tispyyyy

[tispyyyy]

I was reading like normal and then I saw the YANDERE ROUTE??? Would you be able to elaborate more on how that route will go?

Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers.

The most I can tell you rn is that it will lock you out of the normal vanilla romance route and that Yeon may or may not be into it (mostly because they don't know any better).

[tispyyyy]

I love this game, and I am very excited for the next chapters. I have a question: who are the Ros?

I am only sure of 2 of them rn and I have already answered an ask about em.

[tispyyyy]

So ready for those sweet sweet kdrama vibes😩🔥

YASSSSSSSS.

Fun Fact: This IF was inspired by a K-Drama with a similar name.

[tispyyyy]

Hi, I just read the demo, and it is very promising! I looove intrigue and drama

I was wondering if you could provide RO's descriptions???

Okay, I saw this ask yesterday, but I was hesitating to answer because I’m really only sure about two of the ROs. But you know what? Screw it, I’ll just tell you about the two I am sure of.

The Emperor (황제 / 皇帝, Hwangje):

Full Name: Yi Hae-jun (이해준 / 李海俊)

Gender: Male

Age: 28

Title: 황제 (Hwangje) – Emperor

Form of Address: 전하 (Jeonha) – His Majesty

Physical Appearance: Yi Hae-jun is tall and lean, His posture is always straight, composed without seeming stiff. His skin is fair but not pale, more like cool ivory. His eyes are deep brown, thoughtful, hard to read. His hair is long and black, always neatly tied up, not a strand out of place. His voice is low and calm. Everything about him feels just controlled and deliberate.

The Maidservant (시녀 / 侍女, Sineo)

Full Name: Yeon (연)

Gender: Player-selectable (female / male)

Age: 22

Title: 시녀 (Sineo) – Attending Servant

Physical Appearance: Yeon is of average height with a lean, almost starved frame. Their hair is light, tied back neatly, always out of the way. Their eyes are a dark shade of brown and warm, they always have a smile on their face, not necessarily out of joy, more so out of habit.

[tispyyyy]

⋆˚꩜｡ NO DEMO YET ｡꩜˚⋆

The sentient species (TBA)

Current world state (TBA)

Playlist

★ SYNOPSIS ★

Life hasn't always been easy but it is yours and you love it.

You barely remember your parents; when you think about them, you can only picture your master coming to you with a choice: to become a Guardian or to stay in your small village. Of course you agreed to go with him, you were part of the few chosen able to manipulate the Source, you were fated to protect the galaxy. It was irresponsible to not join the Guardian Order.

From the training room to the dinning hall and the youngling' quarters, passing by the majestic gardens, you were always found with your two best friends: Diesel and Max. One never went without the others. You became apprentices together, you trained and studied hard with one another until you were Guardians yourselves, the equal of your masters. You thought it would always be the three of you against the world but things didn't go as planned…

You couldn't stay and become a master yourself, taking a youngling under your wing was too much. Too much responsibilities, too much pressure, you didn't have the shoulders for it. So you left your Temple behind and you went to explore the galaxy.

You ended up working as a merc, alone. You try to live up to the Guardian's ways: keeping the universe balanced and all, but really you're just trying to survive in this cruel world.

You just took on a new job, an easy one. You had no clue what was coming for you…

RATED +18

TW: explicit language, violence, transphobia, use of alcohol and drugs, (soft) sexual content, mental illness, mention of self-harm, mention of suicide

★ FEATURES ★

– Customize your MC’s appearance, personality and species. You can choose between four different species! You decide who you are.

– Your choices will define your reputation and popularity. Are you good at your job? Are you an underground merc or a figure of your community?

– Engage in romantic and/or sexual affair…

– …or don’t, your choice!

– Will you recruit colourful people or will you rather stay with your original crew?

– Are you going to help the people that cross your path or do you only care about yourself?

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ THE CHARACTERS ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

THE CHARIOT — Roman Lupin (he/him) [ekery]

"I said I was going to help you, can you stop yelling at me?"

Roman is a veteran from the System Union, the armed force of the Galactic Union Assembly. He’s a man full of life, he gladly is the comic relief and he takes great pride in it. He’s very secretive about his life before you and Isra, you both assumed Roman had a lot of bad memories from his time in the army. Roman and Isra are in a very healthy open relationship.

