rinriya

[rinriya]

Chapter 4 of @infamous-if is really wonderful! I tried to draw Griffin in the pool in the evening

[rinriya]

CHAPTER 4 IS NOW AVAILABLE

457K + 166K —> ✮ 623,016K WORDS ✮

Fan Tier Release: July 4th

Public Release: July 18th

It's here! (Do you like the new cover??) After nine months, the chapter has finally come. This one took me a long time. I outlined and re-outlined and outline some more. There's something Sisyphean about writing an IF and there were long stretches where it felt like the end was never coming. This was definitely a set-up chapter aka it sets up a lot for chapter 5 and beyond when it comes to the routes and upcoming dramaaaa so I'm excited to see everyone's theories and thoughts on all of the breadcrumbs I drop in this one. I'm really thankful that I worked on Chapter 5 alongside of Chapter 4 because that means Chapter 5 won't take so long to come out! I'm excited for that yippeee! One thing to note: I usually leave the lyric options to the end but I couldn't come up with them this chapter. At all. Like for over a month I just couldn't. I am cashing in my "this is a wip" card and forcing a type-in. (It'll be fixed in chapter 5).

A change to note: Attached/Detached are no longer change options but they are now variables and in the stat page. As well as being negative/positive. It didn't make much sense to have the second one because jaded/ambitious does that job and I wanted the attached/detached markers to fluctuate for future story reasons.

There are new stats:

Castmate/Competitor ✮

Approachable/Aloof ✮

Leader/Member ✮

Camaraderie ✮

Born Star ✮

I wanted to focus on the celebrity/famous/botb/band part of it because those stats feel meaningful and important compared to generic personality stats. Some have been taken out but not completely. They are still being measured in the background for flavor text. Stats like Loved and Born Star don't change as often as they are dependent on the changes of invisible stats. They will make more sense in the future chapters !

PLAY HERE

If there are any errors (especially with the jumping to chapter page because its my first time doing that and there are a lot of choices) please let me know!

[rinriya]

"But that ship is toxic and problematic" okay ❤️ yay ❤️

[rinriya]

I was waiting for the moment when Neil (Astarion's voice actor) would finally complete Stari's personal quest. He hadn't done it until the very end, so whether he would choose the lord/spawn remained a mystery. Although I believed that he would take the path of freedom, because Neil kept saying that he really got into his character and empathize with him. I'm incredibly glad that it confirmed and he was really touched in this emotional scene.

You can watch it here

[rinriya]

ROs reaction to the MC being jealous? 🙏🏻 Would anyone enjoy it? 👀

Hadrian wouldn't believe it at first. It's simply out of the realm of possibility. He's the one who feels insecure. He's the one who doesn't deserve you. He's devoted to you, body and soul, and Hadrian simply assumes that you know it — he can't phantom you not knowing it. 

He wouldn't get it for a while. If you kept your jealousy subtle, Hadrian would never get there, and would just be confused when you'd act colder or more aloof. But if you make it obvious?

The moment that realization hits that, no, you're actually jealous, Hadrian would enter panic mode. Immediately rushes to your side, trying to reassure however way he can — tries not to use words because he'd blunder and make even a bigger mess of things. If you let him, he wouldn't leave your side for the rest of the day. Eyes on you only. 

There's only you. Please, never doubt it. 

-

Alessa would secretly enjoy it. Much more than she admits even to herself. 

Outwardly, she'd raise an eyebrow, maybe call you a fool, but she'd be biting her inner cheek to stifile a smile, and those glacier-blue eyes would shine brighter for a few hours. She scoffs at the notion, of course, but still...

Alessa enjoys this side of you. "Retract your claws," she says, while gripping your arm closer. 

-

Jealousy isn't a novelty for Alain. It's unfortunate, but it's a sentiment he's been on the receiving end of more times than he'd care to count. 

People have tried to claim him, to control him, to chain him, and, honestly, it just leaves a bad taste in his mouth. He gets bored. Distances himself from the scorned lover. 

