#dread reflection if

It always ends the same.

A glimmer of hope (𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚) snuffed out before they can reach it. A promise of absolution (𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚) broken once more.

They rage at the world around them. At the prison they can never escape, hemmed in by mist and shadow. At the shackles of fate that bind them, constricting around their throat - their eyes - their hands; coiling (𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧) until the fight is squeezed out of them completely. Without anger to fuel them, they are forced to submit - forced to acknowledge the feelings they had buried long ago.

Disappointment. (𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣?)

Frustration. (𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨?)

Despair. (𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡?)

Spirit shattered, they are made a puppet of destiny once again.

And as they scour the Mists and the jails trapped within - searching for that glimmer that ever eludes them - they wonder how long a puppet can last before it 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 altogether.

Far beyond, in a place unknowable, the Dark Powers smile as they pull the strings they have nurtured for millennia.

(𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙬.)

A Dread Reflection is an upcoming 18+ horror interactive fiction game based in the D&D setting of Ravenloft. The game is currently in early development and is being made with Twine.

Content warnings for the game include: graphic violence, blood, injury, mental illness, body horror, psychological horror, kidnapping, death, strong language, and optional suggestive content. More warnings may be added as development progresses. Please read at your own discretion.

DEMO (TBA)

Defeat. Failure. Despair.

The loss of something or someone important...

...without which one feels incomplete.

Basics:

Name: Iris/Ian/Isa Winrow

Age: 24

Gender: F/M/NB (selectable)

Height: 5′5″

Orientation: Demisexual, omniromantic

Faith: Church of Ezra

Alignment: Neutral Good

Background:

For as long as they can remember, I has been by your side. Born to the wealthy Winrow family in the domain of Mordent, they were a sickly and isolated child who spent more time reading than interacting with others. A tragic event in their early childhood left them gravely paranoid and anxious, and this coupled with their frail constitution meant they had no social life to speak of. Their only companion during these early years was you - whether you wanted to be or not. As they grew older, I found safety and purpose in the beliefs of the Mordentish Sect of the Church of Ezra, joining their ranks to help others also haunted by events of the past. Their service to the church continued until they came of age, when a marriage of convenience was arranged between you for the sake of both your families.

A marriage that never actually came to pass.

I is now nothing more than a memory to you, left in the past. But the past haunts Mordent every moment - and I is no exception.

Characteristics:

I is a wise and intelligent person, both mentally and emotionally. Their insatiable appetite for knowledge has made them an expert in history, while their proficiency in religion and medicine comes from their dedication to their faith. Kind and gentle to a fault, I is willing to help whoever they can and seems incapable of holding grudges. Their isolation has instilled a sense of awkwardness into their mannerisms and speech, and they often have difficulty interacting with others.

Personality Trait: Nothing can shake my faith in the Lady of the Mists.

Personality Trait: I treat everyone with kindness and generosity, no matter who they are.

Ideal: Charity. I will use my life to help whoever I can, no matter what it costs me.

Bond: My best friend is the only one I have left. I will do anything to protect them.

Flaw: I can be slightly obsessive when it comes to my beliefs.

Appearance:

A bit on the shorter side, I could never be described as intimidating. They have a doe-eyed stare, the chartreuse color bright against their pale skin. Freckles litter their face and shoulders, covering the blue-green veins that appear through their skin. Their wispy chestnut brown hair is always in slight disarray: Ian wears his to just below his ears, with short bangs; Iris’ hair reaches her upper back, her longer bangs parted to each side; Isa has shorter bangs that also part to each side, their hair just brushing their shoulders. I tends to wear well-made but subdued clothing - favoring brown and darker green colors - and the years spent reading by candlelight have forced them to acquire a small pair of spectacles that they wear on occasion.

So, for race there is going to be some restriction on what the PC can be. The MC always has to be half human (since their mother is a human woman from one of the noble families of Mordent), but there are six options for the race of your other parent. No matter which race you pick, the MC begins the story ostracized by others due to Reasons.

The option that you choose impacts the beginning stat bonus you get and gives you additional customization options for your character’s appearance, as well as different flavor text during the story.

The races are:

Half-orc:

+2 to Strength, +1 to Constitution

Tusk options (size and direction)

Shades of blue and green for skin and hair colors

Half-elf:

+2 to Dexterity, +1 to Intelligence

Ear options (round, slightly pointed, fully pointed)

Ashen shades for skin and hair colors

Human:

+2 to Constitution, +1 to Charisma

A strange mark somewhere on your body, believed to be bad luck (can choose where it is and what it looks like)

No extra shades, but you can choose to be the spitting image of your mom. Maybe someone out there will recognize you.👀

Half-dragonborn:

+2 to Intelligence, +1 to Wisdom

Scale options (multitude and placement)

Gem shades for eye and hair colors

Half-aasimar:

+2 to Wisdom, +1 to Strength

Halo appearance

Metallic shades for eye and hair colors

Half-tiefling:

+2 to Charisma, +1 to Dexterity

Horn appearance

Sacrifice. Duty. Prosecution.

