LAST UPDATED: (PATREON - 4/10/2026) (PUBLIC- 4/18/2026)
PINTEREST PLAYLISTS
NEXT PUBLIC UPDATE: 7/27/2026
NEXT PATREON UPDATE: 7/7/2026
For as far back as your memory can stretch, you’ve been running the streets of Lower Cusmo, the underbelly of Hashind’s jewel of a capital city. In these dark corridors you have grown from a lowly locust, just another street child, into a full fledged thief belonging to a well established guild.
But things are shifting in the city. Guilds are going quiet and reemerging under new leadership, nobles are becoming more flagrant in their corruption under the eyes of a young king, and merchants tell harrowing stories of the unnatural beasts in the service of a ravenous empire.
You, now caught amidst the machinations of the city’s most influential and supernatural, must decide how you will act. The city, your honor, and your very life are all up for grabs.
Honor Amongst Thieves is a text-based fantasy interactive fiction game, full of political intrigue, romance, and of course thievery!
Synopsis
You play as a thief pressed into the employ of a mysterious nobleman. With your life, the fate of your guild, and your honor on the line, you'll have to navigate the perils of the royal court and combat a more mystical threat. The story is set in Cusmo, the naturally fortified, desert capital of Hashind, and will showcase the much praised Upper Cusmo, the crime-ridden Lower Cusmo, and much more.
Features
Protagonist customization allows for appearance, personality, and chosen skill set to all have an impact on the story. (You can even choose an area of thievery to be your specialty)
Relationships, both platonic and romantic, have a large impact on the game. There are currently eight potential love interests to choose from, as well as a host of character to befriend or offend.
Supernatural creatures that like to make deals.
Court schemes and political intrigue.
Feasts and other royal functions. (Be mindful of assassins, unless of course you are the assassin.)
The opportunity to literally rob someone blind.
Heists, pickpocketing, poisoning, assassinations and more!
Love Interests
Merikh
“You will live. You will live to see what you have raised. You will see the seed you have sown in full bloom. And you will fear.”–Merikh Labaton
The illegitimate son of the Noble Labaton family that presides over the Ibis Provence, he was sent off for military service. His meritorious service has granted him a newly created title and position in the royal court, though how much can be achieved with it is yet to be seen. With his new authority, newly acknowledged nobility, and ravenous ambition, he has strong armed multiple guilds and gangs into his employ.
Physical Description: In his early thirties, Merikh is tall, with lightly tanned skin, and pale blue, hooded eyes. His sandy brown hair is kept cut below the nape of his neck and has a slight wave to it. He is tight jawed with a heavy, usually furrowed brow, and a prominent aquiline nose. This along with a muscular and broad build, causes him to be a rather imposing presence. He’s slow to smile, but when he does he has startlingly white teeth and deep dimples. He dresses neatly and impeccably. His attire is practical, but always well made and expensive.
Laverna
“Do you ever worry that if someone truly knew you, that all of the love they thought they had for you would wither away to dust?” –Laverna Thandetes
Her beauty is like that of a droplet of dew desperately clinging onto a rose. Her hobbies are exactly what one would expect the most powerful courtier’s daughter to excel at. She reads, she dances, she is refined and held together, just as her father expects. Fabulously wealthy and of impeccable lineage, she is considered by many in court to be the prospective bride of the new king. Her father has great plans for her, but does she have any of her own?
Physical Description: In her early twenties, Laverna is petite with a soft build and large deep brown eyes that are framed with dark lashes. She has skin as dark as the night with a soft and open face, with high cheekbones, rounded cheeks, and full lips. She constrains her thick and coarsely curled hair in various complex braided styles, rarely leaving her hair unbound. She dresses as someone of her station should, dripping in opulence. Gold complements her better than silver so she wears it often.
Aretas
“I am not a young child that they can lead and sway as they please anymore. I am their king. Those that do not wish to be led by me will find themselves destroyed by me.” –Aretas Kauket
As a young king ruling over a young empire, he is profoundly overwhelmed. Despite having the intelligence and bearing to lead, he is still a novice at governing on this scale. Tasked with navigating hostile foreign relations and newly added territories to the kingdom, he has allowed the court to operate with relative impunity and his reliance on certain courtiers has led to an increase in corruption. He is a man of strategy and ambition, but sometimes his dreams of the future obscure his view of the present.
