#and posted it on dec 16th

[violetwolfraven]

Idk what this is but I have to post it before season 7 comes out and it is rendered officially canon-noncompliant

Time takes a time out.

That’s the best way Soren can think of to describe what it feels like the second after they tell him.

“Corvus was captured by Karim. We don’t know for sure if Karim still has him, but what we can say for certain is that he is missing.

He rode out with Ezran a couple of days…”

Gren keeps talking, explaining the details of the situation, but that’s about the last of it that Soren hears.

The ground is unsteady, and he can feel his heartbeat throbbing in his skull, and his own breathing seems to be the loudest thing in the world.

Corvus is missing. Presumed captured, but could be…

Soren feels so fucking stupid. He didn’t even notice, at first. Corvus is a quiet kind of guy, right? Sort of stealthy. Tracker, spy, advisor—all roles where it’s a good thing for him to fade into the background to everyone except his own friends. And he’s a more than competent fighter. Not seeing him right away doesn’t usually mean anything. Soren was more focused on Ezran. The uncharacteristic quietness, one-word answers to questions trembling with a grief and rage very not like the boy king of Katolis. Soren has seen Ezran upset before, he’s seen him sad, even angry on occasion, but he’s known Ezran almost since he was born and he’s never seen him like this.

He turned to express as much to Corvus, and to ask how he’s doing—Katolis is his home too, his charred, barely standing home—only to realize he wasn’t there. Not just not right next to Soren; not there at all. Janai and Amaya sent a pretty large party to assess the extent of the damage and Corvus wasn’t with them. Corvus wasn’t bound to the Sunfire kingdom by duty like Amaya now was, so that struck Soren as odd. He asked Gren, and…

Soren forces himself to take a deep breath.

He’s Crownguard. He’s been helping the rest of the council set up and run their camp, attend to the wounded, and bury the dead for the last 2 days. He’s in a leadership position and someone has to fill Ezran in on what’s what.

Actually, Callum and Rayla (arrived with Rayla’s dad-sassin around sundown yesterday) seem to be taking care of that, so Soren refocuses on Gren.

“…and when the dust cleared, we captured most of their infantry and commanders,” Gren is reporting, “But Karim and General Miyana escaped. There were a lot of people, a lot of confusion due to how fast the entire thing happened, so it took us a few hours to get an accurate headcount. Corvus never checked in—but we didn’t find him among the handful of casualties, either! He’s most likely still alive. It’s possible we just didn’t look hard enough in the time between the battle and finding out about Katolis. For a battle with so few casualties, we did have quite a few injuries. The infirmary was extremely crowded. We could have easily missed him in there.”

It doesn’t sound like Gren thinks that’s what happened.

Despite having missed a big chunk of story in the middle there, Soren doesn’t think so either.

“Will Karim hurt him?”

Gren hesitates, and Soren feels a little nauseous.

“I don’t… think so. In my limited experience with Karim, he was never particularly sadistic. Vindictive? Sure. Dramatic? Definitely. But the only way I see him hurting Corvus is if he has a particular goal in mind, like if he thinks Corvus knows something that could help his cause. But that’s unlikely. Corvus spent most of the last 2 years in Katolis. Even if he didn’t, I don’t think even Karim knows his next move at this point. This was his third failed plan to overthrow Janai. I’d be surprised if he had another any time soon.”

Soren can think of one.

He can’t say for sure, considering he’s only met Karim a few times, but if Soren thinks if he were banished, desperate, and had no leverage other than one hostage, a known close friend of two different monarchs…

“What about using Corvus to try and control Amaya?” he asks, “Or worse—Ezran?”

Gren’s eyes widen. He glances over at the king, talking to his brother.

The 12-year-old orphan king, who just came home to find his city in ruins.

Ezran has already lost so much. His kingdom was attacked while he just happened to be absent. His friends are injured. His home is nothing but ash and rubble.

If threatened with one of his friends’ pain, he might do something rash. By the look on Gren’s face, he knows it too.

Something in Soren’s chest constricts.

“Does he know Corvus is missing?”

Gren slowly nods, “He knows. Whether he remembers at the moment, with everything else, is a different question.”

Which means it’s in everyone’s best interest for them to find him, before Ezran remembers he has anyone else to worry about. Because if Karim tries to pull something, if he tries to use Corvus to…

Soren feels more alert and present than he has in days. He’s sort of been on automatic mode this whole time, trying not to think too hard about his home being reduced to rubble or his dad… his dad. He’s been going through the motions. Just sit back and let the dragon fly, you know? Soren knows how to protect people. That’s what he’s good at. He doesn’t have to think about it to do it.

He’s always been a protector. Always on the defense. Never considered himself particularly vindictive, never really understood why his father or sister felt the need to take revenge when they get hurt.

But if Karim has hurt Corvus, Soren is going to kill him.

He knows that with startling clarity that makes him think maybe he’s not so different from the rest of his family after all.

It’s just… Corvus is his closest friend. The person whose opinion he looks for the most when proposing a plan. The person he’s always trying to get to laugh. The person he…

“Soren, I…” Gren hesitates, “I don’t know you that well. We’ve never worked together all that closely. But I do know Corvus. He, Amaya, and I have been friends for years, and of the three of us, he is the most introverted. He usually prefers the company of trees or animals to other people. The fact that you’ve managed to get him out of his comfort zone as much as you have with all the adventures he writes us letters about… that’s not insignificant.”

Soren isn’t sure where he’s going with this, “Yeah?”

“I can tell that you care for Corvus very deeply,” Gren says, genuinely, “And if you want to come back to Xadia with me and help search for him, I think Ezran will understand.”

Usually, Soren would agree wholeheartedly. But right now? He’s not sure he wants to leave the kid alone. Or Callum and Rayla, for that matter. Wise as those two act, they’re still kids too. Even if they don’t realize it.

God, when did Callum get that tall? He’s still shorter than Soren, obviously, but he’s taller than Rayla now. When did that happen? Soren doesn’t know how he’s never noticed until now, but—

“I know it’s not a good time for you to be leaving Katolis. But still, it’s not every day your partner gets kidnapped.”

Soren turns his head back to look at Gren so quickly it hurts, “What?”

“I don’t want it to be true,” Gren says solemnly, “He’s my friend. Of course I hope he’s not a hostage. I really hope in the confusion of the battle he just ended up in the woods or something and is maybe injured and waiting for us to come and find him. But I have to admit, Karim still having him does seem like the most likely—“

“No, I mean,” Soren struggles for words, “Corvus is not my partner.”

“Oh!” Gren’s face turns bright red, “I mean, the way it sounded in Corvus’s letters, I just sort of… but I guess he never said—I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

“Did you think we were together this entire time?”

“I… sort of?”

“For how long?”

“I don’t know if I could put a date on when—“

“So a long time then.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”

Soren is about to say that that’s ridiculous, why would anyone assume he and Corvus are a couple, but…

Looking back he can kind of see it, actually. He can’t speak to whatever Corvus has apparently been writing to Gren and Amaya, but they do spend an awful lot of time together, don’t they?

The other crownguards tend to be a bit more random about who they take shifts with, but Soren does almost always sign up to guard with Corvus. Sure, he does that because Corvus is the only one who doesn’t come to the team-building sleepovers and how else is he supposed to convince him to show up if he doesn’t talk to him a lot? But to an outsider, he can definitely see how that could look like him having a thing for Corvus. And maybe their fighting styles complement each other pretty much perfectly in battle. Maybe that’s part of it, too. And maybe he thinks a lot about trying to get Corvus to play a song on the cello that he can sing along to. Maybe it feels better than any sparring victory every time Soren gets him to open up even a little. Maybe it feels like there’s butterflies in his chest when Corvus reveals something they have in common. Maybe it felt like the butterflies were exploding that one time they hugged in the mushroom forest and oh wow yeah Soren definitely does have a thing for Corvus.