They give their all for the oath they swore to follow.

But how long can they continue before resentment clouds their mind?

Basics:

Name: Emma/Emmett/Emery Blackbourne

Age: 25

Gender: F/M/NB (selectable)

Height: 6′4″

Orientation: Omnisexual

Faith: Church of Belenus

Alignment: Lawful Good

Background:

E tries to think of their early childhood as little as possible. Most days, they succeed - distracted by a town in need of rescue, or a monster that must be vanquished. But on days where the throbbing of their hand and the cackle in their mind become impossible to ignore, they remember.

Golden fields and a crown of white camellias. The flames of a torch casting shadows on a cloak of translucent wings. Vicious teeth stained a deep red blocked by a shining shield of silver.

The same shield now rests upon their own back, adorned with the image of an eclipsed sun. It was gifted to E the day they swore their oath: to protect the weak from needless sacrifice at the hands of villainous monsters. Since then, they have traveled the domains to spread justice and light to those who need it - but not without difficulty. The Knights of the Shadows are notorious for making enemies who would like nothing more than to enact revenge. Most refuse to associate with the knights out of fear of this eventual retaliation, and some react with outright hostility to their presence. Despite this, E ventures on.

Even when the shadows of their own past threaten to eclipse the light they have so carefully cultured.

Characteristics:

E would say their greatest asset is their strength, honed through physical training since they were a child. They are athletic enough to wield their longsword and tower shield without tiring - a fact they secretly view with pride. Though they can seem a bit thick-headed, E is actually very wise. Years spent traveling have made them well-versed in survival, and they have a keen insight that many would not expect. E is almost single-minded in their commitment to their oath, with a dedication that borders on obsession. Outgoing and honest, they are loyal to those they care for and strive to protect them. This heroic attitude can be dangerous, however, since they seldom think of their own safety. Deep down, a part of them resents the treatment they receive from those they defend - a feeling slowly being fed by the voice that haunts them.

Personality Trait: I never run from an enemy: all evil I encounter must fall to my blade.

Personality Trait: I am honest and direct to a fault.

Ideal: Greater Good. It is my duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Bond: I fight so that no one will have to suffer like I have.

Flaw: I have little regard for my own safety when it comes to helping others.

Appearance:

E has strong features: a sharp jawline, piercing violet eyes, and straight brows. Their beige skin is littered with scars and freckles, and their golden blonde hair seems to shine underneath the sun. Emma keeps hers tied back in a low ponytail, though locks still manage to escape around her face. Emmett keeps his cut just below his ears and swept out of his face. Emery‘s hair is a bit longer, reaching chin length at the back while also being kept out of their face. E is almost always wearing their armor, a set of silver plate-mail with the symbol of their order engraved on the breastplate. The black and gold cloak they wear also has the clasp fashioned into this same symbol, and their sword and shield are always at hand. So much armor makes it hard for E to complete any tasks requiring dexterity, and they are abysmal when it comes to stealth.

Power. Escape. Desperation.

Finally freed from one cage, he searches for the knowledge to escape the next.

Will he find what he seeks before the past catches up to him?

Basics:

Name: Firan Zal’honan

Age: 30

Gender: M

Height: 5’9”

Orientation: Pansexual

Faith: Atheism

Alignment: [redacted]

Background:

No one knows much about Firan’s past. He claims to be from a noble family, though never shares which domain they call home. His bearing and abundance of knowledge mark him as a scholar, though his expertise is far too esoteric to be learned at any school. He studies accursed sites most would dread to enter, waving away any concerns with a haughty smile.

And he travels the domains like a man possessed, always looking over his shoulder.

Firan’s one constant companion throughout his travels has been his piebald raven, Skeever. Large and pitch black, most who have come across the pair on their journey claim to feel a sense of unease around the bird - as if it is staring into their very souls. One of the few unaffected by its stare is a recent addition to the group - a young woman hired for protection to make up for the strength Firan lacks. Together, the trio search the domains for the secret Firan desperately seeks.

At the same time, the Mists search the domains for the one soul that has ever escaped them.

Characteristics:

Those who have met Firan would describe him as both intelligent and charismatic. He knows much about the history of the domains he travels, and whatever he does not know he is able to persuade others to divulge. Many have been awed by his complete understanding of the arcane - there seems to be almost no magical knowledge that eludes him. Though friendly to those he deems useful, Firan is both arrogant and impatient. He has little time to waste on people he believes are unimportant, and even less for those who impede his research. Once he has decided on something, there is no changing his mind: he will do what he must for his goals, no matter the consequences.

Personality Trait: I always have a plan, even when things go awry.

Personality Trait: I study those around me to see who is the most useful for my goals.

Ideal: Knowledge. Every secret I learn about the domains is another step towards my goals.

Bond: I’ve already escaped once. I can do it again.

Flaw: I always know what is best. Everyone else is wrong.