Physical Description: In his early twenties, Aretas is tall, with warm reddish brown skin, and brown heavy lidded but bright eyes. With a muscular but lean build and perfect posture, he stands always ready to take control of any situation. Shiny coiled hair frames his head like a halo, and he often has to twist it and tie it back to accommodate his crown. A smattering of dark freckles adorn his prominent nose and despite his strong jaw, his rounded cheeks betray his youth. He wears the royal attire and jewels for formal events, but privately prefers to dress very casually.
Sarai
"No I was not the Great King’s first wife, nor was I his last. And yet here I stand, the only one left among them. As the only queen. "–Sarai Kauket
The queen dowager, the last remaining wife of the deceased King, has groomed her son for the throne. She is devoted to helping him succeed, but critiques from nobility and officials have whittled down her public influence and have forced her to retreat from openly advising her son or exhibiting political power. An expert in court etiquette, as well as court machinations, it would be unwise to believe that she no longer wields any influence.
Physical Description: In her late thirties, she is average height but her noble bearing makes people feel as if she towers over them. She has rich brown skin and her, often furrowed, dark brows frame her sharp brown eyes. Her small but full lips are often pressed into a thin lineand her hair hangs heavily down her back, like an inky black curtain. She doesn’t wear the traditional attire expected of her station, instead she wears the royal fabrics in the style of her homeland. Draped in heavy fabrics and adorned in heavy glittering jewelry, she glides through the halls or the palace, like an elegant specter.
Desma
"I know all I need to know. I know that it’s hard to stay fed. And I know I’ll do whatever it takes not to starve."–Desma
A fellow thief in your guild, Desma is someone you could always count on the never rob you of your cut. Sticking to the shadows with an air of both mischief and ill intent, she is a dangerous thief, and an even more dangerous assassin. Bonded by the streets, and your guild, it would take a great deal for her to turn on you.
Physical Description: In her early twenties, Desma is a fellow thief in your guild. She has a strong straight nose with a wide bridge a wide mouth and grey eyes. She has grown surprisingly tall and wiry, with long limbs composed of lean muscle. Her movements are quiet and her clothing is dark, but her voice and personality is loud and bright. Her dark brown hair has a slight wave to it, with a few curls hiding in there as well, but because she often just ties it up haphazardly, she ends up with knots in it. Her dark brows are thick and heavily arched, as if always prepared to make an offbeat analysis of any situation.
Sutek
"I am trying to walk my path, and yet fate has decided to put you in the middle of it. It matters not. I will go through you."–Sutek
A hardened thief and fighter, he has shot up the ranks in a rival guild. Both familiar and a stranger, he has made it clear that he has designs on your life. His tattoos appear to be similar to the desert nomads long forbidden from traveling through Cusmo, but no one is sure what they mean or where he got them. One thing is certain however, they mark him as dangerous and one to watch.
Physical Description: In his late twenties, Sutek is a hardened thief and fighter, and there is a sharpness in the shape of his amber eyes, jaw, and even silhouette. His soft dark hair is cut closely to his scalp and his muscles seem to be constantly tensed under his amber skin, like he is always ready to strike. Scars and tattoos cover his body, the most notable of his scars is one that goes across his throat. His tattoos appear to be similar to the desert nomads long forbidden from traveling through Cusmo, but no one is sure what they mean or where he got them. The words wind down his arms, across his back, and even down the side of his legs, making his whole body a canvas.
Nari
"You would be a fool to face me. Whether it is on the battlefield, whether I am in a dress, or even in another life. Every time I will out match you."–Nari Yun
Her family’s military contributions can be seen almost all the way to the Hashind’s formation, and on her family tree, generals can be found on every branch. After seeing that her brother was more suited to be a scholar, her father chose her amongst her siblings to be the one to uphold the family legacy. Now with a younger and more open minded king on the throne, perhaps she will finally have a chance to prove herself.
Physical Description: In her mid-twenties she is short and stocky, with slightly broad shoulders and strong limbs. Her skin is lightly tanned with a golden undertone and the lids to her large dark brown eyes are without a crease. With a square jaw, high cheek bones and a full upper lip, her face is mostly unmarred except for a thin, pale scar under her eye. She wears her hair pulled back into a braided bun to keep it out of the way and is either in loose, comfortable attire or armor and training clothes. On formal occasions when she has to dress for her station she usually wears muted and natural colors, not wanting to draw too much attention.
Heka
"The temple is full of monks, but very few men of faith. They attempt to quote the tomes, and choke on their jewels."–Heka
The young monk and chosen seer of this generation lived a life of asceticism before taking his position at the High Temple of Hashind. His visions are not of a predestined future but of many branches and ripples that may come to be. He may not be able to see all, or even the danger that is to come, but he cannot turn a blind eye to the corruption of those who claim to represent the faith.
