Demo (TBA) | Love Interests | Important Characters | Pinterest
Power was never meant to be bestowed upon you so soon. As the second-born, you have lived your entire life in the background, simply the alternative to your brother if anything were to go wrong. However, in the aftermath of a civil war and your parents' hurried abdication, kingship has fallen into your brother's lap, and, subsequently, weighed yours down as well. The past of hardship does not flee with new command; it only grows more predatory as relations strain and treason uncovers itself. In the face of daunting duty and unexpected tragedy, will you be able to strengthen your kingdom or will the cracks within its walls finally be exposed?
Heavy Is The Crown is an interactive novel placed in the fictional kingdom of Sorawain. You play as the sibling to a freshly-crowned king, thrust unexpectedly into the labyrinthine world of the royal court.
Play as male, female, or nonbinary.
Customize your appearance and personality.
Romance, befriend, or make foes of 4 distinct characters.
Uncover the secrets of your friends and family alike.
Help your brother restore rule or suffer the consequences of poor decision making.
Find out who is really behind the unravelling of your kingdom.
Derrick Bracht (M) - A high noble and your childhood companion. He is not all eloquence as his ancestry may suggest, with his status as a bastard and scientific career as coroner. He had departed from you for long and come back much more straitlaced than you remember. Something had altered his disposition and set a burden upon him you do not yet have knowledge of.
Talia Kostien (F) - The ever-exalted High Priestess and a close friend of your brother. Although she bears no noble title, she harbors the same level of respect of any that do and her humble confidence shows that clearly. She is kind and serious, but you feel that there is something concealed beneath her composed surface.
Alexander/Alexandra Godfrey (M/F) - Your authoritative and undeniably enigmatic royal guard. They are dedicated to their position under the crown, though if that extends to you specifically, you are unable to tell. They do not oppose or show hesitation, never would, but in times of quiet you catch stares of shadowed calculation.
Zahara/Zachariah Drachmann (M/F) - A disgraced noble; their family once ruled alongside yours in a long-gone diarchy before they were forced to forgo their authority. They are widely distrusted, just as their treasonous father, but where disdain is expected, they show nothing but pleasantry to you.
Yes, but just a bit. I’ll say A has probably changed the most from my original plans, but they’ve all been altered slightly and I’ve deleted quite a few past asks because of it. The biggest changes are in other main characters, though *wink wink nudge nudge*.
Demo (TBA) | Love Interests | Important Characters | Pinterest
Power was never meant to be bestowed upon you so soon. As the second-born, you have lived your entire life in the background, simply the alternative to your brother if anything were to go wrong. However, in the aftermath of a civil war and your parents' hurried abdication, kingship has fallen into your brother's lap, and, subsequently, weighed yours down as well. The past of hardship does not flee with new command; it only grows more predatory as relations strain and treason uncovers itself. In the face of daunting duty and unexpected tragedy, will you be able to strengthen your kingdom or will the cracks within its walls finally be exposed?
Heavy Is The Crown is an interactive novel placed in the fictional kingdom of Sorawain. You play as the sibling to a freshly-crowned king, thrust unexpectedly into the labyrinthine world of the royal court.
Play as male, female, or nonbinary.
Customize your appearance and personality.
Romance, befriend, or make foes of 4 distinct characters.
Uncover the secrets of your friends and family alike.
Help your brother restore rule or suffer the consequences of poor decision making.
Find out who is really behind the unravelling of your kingdom.
Derrick Bracht (M) - A high noble and your childhood companion. He is not all eloquence as his ancestry may suggest, with his status as a bastard and scientific career as coroner. He had departed from you for long and come back much more straitlaced than you remember. Something had altered his disposition and set a burden upon him you do not yet have knowledge of.
Talia Kostien (F) - The ever-exalted High Priestess and a close friend of your brother. Although she bears no noble title, she harbors the same level of respect of any that do and her humble confidence shows that clearly. She is kind and serious, but you feel that there is something concealed beneath her composed surface.
