#Romantic Fantasy

[prokopetz]

What do you mean that Forgotten Realms is a romantic fantasy setting masquerading as high fantasy?

(With reference to this post there.)

Exactly what it says on the tin – the Forgotten Realms is clearly principally inspired by romantic fantasy, not high fantasy.

In this context, when I say "romantic fantasy", I'm referring to a specific, relatively short-lived genre of fantasy literature that was wildly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, but abruptly fell almost entirely off the map after about 1998, due to a variety of economic and cultural factors which are way too complicated to go into in a Tumblr post. This is distinct from the more contemporary usage of "romance novels with fantasy settings", though there's definitely a lot of overlap.

If you're looking for a romantic fantasy reading list, Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series – especially the early stuff – is probably the easiest to get your hands on these days; it's practically the only example that still has any real name recognition in 2025, for all that Lackey was a latecomer to the genre. Other names worth checking out include Margaret Ball, Carole Nelson Douglas, Tanya Huff, Holly Lisle, Jennifer Roberson, and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, off the top of my head, though not all of them worked exclusively within the genre.

(Elizabeth Moon is an interesting edge case, in that her stuff is principally military science fiction, but very much adheres to the forms of romantic fantasy. Her Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy, one of her few pure fantasy works, is a fun snapshot of an era because it was written explicitly in response to what Moon perceived as the shortcomings of the fantasy worldbuilding on display in then-contemporary Dungeons & Dragons settings, and hit the shelves at just about exactly the same time as the earliest Forgotten Realms material.)

[judgeitbyitscover]

The Princess Bride (1973) by William Goldman

Cover art by Ted CoConis

Ballantine Books, July 1974 First Paperback Edition

As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchman, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, and rescued once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place. In the course of this dazzling adventure, she'll meet Vizzini—the criminal philosopher who'll do anything for a bag of gold; Fezzik—the gentle giant; Inigo—the Spaniard whose steel thirsts for revenge; and Count Rugen—the evil mastermind behind it all. Foiling all their plans and jumping into their stories is Westley, Princess Buttercup’s one true love and a very good friend of a very dangerous pirate.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌙 What to Read After Watching Agatha All Along 🌙

❓ Who is your favorite fictional witch?

🦇 Enjoying Agatha All Along on Disney? Check out these books featuring witches, covens, chaotic queers, & everything in between, perfect for fans of Agatha All Along! List below!

✨🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑✨

✨ Payback's a Witch - Lana Harper 🌑 How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster) - Marie Cardno 🌒 These Witches Don't Burn - Isabel Sterling 🌓 This Spells Disaster - Tori Martin 🌔 The Scapegracers - H. A. Clarke 🌕 Beetle & the Hollowbones - Aliza Layne 🌕 The Twice-Sold Soul - Katie Hallahan 🌖 In Charm's Way - Lana Harper 🌗 Brewed with Love - Shelly Page 🌘 Carry On - Rainbow Rowell 🌑 So This Is Ever After - F. T. Lukens ✨ Spells to Forget Us - Aislinn Brophy

✨ Basics of Spellcraft - L.C. Mawson 🌑 How To Succeed in Witchcraft - Aislinn Brophy 🌒 Sweet & Bitter Magic - Adrienne Tooley 🌓 The Midnight Girls - Alicia Jasinska 🌔 Labyrinth Lost - Zoraida Córdova 🌕 The Shattered Lands - Brenna Nation 🌕 Otherworldly - F. T. Lukens 🌖 Coven - Jennifer Dugan & Kit Seaton 🌗 The Dark Tide - Alicia Jasinska 🌘 Queen B - Juno Dawson 🌑 Her Majesty's Royal Coven - Juno Dawson ✨ Wild and Wicked Things - Francesca May

✨ Cemetery Boys - Aiden Thomas 🌑 The Last Sun - K. D. Edwards 🌒 The Jasmine Throne - Tasha Suri 🌓 The Sun and the Star - Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro 🌔 The Witch and His Crow - Ben Alderson 🌕 Lord of Eternal Night - Ben Alderson 🌕 The Crimson Crown - Heather Walter 🌖 Tonight, I Burn - Katharine J. Adams 🌗 Witches of Ash and Ruin - E. Latimer 🌘 The Severed Thread - Leslie Vedder 🌑 Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist - Ali K. Mulford and K. Elle Morrison ✨ Love and Other Wicked Things -Philline Harms