He knows he’s not considered the smartest guy around, but he still feels like he should have noticed this before now. Especially if Gren, who was miles and miles away for the last 2 years and doesn’t know Soren all that well, noticed it before he did.

Oh no. If Gren noticed, that means Corvus definitely did. And he just never said anything? For 2 years? Sure, there’s been a lot going on, but it’s not like they haven’t been alone together, plenty of times, when he could have said something.

Soren adds another reason along with ‘he’s my closest friend and I can’t lose him,’ and ‘if he gets hurt I will go apeshit,’ and ‘if he gets hurt Ezran will go apeshit’ to the list of reasons why he needs to find Corvus and bring him home safety.

��How fast can we get back to Xadia?” he asks, and it comes out in his Leader of the Crownguard, time-to-pull-up-your-big-boy-pants-and-sound-like-you-know-what-you’re-doing voice.

“With Aegis and Embertail not having to match pace with human infantry or carry more than one person each? I’d say three hours, maybe less.”

“Then let’s go. Now.” Something occurs to him, “…make that as soon as I let Opeli know where we’re going.”

Soren might not know exactly what he’s going to do when he finds Corvus. He doesn’t know where to find him or how he’s going to beat a Sun mage in a fight.

But he knows he’s going to do whatever it takes. Nothing and no one is going to stop him from getting to the man he’s pretty sure he already fell halfway in love with while he wasn’t looking.

If Corvus is hurt, Soren swears all the magic in Xadia won’t be enough to save Karim.

[boygirlctommy]

i knew going into it that the 15 years of mcyt video had tommy in it but i was Unprepared for the dsmp clips...

[roychewtoy]

shots from simons flickr account

[a-sad-mage]

Champions of the West is here :D

Pronto's chapter is the only one available rn

but Trixie's is in the works, it will be finished some time this week!

Kord's chapter is straight up one sentence at this point in time, but fear not, like every writer, I know how it ends, just not all the shenanigans in between just yet lmao

and I have put way to much effort into Junjie's chapter... clearly I have a favorite child

[jollyhunter]

24 Kinky Days with Dean x reader - Day 16.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x fem!reader

Warnings: NSFW - MDNI! - includes explicit sexual content (somno, intense fingering, edging, overstimulation), soft!dom Dean, also some fluff sprinkled on top of it ♡ (Also! English is not my native language)

Summary: Dean loves to pleasure you when you’re still in your half-sleep state, still dozy and all his to play with and to take care of… and this time he coaxes you into taking a little more than usual.

Words: 2,520

Feedback and reblogs are highly appreciated! And let me know whether you enjoy it so far! <3 A/N: I skipped the 15th Dec. prompt, since I felt like writing this one first. I'll post the 15th later some time! On another note; I've got a new theme! Made my own lil' banner and such. Hope you like it 😳 ANYWAY

♡ ENJOY THE torturous EDGING MY LITTLE VIXENS ♡

16th Dec. - Roll Over Rule

The sound of Dean’s serene breaths make you tiptoe your way around the bed, careful not to wake him from his deep sleep. It was late, 3AM by now. You’d done some late night research in the War room with Sam, losing track of time as you often did. And you’d basically forced Dean to go to bed a few hours ago since he had stayed up the past nights.

You slowly slip under the covers and still in your movement for a moment – listening for the slow rhythm of his breath. Good, he is still asleep. And he has occupied 3/4rd of the bed as always. Your face softens as your eyes take in his peaceful state; his face pressed into the pillow, his ruffled dark blond hair still a bit damp from the midnight shower. He’s on his stomach, his body twisted in a way that almost makes you wince inwardly. And his left arm stretched out to your bedside. Waiting for you to latch onto it, as it had become a silent habit of yours.

You gently grab his arm and snuggle up to him. Your arms wrap tightly around his muscled upper arm and his forearm gets tucked nicely between your thighs. Dean stirs briefly, mumbling something before he angles his head to rest it against the top of yours. You let out a soft, content sigh, relieved that you didn’t wake him from his dreamless sleep. Soon enough you fall asleep with your limbs entangled with his arm, feeling his comforting warmth and listening to his calming breaths of a slow steady rhythm.

You don’t know how much time has passed, maybe an hour or so, when you feel Dean’s arm slightly twist in your grip. Suddenly his hand slips between your legs to cradle you there with palms up. Your mind’s still too sleepy to fully register what’s going on when a little shiver goes straight to your core. A small, almost imperceptible one. But your body acts on instinct and doesn’t need your mind for what it subconsciously craves. You suddenly let go of his arm and roll over onto your stomach – a sleeping position you usually never take. Unless, it’s meant as a green light for Dean to go on.

Yeah, you had been pretty needy lately. ‘Damn, you’re like a bitch in heat, babe.’ As Dean had commented on it shamelessly. Which not only made you sputter, but had Sam choke on his beer and Cas raise his eyebrows in confusion, secretly wondering why Dean would compare you with a female dog.

Your mind quickly slips back into that cozy sleep – whereas Dean seems to have woken up beside you. He places soft kisses along your neck, his hand gently running up and down your body, occasionally slipping beneath your pyjamas.

Next moment you remember, you feel hot and aroused. Your inner thighs are wet, your clit swollen and you’re panting slightly. And then you feel his two fingers slip inside you, effortlessly parting your slick folds. A meek moan escapes your lips, your mind still somewhere caught between sleep and excited arousal.

“You good, sweetheart..?” you hear his gravel voice next to your ear. You nod, not wanting the pleasure to stop but too sleepy to form any words.

He picks up a tantalizing pace. His small and middle finger pumping inside your dripping wet cunt while his index and middle finger slide along your folds, pinching your clit between them with every thrust. Your moans grow louder and soon turn into needy whimpers, begging him for release.

“Mh? Tell me baby…” your answer once again is a weak, short whimper. A thick haze clouding your sleep-addled mind and ridding you of any capability to form a thought, let alone words. It’s like you’ve been turned into a whimpering, mewling mess – powerless in every form. At this moment you were his entirely. Completely at his mercy. And knowing Dean, you are left with no other option but to take the overwhelming pleasure and to teeter on that torturous edge. Over. And over. And over.

Dean is truly a master in the art of edging. His calloused fingers playing you like it’s child’s play, hitting every spot at the right moment and – to your frustration – changing rhythm and withdrawing them every single time right before you get to fall over the edge. Leaving you mewling desperately, close to tears from the overwhelming built up tension in your core. You cry and pant into the pillow breathless while he starts over with the procedure, denying you the final relief with a cheeky grin of his.

Soon a third finger is jammed into your throbbing cunt. Dean and you groan in harmony when your walls clamp his fingers, pulling them in like they were made for you. He bites back another deep moan before grazing his bottom lip with his teeth. "Damn... sweetheart, you're killin' me here..."

Once he rode you through another round of edging by switching between the numbers of fingers every now and then, you quickly adjust to the new size.

When Dean notices how his fingers slide in and out so effortlessly, an idea forms in his head. He suddenly presses his lips against the shell of your ear. His voice a husky whisper, gentle and yet demanding, “Show me how deep you want it.”

You don’t even think, your body acting on its own. It’s like he’s got you under some magic spell, the relentless working of his fingers keeping you spellbound. His hand stills while you buck your hips against his hand. Further and further up, angling it while you press your chest into the mattress – the increasing tightness making you whimper and bite down on the pillow.

But to Dean’s amazement, you keep pushing against him, taking it all the way. Even when he slowly slips a fourth finger inside. He bites back another guttural groan. The feeling of you clamping his fingers and now even slowly, tentatively rocking your hips against him is almost too much for him.

