haydenigmatic

[haydenigmatic]

Guys I’m spiraling. I’m having intrusive worldbuilding thoughts again. 😩 I’m this close to changing Damon’s name to something else but I have no idea what—but I do like the meaning behind the name, he just doesn’t feel like a Damon anymore?? Also I was gonna tweak House Mezzei’s sigil from a hare to a scorpion because it vibes more with their desert aesthetic, BUT then again “Mezzei” is derived from Hungarian and that literally means hare so now I’m in existential sigil crisis. 🐇🦂?? To make it worse, I was just trying to make some casual bard characters and accidentally wrote full-on fucking songs. What is happening.

[haydenigmatic]

" Has a secret, that if it ever got out, could harm her reputation, but hides it behind a demure smile and expensive perfumes "

MC: Don't worry Nesrin, you're secret is safe with me. Even with your true smelly self, I'll still love you~~

MC, you absolute menace 😭 But no—Nesrin isn’t smelly, thank you very much. Her perfumes are just the finishing touch, not a cover-up. And as for the secret? Ohhh, darling, it’s got nothing to do with hygiene and everything to do with reputation. The kind of thing that would have the court whispering, and a few old noble ladies fainting into their lace-trimmed handkerchiefs. It’s the sort of scandal a proper lady should never even dream of. *insert evil little laugh that echoes through the ballroom walls 😈

[haydenigmatic]

I don't think the rumors about Lady Orissa's bloodline are rumors. Seven children, all mad/charming, multiple deaths, one child seems to "see" too much and is obsessed with Runes and the stars while another charms animals and whispers to things in the woods that whisper back. They be northern witches I tell ya. Burn them all!🔥🔥🔥

Oh, absolutely—but don’t burn them, gods no! They're not the curse-your-crops, bleed-you-dry-in-your-sleep type of witches. They're more of the “dance naked under the moonlight around a bonfire while chanting in forgotten tongues” kind. You know, charmingly unhinged. A little eerie, sure, but mostly just vibing with the stars and the woods. If anything, they’re probably the ones keeping the wolves at bay and the harvest just plentiful enough. Weird? Yes. Dangerous? Only if you ruin the ritual by asking too many questions. Let them vibe.

[haydenigmatic]

Lmao not me laughing my ass off because i came to tell u how much i am currently enjoying the demo. Legit playing it rn bt cldnt wait to just show my appreciation.

Then i checked the RO list and died because i always name my MC Aurelian and i see there's an RO with the same name 🤣😭

I love this so much—first off, thank you!! Seriously, it means the world that you're enjoying the demo enough to pause mid-play just to scream appreciation into the void (and my inbox). Absolute gold-star behaviour 💛

Second... Aurelian supremacy, apparently?? 💀😭 What are the odds?? Clearly your MC and my RO are soulmates in chaos—or destined for an identity crisis.

[haydenigmatic]

(NSFW)

How would the ROs react if MC gifted them very high quality lingerie in relationship stage?

Well, assuming lingerie existed in this world…

…it would be the kind crafted from whisper-thin moonweave or imported dusk-silk from the Free Continent — scandalously soft, stupidly expensive, and laced with the kind of subtle embroidery that makes priests twitch. If MC handed that over in a quiet, private moment? Here's how the ROs might lose their damn minds:

Aurelia/n:

They smile when they unwrap it — slow, warm, grateful — but their eyes are already darkening. "You always know how to surprise me… Was this your way of asking me to take something off, or leave something on?" They’ll wear it, not for vanity, but because they know it pleases you — and then they’ll turn the tables. Soft words, whispered filth, gentle hands that know exactly how to ruin someone slowly. They’ll seduce you, while technically still being the polite one in the room.

Odette:

"You chose this… for me?" She wears it not for seduction — though that might come later — but because you wanted her in it. It becomes a symbol of closeness. And when she finally wears it for you? She’ll blush, yes… but her hands won’t tremble when she pulls you in.

