Cantata
Last updated October 10, 2025; approx. word count 135k
Synopsis
The story is set in Saleste, a vast empire with a long history of expansionism and colonization. Within the empire, technically citizens but not, are the Iredicci. The Iredicci can hear and feel the cordis, the harmonic pulse that connects all living things, and they connect to it through song. Iredicci have excellent hearing, but their defining feature is their voice—they have an echo to their voice, a resonance of two pitches at once.
A simple, nomadic people, the Iredicci were traditionally welcome in all corners of the Saleste Empire. But as steam technology progressed and the push for new resources grew, a prejudice developed against them. Over the years they stopped being welcome. Eventually, their travel was restricted, and the Iredicci were forced to live in settlement camps.
You are one of the Iredicci, born into such a camp. The elders sing songs of past travels and wonders you have never seen. Ever the optimists, the elders tell you to take heart. To be thankful you are among friends and family. That things can’t possibly get any worse.
Until they do.
Historians and politicians would call it The Proelium, a righteous battle against the traitorous Iredicci. What it really was, was the systematic genocide of your people. In one night, soldiers attacked every settlement camp across the empire. No one was spared—not the elders, not the children, not your mother.
It was mere whim that you snuck out of camp that evening, a mischievous escapade with a friend that ironically saved your life. You are taken in by your friend’s family and kept safe. But with survivors being hunted and killed, you must conceal your identity. So, you pretend to be deaf and mute.
Journey through the empire of Saleste and beyond. Grow from a child into an adult. Make friends, lovers, allies, and enemies. How will they react when your secret comes to light? Will you abandon your song in favor of machine? Join the rebel forces against the tyrant regis? Will you heal the wounds of the realm and restore balance? Or plunge it further into chaos?
Features
- Play as male, female or nonbinary—you’ll be able to choose your pronouns independent of your body type.
- Customize your character’s appearance and personality.
- Choose your attunement/proficiency with the cordis. This choice will heavily influence gameplay, affecting combat, weapon specialization, character interactions, and problem-solving situations. Choose wisely!
- Create 2 character names: your birth name and an alias. The Iredicci have culturally unique names, so your birth name will be limited to a preset selection. But you will go by an alias of your own choosing for most of the story.
- Develop your relationship with your adopted sibling. Are you friends or rivals?
- Romance! Or not. Romance 1 of 5 possible love interests, including a secret RO! Or choose the platonic route with the best of friends.
- Save a wild animal from a hunter’s trap and gain a steadfast companion. Because fur baby.
The MC
The game begins with you at age 7. When you are 12, your camp is slaughtered during The Proelium, and you are adopted into a friend’s family. With your voice and heightened hearing identifying you as Iredicci, you pretend to be deaf and mute in order to hide your heritage. The main game occurs 13 years after The Proelium, when you are 25.
Romance Options
Calliope Cato (she/her)
The inventor/artificer, Calliope can build and fix any machine. She is 2 years younger than you, petite, with gold eyes, rich brown skin and black hair in multiple braids. Her hair and clothes are adorned in rings, belts, and pins which double as tools. She carries a man’s cane sword with her everywhere, which she wields in a fight along with a hand crossbow. She’s curious, optimistic, excitable, and easily distracted by her many projects, but much of that is to keep her mind occupied. In quiet moments when she thinks no one is looking, you glimpse a profound sadness on her features.
Corinne Xenakis (she/her)
The leader of the rebels, Corinne works to overthrow the monarchy and aid the surviving Iredicci where possible. She is 6 years older than you. She is tall, with long, sandy brown hair usually worn in a messy bun or loosely braided bun, hazel eyes, and beige skin tanned by the sun. Quiet, serious and aloof, she feels a tremendous responsibility for those under her command. Corinne is a contradiction—she has the grace and manners of a noblewoman, yet fights with military precision that is uncommon for females of noble lineage. She is deadly when double wielding her flintlocks or axes. While not cold, she is not overly familiar or friendly with anyone, and very tight-lipped about her past. What does she guard so fiercely behind her armor?
