Oath of the Honour Bound

So... introduction post for my IF. Everything on this post is subject to change.

There is currently no demo. I am working on the prologue.

Oath of the Honour Bound is a fantasy interactive fiction inspired by and based on the Arthurian legends (and some Welsh mythology). The story focuses on character development of both the people around you and, well, you. As an emotionally constipated general who hasn't had a chance to explore what it means to be yourself, you have a ways to go before you can call yourself truly happy. And now, you might finally have that chance.

The game will be released chapter by chapter until it's done. I don't have any current idea of how many chapters there'll be nor do I know when (or if) it'll be finished (or posted on itch). It will remain free to play.

I'll try to make regular posts but please know that I have a tendency to disappear off the face of the planet. This is just something I'm making in my free time. I am also extremely slow so bare with me, please.

I'm okay with asks, but please nothing nsfw or pregnancy asks as I am uncomfortable with those types of topics. They will be deleted or not answered.

SUMMARY

The story is set in the kingdom of Annwn, the fabled Otherworld in Arthurian legend. It is a magical place where souls go to rest after they die, to leave behind their regrets before moving on to an eternal afterlife. A heaven on earth, if you will.

You are the General of the Annwnian army and the third born child of King Arawn Pencleddyf and Queen Maelona, the king of Annwn and the queen of the Spring Court respectively. Ever since you were a child, you have been trained to be the perfect soldier, to be without self, to obey the King's orders without question.

You are bound by oath - and duty - to do so. You don't have a choice. Even when the land speaks to you, tells you that this isn't what you're destined for, you can't listen. You weren't taught to.

For five years now, you have led the war against Lord Hafgan, a noble who wants the throne for himself. But he has gone into hiding and his hired army seems to be infinite. Your soldiers are growing wearier by the day and you yourself can't last much longer. The kingdom can't last much longer. Annwn cries out with every drop of blood spilt and you hear it all.

Every. Last. Scream.

You hear it in your nightmares. You hear it in your visions. You hear it in every waking moment and you're breaking down little by little by little until there's nothing left but a rotting corpse wandering the halls of the castle-

Annwn needs help. But your father is refusing to ask for it and he has forbidden the court to send for aid.

No one is coming to help.

That is, until your siblings defy your father and travel to Logres, the kingdom of King Arthur Pendragon.

Peace may finally be on the horizon.

Whether you'll still be here to see it...

Hi, anon, thank you for asking!

I don’t really have a fleshed out profile for the parents yet but I can still give some information :D

Your father is King Arawn Pencleddyf, the king of Annwn and a prince of the Autumn Court. Your mother is Queen Maelona of the Spring Court.

Arawn is an interesting character to me because he’s loving and attentive but is so, so cruel. Here’s a scene I wrote when I was trying to get a feel of his character:

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- (MC is around 8-9)

Indeg is your youngest sister and the literal embodiment of sunshine.

She loves you despite everything. She doesn't know who you are or what you've done but you're her big sibling. That's everything to her.

DESCRIPTION

11 year old fae. Tightly coiled dark brown hair that sits on top of her head like one big cloud. Large olive eyes that always see the good in people. Round face and cheeks, small rounded nose. Russet brown skin with a golden shimmer, glows when using magic. Short and broad shoulders. She has dimples when she smiles.

She likes to wear knee length dresses. Prefers yellow, green or light purple but will match her clothes to fit with the rest of her siblings. Wears a thick banded gold diadem, has little star engravings.

PERSONALITY

Bubbly and endlessly playful. She's everything a child her age should be. Not having any responsiblities as the youngest child has left her with far too much free time to simply do whatever her heart pleases. The castle is never quiet when she's around, her giggling and endless talking a delight to her servants. The noise lets her forget how quiet and empty everything really is... how she doesn't really know what her siblings' voices sound like.

The mercenary Lord Hafgan hired three years ago.

Dyfrig made a name for himself early in his life as a mercenary who could do any job. For the right price. Stealing from nobles, assassinations, staging coups, slaying beasts, he's done it all and now he swims in gold. He has been on Annwn's and Logres' wanted list for years now but he always evades capture, either slipping away at the last second or finding a way out of his prison. You've had multiple first hand experiences in the past.

His latest job is leading Lord Hafgan's army against you. It's not his cup of tea but it's the best paying job on the market. He's killed hundreds of soldiers over the years but his main target is you.

Cut the head off a snake and the body will follow.

DESCRIPTION

39 year old man. Thick salt and pepper hair, fringe that frames his face and is parted in the middle, shoulder-length and tied back. Dark grey eyes filled with cruel mirth. Narrow face, roughly shaven stubble, has laugh lines around his mouth. Rough beige skin with a ruddy complexion. Taller than average, stands with his head held high, lean but not very flexible, large calloused hands. He has two iron hoop earrings in his left ear. He faintly smells of burning wood and smoke.