“That’s it…” he murmurs, a hint of pride in his voice which doesn’t go unnoticed by you, despite your mindless state. You roll your hips up against him and a loud groan erupts from your throat at the intense sensation of him splitting you apart.

Dean leans a bit back to relish the view with parted lips: He’s knuckles-deep inside you. His four thick fingers stretching you to the point you feel like you might explode. He’s completely filling you, his fingertips hitting your most sensitive spot at the very end.

He lets you set the pace, only occasionally curling his fingers as he draws sounds from you which can only be describe as borderline pornographic. Every whine and mewl are rewarded with a stronger flick of his thumb over your swollen clit. Your legs are shaking and you buckle from the increased friction, the pleasure doubled with a simple continues rub against your bud.

It doesn’t take long until your legs not only tremble but start to give in and fight the mattress for some form of control. Short erratic puffs of breath burst out of your mouth and a little dribble of saliva escapes the corner of your lips. The sight alone would’ve almost sent Dean, but the sounds you made – my God your sounds of pleasure were like heaven to him.

Desperate and overwhelmed, your body starts to act on its own again; your legs kick and squirm and writhe. Your hips suddenly jerk away and your fingers dig into the sheets enough to strangle a grown man.

Dean’s eyes widen briefly, leaning down with his weight to keep you still. “Shhh-Shhh,” he coos reassuringly, but with an almost mock-innocent undertone. As if that sly bastard didn’t know that you are on the brink of breaking.

He slings his leg around one of your kicking legs, effectively holding it in a deadlock as he presses it back into the mattress. “Ah-ah-ah,” he playfully warns you with a cocky smirk, “Stay here, sweetheart… ain’t done with ya yet…” He moves his free hand up to the back of your head where he carefully threads his fingers through your hair, taking a fist full to gently tug your head back and hold you in place.

A pleading whimper leaves your lips. Begging for relief, for him to finally allow you to fall over that damn edge. You try to voice your plea for mercy but any word that’s meant to leave your lips is smushed into another pathetic, strangled noise on its way out.

“Damn… can’t even talk any more can ya, gorgeous…” Dean chuckles deeply, his rumbling chest vibrating against your back as he keeps you pinned down under his weight. You can feel the muscles of his hard calf, tense and unyielding against your trapped leg. Your thigh straining against him in vain, twitching and trembling. Your toes claw at the sheets in a desperate attempt to break free from his grip, whimpering something which he recognises as a scrambled, frustrated “please”. But he doesn’t budge, his strength effortlessly keeping you at his mercy and leaving you no chance of escaping his onslaught.

He leans down to your ear, his voice dropping an octave when he asks teasingly, “You wanna cum? That it, baby? You want me to make ya cum?”

Yes, yes, yes yes yes – you keep repeating the word in your head until you realize that you’re only whining more. Dean chuckles, “That a yes? Hm? What was that?”

Oh Jesus Christ he’s enjoying this way too much. This time you nod – frantically. Not taking the risk of your answer getting lost again. Your sounds are hoarse by now, your body contorting from his four fingers slowly moving inside your cunt and his thumb working your clit every now and then – not enough to let the knot in your stomach burst, but enough to keep you on the brink of it. He falls into a tantalizing pace, sometimes shallow, sometimes so deep that it makes your half-lidded eyes roll back with a pained groan.

Dean meanwhile drinks in the sight of you squirming from the pleasure he can give you, all at his mercy, making sure to not give you a single moment of catching your breath.

“Oh yeah..?” Dean lets out a low hum. He pulls your ear lobe between his teeth and gives you a little tug at your hair. You’re shaking, even your whimpering sounds are clipped, breathless and trembling, your mind numb by now. Your body overstimulated and exhausted from chasing that sweet relief for what feels like hours.

“Jesus, you’re so vocal babe… you know how hard this gets me?” He groans against the side of your face and he grinds his rock hard erection against your hip to prove his statement. After a moment, he releases the grip on your hair and moves his hand down your neck, angling his shoulders to push his arm down between your shoulder blades to keep you from wiggling away. “You’re such a good girl for me…” he says while shifting his position on top of you, “And good girls get a reward…”

Fucking finally. A long shaky exhale escapes you when his weight presses down on you, his body covering you like a heavy blanket. He supports himself by leaning up on his right elbow, always making sure not to put too much pressure on you, but enough to let you feel his strength and the power over you.

His hot, ragged breath hits your ear once more. Whispering in that gravelly and authoritative tone of his, every word punctured by a deep thrust of his fingers, “’M gonna count down from ten… and when I hit zero... I want you to cum for me baby, understand?”

Lord have mercy. You nod again, although most of his words went past you and at this point you would have probably agreed to anything for that relief. With your brain melted into a useless puddle, you feel like you’re only driven by need and primal instincts by now.

And then, the next ten seconds feel like the most intense you have ever experienced. With every number you feel your knot tighten more, your core burning up as if it was to explode any second – but not yet, not yet —

“…seven…”

He moves his arm along your back to grab your left hand, holding it down. “…six...” His fingers intertwine with yours, while his other hand picks up its pace. “…five…” You’re suddenly arching your back, involuntarily trying to squirm away from him. But his firm chest keeps you safe beneath him, while his lips form the next number against your ear, “…four…”

Almost there. Your free knee slides along the mattress aimlessly and your other hand rips at the pillow, feeling like your body is about to snap into two. “…three…”

Determined to get you there, his calloused thumb flicks your overstimulated bud without mercy, earning himself another guttural whimper of yours, “-that’s it, let me hear ya …two…”

The sound of his low rumbling voice cuts right through your haze and a shudder shoots through your body. The anticipation’s almost killing you at this point, feeling coiled up like a spring.

“…one…” You can feel it, the wave building up and ready to crash down on you. Dean can sense you’re on the very edge too and he intends to send you over it this time. He gently bites down on your neck, muttering his final order against your skin, “…zero… cum for me, sunshine.” You go tense like a bowstring and your head snaps forward to bury your face in his elbow. When, at last, the wave hits your body and the knot in your stomach finally explodes with a strangled scream of relief. Several shudders of pleasure ripple through you, leaving you twist and turn, sandwiched between the mattress and Dean’s heavy body. He lets you ride out your high, his strong muscles working to hold you close to his chest.

You pant heavily, shakily. Your mind finally clearing. Your bleary eyes fully opening for the first time, like this was all just a dream too good to be true. His voice draws your attention to his face, when he gasps. “Jesus sweetheart… it’s like a swimmin’ pool down here.”

That comment takes you so much off guard, that you break out into a surprised laughter. He grins at you before he joins with his own hearty bark of amusement, a cocky grin on his face. “I ain’t kiddin’ – I’m growin’ fins!” He holds up his drenched hand, wrinkled skin, wiggling his cum-covered fingers in front of your eyes, “Look!”

He chuckles and his widened eyes take in the mess with something like fascination and an eager lick of his lips. The corners of his smile pull up into a lazy grin when his emerald eyes meet your satisfied and dozy, half-lidded ones again. “Y’know… I think ’m gonna need to clean up that mess down there.”

Masterlist of opened windows:

1st Dec. - Sunshine 2nd Dec. - Spell Book 3rd Dec. - Lights Out 4th Dec. - Tickle 5th Dec. - Dirty UNO 6th Dec. - (TBA) 7th Dec. - Candlelight 8th Dec. - Hex Play 9th Dec. - Whip Stroke 10th Dec. - Barbie World 11th Dec. - Temptation ... (check the masterlist for more!)

Tags:

@ariasong11 @deansjacket @literallylexa @lmpala1967 @foxyjwls007 @impala67rollingthroughtown

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Issue 2 (2025)

By Bex, Dion, Briar and Peter

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

It’s time for a revival!

