Mark of Distinction

Development blog for Mark of Distinction, a work-in-progress visual novel🥀

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I’ve been steadily chipping away at the prologue of MoD! Currently working on the gardener intro, one of three possible positions at Greyling House to choose from.

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questions or prompts: i originally meant this for Quent but: What would each character read, a place they would read it, and a snack they would have while reading?

I’ll answer for Quent since you mentioned him specifically! I’ll probably have to restrict myself to the ROs if people ask me a general question about the characters so if you want to know about Quent or Roche, mention them in the ask 👍 !

Eloquent reads a lot of academic texts - the more obscure, the better. He’ll stray into what is generally considered unscientific too, something his fellow scholars are more than happy to sneer at. He usually takes a table in the library for easy access to reference material, but will find an alcove elsewhere if the whispering gets too bothersome - balancing stacks of paper and a mandatory cup of coffee. He’s definitely one of those people who are sustained by caffeine.

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Feel free to send me questions or prompts regarding the characters here, by the way! It’ll help me develop them and of course let you get to know them better.

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(Romance option)

For all his years and, presumably, experience, Master Greyling has not yet learned the ancient art of small talk. Both servants and those of similar status to his are addressed with all the curtness of a man who has been gravely offended - but by what, or whom, they cannot know. Any and all attempts to close the distance are sharply rebuffed, be they physical or emotional.

Greyling can often be found observing the old wisteria tree fanning its branches over the House’s expansive garden.

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(Romance option)

A far removed relative of Master Greyling, Lark is, in theory, Selène’s greatest competition. Were it not for their ironclad reticence, the weight of the gold at their back could have won them any prize - and still might. Painful, awkward and torturous is how Lark sees it all, hiding in their rooms whenever they can get away with it. A shame, really, since a lovely creature in gossamer silk has been spotted close-by nearly every night.

Lark has an eye for detail, and a woefully uncooperative tongue.

[oooocleo]

Can you tell us more about the game? And the characters?

Yes!

The story is set at Greyling House and its surrounding grounds, where a grand event is being held to maintain current and foster new bonds between various noble families. It's an old tradition - every four years the lunisolar calender's leap month is spent schmoozing, flattering, plotting and scheming for advantage. Some are experts at this, some amateurs, some resign themselves to be pawns.

MC's employer, Master Greyling himself, leaves much of the organizing to subtle Roche and other aides. His name makes him very eligible (and why he had the honour of being chosen as host) but he's distant and uninterested when it comes to suitors.

Selène, Lark and Eloquent were all invited to join the fray and display varying aptitudes and engagement in the goings-on. The Dauphine is a natural, though she never seems to find a worthy match. Lark, distantly related to Master Greyling, seems an odd and reserved target for the lavish attentions they receive. Eloquent's wears his first foray into the wolves' den of noble society like a rich pelt, though he is treated with ambivalence.

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(Romance option)

Certain things are required of a Dauphine: poise, condescension, presentation, and perfection above all. Little Selène had always found herself well-suited to these qualities, waving her scepter over the all too willing to obey from the moment court set their sights on her. Taller now, with endless flatterers twirling about her ankles, she finds herself ravenous for the next eager morsel to snap up.

Selène writes, and writes, and writes on prettily perfumed stationery - what, and to whom, she’s sure to keep to herself.

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Hired as an aide-of-sorts long before your employment by Master Greyling, Roche seems to be the only person trusted with all the secrets of the house. Her own - secrets that is, for ‘Roche’ does not come up in any books of heraldry - are worn on her chest, beckoning to all who find themselves intrigued by the diamond-shaped scar there.

Roche is an avid collector of cufflinks. Her messenger bird of choice is a magpie.

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The Harlowe history is muddy despite its brevity. An old document, a lump sum, a promise - that is what raised the name from obscurity some months prior to Quent’s coming-of-age, at least according to their detractors. Quent pays no mind to his father’s domain of petty squabbles, preferring to pursue his interests in the scholarly fields where he pushes the boundaries of conventional theory.

Quent enjoys bitter coffee and butterflies.