PERSONALITY

He likes to think himself a charming and good looking fellow who would give you the clothes off his back. But there's days where he can't keep up that attitude and he shows his true colours. Cunning like a fox and as persuasive as a merchant, he could convince a moral man to commit a murder just by talking to him. And he doesn't have any issues doing so. It's just another way of getting the job done. Hey, as long as he gets paid in the end, all's fair in love and war.

Your personal butler.

For generations, Lucan's family has proudly served the various noble houses of Annwn. His father is a cook and his mother a wetnurse. Being taught from a young age that serving is the most noble vocation there is, Lucan wanted nothing more than to follow in his parents' footsteps.

He started working when he was only 15, serving the Corneu noble house as a valet. He spent a great deal of his childhood there and learnt almost everything from serving the Corneu's only son. When he was 27, the Corneu's son sent Lucan away. The reason why is something Lucan is tight-lipped about.

Lucan started working as your valet not long after and has faithfully served you for the past 5 years.

DESCRIPTION

32 year old man. Short blond hair, unruly and sticks up in places. Grey eyes that can spot even the smallest imperfection. Friendly face and a sloped nose, smiles with his eyes. White skin with a healthy glow. Average height but looks tall, long legs and curvy waist. He has two white gemstone earrings in each ear.

No matter what he wears, it will look sophisticated and would put emperors to shame. He prefers softer clothing that keep him warm.

PERSONALITY

Polite and intuitive. He knows what's wrong with a person long before they can figure it out and always knows just the right thing that can help. It's sometimes difficult to tell whether it's a part of his job or if he genuinely is this kind. He's selfless but knows where to draw the line, refusing to be door mat for his superiors. That includes you. Yes, you are vastly more important than him but your wellbeing is his top priority. If he pesters you enough, you will listen to him eventually.

Eiron is your younger sibling who only bows to the whim of your little sister Indeg.

She never was and still isn't close with you. While you, Llyr, Olwydd and Nest grew up together, she grew up with only little Indeg to keep her company. She doesn't really know who you are.

DESCRIPTION

17 year old fae. Shoulder length dark brown hair twisted into thick braids. Bright blue eyes with no pupils, often compared to sapphires, black sclera. Will pierce your soul with that gaze, don't try to hide anything from her. Heart shaped face, full cheeks and straight nose, hasn't lost her childlike charm. Black skin with a cool undertone, dark blue iridescence. Average height, lanky limbs and pointy elbows. She is cold to the touch.

She doesn't care much for fashion, instead following whatever Indeg wants her to wear. One day she'll come to dinner in a poufy dress, the next wearing a surcoat and pants. Anything for her little sister to smile. Wears a silver diadem with a single blue gem in the centre.

PERSONALITY

Everything about her is calculated and thought out. Her words, her body language, her facial expessions, nothing about her is impulsive. Speaking with her is like a game of chess except she's already won before you even sat down and you didn't know you were playing. People are pawns to her and she will only pay attention to those she deems worthy - and even then, who she sees as worth her time changes as often the tides.

The most feared and loyal knight of the Round Table. She is also Arthur's older sister.

Kay was born into a family of knights and was raised on a remote farm in the south of Logres. When she was 6 years old, the wizard Merlin arrived at her family's doorstep with the newly born Arthur. Ser Ector, her father, took the baby in and raised him alongside Kay.

She did not always dream of becoming a knight and only became a squire at 17 years old. But that did not stop her from becoming a renowned knight; when Arthur pulled Excalibur out of the stone, stories of the High King's sister circulated around the kingdom, her fierce loyalty and fighting style now admired by many. She stuck by her brother's side for the 10 years he roamed the land.

She continues to do her sisterly duty as the first Knight of the Round Table.

DESCRIPTION

36 year old woman. Chin length dirty blonde hair, messily cut as if she took a sword to it. Hazel eyes that appear olive in the sun, squints a lot so they're rarely seen. Harsh face, strong jaws and large mouth. Sun-kissed beige skin, freckled on her shoulders and back. On the taller side, visably strong with wide hips. She has scars from various battles over the years.

She likes to wear nice robes and tunics that look sophisticated but simple, will sometimes wear dresses if comfortable enough.

PERSONALITY

Changes between snarky apathy and destructive anger. A very no nonsense person who will not hesitate to snap at you if you irritate her. She can be civil but only if she likes you. She doesn't like very many people. Gaining her loyalty is like climbing a mountain but once you've reached the summit, you will have a steadfast friend who would do anything for you… even if she grumbles the whole time. Just be prepared for blunt words and unnecessary insults. Lots and lots of unnecessary insults.

Cynhaern is your younger brother and a lieutenant of the Annwnian army.

You're his hero.

DESCRIPTION

25 year old fae. Slicked back silvery blond hair curled at the tips. Dull blue eyes that have seen far too much. Gaunt face with prominent cheekbones, pointy chin and straight nose. Pale white skin, ashy complexion with no visible shimmer. Often mistaken for a ghost. Average height with a soldier's build. He has multiple scars on his face, one scar across his right eye spanning from his hairline to his jaw, one jagged scar across his left temple. He has a large beauty mark under the right side of his mouth. He has dimples when he smiles.

