Stygian Sun: Total Eclipse IF
STATUS: In development
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/stygiansun-totaleclipse
Synopsis:
After the deaths of your four oldest siblings, taken from you by war, your older sibling, Nour, once fifth in line for the Solar Imperial throne, is now the heir.
This day never should have happened.
As recompense for the ravages your kingdom’s war has inflicted upon the Lunar kingdom of Celestyl, and as assurance it will not happen again, your sibling is to be sent to Celestyl to marry the Lunar King’s heir. An arranged marriage, meant to unite the kingdoms. Or, at least that’s how everyone prefers to phrase it. But you all recognize this for what it really is: a guise. Your sibling will be a political hostage.
And—Theia, grant you guidance—you have had a premonition this is not the worst to come. Should your sibling go to Celestyl, they will not survive.
So you will take their place.
Stygian Sun: Total Eclipse is a dark fantasy interactive fictional story where you play as the sixth child in the proud and grandiose Solar Imperial Dynasty and leave your homeland for a foreign country, where you will take your sibling’s place in an arranged marriage to the heir to the Lunar Kingdom. But something sinister simmers on the horizon—you have felt it in your premonitions; apprehension crawls beneath your skin, foreboding pricks at the back of your neck, dread sinks low and heavy in your stomach. Theia is warning you—of what, you know not, but you have seen the way the Lunar King looks at you. His stare, the dagger, and you, the sacrificial lamb on the altar. Beware the wolf, little lamb.
Content Warnings: "Stygian Sun: Total Eclipse" contains many upsetting themes, such as arranged marriage, child abuse, child neglect, death, murder, violence, gore, sexually suggestive scenes, optional sexual content, suicidal ideations, and more. "Stygian Sun: Total Eclipse" is intended for mature audiences 18+. Viewer discretion is advised.
Features:
- Customize your MC's name, gender, pronouns, appearance, personality, and sexuality. Play as straight, gay, lesbian, bi, poly, or asexual. MC intro post here.
- Shape your personality through your choices and see how it affects dialogue with other characters.
- Navigate through the difficulties of court life in a foreign country.
- Develop your magic—powers bestowed upon you through your divine bloodline.
- Romance one or more of five romantic options, including your betrothed, the Lunar heir; your charming and overly flirtatious retainer; your acolyte, a priestess in training; a kind yet darkly mysterious Celestylian noble; or a peculiar and chaotic mage.
- Develop deep and lasting friendships or make enemies.
- Uncover a sinister plot that threatens everything you hold dear—and decide what you will risk to protect it.
CAST:
Nour al’Teia, your older sibling. (Gender dependent on MC’s.) Non-RO Once fifth in line for the Solar Imperial throne, Nour was perfectly content to play a supportive role to Parim, first in line, and the rest of their siblings. Now first in line for the throne, Nour is doing their best to step into a role they were never prepared to fill. Despite their best attempts to reassure you, you can tell this weighs more heavily on them than they let on.
Luca Lupine, your childhood friend. (Gender Selectable. She/her. He/him.) Non-RO Your childhood friend who, at the age of 13, perished in a fire, consumed so completely you were left with not even a body to mourn. Ever since then, whether as a manifestation of your guilt and grief, through some connection beyond the planes of life and death, or through some other means unbeknownst to you, they appear in your dreams, aiding you in parsing through visions and prophecies.
Kieran Zeleskas, the Lunar Heir. (Gender Selectable. She/her. He/him.) RO The Crown Prince/ss of Celestyl. Though not of noble birth, events put into motion by their father have elevated them to this position, one they seem to have adapted to rather well by all appearances. Stoic and aloof, they seem less than pleased about this arrangement between the two of you. You’re inclined to agree
Alektis de Celestys, the lone princess. (She/her.) Non-RO The adoptive sister to Kieran. The slaughter of her family during the coup that brought Kieran’s father to power has rendered her irascible and hostile to most everyone. Though she mostly keeps to herself, with only her retainer, Nihm, for company, you often find her tumultuous glare trained on you, a complex look on her face you can’t quite decipher.
Nihm de Circené, the guardian. (They/them.) RO Devoted retainer to Alektis and last surviving member of House Circené. Kind and sociable, Nihm is well-regarded in both noble and commoner social circles alike. However, their warm and affable disposition cannot completely hide the apprehension in their gait, nor the trembling in their hands. Still, they do their best to welcome you in a place where everyone seems dead-set on hating you.