THE EMPRESS —Isra Wanfa (she/they) [human]

"For the last time, we need a cleaning schedule or this ship will be the galaxy’s official dumpster"

Born into a family of politicians, Isra is the youngest of three children. While her siblings pursed their political career, Isra became a regular of the infamous mercenary bar of Harmonia: the Interlude. Rich child that chose the street's education brought shame onto their family. Years of listening to old and new mercenaries' stories, Isra eventually quit everything to join MC, this young merc eager to prove their worth. Travelling into the galaxy, Isra forgot about their family, their roots, but for how long can she ignore it?

THE HERMIT — Diesel Fey'lan (they/them) [human]

"I genuinely couldn’t care less."

Diesel was abandoned as a new born at the doors of a Guardian Temple. The only thing they have from their parents is this weird triangle birthmark on their face. They don't care about their roots, Diesel had a good childhood with the Guardians and they were a good student, maybe the best of the Temple. They were close friend with MC and Max until… Well, let's not talk about it.

THE MOON — Archibald "Archie" Griffin (they/he) [human] recruitable

"My whole life has been dictated by my family, it’s time for me to stand on my own two feet."

Archie popped out of nowhere to help MC and their crew on a job. He was the most surprising person they ever met and the chemistry was very much here. The crew doesn’t know much about Archie, but it doesn’t matter: they have definitely their place with them, if MC agrees to recruit him. It wouldn’t change anything to learn about their life before their meeting. Right?

THE EMPEROR — Athena Skyhold (she/her) [ekery]

"I’m the one who take the hard decisions, do not make me the villain of this story."

Athena is a noble woman from the Osterkirk System. She tossed her title away to become a knight. She quickly made it to the royal guard and she was assigned to Cat's security. The two of them became best friends and some people think something is going on between them but they always denied it. A knight can't have a romantic relationship with the person they work for.

THE STAR — Catharina "Cat" Solace (she/her) [human]

"I might be the princess of Osterkirk but here, I don’t hold any authority. I only advice."

Cat is the daughter of the Osterkirk System's king and queen. Born in a former human colony turned independent kingdom, she's a strong and caring woman and the youngest Councillor of the Galactic Union Assembly. Always with polite a smile and wise words, she doesn't hesitate to speak up until she's heard.

THE HIEROPHANT — Cal Eldrid (he/him) [osna'n] recruitable

"Rules and laws exist for a reason, it’s my job to make sure you respect it."

Cal is part of the Harm-Sec, Harmonia very own police. He takes his job very seriously and he won't let anyone cross the line, it's true for both the civilians and his colleagues. His work ethic gave him the opportunity to quickly rise through the ranks. His coworkers respect him but he isn't liked by a lot of them… He never goes drinking with them nor talk about his personal life. He's stern and strict and he doesn't care what people think about him as long as he has their respect.

THE HIGH PRIESTESS — Olivia "Ollie" Duncan (she/her) [osna'n] recruitable

"I am no fighter, but I will not stand back while all of this is happening."

Ollie is the priestess of her clan: her connection to the Source is something never seen before. She wasn't who the former priestess chose to succeed her but neither her nor Ollie had any say in this. The Source had spoken: it gave Ollie a power as majestic as unique. But Ollie didn't want this life, she didn't choose this and she wants out…

THE HANGED MAN — Max Fey'lan (she/her OR he/him) [thanen] recruitable

"Never thought I'd see you again. It's… strange."

Max was your best friend in the whole world, you were inseparable. Similar to Diesel, Max was given to the Temple when they were a toddler. They were quite a youngling: always up to no good and their hot temper didn't always agreed with the masters. But it was still Max and you loved Max. After your fallout, Max left the Temple to the Maker knows where.

[tispyyyy]

Rant

Deep breaths. Inhale, exhale.

Exams start next week. Sad, I know.

That’s why I’ve decided to stop studying (for now) and finish Chapter One before the week is over. My CGPA will survive, I hope.

Wish me luck.

[tispyyyy]

hiiiiii! I really love what you did with your intro post pic! Is it okay if I ask how you made it? what app? thanks! By the way, I’m really looking forward to the next update! and im loving the game! 🫶

Oh, I made it using Canva, Photopea and freepiks.

Thank you so much for the love.

[tispyyyy]

[tispyyyy]

Thank You Guys So Much

AGHHHH, 300 followers in less than three days?! I’m honestly so freaking overwhelmed. Thank you all sosososososososo much!

I never expected this many people to take an interest in this IF. I originally started writing it two years ago, then dropped it when I got bored (classic). I only picked it back up recently as a side thing because I needed a break from my main IF (Twine SugarCube has been beating my arse).

But now… surprise! I’ve decided to upgrade this IF from a side thing to a side-main thing. YIPPIEEEEE

Once again, Thank you all soso very much for the love.

