|
We're a great mother.
|
#
?
Mar 25, 2017 05:08
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 5, 2024 23:19 |
|
|
Oh man, things are getting intense!
|
|
#
?
Mar 26, 2017 19:06
|
|
|
Alopex posted:We're a great mother. We really ought to get a coffee mug with "World's Greatest Mom" written on it in French. ... Why the gently caress hasn't our ingrate of a daughter found us one of those? 
|
|
#
?
Mar 26, 2017 21:31
|
|
|
 << The same music from the end of Chapter 6 (Horror Ambience 45 whooshes - klankbeeld) continues to play at the start. >> What in me is dark.  SFX: heartbeat But that is not me.  SFX: heartbeat What is in me, is not me. I fought with it, lived with it, survived. SFX: heartbeat Yet, we become what we subdue. If this is true, then I was never myself.  SFX: heartbeat I am not a monster. >****** <<The dream starts out the same as in Chapter 8, but from here on it diverges a fair amount. Note that in the faint background, the image is Rosa instead of Catherine. Also, since I don't want to interrupt the flow of the text, I'll note that the upcoming quote about 'obstacle find none of membrane' is from Paradise Lost, as a description of how angels enjoy sex or something like it, even without physical forms.>>  ... ...tired.  Uhm, somewhat irritable.That too. I... somehow prefer this side of you.Makes me wonder why I am so stern with you. Why I care so much for your well-being. Why did I even offer you to stay with me? I do not know.  You are still so generous... even if you are like this.I give because I can take. Once upon a time, there lives a man.Lived. Who lost his heart. So he ate others'. I never lost it. I have always been cursed without it. Then take mine.Yours? Do you love me? I think you do. Do you know how long I have travelled to find you? How far I've searched? And now you're here. Finally. My heart yearns for you, Guilleme. S-Stop. Nectar flows from the spring of the rose. In eminence and obstacle find none Of membrane, joint or limb, exclusive bars Touch me, Guilleme. My body wants you. My eyes fly open from the groggy mist of confusion.  My body is bound in a force that imprisoned my limbs.  Chains. The smell of your juices saturates my nose. Sweat. I am hard. Flesh. You walk up to me. Your naked body makes my throat swallow. You put a finger on my lips and trace it down my neck. Goose bumps break on my skin.  I knew you were, before you even did. But... You were pure. Pure. The taste of your love was unripe fruit. Instead, I've thought of you as something I'd like to protect. Why is that? Your hair flows out like a river as it brushes against my skin. You reach your hand to me and my stomach curls. There is a tainted power radiating from you that makes me gag. Like sugar dissolved in water. Like a full belly on the brink of sick. I thought I had forgotten this feeling. I am afraid. You move closer to me, and I startle back. Everything in dreams is slower. You claim my mouth with yours, it tastes just like honey. Spit ropes between our lips and I feel weaker the more I linger in this dream.  Rosa. What are you doing? Stop this. You giggle.  No.Your fingers grope my stiffness and stroke it hungrily. My eyes roll back. My energy drains from me. S-Stop! I don't want this.  And yet you want me. Your body agrees.No. You want me too, don't you?Stop it, Rosa! You don't know what you're doing!  See, you do love me! You want to protect me. You treat me differently....  You were always hovering at the edge of my vision. Pressure mounts as your hand moves faster. I will myself to move, but my mind is torn to pieces at this assault. You bow low at my groin, and your mouth opens to swallow my mound. Your tongue slides along my hardness. The sound is slick in my ear. I hit the back of your warm throat. My eyes flutter. S-poo poo...  I can't move from this dastardly prison! What does it feel like to be helpless? Have you forgotten what it feels like to be a victim? To be weak?  "Night Terror" - Autumn Elm SFX: Sound like claws scratching or something like a shell opening. <<I missed it before, but this sound was in Chapter 8 too. The music track did not change in that one, though.