#obscura francesco

[vaultureculture]

I SAID I WAS GONNA DO IT SO I COOKED THEM UP

Of course these are just my personal HCs for the boys! We don't know how they look yet <3

This was so so fun, if you guys know me you surely know I adore drawing different features and portraits! I love them all hah

[grimalkinscribbles]

Sweaty disco twink

[ssecond-hand-faith]

¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[dreamtydraw]

Started playing obscura, here is my current opinion :

[mulletjoong]

it entered my mind and wouldn’t leave

[myun5508]

Doodle, doodle, and doodle

❗️❗️1th pic was drawn from base by:@ SIBI2028 on twitter❗️❗️

[picrossmimi]

dududu～✰

[nitrowyverine]

I thought playing Obscura would help me get rid of my brain worms. no, it just gave me new ones. For Obscura, specifically.

I'll be adjusting the format from my TOUCHSTARVED expanded thoughts post. Brain dump after the cut!

[Demo/CH 1 spoilers are included]

(Header Image from Itch.io page! All images in this post are either from there or the Rotten Raccoons tumblr page)

Design/gameplay thoughts:

In full honesty without fluff: this game fucks immensely.

The setting for Obscura might be my new all-time favorite, like, ever. Mystery underground scandalous marketplace??? Under a mountain???? it's a diverse and vast city that's still elegantly contained and claustrophobic, but in a spicy way. The worldbuilding and flavor is excellent. I really want to run a TTRPG in a similar setting now, since its an area with so many possibilities.

CH. 1/the "demo" has a LOT of meat on it. It's got different endings, variations, a whole soundtrack. Speaking of sountrack-

Obscura is also one of the few games I've put on the soundtrack to just to vibe to. The soundtrack is SO good, and sets such a strong mood/tone. I think it complements the game perfectly.

Allot of people have mentioned it, but I am also a fan of the Safeword pause menu. It's a nice and comforting touch, especially when the game can get so intense. It lets players take a breather if they need it, but also doesn't interrupt the intensity/mood of the game for someone who doesn't want a break from the narrative.

Now, onto character specific thoughts!

Cirrus:

IN MY HOUSE WE DON'T BELIEVE IN NOT STARTING OUT STRONG

Shout outs for having your asexual option in the dating sim be. The kinkiest guy there

Cirrus is a bit too intense for me, however, that is NOT a bad thing in the slightest. I think his route is well done for those who are up for his brand of intensity.

I might still play his route because. damn this boy's issues got me curious about his backstory. ($10 on mommy issues)

I had the hardest time getting to Cirrus's good end during my playthrough because having pretty much any self-preservation instinct around Cirrus gives you a bad/neutral ending. He's the only one I had to pull the guide out to get the best ending. (I think I'm just too sassy)

I get medusa vibes from Cirrus. The snake imagery is more likely tied to the lunar church, but his staunch reluctance to take his own mask off makes me wonder (this is mainly referenced in asks answered by the Rotten Raccoon studios). Refusal to let people see his eyes + snakes + power + slightly unnatural abilities to influence is, something.

I am shaking this man like a snowglobe WHAT IS YOUR DEAL I MUST KNOW MORE

(I am. metaphorically shaking him like a snowglobe. I would never shake this man im terrified)

CONCLUSION: Most likely to shame you for your anime choices. Least likely to be normal about it when you ask for help peeling an orange.

Keir:

HERE COMES BIG MAN

yeah he's tied for favorite right now. the slow burn in his plot is just too good? big man....freckles...secret soft side...im weak

he's so nice I keep forgetting. He kind of kidnaps you? not even kind of he just drags you off the street and goes "you live in my house now". Even Griff calls MC a stray early on. My man really said "Here's a convenient lost human I'm dragging them home now"

oh my GOD they were ROOMATES

I definitely was too nice to him in my first playthrough until I realized he does need (and want) to be sassed to death.

this man is like 6'6 and the canon-ish Vesper height from the CG is 5'4. THE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE. This kills the man (me)

The sprite of Keir's ears blushing SENDS ME INTO A FRENZY

I quite liked the gameplay style of Keir's route. I was so focused and invested as soon as I realized I needed to remember specific directions to save the heist group during timed decisions

Something I haven't seen discussed yet: I'm mega curious about the dagger Keir has on his outfit. It's specifically pointed out in text that it's high-quality, and I vaguely remember an ask that Rotten Raccoons answered that said it's a status symbol. (The dagger also just looks SO cool. and....it looks like Francesco's...?)

(My bet is that he either 1. stole it. or 2. got it from Oleander during their tryst (WHICH WE ALSO NEED TO TALK ABOUT-))

CONCLUSION: Most likely to be gifted a "WORLD'S BEST DAD" mug from his similarly-aged peers. Least likely to live down that one time he ate soap because he thought it was edible.