[tispyyyy]

Hiiii! Me. Again. I hope you've had a good day so far.

Would you be so inclined as to give us some RO facts 👀💓

Helllloooooo. I don't think i can answer this yet. I haven't really worked on the ROs, i'm so sorry.

[tispyyyy]

As of right now, because the MC is in the Emperor's Harem, so any and all romance would have to be low-key, same-sex or nah.

How is the emperor with like same-sex romance? You mention gender and sexuality will come to play if we leave the harem and romance someone else... what about if we stay? How's that gonna look like,,,? Would we be the only male concubine, or are there others?

The emperor is okay with same-sex relationship, he has experience in that regard. But, your relationship would be treated as a private indulgence, not a public affair. People would know because it would be an open secret, but the emperor won't acknowledge it publicly.

Yes, you would almost certainly be the only male in the harem.

[tispyyyy]

Here is a comprehensive look at the dynamics system across all story routes. If you already read it on Patreon yesterday nothing has changed, don't torture yourself reading it twice. Also I'll post that Kerach sneak peek tonight, promise!

These are the finalized dynamics, they may look somewhat different from the previous ones although they're largely the same.

It's quite long but I have done my best to format it for readability with icons and styling. I personally struggle reading big walls of text and I imagine you do, too.

Character Key: 🌕 Valdricht | 🌗 Serax | 🌑 Kerach Dynamic Key: ◉ What this looks like | ◎ How to build it | ◈ The appeal/thrill Group Dynamic Key: ▣ Overview | ▢ Intimacy | ▲ Pitfalls Range Key: ⬆️ High values | ↔️ Middle range | ⬇️ Low values Content Key: ※ Important notes

Introduction

In Bride of Shadows, romance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your choices shape how each love interest treats you. Each path teaches your companions how to respond, be it with dominance, gentleness, restraint, or something in between. The same love interest can become a completely different type of partner depending on who you are.

Think of it like so: Will Valdricht see you as his partner who shrewdly challenges him, or as his precious treasure to protect and cherish? Will Serax find himself drawn to fiery verbal sparring matches with you, or will your gentle nature bring out his softer side? Will Kerach be your midnight lover, or a platonic protector? Your choices create these dynamics organically.

Note that I've removed the traits. I feel like a lot of players were getting hung up on that, particularly trying to figure out how they could play enemies-to-lovers Serax while still be Valdricht's doormat. I see you. Play how you want to play and don't stress about the personality that will resolve itself as the prelude progresses.

Classic Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers who love balanced polyamorous relationships and want to explore connections with all three love interests. This is the route you play on the public build.

※Special Note: You can mix and match these dynamics freely, there are no constraints. Kerach romance is optional. Serax & Valdricht are mandatory. No Kerach pregnancy.

🌕 Valdricht | Classic | Anointed Dynamic 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You earn Valdricht's respect through your intellect and careful judgment, becoming his trusted confidant. Your relationship is built on mutual admiration, intellectual stimulation, and the slow burn of proving your worth. You respect his authority as leader, but he values your input enough that you don't fear questioning him or (privately) challenging his decisions.

◎ How to build it: Question his authority (respectfully), show intellectual curiosity, maintain your independence even while accepting his protection.

◈ The appeal: Power couple energy. Respect as foreplay. The satisfaction of earning his regard after 2,000+ years of existence.

🌕 Valdricht | Classic | Devotee Dynamic 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You see Valdricht as your divine protector and guide, finding strength through trust and surrender. Your faith in him awakens his most protective instincts. When you look to him for guidance, something tender stirs within him. He becomes your shelter from the storm, and you become his reason to be gentle...only with you.

◎ How to build it: Accept his guidance gracefully, express gratitude for his protection, seek his wisdom, let him care for you.

◈ The appeal: Worship dynamics. Protective devotion. Submission kink.

⬆️ Anointed Dynamic: 75-100%

Trusted confidant who earns the right to question and challenge him, but still respects his superior experience and authority

↔️Balanced Partnership: 25-74%

Sometimes defers to his wisdom, sometimes asserts own perspective

⬇️ Devotee Dynamic: 0-24%

Sees him as her master, seeks his guidance, grateful for protection

🌗 Serax | Classic | Combustive Dynamic 🌗

◉ What this looks like: You and Serax are ice and fire, creating steam wherever you touch. Your relationship thrives on intelligent verbal sparring and the electric tension of two strong personalities who can't quite stay away from each other. Every argument is foreplay, every debate a dance.