Aurynn Anouar, the retainer. (He/him.) RO Seeming to have appeared from out of nowhere, Aurynn rescued you from a dire situation during your first battle experience, and afterwards was appointed your retainer and has served you as such ever since. Charismatic, laidback, and flirtatious to a fault, Aurynn tends to either charm or annoy everyone he meets. Despite his insistence that he is an open book, sometimes you can’t help but feel the opposite; indeed, everything about him seems shrouded in secrecy
Samira Nahdiri, the priestess. (She/her.) RO Certain events left her family deeply shamed and nearly destitute until her exceptional accomplishments as a healer elevated her to the renowned position as your acolyte, drawing upon the power of your blood to learn healing magic in her pursuit to become a priestess. Strong, loyal, and compassionate, she is devoted to caring for her family above all else, and she counts you among them
Lilith/Lucien de Arcanis, the mage. (Gender Selectable. She/they. He/they.) RO The adopted heir to House Arcanis, a line of powerful and highly skilled mages. Wild-eyed with a wolfish grin, their peculiar and eccentric mannerisms tend to unsettle their peers, leaving them rather isolated in social circles—a circumstance which doesn’t seem to bother them one way or the other. For better or worse, it appears they’ve taken a rather intense interest in you.
Poly Routes (subject to change): Kieran/Aurynn, Samira/Aurynn, Lilith/Lucien/Aurynn, Kieran/Lilith/Lucien, Kieran/Samira, Samira/Lilith/Lucien.
This is my first time making an interactive twine game. I appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism you can give me so I can continue to improve my game/story! If I've missed any spelling/grammar mistakes or any bugs/errors, please let me know in the comments or message me on Tumblr.
Check out my Tumblr in the link at the top for character introductions, updates, and more!
Thank you for playing!!
Updated | 20 days ago |
Status | In development |
Platforms | HTML5 |
Rating | Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars (120 total ratings) |
Author | FenofCattails |
Genre | Interactive Fiction |
Tags | Boys' Love, Character Customization, Dark Fantasy, drama, LGBT, Otome, Romance, Twine, Yuri |
Development log
- Patreon is Live20 days ago
- Chapter 1 Part 2 Update58 days ago
Comments
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I'm gonna throw up, this is so sad. 10/10
D,:
angst gang 👍
Mobile version?
i believe it should still work on mobile, but right now it hasnt been designed with that in mind so some things potentially might not work (I was able to play a bit on my phone but I haven’t fully tested the whole game). I’ll look into optimizing it for mobile eventually but it’s going to take some deeper delving into coding so it’s lower on my list of priorities for now. If you run into any game-breaking issues on mobile let me know and I’ll try to see if I can figure out how to fix them so it’s still playable. :)
hey i have a question the game. i played this before but then i had to stop bc the chapter ended so after a little bit i found out the game had updated (aka today, bc i when back to a old save to finish where i left off) but i go and try to find out where my charter info is so i go on stats bc i didn't find a charter info thingy. But it said something like 'Currently Unviable' but idk if this is wrong and that i'm looking at a wrong place to look or that i need to restart the game, can someone please help ty ^^
Many of the links in the side menu are currently unavailable until I implement them in the game later on. If you haven’t played since the update though, I would advise you restart from a new save—a few new variables/choices were added to the character creator and to Farah’s scene in MCs bedroom. :)
tysm for answering my question ty!! :D
fantastic update!!
Thank you!! ❤️❤️
I don't know what to say, this IF truly accompanied my lonely night. 10/10 putting it in my collection. Also, don't forget to rest author! >_<
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!! :D ❤️❤️🐛
WHY AM I CRYING OVER FICTIONAL SIBLINGS?
mission accomplished 👍 (sorry 😔🙏)
i just realized luca and lilith/lucien. Why did it take me a day?
🤔🤔🤔
the fact that i cant tell if your trying to hide what i think is going on or if im thinking way too into things is probably the worst part of this response. nonetheless this is a very fun experience
hope it keeps you up at night 🙏👍 (jk) much love ❤️❤️
WAIT HOLD ON... are you on to smth?? I was sus Luca or L were the wolf because they both have yellow eyes (and the way Luca acts about it is strange) but... they were both in a fire, have the same burn marks, MC doesn't know Luca died died.... L could be projecting into their dreams, a part of their childhood subconscious or something... But the fact that L is also familiar to mc??? And they're both mages... umm 😳 THEIR TATTERED CLOTHES ARE SIMILAR TOO..... Omg I was already going to romance L, but aaaaaa 😳😳😳
I read your comment and went to look at the character art again. Similar burn scar shape and placement, eye color, and although not exact similar hair shape. You might be onto something good eye.