✨ Off With Their Heads - Zoe Hana Mikuta 🌑 Practical Rules for Cursed Witches - Kayla Cottingham 🌒 Two Broke Witches - Kate Starling 🌓 Bitterthorn - Kat Dunn 🌔 The Honey Witch - Sydney J. Shields 🌕 The Witch and the Vampire - Francesca Flores 🌕 Spell on Wheels - Kate Leth, Megan Levens, Marissa Louise 🌖 The Witchery - S. Isabelle 🌗 The Hummingbird Coven - Augusta Owens 🌘 Children of the Night - Cara Malone 🌑 The Hex Next Door - Lou Wilham ✨ Malice - Heather Walter

✨ Mortal Follies - Alexis Hall 🌑 The Balance of Fates - Raquel Raelynn 🌒 Edie in Between - Laura Sibson 🌓 Doughnuts and Doom - Balazs Lorinczi 🌔 A Spell for Heartsickness - Alistair Reeve 🌕 Evocation - S.T. Gibson 🌕 The Spells We Cast - Jason June 🌖 An Education in Malice - S. T. Gibson 🌗 Rise and Divine - Lana Harper 🌘 Not Good for Maidens - Tori Bovalino 🌑 A Dark and Starless Forest - Sarah Hollowell ✨ Netherford Hall - Natania Barron

✨ The Poisons We Drink - Bethany Baptiste 🌑 This Poison Heart - Kalynn Bayron 🌒 Over My Dead Body - Boo Sweeney 🌓 Girl, Serpent, Thorn - Melissa Bashardoust 🌔 The Bewitching Hour - Ashley Poston 🌕 Pushing Daisy - Isla Winter 🌕 Daughter of the Bone Forest - Jasmine Skye 🌖 Keep Your Witches Close - Colette Rivera 🌗 Mooncakes - Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu 🌘 Snapdragon - Kat Leyh 🌑 Runaways - Rainbow Rowell & Kris Anka ✨ Witchlings - Claribel A. Ortega

✨🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑✨

[nikalaeva]

It's easier for me to criticize than to praise, but I'll try. And to make it more interesting, I'll compare my favorite fantasy romances with most empty waste of my time.

Your Feyre became High Lady by marriage, devaluing the title of Cursebreaker. She had magic of seven High Lords, but it didn't help at all in most important war, and she has no friends or allies of her own.

My Jude became Queen of Elfheim because the land chose her, saving from death. She outsmarted her father, the most cunning and cruel general, ruled in secret as seneschal, and made advantageous alliances.

Your Rhysand is supposedly the most powerful, surrounded by strongest fighters, his army is the best of all, but he couldn't protect his wife's sisters, fucked up with Book of Breaths and almost lost the war.

My Cardan is a pathetic loser twink, very young and almost always drunk. But he is cunning as hell, saved the woman he loved from underwater captivity, avoiding the war, pal up with her allies while being their prisoner, and created an entire island.

Oh, Jude is still human. And Cardan is a true fairy, not just a guy with pointy ears.

Your Feyre left the man she died for in a fucking message and married her rapist. My Rose went to a strange, faraway country to save her man, but to kill him if she couldn't. Not to turn into a bloodsucking killer to be with him forever - kill him.

Your Rhysand thought for a second that age gap between him and his wife more than between her and their son. My Dimitri was going crazy and pushing away his love because he was her teacher just several years older. He is more responsible than 500+ years old ruler.

Oh, and despite being coolest, Dimitri became a monster. And Rose had an "alternative" - Adrian, who wasn't turned into an abuser and asshole, to show how beautiful love with Dimitri is.

Your Feyre hasn't done a damn thing for women (or anyone), her "feminism" is to be proud of role as a thief, saboteur and half-naked toy of a powerful man. My Vasya Petrovna (I'll die and rip anyone's throat out for her) dresses up as a boy and defends her right to be a witch, challenges ancient monsters, and saves everyone she can with her brains, courage and unbending will.

