y’all!
27 Likes
Sunday update 20.12.
Hello everyone!
I apologize for the radio silence, and I’m afraid that it might continue for a bit still.
The past few weeks were very busy and stressful, most of it due to the uni workload, plus work, plus family… well, you get the picture ^^’
Additionally, my health hasn’t been the best since my last update, and it has gotten better now. Still, it certainly didn’t add to my writing time and willingness.
Long story short: Chapter 3 has been rotting away in my folders for some time, and I am way behind on what little schedule I gave myself. I am very sorry about this.
I do hope to manage to get at least part of chapter 3 up before the year ends, but I don’t want to make any promises I can’t keep, so… we will see.
I hope y’all fare better than I do and have a good time, whether you celebrate any holidays right now or not.
All the best to all of you. <3
34 Likes
Don’t worry about us, you’ve got all the time! We’ll wait for you to get better
Also happy early Christmas and what other holidays you celebrate 
5 Likes
sunday update 10.01.2021
Guess I should make another update again, huh? I’m really letting that slide; sorry about that.
The past weeks have been busy with uni work, preparing presentations, finishing an essay I hadn’t done yet, and general life stuff.
So there wasn’t too much writing on th:de I’m afraid. I’ve decided to split updating chapter 3 into smaller chunks so that you may get something a little sooner. I feel like that might be easier for me, so I get the feeling that I’ve at least finished something rather than feeling stuck.
So look out for that small update, or if you prefer, wait until all of it is out, whatever you prefer ^^
This week I mostly ended up doing small info dumps for the Council members on Tumblr. Just short blurbs about who/what they are and what their jobs entail. That was fun, and I think sorely needed even if they won’t show up too soon. They’re quite an interesting bunch, after all.
We also reached 800+ followers on Tumblr! So, I reblogged a prompt list so feel free to send something in if you like. ^^
And that would be it for now!
I hope everyone has had a good start to 2021 and hopefully a good rest of the year! <3
31 Likes
Mini update:
I just finished updating and revising the character page on tumblr (not accessibile via mobile I’m afraid, sorry).
I’ve slightly changed the texts of the characters I had in there already and added a bunch of minor npcs. Those will show up later and might have interesting roles later in the overall story.
There also more minor spoilers in there. So if you want to go into the game without those, don’t look at it! Things like Bas’ full name, a bit more on Xiuying’s backstory, pretty strong hints to Elian’s species, etc.
Also: Expect the demo update (chapter 3 part 1) some time next week!
34 Likes
Yay! I just finished this demo today, and it’s super interesting! I’m excited for the next update hehehehe.
2 Likes
Demo update!
Chapter 3.1 is now up! Play it here!
This update includes:
- Waking up from a strange dream.
- A very grumpy djinn in need of help.
- Bartering about favors.
- The first appearence of Veye, a member of the Council.
- An additional 12k+ words to the totoal word count.
You will need to restart from the beginning due to changes to the start up and so on.
As always, if you find errors, glaring typos, inconsistencies, have suggestions, or just want to scream at me, you are welcome to do so on the Cog forums , tumblr , or the discord server .
I’ll try to fix errors asap, but will otherwise leave them be until the next update.
You will notice that especially the combat scene is only a very rough concept right now, I will add this scene at a later update because there are a lot of variations to it and instead of cutting the update even shorter or dragging it out, this is the current solution.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Have fun and take care!
Full changelog
- Added part 1 of chapter 3 (the second half of chapter 3 is missing, as well as two branches in the published part. The combat scene is heavily summarized so far.)
- Added a character description tab to the stats.
- Removed the option for throwing knives and a single dagger to ease the workload in future combat scenes. Restart is advised.
- Veye has her first appearance.
- Added a total of 12616 words (without code).
53 Likes
Yay goes to play again hehe
6 Likes
When you come back after longer than a few weeks, and can't even read your own save point coded gibberish:
What was I even trying to say to myself? 
I’ll give some more helpful feedback in a bit.
1 Like
This happened even though I ignored the guard and didn’t talk to him.
1 Like
@AdmiralLynx89 what a mood x)
@domthestar fixed! Thanks for pointing it out!
6 Likes