#nextinlineif

Demo (August 3, 2023) | Discord | Ask Me Anything | Tag List | Kofi | Patreon | TAGS TO BLOCK - TW

Demo Updated: August 3, 2023 (Chapter 2, Part 1)

You're next in line for the throne of Castelon, a fictional country loosely based on different periods of history, such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and periods of England.

A 10-year war with your country's main adversary, Arandale, recently ended. Then your father, King Percival was assassinated. After his assassination, your twin, Prince James abdicated. Return home after 5 years and decide what kind of Harbinger you will be.

Prepare to step into a story of betrayal, love, and trust. Can you navigate your royal duties, solve your father's murder, and find love (or friendship) at the same time? Or, will the Gods withdraw their blessings from you?

Demo features:

Play as male, female, non-binary;

Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 Part 1;

Shape your MC's future and some of their past.

Pursue romance and/or friendship with 4 different characters.

Choose 1 of 3 Family Mottos.

Get a taste of "Attributes", which will unlock choices throughout the game. More Attributes will be available in the coming chapters.

Choose a patron god or goddess (optional).

Choose a pet (who you'll meet in chapter 2).

The final game will be rated Mature. The current version is rated 16+. Please note all of the below content is not in the demo but planned for the finished game. NSFW asks are tagged #nsfw so please block if applicable!

CW: suggestive language, references to war and the effects of war, death, references to death, exploration of grief, curse / swear words, possible violence, optional sexual content.

Next in Line features four romance options. View more characters + RO's ArtBreeder images by clicking here.

Sir Constantine Dimas | M, 26 years old, Taurus, #constantine dimas

Constantine is the best friend of your twin brother, James, and a Knight in Castelon's Elite Guard. He is fiercely loyal to your family and fought alongside James in the Arandale War. Like you, he finds amusement in teasing your brother.

"You're not too different from your twin, both reckless royals, so you probably need someone to care for you."

F. Faramund | M or F, 22 years old, Aquarius, #f faramund

Whether F was your first love or your ex-best friend, they broke your trust and disappeared. Now, they're back and seemingly apologetic. Bury the hatchet, rekindle your former relationship, or walk a different path altogether.

"The stars guided me back to you and I will stay as long as you allow."

Felix Faramund | M, 24 years old, Aries, #felix faramund

Felix is F.'s older brother and was someone you once considered a friend. Like, F., he's returned to Castelon. Unlike F., he can be quick to anger and he's not afraid to speak his mind. He can read the room, he just doesn't care. You can romance Felix, even if you loved F.

"Just know, I'll fight for what I want."

Lady Margaret | F, 22 years old, Gemini, #lady margaret

The mysterious Lady Margaret is a noble businesswoman who enjoys observing from the shadows. She's close to your mother, Queen Vivian. Although she is slow to trust others, those who earn her trust will find themselves in the company of a powerful and loyal ally.

OH! This is just so cute! Lady B: The HAREM ROUTE from @thescarsilivewith-if

Mostly because Lamis grew up in a harem to begin with and Polyamory is something that she and the MC can experience together with a couple side romances. With Lamis, I can see her being happy with a poly romance. Bernie: I can see my bb with Sierrahn Fhylliont from @accursedwhispers-if Shorties Unite. Laz: L from @catt-nuevenor 's game, Myrk Mire. That is a relationship that I think Laz would enjoy. Even beyond paltry flirts. Amyntas: MARGARET from my DAAAAAHHHHLING Tyrant over there on @nextinline-if We know that Amyn is a simp. A murderous simp. Who needs a perfect wife. As we all know, our Gemini Qwueeeeen is a perfection that the birdy bastard can never hope to gain. Bishop: Riel from @shepherds-of-haven Bishop would love a husband who is close to his true personality and values. Indigo: MAEVE from @moiraimyths I would say Aife, but Indigo has a staunch ANTI-Monarchy rule when it comes to her lovers. She will not be burned Again.

itch.io page | Tumblr | Ask me anything | FAQs (Previous Asks + Prompts)

Next in Line is an interactive fiction in development. It was originally planned as a visual novel. (I am still updating to remove visual novel references across social media, apologies). So, while most of the writing for the demo is complete, I am currently revising it to better fit the interactive fiction format, as well as to give players more agency. The game will be free.