As you might have noticed, our Column section has been dead for a while. We feel like it’s time to do something about that!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

Send us a message and we will be happy to feature it in our future Issues!

There’s power in numbers!

Are you an IF fan and would like a way to give back to the community? We’re once again looking for new members of our Team!

Do you enjoy keeping up with updates and finding new gems? Maybe you even enjoy working with Google Sheets?

Then our Tracker of News position is made just for you!

Contact us on any of our socials or email and help us stay on the top of our game and make our Database even better!

BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~

Most importantly:

WNiIF? is switching to a bi-weekly schedule!

Keeping up with news and releasing a new Issue every week is exhausting. We have decided to change it up a bit, hopefully preventing a possible burnout. We also hope that this will give us more time to make every Issue a bit better.

We thank you for your understanding.

What else?

Our X/Twitter account is no longer active. Please check out our other social media to keep an eye on releases and news.

We plan on releasing a special What’s 2024 in IF? Issue summing up all Issues that came out last year. This will include New Releases, Event Highlights, Columns, Game Highlights and more, making it easier for new readers to check out the Zine. The date of release is not set yet, but hopefully soon!

More exciting stuff is to be unveiled in the upcoming Issues!

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : Queer Vampire Game Jam 2025 ~

🦇 🥀 🕯 🪦 🩸

Queer Vampire Game Jam is a month-long interactive fiction game jam hosted by kit, nyehilism, that will run from January 10 - February 20th, 2025. The goal of this jam is to create more interactive fiction games about queer vampires, focusing both on queer relationships and queer experiences as told through a vampiric narrative.

Last year’s edition had over 50 amazing submissions. Give them a look too!

~ ENDED ~

The Queer Winter Game Jam is in full swing. Those interested can submit their work until January 16th 2025.

~ VOTING ~

Feeling nostalgic about the golden age of text adventures? Relive those days by participating in PunyComp 2024!

IF Short Games Showcase 2024 is a great way to shine some new light on projects made in the past year (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024). You now have until January 25th 2025 to vote.

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Media depicting healthy examples of polyamory isn’t that common. The PolyJamorous 2024 is trying to break the status-quo!

ShuffleComp is a musical interactive fiction competition where you make games based on songs, which are submitted by other entrants. Creators have until January 20th 2025 to upload their works.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

SeedComp! is a 2-round interactive fiction game jam, focusing on creativity and the growth of ideas and the Sprouting Round has just started! Check out the Planting round for inspiration.

BL stands for Boys' Love, a genre that focuses on romantic and emotional relationships between male characters. The Ultimate BL Visual Novel Game Jam is all about that!

Are you a fan of Vampires? Then lucky for you, because the Queer Vampire Game Jam is back!

Sealed With A Kiss Jam 2025 is a fantastical romance jam for all VN lovers!

The eighth annual Ace Jam is a game jam about creating games with asexual spectrum characters.

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Joyride To Hell (Ren’Py) After weeks of not hearing from your girlfriend she called you panicked, wanting to meet up with you. You want nothing more to do with her. But as they say, forgiveness is a virtue.

The Shadow Over Cyberspace (Ren’Py) From the same creators of Arcade Spirits. Time is running out, barter with gods, embrace the deathless aeons, or go offline permanently.

Full moon. Cold night. Dark shadow. Warm gun. The Beast of Glenkildove has stalked Ireland for centuries. Now, you must hunt it in Hunter: The Reckoning — The Beast of Glenkildove (CScript).

In Five Candles in the Meadow (Twine) even in the far flung future, penpals still exist. With a sea of stars between them, two young adults keep correspondence as best they can, with lone data relays acting as their heavenly messengers. @windsoflimbo

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

After Mina Murray is reunited with her childhood friends Jonathan and Lucy Harker, they are all invited on a cruise to Transylvania with a mysterious man named Count Dracula. - Syndromedia's Dracula (Ren’Py)

Rite of Decay (Ren’Py) or, Sense in Self; The testimony of one Nastya V. Yarocz, Rot Physician, on the peculiar happenings at Pavia Manor following the death of honoured Guest Lord Kallistos of Arkhé. And on the even more curious romances she has forged therein.

House of Prestidigitation (CScript) is a school of magic game, a chance for you to pursue a specialty in the magical arts while competing in extra-curricular events, investigating clandestine clubs, and preventing a disastrous curse from carrying away the House before the end of term! You can also explore the strange history of the House itself, or turn your attention towards more romantic endeavours.

What will you do now that you find yourself in the captain’s chair of a starship tasked with exploration and diplomacy? Forge your name in the history of the Astral Alliance as a hero… or a traitor in Captain’s Log - Space Adventure (CScript).

In Time Fall (CScript) — Time does not wait for anyone, even for the one that controls it. Life in the undercity of Draeken, also known as The Depths, is brutal enough. But when an ill-fated encounter leaves you forever altered—your blood itself changed—you’ll soon realize that time is strange, and the thin fabric of reality a fickle thing. Even more so when it’s something you can no longer just witness … but may be forced to control.

Until the Dogs Come Home (CScript) is about war, though you play no part in it. Instead, you are the sole member of your hometown’s postal service, who must venture into fire and brimstone to bring the word of loved ones to the front lines. As the battle rages on and new truths come to light, your seemingly simple job transforms into a rescue mission, where the very lives of the people you were tasked to deliver to are in your hands.

In Velocity's Edge (Twine) as the adrenaline-soaked story unfolds, secrets are unveiled, loyalties are tested, and the pursuit of the checkered flag takes on a life of its own, propelling the characters toward the finish line which is only the beginning of the ultimate race. @velocitysedge-if

In the summer of 1984 you get a letter informing you of your mother's death. The first and only letter you get in ten years since you left your hometown. You stand in the middle of the old, tiny room that you can barely afford to rent and read it over and over again until the buzz at the back of your head quiets down. - There Are No People Left (Twine)

In Bride of Shadows (Twine) step into the tragic and fleeting existence of a Vestal of Dawn—a priestess bound by sacred vows of purity and an unwavering devotion to scripture. But when the sun goddess abandons you, your faith shatters. In your darkest moment, a tempting offer arises. A new covenant. A second chance at life... but at a cost. @bride-of-shadows-if

In Lecture Me Later (Unity) you wake up in a classroom way after your lecture concludes. The person who wakes you up looks familiar. Oh right, it's that one popular guy that everyone likes. With the light of the setting sun on your skin, you engage in conversation with the popular young man, realizing that things are taking a very scandalous turn, and that his interests are far more fascinating than you'd think. @lehxra-arts

~ UPDATES ~

A Shriek of Ash and Fire (CScript) added new content to their demo. @krogpile

Eldritch Tales: Inheritance (CScript) released second portion of Chapter 3. @darielivalyen

Keeper of Life and Death (CSscript) added new content to their demo. @keeperofthesunandmoon

Lightweaver: Chosen (CSscript) updated their demo. @lightweaver-chosen-if

My One and Only (CSscript) added new content to their demo. @reds-corner

Strings of Fate: Origins (CScript) released full Chapter 3.

The Eternal Library (CScript) updated their demo. @leiatalon

The Ultimate Magic Student (CScript) added new content to their demo

Thicker Than (CScript) updated their demo. @barbwritesstuff

Throne of Blood (CScript) released Zero and Cy’s aftermath Chapters. @throneofblood-if

Tri City Monsters (Ren’Py) released Akello Chapter 4. @tricitymonsters

Weeping Gods (CScript) updated their demo. @jcollinswrites

When Life Gives You Lemons (CScript) added new content to their demo. @when-life-gives-you-lemons-if

Chop Shop (CScript) released Episode 4. @losergames

Help! I Got Isekaied as a Lamia (CScript) added new content to the demo @succubus-interactivefiction

Marry My Stalker released Chapter 1.

