#fableforge

[fableforger]

I Give Up (for real this time)

Honestly… that’s where I’m at.

Creating this project has been an incredible experience - joyful, exhausting, transformative. But also, truthfully, a difficult one. I know this might come as a bit of a surprise. Yet I learned something personal today; something that made me question my priorities and my well-being, and realize that maybe I’m simply not made to share parts of myself so openly.

I also want to address something that’s been discussed in a few places online. The use of AI - I know it’s something many people find unacceptable, even deeply upsetting. And that’s valid. Most of the comments about it have been respectful, but ... some were not. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t get to me.

And the truth is… I don’t have much energy I have left to keep this project alive while facing that kind of backlash. I can take criticism, but I’m not built for big arguments. But please don’t misunderstand me - I’ve also seen every kind message, every bit of encouragement, every person who felt something through this story.

And I want to thank a few people in particular. One playtester - who stood by me from the very first test of Chapter 4, and who has already taken a look at parts of Chapter 5. You know who you are. And another person, who offered to help with fanart - you also know who you are. I won’t name names, because I don’t know if you’d want that, but… thank you. Truly.

At the end of the day, this was always a hobby. Yes, I made a Patreon page. Maybe because I wanted to feel like I belonged to a space I’ve loved for so long. I’ve adored Choice of Games titles for decades. I’m not the youngest anymore, and I’m not a native speaker.

I write everything myself. The only thing I’ve ever used AI for is translation, coding, and a bit of help with phrasing things idiomatically. That’s the truth, and I’ve never hidden it. Maybe some of those translations carried patterns people found too “AI-like,” and I understand why that upset them. It’s fair. But please know this story - all of it - came from me. From my own thoughts, my own heart. Every idea, every scene, every character.

I think the hardest part is admitting that I’m just… not built for this kind of exposure. I’m a people pleaser. I try to see the good in everything (or maybe just want others to see the good in me) and to make everyone happy. But I can see now that, even without meaning to, I angered people. I stepped on toes. Some felt personally offended by how this project came to be, or by the tools I chose to use. And I'm sorry about that. And so I’m pulling the plug.

I’ll delete my Patreon in a few days. I’ve already refunded everyone who subscribed in the last few days (just as I’ve always offered to previous subscribers as well). And I want to be clear - I never wanted to make a real profit from this. Not then, not now, not ever. I have a full-time job, a full life outside of this. I only wanted to create something people could talk about with me while we waited for the next big stories to come out.

So I’ll upload everything I have right now. Chapter 4 is finished. Chapter 5 is almost there - some routes are still missing, and I’m sorry to those who were looking forward to them. The demo will be set to private. You can find the link to the (private) game at the very bottom, in case anyone still wants to read it and see where the story was heading, even if it’s unfinished for now. But I don’t want to draw in new people or promote it any further. This is just for those who already cared enough to get invested.

I hope you’ll still be able to see, through Chapter 4 and most of Chapter 5, where I wanted the story to go and maybe, despite everything, that you can still enjoy it for what it is. I think I’ll keep writing privately, for myself for now, and perhaps one day share it again with those who wish to see where it leads.

I know this probably feels strange - especially after I just announced the update yesterday. But that’s life, isn’t it? Messy. Human. Sometimes you think you can handle the storm until you realize it’s been wearing you down grain by grain.

It’s nerve-racking for someone like me. I honestly thought I could take it. But it turns out I was wrong and that’s on me. I know I’ve disappointed people now, which feels even worse...

And please know, I never once claimed to be an author, or the next great writer, or anything close to that. I never tried to make a living out of this. I only ever wanted to create something I could share.

I want to express my deepest respect to every writer or artist or creator who puts their work out there and faces public judgment. It’s brave beyond words. It’s terrifying, draining, and it makes you vulnerable in ways most people will never see.

I’ve neglected parts of my real life for this project. Pieces of my world outside the screen. And maybe I’m just not very good at keeping “real life” and “online life” apart, no matter how much I’d like to believe otherwise.