You're next in line for the throne of Castelon, a fictional country very loosely inspired but not based on the ancient and medieval worlds. Particularly, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, and periods of England.

Shortly after the war ended and a month before your 21st birthday, you received a hastily written letter at the compound in the mountains, where your parents had sent you at 16 to keep you away from the war.

"King dead. James abdicated. You are Next in Line."

Your country is reeling from its King's death and the end of a decade-long war. Today, on your 21st birthday, you begin the timeless tradition of sharing the responsibility of running Castelon for the next year, alongside your mother, Queen Vivian. This tradition, known as The Harbinger Ceremony, is your opportunity to prove your ability to be a reliable ruler.

Prepare to step into a story about love, trust, and finding oneself. Can you navigate your royal duties, solve your father's murder, and find love (or friendship) at the same time? Or, will the Gods withdraw their blessing from you?

Next in Line will be rated Mature. Player direction advised. Please do not play or plan to play if you feel this game could cause any harm to you, or your emotional, or mental wellbeing. If you have questions about the content, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer!

Content will include:

Possible violence

Suggestive language and themes

Optional sexual content (will be skippable or avoidable)

References to war and the effects of war

Death and/or references to death

Some exploration of grief

Language that might be offensive - aka swear / curse words

Some bad possibly unfavorable endings that might make you hate me

Subject to change. Changes will be communicated.

Not anything spoilery below but here's a snippet of arriving at the Orphanage in Chapter 2, if you chose that as your charity.

So, I've spent like 40 hours (seriously) over the last couple of weeks looking for errors and incorporating feedback. BUT I'm betting there are still some errors. Hopefully nothing game-breaking. So, please be kind. 🤍 🤍 i swear i did my best to get all the errors!

here's the demo version 1.

That's right - we've reached 1000 followers 🥰  Thank you all so much for all your engagement and interest in my game. See below for all the details of this celebration! 🥳

You must be following this blog - new followers are welcome to enter.

You can enter once or multiple times - up to you. See methods of entry below.

All entries will be entered into a generator to randomize.

I will allow the first winner (first name drawn) to pick from the prizes and the second will pick from what's left. It will continue like this until there are no prizes or winners left. If you win and don't want any of the available prizes, you can pass.

Must have your messages or asks open so I can contact you. Will give you 48 hours to reply before choosing another winner.

Celebration Ends: September 3, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. I'll start reaching out to first winner on September 4th!

If you have questions, please feel free to submit an ask or send me a direct message. You can also ask on Discord.

Worth 2 entries each:

Reblog this post;

Comment on this post.

Worth 5 entries each:

Submit a non-anon ask telling me about your MC - be as specific or vague as you want but use the tag #NIL1KEntry at the end of your ask so I know to count it. I hope to hear about someone's headcanon <3;

Submit a non-anon ask with a meme you created for Next in Line, use the tag #NIL1KEntry at the end of your ask so I know to count it;

Submit a non-anon ask telling me something you'd like to see in the game (scenario, choice, etc) and the reasoning. Doesn't mean I will add it, but will definitely consider it! Use the tag #NIL1KEntry at the end of your ask so I know to count it.

Worth 10 entries each:

Create a moodboard and/or pinterest board for your MC or another character - tag #NIL1KEntry.

Worth 20 entries each:

Create fan fiction, fan-art or fan-whatever - tag #NIL1KEntry.

1 winner - Choose the first name of MC's cousin who is a minor character but will be introduced in Chapter II.

1 winner - Choose the name of the tavern that Felix will open in the game. Let's pretend that's not a minor spoiler lol. Chapter at my discretion.

3 winners - Access to Chapter II before public release (after testing);

1 winner - Design a minor character for the game! You will choose: their name, age, pronouns, gender, physical description, might let you choose their personality (let me think about that one lol). They will be a foreign dignitary/ambassador. Chapter at my discretion.

2 winners - Give me up to 3 lines of dialogue and I will work them into the game. Choose who says what. Exact chapter at author's discretion! Also, nothing too crazy lol but I'm sure whatever lines are chosen will be fine...😳

2 winners - Custom scenario/drabble with your MC and any character of your choice. Around 500 words or so. Maybe up to 1000 if I'm creative enough lol, don't quote me. SFW, platonic, or NSFW. You'll need to give some information about your MC so I can customize it, esp. if NSFW. I'll need some time to deliver this one!

Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart <3