HOUSE OF CARDS: THE CRIMSON COURT is a character driven romance interactive fiction set in a realm that resembles earth. The story follow you, a noble from the kingdom of Argonia sent to the kingdom of your enemies in an arranged marriage, all in the name of peace.
This game depends and focus heavily on the component relationships, Complex Relationships, and choices.
War. The malevolent force that breeds corruption, inflicts pain, nurtures hate, and reaps death, casting a dark shadow upon all that is good. Can love find a way to bloom within its merciless grasp?
SUMMARY:
As fate would have it, you find yourself torn from familiar shores and thrust into the clutches of a kingdom that has long been embroiled in conflict with your homeland. And to further complicate matters, your partner in this arrangement is none other than the Commander of the enemy's fleets, a name that reverberates with terror throughout the land. Whispers of their ruthless prowess in the merciless ways they dismantles their foes, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and etching a chilling image of their power.
As you journey towards your own path. Will you rise to the challenge and become a beacon of hope and peace, or will you succumb to the siren song of ambition and greed?
Only time will tell, as the fates of kingdoms hang in the balance.
Follow the story of the noble House Scion as they traverse the complex web of politics, alliances, and betrayals. Will they prove to be worthy, or will their own desires and flaws consume them, leading to the downfall of all they hold dear?
Immerse yourself in a richly detailed world inspired by historical fiction, where court intrigue and political machinations shape the destiny of nations:
As an influential figure, what kind of reputation do you want to build for yourself? And as a character, what personality will you adopt? Play as the dove of peace, a brutal iron fist, a sly snake, or a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Romance three main characters, each with their own relationship dynamics. Plus; a possible secret Ro: Experience a captivating romance that defies societal boundaries, or would you rather find yourself entangled in a forbidden love that challenges loyalties and tests the limits of your own heart.
A diverse cast of characters to build and form relationships: Deepen or sever relationships with a number of important characters and; betray, befriend, antagonise or kill.
Your choices will impact both your personality and the game's story: Make choices that will have far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of the story and influencing the fates of both individuals and empires. Interact with the world and discover who you truly are. Will you be able to forge a new future for yourself and those around you in the midst of this chaos?
There are always hands playing in the shadows. Play their game or make your own: Navigate a world filled with people striving to feed their own agendas. Engage in strategic alliances and tactical decisions, as you use your wits and cunning to navigate the dangerous waters of war and diplomacy.
ROMANCE TROPES: Love at First Sight. Fake relationship. Rebellious Love. Amour Fou (Mad Love). Domestic Affair OR Friends to lovers. Enemies to lovers. Forbidden Love.
THE COMMANDER [M/F]
ELISAE ROWAN DELACROIX:
Elisae is hailed as a war hero in Borgia. Born to the King's second sister, the Grand Duchess of the North, Elisae followed in their mother's footsteps and joined the war from a tender age. Their valor and strategic brilliance earned them numerous titles and led the kingdom to many victorious battles. They played a vital role in shaping Argonia's destiny.
[DESCRIPTION]: Elisae is a formidable presence with a commanding stature, standing tall at 6 feet. Their piercing grey eyes, sharp as steel, hold a depth of determination and wisdom. Their ebony hair, meticulously styled and slicked back, contrasting against their tanned skin.
Have you begun to devise a plan to melt the icy barrier encasing your spouse's heart? Or do you intend to shatter it into fragments?
DUCHESS/DUKE[F/M]
JADE MAXIMILLIAN WINTER:
Jade is a figure of grace and elegance. As the esteemed Duke/Duchess of House Winter, Jade's political stance differs from your spouse's, which created a strain in the relationship of the two childhood friends.
Renowned for their esteemed position among the nobles and loved for their charming and easygoing personality, Jade exudes an aura of refinement and unyielding confidence. Their presence commands attention, while their subtle gestures and expressions hint at a depth of emotions and hidden desires. With a captivating charm and an enigmatic aura, Jade leaves an indelible mark on those who cross their path.