◎ How to build it: Match his sarcasm with wit, challenge his cynical worldview, refuse to be intimidated, give as good as you get in verbal exchanges.

◈ The appeal: Enemies-to-lovers energy. Intellectual dueling. The thrill of taming each other.

🌗 Serax | Classic | Kindling Dynamic 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your gentle nature melts Serax's rough edges, revealing the wounded man beneath the warrior's exterior. He finds himself speaking more softly around you, his touches becoming reverent. You don't fight his fire--you warm yourself by it.

◎ How to build it: Show vulnerability, respond to his pain with compassion, let him protect you, be the calm to his storm.

◈ The appeal: Healing love. Hurt/comfort. Watching a hard man go soft for the right person (metaphorically speaking).

⬆️ Combustive Dynamic: 75-100%

Ice and fire creating steam, thriving on intelligent verbal sparring and electric tension between strong personalities

↔️ Balanced Tension: 25-74%

Mix of challenging banter and moments of gentleness, sometimes sparring and sometimes soothing

⬇️ Kindling Dynamic: 0-24%

Your gentle nature melts his rough edges, drawing out his protective instincts and softer touches

🌑 Kerach | Classic | Entwined Hearts 🌑

◉ What this looks like: You see past Kerach's wolf nature to the man beneath, and he sees past your fragility to the strength within. Your connection is deep, emotional, and surprisingly passionate. You communicate on a level that transcends words.

◎ How to build it: Show tenderness toward his wolf nature, treat him as an equal, recognize his intelligence and nobility.

◈ The appeal: Forbidden love. Slow burn.

🌑 Kerach | Classic | Pack Mate 🌑

◉ What this looks like: Kerach becomes your most loyal companion and protector. Your bond is built on mutual respect, shared survival, and absolute trust. While not romantic, this friendship runs deeper than blood and will last lifetimes.

◎ How to build it: Accept his protection, treat him as a trusted ally, respect his strength without needing more.

◈ The appeal: Ride-or-die friendship. Platonic devotion.

⬆️ Entwined Hearts: 75-100%

Deep emotional and passionate connection that transcends words, seeing past his wolf nature to the man beneath [sexual relationship threshold]

↔️ Loyal Companionship: 25-74%

Strong bond built on mutual respect and trust, with moments of deeper connection hinting at something more [light intimacy, no sexual relationship]

⬇️ Pack Mate: 0-24%

Devoted platonic partnership based on protection and survival, respecting his strength without romantic desire [purely platonic relationship]

Classic Route - Potential Group Dynamics

Here are a few of the potential dynamics I've mapped out to give you a better idea of what your relationship could look like in Act I. This is NOT an exhaustive list but a short overview based on some of my notes.

The Power Trio Anointed Valdricht + Combustive Serax + Entwined Hearts Kerach

▣ Overview: Everyone brings something vital to the table, and decisions get made through passionate debate rather than simple hierarchy.

▢ Intimacy: Even intimate moments involve playful power struggles over positions, timing, and control.

▲ Pitfalls: All three compete for MC's attention through their different strengths, and protection disputes turn into ego battles over who knows best.

The Sanctuary Devotee Valdricht + Kindling Serax + Pack Mate Kerach

▣ Overview: MC becomes the treasured center where three different protective instincts create a cocoon of safety and adoration.

▢ Intimacy: Tender competition over who can care for MC best, with layers of gentle touches and reverent attention.

▲ Pitfalls: Smothering protectiveness that limits MC's freedom, and jealousy when she craves different types of comfort from each partner.

The Volatile Triangle Devotee Valdricht + Combustive Serax + Entwined Hearts Kerach

▣ Overview: MC's bond with Valdricht puts her at the top of the hierarchy. Serax resents MC's favored position even as he craves her, creating volatile undercurrents. Kerach operates outside this power structure entirely, challenging anyone when his instincts demand it.

▢ Intimacy: MC surrenders completely to Valdricht, clashes passionately with Serax before yielding, and matches Kerach's intense desire with equal hunger.

▲ Pitfalls: Serax's frustration at being outranked by MC in Valdricht's affections, and Kerach's willingness to challenge Valdricht creating friction.

Dark Maiden Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers seeking intense psychological dynamics, Stockholm syndrome themes, and breeding-focused romance.

※ Content Note: This route explores psychological dependency, limited agency, and intense submission themes. All three love interests are mandatory romantic/sexual partners. MMFM. Kerach pregnancy.

※ Special Note: The dynamics are linked. Why? Because this is a linear route. Each decoupling is more writing.

