#demo out now!!

[nextinline-if]

Next in Line (IF) - Updated Aug 2023

Demo (August 3, 2023) | Discord | Ask Me Anything | Tag List | Kofi | Patreon | TAGS TO BLOCK - TW

Demo Updated: August 3, 2023 (Chapter 2, Part 1)

You're next in line for the throne of Castelon, a fictional country loosely based on different periods of history, such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and periods of England.

A 10-year war with your country's main adversary, Arandale, recently ended. Then your father, King Percival was assassinated. After his assassination, your twin, Prince James abdicated. Return home after 5 years and decide what kind of Harbinger you will be.

Prepare to step into a story of betrayal, love, and trust. Can you navigate your royal duties, solve your father's murder, and find love (or friendship) at the same time? Or, will the Gods withdraw their blessings from you?

Demo features:

Play as male, female, non-binary;

Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 Part 1;

Shape your MC's future and some of their past.

Pursue romance and/or friendship with 4 different characters.

Choose 1 of 3 Family Mottos.

Get a taste of "Attributes", which will unlock choices throughout the game. More Attributes will be available in the coming chapters.

Choose a patron god or goddess (optional).

Choose a pet (who you'll meet in chapter 2).

The final game will be rated Mature. The current version is rated 16+. Please note all of the below content is not in the demo but planned for the finished game. NSFW asks are tagged #nsfw so please block if applicable!

CW: suggestive language, references to war and the effects of war, death, references to death, exploration of grief, curse / swear words, possible violence, optional sexual content.

Next in Line features four romance options. View more characters + RO's ArtBreeder images by clicking here.

Sir Constantine Dimas | M, 26 years old, Taurus, #constantine dimas

Constantine is the best friend of your twin brother, James, and a Knight in Castelon's Elite Guard. He is fiercely loyal to your family and fought alongside James in the Arandale War. Like you, he finds amusement in teasing your brother.

"You're not too different from your twin, both reckless royals, so you probably need someone to care for you."

F. Faramund | M or F, 22 years old, Aquarius, #f faramund

Whether F was your first love or your ex-best friend, they broke your trust and disappeared. Now, they're back and seemingly apologetic. Bury the hatchet, rekindle your former relationship, or walk a different path altogether.

"The stars guided me back to you and I will stay as long as you allow."

Felix Faramund | M, 24 years old, Aries, #felix faramund

Felix is F.'s older brother and was someone you once considered a friend. Like, F., he's returned to Castelon. Unlike F., he can be quick to anger and he's not afraid to speak his mind. He can read the room, he just doesn't care. You can romance Felix, even if you loved F.

"Just know, I'll fight for what I want."

Lady Margaret | F, 22 years old, Gemini, #lady margaret

The mysterious Lady Margaret is a noble businesswoman who enjoys observing from the shadows. She's close to your mother, Queen Vivian. Although she is slow to trust others, those who earn her trust will find themselves in the company of a powerful and loyal ally.

"I can think of many ways to consume your time."

[ilumin]

I'm crying, they're so silly

[vacueye]

demo sketching

[wiz-writes]

Demo Update: 9 May 2024

Find out what the Manor has in store for you in chapter 2.

Features:

18k words of new content

discover a secret plot

receive a gift (or two)

talk it out with Wei Qing

attend a banquet

Play it HERE   |   COG Forum   |   KO-FI

[justgoji]

What a cute game! I sure hope there isn’t any absolutely horrifying secrets and layers underneath...

[gg-university-if]

Chapter One Out Now!

The update is here and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you all! Part One of Chapter One brings the total word count to 56,000 words (+37,500 words) and I can start working on Part Two of Chapter One for GGGLU.

As I've yet to get any beta testers (haha) I will still have to rely on all of you to point out any bug reports or game breaking errors to either this blog through asks or the email linked to the game.

I will work until the game runs smoothly for all readers although hopefully the game works off the bat since I've personally played as many routes as possible to catch any errant bugs.

Unfortunately old saves are not expected to work and you will have to start from the beginning due to additions to the prologue and some changes to the stats/underlying game infrastructure.

I can't wait to hear about how your MC's are coping and how they are feeling at this point in their academic journey, do not hesitate to send me an ask/submission with your conclusions and updates on your theories.

Features:

Survive the road trip to PLU with your family.

Explore the university campus.

Bump into a few faces from your past.

