bloodboilswithoutwater

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This flowchart is too big help

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Hi! So, I see the TW and just wanna know if the SA may apply to the MC as well or only to other characters, and if it appears is it deeply talked or simply implied?

I'm not a victim of SA, but I was sexually harassed as a kid, and I don't mind this dark content (I don't mind dark contents at all as long as it's clearly written as repulsive and not a good thing by the author, I've seen too many mangas depicting those nasty stuff as something romantic) and don't mind if it happens to the MC.

That being said I know there are lots of people who would be uncomfortable and I think it's important to give further explanation about it and a heavy dose of warning in-game.

Thanks for taking your time reading this. I hope the writing goes well, and I just wanna say I appreciate you writing a dark story cause truth be told I've been craving for some of a more gritty kind of story (especially vampire story!) in this specific IF format

This is an important question to ask.

There likely won’t be any literal, straight up sexual assault in this IF, but vampire attacks take on a huge amount of that framing and description in many cases. From almost the very beginning, actually.

This warning does include MC and people MC cares for. It’s very Victorian horror inspired, so I don’t want anyone going in with the idea that it’s a typical romantic drama or fantasy.

Just so everyone is super clear:

Please assume a blanket content warning. Even if their exact nature is not listed on this blog, be prepared to experience dark topics without prior in-game warning beyond the start screen.

(This content may change between updates)

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Haven't read this yet, I just clicked because the name of the IF is bizarre and doesn't flow well, but that might be intentional. What were your thoughts when coming up with it?

What a slightly rude way to talk to someone! But it got you to click, so it’s doing it’s job as a title X)

Regardless, it’s based on smashing together the Spanish and English translations of “blood is thicker than water.” If I say any more than that I’m gonna be venturing into plot-for-later territory.

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Lighthearted PSA:

Because of the way I do character writing (very entangled with the plot/themes), I don’t have all the typical fun facts about RO’s queued up.

So every time I get an ask like “how do they kiss?” or “what’s their favorite good?” I have to like, spend a good 10 minutes minimum considering the character implications of those answers, the possible symbolism I could link back to, the variation for MC dynamics, etc etc. I’m very dramatic in that way.

So know that whenever you get your answer back, it has gone through a lengthy peer review process by the numerous little plot lawyers that live in my brain.

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Who are the big spoons and who are the little spoons out of the ROs?

Depends entirely on their dynamics with MC, but Carmen would rarely be little spoon.

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What are the ROs love languages?

My ass does not believe in the “official” love languages since they’re so narrow and limiting, but there’s some things that the RO’s would especially appreciate!

Marcela:

She’s into the Grease style of romance. Show her things she’s never seen before, take her out of her comfort zone.

Basilio:

He cares the most about commitment. Cook something for the two of you plus the kids, do mundane chores with him.

Carmen:

They don’t often get the respect they deserve. Acknowledge their intelligence and hard work, get them informed presents.

???:

They don’t often get the chance to speak with others normally. Spend about 6 hours talking with them, really listening.

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Immediately after I read the post about blood choices, I decided I'm gonna make my MC drink cow's blood because no MC of mine can be happy and healthy. Relating to that, what are the side effects if a vampire chooses to go without human blood even after reaching illness? Do they die or go into a feral state?

They’ll get desperate in the same way a starving human gets desperate, and die if they continue not to drink human blood

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I'm super excited about this, I love vampire stuff! I'm curious about how hunger will be handled. Can the MC choose how they get their fill, whether they take from humans or not?

The perfect excuse to give a rundown of how vampires work in (BW)^2! I'm so glad you're excited :D

The answer to your question will be addressed in this post, but some other things will need to be established. If you want to know straight up, there will be a direct answer at the bottom of the post!

What are Vampires?:

In this universe, vampires are undead. When they're turned, their bodies die, and no life processes can be (naturally) undertaken for this reason. Vampires cannot have biological children since their bodies are basically corpses. Their hair will not grow back if cut. They can't die of old age or disease.

Then how do they live, you may ask? The answer is simple...

Blood.

Feeding and Blood:

For vampires, fresh blood is not optional. The living cells and nutrients of their prey are used to fuel their corpselike bodies, making their hearts beat and keeping the minimum of bodily processes running. If you want to heal an injury, grow back hair, or simulate a more non-essential function you'll need a lot more blood to pull it off.

Human blood is the only thing that's actually good for vampires, as the blood of animals doesn't have the right nutrients or cells for their humanoid needs. (I mean, you could drink cow blood if you really wanted. But you'd end up VERY ill after a while). When vampires drink, they release both an aphrodisiac-adjacent substance and a mild painkilling agent into their prey to reduce the chances of them reacting poorly, or even entice them into returning of their own volition. Feeding can be a mutually beneficial relationship in this way, but there are risks that will be discussed later (see Reproduction).

Vampires can also drink from other vampires, but since all this does is shuffle around the limited nutrients, it's used either as an act of desperation, a pseudo-sexual encounter, or a practical ceremony (see Reproduction).

Reproduction:

I mentioned earlier that vampires cannot have biological children. But they can have thralls, or people that have been turned by their bite. When drinking from humans, there is always a small chance that they will be turned. The patron (vampire who turned them) is expected by society to take responsibility for their thralls. There's good and bad practice for avoiding unwanted turnings, but it's never 100% safe.