Alexander/Alexandra Godfrey (M/F) - Your authoritative and undeniably enigmatic royal guard. They are dedicated to their position under the crown, though if that extends to you specifically, you are unable to tell. They do not oppose or show hesitation, never would, but in times of quiet you catch stares of shadowed calculation.
Zahara/Zachariah Drachmann (M/F) - A disgraced noble; their family once ruled alongside yours in a long-gone diarchy before they were forced to forgo their authority. They are widely distrusted, just as their treasonous father, but where disdain is expected, they show nothing but pleasantry to you.
Hello! I am well, thank you. I know I’ve been gone for nearly two years, but I took a long break from writing to focus on other stuff. I’ve been back for a bit now and have just been restructuring and rewriting the story that I have. Thanks so much for checking in!
I've considered it, but I'm still on the fence about including it. I'm not sure if I see any of the LIs being incredibly compatible, even if there are some pairings I'd like lol. Please tell me if you'd like to see it added and I'll think about it! No guarantees though😶
I loved the demo!! I loved everything about it! It was dramatic lmao but humorous at times and the characters actually have so much character already. And a shy MC shame... it's pathetic really especially with D 😭😭😭😭🤣 hilarious.
So much drama. And i love the siblings dynamic. I honestly cannot wait to read more! ❤️
Thank you so much! It has been dramatic, and I'm afraid that'll only ramp up💀. I really enjoy writing shy MC x Derrick 'cause that boy loves to tease lol
His head tilts, his eyes narrowing slightly in a way that feels less like scrutiny and more like curiosity. “Nothing dire, I assure you, but I was wondering if you could gather some information for me.”
You purse your lips. “What for?”
He leans his head back, a slow sigh exiting his mouth. “I have reason to believe your father and Duke Leopold are…not what they seem, perhaps.”
“You want me to spy on my own father for you?” Your tone carries something heated and accusatory as confusion floods you.
“A spy?” He barks out a laugh. “I don’t need that. Not anymore, that is. I was just wanting details.” He shrugs, regaining his stiffer posture. “I’m not planning anything nefarious, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
You resist the urge to laugh. “When are you ever not planning something nefarious?”
“You wound me, $!{prin}, truly.” He seems anything but. “However, if you don’t want to, I can just employ someone else, if that is what you’d rather want.”
“How about not doing this at all? What could you possibly gain from this?”
“Gossip. Blackmail, even.” You begin to protest, but he raises his hand. “So, what say you?”
Just a little flashback to when Mundir was still alive🫣 The first half of chapter one will be out in a week or two!
what is something the ros want/need/dread to hear?
Derrick - “Whatever you’ve done, it doesn’t affect us.” | “You can rest now. There’s no need to be in control all the time.” | “You’re a monster.”
Talia - “Stop trying so hard.” | “You’re more important than you think.” | “No one is ever going to want you for you, not if you keep acting like this.”
Alex - “I see you for you.” | “You don’t need to forgive her, despite it all.” | “I don’t need you.”
Z - “I love you.” | “You have to stop keeping your real self hidden.” | “You’re just like your father.”
Hi! I hope you don’t mind if I have multiple questions😅
What do the ROs think of one another? Are any of them friends?
How angsty are the romance routes? And how fast are they?
What are the characters families like? How about their upbringing?
Lastly, can you share more about MCs family?
Sorry if you can’t answer all of them, I’m just so curious!!
What do the ROs think of one another?
I think I'll let the player figure this out in-game, but, as of chapter one, none of the ROs are friends.
How angsty are the romance routes? And how fast are they?
Angst (Most to least)
Derrick > Z > Alex = Talia
Speed (Slow to fast)
Z > Derrick > Talia > Alex
What are the characters families like? How about their upbringing?
I'll talk about their families, but their childhoods are a little spoilery.