Attend your orientation.

Make new friends and some enemies.

Choose your major and scholarship.

Make an unique impression.

Meet every Romance Option.

Please enjoy the demo update :)

[declawedwildcat]

“Acquaintances are merely friends you haven't shared a drink with yet." 🍻

[plasticarton]

Yall gotta meet the Theatre Kid 👀

[fjordfolk]

considering finally upgrading the photo situation. been looking at new lenses, but not sure how much sense it makes to invest in more advanced optics for a 12yo camera that i'm constantly squabbling with, so. one of these days, maybe.

[stillnotyourmusebitch]

When I saw an advert for this game on Instagram. I had to get the demo downloading. I love Snufkin and the fact the gameplay looks like you are playing with the illustrations of Tove Jansson's novels I was sold straight away. It just looks so good.

[moopermoment]

lets do the time warp again.

in stars and time is created by @insertdisc5

[strangestcase]

Why aren’t Jekyll and Hyde fans talking about Heir of the Dog. It looks so fun. The premise is “what if a fucking dumbass that doesn’t know shit about science or the world at large in general drank the Hyde potion”

[redo-rewind-if]

Hey everyone! Here's this week's progress report! I've gotten a decent bit done this time around.

Next Update (Chapter 3):

Intro Scene (if not on music fest route): 100%

Music Fest Routes (Solo, V, and Amara): 100%

Club Pyre Path: 38%

August Part 2 Electric Boogaloo: 0% (not started)

Avoid Death (Eventually?): 0% (not started)

Work Time! (End of Chapter): 0% (short outline, not started)

The intro and music paths are completely written! Finally! The music fest paths were actually killing me lol. I added way too many different branches.

I'm working on the club pyre path right now, and let me tell you, things are about to get spicy. 🌶🌶🌶

[devilishmango]

FULL GAME HERE [Released 8/8/2023]

You play as Zak Soto, a normal 25-year-old guy trying to live his life. Ok, scratch that, he isn’t normal at all. He has extremely strong psychic abilities, and is able to see things that most normal people do not. On top of that, he’s currently being hunted down by demons, and the one who is supposed to be protecting him...? Is a demon who is holding a grudge against him!

Will he be able to survive these encounters with demons while he tries to find the solution to his problems? Will his demon be able to get over himself for two seconds to help him? Are these feelings towards his demon just frustration or is there something more...?  

You help decide in... DEMO PARANORMAL!

CONTENT WARNINGS IN GAME

-Help Zak make choices with his relationships, his problems, and help him find solutions

-Romance a demon! [Or befriend him, if you prefer]

-Become friends with angels, humans and 1 [one] other friendly demon

-Learn the mysteries around Zak's life

-Help keep Zak alive.

Each playthrough is around 100k+ words, and there are 2 endings.

CHARACTERS [Headshots here]

Zak Soto- The main character. He's nice and friendly, [maybe a little TOO friendly] and a little too trustworthy. He is very powerful, with a very powerful soul. He's able to see all things supernatural, and he's usually able to 'take care' of whatever pays him a visit. But when the blessing that was bestowed upon him by an angel 20 something years ago starts to lose it's power, that powerful, strong soul starts to cause more problems than solutions for him.

Demo [Pronounced "DEE-mo"]- A lower-ranked demon that used to think he hit the jackpot when he met Zak and made a contract with him. But little did he know how much trouble this little human would cause him. Demo is grumpy and doesn't like to talk much, usually opting to grunt or growl.

Uncle Vic- Zak's uncle. He can't see or sense anything supernatural, but he knows how much of an inconvenience it all causes his nephew. He's a little overprotective of Zak, and hates that he hangs out with a demon. He's dating Mike.

Mike- Uncle Vic's boyfriend. He's the embodiment of 'tropical vacation dad', complete with khaki shorts. He's very kind and giving, and is completely smitten with Vic and his nephew from the 'first moment they met'.

Abriya- Zak's best friend. They meet when Zak gets a job at Mike's antique shop and are inseparable since. Abriya thinks that Zak's powers are super cool, and she herself is able to see more powerful demons and angels.

Murmur- Murmur is a strangely nice, gentle demon. They don't have any need or want to continue to power up anymore, so they don't make contracts anymore, but they do love to learn things about humans.