Your Rhysand chose to die with his mate, leaving his son an orphan, and at 500+ years old he's an infantile sexoholic. My Morozko, the ancient god of death and winter, make a deal with his enemy, a monster of chaos, choosing to be an eternal prisoner without memories about his love, saving woman that he loved as he could.

Whoa, Morozko didn't rape her in order to "protect" her. And it wouldn't be Vasya who would have to change - he would have become a mortal for her. One PG-13 sex scene was hotter than all the sex in ACOTAR series.

Why am I only comparing to Feyre? Well, she's the FMC, three books were enough to show her. I just don't believe Nesta would go to HoW with Cassian, and not decide to die in slums or run away. Elain is so side character that most of discussions about her will be fiction, not canon. Rhysand and Cassian were not even close to any of the men mentioned above. They are not otherwordly, old creatures, not morally gray, but only insulting to women whom they supposedly love more than life.

Romance in ACOTAR is vulgarity, violence and gaslighting, feminism is a mask and illusion, and the characters are too "cool" and therefore boring and flat.

Respect yourself. Read books where authors give a care about the plot, worldbuilding and development of unusual, fairytale love.

[imaginal-ai]

"A Mighty Love" (0004)

(More of The Courtship of Hercules and Iolaus)

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[shlxvq]

Scarlet nights.

Paring: Wanda Maximoff x Female Reader

Warnings: Sensual and intimate themes, Soft dom!Wanda, Magic play (light restraint, telekinesis), emotional intimacy

Word count: 780

Reading time: 3-4 minutes

Summary: In the soft glow of candlelight, Wanda's love envelops you completely. As her magic binds you in her embrace, she takes her time, savoring every moment, every sigh, every touch. What begins as a slow, gentle exploration soon turns into a deeper connection, one of both physical desire and emotional intimacy. In her arms, you're more than just a lover-you're her everything. Together, you explore the raw vulnerability of giving and receiving love, never once letting go.

♦️─────────༻ᗢ༺─────────♦️

The room is bathed in the golden glow of candlelight, the scent of vanilla and something floral thick in the air. Wanda sits behind you, her fingers tracing slow, lazy circles against your bare shoulder, the warmth of her breath tickling your neck.

“You’re so beautiful like this,” she whispers, her voice thick with reverence, desire, love.

You shiver under her touch, leaning back into her embrace. The way she holds you—possessive yet gentle—sends a rush of heat through your body. She tilts your chin up, green eyes dark and half-lidded, filled with something deeper than hunger.

“Tell me what you need, draga.”

Her Sokovian accent sends a thrill down your spine, making your stomach flutter. You swallow hard, barely able to think.

“You,” you breathe, and that’s all she needs to hear.

Scarlet tendrils of magic snake around your wrists, lifting them above your head and pinning them against the headboard. The glow flickers like fire, licking against your skin with a warmth that makes you gasp. It isn’t meant to restrain—it’s meant to remind you who you belong to.

She smirks. “Such a good girl for me.”

Her lips descend upon yours, slow and deliberate, as if she has all the time in the world to explore, to savor. Her hands roam, fingertips skimming over the curves of your body, memorizing every dip, every sigh, every quiet moan that escapes your lips.

She takes her time.

Every kiss, every brush of her lips against your skin is a silent promise, a prayer whispered into the night. She trails down your body with devotion, with worship, her touch both featherlight and firm.

“I want to feel all of you,” she murmurs, her voice husky as her lips ghost along your jaw, down the column of your throat.

The way she moves is intoxicating—like she’s painting a masterpiece with every kiss, every flicker of her magic, every stroke of her fingers against your skin. She’s slow, deliberate, drawing out every gasp, every tremble, until you’re arching beneath her, your body entirely hers.

“That’s it, my love,” she whispers, voice like silk, pressing kisses over your racing pulse. “Let go for me.”

When she finally pushes you over the edge, her magic surges around you like a wave, holding you, grounding you. She doesn’t pull away. Instead, she soothes you with soft kisses, whispers of Sokovian endearments against your skin, as her hands trace lazy circles down your back, your sides.

