taintedsoul-if

[taintedsoul-if]

Cadmus×MC×Atticus

Your reflection stares back at you, guilt etched on your face. You have no one to blame but yourself for your current predicament. It's been a month since you started sneaking around, juggling two relationships at once. Every time you think about your duplicity, your stomach churns with disgust. You once believed that loving multiple people simultaneously was impossible, but Cadmus and Atticus have proven you wrong - you love them both equally, torn between two hearts.

Your hands trembled with fear, knowing that if you confessed, you'd risk losing them both. The more you gazed at your reflection, the more self-loathing consumed you. The bite marks from the previous night's passionate love-making session with Cadmus adorned your skin, a poignant reminder of your duplicity. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as the weight of your secrets threatened to crush you. The anguish was suffocating, the guilt unbearable... damn it all! Your heart felt heavy, as if it was torn in two, each half belonging to Cadmus and Atticus, leaving you torn and uncertain about your future.

A soft knock came at the bathroom door, and panic set in. You quickly turned on the faucet to wash your face, hoping to compose yourself. The lock clicked, and Cadmus appeared in the doorway, his silence unsettling. After three splashes, you grabbed the face towel to wipe your face, trying to regain your composure. "Did something happen?" you asked, your voice a bit muffled by the towel. "You're just standing there, staring." His gaze was piercing, as if he could see right through you, and you felt a shiver run down your spine.

"You're leaving?" Cadmus asked, his tone hinting at a mix of surprise and curiosity, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scrutinized you.

When lying, you couldn't bear to look either of them in the face, fearing your deceit would be exposed. "Yes, remember Nyssa/Nyala is helping me with a few last-minute practice questions for the upcoming competition - you know how important this is to me, right..." You trailed off, avoiding eye contact, your voice barely above a whisper. Today, Atticus had planned to take you to one of his favorite spots, and you were excited to go camping, something you'd always longed to do. Your hands quivered once again, and you quickly hid them behind your back, your fingers fisting into the softness of the towel, which offered little comfort. The silence between you and Cadmus grew thick, heavy with unspoken questions and doubts.

"Atticus is here." Cadmus said, breaking the silence, his voice cold with a twinge of hurt and disappointment. Your head snapped up in time to see Cadmus closing the door, his footsteps fading away into the silence. Without a single thought in mind, you hurried to open the door, your heart racing with a mix of fear and desperation.

You chased after him, your bare feet pounding the cold floor, your voice echoing down the hallway. "Cadmus, wait! Hear me out!" You pleaded, your words laced with a sense of urgency, your eyes scanning the empty corridor, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. The silence that followed was deafening, and your breath caught in your throat when you finally caught sight of him entering the sitting room, his broad shoulders and tall frame a stark contrast to the delicate furniture. The soft glow of the lamp beside the sofa cast a warm light on his chiseled features, making his expression appear even more solemn. Your eyes then landed on Atticus, standing at the wet bar, expertly pouring himself a glass of Cadmus's aged wine, the glug-glug of the liquid filling the silence.

The aroma of oak and berries wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of old books and leather. Stopping in your tracks, you ducked behind the small bookcase, your heart racing with anxiety. The creak of the wooden floorboards beneath your bare feet seemed deafening. "Fuck!" you mouthed silently, your palms growing clammy as you peeked around the corner, watching the scene unfold.

You were torn between revealing yourself or slipping away unnoticed. Your past experiences had left you jaded, and you were now trapped in a web of your own desires. You had once been disgusted by your mother's numerous affairs with both married and single men. Yet, here you were, entangled in a similar situation. Cadmus and Atticus had made you feel at ease, but being with them separately left you feeling incomplete. Now that they were in the same room together, you felt as if the feeling of incompletion had swept away, leaving nothing but a deep sense of peace and contentment.

As you hid behind a bookshelf, a sense of clarity washed over you, like finally solving a long-standing puzzle. However, jealousy crept in, and you wondered if Cadmus and Atticus would still love you if they knew the real you - the one who had taken their own life to escape being a mere object for your mother's desires. You doubted they would accept the true you.

Despite their cold exterior, you had found genuine happiness with them. You chuckled to yourself, acknowledging the irony of the gods' treatment. They had made an example of you and your cheating ways in less than a month. Your fingers raked through your hair as you pondered your situation.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

[taintedsoul-if]

Recently, it's been one problem after another, and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Something that once brought me joy now fills me with depression. I don't expect anyone to fully understand my thoughts, but I'm struggling.