[DESCRIPTION]: Jade's mesmerizing eyes, a striking melted honey color, exude an air of mystery and intelligence. Their ash hair, cascading in waves, complements their fair complexion, imbuing them with an ethereal allure.
But what does that flaming smile hide? Can you withstand the searing heat of their radiance and still dare to draw near?
THE ESCORT [F/M]
RAINE HAWTHORNE:
[ABOUT]: Raine is a figure of quiet strength. With a quiet confidence and a sense of duty ingrained in their every action, Raine emanates an aura of reliability and protection.
Raine is assigned as your escort by the House of Delacroix upon your arrival in Borgia, Raine appears indifferent, showing little interest in anything. However, when it comes to protecting you and ensuring your safety, Raine is unwaveringly dedicated.
[DESCRIPTION]: Raine stands at an average height. Their piercing green eyes, sharp and discerning, hold an intensity that mirrors the depths of their soul. Their chestnut hair, tousled and windswept, adds a touch of ruggedness to their appearance. Raine's bronze skin bears the faint marks of battles fought and hardships endured. As a guard, they possess a lean and agile physique, honed through years of training and dedication.
Beneath the stoic facade lies a well-guarded heart. Can you unravel the secrets that lie within Raine's enigmatic gaze?
Where is Gilbert? I'm sorry about asking so much!!! I know some details might be in the making or not important at all so please tell me if my questions are bothersome!
No, you're alright, dear. It's great to see your interest. 💚
Gilbert is in the making process during Chapter 1, Part 1ğŸ¤. He will make an appearance in part2. Chapter1 spans MC's childhood and includes a few time lapses.
Will Doves of Peace always be uncomfortable with politics? Can we be someone who is cunning and manipulative(?) but in favor of peace and change towards good? Can a sly snake be ambitious but for the betterment of the kingdom or will they always be evil? Does the alignment of the MC determine their skillset? And are the alignments always tied to their motive (good/evil)?
Excited for this game! I love Elisae already <3
The MC archetypes don't necessarily determine MC's political alignments, but rather a combination of stats representing MC's personality and attitude.
You can still embody the 'Dove of Peace' archetype, genuine, naive, and always see the good in people, but still despise the Borgians and desire their downfall due to their role in the unfortunate events of your past, including your brother's death and your current circumstances. It's important to note that this archetype doesn't make of MC an angelic figure; you are a human with shades of gray. On the other hand, the opposing archetype leans towards darker shades of grey, but it doesn't mean they are purely evil.
A 'Dove of Peace' MC despises politics and everything associated with the court because they believe that most problems, hatred, and conflicts stem from these political affairs. It's also hard for them to keep up with it, because cunning and manipulative thinking is not in their nature.
Can we be someone who is cunning and manipulative(?) but in favor of peace and change towards good? Absolutely.
You can never find Elisae talking to plants, but they do.(Good luck catching them do it though.)
An MC who somehow caught wind of this little tidbit and now regularly sneaks around corridors and peeks around corners in the hopes that they catch Elisae in the act (They fail spectacularly). Once, they attempt to cajole Raine into helping with their mission (It is assumed that this also fails spectacularly) They refuse to give up, though. Onward they go. (😔😔😔)
Hehe. I figure that MC will probably way too busy with political maneuvering and subterfuge for this to be plausible, but it's a fun scenario to think about! 🫡✨
At a particular point in the relationship, E reaches a level of comfort where they can finally lower their defenses. When that moment arrives,
Author Tip 1: Place a cactus plant on the windowsill of your Chamber. 😉
How would the ROs react if MC washed their hair as a gesture of love? This is in the relationship stage of course! Think of MC gently threading their fingers through the RO's hair and giving them occasional smooches on the head, etc.
I'm tempted to write a short story for each character based on this scenario, but a similar situation will be included in the game. It's a very important bonding part. However, each partner will have a unique experience in their bath scene. (Raine, in particular, will have the hair washing scene.) I'll try my best not to reveal too much.