The King's Hound (Twine) released the second half of Chapter 2. @the-kingshound

Hybrid (Twine) added new content to their demo. @heart-forge

~ OTHER ~

Mathbrush released Learning from the Best of Text [IF History Book], a collection of various historical essays about the history of interactive fiction as told through the lens of IFComp, the XYZZY Awards, and Spring Thing. (We thank Anon for bringing our attention to this release.)

When Winter Comes Again (Definitive Edition) (Ren’Py) is the fully remastered version of the romance visual novel originally released for mobile devices. Now available on PC, this edition brings an enhanced experience with improved visuals, and refined storytelling.

To Ashes You Shall Return (CScript) is looking for beta testers!

Sanguine Sky: Winter Special Collection of the short stories is out! @sanguinesky-if

let’s TEST IF#2: playtesting your game is also out! @golmac

As you might have heard, Dashingdon, a free ChoiceScript game hosting service, will be shutting down at the end of the month. All users and games will be permanently deleted. (Read more here)

If you know about a project that’s moving to an alternative hosting service, please consider updating the link in our Database. Our Team will be working on this in the upcoming weeks, but any help would be appreciated.

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks. If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Velocity's Edge by Amelia (Twine).

It's the first F1 based interactive fiction I've seen! Its very unique!

//submitted by anon//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank:

our anons

For sending us a Highlight and news!!

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

See you in two weeks!

BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2025-ISSUE 2

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

[clexmas24]

Hey everyone! Clexmas is right around the corner and will begin on the 16th of December this year, hope you’re ready! 

Clexmas is all about having all things Clexa that jingle with the holiday spirit. Reblog or send this post out to anyone you think will enjoy it! As a reminder here is how you can participate below. And our theme list for this year. 

How To Participate: Fanart, fanvids, fanfics, moodboards, photo manipulations, fic recs, anything that jingles Clexa with a Christmas/Holiday theme - let’s see it!

7 Days of Clexa: This will be 7 days of Holiday/Christmas themed posts. Reblog Share Repeat!

Send out ideas/prompts to your favorite writers and artists! Don’t forget to tag! 

#Clexmas24  #7DaysofClexa

Dec. 16 - Day 1: Home for the Holidays

Dec. 17 - Day 2: Naughty or Nice List

Dec. 18 - Day 3: Under the Mistletoe

Dec. 19 - Day 4: Snowed In

Dec. 20 - Day 5: Holiday Traditions

Dec. 21 - Day 6: Secret Santa

Dec. 22 - Day 7:  Free Day

[lunastryinc]

hi babes! we are so excited to announce our new planned event we have coming to you guys for this month. from december 13th until december 18th, you are all invited to spend 5 nights in the slopes of st. moritz, switzerland. we have several things on the itinerary for you all to enjoy and it can be found in the cut below.

this event is optional. if you are interested in attending, please give this post a like! the cut off date for signing up is december 8th. there will be no exceptions for late sign ups this time so that we are able to finalize the final details before the dates of the event.

dec 13th - arrival day: you will arrive and check in to the resort and find your assigned cabin. on this day, you may get rested up from the travels or explore the cute little village of st. moritz.

dec 14th - charity events: lunastry is excited to announce that we will be hosting a charity event for anyone who wants to participate! during the day, there will be a vendors market for people to sell their goods as well as a skills competition for the athletes in the group. at night, there will be an open mic/karaoke event for those of you who are more musically inclined. we will leave it up to writer discretion to decide how you will contribute! all proceeds raised by lunastry will benefit charities that help families throughout the holiday season. to participate, we will make another post where you can sign up for the charity events and let us know what your muse will be doing.

dec 15th - free day: take your time and enjoy the resort! you can hit the slopes with your friends or stay bundled up inside, drinking hot chocolate by the fire. the main lodge also includes a small day-spa and sauna for you to relax and warm up after a day out in the snow.

dec 16th - snow in: the weather forecast is predicting a snowstorm to hit the mountainside early morning of the 16th. although the lodge is well equipped to deal with blizzards, you might all find yourselves snowed in your respective cabins for a few hours until the lodge employees are able to dig you out. be sure to stock up on blankets and snacks!

dec 17th - snowman building contest: like we did with the pumpkin carving contest, we will be hosting a snowman building competition! first place winner gets an exclusive interview in the next edition of eclipse media magazine. more information on how to participate will be posted on the 13th to give everyone time to find the perfect snowman to share.

dec 18th - checkout day: time to pack up and head on out back home- and maybe snag one last cookie before you go

we are super excited for this laidback event and hope you are to! as always, if you have any questions, you can send us an ask, slide into our dms, or message us directly on chats @ lunaincmods x

[thesleeptokenarchive]

II Drum Cam - Bloodsport at Wembley

A drum cam of Bloodsport courtesy II on his Instagram from the collective's appearance at the OVO Wembley Arena on December 16 2023.

Bloodsport live at Wembley, Dec 16th 2023. (Feat. Accidental muting ring). Eternal gratitude to all the beautiful voices who participated alongside us. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Posted originally on January 13 2024 [IG]

[changingplumbob]

Struck By Love – Dec 24th Post 5

Cut for potential spoilers this holiday season (Dec 16th - Jan 5th)

Trying to get pregnant was difficult. Since Byron and Coraline had both been accidents I didn’t realise how frustrating it could be when you were waiting for your body to cooperate. I mean, Art and I had stopped using precautions but I really wanted to make a baby with him. I just didn’t want to tell him how much it meant to me, the idea of having to see doctors and get tests was scary for me. Luckily, on the morning of the wedding I got proof that my body was cooperating.

So sorry that this is your first shot of her wedding dress but when she went to take the test she switched into wearing it so... it is what it is. If I was planning this I wouldn't have been able to coordinate a Laylart baby announcement on Christmas Eve it's a FLUKE

[h3xxthev3xx]

Welcome to Ishtar Illustrated!

Sign up form below!

This is a Destiny lorebook based zine!

Objective: You may pick a CHAPTER from any Lorebook to recreate however you wish!

Sign ups close Sept 4th! invites out on the 4th/5th of Sept!

[mcyt-rarepair-exchange]

MCYT Rarepair Exchange: Overview and Rules

We all have our guys we like to toss into the oven and bake to a crisp. We mix them up however we want, and throw in some variables for additional flavour. Unfortunately, sometimes not everyone gets your vision. Sometimes you’re the sole warrior of a nation made up of you and your three mutuals. Worry not, this event is here to save you! With the help of MCYT Rarepair Exchange, you can beam your most exotic of pairings straight into unsuspecting people’s heads. Beware though, the same fate will likely befall you!

TIMELINE December 7th - nominations and Discord open December 12th - sign ups open December 21st - nominations close December 24th 11:59pm GMT - sign ups close January 1st - all assignments sent February 10-16th - posting period February 16th 11:59pm GMT - posting period ends February 17-23rd - treating week 

LINKS Discord: [link] Tagset: [link] Tag nomination form: CLOSED Collection: [link]

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Writing - a complete, standalone work, 1k+ words;

Art - one drawing considered ‘finished’ by the artist’s standards;

TAG NOMINATION RULES

Each person can nominate up to 20 relationship tags, both platonic “&” and romantic “/“ from any MCYT fandom. Tags with more than 2 people are allowed and encouraged.

For large fandoms (5k+ works on Ao3 as of Dec. 2024) your tag must have no more than 30 works with your tag included.

For small fandoms (-5k works in Ao3 as of Dec. 2024) your tag must have no more than 50 works with your tag included.