Doria/n:

"You want me in this? Or out of it?" They're already undressing as they say it. They’re the type to rip it off with a dagger if things get too heated. Or to leave it on and make you beg. Either way, they’re obsessed with the intimacy of it — the vulnerability, the trust. They’ll treasure the gift… even if it ends up in tatters by morning.

Verena:

Oh, she'll live for this. She purrs when she unwraps it. Runs her fingers over the fabric like it’s your skin.

"My dear, is this a gift... or a challenge?" She’ll make a whole damn game of it. Flirting with you while wearing it underneath her clothes during some event. Whispering what she's got on — or don’t — during dinner. This is the fuel for a week’s worth of torment and pleasure.

Sorin:

"My love, if you think this is going to shock me, you’re going to have to do better than that." But deep down? It does get her. Because you’re not treating her like a toy — you're giving her something personal, something for her pleasure, not just yours. She wears it like a second skin, walks into your chambers, and says, "Tell me what you see — and be honest." She wants to know she’s still desirable. That she’s more than a past. And when you show her that she’s everything to you? That lingerie turns into armour. And she fucks you like she’s never needed anyone, until now.

Hanniel:

"This is… for me?" He almost doesn’t touch it. He’s afraid of ruining it. Afraid he doesn’t deserve it. But you look at him like he’s worth it — every scar, every broken part. When he wears it? It's with trembling hands, barely breathing. And when you reach for him, he whispers, "You really see me, don’t you?" Then he claims you — slow, desperate, reverent. The kind of sex that says, “I’ll never let you go.” That lingerie won’t survive the night. But the look in his eyes? That’s going to last an eternity.

Nesrin:

"Oh... now you’re playing dirty. I like it." She holds it up, smirks, and tests you immediately: "Would you prefer I wear it to dinner? Or just... leave it on your bed tonight?" She’ll absolutely wear it — but not until she’s made you suffer for giving it to her. She wants you squirming. She’ll lounge in it like a queen, tease you with flashes beneath her gowns, and act like it's no big deal. Until you make her drop the mask. And that’s when her warm heart takes over — when her teasing becomes adoration, when her clever little games turn into soft gasps and whispered “I never thought I could love someone like this.”

Jasira:

“…You’re ridiculous.” Her voice is sharp, but her flushed ears betray her. She holds it up like it might bite, studying the fine stitching with a furrowed brow—half amused, half flustered. “I’m not some silk-wrapped courtesan,” she mutters... but later that night, you find her wearing it anyway, leaning casually against the doorframe like she hasn’t spent an hour working up the nerve. And if you so much as smirk? “You say one word,” she warns, stepping closer, “and I’m setting it on fire.” (She doesn’t.) She keeps it tucked away carefully. Wears it rarely. But when she does—gods, she burns brighter than any battlefield flame.

Damon:

He blinks, then slowly grins as you hand it over. "For me?" His sea-green eyes glitter with amusement and something darker. "You want me in this?" He turns the fabric over in his hands, mock-serious like he’s appraising a sacred relic. Then he smirks—the kind of smirk that’s gotten nobles flustered and rivals furious. "You really are trying to kill me, aren’t you?" He’ll wear it. Oh, he’ll wear it—and make damn sure you regret handing him that kind of power. Damon doesn’t get embarrassed—he gets performative. He’ll strut, pose, tease, and then pull you close, mouth at your ear. "You gave this to me. Whatever happens next… is your fault." And yes—he’ll treasure it. Even if it ends up on the floor. Or tied around your wrists.

[haydenigmatic]

And I just found this incredible site that helps to visualise this kind of things ✨

will the dragon be four legged or look like the ones from GOT and HOTD and how fast do they grow

Oh gosh, they’ll absolutely be four-legged dragons. I wouldn’t dare unleash wyrms on you all—one of my biggest irks with GOT and HOTD is exactly that! They’re technically wyverns, and now—thanks to my boyfriend ruining my peaceful ignorance—I can never not see it. So rest assured: claws, wings, fire—and four legs. Nature is healed.

As for how fast they grow?