He likes to wear his armour as the weight is comforting to him. If it is not appropriate to do so, he will instead let Nest or Llyr dress him into something more fitting. Likes blues or purples. Wears a silver diadem.

PERSONALITY

Cynhaern did not gain his reputation as a ghost just for his appearance. He's quiet, unnaturally so, his footsteps silent even in his armour. He doesn't speak unless spoken to, doesn't act unless told to, and makes himself as unobtrusive as possible. When it comes to you however… he lets some of his true self shine. Protective, a little naive and loyal to a fault, he will defend you until the day he dies.

Nobody is quite sure where the young nymph came from. They abruptly appeared before Arthur during his 10 year journey around Logres and vowed to become a knight the future king could be proud of.

And while they did become a very good knight that Arthur is proud to have the loyalty of… some things leave much to be desired.

"Ah. Um- Could someone… pull me out of this mud? I'm afraid the swamp has decided to claim me."

"Your Majesty! Up here, Your Majesty! Yes, I'm stuck inside the tree. Could you help me get out?"

'Dear Kay, I am in a cell and about to be married off against my will once again. Please get me out of here at your earliest convience. - Griflet' There's a small heart drawn in the corner of the paper.

Dagonet does not have to work very hard when Griflet is around.

DESCRIPTION

28 year old swamp nymph. Curly light brown hair that appears red in the sun. Dark green eyes with slit pupils, like a frog. Round face and full rosy cheeks, sloped nose. Smooth skin with a brownish green tint, appears shiny but is not wet to the touch. Short with a round stomach and chest. He has gills on the sides of his neck that let him breathe underwater, sharp teeth.

Prefers wearing soft and silky clothing that doesn't irritate his skin.

PERSONALITY

Reckless and chaotic, they have a tendency to barrel into things headfirst without thinking of the consequences. Anything that piques his interest is something worth investigating and investigate it he shall. Even if it's a very, very bad idea. They're rather fearless in that sense, poking their nose into dragon dens just because they were curious about what was inside. Very much like a hunting dog who just spotted a hare.

Nest is your younger sister. She is an Annwnian diplomat and court representative.

When Uther was still king, she often visited Camelot as a representative to maintain and build alliances and relations. Uther and his court ignored her attempts but some nobles still hold her in high regard for even trying. She stopped visiting when the war with Lord Hafgan started, her focus directed to maintaining alliances with the Fae Courts.

She is the only one who still smiles just as freely as she did when she was younger. At least, she only does that around you.

DESCRIPTION

28 year old fae. Wavy dark brown hair, too thick to be comfortably tied up. Large olive green eyes that betray her every emotion. Pointed chin, full cheeks and a small rounded nose. Light brown skin with a sunny yellow shimmer. Short and impeccable posture, radiates confidence, flat-chested. She has faint freckles dusted across her nose and forehead.

She likes to wear anything lightweight and graceful. Prefers green, yellow and gold. Wears a gold diadem that resembles vines.

PERSONALITY

Not afraid to put her foot down, even against the king. People step out of her way in halls, not out of fear but out of respect. She's tenacious and does not care if the opposition is her own flesh and blood. Everything is for the people and she will work until her hands bleed and the people get what they deserve. Empathy comes easily to her but sometimes it can come a little too easily, getting angry or upset over others' misfortune.

The unofficial king of the north and a Knight of the Round Table.

Heraut started off as a simple farmer but is now considered the king of the north. With the local council corrupt and cowardly, allowing the Vikings from the eastern lands to pillage and plunder innocent towns and villages, Heraut took to the life of a knight - though many people from the richer circles prefer the term 'mercenary' - and defended their people from all manner of monsters.

Originally, they were against Arthur's rule and aided the many rebellions against him. He's Uther's son, how could he be any better than his father? However, after a prophetic dream that showed them the truth, they reluctantly joined Arthur's side and became a Knight of the Round Table.

DESCRIPTION

34 year old person. Tightly coiled black hair cut short. Dark brown eyes, the weight of their gaze is like sinking into peat. Square jawline, cold expression. Black skin with a reddish-purple undertone. Very tall and bulky, large muscles - a formidable figure that you definitely do not want to see across the battlefield. They have very few scars on their body, has one across their nose. They seem to perpetually smell of fresh soil and flowers.

They wear anything that makes people fearful of them. They find that the more intimidating they appear, the less people want to talk to them.

PERSONALITY

Stoic and unashamedly crass, Heraut isn't a kind person by any means. They'd sooner cut a man down than endure a conversation with them with the simple reason of not wanting to use their voice. It gives them a chance to show off their remarkable sword handling, the blade slicing through any foe with a beautiful arc. At the very least, it'll ward off any other potential social interactions. Though if they stand a little taller when the young squires point and poorly imitate them, it is not because their heart is swelling with unimaginable affection.