If your fandom has 200 or fewer works, mods will hear cases pleaded for any relationship tag that isn't the most popular/often used to be taken into consideration.

If your rarepair doesn’t exactly match the criteria but you believe it fits the spirit of the event, there is space in the nomination form for you to convince us why we should allow your tag into the tagset!

Event runners/moderators reserve the right to disqualify or allow any submissions that may not fit the criteria flawlessly. We will do our best to judge fairly without letting "popular"/"big" ships take priority in this event.

Adult/minor romantic relationships are not allowed in the event. Age of the character will be decided by age of the creator portraying the character during the majority of the SMP/series’ run. Mods reserve the right to disqualify any tag that they believe to be in violation of this rule. Minor/minor romantic relationships are allowed with the exception of characters considered to be extremely underage (ex. Yoghurt (DSMP) or QSMP eggs).

Canonical sibling or parent-child relationships may not be requested as romantic, but may be requested as platonic (ex. Jimmy and Lizzie in Empires SMP season one or the QSMP eggs with their caretakers/parents).

Further instructions regarding the nomination process are included in the form.

SIGN UP RULES

As per Tumblr, Ao3 and Discord TOS, you must be 13+ to participate.

Each participant must join the Discord server for ease of communication. If we cannot find you on Discord by the time the sign up period ends, your sign up will be deleted.

An Ao3 account is required to participate. [Here] is an instruction on how to make one if you don’t have one yet.

You must request and offer at least [5] relationship tags across at least [2] fandoms. You can request/offer up to 10 fandoms with 20 relationship tags per request/offer, for up to 200 possible tags total. Plenty of room!

You must either include your DNW (Do Not Wants) or state ‘DNW: N/A’ in each request box.

You must include at least one like (setting/AU/trope) or prompt in each request box. 

You must include your Tumblr url in each request so your gifter knows who to address your gift to.

Please make sure the email attached to your account is one you check regularly, and one you are comfortable to share with the mods, as due to how Ao3 exchange system works, the mods will be able to see it.

If you are 18+, you may sign up for creating and/or receiving NSFW works. If someone under age 18 is found out to have signed up requesting or offering NSFW content, they will be kicked from this event and any upcoming ones.

You cannot sign up solely for creating/receiving NSFW works. You must include at least 1 SFW offer and request in your sign up. 

NSFW and SFW offers/requests must be done in separate boxes. Example:  Request 1: GeminiTay/Smallishbeans (Life Series) - SFW request Request 2: GeminiTay/Smallishbeans (Life Series) - NSFW request

CREATION RULES

Your gift must focus on at least one of the requested relationships.

Unless your giftee explicitly requests otherwise, your gift may include non-requested relationships to make smaller appearances without overriding the requested tags.

You do not have to create a work for the ship you matched on with your giftee - if one of their other requests speaks to you, go for it!

Likewise, you do not have to create an NSFW work if you matched on an NSFW request/offer.

You must abide by your giftee’s DNW no matter what.

No AI created content is allowed.

POSTING

Your gift, meeting the requirements, must be posted to both Ao3 and Tumblr. 

When posting to Tumblr, you must tag both your recipient and the event blog.

Dark, violent, or generally considered triggering topics must be tagged appropriately.

FAQ 

What if my rarepair doesn’t have an Ao3 tag? Well, it’s time for it to get one! Feel free to request pairings without an official tag.

Is RPF allowed? This event will not be banning RPF works or tags, and will allow it as a fandom able to be nominated from. The nominations must still abide by the rules for other fandoms in this exchange. If you are unsure if your tag qualifies, please mention as such in the "plead your case" section of the form or send us an ask for clarification.

Are crossovers allowed? Crossovers are allowed as long as all tagged characters are from MCYT related fandoms! When nominating a crossover tag please specify which fandoms they are from. Example:  Joel | Smallishbeans (RPF) & Smallishbeans (Life Series) & Smallishbeans (Hermitcraft) (Crossover Fandom)

Considering the difficulty of deciding by which criteria the different fandoms should be judged, the mods reserve the right of disqualifying crossover nominations if we decide the pair is not considered rare.

Are Major Archive Warnings allowed? When signing up you can opt in into receiving/creating works including Main Character Death and Graphic Descriptions of Violence. No other Major Warnings are allowed.

What does NSFW include? On-screen sexual content or detailed elements of gore (anything that would require a rating higher than PG-13; anything you wouldn't feel comfortable showing to a 13 year old). NSFW is not allowed regarding characters that are considered minors.

What if I can’t finish on time? If you figure out you can’t finish your assignment on time, please contact event moderators as soon as possible! Depending on whether you just need a day or two more, or are completely unable to have your gift ready by the deadline, we will either give you an extension or send your assignment to Pinch Hits.

Can I create more than one gift? Of course! You’re only required to make one, but you can create as many gifts as you like. If you really want to make more than one gift, we suggest signing up for the Pinch Hitter role in Discord, or browsing requests in preparation for the treating week!

If you have any other questions or concerns, send us an ask!

[piecesofchess]

IT WAS....

am i crazy or is it insane we only get a week or two of membership? (i remember a few years ago we got a month for christmas)

[cynautica]

Cynautica's Secret Santa 2024

Hello everyone! Interested in spreading a little cheer this season? Challenge your creative muscles by entering our Secret Santa this year!

This is a small scale event hosted on Tumblr & Discord as a way to give back to the Subnautica community. Don't let that fool you though. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join, no gaming required!

Absolutely no skill minimum to join, you decide what you're comfortable with drawing and/or writing.

Never joined a Secret Santa before? Check out our Guide! Please be mindful of the deadlines and sharing rules before registering.

>>> Sign up here!!!!! <<<

More details below the cut:

Event Organizers: @cyliph / @cynautica, @p-wrryyy-mordial-soup

Backup artists: To be added after registration!

Timeline:

(more detail found in Guide!)

Nov 23: Final day to register for Secret Santa.

Nov 24 - Nov 25: Wish assignment. If you do not receive your drawing prompt or have issues with it please contact an organizer as soon as possible.

Nov 25th - Dec 15th: Work on completing gift! Once the gift is complete please send it to an organizer. If you need an extension, please make it known during this time window.

Dec 12th: Organizer nudge. If you have not completed your piece and sent it to an organizer please confirm your progress or request an extension ASAP. You can likewise post public teasers of your Secret Santa gift, though please refrain from including details that will 100% confirm a recipient.

Dec 16th (8:00PM EST): Final call to send completed gift to organizer! You will be informed after it is sent to the recipient, making it safe to post on any platform of your choosing. Until this please abide by the Secret Santa courtesy! 

Dec 23: Extension deadline! Everyone who participated should have a gift

-----

Participation Rules:

Refrain from posting art / writing with content that may identify the recipient across Discord or Tumblr. This includes discussions that might allude to who your gift is for. Remember: Just because playing Clue might be fun to you, the receiver of your gift may really value the surprise. Do not send your completed gift to your recipient. Send it to an organizer instead. This is to ensure that all gifts and gifters are accounted for and will streamline the process for us organizers. Once you get the okay Dec 16th, you can post it anywhere you like! Do not include NSFW content, hatespeech, political content, or gore in your gift. Everyone is invited to this event! Treat your gift as if it might go to your grandmother. Please keep in contact with organizers if something goes awry. Life happens. We overestimate our capabilities. Mental health is fickle. Whatever it may be, just let us know as soon as possible if you may need an extension or cannot complete your gift.  Be respectful of the wish you grant. It should go without saying, but Secret Santas are a labor of love. If you do not believe you can be respectful enough to grant a stranger's wish please do not register for this event.

[narutoverse-event-reblogs]

Naruto Events Calendar 2025!

