Skin that would shame the purest snow
In the prison designed for the lowest echelons of society, X is the unconquered king of the jungle. As a supernatural master of flames, he was untouchable...until the dark-haired beauty with snow white skin jumps down from the sky and kisses him.
Please help me, she begs him with doll-like eyes, framed by a shining mask of gold lace.
She claims to be a Phoenix. She says that she's from a land that's home to trolls, the Valkyrie, and more. "I'll convince you that Virgo Island exists," she says.
Why did she choose to ask him for help? Is she telling the truth? Will he believe her story?
Beauty and the War is the first official arc of the X Playing Pieces series. It's a female-fronted dark and epic fantasy that will cover 5 years in the course of 5 acts. During that time, you will see the cast's appearances change as they grow older and experience life. What else can happen throughout those years? Let's find out.
Come and listen to Ambrosia's story. Learn about the beautiful, yet terrifying world populated by creatures of legends, myths and fairytales. This is a tale of intrigue, war, and passion. Who can look upon the fairest of them all without desire (that which makes a cold man's blood run hot and turns a sane mind mad)? Yes, let's not forget.
It's been said that men have gone to war because of a woman.
✿ Free Game. There will be a paid extended version with bonus goodies/features/animations/love interest(s), but rest assured, the free version will have the full story!
❀Incredible Multitude of Choices. Each one has a consequence and an impact further down the road. Every choice affects your Reputation (how people think of you) and how Ambrosia's personality will develop. You can set your Schedule in the beginning acts.
✿ Inter-clan Politics and Intrigue. On Virgo Island, you'll find that each clan has their own customs and traditions. Not everyone likes each other, so watch who you befriend or antagonize. You could end up witnessing a murder - or being framed for it.
❀ 5 Love Interests + 2 Hidden Ones. You can enter a courtship/date more than one bachelor at the same time. You're also free to break up or get back together with that old flame in the future! That said, romance is by no means mandatory. Do you want to be independent? Go for it. However, that doesn't mean someone won't fall for you - perhaps, even to the point of resorting to blackmail or kidnap...
✿ Rich Fantasy Lore. Intrigued? Just read on and immerse yourself in the intricate universe of X Playing Pieces.
Current Set-up
This is Ambrosia's 1st year. You spend time familiarizing yourself with Virgo Island and its keys players. You can begin fostering relationships, building friendships, finding romance, or making enemies. You decide your schedule. This will determine how Ambrosia spends her days in future acts, where you won't be able to change your schedule.
Act 2 - The Vi
This is Ambrosia's 2nd year. Your relationships from Act 1 carry into Act 2. What conflicts you encounter and choices you have change depending on who you know and what others think of you. The political aspect also comes into play here. This is the time to take sides, make plans, and possibly take some action. If you have a lover, you can continue romancing each other.
Act 3 - Consequences/The Calm Before the Storm
The 2nd year continues and overlaps into the 3rd year. Whatever you chose to do in Act 2 will have consequences that will unravel here. You might be given a breather in the form of something fun.
Act 4 - ???
The Midsummer Feast is here. The culmination of all your choices reach a peak. What climax are you heading towards?
Act 5 - Conclusion
It all ends on the last day of the Midsummer Feast. You've made your bed. Now, lie in it. Happy endings are hard earned, but they are possible.
Note: These aren't the official names of these acts. These are just to give you an idea of what's in store. Like Act 4. It's so explanatory.
Known as: Ambrosia
Clan: Phoenix
Mythological Origins: A phoenix is a creature known for being reborn in fire.
Flowers languish behind steel bars. With her wrists shackled, it's not a question of whether she can survive but, rather, how long. Ambrosia needs X's help, but can she convince him to lend a hand?
When she delves into her past (Act 1), it reveals a sweetheart and a gentle ingénue. On Virgo Island, she was a healer, one rarely seen without a smile or a thoughtful encouragement. How much of that has stayed with her now?
Known as: X
X is the one roped into hearing Ambrosia's tale. He can't decide whether he wants to kiss those pretty, pink lips or shake some sense into her. Cocky and fun, you can be sure he always has an amusing comment to make.
A fire constantly burns within his eyes...except for when he changes forms. As for those cuts on his face? Play the demo, and you'll find out within the first 10 minutes.
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Now, here are some of the clans that you'll meet in Ambrosia's story.
Vi Clan
Mythological Origins: Unknown
The Vi has conquered the other clans and rule over Virgo Island alongside their allies, the Phoenix (Ambrosia's clan).
Onyx
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the later acts.