Luca was only 13 when they "died" so that might explain the headshape which is what i assume you meant rather than hair
Nope I meant hair lol. Maybe I just watch to much anime since hair is usually unique to main characters in most of the anime I've watched. Not in all but quit a few important characters have distinct hair styles or colors.
fair enough. Tho something definitely happened to their hair if I'm right.
Went from giggling at silly aurynn to crying uncontrollably over farah, that's my baby 😭😭
gotta slip in some comic relief before twisting the knife 👍 (sorry bb farah)
Really loved it. I'm actually wiping a few tears away at the moment, myself. My MC is such a contradiction. Gentle and charming with those he cares about, but also rather feisty and confrontational. Poor Keiran...they are about to get a fierce but loving fiance. Like...adopting a cat. Only its a human prince.
So when do we get to storm Dad's office and threaten for answers?
The Lunar King thinks I'm a little Lamb for the slaughter, but this Lamb might be his worst nightmare. =P
I'm really glad to hear that--thank you so much for playing!! ❤️❤️ Contradictory mcs are always real fun to play! It's fun to hear about everyone's mcs and their fave personality stats. :D
Kieran will be a tough one to crack--but I'm sure your mc will be able to get through that ice! A fiercely loving companion/fiance is just what they need. :)
MC will be on their quest for answers in the next update!
The Lunar King better watch out (but so should you 😰😰)
Thanks so much for playing and for sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate it and enjoy hearing them!! ❤️❤️
This was unexpected - but a Lovely surprise! You continue to Wow me with your writing; you have such a talent for description. The way you portrayed the blood stone and pact and how that process felt was Breathtaking. Just downright- - Gorgeous.
Love how my MC is shaping out and the dialogue/pacing remains delicious. I’m naturally interested in (Princess for me)Kieran since you gave us a cheeky lil teaser on who they are - - and I Love complicated attractions —but I really like Samira too. When she wasn’t just - Charmed by a flirty MC, I was impressed/intrigued! I like that your character isn’t an exception~ Also wondered if Farah was on the spectrum (which would be amazing); I could see it.
Can’t wait to see more of the characters (feels like more family’s coming up) and hopefully more ROs! So interested in their depth and how they fall into this wicked plot you weave. ;)
Thank you so much!! I enjoy trying to do lyrical descriptions (thesaurus is my best friend) so I'm glad to hear you liked them! ❤️
Complicated attractions are fun and that's what I had in mind for Kieran's romance/friendship arc. :D And Samira isn't often too impressed with a very flirtatious mc lol--she deals with Aurynn on a daily basis and doesn't need two of him.
I hadn't written Farah specifically with that in mind, but I don't mind if you'd like to view her as on the spectrum! I could see it fitting her. I do intend to write some of my other characters with autism in mind, though. :)
More family will be coming up in the next update for sure--like mc's mother for one. And the rest of the ROs will be introduced in chapter 2! :D
I hope you continue to enjoy it as it's updated! Thanks so much for playing and for sharing your thoughts--it really makes my day!! ❤️❤️
We love a cheeky thesaurus use~ ;) I have my thesaurus out Constantly, so that hit me on a spiritual level lol
Agreed! In fact, they’re my favorite type of romance barring ‘they're Perfect for each other, yet still can’t get their ish together’ kind. I already have a feeling I’m gonna like Kieran because Aurynn called them ‘soft’ and ‘puppy’ . Love me an ice queen with a sweet, creamy center~ But it also depends on if K doesn’t care about the effects of this war (and particularly MC with all their incredible loss); if they’re just an ass, I won’t be attracted at all. It’s actually why I’m looking forward to Kieran/Samira poly — that’ll be REALLY Friggin Interesting. (And give some lovely balance.) Because - why is SAMIRA attracted to K?? 🤔👀 I did think that was Exactly why Samira wasn’t about that flirt life haha
I love that you write with something like autism in mind! I have autistic and ADHD friends and they really opened me to seeing those (potential) traits in people. Personally feel like we’re all on a spectrum in some way; can’t wait to see the characters you intended it for (if we haven’t already)!