⚪ Hatchling (0–2 years) Size: Large dog to small horse

🔘 Fledgling (3–10 years) Size: Large horse to small barn

🔴 Adolescent (11–30 years) Size: Towering; a flying goddamn siege weapon

🔱 Adult (30+ years) Size: Castle-wrecking monstrosity

Now… dragons usually grow with time. But there are… exceptions.

[haydenigmatic]

What was the biggest recorded size of a dragon in your universe? Like Balerion the Black Dread?

Well I have the response right 👉 here. The name listed there isn’t the final one—I’m still battling the fantasy writer’s curse of naming things without sounding like I borrowed from a metal band from 2008, or some poor teenager’s DeviantArt OC circa 2010. So stay tuned for the official christening.

Also… since we’re diving into dragon lore: There’s an old myth whispered in the kingdom of Barakon aka MC's place—which, oddly enough, is shaped like a dragon with its wings spread wide. The tale goes that the land itself is a dragon. A truly ancient one, gargantuan beyond comprehension, whose body forms the mountains, valleys, and rivers. They say it’s merely sleeping beneath the surface, cradling the royal bloodline in its spine and ribs, and that one day it’ll stir—and gods help us when it does.

Sleep tight, big guy. 😬🔥

[haydenigmatic]

✨ Life Update! ✨

I’m officially done with university—no more thesis, no more deadlines, no more sleep-deprived existential crises (for now). And with that, I’m stepping into real adult life… the terrifying kind.

Also: I’m moving countries again! Yep, big changes ahead as I pack up and head to Mexico 🇲🇽. Between that and the sudden void left by finishing uni, I’ve finally got the time (and brain space) to work more fervently on the game.

Here’s to new chapters, better coffee, and hopefully not losing my sanity in customs. Stay tuned—things are finally moving.

[haydenigmatic]

I searched for it and only got one answer from a few years ago- will we ever have the option to explore gender at all? Even with restrictions or remarks of struggle involved, I love being able to be more true to myself and characters I use for IF self-inserts. I'd hate to think the only thing stopping you is, as you implied before, that you'd feel beholden to include negativity because that's historically been the response to intersex and trans people. In a fantasy work, I have seen a lot of people handwave it away for a more utopian world, or simply have a few flavor texts mention phobic remarks- but I for one would love seeing more representation, particularly if there is struggle being portrayed, because that can be quite cathartic.

I am sorry if this feels pushy or rude, I just was curious if your thoughts had changed, and wanted to plead a case for the option to choose different pronouns as we age. I understand that it is your work that you choose to share at the end of the day, and I cannot make you change the story if transness does not fit within the framework, but I wanted to say some people would appreciate the option, imperfect as it might feel from your end. Thank you a ton for reading, even if you don't reply, since this got very long (my apologies)

Hey, thank you. Truly.

First off—no need to apologise. Your message wasn’t pushy or out of place in the slightest. It was thoughtful, honest, and it touched on something I’ve been quietly sitting with for a long time.

How do you explore gender in a world that doesn’t care to understand it? One that’s rigid, brutal, and punishes deviation not with awkward silences but with real, lasting consequences? That tension—the friction between identity and expectation—is something I find incredibly important to explore, even if it’s messy. Maybe especially because it’s messy.

That said, this world I’m building—rooted in medieval cruelty and archaic norms—isn’t one where modern language like “trans” or “nonbinary” exists. But the experience of not fitting, of living in a skin that the world insists you wear a certain way? That’s very much there. You’ll be able to choose a path where MC doesn't feel at home in the role forced upon them. And that won’t be swept aside. It’ll be in the quiet discomfort. The internal tension. The way others look at you like they know who you are—and they don’t.

Pronouns may not change in the text itself, but identity? That’s something that bleeds through more than words. Titles, roles, narrative introspection—those will reflect that inner divide. And yes, the world will push back. Harshly, even cruelly. But it won’t be tragedy for the sake of pain. It’ll be a mirror. It’ll be raw and flawed and honest.