Your wrists are freed from her magic, and the moment they are, you reach for her. Wanda lets you pull her close, lets you tangle your fingers in her hair, lets you kiss her as if she’s the very air you breathe.

“You’re shaking,” she murmurs, her hands never ceasing their soft, reverent caresses.

“Because of you,” you admit, voice hoarse, unsteady.

A slow, satisfied smile tugs at her lips. She kisses you deeply, drinking in every lingering sigh, every aftershock that courses through your body.

She shifts, pulling you against her, your bodies still flush, hearts pounding in sync. The hunger is gone now, replaced by something softer, something even more intimate. Her fingers trace slow, featherlight patterns along your spine, up your arms, down to your hips, as if she wants to memorize every inch of you all over again.

“I love the way you tremble for me,” she murmurs.

“I love the way you touch me,” you confess, your voice barely above a whisper.

Her green eyes flicker with something tender, something unbreakable. “I was made to love you.”

Your chest tightens at the sheer intensity of her words. You pull her down into another kiss, softer this time, lingering. She hums against your lips, melting into you, her arms wrapping tightly around your waist.

“I want to stay like this forever,” she whispers.

“Then don’t let go.”

“Never.”

She shifts, guiding your head to rest against her chest, her fingers threading through your hair, stroking in slow, hypnotic patterns. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat soothes you, grounding you in the warmth of her embrace.

Her magic hums in the air, a soft, protective pulse wrapping around the two of you like an invisible embrace. The candlelight flickers, casting golden shadows against the walls, illuminating the way she holds you—like you’re the most precious thing in the world.

“Sleep, draga,” she whispers. “I’ll be here when you wake.”

And as exhaustion tugs at your limbs, you let yourself sink into the comfort of her arms, the warmth of her love. Wanda holds you even closer, pressing one last lingering kiss to your temple, her breath soft against your skin.

She never lets go.

She never will.

♦️─────────༻ᗢ༺─────────♦️

[leiuvr]

BOUND BY FIRE | SYLUS LOVE AND DEEPSPACE, COMPLETED (M) | MASTERLIST

Genre/Trope: romantic fantasy, reincarnation, dark fantasy, tragedy, slow-burn(ish), fated lovers, curse, action, tragic backstory, smut scenes, mature

Disclaimer: mentions of blood, sex, and violence

Synopsis: Luna Aoyama never believed in fate—until fate came to her. Haunted by vivid dreams of fire and blood, drawn to a man she barely knows, and burdened by a past she can’t remember, she’s caught in a web of a destiny centuries in the making. Sylus, the enigmatic stranger with crimson eyes and a presence that consumes, has waited lifetimes for her return. Once a dragon feared by gods and mortals alike, he bears she placed upon him—an unbreakable bond that ties his existence to hers. As an enemy from the past resurface, Luna must unravel the truth. Because love, as eternal as it may be, it is not without consequence.

A/N: Hello dear reader! I’m actually so glad that you are here reading this since this fanfic is the reason on why I made this account in the first place. I made this quite a while ago when I got bored then got carried away before I found this again in my laptop collecting dust. I just do wanna let you know that this storyline is quite different from Sylus’ story in the game. I did make some tweaks to it but for me, that makes it more fun for me to write and (hopefully) to you as well. I uploaded all the chapters all in one go since I do know it’s a pain to wait for the next chapter. Lol hope you love it! Ily🤟

CHAPTER 1: A GLITCH IN THE ORDINARY

Chapter Synopsis: Lung’s world is built on logic and routine—until a stranger with platinum hair and pyrope-like eyes shatters it. A fleeting touch sends a vision crashing through her mind; crimson wings, and a name whispered like a ghost, Lyra. Shaken but unable to ignore the pull, she searches for answers. Her late-night research leads to ancient and forgotten myth, The Cursed Bond of Sylus and Lyra. As she stares at the dragon’s burning gaze on the screen, she thought whether her past has come for her or is this just a mere coincidence.

