The Unhinged Waffle🧇

Just some writers fandom blog

[unhingedwaffles]

Have you ever looked at a game like "This is beautiful and precious and it will absolutely ruin me." Because that's me with The Soul Stone War series. Just chefs kiss all around. If you enjoy Interactive Fiction primarily built around relationships with characters and kicking ass, the SSW series is for you.

Also, there's enemies to lovers. Come on.

[wiz-writes]

Magic comes with a price. That is an inevitability every mage has to face. But when you lose your powers in a freak accident, you are certain that the price has been paid in full. You settle down in the peaceful countryside, far away from any conflicts or conspiracies, all the while focusing on your recovery. And for two years, your life is quiet. Until an untimely visit thrusts your fate into a stranger’s hands and you are forced to embark on one last journey to save yourself and your family. Yet the secrets you uncover might very well bring about your downfall, as well as the undoing of everyone in Waledria. The Withering approaches. Will you make it before you lose yourself?

Aesemyr: The Withering (previously named A Rhapsody in Blue) is a fantasy IF game with a focus on story and characters, with some elements of romance and adventure. It’s planned to be a two-part series.

Play as a man, woman or non-binary.

Customise your appearance and shape your personality.

Follow the teachings of a specialised Way and gain access to different skill sets.

Find romance with one of the five ROs; or choose to stay as friends.

Set off on a journey that will bring you closer to the truth about the accident that nearly cost you your life.

Unearth a secret that might mean the end of the kingdom you call home.

Be devoured from within; or fight till the last breath.

Welcome to Lyyra, a kingdom where magic means innovation. As the leading force in the acquisition of Ruun - a natural source of magical energy - Lyyra has thrived for almost a century now. Being the foundation upon which the kingdom continues to build, it comes as a great honour to be born as Ruun-touched. These so-called mages are able to manipulate and shape the magical energies that criss-cross the world around them. You are one such person. Trained by the prestigious Academy, a place of wisdom and learning, you are part of one of many teams tasked with protecting the citizens, as well as Lyyra's interests. However, when you find yourself caught in a devastating explosion, your old life is torn away from you as you are stripped of the very essence of your being - your magic. For two years, you stay in a small town called Helys, focusing on recovery and figuring out your life; that is, until the peace and quiet is interrupted by an unexpected visitor. What follows is a series of events that no one could have predicted. Your life hangs in the balance once more as you struggle on the path you were set upon by others. The secrets that come to light bring nothing but ill tidings, both for yourself and the kingdom; and as tensions rise to a boiling point, you are caught in the middle of it all with only a few trusted allies by your side. However, the worst is yet to come.

DEMO

COG FORUMS | KO-FI

Romance Options

There are altogether 5 ROs so far: one female, one male, two gender-selectable and the last one is unfortunately a bit spoilery ;)

Valia Kainen (F, 28)

You’ve known Valia for more than a decade now. Having met while studying at the Academy, she has always been a quick study and a diligent learner. Hence it is no surprise that she has risen through the ranks to the position of the Academy’s Headmistress at a much younger age than most of her predecessors. This is often attributed to both her exceptional skills and ruthlessness - her cold exterior only adding to her reputation. In spite of all that, she is mainly driven by her love for her friends and family and she makes quick work of anyone who dares hurt them.

While she’s no longer the girl you used to know, some things still remain the same; her dislike of you being one of them.

Appearance: Average height and athletic build. Shorter light brown hair that barely touches her chin. Light green eyes. Permanently set jaw and furrowed brows. A small scar across the left eyebrow. Tanned skin.

Lucenis Yu Jie Veldari (M, 32)

A popular poet and the younger brother of the current king of Lyyra, Lucenis tends to keep his distance from the affairs of the royal court. In the past year, he has seemingly withdrawn from the public eye as well, though that doesn’t appear to dim the love the general populace has for him. He is well-known for his gentle nature, soothing voice and willingness to help those in need - be it an unfortunate soul or a struggling researcher. Throughout the years, numerous rumours have emerged, about both him and his mother; none have ever been proven true.

He is a good friend of your brother and Valia, the three of them often seen together in the city.

Appearance: Tall and lean build. Long dark brown hair that reaches to his mid-back and that usually frames his face as he keeps it loose. Black eyes and warm beige skin with a sickly pallor.

Tevshedi “Tev” Zanue (F/M, 36)

Tev has been a mercenary since a young age. They have travelled around the world in search of work for many years and that has not only hardened them, but also turned them into a fierce warrior. Not too long ago, however, they left that life behind, instead applying for the position of Lucenis’ personal bodyguard. Good humoured and loyal to a fault, they often joke that they are not paid enough for keeping the man safe, especially from himself. But even so, they seem to be enjoying their new life in the royal palace, as adaptability and being able to handle unexpected situations is something they excel at.