>> Your face begins to change. You are Rosa. You are Catherine. You are Marcus. You are Diomedes. You are Psyche. Your head begins to snap and distort. The skin bubbles and the flesh tears to reveal the pulsing hide of the monster inside. Your glistening heart pumps in your chest. Another face grins as its eyes focus on me. Yet I'm not afraid of this thing and its many mouths. You are merely holding a mirror up to me. And you sit on top of me, slipping me inside you. I gasp and struggle, but your hands clamp around my neck. One of your tongues licks at the side of my belly, as if sampling the food before the course.  You are nothing but a parasite, you see?The other face contorts into a grin. How did you ever think you were powerful? Look at you squirm. You are an insect. It's time for me to swat you. To make you pay for all you have done.W-Who are you, really, Rosa-- But you're moving now, grinding deeper into me. Your hips slap on my thigh. The poison of disgust and arousal saturates my senses.  The smile breaks your cheek and splits your face in two. Your mouth reveals a gaping hole. R-Rosa-- W-Why are you doing this--  Why?! Because you are filthy! You eat and you eat! I hate you. You won't even look at me. Do I have your attention now? Do I taste good? Well, it's too late. You had your chance. Now, it is my turn to feed on you. Like Mother said, this is a fitting payment for your crimes.My eyes widen at your words as the realization strikes my senses. What did you say?! Y-You are--  But oh, I forgive you, even if Mother can't. I love you that much.Shut up! I do! Don't you believe me?Your hips pound faster into me, and a moan escapes through my gritted teeth. Every eternity that passes saps my strength, yet I try desperately to shake my bounds. Look at you, fighting me so hard. Doesn't it feel good? Aren't you supposed to like this?... What does that even mean? How am I supposed to like it? How is being degraded into a rag supposed to be enjoyable? Too many times I have heard the same revolting words. All convincing me to accept my fate lying down, eyes closed. It will be over soon. Anger rips apart my chest. Open your mouth. Take them off. Swallow. And after all of that, they have the gall to tell me what I am supposed to feel. Little boys aren't supposed to cry. Why do you refuse a lady? Doesn't it feel good? Just relax and enjoy it. ...It will be over soon. Not soon enough. Men and women, they are all rabid for desire. They are disgusting. I will not be anyone's toy, ever again. I will not be a piece of meat. How dare you humiliate me, you wretched little witch! I rattle the bounds of my cage, and it makes you flinch. You don't notice a part of it splinter. I bare my teeth at you. I will never forgive you! Kangra fucked around with this message at 05:20 on Mar 27, 2017 |
|
#
?
Mar 27, 2017 05:13
|
|
|
Chapter 7, continued Why are you so cross with me? Don't you see I am doing this for you? S-Shut your mouth!  It continues to feed on my mind, its body grinding at me with increased fervor. The muscles of my thighs begin to shiver. The creature on top of me screams out my oldest names out of its many mouths. It drools over me with ecstacy. It is never, ever gentle. It grasps my neck and suffocates me as it nears its peak. Y-Yes.. Mine! You're mine!I struggle out of the creature's grip. I can feel my body weaken and tense at the same time. My groin throbs and calls out for more flesh. Even at its peril, my body doesn't listen to me at all. Desire is its own ruler. I concentrate on breaking the spell that holds me in place. The creature on my groin is nothing but another mouth. Its tongue slips and slides at me with every push. But it is hard to escape. ---the pressure in my bladder-- It distracts me from my goal. My consciousness is frail and almost out of my grip. My lungs cry for air. Terror mounts inside me as I feel my life drain away. P-Perhaps... I should stop struggling. Perhaps.Let the monster take me. I am... so tired. ...So tired of fighting... You poor thing.The momentary lapse on the creature's hold lets loose a part of my mind. I gather all my remaining strength and push back at the crack I made a while ago. SFX: glass breaking The spell shatters, and I break free. I do not give the creature a chance to think.  