The biggest concern weighing on me is my inability to keep up with the times. New sites emerge daily, and my work's lighting affects readers, causing discomfort. I'm exhausted from constantly worrying about causing distress. I feel useless in addressing these issues.

After sending out the drabble update, I'll be taking a break from online activities for a while. I'm unsure when the next update for my IFS will be available, but I appreciate your continued support. Thank you, and I apologize again for any inconvenience.

[taintedsoul-if]

I just wondering about the story can you choose a good life but still give much spite as they give I mean taking back whats yours

Many may disagree with my approach, feeling that it strips the MC of agency. But I have one steadfast rule: my MC will never be a damsel in distress. While they may not be a skilled fighter, they will always stand up for themselves and refuse to let others define their character. My motto? When they go low, I'll go lower.

You, my dear followers, can rest assured that your MC will always have the power to fight back. The revenge path is about reclaiming what's rightfully yours - Trysten/Trista, taken from you unjustly by Yesenia. 😮‍💨

[taintedsoul-if]

OMG when i reread Cadmus character description and his overall attitude towards our MC. He instantly reminded me of another white hair / red eyes/ sassy as hell of a man, our dear and beloved Astarion from Baldur Gate 3 😍🤭

That's a video game, right? While browsing the Nexus Mod site the other day, I did see 'Baldur Gates'. Mind you, I don't know much about this game that you speak of. However, I did check the images online, and those red eyes truly stand out.

[taintedsoul-if]

I am fully convinced! Atticus has Cadmus heart! I can feel it in my bones!!!!😭👀

My dear Anon, won't you share your notes to at least back up your convictions? 🤧

[taintedsoul-if]

I'm going to romance our beloved slang heir once they got introduced in the demo, this sex addict got me feeling nostalgic, they remind me 'bout the character that my friend make years ago... That got me wonder, if we choose the soft-core rout and if the MC choose to be with T, will T still love the MC once the heir finally have them again? Or the feelings will vanish?

I got the feeling that they only love the MC because they're not paying attention to them but maybe I'm over thinking, aside from that I actually glad that the MC will not be the empress, that sound like a lot of work and MC has been working to their bone, poor kid could use a break 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Sorry for the rambling, I hope you have a good day/night and stay happily healthy!

Anon, uh, I think you dropped this - picks up crown - (I don't know what kind of crown it is, but I just wanted to give it to you). 👀

So, to clear the air, T never loved the OH. It was more of them having strong feelings towards the OH. But for the SC route and the HC route, there are certain things about your MC that T will "fall in love" with. In T's case, it's best if they're the one who loves your MC the most, because trust me, if your MC falls hard or too deeply, T will lose interest faster than a baby learning to turn over on their tummy for the first time.

That is correct, yes. T's feelings are complicated. For the HC route, they're obsessed with you because you satisfy them in the bedroom. And for the SC route, the MC practically dislikes the very sight of them. So naturally, they see that as a challenge - winning back the MC's feelings and discarding them like trash when they get bored.

Anon, as long as you're content with sharing T with Yesenia and 500 more beauties in the backyard, I ramble a lot, so no need to apologize.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Sorry for the slow response, and I also hope you have a good day and night. Thanks for the ask. ☺

[taintedsoul-if]

What does Cadmus and Atticus masks look like and does the masks have any unique design?

Also does Trysten and Nyssa have their own mask too?

Cadmus's mask is simple, faceless, with a small, rounded droplet of water on the left cheek.

Atticus's mask is more ornate, with feathers inlaid around the eyes, a beautifully painted pair of succulent lips in white, and a green gem embedded in the forehead center.

Also, note that Nyssa/Nyala and Trysten/Trista do not wear masks, as this practice is unique to Cadmus and Atticus's culture, where mask-wearing is a mandatory tradition.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Thanks for the ask. 🫡

[taintedsoul-if]

Helloo! I just found your IF on cogforum, and I just want to say that i LOVE IT. I even cried a little lol. Really, good job dear author! I'll wait for updates, take care!

(you don't have to answer this, just wanted to express my appreciation about your work!)

You've made my day, anon! Thank you so much! 🥺

[taintedsoul-if]

To whet your appetite and sabotage this Drabble Delights, I'll give you a sneak peek at what you'll be missing out on if you don't choose your best friend, Ada...

Ada's trembling hand extended, offering the vial without a word. Her eyes pleaded for mercy, but her voice was frozen in terror. The entity's gaze narrowed, its blood-red eyes fixed on the vial. "It... it contains all the target soul shards," Ada stammered, her voice barely audible. "I was supposed to deliver them to the queen, but I kept them... for emergencies... like this." The entity's grip closed around her wrist, lifting her off the ground. It slammed her against the wall, the impact knocking the breath from her lungs. Ada's tears burst forth, her body shaking uncontrollably. "I-I think of them as my friend... they always approach me... please, I beg you, save me!"

