Defiled Hearts: The Barbarian, an interactive fiction WIP
genres: romance, historical fiction, low fantasy, dark
A story about love and revenge set in Ancient Rome.
Play the alpha version of the game here
Please note that the game is intended for mature audience only (18+). Please also note that this is a work in progress, which means that things are to be edited later and I'm looking for any constructive feedback you might have.
The public demo is about 270k words long, excluding the code. The closed alpha demo on Patreon is around 370k words long (the closed alpha is a direct continuation of the game, it starts where the public demo ended). In full, the story is 640k words long now.
Last updated on May 31st 2026 (Patreon demo). Last public update June 10th 2026.
You are one of the last surviving members of your tribe destroyed by the Romans. As the last remaining druid of your religion, it is your duty to make things right. In a desperate search for vengeance you enlist into the Legion under a fake name and a made up past. You were supposed to be dead, but now you are an Auxiliary of Rome - a foreigner fighting for the might of the Empire. You’re alone, surrounded by enemies. Also, there's a foreign voice in your head, urging you to kill. Is it your deity, or something else entirely?
Will you find love in the last place you thought possible?
Customize your main character: choose your sex, gender, and sexuality.
There are 5 romanceable characters: an arrogant Centurion who killed your father, a rude noblewoman, a protective Tribune, and a gentle merchant. And, of course, your childhood friend (who seems somewhat... changed?)
dhtb, defiled hearts, defiled hearts: the barbarian
Forum
Pinterest (visual reference board for the ROs, architecture, arts, aesthetics etc.)
Patreon
Cover art made by the talented sietio_art.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy!
If you have any questions, please check the FAQ post first. Thank you!
Please note that this is in alpha state which means that it will be heavily altered in the beta testing phase.