Derrick - He's quite close with both parents, more so with his father than his stepmother, Margaret. He's very close with both his half-sisters, Anne and Lucretia. Margaret is a very proper, sweet, and caring lady. She's known Derrick since he was seven and has loved that boy like he was her own. Lucretia is somewhat in her angsty teenager phase, but she's very sweet and takes after her father's extroversion. Anne is much more introverted but just as kind as her sister. She really looks up to Derrick, though she'd never admit it. Information about Atticus, his dad, and Mundir, his uncle, can be found in the Important Characters post.
Talia - She has no siblings, only her parents, with whom she's very close. Her father, Fabian, and her mother, Anneliese, both work in the church, though Fabian is a regular shmegular priest and Anneliese is a healer. Both parents are caring and affectionate, but aimed to let Talia live as freely as she wished outside of her teachings. She had no siblings, but the other kids that were raised in the church are like family to her. Her parents are very open people and are rarely even slightly worked up over anything, and they could only wish Talia had this trait as well.
Alex - They're amicable with their parents and close with their siblings, besides their oldest sister, Selene. Their father, Heinrich, is a fisherman and their mother, Steliana, is a scrivener. They never built that close of a relationship with their parents due to how busy their schedules were, so they grew closer with their siblings as a result. They have four other siblings, including Selene, with them being the second youngest. In order of age: Selene, Vera, Simon, Alex, and Anghel. All of their siblings remained back home, or, at least, close to their parents.
Z - Z, like Talia, is also an only child, but they're quite distant with their parents. Leopold, like in many of his other pursuits, treats Z like an extension of himself and wants them to follow his every move, even though they're obviously disinterested. Rebecca is colder than her husband, but she's always tried to coddle Z despite her failing attempts later in their life. I will reveal that they had a lonely upbringing and they continue to feel that way now.
Lastly, can you share more about MCs family?
I was waiting for someone to ask this lol.
Cyprian is your annoying, but doting, brother and the new king. He's naturally a nervous fellow but hides it under many layers of false confidence. He cares deeply for everyone in his life, maybe a little too much with how hesitant he is to break some ties. Despite this, there are ways to decrease your relationship with him, but I wouldn't recommend lmao.
Stefan is your similarly anxious father, but he actually shows it unlike Cyprian. He was a very good king, leaving your brother with some big shoes to fill, but he's never pressured you two to be anything but yourselves. He's kind to practically everyone, but he's especially sweet with his family. Even so, he can and will enforce rules and discipline unto you should you need it.
Mirela is your distant and relatively stuck-up mother. She married into the royal family and she's been blinded by the wealth and luxury of her new life. She's never been particularly affectionate with neither her kids nor her husband, preferring to retreat and do her own thing. She's sterner than your father and has always encouraged you to act first and think later, lest you let an opportunity fall through your fingers.
The very man aiming to take down your family. You'd be lying if you said you knew anything about him beyond rumors, but there's no doubting how close he is- or, rather, was- to your father. Times have changed though, and what was once a close alliance is now chasmed due to his own actions.
Atticus Bracht
Derrick's father and a surprisingly mellow man in comparison. You've known him since you were a child, and he's almost always seen with a grin on his face. He's guilty his actions as a young man led to Derrick's ignominy when it should be him instead, but he's always seemed more than nervous to face the other nobles that disapprove of his son's illegitimacy.
Ewan/Elvira Chevalier
Your lord/lady-in-waiting and a close friend since they were appointed to you six years ago. They're quick to gossip and always come to you to spill the details, as their husband refuses to listen to their spiels. They care deeply for you and those they've grown close to, and are always there to assuage your worries.
Arina Falkner
An elderly woman who served as your parents' royal advisor. She's since stepped down, allowing you to take the role, but she's never been shy of voicing her opinions. Having been a close friend of your grandfather, she took care of you and your brother as children when your parents weren't able, and will always have your back should you need her.
Mundir Al-Maghrabi
He's Derrick's uncle, and was always the quickest to defend the boy's honor. You'd met him a few times and he always carried himself with an undeniable charm, but there was something sinister beneath the surface. Even though his death was unfortunate for not only the family, but his ministry as well, you can't deny the fact that it may have been timely.