Yasssss, MOM. Bring on the complex familial relationships. It’s a shame so many siblings died as it seems the Mothers(TM) were very much conspiring against each other/ensuring their child was number one. Couldn’t have been easy establishing sibling bonds.
I’m so glad to see that! I’m sure I will with what you’ve given us thus far~ Thank you for commenting back as well! ❤️🤘🏾
I wouldn't worry about any of the ROs being irredeemable assholes lol--Kieran may come off as cold and standoffish, but they aren't a complete dick. ❤️
I gotta think about all the poly dynamics and how those will flesh out throughout the story, but I think Kieran/Samira will be an interesting one to write 🤔
The mothers definitely made things hard between the siblings, always trying to pit each other against each other, but the sibs managed to stay really close regardless. 😌❤️ MC will be able to choose whether their own relationship with their mother is close or strained.
I loved this! The options for MC's personality were so good - I do kinda wish we could see more reactions from other characters, but I was overall very satisfied with being able to play as a grief-stricken royal desperately trying to maintain an air of dignity.
Also there's no way I can leave poor Farah 😭! She just wants her big siblings to spend time with her 😢
Thank you! I do want characters to be able to react to MCs personality, but since it’s early I need to give players some time to build up their main stats first and then I will go about figuring out how to code in reactions to MCs personality. :)
(I know I’m so sorry Farah 🙏🙏😭 )
im already smitten with aurynn holy crap......... i was giggling and kicking my feet during the favor exchange kjfghjdgb
he is indeed a loveable pest 💕
I don’t know if it’s coz I’m dumb and have misunderstood but in the RO section it says Kieran is your betrothed but in my last play through it said my sister was betrothed to him 🤔
It’s ok! That’s right! :) In the game’s description, you’ll find it says mc will have a premonition that Nour will not come back alive if they go to Celestyl, so mc resolves to take their place. :)
Absolutely loved the update! So excited to see more of this story!
Thank you and thanks so much for playing!!! ❤️❤️❤️
amazing update ^_^
♡(ミ ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣ ﻌ ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣ ミ)ノ 💖💕 (=^・ω・^=) thank you!
Fen omg the update was just... amazing 😭💗
Thank you!! 💖 I’m glad you enjoyed it
The writing of this is amazing! I'm in love with the story just from this small bit. Can't wait for more!
Thank you!! 💖 The next update is coming soon; I hope you like it :)
This is excellent! i truly look forward to more!
Also Farah is such a brat, its incredible how much you make me hate her.
for real! i actually teared up a bit when i realized she destroyed Parim's tea set.
Likewise!
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it! :)
Farah is young and lashed out but you’ll have a chance to talk to her in the next update and hopefully reconcile her first impression 🙏 :)
I have also edited her scene slightly for the upcoming update to try to better insinuate she is acting hysterical for another underlying reason rather than just to be bratty
It's short and still made me tear up multiple times! The way you write quickly makes the reader fall in love with your characters
Thank you!! 💖💖💖 yay💖 :-)
oh no chat it's another demo i've fallen head over heels in love with LMAO
no seriously i think i replayed this something like 7 times, just testing out all the different choices... so so so delicious, keep it up fen!!! sending you love <3
🥹😭 Thank you!! I'm glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
…Wow. Truly. WOW
I am Blown away by what I just read. For just the start of this IF (- and your First one!), this was so Heavy and Powerful and Compelling. I *MUST* say: ‘Bravo’. A lot of people write on war and loss (or both), but don’t actually sell that terrible space and how it affects relationships. Yet you managed in the first few pages to really drive in the Very clear tragic and desolate themes in this story. The loss is Palpable to the MC; as is their Grief, Blame and Regret. I really feel like I’ve lost so much of my family and yet I still have to hold it all together for those who are left. (Or not! The option variety is so Good!!) The Farah scene was Delicious. Just Achingly visceral and Lovely. Respect for not holding back/making that interaction easy/neat. Phew….
Definitely adding this to my collection. Keep doing what you’re doing. I am Cheering and Screaming and Crying lol ❤️
🥹🥹🥹 Thank you so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed it that much 💖 Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and first impressions!!! It really makes my day. :3 I hope you continue to enjoy it as it’s updated! 💖
I don't know if anyone else thinks this. I hope we can say our childhood friend was our first love. If not it is true in my head cannon.
