Next in Line - Interactive Fiction
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Next in Line is an interactive fiction in development. It was originally planned as a visual novel. (I am still updating to remove visual novel references across social media, apologies). So, while most of the writing for the demo is complete, I am currently revising it to better fit the interactive fiction format, as well as to give players more agency. The game will be free.
You're next in line for the throne of Castelon, a fictional country very loosely inspired but not based on the ancient and medieval worlds. Particularly, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, and periods of England.
Shortly after the war ended and a month before your 21st birthday, you received a hastily written letter at the compound in the mountains, where your parents had sent you at 16 to keep you away from the war.
"King dead. James abdicated. You are Next in Line."
Your country is reeling from its King's death and the end of a decade-long war. Today, on your 21st birthday, you begin the timeless tradition of sharing the responsibility of running Castelon for the next year, alongside your mother, Queen Vivian. This tradition, known as The Harbinger Ceremony, is your opportunity to prove your ability to be a reliable ruler.
Prepare to step into a story about love, trust, and finding oneself. 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 blessing from you?
Next in Line will be rated Mature. Player direction advised. Please do not play or plan to play if you feel this game could cause any harm to you, or your emotional, or mental wellbeing. If you have questions about the content, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer!
Content will include:
Possible violence
Suggestive language and themes
Optional sexual content (will be skippable or avoidable)
References to war and the effects of war
Death and/or references to death
Some exploration of grief
Language that might be offensive - aka swear / curse words
Some bad possibly unfavorable endings that might make you hate me
Subject to change. Changes will be communicated.
Anticipated Demo Release: Late July / August 2022 (most likely August)
Demo Features:
Prologue Part 1, Prologue Part 2, Chapter 1
Choose your gender (M, F, NB), pronouns, first name, hair color, eye color
Shape the MC's future and some of their past.
Pursue romance or friendship with various characters. See characters further down this post.
Players will not choose sexual orientation - it's up to you to pursue romance if you want or simply don't. All currently planned ROs (3) are romanceable by any MC. Note: there are no poly routes available.
Romance is optional in the game. Although, it should be noted this was originally planned as a romance game so there will be a lot of optional romance content.
3 Family Mottos (based on an early choice) that will unlock various choices throughout the game.
A taste of the "Attributes" system- a personality system that unlocks additional choices throughout the game; my aim here is to make the game replayable in a refreshing way. What kind of Heir will you be?
Full Game Features:
Everything listed above, plus...
Chapters 2-14;
Characters may disapprove or become upset or angry by some of your choices - this does not prevent MC from romance. Like reality, everyone in MC's life is not always going to agree with them.
At least 5 holidays that offer opportunities to honor the gods, further relationships, or simply have a good time;
Optional sexual content;
At least 6 endings;
An extensive stats screen where you can read about yourself, your relationship with others, and the world around you.
Chapters 2-13 will each cover the span of one month. The full game will follow roughly a year of the MC's life as The Harbinger.
Features are subject to change at my discretion.
Sir Constantine Dimas [M], 26 years old, Taurus
Constantine is a Knight in Castelon's Elite Guard. He's fiercely loyal to your family and especially your twin brother, James, who he fought alongside during 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/F], 22 years old, Aquarius
F is someone from your past, from before you were sent to the compound in the mountains. They broke your heart and disappeared. Whether that was heartbreak in a platonic or romantic way is up to you. Now, they're back and seemingly apologetic. Bury the hatchet, rekindle your former relationship or walk a different path altogether.
"Love and war... they both certainly know how to cause us pain."
Lady Margaret [F], 22 years old, Gemini
The mysterious Lady Margaret is a noble businesswoman who enjoys observing from the shadows. You know little about her, but she could prove to be a powerful ally, if you play your cards right.
"I can think of many ways to consume your time."
This is not an exhaustive list of characters - but some key players.
Prince James Verissimo [M], 21 years old
Your twin brother was next in line to the throne. Until he wasn't. His abdication took you by surprise. While you were sent to the compound in the mountains during the war, your twin was sent to war. You and your brother were close growing up, but it's up to you how your relationship plays out moving forward.
Queen Vivian Verissimo [F], 45 years old
Your mother, the Queen of Castelon, is a cunning and nosy woman. As a child, your father was the affectionate one, while your mother was the parent who wanted to ensure you understood the realities of the world. It was a surprise when she agreed with your father to send you away from the war. Perhaps she knew you would play an important role one day.
Lady Anna [F], 20 years old
Anna is your best friend and attendant. Where you go, she goes. She came to the palace as an orphaned child of a minor noble house. Anna is the constant in your life - the one person you've always been able to rely on. She might have a crush on your brother.
Felix Faramund [M], 24 years old
F.'s slightly older brother. Like F., he's returned to Castelon. Unlike F., Felix 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 once considered him a friend.
Oracle Davina [F], ??? years old
Davina holds one of the most revered positions in the Kingdom - the voice of the gods. Her duties include overseeing The Harbinger Ceremony and serving on the Royal Council.
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