Stygian Sun: Total Eclipse - WIP

When writing a character struggling with shame

Shame isn’t guilt. Guilt says I did something bad. Shame says I am something bad. It’s corrosive. It rewrites self-worth. And most of the time, it whispers, not screams.

✧ Start with silence. Characters carrying shame don’t confess it on page one. They avoid. They deflect. They joke. They become perfect. Shame thrives in secrets. Let it fester before it speaks.

✧ Show the disconnect. They don’t feel lovable, even when they are. Compliments bounce off them. Praise feels like a setup. They think kindness is a trick. Show them flinching at affection.

✧ Give it a backstory. Shame doesn’t appear from nowhere. Maybe they were told they were too much. Not enough. A mistake. Shame is always planted by someone else, then internalized. Find that origin moment and make it hurt.

✧ Let them sabotage good things. They get a healthy relationship? They run. They succeed? They downplay it. They get seen? They shut down. Shame convinces people they don’t deserve good things and they’ll act accordingly.

✧ Body language matters. Hunched shoulders. Arms crossed. Averted eyes. Shrinking into themselves. Shame has a physical posture. Write it.

✧ Watch their inner voice. Shame doesn’t sound like “I’m the worst.” It sounds like “Why would they care about me?”or “Of course I messed it up.” It’s casual. Constant. Cruel.

✧ Make healing slow and clumsy. Shame doesn’t vanish after one pep talk. It takes safe spaces. Relearning. A lot of awkward baby steps. Let your character accept one small good thing and then panic about it later.

✧ Let them rewrite their own story. Eventually, they’ll have to look at who they were and say, “Even then, I was trying. Even then, I deserved love.” Let them get there. Let it be earned. Let it feel impossible and then let it happen anyway.

IN THE EAST, a garden planted.

A nature-centric commune reveals itself to be more cultish than cordial when your gap year trip takes a turn and you stumble onto their soil one ill-fated night.

demo tba.

SYNOPSIS;

'In The East' is an upcoming interactive story that follows you and your two best friends, Ryan and Dahlia, as you embark on a road trip across the mesmerising west coast to celebrate your recent graduation. Your journey takes an unexpected turn an accident leaves you stranded in a seemingly idyllic commune called Eden, inhabited by nature-centric people devoted to harmonising with the earth.

In Eden, you find solace and temporary refuge, but as you settle into the peaceful commune, you begin to sense an eerie undercurrent beneath its serene facade. Not all is as it seems to be, and you start to uncover unsettling truths about the communes practices.

As the days pass and the once-clear boundaries between reality and illusion blur, you're faced with a hard decision. You must choose whether to embrace the allure of the unknown; adopting the communes strange rituals and beliefs, or to resist, and seek out a way to your old life. Your relationships with Dahlia and Ryan, alongside others you meet, are put to the test as you grapple with opposing viewpoints, navigating the complex dynamics of cult-living, and the consequences that will arise from the choices you make.

FEATURES;

Full customisation options for your MC. Choose your pronouns, sexuality, appearance, personality, and more. Take control of your interactions with the world: experience Eden through a personalised new scope.

Form deep connections with the supporting cast and romance options. Witness their growth, explore their personalities and experience the highs and lows of their true selves as the cult takes grip.

Your choices matter. With branching paths and multiple endings, both good and bad, play through a story where what you do makes a real impact.

Engage in the complex moral dilemmas put on display. You will be made to confront difficult choices that explore themes of loyalty, freedom, and the blurred lines between devotion and manipulation.

ROMANCE;

Karma [F] Karma is an enigma within the commune, a devoted member and the daughter of its leader, Amanda. Radiating with an aura of kindness and a truly gentle touch, Karma embodies the very essence of the commune's philosophy. Her actions are always driven by a genuine desire to nurture and support those around her, offering a comforting presence and a listening ear to anyone in need. Karma is 18, 5'5 and white.

Rowan [M]

If you ask about Rowan in Eden, you will get a similar answer from everyone: free spirited, extroverted, the kind of person to help old women cross the street or play soccer with children on a whim. He’s charismatic, warm-hearted and kind, but underneath his show of nonchalance you can see something unforgiving, something broken, waiting to be brought to the surface. Rowan is 20, 5’11, and mixed: brazilian and white.

Lilith [F]

Lilith lurks in the shadows of Eden. You can often find her in her bedroom, painting fervidly in dark shades of blue and green, usually scenes from her nightmares that so many believe are prophetic. She is reclusive and secretive, but in gaining her confidence you will gain insight into the beliefs and secrets of Eden, which have dictated her whole life. Lilith is 19, 5’8 and black.