Francesco:

someone keep the "silver dust" away from this lad im scared

Originally, I was least looking forward to playing Francesco's route since I just wasn't interested in his initial concept. After playing his route though? It was excellently done, and I genuinely had fun. It was refreshing to have a character more naive than Vesper, so more cultural aspects were explained and we got a good alternate perspective on the marketplace. Also, it got REAL spicy in new and exciting ways the other chapters didn't. I'm really looking forward to the next chapters with his route!

I totally love the contrasts in his design and his character. He's got both bright red and blue highlights in his design, his outfit is very pointy and angular while his hair/smile is soft and flow-y.

And in his personality, he's both sweet and open, but extremely cagey about some information, and quite pragmatic when he wants to be. I think he's way smarter than he lets on.

that doesn't mean I don't want to bridal carry him and tuck him into bed at night after a all-nighter party

I do think Fran's slightly looser demeanor could lead to him being even more brutal than the other LI's. Remember that one anime clip (Found it, it's this one from Danshi Koukousei) where a group of friends wants to fight for fun, but one of the friends asks why they need rules in a fight? And said friend is shown like secretly holding a rock and was ready to use it? that's Fran. He would not have chill and does not heed the rules.

"Protect the boy", but mostly to prevent him from tasting blood. Because if that happens we're all fucked

CONCLUSION: Most likely to eat that M&M off the ground because you dared him. Least likely to beat the puppy allegations.

Oleander:

Oleander is tied for favorite with Keir. Oleander is just *chefs kiss* LOOK AT HIM. inscrutable......

Somewhere in an ask answered by Rotten Raccoons studio, they mentioned that for Oleander's route, they were going for a "Sexy boss situation that doesn't feel like a work safety violation". They hit that right on the nose; there's intrigue and a power imbalance, but in a non-restrictive or terrifying way.

I love being involved in the business part of his route. I keep making decisions like "Hmm yes my primary goal is to romance Oleander. But what would be the smartest business move here? How do we advance our agenda?"

Also, I do love playing a sexy evil secretary in a vn. love having a job and being evil at it AND being paid money. 10/10

That dance scene is everything I could have ever wanted no notes

I am fascinated to find out more about what he's been up to since his last trek into the marketplace. Seems like people are trying to kill him all the time anyway, so what would be enough to cause him to leave?

he's like an angler fish, but the lure is his booba

I relate to Oleander in that. I have too many online usernames because I can't stick with one. People get my 800 online names mixed up often. He has the same problem, we're basically twinsies

This man is pretending to be a himbo like his life depends on it (It probably does). He's too smart though, I know for a fact he has at least three different schemes going at any given time.

CONCLUSION: Most likely to be able to help you properly lace a corset (this man knows the boot-to-the-back necessity of the process). Least likely to be allowed to be banker during monopoly night.

Vesper:

black mask enjoyer 4 life

(all three are good I just wanted to say which one I picked. And to add my conclusion section)

CONCLUSION: Most likely to get their shit rocked by a falling piano. Least likely to survive an argument about pineapple on pizza.

Concerns:

With how separate the four routes are, the game could potentially feel like four separate visual novels all in one universe. Maybe I haven't played enough VN's, but there is a feeling of separation between the routes.

In the very beginning of the game, when you're picking your route, I wish there was a bit more heads up/information between who you're picking. For example, I had a rough idea that going into the church is where you'd find Cirrus, but only from information outside the game. I didn't know sticking around for the brawl would push you into Kier's route. It's overall pretty vague to which route you're going based on only in-game information.

Misc thoughts:

Vesper: "How are you going to keep me?? ;)" Keir and Oleander: "crimes" Vesper: "Wh-" Keir and Oleander: "you're an accomplice now congrats we're in this together. wanna get drinks"

catch my socially anxious ass wanting to be under the mountain and wear masks so I don't have to make eye contact with strangers all the time. at least its a fun thought to have when I mask for covid

OKAY FRANCESCO AND KEIR'S DAGGER MATCH? AND ARE RED/BLUE LIKE FRANCESCOS OUTFIT? DOES IT MEAN ANYTHING??? probably not but I do like the pretty knives....

For real, I got the brain worms for this game, I'm on the edge of making a big ol playlist. the headcannons? They go on my friend. they go on. I'm laying awake at night thinking about what each character would order at a coffee shop

by the time I publish this post. I did start working on the playlist

yes, I've also designed my own vesper, its such a prime opportunity for character design.

Obscura also may or may not have inspired me to get involved with an otome jam game team, more on that in the future possibly.....

OVERALL: I got the first chapter/demo of Obscura for free from Itchio/steam. High marks for writing, sound, art, game design, all of it! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for CH2.

TL;DR: If you haven't played it, and love spicy and dark stories, go play it! Part one is free! and fantastic.

Itch.io

Steam

[frango-maconheiro]

heeeey,,, guess who's back with fanart.. after like, 3 months? maybe more

gonna replay the demo, i only remember sweet Francesco's route, to be honest.

[si-cucumber]

The world does not deserve Francesco Sarri. Sweet sunshine boy, what are you doing here????? Flee.

[aieevee16]

POV: All the Love Interests finally meet in one room.