Alright, enough with my rumbling. Let's break it down. So, assuming they're already in the bath together:
JADE: Jade has always enjoyed moments of intimacy and physical affection. As the warm water cascades around them, they eagerly lean into your touch, a contented smile playing on their lips.Â
"Mmm, what a pleasant surprise," Jade murmurs, their voice filled with affection. "You always know how to make me feel cherished, my love."
Jade is also the kind of person who finds joy in giving rather than receiving. They may suggest reciprocating the gesture or finding another meaningful way to express their love and appreciation for you.
ELISAE: Elisae kindly requests you not to feel obligated to do anything for them. They simply want you to relax and take your time to feel comfortable. However, deep down, they feel flattered and thrilled by the idea, even though it's difficult for them to admit their desires. Moreover, they are preoccupied with feeling anxious that you might feel compelled to do something for them, which distracts them from fully embracing their other emotions.
Once you've persuaded them, Elisae will promptly surrender control, as if they have been eagerly awaiting it for a long time.
RAINE: Raine would initially be taken aback by your suggestion, but their curiosity outweighs their hesitation. Since they have never experienced something like this before, they might be a bit rigid and unsure at first. However, as time passes, they gradually relax in your embrace. In fact, Raine might even continue rambling and complimenting you, until they drift off to sleep, completely at ease in your care.
S.R: Despite their personality, their head would find its way to your lap before you even finish posing the question. They playfully tease you and flash an adorable grin as they continue speaking, determined not to let sleep overtake them just yet. They want to savor every moment of the experience and relish in the sensation of your gentle touch.
Thank you, Romi!!! Mc is going to love all their siblings so much! The overprotective, clingy older sibling!mc lmao. Who killed Sabina and Levan? Just a random soldier or ???
I realize I forgot to mention some important details about MC's family. Here's what you need to know:
Sabina (deceased), Roland, Rosalind, and Sybil, who are MC's half-siblings. Lady Morena is their mother.
Meanwhile, Levan (deceased), MC and Gilbert are Regina's children.
Roland and Rosalind have deep affection for you. They will continue to show their closeness to you during childhood, even if you are distant. However, their patience does have limits, and their behavior may change if you don't treat them carefully.
On the other hand, Sybil...isn't your biggest fan. (And this is me putting it lightly)
As for the deaths of Levan and Sabina, it is believed that they were killed during the war. However, there are doubts and uncertainties surrounding the exact circumstances. This is all we know.
Does events in our MC's childhood is what leads them to turn into the 'sly snake' and 'wolf in sheep clothing' archtypes. What about the 'Dove of peace' archtype is it the type of MC that doesn't face much difficulties in their childhood?
The childhood experiences of the MC might not have been as troublesome as those of other characters in the game. However, regardless of the chosen archetype, they have all encountered similar events and traumas during their early years. Certain elements remain constant, while some aspects may vary depending on the player's choices.
It's important to note that the archetypes are not solely shaped by the level of trauma the MC has experienced. They are primarily determined by the player's choices, even though external events and circumstances do have an influence.
Even if two individuals have faced identical obstacles and experiences in life, they will develop into different people based on their choices and actions. For instance, a 'Dove of Peace' archetype is genuinely kind-hearted and may struggle with dealing with court politics. However, they can easily earn the trust and respect of others. On the other hand, a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' MC may appear similar to the 'Dove of Peace' on the surface, but their acts of kindness and affection are merely a facade. The intention behind their behavior can vary, whether it's seeking validation and attention from others or manipulating people for their own gain. This is all up to you.
-Clumsy and Forgetful (but still can recite the entire script of their favorite book from memory)
-You can never find Elisae talking to plants, but they do.(Good luck catching them do it though.)
-Always carries around a tiny geode named "Rock".
-Extremely organized and has meticulous attention to detail.