The silent and enigmatic war chief of the Vi. He's known as the monster of Virgo Island for his fierceness and ruthlessness in battle. It's been said that he has no heart in his plated chest. He oversees the other clans to ensure that they obey the Vi's rule. He is in charge of executions.
Night
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the middle acts.
The only Vi slightly liked and respected by the rest of Virgo Island. He's talked about as a danger to women. As someone who lives on the wild side, he can be something of a heartbreaker, but he never lies. He's honest about the fact that he's not looking for a commitment and that he simply wants to enjoy life. He claims he wouldn't say "no" if the right person came along, but Ambrosia can't trust someone who likes to live on the edge.
Prince Alexandrite
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the middle acts.
As the prince of the Vi, his authority is superseded only by his older brother, the king. He doesn't usually interact with the other clans and prefers to rule them with an iron fist. If Onyx is feared, Alexandrite is most despised by the natives of Virgo Island. They say that he is as cold as ice - a hard and intimidating man with little patience for mistakes.
Hulder Clan
Mythological Origins: In Norwegian and Scandinavian folklore, the hulder are seductive forest creatures.
This clan is known for their great beauty and cunning. Be warned about crossing them. They always seem to know their enemies' deepest, darkest secrets...
Arsenik
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the beginning acts.
He's both a gentleman and an intellect, eloquent and refined. However, his elegant tongue tends to curl up on itself whenever he sees Ambrosia. He's obviously smitten with her and painfully self-conscious around her, almost to the point of awkwardness. As a male in his clan, he has to undertake the role of a warrior, but he's surprisingly averse to violence. He's a peaceful man, but on Virgo Island, you have to earn your name. Just how did he come to be called Arsenik?
Trold Clan
Mythological Origins: In Denmark and Norway, the trold is another word for a troll.
Chase
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the beginning acts.
The runt of his clan. He's generally a simple and straightforward person, who likes to lighten any situation with tongue-in-cheek humor. However, he does have his boyish pride and a slightly competitive streak. Nevertheless, he's often the voice of reason, except for when it comes to his clan. To him, blood is thicker than water, and he won't forgive anyone for hurting his family.
Imugi Clan
Mythological Origins: In Korean mythology, the imugi are serpent-like creatures, seeking to become full-fledged dragons.
Wind
Romance Option: Yes. You can enter a relationship with him in the middle acts.
Like the rest of his kin, Wind considers his kind superior to the other clans. He resents not only the Vi for defeating them but the Phoenix for assisting them. Contemptuous and biting, he is vehement in his refusal to accept help from Ambrosia, a despised Phoenix. On the other hand, he reminds her of someone from her childhood. However, he doesn't seem to recognize her, let alone act like the same person.
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These are just a few of the key players on Virgo Island. There are many more to meet, befriend or antagonize. Just remember that you can be courted by more than one gentleman at a time, and you certainly aren't locked onto a guy's route once you decide to form a relationship with him. You can date, break up, go out with someone else, or get back together with that old flame. Or you can just be single and try to be friends with everyone (try being the keyword).
Whether or not you're available, you can try to reconcile the clans' differences with one another. Do your best to keep a war from breaking out...unless you want to start one. Support us on Patreon!
The Huntsman (a.k.a. Helper #1) - Jed
The Magic Mirror (a.k.a. Helper #2) - Michael Everton
Fairest Princesses and Prince Charmings (a.k.a. Beta Testers) - You, if you want to be
Hello, everyone! How are you doing today? Let me tell you, the story that you've just read about up to here is very near and dear to my heart. When you read this visual novel, I hope you'll be able to see the love and passion poured into it! It's a pleasure for us to make, and we hope you'll enjoy it just as much.
If you want to keep up with our progress, please do! You can reach us on:
❀ tumblr. Our main website! We're most active here.
✿ Twitter. Use #xplayingpieces to talk about the game.
❀ Facebook. Like us and share our games with your friends!
✿ Pinterest. In dire need of more pictures. Will be corrected as soon as possible!
2✿ I'd love to hear your opinions on the characters! Do you have a favorite or least favorite? Which clan interests you most?
3❀ How do you think you'll play the game? Would you try to make a bunch of allies? How much would you focus on dating? How do you hope to influence Ambrosia's personality, if at all?
Now, if you've played the demo, it'd help us out if you could answer these questions, too!
1❀ What were your expectations going into the game? And how did Beauty and the War (X Playing Pieces) meet or contradict them?
2✿ Tell me. How did you spend your two days? There are a lot of choices, so I'm curious what you decided to do and who you tried to befriend.
3❀ What are your thoughts on the story and the characters now? Do you have a favorite? What were you feeling during the last scene at the end of the demo?
4✿ What are you looking forward to seeing in the full version?