CHAPTER 2: ECHOES OF LYRA

Chapter Synopsis: Sylus’ presence is both alluring and terrifying, triggering fragmented visions and a strange sense of familiarity within Luna. Confused and frightened, Luna confides in her friend Greyson, who, though skeptical, agrees to help her uncover the truth. Together, they delve into ancient texts and mythology, searching for answers about Lyra, Sylus, and the nature of their connection. Despite the fantastical of her experiences, Luna is determined to face the haunting truth and possible reclaim her past.

CHAPTER 3: THE HEAT OF HIS GAZE

Chapter Synopsis: Luna is torn between fear and attraction towards Sylus, who claims they have an ancient bond. He triggers fragmented memories with stories and a powerful kiss, revealing visions of her past life as a sorceress. Overwhelmed, Luna flees, while Greyson becomes concerned by her isolation and strange signs at her apartment.

CHAPTER 4: WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Synopsis: Isolated and terrified, Luna experiences strange occurrences in her apartment, confirming Sylus's persistent presence. Overwhelmed, she breaks down, and Sylus appears, offering comfort and safety. He reveals her past as Lyra, a powerful sorceress, and their intertwined destinies as lovers.

CHAPTER 5: IMPRINT OF PASSION

Chapter Synopsis: In the magical chamber, Luna sees her reflection as Lyra and discovers a glowing mark on her wrist. Sylus reaffirms their connection, and a passionate encounter ensues, triggering intense memories and visions of their past lives. Their physical union is described as a merging of souls, solidifying their bond and Luna's acceptance of her identity as Lyra.

CHAPTER 6: THE VENDETTA

Chapter Synopsis: Luna, grappling with the aftermath of her encounter with Sylus and the lingering visions of her past life, is approached by Elias Dagon, a magic hunter. He sows seeds of doubt about Sylus, claiming he's manipulative and dangerous, and gives Luna a cryptic book that supposedly reveals the truth.

CHAPTER 7: THE DRAGON'S SHADOW

Chapter Synopsis: Sylus, sensing Elias's presence, sends Luna back to her apartment for safety. He returns to his penthouse, where Elias ambushes him, leading to a destructive battle. Sylus then rushes to find Luna, warning her of Elias's attack and manipulation attempts. Despite the danger, Sylus reaffirms his commitment to protecting Luna.

CHAPTER 8: THE PRIZE OF THE CURSE

Chapter Synopsis: Sylus brings Luna to his penthouse for safety. Elias appears, offering Luna a chance to break the bond and live a normal life. Sylus pleads for her trust, promising to find a way to for them to live without Elias's interference.

CHAPTER 9: TEMPORARY PEACE

Chapter Synopsis: Following a tense confrontation with Elias, Sylus and Luna share a moment of levity, easing the tension with playful banter and unexpected humor. Sylus reveals a surprising talent for cooking, preparing a meal for them, and they plan a date for an upcoming university charity ball. Their conversation deepens, filled with shared stories and laughter, strengthening their connection.

CHAPTER 10: A PAWN IN THE GAME

Chapter Synopsis: Luna and Sylus attend a charity ball. Once again, Elias tries to convince Luna their bond is a curse destined for her demise, but she trusts Sylus. Sylus reveals Elias seeks revenge for his family's death, blaming Sylus. They dance, strengthening their connection. Elias plans to lure them to ruins with a forged document.

CHAPTER 11: TRUST

Chapter Synopsis: After a passionate night, Greyson finds a scroll hinting at a ritual to sever bonds. He shares it with Luna, who decides to show it to Sylus. Despite Sylus' warnings about the dangerous nature it entails, Luna insists they go.

CHAPTER 12: THE AWAKENING

Chapter Synopsis: The memory journey turns violent, not a smooth transition. Luna senses something is wrong as they enter a distorted reality. They find themselves in pristine ruins, not Sylus's memory, but a trap set by Elias.

CHAPTER 13: RAGE AND VENGEANCE

Chapter Synopsis: Elias's dagger plunges into Luna, not death, but a violent rebirth. A golden light erupts from her, a blinding flash that throws Elias back. Luna's form shifts, her posture rigid, her eyes blazing with an ancient power. The air crackles, the ruins themselves trembling before her unleashed fury.