Check out our list of known Narutoverse Event Blogs!

May

Zabuza Week 2025 - Interest Check: 27th of April to the 25th of May

Kisame Week Prompt Voting: April 30th-May 11th

Obito Postcard Challenge: All May Long

Multi Choji Shipping Week: May 1st til May 8th

Deidara's Birthday Minibang: May 2nd - May 5th

KakaSaku Bingo Crack Event: May 8th until May 11th

Kakazu Birthday Event - Interest Check: 12th May to 18th May

Kakayama Week 2025 - Prompt Suggestions: 14th of May to the 16th of May

Multi Kankuro Weekend: May 15th til May 18th

Shikasaku Week 2025 - Event Week: May 16th until May 22nd

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Interest Check: 16th of May to the 25th of May

Kakazu Birthday Event - Prompt Submissions: 19th May to the 24th May

Multi Mei Terumi Day: May 21st

Kakagai Challenge Event - Sign Ups Close: May 26th

One Word May Mystery Challenge - May 25th to May 31st

Zabuza Week 2025 - Themes and Rules Reveal: 31st of May

Kakazu Birthday Event - Prompt Voting: 27th May - 1st June

June

Kakazu Birthday Event - Prompt Voting: 27th of May - 1st of June

Kakairu Maze Challenge - Theme reveal & sign-ups open: 1st June

Naruto Calendar - Contributor Sign Ups - 1st of June to the 31st of July

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Prompt Suggestions - 1st of June to the 15th of June

Naruto Rarepair June:  All June long

Naruto Rarepair Pride Month: All June long

Itachi Week 2025: June 3rd - June 9th

Otsutsuki Event - Asura Day - June 8th

Karin Week 2025: June 14th - June 20th

Kakairu Maze Challenge - Sign-ups close: 30th June

July

Naruto Calendar - Contributor Sign Ups - 1st of June to the 31st of July

Obito & Friends Summer Holiday - All July Long

Nejiten Month: All July Long

Multi Neji Day: July 3rd

Kisame Week 2025: July 6th-13th

Multi Kiba Day: July 7th

Multi Kushina Day: July 10th

Sasuke Rarepair Shipping Challenge: July 20th til July 26th

Hashimada Week 2025: July 20th to July 26th

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange – Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

August

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange - Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Prompts Reveal - 1st of August

SasuHinaMonth: All of August

Multi Tsunade Weekend: Aug 1st til Aug 3rd

Jinchūriki Shipping Weekend: Aug 8th til Aug 10th

Zabuza Week 2025 - Event Week: 9th of August to the 15th of August

Kakazu Birthday Event - Event Day: 15th of August

Multi Temari Shipping Week: Aug 23rd til Aug 30th

Kakayama Week 2025 - Event Week - 24th of August to 30th of August

September

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange - Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompt Submissions - 1st September to 15th September

Multi Kurotsuchi Day:  September 6th

Shikanaru Week 2025 - WIP Sneak Peek - 7th of September

Multi Kakashi Day: September 15th

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Event Week - 22nd of September to the 28th of September

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompt Voting - 16th September to 24th September

The Akatsuki Shipping Challenge: Sept 17th til Sept 20th

Multi Shikamaru Day: September 22nd

Multi Ino Shipping Week: September 23rd til September 30th

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompts Released - 26th September

October

The Rookie Nine Shipping Challenge: Oct 1st til Oct 7th

Naruto Banned Books Week: October 6-10

Multi Naruto Shipping Weekend: Oct 10th til Oct 10th

Multi Shisui Day:  Oct 19th

Kakuhida Week 2025 - Event Week - 20th October to 2nd of November

Multi Orochimaru Day: Oct 27th

RarePair Halloween Fest: Oct 29th til Oct 31st

November

Kakuhida Week 2025 - Event Week - 20th October to 2nd November

Naruto OC x Canon Week:  Nov 1st til Nov 8th

Multi Jiraiya Day:  Nov 11th

Multi Rin Day: Nov 15th

Multi Shizune Day: Nov 18th

Multi Sai Day: Nov 25th

Multi Rock Lee Weekend: Nov 27th til Nov 30th

December

Rarepair Nostalgia Week: Dec 1st til Dec 8th

Multi Madara Week: Dec 17th til Dec 24th

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange –  Exchange Period: 15th of December to the 31st of December

Tag us in your event posts for a boost!

PSA: Listed events are subject to change. Please check the event hosting blog for the latest details. Events promoted on this blog do not reflect the views, preferences or opinions of the mods.

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Issue 1 (2025)

By Aj, Dion, Briar and Peter

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

New year, new edition of WNiIF!

We’re excited to continue this project through out the new year! Check out Announcements to read about some changes we’re implementing.

Check out the Events!

Are you looking for new exciting projects to play? Then don’t forget to check out the Events!

Games featured in jams are usually not included in New Releases because there would be too many of them. So if you’re trying to find something new, check there too!

Small Talk with Harris Powell-Smith! @hpowellsmith

We had the absolute pleasure of talking to Harris Powell-Smith and discussing their work. Check out this post to read about their new release Honor Bound and more!

We hope you enjoy this new issue!

AJ, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~

Most importantly:

WNiIF? is switching to a bi-weekly schedule!

Keeping up with news and releasing a new Issue every week is exhausting. We have decided to change it up a bit, hopefully preventing a possible burnout. We also hope that this will give us more time to make every Issue a bit better.

We thank you for your understanding.

What else?

Our X/Twitter account is no longer active. Please check out our other social media to keep an eye on releases and news.

We plan on releasing a special What’s 2024 in IF? Issue summing up all Issues that came out last year. This will include New Releases, Event Highlights, Columns, Game Highlights and more, making it easier for new readers to check out the Zine. The date of release is not set yet, but hopefully soon!

More exciting stuff is to be unveiled in the upcoming Issues!

~ ENDED ~

Did the start of the new year leave you somber and melancholic? Then check out the Dying Year - Visual Novel Jam to match your mood!

Winter Visual Novel Jam 2024 is here! You have until January 1st 2025 to submit your projects.

Are you familiar with Decker? Then why not take a part in the Deck-Month 2?

Velox Turbo 2 - The Eye of the Beholder is now over and results are in! Check out the results!

The Interactive Fiction Showcase is a year-long "jam" meant to collect and showcase Interactive Fiction games completed in 2024, and show how diverse the Interactive Fiction scene is! This year had an unbelievable number of 270 entries!

Partim 500 numéro 9 is a French language interactive fiction jam, this time with a theme: Dénanti!

~ VOTING ~

Feeling nostalgic about the golden age of text adventures? Relive those days by participating in PunyComp 2024!

IF Short Games Showcase 2024 is a great way to shine some new light on projects made in the past year (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024). You now have until January 15th 2025 to vote.

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Media depicting healthy examples of polyamory isn’t that common. The PolyJamorous 2024 is trying to break the status-quo!

The Queer Winter Game Jam is in full swing. Those interested can submit their work until January 16th 2025.

ShuffleComp is a musical interactive fiction competition where you make games based on songs, which are submitted by other entrants. Creators have until January 20th 2025 to upload their works.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

SeedComp! is a 2-round interactive fiction game jam, focusing on creativity and the growth of ideas and the Sprouting Round has just started! Check out the Planting round for inspiration.

BL stands for Boys' Love, a genre that focuses on romantic and emotional relationships between male characters. The Ultimate BL Visual Novel Game Jam is all about that!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Over a year has passed since asking too many murder-related questions online (for your book) got you invited to a serial killer chatroom. You’re now a bestselling writer, desperately in love, and have come to think of the server as family - it's like a dream come true. Sure, most of them still think you are a serial killer, your boss needs you to write another hit ASAP and your one true love is definitely technically a murderer, but look on the bright side - it’s A Very Killer Chat! Christmas!