What is novel is this need to soothe you when Alain realizes that you are insecure about him. He does it while grinning, almost teasing you, "Afraid I'll get myself another bird?" he asks, but when you don't smile back, he leans over and soothes a finger down your furrowed brow. 

"You shouldn't be," he murmurs, his voice surprisingly gentle. 

-

Ysabella would be saddened by it. Not because of you, not even because of herself, but because of Fate itself. Because, as she sees you gritting your teeth, trying to pretend you're not affected by the thought of her being sold into a politically convenient marriage, Ysabella feels her heart breaking. 

But only a little, because she cannot afford to fall apart. Not now, perhaps not ever. 

So, she'd smile, and pray you don't notice how it doesn't reach her eyes. "Hush, now," she'd say, hand finding yours, fingers interwining together. "You shouldn't put so much strain on your jaw, darling. It ruins those lovely features."

-

The Pirate King would be amused by it. He'd chuckle wryly, which would only infuriate you more. And the more agitated you'd get, the more he'd be entertained. It wouldn't be until you're spinning on your feet, prepared to storm away, that he'd reach out, loop an arm around your waist, and pull you to him. 

Just to kiss you in front of whoever it was that's making you doubt that you'd won his heart long ago. 

You'd stomp his foot, or push him away, and the Pirate would chuckle lowly into the kiss. "That's my spitfire."

-

Neia, like Hadrian, would probably not realize it 😆. But it's not because she thinks it impossible — Neia just wouldn't be paying attention. She speaks only to bark commands, spit orders, or let out grunts.

Who the hell are you jealous of? The wench cowering in the corner?

But people admire her from afar, and that could get to you. Neia wouldn't realize it until you've been silent for a few hours, now. She noticed the change in mood immediately, but she gave you space. Now, you're back in your quarters, and you're still silent, and Neia's patience runs out. "What is it?"

You purse your lips. 

"Have I done something? Spill it out, sweetling, I'm not playing a guessing game."

And you tell her, and Neia simply stares at you. Silence falls for an uncomfortably long time, until...

A lone raspy laugh. 

"Seriously?" You scowl at her. 

Neia throws a blanket at your head. "Go to sleep," she says, voice still rought with amusement. "You've clearly lost your mind."

-

Lance would honestly be a bit lost. Did he... do something to merit this? Did he fail to make you feel assured? Perhaps he shouldn't have bowed at that patron who tipped him generously earlier. 

The problem was that Lance Silverthrat would have no idea how to fix this. So, masking his uncertainty with a plastered smile, he'd loop an arm around your shoulder. "Did you enjoy the song, Starlight?"

You'd shrug, and Lance would feel the sweat at the back of your neck. "It was for you," he says, using that tone he knows you like. 

You don't look at him. "Was it?"

Oh, there it is. Lance can feel the stiffness in your muscles. "Of course it was," he says, gold tooth glinting. But his eyes eagerly search your face, all smoothness tossed aside. 

"Hm."

Lance would then drag a hand down his face and do what he so rarely has ever done: open the game. "I am not interested in that woman."

"She sure looked interested in you, what with the long talk afterward—"

Lance would gently grab your chin to make you look at him. And the solemness in his gaze would snap you out of it. "And I've yet to hear praise from the only audience member I care about." The pads of his fingers softly brushing your cheek. "Will you not give it to me?"

-

Vallen would delight in it. 

She'd smile, a kind of curling, self-satisfied smile that bares the points of her teeth. Her hand would close around your wrist as she peered at you through her eyelashes. "Are you jealous?" she'd ask in a breathless whisper, knowing the answer already, but wanting to hear it from your tongue. "Is that why you're gripping me? Want to keep me from running away?"

It's not that she wants you to be insecure. It's the very nature of it. You want to claim her, maybe as much as she'd like to claim you, and that —that sends a thrill down her spine. 

So, when you look into her eyes, that gaze of yours carrying a storm within, and say, "You wouldn't dare."