SFX: Quick slashing sound SFX: Ripping sound I jab my hand into its chest and rip its heart out. I slice through its skin until flesh erupts on my fingers. SFX: Gloppy sound of blood spraying It sprays out thick, dark blood onto my face. SFX: Slashing sound  And yet, the creature laughs, the sound resonating from around me.  I am not going to die here. I have sacrificed far too much to perish.The creature's laughter jeers at me. For what?SFX: sound of flesh ripping I grasp one of its limbs and pull. The flesh tears away like a flower's petals. The creature drowns in its own blood. I break its wings and it howls in pain. I push it off of me, striking its malformed body. Every blow breaks bones and snaps sinews. Yet the creature still laughs. I am not to be mocked, you filthy thing. I am powerful and I will endure. I have played this game for centuries and I will not be beaten at my own device.The creature crawls at my feet. Suspended blood forms scarlet jewels around us. In dreams, time is slow. It caresses my leg with its girlish hand. This... you enjoyed it too, didn't you? I did it all for you...I bring my foot up. Its head titters as I crush its skull under my heel. SFX: Squishing with bones breaking I love you--! His trousers were wet. His groin still felt sore and pulsing inside his pants. He stood up from the bed and his vision floundered. He fell onto the floor, losing balance from the sudden frailty of his legs. SFX: Falling body hitting floor The churning in his stomach wouldn't go away. SFX: Vomit hitting floor Bile rose up in his throat and he vomited. Every breath was shallow and tasted like sick. He closed his eyes. He laid on the floor for a little while, dragging air into his lungs until the urge to vomit passed. How could darkness still spin without ground? Guilleme's fist balled up in anger. To be degraded into this pathetic state was unforgivable. He felt the fury burning hot in his heart, consuming every thought in his head. He tried to reign it in. It was an unnecessary expulsion of energy at this point. He didn't know how long he laid there in the dark. Helpless and weak, beside his own vomit and blood. But soon, his strength came back to him. Pushing himself from the floor, Guilleme staggered around his room. He cleaned himself and put on fresh clothes. He could still feel the tugs of odious power within his stomach. He walked to his bedside drawer and looked inside. It was empty. << Rosa only stole the dagger; seems he doesn't care about the key. >>  Another bite of vile hatred churned his chest. He grabbed his face, running his nails over the flesh of his cheek. Blood promptly traced a light trail on his skin, but the scratch disappeared as soon as his finger lifted. Whispering sound effect - It's possible this came from freesound, or was created by the developers.He could hear her calling out to him. A whisper. A taunt.  Guilleme... Play with me again... Pleeeease...? You know where to find me!He shivered as his teeth grinded in his mouth.  You will pay for this.Guilleme heard voices waft around his ears. Ever since he had woken up from the dream, his vision doubled. He would be walking on the floor one minute, then slipping the next.  It seemed that the spell hadn't ended with the dream. The Whispering from before repeats.He hated the feeling of being powerless. He clenched his fists, biting his lip to keep himself awake. The domain of sleep was where he was most vulnerable. His attacker must have known this too. He regained some of his strength, but he was still weakened considerably. ...Rosa. So, she was a witch. How come he had never noticed before? The years had made him soft. Guilleme clenched his jaw. Either way, it didn't matter. It was starting to get boring. He would just have to deal with Rosa tonight. Then, he would pack his bags and leave for Asia. Guilleme smiled, despite his nausea.  Just you wait, my dear. I'll pay you back for your contempt.
|
|
#
?
Mar 30, 2017 21:46
|
|
|
Boy, Rosa's spell certainly was something.
|
|
#
?