Vicente Aloi (he/they)
The bastard prince, Vicente is calculating, ruthless and driven. They are the same age as you, and they, too, lost their mother the night of The Proelium, though under different circumstances. But while you were adopted into a loving family, he is the unwanted son of the regis, trained to be a lethal tool. He has long, midnight blue-black hair, icy blue eyes, and high defined cheekbones. The edges of a tattoo are barely visible on his neck above the collar of his doublet… wings, perhaps? It’s beautiful. He’s beautiful, though you’d never tell him for fear he’d take his rapier to your neck simply for looking. Will your plans align with his, or are you merely another pawn in his schemes?
Bayram Durmaz (he/him)
The son of the Aydem, the matriarchal leader of Tinebaille. Bayram is 4 years older than you. He has golden-honey skin, light brown eyes, and dark brown, tightly-curled hair that he usually wears back in a ponytail or half ponytail. He is tall and broad, muscular but not toned, with a rounded edge to his stomach and chest. A sprawling, colorful tattoo, the mosaic artwork of his people, covers the entirety of his back. He is boisterous, bold, and a shameless flirt. With his young sister bearing the weight of succession, he’s been free to explore the islands to his heart’s content, and is familiar with every bay, inlet, and harbor. He is equally skilled at wielding a spear, sailing a ship, and charming hearts.
About the Artist
All the illustrations on this page are commissioned works done by the extremely talented Isabela Zaneti, the same artist who did Viatica. I am so grateful to her for bringing my characters and world to life, and I encourage you to check out her website!
Content Warning
This story is intended for mature audiences. Possibly triggering topics present in the story include blood, violence, death (including child death), trauma & PTSD, mature language, sexual content (optional), classism, sexism, bigotry, and the persecution of a fictional people. Be advised, you are also pretending to have a disability for at least half the story.
The music is intentionally loud in certain parts of the story. This is to mimic the noise and emotions that the MC is experiencing, as sound is an integral feature of your race. It may be uncomfortable for some readers, so please read with caution.
Disclaimers
“Cantata” is a low fantasy IF loosely based on the Italian Renaissance period, with a steampunk edge. While I took inspiration from real world cultures and languages - most notably Italian, Latin, Greek, and Turkish - the world is still my own and not intended to be historically accurate.
If you’re enjoying Cantata and interested in extra content, or would just like to support me, please visit my ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/firandfireweed
Updated | 3 hours ago |
Status | In development |
Platforms | HTML5 |
Rating | Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars (463 total ratings) |
Author | Fir & Fireweed |
Genre | Interactive Fiction |
Tags | Amare, Character Customization, Fantasy, LGBT, Meaningful Choices, Medieval, Multiple Endings, Romance, Story Rich, Text based |
Average session | A few hours |
Inputs | Mouse, Touchscreen, Smartphone |
Development log
- Cantata Chapter 4 is Live!3 days ago
- Update News30 days ago
- Update News/Check In72 days ago
- 5th ROJun 09, 2025
- Cantata Chapter 3 is Live!Jun 06, 2025
- Update NewsMay 30, 2025
- New Artwork by Isabela ZanetiApr 08, 2025
- Cantata Chapter 2 is Live!Apr 02, 2025
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Meta theory;
What if Cantata is just an extra-long D&D campaign that the Viatica cast is playing? If you ask me, this makes 100% sense and I assure you, it is PERFECTLY logical.
(Yes, I am aware that the AF Edition isn't technically canon, sue me. I'm not crazy, you're crazy :])
I scream. So excited. I’m coming for you, my secret love.
Edit: Mama…
OH MY GOD THIS STORY HAS BEEN ONE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER, IM SO EXCITED FOR CHAPTER FIVE, AND I HAVE GREAT HOPES FOR THIS!!
okay so small problem theres no options to go beyond the part where we ask Nikolaos questions </3
you need to restart saves, fir said this in the devlog
oh alrighty!! thanks, didnt see that
np! happy to have helped c:
OH MY GODD NEW CHAPTER NEW CHAPTER IM SO EXCITED!!