Their amiable personality has helped them in establishing various connections among both the common folk and nobility. This has allowed them to build a vast information-gathering network without any interference.

Appearance: On the taller side with a muscular build. Short black hair, coiled. Brown eyes. Dark brown skin. Has a rather nasty scar travelling from their collarbone to their chin.

Cerin Melista (F/M, 25)

Cerin is a part-time librarian in one of the capital’s largest public libraries. At the same time, they are also finishing up their studies to officially become a professor of history at the most prestigious university in Lyyra. They are a passionate collector of ancient tomes and relics, often going to great lengths to acquire them. Despite their popularity among their students, they are usually feared or shunned by the more superstitious folk - their heterochromatic eyes being seen as an ill omen in many places. However, that doesn’t seem to dampen their spirit, their outgoing personality and boundless enthusiasm being the proof of that.

Yet there is an unsettling presence about them, something in the sharpness of their gaze, as if they can see straight into your soul.

Appearance: Average height and slim build. Shoulder-length red hair kept in a messy ponytail. Heterochromatic eyes – one is a striking blue, one hazel. A smattering of freckles across the cheeks. Fair skin.

Other characters & teammates:

MC’s twin brother (28)

Your younger twin brother, by two minutes. Raised by your father, you both joined the Academy at the age of fourteen when your magic manifested. Since then, you started growing apart as you decided to pursue different fields of study. Unlike you, he chose the path of research, rather than combat; he is quite well known in his circles, mainly for his study of Ruun in connection to translocation.

Appearance: Similar to the MC. Short hair, brushing his ears. Very dark circles underneath his eyes. Faint smile lines around his mouth.

Captain Kal Poita (42)

The captain of your team and someone you could always depend on. Your group is like a family to him and he is very protective of you all, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.

Appearance: Average height, broad shouldered. Close-cropped brown hair. Light brown eyes. Tanned skin. Various small scars on his hands and arms, a scar across the corner of his mouth.

Vera Harwe (29)

Charismatic and always up to no good, Vera liked you from the moment she met you. While she regrets choosing this path in her life and often talks about retiring, she would never abandon any of you.

Appearance: Average height, lean build. Short blond hair, falling into her eyes. Light blue eyes. Fair skin.

Ash Riven (30)

Reckless and seemingly without any regard for their own life, the fun-loving Ash participates in most of Vera’s escapades; except for those that involve too many people, as they tend to shy away from larger crowds and strangers.

Appearance: Tall and lanky. Shoulder-length white hair, kept in a ponytail when needed. Stormy grey eyes. Sharp cheekbones. Very pale skin.

Delos Kyysta (29)

Delos, or “Del” as everyone calls him, is the quiet conscience of the group, with a careful and contemplative nature. Often at odds with Vera, he is all but fed up with the shenanigans his teammates think of.

Appearance: Average height, athletic build. Short curly black hair. Dark brown eyes. Olive skin.

[unhingedwaffles]

*Sighs* guess who found their new hyperfixation

[buried-in-stardust]

A Daoist priest flying over the water

[why-is-it-always-autumn]

You know what I don’t get?  When fanfic authors apologize for long chapters.  It’s like?  You gave me bonus content, for free, and you’re sorry about it?  Bruh.  I have already named my firstborn after you.  Dude.

[why-is-it-always-autumn]

You know what else I don’t get?  When they apologize for short updates.  It’s like: look at these new words I gave you!  Sorry I didn’t give you even more free words.  Bro, that’s at least two words that I did not have yesterday.  For free.  Dude.  Thank you.

[why-is-it-always-autumn]

And another thing: when people drop out of nowhere with a surprise update and then apologize for it taking a while.  Like, dude, I wasn’t expecting anything, and you gave me words.  I thought this fic was abandoned, but wait: there’s more.  You just popped in and reminded me that this is a Good Fic that I should probably reread.  You made my goshdarn day.

[why-is-it-always-autumn]

Basically fanfic writers are under no obligation to publish anything so when they do update it’s always a net positive because the story is longer now, and I have something to read, so thank you so much to everyone who writes fic at whatever pace or quantity they want.

[sandypuggames]

The Exquisite Corpse In Maggots' Keep by Sandy Pug Games, gomollusk

A Unique Branching Narrative Delve Into The Ichor-Black Darkness Of Maggots' Keep

We cannot lie to you, best beloved. Though you may avoid us, there is no escape.

We’re in the walls and behind your eyes. We carved every inch of these tunnels and we’ve seen all that goes on inside them. 

Centuries of cities and strangers and frightful, ugly sights. We’d spare you from it if we could, but then maybe you are the adventuring kind after all.

Just remember, no matter where you go, you belong to us. Whether you wait or whether you run, we will find you.

You’re in the Maggots’ Keep now. And that’s forever. 

We just launched a new book! THE EXQUISITE CORPSE IN MAGGOTS' KEEP Is a branching narrative gamebook, where your choices guide you deeper into the ichor-slick darkness of MAGGOTS KEEP. Written by over a dozen authors, and illustrated by the modern Goddess of Gloom, @jnbutlerart

[manonamora-if]

The Interactive Fiction DataBase - IFDB

What is the IFDB?

The IFDB, or Interactive Fiction DataBase, is a game catalogue, recommendation engine, and a platform to play games requiring an interpreter (to run the code).

As a catalogue, the IFDB is meant as a place to create a bibliography of IF games created throughout the years (over 12 thousands!), to leave a trace that these existed. It is maintained by its members. Anyone can join and add a listing or fix a mistake. You can also find listing for past IF competitions!

As a recommendation engine, the IFDB provides not only lists of the best-rated entries, but will show you games that you may enjoy based on the ones you've played/rated or what other members have played/rated. Entries are also categorised by tags, which are all searchable. Members are also able to create lists to recommende games they've enjoyed! Or leave reviews of those games too!

Finally, some games may require an interpreting engine to run. Those interpreters can be sometimes difficult to track down or to set up, especially for new players. The IFDB has a system that will allow you to play those games directly in your browser by clicking the button : Play Online (only available if the game has been uploaded through the IF Archive).

Why is the IFDB important?

The internet is a rapidly changing place. Preserving information is not only important for future generations, but can help current generations find information about what is happening now. Archiving creates a historical record of what the IF landscape looked like.

Along with the IF Archive (which archives IF games), the IFDB makes viewing the history of IF much easier to browse.

However, the IFDB lacks in many aspects. Not every IF community is aware of the database, which means many projects do not appear in this catalogue. While the IFDB has currently over 12k listings, the VNDB (the Visual Novel DataBase) has over 40k! The IFDB is also lacking in entries in languages other than English...

The IFDB accepts any listing for games, made in any program, as long as said game is an Interactive Fiction game and has had a playable version available somewhere at some point (so it accepts WIPs with demo).

Why create an IFDB page for your game?

Aside from being part of preserving the history of IF (which is the big thing), and be able to share your work to a different part of the community, the IFDB is a great place to get and leave long-form reviews for entries.

If your project was coded in a program that requires an interpreter, it is a great place to host your game without worrying about newer players having to find and set up an interpreter.

If you have been part of an IF competition, or received accolades for your project, this is also a good way to showcase those achievements.

Finally, the IFDB is also a point of reference for IF Awards like the XYZZY and the IFDB Awards.

How do you create an IFDB page?

/!\ Please check that the game listing you want to add has not been added first! /!\

To create an IFDB page, you need to set up an account and be logged in.

Then click on Add a Game Listing, on the right menu in the main page. You will get the following page:

(You should read through the Guidelines the first time you add a listing, they are located at the top of the page)

Though it looks long, there are only very few information required to create a page:

The title

The name(s) of the author(s)

It is recommended to fill in the date of first publication, development system (program used to code), language, IFID (if available) description of the game, and genre.

As for being able to play the game, you have two (non-exclusive) options:

list the URL of the website where the game is hosted

list the download URL of the game (can be done through the IF Archive, only if you are the author of the game!)

Note sure what something is? A description (or a link towards explanations) of what is expected is included for almost all items. You can also include information that is not listed in the drop-down case (like the System or language).

When you are happy with it, click Save changes.

You can also fix, edit, or delete information at any moment. You just need to click on the link Edit This Page at the bottom of the game page.

How do you add Ratings, Reviews and Game Suggestions ?

Logged in with your account, you have the possibility of leaving ratings and reviews on a game page. You can also help the IFDB algorithm by suggesting similar games to an entry.

The process is fairly straight-forward (clicking on the stars for the rating, clicking Review it for the review, and clicking Suggest similar games, for the suggestions). Thought you can find further explanations here, if you follow what the website is asking, you should not have any difficulty to complete the task !

If you review enough games, your name can end up on the main page!

How do I create a Competition Page?

Have you participated or organised an IF competition? Or are you cataloguing previous editions?