-Elisae have a peculiar obsession with odd numbers. If asked to choose a number, be assured that an odd number will always be their preference. 5 is their favourite.
hI! how can we call you? and where was mc in the war? fighting? who about mc's family, did they fight in the war? tysm!!!
You can call me Romi💚
MC, Roland, Rosalind and Sybil were not required to serve in the war. One, Sybil and MC were too young to join the war. Two, Roland and Rosalind didn't have to because their other older siblings already did. Tragically, two of them (Sabina and Levan) lost their lives during the conflict. MC's mother held strong opposition to the idea of her own children joining the war, even if MC expresses a desire to do so.
R joined at the age of 12 and E joined at the age of 13.
Hello!! Can we know more about Raine like anything about them really. I really love them since they sound like the type of character I'd go for in a first playthrough. Also Commander Elisae too, they sound like a hard softie
Hiiii!!
Some facts about Raine:
-They are an only child.
-Raine has a soft spot for animals, particularly horses.
-They wouldn't admit it but they enjoyed the piano lessons their father paid for them to take in their childhood.
-Raine have a talent for sketching, especially sceneries that have captured their attention. They have unearthed this talent at the age 12 years old as a coping mechanism.
-Their Father is a famous mercenary.
-Raine have an extraordinary talent for imitating bird calls.
So can you tell us about this arranged marraige? Is it explicitly for uniting houses or are there other known expectations for the union? Like heirs and such?
Arranged marriages often involve hidden agendas, but for the Borgians, they hold a deep-rooted belief in the sacredness and significance of marriage as the most vital union. Hence, Borgia's initial proposal for peace revolved around this idea.
Unlike the Argonian, I would not say Borgians do not care about lineage, but they don't prioritize direct ancestry. In their system, if the family's head passes away without marriage or heirs to ascends their position, then a sibling, cousin, or any person from the same clan and bloodline can step in as a replacement. The key factors for selection are possessing the necessary qualities and receiving approval from the elders.
However, securing heirs is crucial for the other party involved if they seek to solidify their grip on power within the Clan.
Furthermore, there might be expectations regarding the roles and responsibilities of the married couple within the larger societal framework. These expectations can encompass various aspects, such as upholding family traditions, maintaining a favorable public image, or actively participating in community affairs.
It's also worth noting that the person chosen to be the spouse of the family's head carries an immense responsibility of managing the household. They are entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing the day-to-day affairs, making important decisions, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the house.
If the spouse fails to fulfill these responsibilities effectively, they may face severe criticism from the elders within the family.
About the secret Ro, when will we be able to meet them?
I intend for it to happen early on, right at the beginning. I actually already have it set in Chapter 1. So unless I decide to change the scene, they will be one of the first romantic options you encounter, certainly before J.
J will also be the final RO you'll be able to meet.
Love at first sight????? who???? also I fucking love the plot, I wanna sleep with your tumblr in my phone.
I already answered it here. But short answer is E and R(optional).
Also thank you so much!! You wouldn't believe how much an uplifting message like this means to writers. It truly boosts our spirits and ignites our motivation to keep writing. It's incredibly gratifying and inspiring.
So is there anything about the MC we should know? Like background, family, stuff already set in stone ya know?
But I'm also curious about the aspects that will be in our control, if that's not still in the works anyway
Hmm, let's break it down. There will be five different types of families for the MC to choose from, representing their House. This will add flavour text and shape some of their stats…etc.
However, the MC's family members will remain the same regardless of the chosen noble House, it'd be a headache otherwise. Each family member already has a set personality, and their feelings toward you are defined. Nevertheless, you have the freedom to handle your interactions with them however you want.
Regarding your question about control, it's quite broad and covers various aspects. It would be helpful if you could provide more specific details. Nonetheless, you do have significant control over many aspects of your character and the story itself (I believe).
Also, please bear in mind that this game focuses primarily on the characters. It revolves around their relationships, actions, personal growth, and how they respond to their surroundings.