So yes, this message probably feels unexpected. But if you’ve read this far - thank you.

Thank you to everyone who supported me. Thank you to everyone who cared enough to read. I hope you don’t feel betrayed. I hope I was honest enough with you.

When you share something with the world, there will always be people who dislike it and others who love it. But I’ve learned that I simply don’t have the tools to cope with the former.

I didn’t know that about myself until now.

So once more - thank you. To this community, to everyone who took part in this journey. Over the next few days, I’ll quietly disappear. At the end of the day, no matter what I decide, I’ll never be able to please everyone - so this time, I have to choose to please myself. God, reading this back it sounds like a self-pity party sprinkled with justifications... But that’s not what I mean. Please don’t take it that way. I’m leaving with something I’ve learned about myself. And I’ve felt wonderful emotions through all of this. I’ve had conversations I’ll remember, spoken with people who cared, and shared pieces of a story that meant something to me. And that, in its own way, is exactly what I’d hoped for.

Link

[fableforger]

If you're receiving negative asks about using AI, simply stop allowing anonymous asks. 99% of this problem will be solved. (And don't allow DMs from strangers)

But don't use that as an excuse for the fact that you were never going to finish this game (not really) and you deceived all your followers, stealing money from those players who helped you on Patreon. These "authors" ALWAYS came up with the lie that their computer exploded, to the point that it became OBVIOUS that several of them were lying (although some were telling the truth). Now the new lie they're ALWAYS using is the anonymous asks (Obviously, there are several real cases among this bunch of liars!)

I'm tired of this bullshit of an "author" starting an IF game, creating a Patreon, getting a ton of money from those who believed in them, and then simply deleting the game... Or worse, they wouldn't delete the game and, instead of writing the main game, would keep making endless drabbles for Patreon for YEARS. At first, "I didn't care about it", but when it started happening more and more and more and more and more... This month alone, 3 IFs were deleted; including yours, that makes 4 (Two of the "authors" didn't even try to explain themselves; they simply deleted their games or disappeared. Both had Patreon accounts.). And of course, one of them used the excuse that their computer exploded without providing any proof.

I wasn't going to send this ask, but I ended up sending it because I simply lost patience with this IF community. I'm simply going to do what I learned from "authors" like George Martin. Never follow an "author" who doesn't provide updates about their game or, worse, makes players pay for them (I'm not saying this is your case, I'm speaking generally!!!). Never follow an "author" who starts making one excuse after another for why they aren't writing the game. Never follow an "author" who, instead of writing the game, only writes endless drabbles for years (I know an IF that's like that and it hurt when I realized that game was never going to be released). Never give them money on Patreon unless the author truly deserves it.

I recommend that all other players do this so they won't be disappointed anymore with this IF community. One of these 4 IFs is one that looked like it was going to be REALLY cool, but it seems like it will soon be deleted as well.

Fableforger was also very cool, but now this has happened. Again, I wasn't going to send this ask, but I'm tired of it. I'm going to follow my own advice so I don't get disappointed again.

Hey, I completely understand your frustration. I really do. But - without meaning any disrespect - I think writing it to me might’ve been a little… insensitive. I understand that you felt like you needed to let your frustrations out, but after what I’d written, you probably knew that I wouldn’t be in the best place to handle a message like that. Now, I won’t respond to most of your points (not because I don’t care, but because I don’t have the energy for debates or lengthy justifications right now.)

Still, there’s one thing I seem to have worded poorly, and I want to make it absolutely clear:

I’m not stopping writing the story. I’m just stepping back from promoting it and sharing it publicly.

Over the past few days, I’ve realized just how many people have found something genuinely meaningful in this story and that means the world to me. So yes, I’ll keep updating and even sharing the game, just not openly anymore. It’ll stay private, but everyone who’s already here and truly cares about it (and enjoys it for what it is) will always have access to the link.