Or, you can cast the ROs aside and read a drabble for the ones you left behind - Ada and the father you abandoned! Cast your votes, because time waits for no one!

The countdown begins! You have seven days to decide - who will reign supreme and take the crown?

Our last drabble was a lengthy 2100 words, but this time we're aiming for a more concise 1000-1500 words. For readers who missed the previous drabble posted a few days ago, you can find a link below the cut to access the intense, angsty scene between Cadmus and his bonded!

[taintedsoul-if]

Or, you can cast the ROs aside and read a drabble for the ones you left behind - Ada and the father you abandoned! Cast your votes, because time waits for no one!

The countdown begins! You have seven days to decide - who will reign supreme and take the crown?

Our last drabble was a lengthy 2100 words, but this time we're aiming for a more concise 1000-1500 words. For readers who missed the previous drabble posted a few days ago, you can find a link below the cut to access the intense, angsty scene between Cadmus and his bonded!

[taintedsoul-if]

Y'know since now you updated/redo the first chapter and I got to replay my female mc it got me thinking. So far I went for revenge seeking mc and with whole ruining everyone else's lives thing got me to wonder...

How would Cadmus and Atticus deal with mc who's like revenge little too much like got sick thrill out of it, not say they look to ruin innocent lives but if you gone against them they make it their entire life mission to rot with evil smile on their face.

I'm talking similar to yandere vibes but only when provoked type like an absolute menace. I only thought it up because really mc just died traumatically before entering a new world where their host body was treated like utter crap.

I can definitely see an mc shrugged and be like why not they technically got nothing to lose other than dying again so why not take everyone that wronged the original host's life. (Pss I totally didn't find it funny when dearest step mommy got slap in the face that along mc is alive she couldn't inherit anything. 🤣)

(pps, also forgot along song recommendations got 'In The Dark of the Night' from the animated movie Anastasia the version from annapantsu. Second, 'Smoke and Mirrors' cover by Lollia bot songs are kinda revenge songs about mc that just utterly snap and they aren't holding back anymore.)

Cadmus is willing to destroy the world to keep the MC safe. Years ago, before the unlawful ministers took the MC's life, Cadmus believed in upholding the law and resolving conflicts peacefully. But that fateful day changed everything. Cadmus's good side was torn away, leaving only darkness in its place. Now, he doesn't care who dies, as long as the MC is safe. He'll even use his own blade to avenge the MC. Cadmus's sole focus is his beloved "mi sol".

Unlike Cadmus, who openly declares his intentions, Atticus strikes without warning. Once pure and innocent, Atticus has been tainted by the world's malevolence over the decades. After reading about the MC's past lives, Atticus realized he may have misjudged Cadmus and feels guilty and awkward about it. As a result, he always prioritizes the MC's safety and will not complain as long as they don't put themselves in danger.

Whether they choose to be with someone else, the MC will always have two loyal men, Cadmus and Atticus, who will serve them without question.

I just listened to a song that fit this scenario perfectly! I imagine the MC sharpening knives and dancing to this song with Trysten and Yesenia tied up in their underground prison, using their powerful vocals to soothe the pain and agony they inflicted on them.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

It's good to have you back. Thanks for the ask. ☺

[taintedsoul-if]

maybe a silly question/request but would you possibly consider adjusting the skin tones for the mc? Like, i know it's just flavor text and such and doesn't really hold weight to the plot. We have porcelain, pale and cream (good to have options)and then we have olive and caramel/dark. If nothing else, caramel and dark can be to two different choices?

Anon is sending me to tinker with the code, something I dread every day. 💀. Should I bonk you on the head? Just kidding! I added your simple request.

Thanks for the ask and enjoy. 😊

[taintedsoul-if]

Aww it cute that cadmus thinks he can guilt trip the MC by playing the victim card.

While our little innocent MC here is currently:

Tired underpaid worker

Consoling BFF getting cheated on with their own mum

Has a crazy ex that won't take a hint

Their own mother is sucking every last penny they have then "accidentally" killing the MC

Got their house broken into and kissed by Medusa (tbh my MC got turn on when cadmus did this🫣)

Got reincarnation into another body without any say in the matter at all

And in the end still blame the MC, like take a chill pill Bro. Tho knowing my MC she's gonna forgive him anyway and blame Tristan for everything else.....😅😅

Anon, you're a bad egg, but I fully support you! If it weren't for Trysten, the world system wouldn't have sucked your soul out of your body. You probably would have washed up somewhere else and woken up in a different circumstance! It's all Trysten's fault, lol. Your MC has been through a lot, and I feel for her. Would you like a drink? I only have fruit juice, water, and more water.