Please ignore this if I've already sent it but Okay so how what would the ROs reaction to MC being asked out in front of them be..? (crushing stage vs. relationship stage)
Say we are at a royal ball or something 👀
Also very much debating between shutting my face and getting all my questions out. I'm so fascinated by this I have alot to say but I also don't wna clog your inbox 🤦🏻♀️
Please get all your questions out if you’d like, I’d love to answer them!
Derrick - [Crushing] He finds his eyes periodically drifting to you, the sheriff’s attempts at conversation ignored as he spots the noble sidling up to you. Their name doesn’t fully register in his mind, but he’s fairly sure they’re not a pleasure to be around. His grip on his cup tightens as they strike up a conversation with you and, much to his chagrin, you reply in kind. He urges himself to look away and back to the sheriff beside him.
[Relationship] He knew he shouldn’t have left your side the moment he sees your admirer. He stalks toward you, mumbling some choice words as he does. Lucky for him, others are quick to get out of his way. When he’s finally beside you once more, he slips an arm around your waist and fixes the guilty party with a glare. They quickly wither under his stare and depart without another word. “Sorry about that,” he whispers and gives you a wry smile.
Talia - [Crushing] She quickly looks away from you as you’re approached by a noble. She could see it in their eyes what their intentions behind the conversation were, and she thinks for a moment if they’ll truly earn your heart. She overhears bits and pieces of your conversation, and is desperately trying to hide her smile when you send them on their way.
[Relationship] She smiles despite herself before coming back to you. “I’m afraid they’re already taken,” she says, as polite as she can be, and slips a glass into their hand. “I’d be glad to point you to someone who isn’t, though.” The noble looks between you and Talia, decidedly dumbfounded before making their way back to the group they departed from. She leans in to press a chaste kiss to your cheek. “At least they backed away, hm?” she mumbles.
Alex - [Crushing] “Godfrey, eyeing the prin(ce)(ss) again?” The deputy slaps a hand onto their shoulder, one they’re quick to shake off. They don’t respond to the man’s teasing, instead keeping their eyes locked on you and the rather snarky noble that’s cemented themself at your side. When the person’s intentions become clear, they shoot from their position and come over to you. Because they’re supposed to protect you, of course. No other reason.
[Relationship] They laugh awkwardly, shifting at your side when you’re faced with the confident flirting. It’s honestly commendable the poor soul hasn’t picked up on any hints you two have given them. “The spot’s filled,” they grumble the second the noble asks you if you’re free. Their offended expression almost makes Alex smile, but they hold back. “I think you should move along, mate.” They chuckle softly as the noble stomps away from you two, careful not to make it known it’s them they’re laughing at.
Z - [Crushing] They get to your side a moment before the other could and immediately make a show of speaking with you. You spot the noble sneering at them over their shoulder, a look you know they can sense given their smirk. “They looked like they wanted to bother you, thought I’d step in instead.” They usher you away from the noble- who still seems deeply bothered by the situation- with a hand on the small of your back.
[Relationship] They come up behind the person just as they begin to ask you a few too many personal questions, their pale hand sliding slowly over the noble’s shoulder. “Don’t you know they’ve already been wooed by someone else?” They gasp, holding their free hand to their heart. After a moment, they push the noble away and rub their hands on their skirt/trousers. “If you’d like to keep it in the family, I’m fairly positive the king is not in a relationship of any kind.”
I just saw your reply about Alex and the fact that sleeping with a fellow soldier being illegal. Is that just because they don't want relationships in their ranks regardless of gender or is it because of the same sex aspect?
Also on that note as someone that usually romances mainly male ROs as a male MC. How does the kingdom as a whole regard same sex relationships? Should I get ready to fight some people??
Relationships among soldiers are not allowed regardless of gender. It’s thought that it’ll throw soldiers off-kilter and mess up a group’s ability if something ends up going badly in the relationship. Better to be safe than sorry.
Same-sex relationships are readily accepted in Sorawain, so no worries there! It’s class that’s usually an issue in lol.