[vaultureculture]

Wolfsbane’s affinities with the ROs per route

I may be brain rotten. Take my silly doodles and go, my children.

Also YES Wolfsbane calls Francesco Franny

[setevulpo]

obscura love interests as paintings!

hello, yes, this vn has consumed my days. have a healthy dose of artistic rambles relating to the love interests from someone who knows nothing about art, and enjoy!

the pictures are unfortunately only of details, because tumblr will crash and burn if i try putting all 15 full paintings in one post, but seriously. look up the paintings. they're so beautiful y'all.

divider by @/cafekitsune

keir

boy peeling fruit by michelangelo caravaggio! picked because it gave me chilling-after-work vibes and it's kinda domestic!

the shipwreck by claude-joseph vernet! it's the tragedy! the despair! the only thing you can do is help those who aren't dead yet!

the last day of pompeii by karl bryullov! yes. it's the same reason as above. add the impotence of being unable to stop what's causing it and muah! gold! also volcano.

cirrus

noli me tangere by titian vecellio! this painting is named after the biblical episode after jesus' resurrection, and it's symbolical of belief/love without a physical aspect to it.

death and life by gustav klimt! another one that is about a lack of physical union, but i also picked it because of the light and dark contrast between life and death.

the annunciation by henry ossawa tanner! it depicts the moment gabriel informed mary of her pregnancy, and it is very much about clarity and revelations, usually of the holy kind.

francesco

david with the head of goliath by michelangelo caravaggio! there are many theories about what this one is actually about, but one of them talks about caravaggio's youth ruining his chance at becoming old. do you see my vision.

by the sea by piet mondrian! this one is mostly about the vibes, it's very rich but also simplistic in a way?

roses, convolvulus, poppies, and other flowers in an urn on a stone ledge by rachel ruysch! a peony at the central point for love and wealth, foxglove that, despite symbolising deceit also leans into healing, the nasturium standing for victory despite struggles!

oleander

the aegean sea by frederic edwin church! a temple of bacchus and a double rainbow and the freedom of an open sea. there's something there i tell you.

cymon and iphigenia by frederic leighton! cymon gazes upon a sleeping iphigenia and is filled with inspiration of which he never knew before. it has a very warm feeling to it, and it is set at dusk in early autumn. also it's just pretty.

symphony in white, no.1 by james mcneill whistler! the original artist said that this painting had no deeper meaning, ominous much, but also it depicts a woman casually standing on a dead wolf, which is undeniably badass.

+ bonus! vesper

the first mourning by william-adolphe bouguereau! adam and eve mourning their son after he died! it looks beautiful and desperate and completely anguished.

descent into limbo by andrea mantegna! this one is all because of vesper going into the mountain not sorry at all. the man in the painting is begging for mercy or help or literally anything.

the death of adonis by peter paul rubens! someone died when they should have lived. someone died way before their time. vesper my beloved this will be you.

[almondcheerios]

Friend of mine dragged me violently into the Obscura visual novel so.. heres my Francesco route Vespersona n the guy!

[dreamtydraw]

Okay so i have a lil theorie about Francesco that might be totally wrong cause it all started from one sentence and i don’t know much of the lore but please hear me out- ( and excuse my bad english)

What if Francesco actually followed vesper to the mountains ?

LEMME EXPLAIN OKAY SO-

In their first exchange Vesper mention that Francesco’s voice is familiar but they’re unsure. This made me tic cause it’s a strange remark that underline a possibility they already met. Thing is if you goes with this idea some of his behavior could be explained.

What if Francesco know vesper from afar, like he had his eyes on them and learned they suddenly dissapeared to the mountain for lunar anchor ( putting 2 and 2 together) This would explain why he may had a problem with his family and why the guard mention « diferent class » to vesper, they don’t want Francesco to get more into his fondness for this random person.

Other thing that would be explained with this théorie is why he was so eager to have the outfit ready in a day or why he’s so pressed, because he knows vesper may not have much time.

This could also add on to the fact that « He wants to discover new feelings and try everything » it could be seen as him wanting to have mc experience a lot of nice stuff before they die. A sort of trap to spoil mc because he’s fond of them.

Other sentences that made me tic « this is everything i could hope for » regarding mc being all dressed up. It’s a very strong language to use about someone you just met.

« You think i would lie to you ? » could be interpreted as him thinking there is already an established relationship of trust between them despite this being literally the first time they ever talked to each other ( in his parasocial relationship era- )

More into his possible parasocial feelings is his first reflex to kiss vesper’s hand or « we’re not ? » respons to vesper saying the plan wasn’t to go to the club to makeout.

« Is it so bad to keep some informations » could be about him wanting vespere to admit their ilness to him to show trust but also his possible already present knowledge of who they are.

Thank you for listening to my theories, i have absolutely no idea how solid this could be- but if anyone has infos that could contredict / furthermore amplifie the theory please tell !!!

[adorableanimism]

haii!! could u perhapz do a Francesco from Obscura stim board plz??

dont know much about yer blorbo but i tried my best!! just 4 u n_n

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