Cadmus is aware of exactly what your MC is feeling, but he's pretending to be innocent, thinking to himself, "Mi Sol, use your words, and I'll fulfill every waking desire of yours."

Cadmus has learned a lot while asleep in his coffin and following your MC through every lifetime, so he'll definitely be guilt-tripping your MC more. Please bear with this large golden retriever; he only wants to stress your MC out more and more. 👀 After all, Cadmus says the best moments are those where you both argue, and things escalate to the point where your MC points fingers at him, and he gets your MC in a compromising position. Tread carefully!

"The bedroom is the best place to resolve any and all disputes." - Cadmus

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Thanks for the ask. ❤

[taintedsoul-if]

What's New In IF? Issue 11 (2024)

By Erika, Marjorie, Axelle, and Noi

Now Available!

Due to the early release of this issue, any release or update during June 28th unmentioned here will be included in next week's issue.

Itch.io. - Keep Reading below

Due to Internal things, the June and July issues will only update on events and games. We hope to resume regular activities and include more pages by August. Note: while Axelle is mentioned, they are currently on a break.

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : NEO-TWINY JAM ~

Happening every June, the Neo-Twiny Jam is a jam with a simple restriction: you are only allowed 500 words to create a game!

Even though the wordcount is tiny, it is still larger than the one given by Porpentine's original and pivotal 2015 jam, the Twiny Jam.

With 200 more words (still excl. code and non-story screens), and the possibility of using any program (not just Twine), the jam is meant as a commemoration of Porpentine's influence.

Not just looking to make people think creatively about the restriction, the Neo-Twiny Jam is using its platform to raise money for charity!

Every submitted entry (up to 3 per creator) is matched for a donation to TransEquality, an LBGTQ+ organisation.

If you have 500 words in your IF pocket, come and submit it for a good cause! From kinetic to parser, experimental to conventional, and even visual novels, the Neo-Twiny Jam accepts all IF! The organisers are also looking for donors (matching or set donation). @neo-twiny-jam/@neointeractives

Looking for inspiration? Check out last edition!

~ CONFERENCE ~

The Narrascope happened last weekend both in-person and online, with many different kinds of talks related to IF and game making. If you weren't able to attend, don't worry, they will be uploaded on YouTube down the line.

~ ONGOING (VOTING) ~

The Rayuela (Spanish IFComp) is also still in their voting period. If you are Spanish speaking, come support the entries!

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

The submission deadline for the ParserComp is this weekend! Whether it's classic or more experimental, there is still time to submit a parser!

If you are looking to make a Visual Novel, the Otome Jam will be looking for entries until July 1st. There is also the Josei jam running parallel to it.

While it is not IF-focused, the Anti-Romance Jam is once again looking for anti-romance submissions!

Love/Violence is another unranked game jam looking for entries dealing with Love and Violence and all the things in between (also accepts non IF) The deadline is this weekend!

Only a few days left to register an intent to participate in the IntroComp, a yearly competition where you can submit unreleased WIP and compete for cash prize… if you finish the game within a year!

Just a bit over a week left, to Fix the Worst Visual Novels Jam.

Can you write something in French? Or use Google Translate? The annual Nouvim3000 is an unranked francophone IF jam where you need to write between 500 and 3k words. This year's theme is “INCOMBUSTIBLE”.

~ OTHER ~

The Interactive Fiction Showcase is still running! If you have completed an IF piece this year, consider submitting it! It is happening only on itch!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

The Runaway Savior (bipsi) is a visual IF piece about running away from your fate @bntarwarn.

See No Evil (Twine) is a short horror game where you need to escape while… blinded.

The Labyrinth (Twine) is an atmospheric horror game set in a labyrinth.

Return of the Sword (qBase64) is a puzzle parser game involving Excalibur.

Don't forget to check the events mentioned in previous pages! There were a lot of really cool entries!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

The Catalyst (CScript) is a Chosen One-trope project with a twist: you are the sacrifice.

Dangerous Games: Kindred Spirits (CScript) is a mature murder mystery game with a heavy dash of romance. @taintedsoul-if

Forever Gold (Twine) is a dark-fantasy mature adventure project. @forevergoldgame

~ GAMES UPDATES ~

Tainted Souls: Fables & Myths (CScript) has added the Second Chapter to the demo.

