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Demo Updated: August 3, 2023 (Chapter 2, Part 1)

You’re next in line for the throne of Castelon, a fictional country loosely based on different periods of history, such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and periods of England.

A 10-year war with your country’s main adversary, Arandale, recently ended. Then your father, King Percival was assassinated. After his assassination, your twin, Prince James abdicated. Return home after 5 years and decide what kind of Harbinger you will be.

Prepare to step into a story of betrayal, love, and trust. Can you navigate your royal duties, solve your father’s murder, and find love (or friendship) at the same time? Or, will the Gods withdraw their blessings from you?

Demo features:

• Play as male, female, non-binary;
• Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 Part 1;
• Shape your MC’s future and some of their past.
• Pursue romance and/or friendship with 4 different characters.
• Choose 1 of 3 Family Mottos.
• Get a taste of “Attributes”, which will unlock choices throughout the game. More Attributes will be available in the coming chapters.
• Choose a patron god or goddess (optional).
• Choose a pet (who you’ll meet in chapter 2).

The final game will be rated Mature. The current version is rated 16+. Please note all of the below content is not in the demo but planned for the finished game. NSFW asks are tagged #nsfw so please block if applicable!

CW: suggestive language, references to war and the effects of war, death, references to death, exploration of grief, curse / swear words, possible violence, optional sexual content.

Next in Line features four romance options. View more characters + RO’s ArtBreeder images by clicking here.

Sir Constantine Dimas | M, 26 years old, Taurus, #constantine dimas

Constantine is the best friend of your twin brother, James, and a Knight in Castelon’s Elite Guard. He is fiercely loyal to your family and fought alongside James in the Arandale War. Like you, he finds amusement in teasing your brother.

“You’re not too different from your twin, both reckless royals, so you probably need someone to care for you.”

F. Faramund | M or F, 22 years old, Aquarius, #f faramund

Whether F was your first love or your ex-best friend, they broke your trust and disappeared. Now, they’re back and seemingly apologetic. Bury the hatchet, rekindle your former relationship, or walk a different path altogether.

“The stars guided me back to you and I will stay as long as you allow.”

Felix Faramund | M, 24 years old, Aries, #felix faramund

Felix is F.’s older brother and was someone you once considered a friend. Like, F., he’s returned to Castelon. Unlike F., he can be quick to anger and he’s not afraid to speak his mind. He can read the room, he just doesn’t care. You can romance Felix, even if you loved F.

“Just know, I’ll fight for what I want.”

Lady Margaret | F, 22 years old, Gemini, #lady margaret

The mysterious Lady Margaret is a noble businesswoman who enjoys observing from the shadows. She’s close to your mother, Queen Vivian. Although she is slow to trust others, those who earn her trust will find themselves in the company of a powerful and loyal ally.

“I can think of many ways to consume your time.”

Hi everyone,

I know that I’ve been away a while and haven’t updated the game. Long story short? A while ago, I was laid off from my job, lost my health insurance (and access to therapy and other services), and have been focused heavily on finding a new job while also battling severe mental health struggles. After starting therapy, getting diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and starting medication, I was finally finding a good balance. But losing my job reverted a lot for me and I lost my income and health access.

So, I am really, truly sorry for not being around for a while. I am still trying to find a job though I have a final interview tomorrow and I’m really hoping I get an offer.

But I have been on hiatus because of these personal issues. This time has also given me some time to think about Next in Line and how to move forward with it. Because I think about the game and this community all the time. I miss it. I miss working on it. I miss engaging with all of you.

So, you can expect a new message here in the coming week. I think it’s important to be transparent and honest with you. The game will be continuing but every time I work on it, I feel incredibly overwhelmed by the scope. As many of you know, Next in Line, was my first interactive fiction. And because of the excitement, I put a ton of pressure on myself to offer all kinds of things like pets, a ton of scenes with all these combinations, places to visit, etc. Essentially, I created a massive, overwhelming amount of scene combinations and character configurations. Because of this, I have struggled to create updates these last couple years, because it physically overwhelms me to the point where I mentally short wire and just can’t do it. My anxiety when it comes to the game sends me spiraling because I’m terrified of never living up to the expectations I set.

So, next week, I will be providing you with a scaled back plan for the game. I’ll include details on what’s staying and what’s not. I know it’s going to suck for me to say ‘hey, this won’t be a part of the game anymore’ but I have to do this if I want to actually deliver the content. Once that game is actually finished, there’s always possibility things could get added back.

Anyway, talk soon. Feel free to submit your thoughts and questions related to this. I’ll review and answer the best I can.

-Vi

im back.

im doing better. almost one year of therapy down and medicated (and happy about that.)

THANK YOU all for your patience. i have found my motivation to do more than simply survive. i have found my passion for writing again. i feel so good mentally that i want to cry (happy tears).

i am very excited to continue Next in Line. stay turned lovelies <3

-Vi