Veiled Mate + Wild Beauty / Bound Mate + Tamed Heart are completely linked. You cannot mix and match them within the current narrative. Pick a lane.

Kerach's Fallen Vestal is loosely linked to Veiled Mate + Wild Beauty but can be decoupled.

🌕 Valdricht | Dark Maiden | Veiled Mate 🌕

◉ What this looks like: Your resistance engages Valdricht rather than frustrates him. Every hesitation becomes a puzzle to solve, every moment of internal conflict proof of your authenticity. He doesn't want mindless compliance--he wants to earn your surrender piece by piece.

◎ How to build it: Show internal struggle with desire, demonstrate reluctance to submission, hide your sexual desire from him.

◈ The thrill: Corruption kink. Earned submission. Watching innocence wrestle with desire.

🌕 Valdricht | Dark Maiden | Bound Mate 🌕

◉ What this looks like: You discover freedom through complete surrender to Valdricht's guidance. He becomes your anchor in the new world you've woken into, and you find peace in letting him carry the weight of decisions. Your trust awakens his most protective instincts.

◎ How to build it: Seek his guidance willingly, express gratitude for his protection, find comfort in his control, let him shoulder your burdens.

◈ The thrill: Total power exchange. Stockholm syndrome. That nightmare you sometimes have after waking at 7am so you can get into work by 9am and then spend the next four hours watching the clock for your lunch break with growing realization that you're a corporate slave and this will be your entire life and you just want to scream and then suddenly a hot guy shows up and drags you from your cubical and declares that you're his mate and he's never going to allow you to work again or do anything that doesn't involve having his babies and reading books in his giant library. Gross.

⬆️ Veiled Mate: 50-100%

Your quiet rebellion engages him and every act of defiance is a game he delights in playing

⬇️ Bound Mate: 0-49%

You find deep satisfaction in complete surrender to his control, discovering freedom through giving up all resistance

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Bound Mate with a stoic nature might quietly seek his embrace in the night, whereas one with a tender nature will openly display her affection for him.

🌗 Serax | Dark Maiden | Wild Beauty 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your internal struggle feeds Serax's predatory instincts. He's drawn to the contradiction of your desire warring with your resistance. The more you fight what you want, the more determined he becomes to draw it out of you.

◎ How to build it: Show conflicted responses to his advances, demonstrate that you want him despite yourself, let your internal battle show through your reactions.

◈ The thrill: Predator/prey dynamics. Corruption through pleasure. Drawing out hidden desire.

🌗 Serax | Dark Maiden | Tamed Heart 🌗

◉ What this looks like: Your willingness to be claimed and sheltered brings out Serax's most possessive instincts. You become his creature to protect and cherish, and he finds satisfaction in being your refuge.

◎ How to build it: Seek comfort in his presence, let him soothe your conflicts, accept his protection, show how his attention calms your struggles.

◈ The thrill: Hurt/comfort. Protective possession. Being someone's safe harbor.

⬆️ Wild Beauty: 50-100%

Your resistance feeds his predatory instincts and he never wants the chase to end

⬇️ Tamed Heart: 0-49%

Your willingness to be claimed brings out his most possessive, caring instincts

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Tamed Heart with a provocative nature might boldly seek his attention, whereas one with a demure nature will blush and lower her eyes when he approaches.

🌑 Kerach | Dark Maiden | Fallen Vestal 🌑

◉ What this looks like: Each encounter with Kerach becomes a battle between moral conditioning and growing desire. You know accepting him violates everything you were taught, yet you find yourself unable to resist. The guilt only intensifies the forbidden pleasure.

◎ How to build it: Express internal conflict about intimacy, show shame warring with desire, demonstrate how your moral upbringing clashes with your body's responses.

◈ The thrill: Forbidden desire. Corruption through pleasure. Moral conflict as aphrodisiac.

🌑 Kerach | Dark Maiden | Willing Vessel 🌑

◉ What this looks like: You find empowerment in accepting Kerach's nocturnal visits. Rather than fighting your desires, you embrace them. Your willingness turns encounters into mutual connection rather than mere claiming.

◎ How to build it: Welcome his attention without shame, show curiosity about his nature, demonstrate comfort with intimacy.

◈ The thrill: Empowered submission. Breeding kink. Strength through surrender.

⬆️ Willing Vessel: 50-100%

You welcome him, finding power in acceptance

⬇️ Fallen Vestal: 0-49%

Your faith wars with growing desire as accepting him feels like a bridge too far

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Fallen Vestal with a demure nature might hide her face during intimacy to mask her pleasure, whereas one with a provocative nature will be intensely engaged, only to reflect on her shame post-intimacy.