Physical Description: In his early twenties, Heka has copper toned skin, sharp, dark, upturned eyes that seem as though they are both looking at you intently, but also past you, and wavy black hair that stops just above his ankles that he wears in a thick braid. He is very slim and lithe, however the definition in his arms and legs is that of someone who has done a lot of work and a lot of walking. His style of dress is distinct, but there is no trace of vanity. Everything has either spiritual significance or ritual significance, from the gold bands wrapped around his ankles, to the simple draped robes he wears.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
FREE
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
I needed a break from trying to fix all of the errors in my game, so I will be back in a few days with a supernatural-mystery-thriller surprise. Stay tuned!
A couple of people said go for it so go for it I shall!
*Below is a rant about how women are treated in literature and the media as a whole, beginning with the Epic of Gilgamesh, but leaks into modern day. It became far longer than I intended, no need to read.
Since beginning to write and especially being on this site, I hear a lot that male characters tend to be more well written, but I also think it's because literature is so focused on what motivates and drives a man to do something, that audiences are trained to do the heavy lifting and fill in the gaps.
Why would a farm boy leave the farm?
To seek his fortune, adventure, better life, etc.
We don't extend the same level of inference to women in literature. While we tell our heroes to go for and be brave my son, we measure our heroines by their sacrifice and contribution to others within the narrative.
Also, because women have been used so often as a plot device or motivation for the man at the center of the story, it is difficult for a woman to command space in the narrative and to also be perceived positively by the audience. Some of this is a writing issue, where a woman makes a choice, after doing very little, that harms others in the story. Now she must shoulder the ire the audience. But other times, the choice that is made simply contributes to the plot of the story, but is scrutinized more harshly because it evokes a trait that we abhor in women. (Selfish, vain, etc.)
I've watched and read far too many think pieces online talking about the issue with how women are portrayed in modern media blah blah. Or I've seen well intentioned pieces written, even here on this site, where people erase female characters from media, or even absorb the female character into one of the male characters, as if her actions could only be palatable if being done by a man.
But this isn't a new thing, in fact we can bring this back to an old interpretation of an even older story:
The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Quick rundown on the Epic of Gilgamesh:
Sumerian poems later referenced and combined in Akkadian. Heavily influenced antiquity, several arcs, features many of the literary elements we know today.
Gilgamesh is the titular character, a king that does whatever he wants, much to the irritation of the Sumerian Pantheon. Enkidu is his bestie that was created by the Sumerian Pantheon to stop Gilgamesh, but that backfired.
I would say they go on 'adventures' together, but it really is just havoc and devastation, just because they can. Divine punishment ensues.
But I don't want to talk about either of these two, at least, not as a focus. I want to talk about Shamhat.
Shamhat is a priestess tasked with making Enkidu, who was created to stop Gilgamesh from terrorizing the earth, a person. When Shamhat meets Enkidu, he is living as an animal and through the power and magic of coochie, with some talk about future plans in between, she makes him a man. After this process, animals flee from him and, unable to return to the wild Shamhat guides him to come with her to the city of Uruk. There, he meets Gilgamesh and boom, epic of Gilgamesh.
Except, remember I mentioned divine punishment and Enkidu's purpose being to stop Gilgamesh's antics, not join in? Well because of Enkidu's disobedience, he is struck down with illness. Who do you think he blames? Gilgamesh? No. Himself? Of course not. Shamhat. He blames her for civilizing him and basically giving him the life he has and curses her. A god intervenes and he apologizes and blesses her instead.
Now, with all of this in mind, it seems hard to understand how this epic, even excluding the overarching lesson Gilgamesh learns about humility, mortality, and what makes life worth living, is not also a great critique on how men and their wants can be prioritized to the detriment of others. A tale that features a woman lifting a man out of the mire, gifting him civilization, being his lover, teacher, and moral guide, then being set aside once he meets another man, and cursed for enriching his life and setting him on the path towards his purpose seems like it would be evident of that.
With a story like this, we would see many women identifying with Shamhat, recognizing some of the men in their life as Enkidu, and maybe even finding comfort that Enkidu was rebuked.
Yeah, we don't really see that because the main focus is shifted to the bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Shamhat is a tool. Her body is a training ground. She can make a man, but will not hold the same place as one. Not in the narrative and not in the mind's of the audience.
To understand why that is, we could look at a lot of things. We could look at the plain fact that this is Gilgamesh's story, so of course his bonds are going to take precedent. We could look at how misogyny, including internalized misogyny work their way into our interactions with art. We could even look at the historical context, not of the original text, but its reentry into pop culture after WWII. So emphasized is the bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, that a story that wouldn't transpire without sex between a man and a woman, is considered a landmark of queer literature. (I am not condemning this interpretation, but pointing to the erasure of women.)