CHAPTER 14: BEYOND THE TRAGEDY

Chapter Synopsis: Years after the harrowing events in the ruins, a sense of tranquility has settled over Luna. The echoes of past battles have faded, replaced by the gentle rhythm of university life. Graduation day arrives, a symbol of hard-won normalcy and healing.

CHAPTER 15: WHERE SUNSETS STAY

Chapter Synopsis: Sylus and Luna acknowledge the tranquility they've found, free from past conflicts and burdens. Their shared happiness is a testament to their enduring love and the life they've built together, a quiet fulfillment of everything they've fought for.

[paragrasya]

Loving Starless Skies

Written by an Indigenous Filipino, Loving Starless Skies is a romantic fantasy Interactive Fiction inspired by precolonial Igorot settings.

Release Date Goal: July 1 The Discord server and Ko-fi account will also be made in July. Due to themes like violence and death, the game, this Tumblr, the Discord, and other related spaces I create for LSS are rated 18+ just to be safe. However, there is no explicit sexual content.

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ

The Story

Every person takes charge of their own destinies—except for the ones who seal it by peering into their possible demise. This earns the ire of many deities who are untouched by death and beholden to eternity.

All humans are destined to die, but all are afforded the ability to change the journey that leads to that destination. Yet you've done the unthinkable. Now you know you were destined for a most painful death and this knowledge sealed what was an otherwise alterable fate.

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ

⁠The Sentinel

As one of the newly appointed Sentinels to the recently established sanctuaries, your main tasks are to clean the sanctums and be an intercessor between the Overseers and your people. Now that you have seen your fate before you can even uphold the title, you must find a way to survive.

You don't want to become a self-fulfilling prophecy, nor do you want to stand by and allow it to happen. The one who should help you is the one who got you in trouble in the first place—the Overseer of Chaos. But true to their nature, they are entertained by the havoc. If it were to be anyone else, then it must also be a deity.

You must find an Overseer and convince them to help you.

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ⁠

The Young Deities

Abayéndayasen: The Overseer of Wrath, Quests, and Cacophonies A companion from beginning to end, they jump from one adventure to another, gladly helping mortals accomplish their goals while desperately trying to achieve their own. After a the trail of fools' errands, they still continue looking, seeking, chasing. Enduringly optimistic, they are yet to understand why it is they were given the domain of wrath.

Asitikaíso: The Overseer of Life and the Lost The gentlest of hearts with the deepest of wounds, they try their damnedest to ensure life is worth living for every being. Every failure is a grasping for a new beginning even though they understand that success only means more for Death to harvest. Still, they turn away and persist, convincing themselves that they are doing the right thing.

Yegyegénsaád: The Overseer of Plants and Calamity Trapped in a job no one else wants to account for, they trudge along their responsibilities, and yet despite their grumbling, they leave no stone unturned. Persisting through with the help of others, they are grateful for every small assistance. Naturally wearing their heart on their sleeve, the moments they struggle to maintain composure are the moments their other power threatens to destroy everything they worked hard for.

Amináybālin: The Overseer of Sacrifices, Food, and Entertainment Living most of their existence in the mortal realm, they know all about the spectacles of human life, and they absolutely revel in it. Valuing the weight of promises, they even requested to be stripped of their titles should they fail to keep theirs. Exacting and intense, they expect the same dedication from others and thus, not one forsaking oath breaker was able to escape their clutches, not even a deity.

Sēēdnanìdaw: The Overseer of Ambition, Reflections, and the Undesired Perhaps the Overseer least interested in their own domains, they have no big aspirations, no deeper reflections, and no willingness to invite the already unwanted. Like a leaf floating on water, they move without purpose, starkly different from the previous, overambitious deity who came before. After witnessing what ambitions do to mortals and immortals alike, one could even say they fear to know what it's like to yearn.

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ

The Legend

No one can escape their sealed fate, and all attempts simply lead to disaster. All it takes is a look at the void of the night sky, made tolerable only by the moonlight. To bring light past the sunset, starcasters illuminate the skies with burning magic. 300 years have passed since the practice of starcasting began, enough time for many to believe natural, distant stars never existed.