OTHER LINKS-

Spotify playlist

Kofi link

[sunshineandviolets]

Werewolves vs Vampires, aka all my mcs from Blood Moon & Thicker Than by @barbwritesstuff [picrew used here]

The Wolves: Arielle (she/her) // Minerva (she/her) // Hyeon (he/him) The Vampires: Isha (she/her) // Rohan (he/him) // Chandrika (they/them)

[kittlesandbugs]

FHR: Just a chat (AO3 link here) Pairing: Sidestep/Ricardo Ortega (hints of Chargentstep), Sidestep & Hollow Ground Warnings: None, they're just chatting lol Word Count: 1720 Summary: Ortega takes Sidestep to the park to get some fresh air after being cooped up with broken legs in his apartment for a couple weeks. When he steps away for a few minutes to take care of something, someone else swings by for a talk.

It's a peaceful day at Memorial Park. The sun is shining through the carefully maintained trees, dappling the green grass. The air is cool and calm, balmy even with your multiple layers. The birds are chirping around you and every so often, a squirrel darts by. The air is full of children's laughter as they play on the jungle gym. People are calm and content around you, enjoying the nice weather. 

You haven’t been this tense since the last time you were hauled into a lab and strapped down. 

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," you hiss at Ortega, sitting on the bench next to your wheelchair. 

He's lounging, at ease, though still alert. You see it the way his eyes roam around through the back of his sunglasses, watching everyone and everything around you. "Relax, Riley. Nothing is going to happen here," he chuckles. His hand starts towards your knee to give what you assume is supposed to be a reassuring pat before stopping and redirecting to your arm. You don't like it when anyone touches your casts. "You need some fresh air and sunlight once in a while. You were going crazy in the apartment."

"You could have at least waited for Argent to come over," you growl quietly. "Four eyes are better than two."

"We got four eyes. Hell, four hundred probably, if we count your telepathy." 

"Fine, four working legs." You roll your eyes at the pedantry. 

"We're in broad daylight in the good side of town, no one knows we're here. Relax." 

There's a little note of a plea in there that makes you sigh and nod. He is right, but you aren't going to tell him that. The chances of anyone coming after you in broad daylight on this side of town are almost nonexistent. And if they knew where you were, they would have gone for the significantly easier hit on Ortega's apartment by now. 

So you try. Take in some sun from the sky. Some sun from the carefree kids running past in a game of tag. As good for your brain as dogs, and they're here too. You sink into the padded chair and close your eyes, trying to focus on them rather than the itch of your healing bones that reminds you just how helpless you actually are. 

"Hey, wait here a moment," Ortega says after a few minutes of peace and quiet. You open your eyes to find him perched at the edge of the bench, eyes honed in on something. Your gaze follows but you can't make out who or what he sees at this distance. Are his sunglasses enhancing his vision? Probably, knowing him. You try to follow his line of sight with your telepathy, but what you find that might be getting his attention is strange. Foggy. Nebulous. It's difficult to latch on to any thoughts. Not blocking you like numbers, no, that's closer to the static of Ortega's brain. But someone that is definitely strange. Who is it? 

"Ric, what do you see?" you whisper harshly, the anxiety you felt earlier returning in full force like a hammer strike to your skull as he starts to rise, gesturing with his hand for you to stay put. Like you have a choice

"Just an old friend," he says, the cant of his lips saying the opposite. "I'll be right back. You're safe here."

And then he's off at a swift jog before you can protest, leaving you fumbling for the locked brakes you can't easily reach on the wheelchair handles. 

"Wait! You stupid fucking jackass—" 

"He is, isn't he?" A laugh behind you, and it takes all you have not to scream as a familiar lanky figure folds into Ortega's vacated seat. She's dressed in a finely woven linen jumpsuit, warm sepia with matching leather loafers, her gold piercings sparkling in the dappled sunlight. Her too similar face looks at you with a too similar crooked smile. 

Hollow Ground. 

How the fuck could she sneak up on you like this? You didn't sense her at all. You still can't. Not even so much as a thought void, just nothing. You've never seen anything like it. How is she concealing herself? What the fuck does she want with you? Your chair is still half-locked, trapping you here. Should you scream? Should you—

" Relax," she says, and it's almost a command as she meets your gaze with your own gray eyes. Still, you try to rein in your heart attempting to race its way out of your ribs. "I just want to talk."