Echo [M]

Echo is a mysterious and dark presence in the commune of Eden, contrasting its warmth with the essence of rain and dark days. With one pure black glass eye, he exudes suspicion and solitude. Yet beneath his tough exterior lies a perceptive and intuitive soul. Echo's resolve is clear – he believes you don't belong in Eden. Gaining his trust will be a delicate dance, if you're dedicated enough. Echo is 20, 6'0 and mixed: white and korean.

Fern [NB]

Fern is the embodiment of sunrises in Eden. With their connection to the earth and unappeasable craving for the knowledge pouring from Eden’s teachings, they are an example of the happiness that has been brought about by the commune. However, they are prone to shyness, and their studiousness can be overbearing at times… if not dangerous. Fern is 18, 5’3, and white.

Primrose [F]

Primrose is a whirlwind of madness, with a mind that dances to its own chaotic tune. Her unpredictable and manic nature makes her both exhilarating and alarming to be around. Like a lit fuse, she carries an air of impending explosion, and her reckless tendencies can lead to confrontations, leaving others in awe (and fear) of her aggressive prowess. As you interact with her, you'll experience the thrill of navigating her volatile moods and uncover the reasons behind her devotion to the cult. Prim is 19, 5'11 and white.

Ryan [M]

Your best friend's boyfriend. Ryan is the quintessential golden boy, your friend from an affluent family whose future appears paved with success. With his impeccable academic record and connections, prestigious colleges eagerly await his arrival. However, beneath the polished exterior, Ryan is an adventurous and carefree party boy, forever seeking the glimmer of joy in every moment. Despite his dying romance with Dahlia, Ryan aims to keep the peace and plans on letting her down easily... when the time is right. Ryan is 18, 6'2 and black.

polyamorous routes will be available with lilith + karma, rowan + primrose and ryan + echo.

WARNING: In The East is a cult horror IF with elements to its storyline that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. Potential topics of controversy are suicidal ideation, graphic scenes of violence, drug use, strong language, allusions to brainwashing, use of propaganda, amputation of limbs, auto-cannibalism, religious imagery, infanticide and engagement in spiritual rituals. Read at your own discretion.

DEMO ➶ Last updated September 9th, 2023

➶Kalopsia is a 17+ fantasy thriller interactive fiction series written in Twine. Play as a merperson, struggling to keep the rage from consuming you as you seek the path of vengeance for your only child. Fight your way back to what once was yours, and lead the battle between land and water.

This game will be completely free from start to finish!! Nothing in-game will ever have to be bought to view. It is also in development, things will change (A LOT) and you'll always be updated when I decide to do so.

You defied, you swore, and you tried your absolute hardest to give the benefit of the doubt to humankind. Growing up hearing about how you needed to ‘stay away from pirates’ made your self-preservation dwindle, never believing that a species could seriously be bad.

You ignored that they were hunting merpeople, and you ignored that they do anything to get ahold of your precious little scales, fins, and intuition. There’s always a bad apple, you thought.

And you continued telling yourself that, even through the trials and tribulations of trying to befriend a human. Even through all the nasty remarks, all the threats, and the cages, and you even repeated it when they tried harming the dear animals you hold close to you.

You tried,

and you tried,

and you tried!

And that all goes to waste when the human you fell in love life becomes the human you introduced your family to, who then becomes the human who made you forget that they were all evil... turns on you and steals the one thing you treasure.

Your CHILD.

Let the wrath consume you into a siren.

Design your own mermaid, with names, scale colors, fin placements, and more.

Build stronger bonds with the companions you meet along the way, each of whom has their own unique story to tell.

Try to end a hunting-companies rein one and for all.

Fight your way out of captivity and plan a rescue mission that will be talked about in all four corners of the world

Day-off interludes!

And much more!!

Please note that some of these characters are ones you can build relationships with, whether it be platonic or romantic (romance is not necessary in this story). But these are NOT the only significant characters that will have a play in the story.

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THE TRAITOR Atticus/Adeline Ovesen

The famed ‘Treasure King’, a persona you had no knowledge of until they up and left with your child. Dirty blonde hair tied up into a ponytail with a single braid dangling to their chest, it almost seems to blend in with their fair complexion. You wished they were dull, like those brown eyes of theirs, but they weren’t. They constantly interrupted conversations, always trying to fix you because you weren’t perfection. They have greed unlike any other, one that tears about anything in its way.

THE CRAFTER Llyr/Coradelia Attawater

The spectacle you’re doomed to meet along your path of vengeance. Long and flowing white hair, their silver eyes pulled you in without a second thought. The bralette of pearls they were along their chest contrasts beautifully with the blue scales that run up and down their arms and abdomen. Coming from the Arctic oceans, they possess a porcelain tone that matches the fins protruding from their elbows. They have an envious personality, one that matches the dragon-shaped fin at the bottom of their blue tail.