You hold on to the stories of your great-grandmother about the one who foresaw their death yet lived. Unlike the usually grim tales, hers end differently.

To go against the divine and forge your own destiny, how will you survive both?

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ⁠

Character Customization

Established: The sentinel is 25 years old, and is a nonambiguous person of color.

Customizable: The player can determine the sentinel's name, gender, sexuality, pronouns, communication style, weapon, gift, and deity/deities worshipped. Below are other things about the Sentinel that's determined by the player. - Appearance: Eye color, hair type, hair color, hairstyle, facial hair, complexion, height, body build, scars, tattoos, clothing, and adornments. You may use enchanted potions to temporarily change your appearance, even add extra limbs and maybe get wings. - Character Traits: Empathetic/Apathetic, Considerate/Ruthless, Withdrawn/Sociable, Flirtatious/Reserved, Perceptive/Intuitive - Skills: Magical ability, combat ability, and Diwa mastery - Faith: Faith in humanity and faith in deities - Reputation: Respect from humans and favor from the deities

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Notes

Status: This is a work in progress released by chapter and is subject to change until the final version. The game is free and will remain free after it is finished.

Age Restriction: 18+ for themes like violence but there is no explicit sexual content.

TWs Include but are Not Limited to: Violence, sexually suggestive content, different types of abuse like physical abuse and psychological abuse, gore, and death.

Fates Determined: Survival is determined not by the raised level of your skills, but by the other choices you make. Of course, different capabilities at different levels will still affect the storytelling, but death will not come from a failed skill check.

Single Sentinel: You can see through the end without romancing anyone. You can even be in a romantic relationship and later break up, but the love interests will remain to have significant roles.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, entities, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

ᗕ⁠─━━━━✧•●•✧━━━━─ᗒ⁠

Credits

Writer, Character Artist, Logo Maker, and Map Maker: Paragrasya Developer: Puddinheadart Alpha Build Playtester: Perry

"This is my first game and my first attempt at writing an interactive fiction. Thank you for reading!" — Paragrasya

[albertvictoria-art]

"A Particular Picnic"

Last november I shared the picnic stories of four characters of the Romantic era that I had created. Unfortunately, my computer had a problem and I lost some original high quality files, so I decided to create a complete illustration with all the characters!

[nine-frames]

"Beautiful. Very visually dynamic."

Twilight, 2008.

Dir. Catherine Hardwicke | Writ. Melissa Rosenberg | DOP Elliot Davis

[corvidacryptida]

I have two reading moods:

Gothic Horror vs Cozy Romantic Fantasy

[caitsbooks]

✨COVER REVEAL✨

I’m so excited to be revealing the cover of my debut romantic fantasy novel, MEDIEVALLY BLONDE, which will be coming out summer 2025!!!

I still can't believe this is real.⁠ I'm so grateful to my agent, Josh Adams, to the amazing people at Harper Voyager US and UK, to @elithien for making this STUNNING cover and really bringing Clía and Ronan to life, and to all of you guys for making this possible.⁠ Its because of you that my dream is coming true, and I will be forever grateful💖

MEDIEVALLY BLONDE is available for preorder now!!

About MEDIEVALLY BLONDE:

A princess desperate to win back the prince who broke her heart follows him to his kingdom’s prestigious military academy—and in doing so, falls in love, saves the realm, and continues to look fabulous, in this romantic debut fantasy loosely inspired by Legally Blonde.

Domhnall and Clía are an ideal match—or so everyone says. They are prince and princess of neighboring kingdoms. An alliance the gods will smile on. Until Domhnall ruins everything by refusing to propose.

Heartbroken but determined, Clía makes the perfect plan: Follow Domhnall to Caisleán Cósta, the military academy he’s attending. Show she can protect her kingdom. Secure the betrothal. Sure, the castle has a brutal reputation. But how hard can dueling really be?

Warrior Ronan promised himself he’d never lose his focus. He fought and sacrificed for his place at Caisleán Cósta, and he has no time for blonde princesses who waltz into arenas like they’re attending a ball. Even if she and her otter-like pet are… well, cute.

He doesn’t want to be intrigued by Clía. But her hunger to prove herself is something he understands. He tells himself there’s no harm training her. Even if his heart does race around her. Even if Domhnall is his best friend.