Spoilers
For those that have played it, remember in GoW Ragnarok when Kratos blocked the charge from Heimdall's mount before the fight? I felt that badass blocking Vicente.
Suffice to say I love the story, Chapter 4 ended up kicking my ass multiple times, at the beginning and end. Can't wait for the next chapter and hope nothing but the best for Fir & Fireweed!
Gravity from the newest Hazbin season is going to be shaping my character for this.
"Eye for an eye says you owe me a debt. Blood demands blood gonna get my hands wet."
OMGOPMG THANK YOU FIRRRRR I HAVENT PLAYED YET BUT I WILL TODAYY THIS GAME IS SO AWESOMMMMEEEEEEEEEE :333
(Spoilers)
*Gets a notification that Cantata has updated*
Me: "Oh, I'm so excited ! I can't wait for my female MC to romance Tellus-"
Save me a dance?
They're still all yours, Vinea.
ASKSFGLKLKFSTFG
ALSO, DONT THINK I FORGOT ABOUT YOU DISFIGURING OUR PARENTS! I SWEAR TO GOD THIS BETTER NOT BE BISON AND FAWN ALL OVER AGAIN!
( TДT)( TДT)
😅
NOO DONT REMIND ME OF BISON AND FAWN RWTGRHDSJ
RIP
always remember
DO NOT SPEAK OF BISON AND FAWN, IT STILL HURTS 💔💔
This was a really good chapter. I was feeling the hype for it and it was still above and beyond what I had expected. The emotional turmoil between Tellus and the protagonist had me invested and really feeling it. The action scenes were vivid and exciting. 10/10 read so far; glad I found your work and can't wait for the next chapter :)
Thank you so much! Action scenes always feel like a slog for me to write so I’m glad you enjoyed them!
This was a good chapter, but the feeling was overshadowed by how much Tellus was, for lack of better words, shoved down our throats.
As someone who has absolutely zero interest in men, this was uncomfortable for me to read, especially when Bayram was flirting and looking at my MC suggestively for the second time.
I feel this is where the player agency should kick in — like if we can express that we’re not into men and state our sexuality.
I also wish we could be indifferent towards Tellus and that we could refuse the beads like before. It feels like it’s unnecessarily forced on us.
I also don’t understand why the spy Mateo was referring to the MC as Rabbit. it comes across as very degrading and patronizing.
My intention is not to be harsh or rude; I just felt like it needed to be said because it’s been bothering me.
I did remove the option of rejecting the beads, because I needed the scene to happen. You have the option of accepting them reluctantly.
You certainly don’t have to chase him romantically and there are platonic choices you can take. His feelings are all raw now so it may seem like he’s pursuing you, too, but that will change if you don’t take his options. And Matteo and Bayram’s actions fit their personalities.
But if you don’t pursue Tellus romantically, the friendship is still there. To be fair, I do that with all ROs; they’ll all be friendly if you don’t choose them romantically. If you’ve read Viatica, you’ll notice I do it there, too.
I tend to veer toward the rosy side of relationships; MC is not going to be indifferent to him. I enjoy writing friendships. I don’t think I could change that even if I wanted to. Respectfully, if it makes you uncomfortable, then this may not be the story for you. I wouldn’t want anyone to read something that bothers them, but alternatively, I’m going to write what I enjoy. Thank you.
Honestly, I appreciate the option. When I do my Vicente play through, I intend to still be friends with Tellus. It’s wild to me someone wants to just be indifferent and rude to a childhood friend just because they aren’t romancing them.
Omg the update is so emotional. The angst completely got me hooked. Thank you so much. Your story will be my battery for the next draining weeks❤️
Thank you! ❤️
First of all... You never fail to make me cry
I'm honestly a big fan of your work, it's so beautiful, i love the characters , the world, the story you create, all the ambientation and the clear love and dedication you put into it, i'm so happy i found your IFs
Now I’m crying, too, you’re crying, we’re all crying! 🥹🫶🏻
Please help! I can't continue after asking Nik questions. Is this the end of the chapter?