Appearance:

Many would describe Firan as a handsome scholar, much more suited to his studies than anything athletic. His hooded eyes are a rich amber color, though sometimes they can seem almost orange in the light. Thick, dark brows rest above them - a contrast to his ivory skin. His black hair is chin-length and curls around his ears, with bangs swept to the side. Firan’s clothes are practical but expensive, favoring blacks and dark reds. The gold detailing on them is exquisite, and matches the only accessory Firan wears - a small golden amulet shaped like a dragon’s skull.

I've tried to keep it open so that many different types of MCs can date each RO, but still show that they have preferences. There are some personality traits they're more drawn to, but MCs with any personality can romance them. 🥰

The important thing with the ROs is alignment. MCs of certain alignments will find it much easier to get close to certain ROs, while other ROs will dislike their actions and views at the beginning.

---

I: (likes: good, dislikes: evil)

They like someone who is kind, and who tries to help others - or at the very least, doesn't actively hurt people when its not necessary. They have a hard time accepting people who go out of their way to hurt others, or who know their actions will cause harm but do not care.

I is drawn to people who are brave - since it's a trait they lack - and merciful - since they believe people should treat each other with compassion.

Akriel: (likes: chaotic, dislikes: lawful)

She likes people who are confident and driven - someone who is just kind of drifting by in life usually doesn't catch her interest. She doesn't care about rules or traditions, and won't mesh well with an MC who is adamant on following them.

Akriel finds it easier to be around people who are sociable or emotional. She's not exactly sure how to interact with someone who is withdrawn, or who only focuses on facts and logic.

Firan: (likes: lawful, dislikes: chaotic)

He tends to like people who have an interest in learning. He finds it easier to converse with someone if they are knowledgeable in some field of study. He dislikes people who are unpredictable, and thinks it's better for someone to have a structure or code that they follow.

Firan is drawn more to people who are logical or impulsive. He believes relying on emotions to dictate your actions is foolish, but can also respect someone who isn't afraid to act immediately to get what they want.

Clove: (likes: neutral, dislikes: chaotic)

They like people who are calm and open-minded. It's admirable to them when someone focuses on their own desires and motivations, without worrying about what others will think of them. They don't like when someone is too erratic, though.

Clove gets along better with people who are reserved or timid. They are still learning how to interact with others, and can get overwhelmed when someone is too loud and outgoing. They also can relate to someone who gets nervous very easily.

E: (likes: good, dislikes: evil)

They find it more attractive when someone is willing to help others, even if there is no personal gain. Honor and loyalty are very important to them, and they are more drawn to people who value those as well.

E likes people who are genuine and brave. They admire people who are able to face dangerous situations with courage, and who are sincere in their interactions with others.

Lei: (likes: evil, dislikes: good)

She finds it attractive if someone is willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. She thinks people who preach about morals are weak, and is more drawn to someone who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty.

Lei gets along better with people who are ruthless and reserved. She thinks compassion is a weakness, and has little patience for someone who constantly tries to engage her in conversation.

Dimitrius: (likes: neutral, dislikes: lawful)

He admires people who put the happiness and safety of those they care about above everything else, even the law. He also finds it attractive when someone is faithful and keeps the promises they make.

Dimitrius is more drawn to someone who is logical and cautious. He tends to dislike people who are overly superstitious, or who put themselves and others in danger because of rash actions.

Noel: (likes: lawful, dislikes: chaotic)

Someone who is always doing what they want, no matter the consequences, would easily get under Noel's skin. They believe it's important to follow the rules, and tend to like people who agree with this opinion.

Noel believes it's important for a person to be cautious and genuine. They hate when someone has a habit of lying, and believe the truth is most important. She prefers to plan things carefully, and respects others who do the same.

Uriel: (likes: chaotic, dislikes: lawful)

She likes to have fun, and enjoys being with someone who can match her energy. She doesn't care at all about the norms of society, and mostly finds anyone who strictly follows the rules a complete bore.

I’d be happy to! 😊 The way I have it planned right now is that the reader can choose from different groups or individuals the MC spent time with and studied under during their life in Mordent, with most of these connecting to two different classes to choose from. There is one special case I’ll detail below. At the moment, the options are:

A visiting socialite and occultist from Dementlieu who calls herself a member of the Keepers of the Feather: MCs who spend time with her can take part in her rituals and become either a College of Spirits bard or an Undead warlock.

A cell of the Ulmist Inquisition that hides within the sanitarium in Mordentshire: MCs who choose this have recently developed strange powers they can’t control, as either an Aberrant Mind sorcerer or a Soulknife rogue.

Beatrice Polk, an older woman who takes care of Rudolph van Richten’s herbalist shop in his absence: MCs who choose her can be either a Monster Slayer ranger or a Battle Master fighter as they study the notes van Richten left behind.

There are, yes. Your patron is a pretty mysterious figure, and you don't know much about them. But there are some facts I can say:

You were connected with them during a séance that went horribly wrong. At the time making a pact with them seemed like the only way to get out of the dangerous situation you were in.

So far, they haven't given you any demands or asked for any services. You aren't sure if they don't have any, or if they're simply biding their time.