Dark Maiden Route - Potential Group Dynamics

The Emotional Anchor Veiled Mate Valdricht + Wild Beauty Serax + Willing Vessel Kerach

▣ Overview: MC struggles with overwhelming desire and internal conflict around Valdricht and Serax, while finding refuge in Kerach's presence. He becomes her safe harbor during the storm of transformation.

▢ Intimacy: Passionate but conflicted encounters with V&S where pleasure wars with resistance, contrasted by comfort with Kerach who offers solace without judgment.

▲ Pitfalls: Valdricht and Serax may grow jealous of MC's easy intimacy with Kerach, while MC risks using Kerach as an emotional crutch rather than working through her internal conflicts.

The Conflicted Haven Bound Mate Valdricht + Tamed Heart Serax + Fallen Vestal Kerach

▣ Overview: MC finds peace through surrender to Valdricht and Serax, embracing her transformation and leaning on them for comfort. With Kerach, however, her moral conditioning creates internal warfare between duty and desire.

▢ Intimacy: Total submission with V&S, while encounters with Kerach are shadowed by moral conflict.

▲ Pitfalls: MC may struggle with the emotional whiplash of moving between complete surrender with Valdricht and Serax, and her guilt-tinged encounters with Kerach.

Fated Mates Route - Overview

Perfect for: Readers who prefer monogamous romance and don't mind a deliciously problematic love interest.

※ Note: Only Valdricht is a romantic option. You will be able to make him jealous, at the peril of Serax and Kerach.

🌕 Valdricht | Fated Mates | Anchored Maiden 🌕

◉ What this looks like: Despite the mate bond's pull, you refuse to let Valdricht's experience and age intimidate you into blind compliance. You recognize his attempts to guide and shape your responses, meeting them with shrewd observation rather than naive acceptance. Your careful resistance forces him to earn what he wants rather than simply taking it through manipulation.

◎ How to build it: Question his motives, assert your independence, maintain your independence despite attraction.

◈ The thrill: Age gap. Earned submission. Cat and mouse.

🌕 Valdricht | Fated Mates | Drowning Maiden 🌕

◉ What this looks like: The mate bond leaves you vulnerable to Valdricht's centuries of experience. He knows exactly how to guide your responses, using your inexperience and overwhelming attraction to shape your choices. You're drowning in feelings you don't understand, but survival means learning to use your submission as a strength.

◎ How to build it: Accept his guidance without question, show overwhelm at new sensations, demonstrate your inexperience.

◈ The thrill: Worldly/innocent. Power imbalance. Lost little lamb.

⬆️ Anchored Maiden: 50-100%

You refuse to let his experience intimidate you into blind compliance, meeting his manipulation with shrewd observation

⬇️ Drowning Maiden: 0-49%

The mate bond leaves you vulnerable to his centuries of experience as he uses your innocence against you

※ No middle grounds. Your choices in the prelude will put you on one path or the other, however your unique personality will determine how you react within each dynamic. For example, a Drowning Maiden with an idealistic nature might see his guidance as romantic destiny, whereas one with a cynical nature may recognize the manipulations even while being unable to resist his allure.

※ No group dynamics. Too many spoilers, play and find out.

Tips for Players

Building Your Ideal Dynamic

Be consistent: Your early choices set the tone, even in the prelude.

Play your truth: Choose options that feel authentic to how you want your character to respond.

Don't min-max: There are no "wrong" dynamics, only different love stories (and kinks).

Dynamics lock: After the prelude your dynamics are fixed, at least for Act I...

Dynamics evolve: Your dynamic will evolve with each act. More on that later.

Understanding the percentages

Numbers aren't everything: A 30% Devotee dynamic is just as valid and complete as an 80% Anointed dynamic. Once the prelude ends the percentages will disappear and you will be left with a detailed description of your dynamic.

Classic extremes are optional: You can absolutely stay in the middle ranges for more balanced relationships.

DMR & FMR have no middle ground: Your dynamic will be based on your final percentages in the prelude, with some choices (i.e. sleeping with Valdricht pre-Meyrrvik in Fated Mates or eager/reluctant first time with Kerach in Dark Maiden) carrying much steeper weight. Once your dynamic is fixed, your personality determines how your MC operates within the dynamic. No escape, only evolution through acts.

[tispyyyy]

CHARACTERS ART BREEDER

Han Seok: I picture him with like longer hair and bit more wrinkles.