P.s. Thank you, autor!I love the story, the characters and your style of writing ❤
you need to restart from the beginning, Fir said this in the devlog
Thank you! I missed it 😅
I gasped out loud, cried my eyes out, and now I'm lying in bed at 3 am feeling like I've had my heart gutted in the best way...all that to say, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE!!!!!!💕💕💕💕💕😭😭😭😭😭
It was so beyond everything I had hoped for (and I was hella excited for this too, I literally ended up writing myself a reminder on my online calendar 😂)
Take care, dear dev, and I can't wait for ch 5! 💜
You are most welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
Chapter 4 was so good. Stayed up till 2 AM playing it. No regrets. Love the characters... so very good.
Thank you!
i require more!
i fell in love , i cant wait till its fully release (;´д`)ゞ
I couldn't possibly go to sleep without reading the new chapter out, and might as well reread everything. It's currently 6am where I am but do I regret it? NO! HOW COULD I
This chapter was sooooo good, i'm a sucker for children friends to lovers x long burn tropes so I love everything that's happening with Tellus, especially with all that angst on top 😭 Vicente is slowly but surely starting to claim my interest, this chapter made me SO intrigued with him that I can't imagine how I wasn't before 😩 and BAYRAM.... the man that he is. I am so looking forward to getting to know him better
Anyway how does it feel to be so talented, hm? You're easily one of my favourite authors full stop, I'm so glad I found your works 🥹 obviously looking forward for the next update, while hoping you get lots of rest and some well deserved treats ✨
Thank you for your kind words! I never imagined Cantata (and myself) to have this big a readership, it’s very flattering. Thank you for following my works! 🫶🏻
I'M SOBBING
😭
wow. I can’t wait for the next chapter Oh my goodness, this is soooo good!!!
Thank you! Though I’m confused since there are 4 chapters out…? 🤔
oops I meant 5th sorry it was a bit late yesterday when I posted that comment 😅
Lol, thanks for reading late. Get some sleep!
I'm back after reading chapter 4.
Fir, you never fail to make me cry. Istg, this is like watching greys anatomy (back when it was good) all over again. I cry every episode. Now, i cry every for chapter you wrote, even though i've repeated the story countless times 😭
It hurts so good! 🥹💛
And the fact that you wrote how people respond if the pet was named Tellus is just 😭😭😭😭😭
You're my no 1 author now. Hands down.
Ok, well now you’re making me cry, so we’re even! 😭🥹
Okay, now that I have sufficiently calmed down from playing through this update earlier, can I just say WOW!!!!
I loved it. There was so much action, tension, shock, and so many surprises!!! TELLUS! MY BELOVED!!! WE FOUND HIM AGAIN! AAA!!!!!
I did not play through any other romances until this update because in my head I just couldn't... I'm a sucker for the childhood friends trope, it gets me every time... But I finally caved for this update, and I was not disappointed at all. I want to ramble so much but I'll try to be short!! Bayram's straightforwardness is really refreshing, I love the tension we've got going on with Dirk– er, Vicente, Calli is really sweet and I'm glad we get to be here to support her, and Corinne is so considerate and respectful of us, she might be my favorite character overall.
I'm super excited for chapter 5, especially given how heavy of a note this chapter ended on. I want to nurse mama Thaleia back to health so bad 😭 seeing any of our family in pain is just too much for me (though I think that just speaks to how immersive your writing is, Fir)!!! Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing such wonderful writing with us <3
You are most welcome! Thank you for your kind words! ❤️
I can't seem to progress past Turn 111? After choosing dialogue talking with Nik, no Next button appears :<
did you restart? old saves dont work
also theirs only 4 chapters currently, so if youre trying to go past chapter 4 that wont work ^^
Me too, there's no next button after i ask the Resistenza their end goal. Probably a bug...
Not a bug. Saves won’t work, you need to restart. I said it in the devlog.
As I said in the devlog (twice in devlogs), you have to start a new playthrough. Playing from a save will break the game.
Ah, oopsies, very much did not read the devlog!
Time to replay >:3
this is so freaking cool so far, I love how interactive it is!
Thanks!
