Rekindle – [DEMO]

Setting and Background

The narrative unfolds in the expansive and affluent empire of Saleste, a realm marked by a long history of expansion and colonization. This empire is deeply entrenched in a class-based society, with a strong emphasis on noble privileges. Under the current monarch, the empire’s aggressive militarism has escalated, particularly in its ongoing stalemate with the neighboring island nation of Tinebaille, which Saleste has repeatedly failed to conquer.

Within Saleste, there exists the Iredicci, a group that blends elements of a religion and a distinct racial identity. They are akin to monks or shamans, known for their ability to hear and connect with the cordis, a universal harmonic pulse that links all living beings. This connection is facilitated through their unique singing, which features a dual-pitched resonance. Despite their peaceful nature, the Iredicci were approached by the monarch to utilize their powers in the conquest of Tinebaille, a request they refused.

Historically, the Iredicci were a nomadic people welcomed throughout the empire. However, with the advancement of steam technology and the increasing demand for resources, prejudice against them grew. The monarch disseminated propaganda portraying the Iredicci as inferior and parasitic, leading to their exclusion and eventual confinement in settlement camps.

The Proelium and Its Aftermath

You are an Iredicci born in one of these camps, where elders sing tales of past travels and wonders. Despite the hardships, the elders remain optimistic, urging you to appreciate the company of friends and family. However, this fragile sense of security is shattered by The Proelium, a night of systematic genocide against the Iredicci. Soldiers attacked every settlement camp, sparing no one, including the elders and children.

A chance escapade with a friend on the night of the massacre inadvertently saved your life. Taken in by your friend’s family, you were forced to conceal your identity by pretending to be deaf and mute to avoid persecution.

Journey and Growth

Your journey takes you through the empire of Saleste and beyond, from childhood to adulthood. Along the way, you form friendships, romantic relationships, alliances, and rivalries. The revelation of your true identity poses significant risks and challenges, forcing you to decide whether to align with rebel forces, abandon your unique abilities for technological advancements, or strive to heal the empire’s deep-seated wounds.

The Cordis and Elemental Attunements

The Iredicci are attuned to the cordis, the earth’s harmonies, which they can influence through their singing. This ability can bring rain to drought-stricken areas, calm thunderstorms, 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 and Development

In the game, you can choose to play as a male, female, or nonbinary character, with the option to select your pronouns independently of your body type. You can customize your character’s appearance and personality, and choose your attunement to the cordis, which significantly impacts gameplay aspects such as combat, weapon specialization, character interactions, and problem-solving.

You will create two names for your character: a birth name from a culturally unique preset selection and an alias of your choice. You will also develop a relationship with your adopted sibling, decide on romantic interests from four possible love interests, or opt for a platonic route. Additionally, you can save a wild animal from a hunter’s trap, gaining a loyal companion.

Main Character and Timeline

The game begins with you at the age of 7. By the time you are 12, your camp is massacred during The Proelium, and you are adopted into a friend’s family. To protect your identity, you pretend to be deaf and mute. The main game takes place 13 years after The Proelium, when you are 25.

Romance Options

Calliope Cato (she/her) is an inventive artificer, skilled in building and repairing machines. She is petite, with gold eyes, rich brown skin, and black hair adorned with tools. Calliope is curious, optimistic, and excitable, though she often hides a profound sadness.

Corinne Xenakis (she/her) is the leader of the rebels, working to overthrow the monarchy and aid the surviving Iredicci. She is tall, with sandy brown hair, hazel eyes, and tanned beige skin. Corinne is quiet, serious, and aloof, with a strong sense of responsibility and a mysterious past.

Vicente Aloi (he/they) is the bastard prince, calculating and ruthless. They are the same age as you and also lost their mother during The Proelium. Vicente has midnight blue-black hair, icy blue eyes, and a tattoo on their neck. They are beautiful but deadly.

Bayram Durmaz (he/him) is the son of the matriarchal leader of Tinebaille. He is tall, muscular, with golden-honey skin, light brown eyes, and dark brown hair. Bayram is boisterous, bold, and a skilled sailor and warrior.

About the Artist APK

The character illustrations are the work of the talented Isabela Zaneti, known for her work on Viatica. Her commissioned pieces bring the characters to life, and her website is worth exploring for more of her art.

Content Warning

This story is intended for mature audiences and includes potentially triggering topics 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. The narrative also involves pretending to have a disability for a significant part of the story.

Disclaimers

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