This is not the only place we have seen this. When people speak of Achilles, they speak of Patroclus, not of Briseis or Deidamia. There is a verse in the Bible in which David states, at the death of his friend "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been unto me. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women."
There have been many interpretations about that, but one thing I notice is that often we expect love from women, making a woman's love common and a man's love precious. A man's love comes with protection and meaning and while a woman's love can be used as a measure, it seems like it doesn't count.
Keeping in the vein of biblical quotes, there is the Proverbs 31 woman, who is worth more than rubies, and works, and is kind, and pious, and runs the household and all of these things. She is said to be deserving of adornments and praise.
I hate to say it, but it is no wonder that love between men seems to be idealized in recent years, mainly because it features a love amongst equals in a way, not that of a person and a devoted servant. And that is truly sad, that we sometimes look at sex and love as low or cheap when a woman is involved. (There is another conversation to be had about the language around sex, and terminology, both colloquially and legally has been used to make sex into an act of domination and something that is done to someone and not with them. But I'm stopping myself!)
This is not an attack on queer literature or interpretations. I understand that some of these interpretations stem from trying to create representation where there is very little and not all pleasing. But often in these stories, women serve as a comfortable, yet smothering entity. A love that you can have, but do not want, and that can never mean as much as your relationship with a man. She is the manifestation of all that stands between a man and his true self, his true love. I would argue that this is just as damaging as when a woman is used as a set piece, reward, or tool in a story.
All of this is to say, interpretations are one thing, but as we fixate on the men in these stories, from Gilgamesh to Batman, I think we should be more conscious of why our interpretation erases the women in them. Is it the writing? Or are we subconsciously co-signing on the idea that a woman's love, motivations, actions, existence, is inherently less than a man's.
Also, one more last thing!
The Epic of Gilgamesh is not a woe is me tale about two guys just trying to be besties in ancient Sumerian mythology! Enough of the star crossed portrayals. Gilgamesh was a whole tyrant and Enkidu was dumb, ungrateful, and they both did Humbaba so dirty. I'm glad they face a consequence. I've seen some people do the whole, "Oh Enkidu was his bride, oh doomed from the start," thing with them. No! They were the equivalent of two delinquents demigods. Ugh.
*On a very related note, this rant has been in my head for years, but bubbled to the surface while writing a scene with Eualia, Merikh's sister and Phaedra, Diomedes's wife. I noticed that if there are parallels between Enkidu and Gilgamesh's relationship and that of Diomedes and Avith, then there are also other parallels. Anyway, look forward to seeing more of Eualia in the future, she's a very fun but sad character to write.
Wait im back again for one more comment! I adore all the ROs but this game has my favorite women hands down! In a lot of games the male ros tend to feel more fleshed out and so I tend to gravitate towards them because I wanna get the most content out of the story, but every one of your characters feels so full and alive and like a complete person with aspirations and flaws and just such distinct characterization and I think it especially shines with the ladies (especially Desma but we've established im biased) and Nari who I will protect at all costs omg. But also it's so nice still trying to befriend all the guys because they're also fantastic! Everything with Sutek from the return from the hunt onwards, gold! Merikh showing up to be a bro and help take back the guild, wonderful! Aretas wanting to be our friend, precious!!!
I love this cast of characters and I think I will play again tomorrow and try to romance someone besides Desma~ Have a great one!
Thanks a bunch!
I really try to take my time and flesh out each character. I need to know why they so what they do, how they see the world, if they want things to change, stay the same, etc. And I try to allow my characters to have conflicting parts of themselves, just like people do.
Nari for example is extremely competent, but in a very specific area of her life. She possesses a great deal of authority and has the skill and authority to wield it, yet she does not thrive in certain social environments. I have to allow both of these things to coexist. Similarly, Laverna is genuinely kind. She is not a warrior, at least physically. But she has a clear view of who she loves and trusts and is surrounded by women that utilize cunning. I have to let her be kind AND calculating.
Yeah, I really am glad you like the character interactions, because making things feel natural and like relationships are progressing is a bit hard. (Especially when I want to get to the good stuff!)
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
FREE
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
I just read an ask about poldi and i have to say i dont remember the dude but i want to romance one of the twins 😔 i went into your if blind and i was waiting for the hearts options that didnt happen so i had to come to see who the ros were and i got sad
When I first started this WIP 80 long years ago:
The twins were almost love interests.