Lady Ji: She has a sterner face and a lot more wrinkles.

[tispyyyy]

Hiii, I know you mentioned that the MC is more of a glorified hostage, however I am curious... you mentioned that mc sexuality and/or gender will have influence down the line....

How will same-sex romances work? is there like no cultural issue with them? Are they side-eyed but allowed to be like unofficially official? How about marriages?

As of right now, because the MC is in the Emperor's Harem, so any and all romance would have to be low-key, same-sex or nah.

But later on in the story, if the MC decides to leave the emperor's harem and romance another RO, then the MC's sexuality and gender starts coming into play.

Like, Same-sex relationships are like an open secret in this IF, that maid that is a little bit too close to the noble lady 👀, or those two noble men that are bestiess 👀, idk if you gwim.

As for the marriages, most people don't care as long as you don't cause a scandal, and you have an heir to carry on the family's name and an opposite sex spouse to keep up appearances.

In general, Lavender marriages are very popular among the nobles.

[tispyyyy]

Glad to see more historical IFs, esp ones that arent the usual "clichee" stuff! *cough*vaguely medieval inspired thats not even actual medieval*cough* I also love the way you write, it makes the world come alive without being too wordy! Really like the way the character creator is made as well! I noticed a maybe misnamed variable when finishing it though, the height is spelled in-game not as "average" but sth shorter, I couldnt check the other heights.

Awww tysmmmmmm, glad to see all the hard work didn't go to waste.

Average was put as avg, thank you for pointing that out.

[tispyyyy]

Softly, Opulent is a dark fantasy romance, an interactive fiction not suited for those under 17.

Demo. [Prologue and Chapter One.]

The Queen dies the night you’re born. And your family locks you away.

All of King Adder’s children are a mystery to the common folk, but you—you are nothing but a ghost. A ghost, that spends eighteen years locked away in the deepest part of the palace, so that no eyes may lay upon you.

And those that do—they do not treat you kindly.

And when you are finally of age, at last, you are betrothed to the child of the King of a far away kingdom, to secure an alliance that your father has been seeking for years.

And you are swept away to a place even more foreign than your own land, to be wed to a stranger that looks at you with contempt. To live in a kingdom of citizens that despise you.

And perhaps, just perhaps, fight a war.

Content Warnings: Softly, Opulent contains many upsetting themes, such as: arranged marriage, child abuse, child neglect, assault, death, murder, suicide, sexually suggestive scenes, and more. Viewer discretion is advised, and this story is only appropriate for those 17+.

Customize your main character. (Name, Pronouns, Appearance, Personality.)

Romance one of four characters. (All of which are gender selectable.)

Overcome your past trauma.

Befriend many side characters.

Learn magic, learn how to fight.

Possibly overthrow your father, the tyrant King.

Attend balls, and witness the viper pit that is high society.

Fight an undead army.

The Betrothed, Aleksandar/Aleksandra. (Gender Selectable. She/Her. He/Him.) - They are the heir to the throne of Aslerea and your betrothed. But it’s the last thing they want to be. They seem to hold something against you. They are serious and spend hours upon hours training—they’re preparing for something. Their engagement to you is quite the hinder, but can you make them see it differently? Their duty blinds them, but you can change that.

The Pirate Captain, Rhys/Rhea. (Gender Selectable. She/Her. He/Him.) - They are a mystery. They are a pirate—the very embodiment of freedom and sea, yet they choose to remain in the kingdom of Aslerea more often than not. They stand to gain something by being there, but you don’t know what. There’s something in you that tells you that you can’t trust them, but their smile is so pretty, and their flirtation so constant that you want to. But maybe—just maybe, if you play your cards right—they will treat you as tenderly as their dearest treasure.

The Shadow, Calixta/Calix. (Gender Selectable. She/Her. He/Him.) - They are your betrothed’s younger sibling, and so no one pays quite as much attention to them. Though they seem content in their sibling’s shadow—content with their lack of responsibility—you can’t help but wonder if there’s more to it. They are as lazy as a bump on a log, and they likely sleep more than anything else—but there’s an interest in their eyes when they look at you. Is it something deep, or just a longing to claim what their sibling has? You could find out.

The Tutor, Mestra/Mestrn. (Gender Selectable. She/Her. He/Him.) - They are assigned as your tutor and tasked with the great undertaking of making you fit to lead. But they are also close with the people in the palace, and help the servants when they can. They know commoners by name and spend nights in the tavern, surrounded by free drinks. And while they are kind, there is something beneath it all that suggests a person that will go far to protect those they care about. Whether it’s because of their kind nature or something else, they have no enemies.