Mar 30, 2017 22:29
|
|
|
Chapter 7, continued He opened the door to Catherine's room. SFX: Door opening  The air was heavy with a salty musk of sex, and his vision began to flounder once again. Somehow, he felt unprepared. A prickle of fear stained his pride. He was suddenly aware that his anger had led him here without enough forethought. More than anything, he suddenly craved to have any sort of weapon. Ghostpocalypse 3 - Road of Trials - Kevin MacLeodSomebody was shifting on the bed, but the room was too dark to see who it was. Guilleme stepped closer. He could hear low rousing moans from the bed. They increased in fervor and excitement as he stepped nearer. Guilleme's mouth salivated. A final soft squeal came, and the figure rose from the bed into the light of the candle.   ... Thanks for waiting for me to finish! I got so excited at the thought of you coming over that I couldn't help myself. It feels good to release pent-up frustration, doesn't it?The woman stepped forward, and Guilleme instinctively took a step back. See... You are my biggest frustration. Years, Guilleme, years! I held myself back. Fighting my own nature! For what? I don't even know anymore.Sweat dribbled on Guilleme's brow. He wiped it off, hastily. He could feel his muscles tensing, a clenching in his abdomen akin to being touched.  ...What do you want?Rosa giggled. Retribution. ... But not before I get to play around! Mother allowed me just this once. A reward for being a good girl.Guilleme's vision spun. The sweat poured off his whole body. His breathing was bated and hot. He clenched his fist.  R-Release me from this spell now! I'm warning you. That is adorable.She stepped towards him. Guilleme saw a glint of something sharp in one of her hands. It was his dagger. He gritted his teeth. His head pulsed like a splinter was stuck in his brain. Guilleme felt like a child now. He suddenly realised how puny his demands sounded. Do you really want to fight me, Guilleme? I know how to kill you~! A strike to the heart. A wound that will never heal.She was taunting him. And this spell... I made this spell especially for you. Your own power of emitting desire is used against you. It makes my spell more powerful, while you become weaker. You must admit, it is impressive. ... I am more powerful than you, Guilleme.Guilleme choked on his own spit. He swallowed and swallowed, but the liquid in his mouth seemed to drown him. What does it feel like, being seduced against your own will? Guilleme couldn't move. His arms felt heavy and numb. He felt a sharp, light poke of metal on his ribs. A small patch of red dampened his shirt. Her power was double his own. The spell seemed to magnify it with her proximity. She ran her hands over his chest, chasing a finger down his shirt. Getting torn down the middle must be-- Excruciating. Now you know how your victims feel, you dirty monster. W-Who are you? I am your judge, Guilleme. I am your scourge. Your truth. I am like you, a creature that emanates and feeds on desire. But unlike you, I am clean. I am pure. What? Mother's love... I am attached to her teat and sucking at her love way after she died. Isn't it wonderful? You should know, Guilleme! You sired me! What?!Rosa took out the locket that Guilleme had given her before. The locket was open now, and a woman's face was inside. The portrait was blurry, and the face in the picture could belong to anyone. But Rosa cradled it like it was her child. Isn't Mother beautiful? You've probably forgotten her. But she was the most beautiful woman ever. It's no wonder you fell for her, Father. You depraved witch! I am not your father! I was never able to-- Don't you dare deny it! Mother told me so! Mother is always right! That is why I am here. Get away from me! I am the angel of vengeance! Oh, Father, please understand. You hurt her so much. Her hate only fuelled her love. She still loves you a lot!  Shut up!Guilleme spat.  Stop calling me Father! I have never had a child with any woman!Rosa just laughed. Why are you so embarrassed, Father? Is it because you were aroused by my body? Do I confuse you? Well, don't hold yourself back! I really love you. Mother loved me, too! Ah, isn't it romantic? It is beautiful in its perversion.
Kangra fucked around with this message at 21:45 on Apr 3, 2017 |
|
#
?
Apr 3, 2017 18:41
|
|
|
Kangra posted:
 of chapters.
|
|
#
?
Apr 3, 2017 21:37
|
|
|
Yeah, I'm playing the direct download version, but I've seen the names of some of the achievements and it definitely points out some of the more shocking elements. I think there's a guide posted on Steam that has the list. Also, this line is the result of having both opened the locket and treated Guilleme as a possible love interest. I wouldn't say I'm 'glad' we got to see it, but it does make this ending more... interesting, I guess? It may not be beautiful, but it's definitely perverse.
|
|
#
?