You can create a separate page for a Competition by clicking on Add a Competition Page on the right menu of the main page. You will then get the following page:

Then it is a matter of filling the different relevant items.

The Competition Page allows for divisions within competitions (e.g. : the EctoComp had 2 categories, made under 4h and over 4h) and, if needs be, ranking.

Important Note: the competition entries need to already be listed in the IFDB to be added to a competition page.

What are Lists and Polls?

Lists and Polls are two other tools that interact with game entries.

Lists, also called Recommendation Lists, are lists a member will curate with games they are recommending to other members or viewers of the IFDB. Some are general (like best game ever) while others are more specific (like games with an AI that is nice). They are akin to public collections on Itch.io.

Polls are... polls.

Note: If a game is included in a poll and/or a list, these will appear on the game's page.

~~~~

TLDR: create an account, help preserve the IF landscape by recording its history, review games too :P

If I missed something, or something is unclear, let me know so I can edit it!

[unhingedwaffles]

This is a check in for the people in the back who don't make OC's for Interactive fiction and just submit their reader inserts through constant angst, you guys doing okay? It's almost a week from TCW3 release, have we all recovered yet or 💀

[unhingedwaffles]

My friend just went through my gallery and was so confused lmao

Anybody else out here rocking hundreds of screenshots of TWC for no apparent reason other than because it makes us Feel Things TM?

[unhingedwaffles]

I understand being upset over people not enjoying or criticizing a piece of media you personally enjoy, but isn't it wild to tell people not to post their thoughts and criticisms of it where you can see when you're literally on an app that's built for that express purpose? I've seen quite a few posts criticizing people who don't have glowing opinions of TWC3 and yes as someone who personally loves the series and will continue supporting it, it's sometimes difficult to read through scathing criticism of it but people paid real tangible money that they worked for to pay for this product and they're unsatisfied with aspects of it, and while these people didn't enjoy TWC3 they will generally genuinely love the series, the world and the characters and they can be just as open about their thoughts as we are with ours

[unhingedwaffles]

TWC Incorrect Quotes

F: I've lost my phone

N, looking at F using their phones flashlight to search for their phone: I'll help you find it if you promise to start using coasters on my antiques

[unhingedwaffles]

Something that's never pointed out in TWC3 is just how often A will be physically/Verbally affectionate (Yes Verbally Affectionate is a thing we're A-mancers okay we take what we can get) in front of his teammates in front of god on a Tuesday. Like that's such a wild difference from the previous two books I'm surprised it's not brought up more asides from someone interrupting

[unhingedwaffles]

Soooo why wasn't there an option to remain a detective because 💀 my MC did not consent to going full time with the agency lmao

[unhingedwaffles]

Do we think that M would be really good at Easter egg hunts because of their hypersenses? Would those fancy cured egg yolks straight up just kill M because of the intensity? does anyone else think Death Via Umami is a pretty good way to go?

[unhingedwaffles]

TW: Rant and TWC Spoilers

Currently at that stage of the book three release where I'm obsessively replaying in order to see the dialogue lines I didn't choose in the first go round and ??? Can we all just acknowledge how terrible Unit Victor were to the detective in that one scene- like it's well established that word gets out and they probably know how she got into the agency in the first place but the cheek the nerve the audacity the gall the gumption to say to the detectives face that it's unfair that they were in a top team without going through training is wild to me.

The death of a kid, having your house invaded, being kidnapped, being used for human experimentation, having to sort out diplomatic relations with the ma-alused, getting chased through forests by a werewolf pack, getting the biggest bounty ever placed on your head, having people you care about be kidnapped, literally being constantly hunted down???

smh Ralf's a legend but everyone else just really left a bad taste in my mouh

[unhingedwaffles]

Did I just completely restart from Book 1 because I realized that I needed to go all in on specific stats to make good choices in book 3? Maybe lmao

I feel like for players who prefer to be more well rounded in terms of stats, Book 3 is a bit more difficult. I've failed three big choices already and it's really unsatisfying seeing my detective fail. It makes a lot of sense that since this is already book three the choices will be tougher, but from what I've seen so far the way the game is set up you just can't get satisfying results if your stats are below 70

[unhingedwaffles]

I'm working on getting a quote book together for book three, but for now let's all appreciate this:

"Maybe we should get A to thank the detective. Or maybe they'll just try, fail, and run away from their feelings yet again." -F

Bloody hell lmao F is a beast. Never get on their bad side 💀

[unhingedwaffles]

Okay I'm like 8 pages into book three but A has already held back expressing his concern for the detective's safety like four times. A-mancers, we're in for a wild ride lmao