OTHER LINKS.

RO APPERANCES.

RO HEIGHTS.

[tispyyyy]

Suevi is an interactive fiction WIP - Chapter 1 out now!

This story is about finding love and surviving in Ancient Rome... as a Germanic slave.

[Demo Link]

Prologue - 5.5k words (without code)

Chapter 1 - 21.5k words (without code) - added June 8th 2025

[genres: romance, historical fiction, low fantasy, dark]

This book is for mature audience only (18+). It's currently still in early development and everything released is subject to possible change. The book will contain mature themes like slavery, abuse of any kind, sexual content (mostly optional), death of people and animals (the latter for food and sacrificial purposes), diseases, suicidal ideations, homophobia, transphobia, body dysmorphia, possible self mutilation, swearing, attempted non consensual intercourse (this is not a definitive list of triggers!).

There will be trigger warnings at the beginning of each chapter.

This is a work of fiction. Wherever possible and plausible, I incorporate information that is available about how Germanic tribes lived, how Germanic slaves were treated, what life in a Roman city looked like etc.

However, especially about the Germanic tribes, and about the timeframe I chose, there is only very little information. They did have runes but only used them for ritualistic purposes, never to write anything down; they had no written languages. Because of that, actual legitimate information is extremely scarce, and the information that we have is mostly written from an "enemy" point of view - the Romans.

I might somewhat substitute with things we know about the vikings, which technically also were Germanic tribes, but they lived quite some hundred years after the timespan I aim for the main story of this IF to be set in (which is essentially shortly after/around 14 CE).

Other choices and possible changes of actual facts/information about the historical times and people are made for flavour and for the readers' comfort.

Because some people don't seem to understand:

I am not a historian. I am merely one person researching and writing this as a hobby. It will not be 100% historically accurate. It is still a work of fiction and I take creative liberties.

Movies with massive budgets and several research assistants have historical inaccuracies in them. Please let me also have some.

After a skirmish close to the Roman border, you are captured and transported to a city. Your capturer forces you into slavery and sells you off to a patrician family — wealthy Romans, in social and political standings only underneath the Emperor.

Desperately you try to adapt to these new circumstances — you don't even speak their language, know nothing about their culture... It's a whole different world for you. At first, you struggle to even communicate with the people that call themselves your "familia". Will you manage to live amongst them, or will you refuse to obey the rules and orders you are unfamiliar with?

What will your fate be? Will you stay with your new family, will you try to escape to your old family, or will you look for a better future elsewhere?

Will you try to abandon old beliefs and adapt to new ones? Or is the hold of the old Gods too strong on you to let go?

And what role does the person who enslaved you really play in all of this?

Customize your own Suevi — choose your sex, gender, sexuality, looks, the God you mainly pray to and your former occupation (depending on the tribe you are from).

Pick one of five love interests (includes one poly option):

Ing (Ingunn/Ingram), the quiet and angry Cherusci servant (f/m) [Tropes: Friends (to Enemies) to Lovers // Clueless Love // REDACTED]

Aquila (always named Aquila), the cheerful, friendly Roman artist (m/f/nb) [Trope: Sex first, feelings later — Fast burn fling, Slow burn romance]

D (Dewognata/Dagomaros), the Gaul weaver with a tragic backstory (f/m) [Tropes: Rescue Romance // (Not so) Secret Admirer]

Nefer (Nefertari/Neferkare), the chronically tired, sarcastic Nubian merchant (f/m) [Trope: Secret identity/Dark secret]

Xen (Xeno/Xenon), the gentle and wise Greek teacher (f/m) [Tropes: Single Parent // Child as matchmaker // Age gap]

Poly option: MC x Ing x Aquila

Find love, have a good time with no strings attached (flings!) or just do your own thing (and hopefully escape slavery).

FAQ

Support me on Patreon (extra content and early access!)

Support me on Ko-Fi (extra content and early access!)

Buy me a coffee (and have my eternal gratitude <3)

Popular tags (for each RO, RO reactions etc.)

Physical description RO's

RO Moodboards

Play the demo here!

Immersive playlist (Youtube Music)

Also, this is my first IF and I haven't written anything major really for the past 10 years — so I might be somewhat rusty in some parts and completely new to other parts (namely, ChoiceScript). If you have tips, tricks, resources to learn/get better and constructive criticism, or you found any bugs or mistakes in my demo, I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you'll enjoy my story!