❤️👍
Uhhh, you may want to read it again, my friend. Thaleia didn’t die. 😳
i just finished the 4th chapter and how could u T-T
cool
So amazing ;-; The emotion feels so real in your writing its truly amazing to get to read this!! <333
Thank you! ❤️
I havent even finished the second chapter but I just have to express how much fun it is to see some representation of greek culture that isnt just ancient greece. It made me legit giddy to see aman used in a sentence (although that one is turkish in origin we have borrowed it). I will probably edit this comment to add more later on but so far I am having the time of my life.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! The Tinebaillese language is based on Turkish, I didn’t realize that word was used in Greek culture, too!
You will find there is a lot of overlap between Turkish expressions and words and the modern Greek language same with like food and even music. But honestly I love seeing the Turkish representation too our neighbours are so cool and tbh I've rarely seen their culture represented in much either. In general the mix you've chosen is very interesting and blends quite well, I really love the world building and descriptions of the environment just as much as the characters ^^
Начинать сначала, ммм~
С deepl переводчиком в одной руке и с ВПНом в другой, совет "начните игру заново" равносилен повторному прохождению Dark Souls.
Переводить по новой каждый ответ...
Ну, это конечно пиздец, но что не сделаешь ради интересной истории
🚬🗿
The story is only 135k words so far, and only 80k at the point of last save. Starting over should not be a big hurdle. This IF is a work in progress, not even a year old yet, and very much in early stages. You may have to start over again at some point in the future. If this is a dealbreaker, this may not be the story for you.
Даже если я и жалуюсь, история 100% стоит того, чтобы ее перепроходить по несколько раз и наверное, я настолько дегенератка, что готова это делать, даже если будет 10, 20 или 50+ глав с общим количеством слов более 1 000 000 000 ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ
Дикие цифры конечно, но наверное, так бы и выглядел рай.
Не знаю, придают ли мои слова хоть какую-то мотивацию, но история хороша, слишком хороша, чтобы ее можно было забросить из-за каких-то там трудностей.
The ending of the chapter is so painful. Why do you have to do this to us 😭 (Thank you for your hard work!!)
Ri!!!!!!! This comment made my day! 🥹❤️ Thank you! Also, apologies, lol.
Also, also, you’re one to talk! 🫵
AAAAAAAAAAAH! I'm so invested in Tellus/Coda... Literally crying every time they interact. Also you made a special line for naming the animal after Tellus! That's too adorable omgggggg <3
I’ve already written a pretty comical scene for chapter 5 around that name, can’t wait for you to see it! 🤭
YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYYES OMG ITʻS HERE
😁
Thank you for blessing us a chance to replay this beautiful IF. I mean it. The best feeling to have is the chance to experience the thing you love like it's the first time. Time to dive right back in!
I'm so excited!!
You’re welcome, my friend!
IT"S FINALLY HERE!!!! LET"S GOOOOOO
🥳
Very nice update. I enjoyed the various combat scenes, and the angst and drama with Coda. In fact, Vicente and Coda are definitely competing affection wise with my MC. xD Can't help it...its to easy to flirt with pretty boy Vicente as well, specially when he romantically offers that we kill his dad together. lol
I enjoyed all the interactions with Coda to. And his reaction to my ferret, Tellus. I am curious why, if we are basically joining the resistance now, why we're still holding on to the mute/deaf facade. Might as well speak up (literally).
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
The secrecy is pretty much ingrained in MC at this point, but you’ll notice the cracks in the facade. More on that in chapter 5!
I don't know if it's because I'm late and it's the recent update some hours ago ... But I can't progress further in the chapter after the questions with Nik ...
....
Edit : Okay, so like I replayed from the start and not from my save and the options work now ...
As I said in the devlog (twice in devlogs), you have to start a new playthrough. Playing from a save will break the game.
Oh I didn't read through it ... But thank you for the good cry at the end though .. I loved the whole chapter so much 😭❤️ ... Can't wait for more !!!
You’re welcome, and thank you, too!
I knew this would happen but I still felt shocked and too much emotion for something I knew would happen
I deadass ended up crying. Like, this is ridiculously brilliant.
😭❤️