So yes, there will be space to explore gender. It won’t be easy. It won’t be labelled or neat. But it’ll be real. Because stories like this are where it matters most.

Thank you again for the message. It meant a lot.

[haydenigmatic]

Just a question for the harem route. If MC is bisexual will they be able to make a massive one that includes both female and male ROs or will they have to choose a specific path?

Otherwise, with all the Anon hate going on, I just wanted to say that I think you're making something really special here and I've been excited since I discovered this blog a few months ago. Don't let these people get you down ❤️ I'm willing to bet most IF readers lurk around like myself, and rarely send anything unless its a genuine well meaning question, praise or a funny observation so the stuff I've seen authors being sent lately is frankly quite shocking cause you're all way too nice to deserve that.

Signed - Anon who's gone through some awful life experiences but decides to be kind to others instead

First of all—bless you, Anon. You have no idea how much that message means. Seriously. The kindness, the honesty, the emotional depth? You just threw glitter directly at my tired soul. 💛 I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through awful life experiences, but the fact that you choose to lead with kindness? That’s something many could learn from.

Now, onto the juicy bits. 👀

Bisexual MC harem route—I love the way your brain works, and honestly, I hadn’t thought that far yet. The harem content is still pretty far in the future (first we survive childhood, then we thrive in chaos), so it’s something I’ll definitely be looking into as the romance dynamics start to solidify more.

That said—if I can pull it off without sacrificing emotional depth or narrative cohesion, then yes, I’d love to make a beautifully chaotic harem that includes both male and female ROs. 💋💀 But we’ll have to see how the beast evolves. It’s ambitious, like the story. And ambition always comes with a price, usually in the form of me sobbing over my own code.

Thank you again for being so lovely.

[haydenigmatic]

Would we maybe get a character portrait of our twin

Well since MC and Arlan are identical in looks, I had avoided making a defined portrait so you could imagine them however your devious little heart desired.

Buuuut... I do have a rough sketch I made ages ago of my version of my MC—using an AI art app, actually, when I was just playing around and trying to pin down a vibe. It’s not hand-drawn or anything fancy, just something I messed with back then to help me visualize.

I’ll be turning it into a black-and-white version, so you can project your own vibes onto it. Imagine them softer, sharper, haunted, smug—go wild.

Of course here is both, female and male versions

[haydenigmatic]

hi i just read your game and i became a big fan, i know you authors hate being asked when the next update will be so i will refrain from asking, but if you want to tell me i wont be offended 🤣🤣, what i would like to know is is this a single book or the first of a saga? will we get married with our RO? will we be able to have children?

Ahhh thank you, you chaotic sweetheart 🤣💛 You’re right—normally I'd launch a dramatic sigh and vanish into the mist when someone drops the “when’s the update” question, but I’ll indulge you this time.

🗓️ I estimate the next update to drop around August, or possibly before if July behaves and lets me relax properly. I’m finishing up my final boss battle with university, so once that’s out of the way… it’s all daggers, drama, and desperate declarations of love.

As for the rest—YES. This is just book one of what may become a saga of 5 books, or less if I learn the arcane magic of cutting my word count (unlikely, but miracles happen). You’ll be able to marry your RO (or… y’know, be forced into political matrimony while secretly yearning for someone else—because this is a tragic love-fuelled hellride). And yes (children are part of the long game. Whether that’s for love, legacy, or leverage? Well, you’ll just have to survive long enough to find out).

Thanks for reading, darling. You’re officially trapped now. No escape. 💕

[haydenigmatic]

Why is there a poly relationship with Damon and Odette, they're siblings 💀

💀 Oh babes, absobloodylutely not—this isn’t an incest circus, I swear on my last working brain cell. The poly route with Damon and Odette does not mean the siblings are romantically involved with each other. It’s a V poly, not a triangle of chaos. MC is the single connection point—think of it like a very royal, very dramatic game of "two's company, three’s your political marriage arrangement."