Apr 3, 2017 21:44
|
|
|
Chapter 7, continued We are creatures of desire. Any desire is justifiable, no matter how depraved. ... ...You are the kind of creature I despise. Twisted. Hungry. Self-righteous. You are rabid!Guilleme's hateful words just heightened Rosa's pleasure. Ah, I love when you call me such dirty words, Father! I love it! I love it! If it distresses you, then I won't treat you like my father, but simply a man. Such little details don't matter to me at all. Love is all you need, isn't it? Love conquers all! Yes, yes, it does. Mother loved me with her whole heart. She loved me in thought and body.<< Yeah, that apparently is the case. >> That is why I was able to live through centuries without feeding. Her love is the only love I need. You on the other hand, you-- You are vile! Repugnant! Filthy!Rosa licked the sweat off Guilleme's neck. Her tongue slid on his skin so enticingly. The hair on Guilleme's arm stood up.  She was so near now. Her skin glistened with sweat. Her lips were wet and plump like apples. Guilleme shut his eyes. He wanted to push her away, despite his petrified body. But his mind was torn. A part of him frolicked upon the thought of pulling her corset free and sucking on her breasts. Pulling her hair. Running his lips on her shoulders. Pushing her wrists down onto the floor. Inhaling her scents and letting his tongue savor the wetness under her skirt. He bit his lip, and his teeth broke through skin. The pain gave him momentary control over his drugged mind. If he didn't find a way to stop the spell soon, it would be his downfall. Oh, but what a temptation you are, you shameless rake. You are enticing in your debauchery. I've been so good all these years. I didn't even feed once. And you just eat and eat and eat to your little heart's content? Where's your discretion, you pig?! You even stole away Catherine's love before I got a taste! ...It's not fair! I don't know what you're talking about.Rosa giggled. Don't play dumb with me. I am the only one who understands your nature. We are two of a kind. You can't lie to me! Then release me. I've done nothing to you!Rosa licked her lips. I'm sorry, darling, but I can't. As long as you exist, I can never have peace. ...Knowing that you're out in the world, feeding. I'll get jealous, you see. ... ...You crazy witch.Rosa just laughed, and Guilleme felt a rising terror as she pressed her body against his. I love you so much.Her voice was barely above a whisper. I can't control myself any longer. You will be my first and last feeding! Did you enjoy your dream of me, Guilleme? I made the spell stronger now. I'll make sure you won't get away this time.Guilleme was silent for a moment. Then, a low snicker escaped from his mouth.  ... What's so funny? You. Pathetic little girl. I pity you.With these words, the spell started to waver just a little bit.  At least I have the decency to own my curse and not hide under self-righteous proclamations. I get to enjoy the scraps of our despicable lives. And you? How does it taste living under your mother's rotting love? You're probably tired of it by now, aren't you? Mommy's love doesn't taste so good after decades of sucking on it?Guilleme's haunch was correct. The spell was a charm to entice and seduce. It was linked directly to the caster. If he could distract Rosa, the hold of the charm would weaken. Already, he could feel sensation return to his fingers. In the end, you're just a leech; feeding off an ancient, decomposing love. It's no wonder you're insane.SFX: Body hitting floor (music stops) Rosa pushed him onto the floor. She was still powerful, the curse hadn't lost all of its effect. "Zombie Hoodoo" - Kevin MacLeodGuilleme's back hit the floor with a thud.  She rubbed her hips on his body furiously, angrily. Her hands grabbed his manhood and squeezed. Guilleme let out a painful groan. SFX: Hands gripping... something. You do not talk about my mother that way!The levels of hate and desire mixed and saturated the air. It suffused Guilleme's senses. His mind went blank for a moment. I will make you pay for your words! I will suck you dry until you are nothing but a husk! I will devour your mind. I will take it all! Your love will fill me up-- But I know Mother's love will still be the best!SFX: Clothes ripping Guilleme felt the cold, sharp knife savagely tearing at his clothes. The fear surfaced on his senses and snapped him back. But Guilleme just laughed again. Take it. Take my body. Make yourself feel good, Rosa. I feel sorry for you.It had been a while since he had been violated like this. He thought he had been able to run away by being smarter, being dominant. The bitterness of being an object of desire sent a coating of gall up his throat. But he only flashed a sadistic grin.  Why not make me your slave? I'm sure that's a worthy punishment for all the victims I've claimed.Rosa stopped once again, confused at his words. You're just like the rest of them.He laughed maniacally.  Just like everyone else. Go on, dear. Why did you stop?He was chuckling now. His deranged eyes stared at Rosa. Pain sifted through the cracks.  