Vallen is not a woman to coo, but she does the next best thing. She lets her smile grow wider. "Nor would you."

-

Rafael, much like Alessa, would enjoy it. Unlike Alessa, however, he'd have no qualms about admitting it. 

He'd be grinning from ear to ear as you clung to him, one hand locked tight around his bicep, the other firm on his thigh. Rafael would drink in the sight of your deadly scowl, the way your fingers would tighten just the slightest bit whenever the person from across the table complimented him. 

He would let you do whatever you wanted, push him on top of the table, and claim him right there, if that's what you needed. He'd just grin, face flushed bright red, and follow along, drunk on your jealousy, on the way you're staking your territory.

Rafael has never been treasured, not like this. Never by someone like you. He doesn't know what you see in him, but by God, he ain't about to question it. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all that.

Rafael would never dream of anyone else. He could never even imagine touching another. Not after knowing the texture of your skin, the scent of your hair, the taste of your kisses. 

But you like this? Well, damn. Rafael supposes you can still surprise him. When you're alone again, back in your room, he'd just keep grinning like a fool in love. "Hey," he'd say lamely. "That got me goin'."

[rinriya]

YKMET: Strade is out, how we feeling?

[rinriya]

Question to all authors out there: I looove the "everything was fine, but then the MC showed up" trope, but… what would happen to the characters/plot/game world if the MC never showed up? Simply put, MC wouldn't exist.

[rinriya]

Elanor is such a kitty! I can't! I just can't!!! He's so loving, caring and affectionate. Such a baby boy! I wonder if he had a crush even before the MC started to flirt with him. Oooh and I love how jealous he gets when you flirt with others. The only thing is, well, I learned that Ella can be a bottom only, and I always play as bottom MC, sooo… it was awkward lol. But I still love this character, he's incredibly cute.

[rinriya]

When it comes to something unique, unknown, previously unexplored and unmanifested by anyone, I just… ah okay, so this is for the MC then.

[rinriya]

This game (by @normandy-if) is my new obsession. A delightful fantasy adventure based on a terrible incident and the unknown of what can happen. And it's so unbelievably cool! It has a lot of options, choices, abilities, hiden stats. Subplots and opportunities to make mistakes, go through a whole big chunk of the plot and see the consequences of your mistake. You need to think, analyze and sometimes even investigate! Everything is so mysterious, magical and intriguing! On top of everything large chapters, captivating text, beautiful descriptions, deep lore, memorable characters and shocking unexpected plot twists.

And just look how cool your MC can be! Oh, I love playing smart, thoughtful, cunning leaders. All stats to charisma and intelligence! Just look at my boy GO!

[rinriya]

Strings of Fate: Origins

demo (155K words)

genre: medieval fantasy

content warnings: may include explicit sexual content, graphic violence, gore and mutilation, cannibalism, animal cruelty, torture, violence against children

A work in progress medieval fantasy interactive novel that follows the steps of a Hero's Journey. Take control of a hunter, cutter, smith or alchemist born in Woodcutter's Village, a small hamlet in the Kingdom of Alyrid that houses no more than 200 people.

The village is all you've ever known, but now it faces an unforeseen danger by a long forgotten enemy. Your home's only hope for survival lingers on you delivering a message pleading the Southland Duke for military support, leading you to explore regions you've only heard of in tales and songs.

But the journey is never simple. What was a simple task of delivering a message is impeded every step of the way. Struggle your way through the dangers lurking in the kingdom. Develop and awaken your still fledgeling potential for magic. Prepare for what may well be a suicidal last stand.

How much will the journey change you?

features

Play as male, female or nonbinary; straight, gay or bisexual; monogamous or polyamorous.

Choose the profession you were born into from a hunter, woodcutter, smith or alchemist. Your surname is dictated by your profession.

Fight against familiar enemies: orcs, goblins and the undead.

Awaken and learn magic to wield against your enemies, but be careful—the Arcane is dangerous when used in excess.

romance options

Alyssa Woodcutter (f) — "There's no changing our lot, so I serve the militia. If I could, I'd be a knight."