While mc’s relationship with Luca will remain platonic, you’ll be able to tell another character that Luca was your first love when you were a child
I'm so excited to read more of this!!! The demo was great and the character bios have me really excited for what's to come
Thanks so much for reading!!! 💖💖💖
God very rarely am I this captivated by a demo. The prose and the setting are soo good, really excited to see more of this story and your writing.
Thank you for playing!! I'm glad you liked it :D
😭😭 this is so sad
alexa play despacito 😭
Ah man, Farah will not recover from this. I am not very patient around kids nor do I like them any so that probably influences this opinion, but boy oh boy I'd be so pissed. I definitely understand why she did it; she's young, spoiled in a way MC and Nour weren't, confused, and going through her own troubles but Christ I would just force the girl out instead of listening to her whine.
The beginning has me hooked. Special mention to the coding and music. It really add to the atmosphere.
Spoiler for first Farah appearance
Wish MC could cry out that it was Parim tea set as soon as Farah broke the tea cup. Because one of mine would instinctively said it and then go to gather all of the pieces. While I could see another flatly/angrily declare it as they put away the rest to make sure Farah can't touch it. Or more stern/Dignified MC trying (and maybe falling) very hard to stay calm and tell Farah that this tea cup belonged to Parim and how it was made.But of course I understand if Farah breaking it is necessary for plot reasons.
I think another option when trying to calm yourself down that be neat. MC asking themselves what would Parim do. Could end up working and increase dignified, gentle, straightforward stat maybe ? Or backfire as MC cry or get angry alternatively. Just an idea that seem appropriate.
I hope that if the tea set must be broken. That later we can repair it with gold with Farah helping. And then maybe put it on Parim tomb as a gift. Or better. MC take Farah with her to Parim tomb as well as the repaired tea set. So Farah can apologize and present it. And after both drink tea and talk with each other as well as Parim and the rest of their siblings.
Thanks so much for reading and thanks for your suggestions! I’ll keep them in mind. :) 💖
No problem ! I can’t wait to see where this goes. I checked the tumblr. And as someone on the aroace spectrum. Can I say how refreshing it is to have a world so accepting of us. Many IF creator do include us. (Some better then other unfortunately) But this time. Your world really give me the feeling that we don’t just exist. We are integrated into the world. And an inherent part of it. Seriously the worldbuilding is so queer that it made me think about why more writers didn’t think about veering away from the more typical idea we have of marriage in fantasy/historical WIP.
So I’m following this very closely !
I'm glad to hear that! ❤️💕I'm also aspec so time to whip out the split attraction model babeyyyy
Oh my stars. That was absolutely amazing. I am blown away by this demo. The prose, the characters, the setting and the customization options... top tier stuff. Sorry for gushing but wow I can't wait for more of this.
Thank you so much!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!! 💕❤️ :D
I like what you have so far, can't wait to see more!
Thank you and thanks so much for playing!! ❤️
It's so nice. I feel sad because of what happened to the mc's siblings, already feeling a lot of emotions while talking to Parim 💔...
the poor things...(i say like it's not me putting them through this)
Good job! just finished the demo, the story is getting more and more interesting, the mc is also highly customizable (which you have my thanks for), in any case I'm super excited to see further updates!
∧,,,∧
( ̳• · • ̳)
/ づ♡ Thank you for playing and I’m glad you enjoyed it! :3
Man this is actually amazing 😍
(=^・ω・^=) thank you!
this game is so cool I definitely recommend it!:3
♡(ミ ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣ ﻌ ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣ ミ)ノ
I love the demo, I'm really excited to see where the story goes ^w^
Thanks so much for playing!! :3
This was so good! I love your writing style, and I can't wait for more! :D
Thank you so much and thanks for playing!! :D
Loved the demo so much! Cannot wait for more!
Thank you so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed it :D
There's only so much understanding i can have. Farah has went past that limit i swear that whole scene irked my nerves to hell and back.
But so far besides that it's been a great if.
Thank you for reading it!
Understandably a bad first impression for Farah, but she's very young and been struggling with a lot of things and immaturely acted out, but you'll have a chance to talk to her later. Hopefully that scene will help turn around that impression. :)
Thanks again!
Omg i loved this on so many levels!!!
Thanks so much for reading! Glad you liked it!