The messages I’ve received these past days honestly moved me to tears, and I’m still slowly replying to each one. Everyone who’s written to me will get the link (if they want to and don’t already have it), and I’ll let them know whenever I update.

What I won’t be doing anymore: no promotion, no Patreon, no devlogs, no romance asks, no Tumblr. The only way to reach me is through the email address ([email protected]) and updates will take as long as they need to without me feeling guilty about it.

I genuinely think this is a good solution for everyone involved, because this way, no one will come across the game unless they truly want to and there's also no money involved on any level. And this way, it also feels more like what it was always meant to be: a hobby project for me and friends.

Over the next few days, I’ll be replying to all the messages you’ve sent me. I just want to say that you’re all absolute angels for taking the time to reach out. I’m genuinely so grateful that each of you exists. You’re wonderful.

[fableforger]

It's me again, sorry for sending several asks at once, I just wanted to make sure you read my apology.

I am very sorry for what I said, I shouldn't have said those things, it was awful. I'm going to pretend that original ask doesn't exist because I'm too embarrassed about it.

If I could go back in time and not write it, I would.

Hey, I’m really glad you reached out again. I saw all your messages. I understand that you regret how things came across, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to say so. I absolutely accept your apology. We all misstep sometimes, especially when emotions run high.

There’s no need to dwell on it and it’s all in the past. I do hope you’ll understand, though, that I decided to keep the original ask public, since it gave me the chance to explain that the game isn’t gone or abandoned - just private from now on.

You too are always welcome to send me an email, and I’ll be happy to share the private link with you if you’d like to keep reading.

Wishing you all the very best, regardless of anything. 💛

[fableforger]

How would the cast react if MC told them they love them while drunk (either just I love you or like where they list every little thing about RO that made MC fall for them) and then forgot about it in the morning?

Ahh, what a beautifully cruel scenario - thank you for this 😌

It’s hard to say too much without spoiling things I might still want to include in the story, so I’ll keep it vague - but maybe that makes it even more fun:

Beware: Since this is a RO-related ask, there may be minor spoilers ahead. Please keep scrolling if you’d prefer to stay unspoiled.

..............................................................................................................................

Drakon

He’s amused at first - until he realizes you forgot.

Then he’s even more amused.

Alexos / Alexa

It breaks something open - and the next morning, something in them quietly closes again.

Rhaelos / Rhaela

They hold your words like a vow… and never mention them again.

Not even once.

Zephiron / Zephyra

Laughs it off - but there’s a pause, just a flicker of annoyance, when you don’t remember.

Dorian / Dione

Speechless - and almost glad when you forget.

That means they can try to forget too.

Even though they never will.

Theron / Thera

They blush so hard they forget to breathe - and when you forget, it leaves a quiet, rooted kind of sadness behind.

???

She writes it down. Every single word.

Tucks it away like treasure you might remember giving her, someday.

She doesn’t care that you forgot.

Because she knows you meant it.

[fableforger]

Idk if this been asked. 😅

But how are the Ro's with kids, and do they want any?

Ahh no worries - you’re not repeating anything, this actually hasn’t been asked before! 😊

That said, it’s a question I genuinely find a little hard to answer right now.

We’re still at the very beginning of the story, and while I do have a general sense of where things might end for each RO… that part is still very far in the future.

We’re talking epilogue-level far.

So for now, forgive me when I can only give you how they feel about children in general, at this point in the story:

Beware: Since this is a RO-related ask, there may be minor spoilers ahead. Please keep scrolling if you’d prefer to stay unspoiled.

..............................................................................................................................

Drakon

Tolerates them. Barely. Mostly avoids them - unless they’re unusually bold. Then he gets curious. And somewhere, very deep down, he probably has a soft spot. But don’t expect him to admit it. Ever.

---

Alexos / Alexa

Deeply respectful. Treats them like tiny soldiers with too-big hearts. Like themselves (except the tiny part).

---

Rhaelos / Rhaela

Quietly protective. Watches from a distance - but always notices if one’s in trouble.