The Ultimate Magic Student (CScript) added 33k new words in this update.

Dance of the Night (CScript) added extra content to the demo.

Echoes of Kingdom: The Last Stand (CScript) has had a major update.

Citadel (CScript)'s new update is now available for Patreon subscribers. @bouncyballcitadel

Virtue's End (CScript) has completed the rewrite of the First Chapter. @virtues-end

The In-Betweeners (CScript) has added Chapter 5 to the demo.

Magehunter: Phoenix Flame (CScript) has updated to version v5.1.

Bacchanal (Twine) has made their next update available to Patreon. @bacchanal-if

Within Your Eyes (Tumblr)'s demo has been updated. @within-your-eyes-if

Camp Overlook (CScript) has released its First Episode. @campoverlook-if

Eastend (CScript)'s demo has updated. @eastend-if

Kenneski (Twine) added Chapter 2. @devilishmango

~ OTHER ~

The Queer Games Bundle (@queergamesbundle) is live on itch.io. Support a bunch of queer creators (including Interactive Fiction authors!) by purchasing the bundle!

The Summer Steam Sale is happening! And deals include IF games like Arcadie: Second Born and CoG games, as well as VN like Our Life! (@sofia-d-asb, @choiceofgames, @gb-patch)

To Death I Embrace (Twine) is looking for beta-testers. @to-death-i-embrace

We apologize if we missed an update or a release. We are but volunteers trying to find as much info as possible, but sometimes news pass through the cracks.

Please, let us know if something should have been added to the zine, and we will shout it out next week!

ERIKA, MARJORIE, AXELLE, AND NOI

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2024-ISSUE 11

[taintedsoul-if]

Hold up. Wait just a whole fucking minute.

How the hell do i follow you but i literally just read through this blog and lost my fucking mind.

The hell. I'm so sorry what?!!!

I'm obsessed!! Like omg. I saw 2 demos?!!!!

But the main oneeeeeeeeeeeee ooooooommmg. Okay sorry. I gta go read this because I'm so excited. I'm losing it. 😭😭😭

Your enthusiasm is contagious! I'm scrolling through my notifications, trying to find the exact day you joined my little family... but alas, I can't find it! 😭😭

The good news is that you've got me pumped up to tackle those branchy scenes! Followers like you are a real energy boost. I might temporarily remove Dangerous Games for some adjustments.

I hope you enjoyed the demo! Don't worry, precious Anons and followers, I'll answer all asks eventually - no one gets left behind here! ❤

[taintedsoul-if]

Hello! Bug reports!

When I tried to click the stat menu, this message popped out: "choicescript_stats line 23: Non-existent variable 'skin_color'"

Unrelated scattered texts like : [\b] or [\i]

Also, I'm not sure if this is a bug, but the option to choose these two: "I met an entity with vermilion eyes before crossing over," and "Mysterious Vial." was also greyed out. Was there a specific required previous choice?

Incredible update tho!! Ny's scene and MC's outlash hurt me so bad :(

Hi there, Anon.

I've ironed out all the issues, but the stats page is going to be a huge pain in the arse. I'll revisit it later and explore it further. For now, I'm glad to have fixed all the errors! Note that accessing certain choices requires a specific path; you must avoid letting Cadmus kiss or bite your character. Instead, ask him if he's seeking someone, and that will unlock those choices.

I understand it might seem strict, but I wanted to cater to readers who didn't want to rekindle that complicated relationship. Ny's scene had a profound impact on me, and I've come to realize that these characters are complex beings with emotions I can't fully comprehend.

Ny is more than just a villain now; they're a multidimensional character with a heartbreaking backstory. It's sad to come from a broken home where love is nonexistent, and yet expectations abound. I found myself laughing maniacally when I recalled the scene where the mother was also pulled over the ledge. I need to include her in the next update.

I hope you enjoy your time with me and my 'tainted souls' family. Thanks for the ask and the help. ☺

[taintedsoul-if]

Get ready for our next round of drabble delights at the end of this month! Hopefully, you all won't aim for Cadmus... I mean, consider Atticus or Nyssa/Nyala instead. It's ironic, since Cadmus is the only thing on my mind day and night! 🥰 Although, I must admit, I'm eager to see Trysten's character depart soon. Look forward to the upcoming poll! If all goes well, I'll also share updates on the next chapter mid-next month. Fingers crossed.

I didn't plan on creating a Ko-fi account, but if you'd like to support my work, feel free to buy me a virtual chocolate! ❤️