It was going to be set earlier in the HAT timeline, and Aretas, occupied a similar role of Avith except way different.
Avith was still around.
Amatus was romanceable
Anyway, a lot of changes were made during the planning stage. I felt that I couldn't craft good quality love stories for all of the ROs I had planned. So I decided to break it up. I already had in my mind what a romance for Tamu, Sefu, or Amatus would look like, so I just figure they can have their own thing once I finish HAT. I even toyed with the idea of having single love interest games featuring them. The MC would be different however, but still mentioned.
But yeah, another fun fact is Heka was on the chopping block for a while. Nari was too and so was Desma. Yemoja wasn't planned to be romanceable, but I did toy with the idea of making Laverna occupy her role in the story, just to introduce Laverna earlier, but they are great foils for each other and I decided against it.
Quick question: Is Heka vegetarian or do monks eat meat? I keep hesitating about buying the rolls with the meat filling bc what if he can't eat meat and has to decline the food?
Monks can eat meat, however they mostly eat vegetables at the temple. They can eat whatever is offered, so he wouldn't have refused and for him, meat is a relatively rare treat.
In the region Heka is from, there are monks that serve a defensive combat role for their temple and the surrounding areas. They get to eat meat regularly and Heka has a friend who became that type of monk, solely for that reason.
I do love how Desma's confession comes so relatively early in the game. I can't wait to see her reaction to seeing a slut MC flirt with every passing thing after exchanging "I love you"s.
My character is not going to be long for this world, I reckon.
It's funny that you bring this up, because I received a reader comment, before I changed that interaction with Desma to allow a confession and spending the night, that they were so upset about the direction of Desma's character and the way she acted on the hunt.
Now when it came to that, all I could do was offer reassurance that this was a plot thing and not me just deciding that Desma was that type of crazy on a whim.
But the reader also brought up a very good point about there was so much time for the MC and Desma to have a conversation about feelings and that with Desma being so obvious about hers, the MC should have the option to be brave and go for it.
I thought about it and realized that this reader was correct. Desma and the MC, in a romance route, are comfortable with each other, to the point that it is difficult for either to take the next step. The events of the story are the catalyst and with Desma's personality, I realized that the conversation should take place early. It took a lot of work, but that potential confession scene has a lot of variation because I was thinking about an MC that is afraid to say something, an MC that isn't taking it probably as seriously as Desma is, and MC that is using Desma's affections to keep her in line, etc.
Then there was the physical component, which also carries narrative weight.
Anyway, shout out to that reader for commenting and I hope if they return, they'll be pleased with the potential romantic development for Desma.
Is the area of dance, singing, and other artistic pursuits predominantly seen as a female area? I noticed that on Sabira's route, I only saw women from that area. I like that, since it highlights my male MC, hehe
In any case, if this area is seen as something more feminine, could a male MC at IF face some prejudice? Or some strange looks?
Time for some lore!
The short answer is that being a performer in dancing or singing can be viewed as feminine, but also has a connotation as being a disreputable profession. An MC could/will face some prejudice, however a male MC could/will especially receive some scorn for additional reasons.
Here is a more detailed answer.
Everyone sings and dances. There are folk dances, and specific dances for celebration, and even religious ones, however being a performer has a certain connotation, especially after the reign of Emperor Avith.
During the reign of King Kauket, when the term, 'master of the three arts' was coined, being proficient artistically was very prized. The king's mother was a renowned singer, his wife a dancer, and he himself was gifted as a musician. As such it became almost an expectation for nobility to have some level of proficiency and entertainers became teachers. Being a talented performer was a sign discipline and also upward mobility. For the nobility, things fell mostly within the bounds of the example set by the royal family, with young noblemen learning instruments along with their studies and young noblewomen learning to sing and dance.
A quote attributed to King Kauket during this time period:
"It is true that I dream of calm pastures and music made instead of war. But dear council, our sons do not all need to play the harp."
As more groups joined Hashind and brought their cultures with them, more and men at the common level began to appear as performers. Folk dances associated with masculinity, war dances, martial art techniques, etc, began to be adapted for audiences.
By the end of Kauket's reign, Hashind was thriving culturally, with people traveling to established performing houses to receive instruction in the same way they would a scholar or warrior. Some houses only accepted women, others only accepted men, however, because usually a man inherits his fathers land and/or occupation, there were fewer male performers.
As time passed however, those looking to sell other things had long caught onto the lucrative opportunities presented by performing houses. Some dancers became courtesans, willingly or unwillingly, regardless of anatomy. Exploitation and sham houses increased and as they did, the reputation of performers decreased. The golden age was over. Now, unless you apprenticed under an established master or were a part of a reputable house, the assumption was that you were plying a different trade. That connotation decreased the amount of men present even more.
