#demo

PLAY DEMO HERE (10k)

FEATURES:

✦Insult a weird blue psycho

✦almost die and get rescued

✦ the first to fall in love loses (meet that loser)

(NOTE) The demo is here! I was supposed to release it on July 7 but the UI I had made was really bad so I had to start over and recode it. Chapter 1; part 1 (that’s where the most of the customization are) was supposed to be released alongside it but I didn’t have time to code it to the new template considering I am way past the deadline. Sorry for the delay and hope you enjoyed it

AND SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO HAD HELPED ME IN PLAY TESTING, FEEDBACK, AND BRAINSTORMING THIS STORY! YOU GUYS ARE GREAT 🫶

18+ interactive fiction story dealing with sensitive topics like abuse, self-harm and addiction (plus future optional sexual content). Read at your own discretion.

[DEMO] (prologue + chapter 1 | ~140k words | 200+ choice sequences)

One of the major themes for this story is identity vs. conformity. As such it is not possible to play as anything other than male or female at the start with he/him and she/her pronouns. There will be opportunities later in the story to identify as trans or non-binary and adjust your body, name and pronouns accordingly. Be warned that such changes and queer relationships will elicit a reaction from characters in the story, but don't let that stop you from being yourself.

Love is the greatest weapon of all, but its absence is not peace.

At the age of twelve, your parents' abuse couldn't be concealed any longer. Now—a year later—you're in a new home, still reeling from the unfairness of it all. A nasty habit that destroys delicate skin helps, but so does playing your well-loved guitar to escape a world that scares you. Exceptional talent, but an inability to fit in, you're left instilled with mistrust beneath a layer of yearning for something you've never had. Taking a desperate approach to change your life, you sign up for Stagebound; Britain's largest singing competition.

Young and scared, you reveal something you can't take back, only to deal with the aftermath your whole career. An outstanding career as a guitarist in a band consisting of people you didn't know before the competition; people your age who will struggle alongside you as you navigate the music industry for many years. The strongest bonds break the loudest... can you really trust the people you didn't get to choose?

Consists of III acts spanning 3 chapters each. Act I: The Stagebound competition and the aftermath spanning a year later. Act II: The band breaking into the US market and dealing with all things Hollywood. Act III: Reunion album and tour years down the line.

Customise your MC! From looks to personality to behaviours, make a character with a predetermined backstory your own.

Struggle with all aspects of fame, or embrace the rockstar lifestyle and shower in the attention.

Keep the peace or stir the drama! With bandmates like these things are sure to stay interesting.

Fight against the constraints of the industry. Queer or otherwise unconventional? Your path to self-expression won't be easy but no less worthwhile.

Your horrific public past haunts you. Will you fall into a rabbit-hole of vices or find healthier ways to cope?

Greylin/Greyson 'Grey' Charter [f/m]

"They told me I couldn't, so I did it twice and took pics."

Outgoing and confident, Grey doesn't allow themself to go unnoticed. They chase good times unapologetically, but remain ambitious in all their pursuits. They're charismatic despite how stubborn they tend to be, and they work hard to conceal their unpleasant tendencies. They idolise performers who dominate the scene—wild, eccentric, impossible to ignore. Getting them on stage is easy. Getting them off, however…

As the lead singer and you as the guitarist, you could be a powerful duo—be it forged in friendship or rivalry. Either way, Grey can take you to the highest peaks, and the lowest valleys. The journey won't be easy, but if you make it you'd have someone that would believe in you till the end of time.

Finley Beckham-Barlowe [f/m]

"Music unlocks the soul; that's why it's called a key."

Closed-off and understated, Finley is used to getting overlooked. They fit the image of the cool bassist on stage, though the same easy-going attitude doesn't quite carry off of it. Quiet by nature, they still voice their opinions without hesitation. They're also not one to conceal their emotions intentionally, and love music that convey feelings in a raw manner. Getting them on stage is of little issue, it's the spectacle beyond performing that leaves them weary.

As the bassist they could be the rhythm to your melody or the chain to your freedom. They can guide as easily as they obstruct, and the dynamic between you would be a constant push and pull. Finding balance won't be easy, but if established, you'd have an anchor for life.

Bem Adeleke [f/m]

"There is strength in crying and in numbers… so crying about maths is the epitome of strength!"

Friendly and eager, Bem sets out to win people over. They're a natural mediator functioning as the backbone of the band, yet unfamiliar with the drums, they constantly scramble to keep up with the rest of you. They live in constant movement, much like the dance music they're drawn to, rarely slowing down to think about themself. Getting them on stage is the hard part; everything after is what they live for.

As your drummer they sit at your centre without meaning to, trying to be a steady baseline without matching the tempo required. When the beat does drop however, you know who'll break their back trying to catch it. But heartbeats are tricky and synchronization can't be forced. If developed naturally, it would mean two lives equally intertwined by the pace you've set.

Irene Svetla Pop-star phenomenon and Britain's sweetheart, Irene was a contestant on Stagebound a decade before you. Winning the competition meant skyrocketing to fame in an event that still leaves her reeling. She's your self-imposed protector and can be your greatest ally as well as your biggest obstacle.

Zakari 'Zak' Hakim Underground artist turned mainstream as hip-hop exploded in popularity and carried overseas. He knows the industry well and bears it with a grin. Zak grants you the most freedom but the least guidance, focused solely on increasing your reach even if it means stretching you thin in the process.

Chris Feldman Veteran from the glory days of the seventies and eighties music scene, Feldman carries the scars of a rockstar with understated pride. When music shifted and his band became obsolete he took a backseat as a producer and manager instead. Feldman knows all about the hidden corners of the industry and the danger of vices. He's there to toughen you up, and give you the reality check you didn't ask for but might have needed.

Stagebound is a WIP slice-of-life/fame IF story with optional romance. Things are liable to change, bugs are likely to occur and typos will slip through. Feedback is always appreciated. Your thoughts matter. It helps me shape this story into the best it can be!

As an author I do not use, nor support the use of generative AI. I do not consent for my work to be used to train these models (though I doubt that matters).

Thanks for checking out my work <3

The Lost Bride is a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula, where you have full control over the story.

Play as Mina and shape her fate. Customize her name, sexuality, personality, and relationships with everyone you meet.

Patreon Update! Chapter 6 part 1 is now out for patreon! (Full demo at around 329K- Jul 1 /2026)

Huge thank you for all my patreon supporters as always. I wouldn't have been able to do it without of you. If you do like my work, then pls do consider supporting me, as it helps me with getting updates out faster. (Currently chapter 6 part 1 is out and I'm now working on part 2)

Discord server.

Patreon demo (331k)

Public Demo. (305k)

There will be four romance options for you to choose.

Lucy Westenra (F): Your once childhood best friend whom you share a past with. (Can be extremely jealous and clingy)

Jonathan Harker (M): Your sweet fiancé who is currently in a land far away from that of your own.

Van Helsing (M/F): An experienced and knowledgeable Dutch hunter with a wide range of expertise.