But as they say, love is a battlefield—and unfortunately for them all, a very real war is looming on the horizon. It’s a fight that will threaten all their kingdoms… and test all their hearts.

Other fun facts: It takes place in a queernormative world, there’s disability rep, there’s forbidden love, and it’s loosely inspired by Irish folklore!

Preorder now!

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

[nikalaeva]

How to Make Romantic Fantasy Interesting

SJM made it... ugh. Okay, you're only interested in fairy sex, without doing any worldbuilding, plot, characters' development and depth. Then let the relationship be a conflict for the story.

Imagine if Rhysand had to go against laws and traditions for the love of Feyre under threat of punishment or even loss of power. Feyre is the savior of Prythian. Marriage to her is desired by ALL the High Lords, including Beron (they're fae, why can't they have polygamy?). And let Feyre's opinion be ignored, to show how deeply rooted the patriarchy is - magic and the land always chooses men.

Feyre (proudly): "Fuck your traditions. I'm a free person, not an appendage to your dicks"

Tamlin (and others): "Sorry, Feyre, but you can't abolish the centuries-old order. There is no such thing as a High Lady"

Rhysand (tries to be a cool bitch): "Come with me to the Night Court. I pass the law, and you become High Lady, Feyre Cursebreaker"

Feyre (burns him with gaze): "And when are you going to apologize for UTM, asshole?"

Rhysand (still trying to be a cool bitch, but is ready to fall at Feyre's feet): "Well..."

Feyre (even more proudly): "Well, fuck off. What do I need your stupid Lady titles for? I'm a Cursebreaker, and Prythian will remember me by that title, not as someone's wife"

Rhysand (whispers pitifully): "Damn, what am I supposed to do now?"

And Nessian? Damn, that's a perfect example of a misalliance. Nesta is the High Lady's sister. Sure, she wasn't born noble, but she was also Made and has valuable magic. Cassian owes his position to Rhysand, but for Nesta's husband candidates he's just a bastard. This could be a conflict: Rhysand as High Lord is obligated to provide her with a politically advantageous match (you know, Eris or Helion or even Tamlin).

Rhysand (truly morally gray): "Feyre, darling, I don't hate your sister. Nothing personal, just politics. She will be a High Lady like you, is that bad?"

Feyre (furious): "How dare you decide who my sister will be with? We are equal, and you have no right to decide this alone. (Smiles menacingly). Rhys, my love, if you poke your nose into my sisters' future, I'll rip your head off. Deal?"

But Nesta is agreed with Rhysand 'cause she was raised and prepared for it. And without bullshit like "I'm shitty and deserve someone like Eris". Let Cassian fight for her with arrogant nobles and Rhysand, reminding how he did the same for Feyre. And thanks to his efforts, Nesta will understand that she doesn't need princes, kings or even gods - she will be truly happy with man who endured all the mockery, learned to dance and courtesy, chose gifts from the heart, not just expensive ones, listened to her and cared about her.

Cassian (tries to be a cool guy, but hardly hear himself, his heart is beating so loudly): "Fuck politics. Nesta Archeron, you deserve someone who will love you not for your status, or your magic, or your relation to Rhysand and Feyre. I will love you whether you are queen or servant, good or evil, poor or rich. I will love you, not the power you wield"

Nesta (confused and touched): "Thank you, Cassian, but what about Rhysand? If he orders as your High Lord..."

Cassian (really a cool guy): "... then he is no longer my High Lord. I'd rather be your slave than his general".

You know what I mean?

[imaginal-ai]

"A Lover's Gift"

(The Courtship of Hercules and Iolaus)

[necronatural]

concept: romantic fantasy otome heroine gets the most insane bad end imaginable where she must kill and scavenge to survive, only to go back in time 7 years to the beginning of her romantic fantasy story and figures surely she can just kill her way out of church/state politics and her reverse harem of useless dipshits

(a few years ago i used to binge-read litrpg fantasy isekai (they were all bad) and think of how i'd spin the genre and recently ive been binge-reading so many noble lady webtoons i felt The Hunger)