Cantata

Setting and Context

The narrative unfolds in the expansive and wealthy empire of Saleste, a realm steeped in a history of expansion and colonization. This empire is characterized by a rigid class system and the privileges of nobility. Under the current monarch, the empire’s aggressive military endeavors have intensified, particularly against the neighboring island nation of Tinebaille, which has resisted Saleste’s repeated attempts at conquest.

The Iredicci People

Within the empire, there exists the Iredicci, a group that is both a distinct race and a religious community. Unlike traditional priests, the Iredicci are more akin to monks or shamans. They possess a unique connection to the cordis, a universal harmonic pulse that links all living entities, which they access through their singing. The Iredicci are distinguished by their exceptional hearing and a distinctive vocal trait—a dual-pitched echo. Despite their peaceful nature, the monarch requested their assistance in conquering Tinebaille, a request they declined.

Historical Tensions and Persecution

Historically, the Iredicci were welcomed throughout the Saleste Empire due to their nomadic and peaceful lifestyle. However, with the advancement of steam technology and the increasing demand for resources, prejudice against the Iredicci grew. The monarch propagated negative propaganda, depicting the Iredicci as inferior and parasitic to the empire. As a result, their freedom to travel was restricted, and they were forced into settlement camps.

Personal Journey

You are an Iredicci born into one of these camps. The elder Iredicci share stories of past travels and wonders, fostering optimism among the community. However, this optimism is shattered by the events of The Proelium, a systematic genocide orchestrated by the empire’s soldiers against the Iredicci. You survive this massacre by chance, having sneaked out of the camp on the fateful evening. You are taken in by a friend’s family and must hide your true identity by pretending to be deaf and mute.

Gameplay and Choices

Your journey takes you through the empire of Saleste and beyond, from childhood to adulthood. You will form friendships, romantic relationships, alliances, and enemies. The reaction of others to your hidden identity will be pivotal. You must decide whether to abandon your unique abilities for technological advancements, join the rebel forces against the tyrannical monarch, or work towards healing the empire’s wounds and restoring balance.

Unique Abilities and Connections

The Iredicci do not possess traditional magic, but they are attuned to the cordis, allowing them to influence natural phenomena through their songs. This connection can bring rain to arid areas, calm storms, tame wildfires, and soothe hearts. Each Iredicci can also attune to a specific element, corresponding to one of the senses: Earth (smell), Air (sight), Fire (touch), and Water (taste).

Character Customization

You can play as a male, female, or nonbinary character, choosing your pronouns independently of your physical appearance. Customize your character’s look and personality, and select your attunement to the cordis, which will significantly influence gameplay aspects such as combat, weapon specialization, character interactions, and problem-solving. You will also choose two names: a birth name from a culturally unique selection and an alias for the majority of the story. Develop a relationship with your adopted sibling, and explore romantic or platonic relationships with four potential love interests. Additionally, you can rescue a wild animal and gain a loyal companion.

Main Character Background

The game begins with you at the age of 7. At 12, your camp is destroyed during The Proelium, and you are adopted by a friend’s family. To conceal your Iredicci heritage, you pretend to be deaf and mute. The main gameplay takes place 13 years after The Proelium, when you are 25.

Romance Options

Calliope Cato, the inventive artificer, is 2 years younger than you. She is petite with gold eyes, rich brown skin, and black hair adorned with tools and accessories. She is curious, optimistic, and often distracted by her projects, but hides a deep sadness. Corinne Xenakis, the rebel leader, is 6 years older and works to overthrow the monarchy while aiding surviving Iredicci. She is tall with sandy brown hair, hazel eyes, and a serious demeanor. Vicente Aloi, the bastard prince, is your age and equally ruthless and driven. He lost his mother during The Proelium and is trained as a lethal tool by the monarch. Bayram Durmaz, the son of Tinebaille’s matriarchal leader, is 4 years older and known for his boisterous and charming nature. He is skilled in various areas, including sailing and combat.

About the Artist APK

The character illustrations are commissioned works by the talented Isabela Zaneti, who also worked on Viatica. Her artwork brings the characters to life, and her website is worth exploring.

Content Warning

This story is intended for mature audiences and includes themes such as blood, violence, death (including child death), trauma, PTSD, mature language, sexual content (optional), classism, sexism, bigotry, and the persecution of a fictional people. Additionally, you will be pretending to have a disability for a significant portion of the story.

Disclaimers

“Cantata” is a low fantasy interactive fiction with a steampunk edge, loosely inspired by the Italian Renaissance period. While it draws from real-world cultures and languages like Italian, Latin, Greek, and Turkish, the world is fictional and not historically accurate.