Over six feet tall with black hair, Alyssa has a Woodcutter's dark blue eyes. She exchanges the most work days to serve in the village militia and spends even her off-hours in the training yard.

Agrien Hunter (f) — "If you fail, it's your fault. If you don't like that, maybe do better next time."

A cocky huntress with a competitive streak that inherited her father's rare ginger hair and green eyes. An assertive woman that doesn't believe in sugarcoating the truth, leading to harsh words and controversial opinions.

Elanor Woodcutter (m) — "Stop being so damn reckless. I'm the one that has to patch you up later."

Though keeping his surname of birth, Elanor was chosen by the village healer to be her apprentice. While still tall as most of his family, he never developing the strength that the work builds, leading to a lanky physique. The unkempt black hair and a grumpy mood that masks his sensitive nature gives him a boyish demeanor.

William Carpenter (m) — "Excuse me, she was perfectly willing. Just not very single."

A carpenter by trade but a musician by passion, William could never truly work on what he wanted the most as the village values only practical skills. Inspired by heroic tales, he longs to leave the village and live somewhere he can truly do what his heart desires. His trade of carpentry and the arts give him an athletic physique, a dancer's grace and a poet's tongue—and the infamy of using it on everyone, whether married or not.

links

demo | cog forum post | ko-fi

[rinriya]

Goosebumps goosebumps goosebumps

[rinriya]

Arcadie: Cold Lands - Patreon Update - July 2025

⭐ The Patreon alpha just got a massive update!

This is probably my meatiest update yet. I could have split it into 2 updates, but figured that you'd all enjoy it better in one go.

In this update:

Confront Stanislas about some interesting… lies of omission (?)

Go ring shopping for your betrothed 💍

What would be a great idea with zero chance of it backfiring? Sparring with Stanislas, of course

Dish some consequences on your Noble Assembly

Meet the Lavignac

And more

If you're on Stanislas's route, this is a pretty massive turning point. Hope you enjoy the ride... 😉

PS: There is no new content for Will's route and for the Platonic route. I'm focused on finishing Stan and Cyril's routes.

Alpha access: patreon.com/arcadieutopie

⭐Reminder that the public demo is available on Steam!

[rinriya]

🔥 It’s official — Crown of Exile is now on Steam!

I can finally share this: the store page is now live, and you can wishlist the game here: ➤ Wishlist Now!

If you're into choice-heavy fantasy with lots of politics, war, trauma, family drama, and the occasional divine blessing... this one's for you.

Your wishlist helps the game get discovered and pushes it further on the algorithm — I’m a solo dev, so every bit of visibility counts!

💬 Demo still available on itch.io 🗓️ Full release planned for Q2 2026

[rinriya]

The Wayhaven Chronicles: Book Four

Time is a precious commodity.

Unfortunately, it’s a commodity you don’t have much of these days.

Keeping up with the exhausting training for your new career while balancing your deepening romance on top of juggling some kind of personal life doesn’t leave much time to relax!

But it wouldn’t be a Wayhaven story you’ve come to know without something new to add to that ever-growing pile…

Something stirs beneath the town of Wayhaven.

Something old.

Something powerful.

Something with a very keen interest in you.

-

Delve into the world of Wayhaven once more, where a new enemy is not only unleashed upon the town but unleashes its advances upon you—to your vampire lover’s chagrin.

Or if your heart has yet to find a partner…perhaps you'll succumb to the villain’s romantic attempts?

The choice is yours! _ _ _ https://cogdemos.ink/play/mishka-jenkins/the-wayhaven-chronicles-book-four-demo/mygame

[rinriya]

us a-mancers should be allowed to engage in the villain romance just a lil bit. give A a taste of their own medicine. as a treat 🙏🏻

You can't flirt with danger on A's romance to get back at them…at least not in this book…

Thank you so much for the ask! ;D

[rinriya]

'It's not too late to learn, Fenris'