"About what?" Your voice betrays the tension tight in your spine, much as you wish otherwise. If one more person tells you to relax, you think you might actually snap. You need to regain control of yourself. You are Reckoning, for fuck's sake. You're not some helpless child. 

"You," she says simply and then pauses. Frowns. Like she's no longer quite sure of what to say. Like she had a plan, but now she doesn't know if it should be executed. 

You try to touch her thoughts again, and again you're met with less than nothing. Are you hallucinating? No. The man walking down the path sees you both. He isn't worried by what he sees, two sisters having a conversation that seems tense. You aren't going to dig into the implications of that one. So she's here. She wants something, wants it enough to approach you about it. You realize the benefit to her closely kept secret identity means she can approach you freely as long as Ortega is not around. The weird presence you felt before, you realize that was Jake, you felt the same nebulousness of his thoughts when you went to meet Hollow Ground at Parkside. Irresistible bait to lure Ortega away. But you have no idea what it is she wants. So you wait. Ortega is right. No one is going to try and do anything in public in broad daylight. She won't, not like this. 

"What about me…?" you prompt when the quiet of her gets to be too much, impatient to find out what this is about with her mind giving you no clues. 

"How… are you?" she asks, surprisingly tentative. 

That reserved inquiry catches you off-guard, but you recover swiftly, her odd nervousness making you feel more confident despite your obvious weakness. "Oh, you know. Peachy. Just out for a stroll," you drawl, gesturing at your propped up casts. 

She snorts and the corner of her lips twitches. Somehow, your snark steadies her. "I should have expected that."

"Why do you care?" you ask sharply. She's being weird, and you don't like it. What is this about? Why would she risk meeting you like this?

"You're a mystery, Riley Owens. I'd hate it if you died before I could solve it." She smirks as you feel your blood run cold. Something about the way she says your name makes you feel jittery. But even more importantly, how could she possibly know who you are? You never gave your name before, to anyone at Parkside, you were there as your villainous alias. Argent scrubbed all records of your surgery at the hospital, though you have no doubt Hollow Ground knew who had been involved in the wreck. How does she know your name? Do the Rangers have a leak? 

As your brain stumbles over what this could mean, she holds out a small white card with something scrawled on it. An address. You recognize the area. Rich and residential. Very rich and residential. Is this… She can't possibly be just handing you this… 

"Got it memorized?" At your nod, she pockets it with a smile that's a little sharp for your liking. 

"What is your g—" 

"Fuck." Her hand shoots up, silencing you as her head tilts slightly like she's listening to something. You can just make out the outline of a small clear low profile receiver in her over-pierced ear. "We lost your pet Ranger, and he's on his way back. I have to go." She rises from the bench with the grace of a crane, giving you a conspiratorial wink.

"Wait, what— Fuck!" You swear, fumbling for the other lock on your chair before she can get away. 

As she strides away, she calls back, "You should stop by sometime, when you're back on your feet. We have a lot to catch up on."  

For someone so tall, she disappears far too easily into crowds. By the time you can roll after her, she's gone, as traceless as she appeared. What the fuck did she mean, catch up on? You're left sitting there, stewing in your own bile, until Ortega finally returns. 

He's sweaty, looking a little tired and roughed up. You think you can see the outline of a bruise blooming under the edge of his bearded cheek. He's definitely been in a fight. You don't know if you should be pleased or pissed that he learned to leave civilians behind for these kinds of escapades after his stunt with Jolene went awry. "Hey," he says with a little wave as he catches his breath. "Everything okay?"

 "Just dandy," you snarl, playing into being pissed that he left you. If he knew who just stopped by to pay you a friendly chat, he'd shit his own generator. "Sitting like a duck while you go haring off to go fight some rando."

Luckily, you think he's getting the right message, because he holds his hands up, placating, as he talks to you in the same tone he uses with his unruly horse at the ranch. "Hey, c'mon. I was just gone a few minutes. Nothing happened, right?" 

"Yeah," you lie with a sigh, dragging a hand down your face. "Nothing happened."

He grabs onto the handlebars of your chair, and if he notices you've unlocked it, he doesn't comment on it as he starts walking you through the park. "Angie texted me about meeting us at the ice cream stand. You want to get some ice cream before we go home?" 

"Yeah." Sugar will help steady your nerves. Get your mind off what just happened. “Let’s get some ice cream and go home.”

You have a lot of thinking to do later.