Jessica Jane Has a Crush!? (Ren’Py) And to make matters worse, a crush on her best friend Rena! Follow Jessica as she navigates these complicated feelings, all while dealing with the struggles of attending an art university and coping with her mum's strict parenting.

Hamlet meets Sharknado. Not Your Mother’s Shire is a dark romantic comedy set in a fantasy world ruled by unusual dragons. Comparables: Dragon Age, Rick and Morty, Monty Python, Discworld, LotR.

Your world is a desert, both figuratively and literally. Speech is prohibited, books are outlawed, and any meaningful human interaction is nonexistent. Humans are reduced to the job they do for The City. There are no names; instead, everyone is identified by a number. You are H-313, a healer. - Viatica (Twine) @fir-fireweed

When the clock strikes midnight, The Dance of the Red Rose Begins (Ren’Py). - Princess Briar is finally of age to attend the illustrious Dance of the Red Rose, having dreamed of taking part since she was a child. There is just one problem, she does not have a dance partner! Will you help her confess her blooming feelings to one of the guests and secure a place on the ballroom dance floor?

Scales of Justice (CScript) - Rumours circulate the streets of Capital. Rumours of an artefact, as dangerous and powerful as one can only fear. Some claim it’s capable of twisting one’s true nature, shaping it much to the owner’s whim; others say that it can identify a soul’s essence, putting the Ritual of Fate in a tight spot for the first time in centuries. Many want to get it; many others, to destroy it. You? You are none of those–you just want to live. And yet, your (almost) safe and peaceful life as a humble adventurer is threatened by a letter with today’s date on it, written in your mother’s hand… @myimaginedcorner

It wasn't long ago that the Mother Superior dragged her out of her cell, forcing Hedwig to break her oath to God as an Anchoress and face the outside world. Acting as a spy for the leader of Linbarrow Abbey, Hedwig was given one seemingly simple task: Discover who really murdered Sister Catherine. In Misericorde Volume Two: White Wool & Snow (Ren’Py), Sister Hedwig must steel herself. Time is running out, and so is sympathy for her situation.

An unexpected apocalypse takes you away from your hi-tech metropolis, sending you to a distant, very different world. In this new fantasy world, elemental magic permeates the soil, Buddhist philosophy leads people’s lives, and Hindu demigods (Devas and Asuras) fight for supremacy. Why did you get here? Is there a way back home? But most of all, is this reality, or is it just a dream? Play Last Dream (CScript) to find out.

It's nearing the holidays and you find yourself with less plans that usual to fill your end of year schedule, as friends are out of town and most of your family is delayed in travels. Being in a season of giving, your bestie is at least appreciative to have you around to cover her shift for one day before she is back from vacation. Serve customers as a barista at the Brewspout -- filling in on one of the busiest days of the year, the Holiday Mixer (Ren’Py) special.

The fledgling Union Army is yet to meet the Confederates in a major battle. The north expects a swift and decisive victory, but they are overconfident. They will soon discover the brutal, drawn-out nature of industrial warfare. As a regimental commander in the Union Army, you must navigate a series of desperate decisions to keep your men alive and prevent military disaster. Serve alongside the real officers and regiments who fought at First Bull Run (CScript) in this historically accurate depiction of the battle.

"The wildest journey begins with a single step. Sometimes that step is straight down into an open trap-door. Commit or stay home!" - Advent Window (Inform 7)

A coincidence lead you and Marley to both find each other online at the old chatroom from when you first met. You had been waiting and trying to get him to listen and talk properly for a long time...

Will your separation be amicable, or will things go too far in Divorce Chatroom (Ren’Py)?

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

Buried beneath the sprawling castle at the heart of Minare is a room most think is legend: the Library of Souls. As a member of the royal cleaning staff—and one with Fae-blood—sneaking into The Eternal Library (CScript) is a dangerous idea, but you risk it for a ritual that gives you the skills of your warrior ancestor and a mission that spans lifetimes. Destiny calls your warrior spirit to wake. Assassins are infiltrating the castle. The kingdom is ripe for change, and it needs your help. Your soul has waited lifetimes for the chance to put things right. Now, it’s time.

You play as a 13 year old girl desperate to get back to her big brother who will protect her in a zombie apocalypse. - Zomrizen (CScript)

Get to know two characters from the upcoming dating sim Love Life + NIGHT LIFE (Ren’Py)! Through this demo, you'll have the chance to ask the characters questions, go on two dates only available in the demo, and even...access their computers?

~ UPDATES ~

After Dark (CScript) has updated their demo. @dalekowrites

Ashenmaw - Dragons of Marrowoods (CSscript) added new content to their demo. @ashenmaw-if

High School Revenge (CSscript) released Chapters 3 and 4.

Lost in your eyes (CSscript) released Chapter 3.4 and 3.5. @kathrinesadventures

Merry Crisis (CScript) released Chapter 5. @merrycrisis-if

Sense & Sorcery (CScript) added new content to their demo.

Shattered Eagle: Fall of an Empire (CScript) updated Chapter 5. @shattered-eagle

Spire, Surge and Sea (CScript) added new content to their demo.

Unneeded Script (Twine) released Part 2 of Chapter 1. @unneededscript-if

Villain Intern (CScript) updated their demo. @villainintern

Voiceless: Siren’s Song (CScript) released first part of Chapter 3.

War of Beasts (CScript) updated their demo.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (CScript) added new content to their demo.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - An affair of the heart (CScript) updated their Patreon demo. @doriana-gray-games

Grey Swan - Birds of a Rose (CScript) added new content to the demo. @reinekes-fox

The Second Sight (Twine) released Chapter 6 on Patreon. @spoiledblogif

The Wroth Ode (CScript) added new content to their demo. @thewrothode-if

~ OTHER ~

The Retro Adventurers - Episode 13 - 2024 Year-End Chatisode is out! Hear about Tim Gilberts' Heathkit, Scott Adams' next professional moves, adventures in ADABAS / Natural, and a long-overdue callback to the Clarion Beauty Computer!

Saturnine (CScript) has received its final content update and it will now enter an “open beta” stage. @satur9-if

@hpowellsmith just released a rundown of CScript releases, new WIPs, and updated WIPs for the whole of 2024!

@interact-if is officially back in business! Good luck to Allie as the new mod!

When Twilight Strikes (Twine) released a Christmas short. @evertidings

~ SMALL TALK… ~

> WITH HARRIS POWELL-SMITH @hpowellsmith

Joining us is an award-winning narrative designer and writer: Harris Powell-Smith, Author of the Crème de la Crème series, “Blood Money” and many more!

⟶ Hello, Harris! Welcome to Small Talk. We are absolutely thrilled to have you here with us! Before we officially begin, would you mind sharing with us a bit about yourself?

Hi! I'm a narrative designer and game writer who's worked on a few indie and mobile games including the multiplayer King of the Castle and the mobile Love Island tie-in game. Currently I'm freelancing and mostly creating choose-your-path text games with Choice of Games, which I've now been doing for eight years.

I'm most known for my dark academia Crème de la Crème series, and most recently released Honor Bound, the fourth standalone game in the series!

⟶ To read the rest of the Interview, check out the Itch version or the separate post! (A new thing we're testing out to make these posts more readable. Please let you know what you think!)

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Exit/Corners by Moon Moth Games (???)

A suspenseful VN with puzzles à la Zero Escape. It's got a lot of heart for a death game story.

//submitted by Sera//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank:

Sera

For sending us a Highlight!

And everyone who participated in our end-of-the-year survey for their feedback and lovely messages.

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

See you in two weeks!

AJ, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2025-ISSUE 1

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!