This thought process was entrenched by the time Avith came to power. Additionally, the nobles he chose to elevate, along with the intense martial focus of his reign, meant that the arts and scholarship were no longer as prized by the nobility for their sons and their daughters did not venture out to the schools to learn it, but rather the instructors were brought in. After all, in theory, they would only perform for their husbands.
Finally, at one point during Avith's reign, he sent a rebellious noble's son to a dance house, and not one of the reputable ones. This became a widespread disgrace for that family and also linked a son having to perform to a family having fallen into ruin, an idea that didn't cling strictly to men. It also became a tool of the trade for the exploitative houses and drew many merchants and new nobility to them. Some young performers were rebranded and given tragic backstories. Fallen nobles, long lost royalty, etc. Avith and some of his nobles leaned into this, both intimidating the soldiers of Hashind with a defeat that did not only end in death, but humiliation, but also incentivizing the conquest of others.
Avith stated, toward the end of his reign, during an address to soldiers before a military campaign:
"To be victorious is to have all that belonged to your enemy. His legacy destroyed by yours. Fight bravely, and the only place an enemy may look for his children will be a pike at our gates, or the bottom of our dancehalls. Fight savagely, and you will sire babes with princesses and queens. If you die well, your line will be rewarded. But if you attempt to flee from battle or engage in treachery; if you look upon your enemy as if they are anything but that, you will no longer be men. Your lives will be forfeit and your sisters, mothers, daughters, entertainment. Fight or die with some honor."
People still remember the prestige performers held and in some areas they still do. The songs and dances are not forgotten, and during Aretas's reign, while stigma remains, nobles, especially the newer ones, hire performers as a display as prestige. Playing an instrument, because many nobility associate it with their grandfathers and fathers, as well as many doing so as a hobby, has managed to come out of this somewhat unblemished. However certain songs are not considered something a man should play. Everyday people do not have as big of a hangup about performers, except that they do not want their children to catch the eye of someone and end up being forced to perform or any thing else. Street performers are favored by the common people, as actual performance houses began to be viewed as dangerous. Traveling troupes have grown in popularity because of this.
*(You will meet other male performers. In fact, you already have at the Silken Sands. Shout out Huan. Extra fun fact, he's good friends with Sefu, and possibly you, if you choose an option that comes up later. He's very briefly mentioned, but you know I love my supporting characters.)
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
FREE
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
I've decided that my MC will pretend to be worse at the whole horse riding thing than he actually is, just to angle for more future riding lessons. It will be an ongoing ploy to find something where you can spend time together.
Shoot, I'll let y'all pretend to be bad at archery later too. The MC just needs a little extra help...
I have a few questions about how the romance system works, if that’s ok!
Is there a definitive amount of romance flags that you have to accumulate to be considered within an RO’s route?
For example, let’s say that I’ve interacted with Desma 10 times in scenarios where there were options to flirt or not. 7/10 times I don’t flirt, and 3/10 times I do flirt.
Despite the majority of the interactions being platonic, do those 3 flirtatious options result in Desma seeing the MC romantically for the rest of the story? Is there a set number of romance flags to be reached before an RO considers the MC in a romantic light? If yes, does this number change depending on who you’re romancing (less flags needed for Desma but more flags needed for Sarai for example)?
Sorry if the ask is a bit confusing! I was wondering how lightly we can tread the line between friendship and romance with some of the characters 😅
In most IFs I always end up going for slow burns but worry about pacing, thus I wanted to know what would be realistically feasible in HAT.
Good question!
Here's how I have it set up so far, but might have to make some adjustments to it in the future.
Not all romantic choices are equally weighted, meaning that certain romance options are worth more points. This is determined based on how intense the option is. Light flirtation = maybe +1 or +3. Romance option that conveys genuine understanding or that comes after a tense moment = +5 or +10.
As for slow burns, some romances are slower than others, meaning choices are worth fewer points and are harder to get.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these points get you to certain levels of the relationship. The idea is that the relationship can grow and develop as the story does, and you can kind of gauge the intensity based on the choices.
In addition to the romance stat, there is also the friendship stat, which is just as powerful and exists in tandem with the romance stat, so you won't be choosing one over the other.
I have also put in place variables (that I won't mention by name for the sake of surprise) that add another relationship dynamic. So if you have a high friendship/romance, but then make a wild choice, that could definitely impact the relationship.