THE ENCHANTER Neptune Oceana

The merperson who hides behind makeshift seaweed glasses and swears to help you with all the magic they’ve got. Often switching between short-cropped and long purple hair, they’re one of the only merpeople to be born with gills on their ribs. Silver scales shower their abdomen, even M!Enchanter. Their purple hair matches the varients of purple on their betta-shaped tail, dorsal fins, and ear fins. Enchanter is one of the people you can count out through and through, even if they have a past of their own.

YOUR CHILD Morgan Waterford

The light of your life and the one you live for. She came into your life unexpectedly and has forever stayed there with the biggest place in your heart, with bright smiles and a cheery attitude, she’ll never fail to make your day better. Only being 8 years old, Morgan has a natural curiosity that she adopted from you.. something that gets her in danger far to much then you’re comfortable with.

The Lupine Knight of Kysia

Knowing what my characters look like (and being able to draw them) really helps me get a feel of who they are. I figured I should show you guys as well, so you can get a lil bit of a sense of who they are while things progress in the background. Design is subject to change of course, but probably not too much.

But yeah, cool purple wolf knight! I kinda considered giving them a fake tail, like one of those clip on ones. I thought it'd be cute.

Since progress is slow, here is a snippet of the one off vampire IF I’m working on:

DEMO

There it is!! 🎉🎉

I hope you guys enjoy this beginning of the story that I have wanted to share with everyone for years. If you find any typos or errors, please don’t hesitate to share them with me. I would appreciate it!

Thank you, everyone, for being so patient and supportive! Have fun!

itch.io

Those Long Dead by Aevum Games

A WIP medieval fantasy interactive fiction story, with angelic imagery and themes, and a focus on romance.

Remember how I said the Twine demo would be available very, very soon? Well soon is actually right now. On Itch.io. Surprise?

Feel free to check it out!

As a kalalav (death flower) harvester, you live and work in the holy land of Duutrepia. You've known nothing else since birth. The merciless disease's agonizing grip, your burning rage, and the crimson flowers—all share a grim connection. You don't know what freedom means. Will you ever get the chance to become your own person? But what will happen when the Abyss Forged descend? Cruel, demon-like creatures who have intelligence. This speaks of trouble for you and the other elves. They talk about the rightful gods, who will soon return and rule over the realm of Sar'saris.

The IF will discuss the following topics and a few others that some players may find uncomfortable. Please read at your own risk. ➤ Slavery ➤ Pregnancy ➤ Hunger ➤ Mental, physical, and emotional abuse ➤ Familial issues ➤ Blood ➤ Gore ➤ Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts ➤ Deaths ➤ Animal deaths ➤ Child deaths ➤ Religious themes ➤ An oppressive atmosphere (especially in the starting chapters) ➤ Lack of freedom and detailed mentions of dominance assertion

You can choose your MC's: ➤ Gender (Female/Male) ➤ Eye colour ➤ Skin colour ➤ Hair colour, hair length, and hair type. ➤ Height ➤ Outfit ➤ Main Path (Rage/Compassion) ➤ Religious Belief (Believer/Disbeliever) ➤ Relationship Path (Shy/Flirty) Note: There are a few hidden stats that don't show in the stats menu, but they will affect the game's plot mildly and majorly.

YLVERAS/YLVERA CAISYS: The famed dragon rider hailing from Duutrepia. Composed and genuine. Though quiet, their eyes speak volumes. They burn with an intensity of untamed fire. What a curious individual. IMRAI/IMRA RORA: The descendant of a long line of oracles. Though when one first sees them, it's quite difficult to believe that fact. Charming and flirtatious. However, their actions don't match their words sometimes. What is their actual goal in life? KATRYK/KATIR GRERA: The leader of the association. They desire nothing more than power, fame, and money. Confident and goal-oriented. However, their expression sometimes tells a different story. They require something else, something different. SYV/SYVI WYNDI: The exiled noble from Hishuy. They observe from the shadows and don't seem too fond of forming relations with others. Haughty and introverted. The scar on their porcelain face tells a painful story.

A few notable side characters are: ELANIL ARAVBI: Your mother and a gifted healer. She's kind, caring, and adores you more than anything and anyone in this world. But your beloved guardian is hiding a secret, one she isn't ready to tell you yet. NALAEA EKRAS: The esteemed alchemist from Neptule. She's playful and incredibly smart. Nalaea dreams big and has many hopes for herself. You wonder just how many of those will come true for her. THEDOMAR ALTRIS: The fearless gunslinger and Nalaea's partner. He's always seen walking around with a self-assured grin and looks like nothing in this world will ever shake him. NUUVIAN NORVAN: The sarcastic yet talented healer. His witty nature and sharp tongue make up for his short height. Nuuvian takes pride in his ability. You can drop the fear of dying when he's there.

➤ PATREON • MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS

how do you do, fellow Creatives™

Call me Shakespeare with the way I make up words as I write.