Thralls (assuming they aren't related to their patron) can have weaker mutations of the patron's abilities or just the basic abilities that all vampires have. If a patron turns a relative, their powers will take better with each increasing degree of relation. Parent-child and sibling bonds are the strongest, meaning that the noble houses (massive family units) have the strongest and most unique characteristic abilities. It's customary for them not to turn their children until they've had children of their own, ensuring the bloodline, and their huge collections of thralls form subordinate houses.

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If there are any other questions, feel free to ask! But as for @ashber123-blog 's question:

TLDR: MC won't get much choice in their blood source, but they can treat the people they drink from in whatever way they think is best.

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Girlbossed too close to the sun as the kids allegedly say. Managed to hurt my arm writing/coding too much, so I’ve been placed on zero computer usage for 3 days now.

Do not do as I do, people.

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How old is Marcela’s child ?

A teenager as of the most current drafts. Some things may still change throughout development, but for now, teenager.

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Welcome! The introductory post is amazing! Care to share some facts about the ROs?

Hello Anon, and thank you for being this blog’s very first ask! I appreciate the compliment -//v//-

In this IF, romance is less central to the game than in some other titles, so consider your numerous possible lover routes to be add-ons and unlocks for hidden endings rather than self contained paths. Platonic routes with each character also have unique effects.

But I know y’all probably wanna know some juicy details about the RO’s, and lemme tell you, the intricacies of being a vampire in this universe have created some serious drama. (More on that in another post if anyone’s interested)

Marcela:

Apologies to all those looking for an above-board romance, because Lady Marcela Rosales is…..

Married. With a child.

Duty demands sacrifice, and unfortunately, MC has arrived far too late to affect the inevitable conclusion. This is simply what it means to be a noblewoman.

That doesn’t mean she enjoys it, however. She lives within the ruthless restrictions of court life and the exacting standards of diplomacy. Her husband does not satisfy her. Even if neither of them are truly invested in their alleged romance, there’s appearances to keep up and alliances to uphold.

Basilio:

The commander once wore his heart on his sleeve. But after his wife ran out on him, leaving him with only their two young children, he’s only had his own principles to keep him afloat in this dark period of his life.

His work is intimately connected to death and loss. Vampires simply don’t die of old age, so if they do perish, there’s only two real causes: starvation or him. Though his kind nature hates to strike down vampires not unlike himself, he earnestly believes that he’s protecting his family and his people by doing so.

Carmen:

It isn’t uncommon to find them at the center of a party, wild and free as one of the few unattached nobles in vampiric society. It’s easy to lower your guard around such a person.

That’s why they make such an excellent Spymaster.

They love to play up their own cluelessness, weaponizing the incompetence that’s been expected of them as an ascended bastard child of the Espinosa Clan, and reclaiming their identity for themself. Of course, not many know enough about their job to appreciate it. But Carmen doesn’t need other people. Never has.

???:

They’re gender selectable.

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Pre-Demo Snippets: #1

Snippets of the current project. There's only one more scene to write before I'll have a mini demo ready, but for now it's all introductory text before the plot starts.

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Intro Post

Hello everyone! I'd like to formally welcome you to the devblog of my very first ChoiceScript IF project, Blood Boils Without Water!

SYNOPSIS

In Blood Boils Without Water, you’re a freshly turned vampire trying to survive undead life, navigating complicated relationships, underhanded political schemes, and the inherent bloodlust that comes with your new existence. But unfortunately for you, the circumstances of your turning have swept you into the center of a conflict between 3 noble houses which threatens to unravel the very fabric of vampire society. 

Be inducted into the house of your choice, hone the skills that best suit your interest, and guide the tide of change in whatever ways you can— Will you uncover the long-buried secrets of the vampire realm?

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ROMANCE OPTIONS

Lady Marcela Rosales (F)

A refined woman with a sharp mind, this unflappable diplomat of the Rosales Clan is not one to be trifled with. Many have been ruined by her cold rebuttals. But what may lie beneath the prestige and distant persona of this generation’s most successful matriarch?

Sir Basilio Silva (M)

The honorbound commander of the Royal Militia, loyal to his principles and a powerhouse on the battlefield. He’s known as a just man to even those on the opposite side. But who is he when he’s out of armor, and his greatest fights are on his home turf?

Carmen Espinosa (NB)

The Spymaster of the Espinosa Clan, living under the guise of a hedonistic clown partying their days away— The charming and mischievous type. But if they’re always wearing the perfect mask for the occasion, what could they possibly be like off the clock?

[REDACTED] (?)

You see them out of the corner of your eye sometimes, but no matter who you ask, no one seems to know who you’re talking about…

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GAMEPLAY

There’s dozens of ways to play (BW)², and my design philosophy is that players should be allowed to play however they want. There are 16 Skills to specialize in, 5 (visible) dimensions to your MC’s personality, many flavors of both platonic and romantic relationships, and 3 individual routes available to choose from at the start of the game.

There's lots of hidden variables and secret routes on top of that, so every playthrough will feel unique and special!

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Content Warnings

(BW)² is a dark story with mature themes, sexual content, and various other disturbing ideas. Though this list is not exhaustive, please be advised that the following themes may be present in the demo and final product:

Sexual Assault

Various Forms of Abuse

Graphic Violence

Pregnancy

Child Death

If you believe experiencing these themes (or those in a similar vein) will be detrimental to you, I don’t suggest playing this game.

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I hope to see you again in the near future, and please feel free to pop into my inbox in the meantime!