Also, certain choices, romantic or otherwise, can shut down certain romance routes. I think it's fun for y'all to find out which ones shutdown what on your own. You know, actions and their consequences.
I was asked 2 questions as a follow-up to this question on stats and romance, so I decided to answer it in its own post instead of in the replies.
2 questions:
1) "the friendship stat,… and exists in tandem with the romance stat" => does this mean whenever an option increases the romance stat/points it also automatically increases the friendship stat? So you won't end up with a high romance stat but low friendship stat because you always chose the romance-choices when possible?
2) "I think it's fun for y'all to find out which ones shutdown what on your own."
a) will those be (somewhat) obvious? like e.g. if you choose the "betray your friends"-option, you won't be able to romance your friend anymore.
b) while i can see how it could be fun, personally i wouldnt find it funny, if because of one choice, which i misunderstood or wasnt obvious, the whole romance option you went after during the whole story suddenly is locked out. even worse if you dont have a save before that (or if an earlier choice made many chapters ago causes this).
You will not end up with a high romance bar and a non-existent friendship bar, but the it is possible for some romance options to not contribute as much to friendship. If the choice is very flirty, but avoids depth, then the friendship isn't likely to increase as much as a more honest and vulnerable choice. This can impact later events.
The severity of the action involved in the choice will be a good indicator. Like the anon said, a 'betray your friends option' is pretty straightforward, but even then, there are some hostile options that don't completely close the door. However, there will be consequences for flirting with certain people, stealing certain things, killing certain people, etc. As I mentioned earlier, some of the ROs are more difficult. (I have given you flirts a cushion, but taking a romance to a certain level will have repercussions.)
That Desma AU was beautifully tragic. Her attachment issues really can't take the loss MC faced and it breaks her comoletely. She was so afraid of getting attached and losing said attachment a third time she threw herself into killing and substance abuse and made herself numb cold and uncaring as a coping mechanism. It's really cool to see the butterfly effect of how different the story and characters could have turned out just from a simple role swap.
Wonderful analysis!
Desma that the MC knows now, still handles grief the same way, she just has what she wants right now. But she still leans into hedonism to self soothe, is possessive of the life she has, and is extremely comfortable with violence as a means to solve problems.
But hey! Hopefully she won't have to lose anything!
Oh wow. Oh WOW. You should get carried away more often!
So a Desma who got MC's life couldn't cope with the loss and got consumed by her own anger and bitterness, turning into a hollow shell of her former self and nothing like her canon self! Ironically it seems the streets and guild were kinder to her after all, and MC is the one better suited to getting a taste of a better life before handling the pain of losing it again so quickly without breaking in the process. Very nice read!
And yet I can't help but want more of my fave character! What was her thoughts on meeting MC for the first time (in the game canon not this au) and why would she help some rich brat who for all she knows would just spit on her kindness? (If you get carried away again and write the full scene from her POV I wouldn't mind....)
I have good news and bad news.
Good news is that I already got carried away and wrote this.
Bad news, it's on Patreon:
We Can't Lose (Desma ft. Berkant, Kreios, and Thalia) by Leone Literary on Patreon. Join Leone Literary's community for exclusive content an
It focuses on the lead up to Desma meeting the MC, her life before, a glimpse of why she is the way she is, and answers the question of why she would help.
I almost fainted when Sarai made my character bow properly. My turn next? Please?
Here you go anon.
Muhahahahahahaha
"It may take some time to get through that thick skull of yours," She says, looking at you thoughtfully, eyes narrowed.
She stands, approaching you as if gliding.
"But I plan on taking my time with you," she says, almost sounding resigned, but her hand grazes your back, making you shiver.
"I will get through to you," She stands behind you and her hands rest on both of your shoulders. You can feel the elegance and pressure in the gesture. You feel yourself beginning to ease forward.
"I will teach you every single bow you will ever need," she says and takes a step back to look at you appraisingly before grinning sharply.
"By the time I am done with you, you will feel at home on your knees," she purrs.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
FREE
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
I scrolled through the tumblr for a while and WHY is Desma so underrated??? She's mu favorite and I can hardly find any asks about her!
Here's one from me then, how different would things be if her and MC's roles were reversed (meaning Desma temporarily gets taken in and enjoys a comfortable rich life while MC stays in the streets all along before they eventually meet)
Oh anon, I might have gotten carried away.
She sits outside of the pits.
Her father is dead. She knows it, even though it shouldn't be true.
He was the best fighter, but he's still dead, and she is alone.
"Aw, pup. I'm too late, aren't I," a man's gruff voice calls out.