Now, depending on MC’s orientation, things shift:

If your MC is only attracted to one gender, they’ll have to marry the other sibling for, you know… dynasty and appearances and all that delicious court pressure, while actually loving the one they’re into.

But if your MC is bi or pan? Oh well. Double the trouble, double the drama, double the pleasure.

So no, no sibling nastiness—just a high-stakes, emotionally tense, politically laced, slow-burn, "I-would-kill-and-die-for-you" mess. The good kind. 😌

[haydenigmatic]

can we know about the ros height??

Ah yes, the ever-important RO height chart—because we all need to know who’s picking up who, who’s reaching the top shelf, and who’s absolutely climbing someone like a tree.

Female ROs – Jasira – 5’9” (175 cm) – Odette – 5’8” (172 cm) – Verena – 5’7” (170 cm) – Aurelia – 5’7” (170 cm) – Doria – 5’6” (167 cm) – Nesrin – 5’5” (165 cm) – Sorin – 5’2” (157 cm)

Male ROs – Haniel – 6’4” (192 cm) he’s not just tall, he’s looming – Damon – 6’0” (183 cm) – Aurelian – 5’11” (180 cm) – Dorian – 5’10” (178 cm)

Yes, there will be height difference content. Yes, you can flirt accordingly.

[haydenigmatic]

will the dragon be four legged or look like the ones from GOT and HOTD and how fast do they grow

Oh gosh, they’ll absolutely be four-legged dragons. I wouldn’t dare unleash wyrms on you all—one of my biggest irks with GOT and HOTD is exactly that! They’re technically wyverns, and now—thanks to my boyfriend ruining my peaceful ignorance—I can never not see it. So rest assured: claws, wings, fire—and four legs. Nature is healed.

As for how fast they grow?

⚪ Hatchling (0–2 years) Size: Large dog to small horse

🔘 Fledgling (3–10 years) Size: Large horse to small barn

🔴 Adolescent (11–30 years) Size: Towering; a flying goddamn siege weapon

🔱 Adult (30+ years) Size: Castle-wrecking monstrosity

Now… dragons usually grow with time. But there are… exceptions.

[haydenigmatic]

✨ Update News (and my scheduling villain arc) ✨

So… turns out the reason my scheduled posts weren’t showing up is because I accidentally scheduled them for next year. As in, 2026. Love that for me. Absolutely crushing it as usual. 💅

Anyway! I’ll be posting them shortly, and the dev post will just merge it here — it was supposed to be released after the update, but well.

🎓 I’m also about 10 days away from graduating (goodbye thesis, you insufferable beast, hello final exam), which means… drumroll... more time to write! 🙌

Here’s a little taste of what’s coming in the next update:

Time Jump: We’re skipping ahead 2 years. MC will now be 10 years old. -New Characters: You’ll meet the Lavone siblings — prepare for some interesting dynamics. -Worldbuilding: Expect deeper dives into the lore, shifting political undercurrents, and glimpses into how the world really views your family... versus how things actually are. -Twin Dynamics: You’ll get more autonomy from your twin, if you want it. Distance can be freeing... or devastating. -Sibling Tension: Watch the relationship betweeen your elder brothers begin its slow, possibly heartbreaking descent into despair. 😮‍💨

I'm also working on some minor stuff in chapter 1 that's been bugging me, but I'm more into writing the next chapter.

Thanks for your patience and for sticking around through the chaos. I promise it’ll be worth it.

[haydenigmatic]

Aww, thank you for the tag @partyof4game

Last song: Seventeen – Sharon Van Etten Fav color: Dusty olive green (the colour of melancholy and mossy notebooks) Currently reading: The Ignorant Schoolmaster by Jacques Rancière (academic obligations), but for pleasure, it's Out by Natsuo Kirino — women, crime, and a meat-packing plant. Last movie: Incendies — still emotionally wrecked, thanks. Last show: Yellowjackets — feral girls, trauma, and antler crowns. Last obsession: Watching true crime while rewriting the same sentence six times and still hating it. Like a normal, totally stable person.

Tagging anyone who sees this and wants to play!