---

Zephiron / Zephyra

Finds them mildly annoying, but kind of fascinating. Mostly because they’re pure, unfiltered chaos.

---

Dorian / Dione

Keeps their distance. Says they’re “not a kid person,” but secretly knows they’d never let one come to harm.

---

Theron / Thera

Softens instantly. Has a quiet patience that makes small children instinctively trust them. Also loves interacting with them.

---

???

Loves them. Talks to them like they’re the most interesting people in the world - and genuinely believes it.

[fableforger]

Thank you so much for all the responses to this 👉🏻 poll - it's really great to see how many of you are interested in regular updates!

That said… there were also quite a few people who picked the “just tell me when it drops” option (and not just, like, two or three), and - call it my own lingering sense of posting guilt (I honestly don’t know why I have it, but it’s real 🙈😅) - I already sometimes feel like I’m spamming you all a bit here.

So starting now, I’ll be posting a small dev update once a week or every other week over on 👉🏻 Patreon - and it’ll be completely free to read, no matter whether you’re subscribed or not. (Paid tiers are still paused.)

Here’s my thinking behind it:

I’d like to create a gentle divide between platforms.

Tumblr will stay the space for Ask responses and general update announcements - especially for those of you who follow lots of IFs and mainly want to be notified when something new drops.

Patreon, on the other hand, will become the space for anyone who’s a little more curious about how EoO is progressing behind the scenes. 😊 (Again: totally free to read. No paywall. No catch.)

I really like the idea of giving you a clearer sense of where I’m at - even during weeks when I might not be answering as many Asks.

Some weeks might come with bigger writing milestones, others might just be me saying “still here, still working on everything - life’s just been busy.”

But either way, you’ll know the project’s alive and moving forward, even if (sometimes) slowly.

So if you're someone who enjoys those small glimpses into the process, you’re warmly invited to follow along over there.

If not - that’s completely fine too! You’ll still hear when big things drop, right here.

I hope that rounds everything out nicely - and I’m really excited for what’s coming next.

💛

[fableforger]

Oop, it lowkey feels strange to be back in this box after being perceived by you outside of it 🫣

But I have returned with another ask! What animals would you use to represent the ros?

Ahh Kuura. I’ll gladly perceive you in or outside the box - your messages are always welcome. 🫶 But officially: welcome back to the Ask Box. ☺️

As for animals that reflect the ROs… here’s what I’d say:

Beware: Since this is a RO-related ask, there may be minor spoilers ahead. Please keep scrolling if you’d prefer to stay unspoiled.

..............................................................................................................................

Alexos/Alexa – Horse Steady, powerful, built for endurance. Deeply loyal once bonded - and always aware of the weight they carry.

---

Rhaelos/Rhaela – Falcon Precise. Patient. Strikes only when necessary. Carries sharp insight and sharp talons in equal measure.

---

Zephiron/Zephyra – Dolphin Intelligent, playful, deeply social. Can be gentle one moment and terrifyingly efficient the next.

---

Dorian/Dione – Fox Clever, elusive, elegant. Moves through shadow and starlight with equal grace. May or may not steal your food and your heart.

---

Theron/Thera – Wolf Quiet strength. Loyalty in silence. Protective without dominance. Always watching - always listening.

---

Drakon – Lion Pride, power, raw heat. You feel him when he enters a room. You don’t forget him when he leaves.

---

??? – Rabbit Bright, fast, endlessly curious. Can’t sit still for long - but when she’s close, you feel warm and a little breathless.

[fableforger]

Will the MC's domain have influence over the plot in things other than scenes where they specifically utilize their powers? Such as, the reaction and/or consequences of leashing the power of The God/ess of Unleashed Power? 👀

Thank you for the ask! ☺️ The short answer is: yes - but not in a way that changes the whole story.

Your domain affects dialogue options, certain choices, and how others respond to the MC. So you’ll definitely feel its presence outside of just using powers.

But the core storyline stays the same - your domain mostly shapes how you move through it, not what happens.