She looks up, eyes still bleary from crying as the man's shadow falls over her, blocking out the sun.
Desma knew he was a warrior. She had seen plenty to know. She squinted at the man, trying to determine if she had seen him before. Reddish-brown hair was pulled back in a bulky braid that hung heavily over his shoulder. The pale skin on his cheeks an angry pink, his nose looked like it had been broken but never healed right, and a jagged scar cut through one milky eye, juxtaposing a green one.
"You knew my father. One of his friends," She says finally with a sniff and his nods. With more gentlnesss than expected from a man his size, he reaches out to her.
"Aye pup. And I can be yours too,"
For a moment Desma stares at the hand, before taking it.
She watches him from behind a post, observing him form. He hefts a sword that she doesn't think she could ever lift, but she likes watching him train and fight. Likes it even more when he shows her a few things.
He approaches the post and yanks her up by the collar, looking at her with his good eye.
"Aren't you supposed to be learning how to peer at the papers with Old Alim? Playing at desertion pup?" He asks gruffly and Desma giggles when he jostles her in the air, catching the smile on his face.
"What if we don't tell Thalia, and I can stay and train with you?" She asks, trying to give him her best pleading expression.
He sighs and puts her down.
"Ya need ta learn," he stays and she pouts.
"No. I can just fight! Like you, and," she trails off. "And my pa,"
Kreios frowns and pats her head, the heavy weight of his hand comforting.
"There's always a fight somewhere. Ya have plenty of time for that, but learning new things gets harder, especially when you're old like me,"
He chuckles and she smiles a little but flops on the ground.
"I guess I'm old too," Kreios scoffed and Desma added, "And dumb too,"
"Says who?"
"Poldi," She makes a face. "He says 'Why even bother,' all the time!"
Kreios sighs.
"Yer a smart pup. You don't need to be the best at paper, but you have to try. Learn to read, to count! Then you'll have better than an old sworn sword like me,"
Ash is all around her, the new tunic Thalia had gifted her was now caked with so much soot and her own sweat that it clung to her like a second skin.
She clutched Kreios's shield to herself, looking at the ruins of her life.
Her pa was gone. Thalia and Kreios too.
Her tears dried on her cheeks and then dried completely.
A man was talking to her. He had children with him, but she couldn't really hear him or see him. Everything was just shapes, and sounds.
She went to the guild, or rather was brought there.
Nothing mattered.
She met you and the two other children the man, Amatus, brought in at the same time.
You and the others clung to each other, and a part of her longed for the warmth shared among you. But she just watched.
Sometimes you would share food with her. She wasn't sure why you stuck around her, especially when she had little to say. Sometimes you took her hand, but she pulled away. Ash and death is all she could have.
Training to be a thief was a welcome respite. Her muscles burned instead of her mind. Gold and valuables were tangible, real, and a perfect example of how anything could be taken from anyone.
It was nice to be a taker.
Stealing turned to killing and she enjoyed the noise and chaos of revelry found in the dark parts of Lower Cusmo, even if all she did was dull every single sense with wine and palpata.
She paid her guild dues, killed when the job called for it, and every once in a while, found herself sitting with you and the two brothers.
It was a routine. She was getting used to it. Used to you.
"Why are you leaving?" You ask as you stand in her room, watching her pack.
"Why not?" She replies flatly, avoiding your eyes as she counts out the gold she plans to take with her.
"Because—there's no reason to leave! At least not one we can't fix if we put our heads together,"
"I'm sick of this place," Desma says, finally looking at you.
You stare at her and Desma has to look away. You once told her, on a night where she was far too drunk and sitting entirely too close to you that she had eyes the color of moonlight.
The moon was always alone in the sky.
"What do you mean, you're sick of it," you ask quietly.
"Just am. There's nothing here for me. I'm leaving,"
Desma gave up on counting and just scraped the gold off the table and into her bag.
"There are people here that care about you. I care about you. I though we—"
She needs you to stop talking. The back of her eyes are burning and her high is wearing off and you're still trying to talk to her and make her—no.
She stalks toward you, taking out a dagger.
"There is no we. There is no us. There are no people here for me. I have no one! Do you understand?! You mean as much to me as everything else does! Nothing!"
She can feel her heart hammering and her eyes just won't stop stinging. She turns just as she feels wetness on her cheek, grabs her stuff and shoves past you.
She buys herself a room far from the guild, near Mara's territory, just outside the Butcher's Block.
One of the frightened girls greets her and shows her to the room.
There, three pitchers of wine deep and her pipe smoked to ash, she looks out of the window, the sound of cheers heard from the fighting pits.