It is most humbling to be reminded of my real purpose, Rosa. Use me. Use me for your pleasure, for your vengeance, or your justice. ...Then throw me away. In the end, we are all just using each other.He laughed again. Love? Love doesn't exist! It is just fear wrapped in a pretty package. Only desire is real. Only need.He looked up at Rosa with a sneer.  How much of your Mother do you really remember? I don't remember any creature birthing me. Do you? Shut up, you worm! You must admit the possibility that this Mother you speak of-- --Was simply a stranger who took to you in because of our curse.Rosa's mouth hung open in shock.  Must be why it is easy for you to use her memory to justify your filth. T-That is not true! I love Mother with all my heart! I'm doing what Mother wants! I just follow her orders! I am her vessel! She lives through me! ... Then answer me this. Why would any mother who loves her child want her to be a murderer? She doesn't love you. She's just using you. Same as how you are using her to survive.SFX: Hands gripping. Rosa clamped her hands tighter on Guilleme's neck. Shut up! Shut up! I'm doing this because Mother is always right! I am avenging her! ...R-Really?Guilleme choked.  Go on, then... why don't... you ask your Mother... why you are h-here? Why you're r-really here? ...M-Maybe she's just... enjoying the show. That's not true! Mother loves me! M-Mother...? Should I really be doing this? -Yes. -...So are we just here to watch (as Guilleme suggests) or is Rosa here for a purpose? Will we give guidance to our horri There are actually a series of choices that come at this point, but they all boil down to two options: Tell Rosa what to do or let her be and see how it all plays out with This will be the last decision of this run. It's also likely the last decision for the thread to make. After this run is done, I'll manage the remaining runs to get the other endings. I'll try to cover as much as we haven't seen as I can, but I won't be going for 100%. It is possible there may be a few minor choices to make that will alter what is revealed in the other paths.
|
|
#
?
Apr 8, 2017 16:49
|
|
|
Tell her what to do.
|
|
#
?
Apr 8, 2017 16:57
|
|
|
A good mother would be able to trust that her good and dutiful child would choose what is good and right. That's why we must never stop bossing her around. Our darling little tool of vengeance needs to be guided with a firm, heavy, smothering hand, lest she succumb to backsliding 
|
|
#
?
Apr 9, 2017 04:55
|
|
|
Klingon w Bowl Cut posted:I love the Steam achievement that you get around this line that goes like "Wait a minute..." or something like that. There are some other good ones in the previous update too. Truly the most Yeah almost up there with "This is that part." from Portal 2. 
|
|
#
?
Apr 9, 2017 05:09
|
|
|
ultrafilter posted:Tell her what to do. Do this. We've been kind of overbearing and cruel so far, no reason to let up now.
|
|
#
?
Apr 9, 2017 17:14
|
|
|
Chapter 7, concluded -Yes. -...  You have a purpose! This is what you're supposed to do! W-Why? -To get revenge. -To stop him. Have you forgotten all the horrible things he has done, child? He is a monster and he hurt your Mommy. He hurt Catherine. He should pay for everything he has done. But I don't want to kill anyone, Mother!Rosa's grip on Guilleme's neck slackened. Guilleme coughed at the sudden influx of air. Rosa stared at her hands in confusion. Tears started to run down her face.  Why do you want me to kill somebody, Mother? Should I really do it? Why should I be the one to kill him? -Because you must! -Because you are the only one who can! You are my child and you must do what I say! B-But why?! I never wanted to kill him. I already lost Catherine, Mother! M-Mother... He is my last friend. I'll have nobody left! -They are not important. -... You imbecile child. Listen to me. You love Mother best, don't you? Then follow Mother's words! But I don't want to do this anymore! I just want to sleep and rest! -You fail me! -... You are such an idiot. You have a chance and you're wasting it! You are so close!! Why do you always call me dumb? I'm not dumb! -Argue. -... Unless you get your head straight and do as I say, I will treat you like an idiot. Shut up! I hate you! Shut up! ... Do you even love me, Mother? -Yes. -...<< Now is the time for silence. We're going to be consistently cruel, and not pretend. >> ... Mother, don't you love me anymore? I have followed all your commands all this time. I have obeyed you! I did everything for you! Do you even care for me?! -Tell the truth -... Because I wanted to see a little blood. I find it entertaining. ... Is this funny to you? To see lives toyed with? I thought you loved me! -Tell the truth -... You are nothing to me.Rosa sobbed with her knees folded.  I hate you!She retreated into a corner of the room and cried. I thought you loved me, Mother... I have followed all your words all this time. I endured all your horrible words. I loved you even when you hurt me. ...What even am I to you? -Tell the truth -... You're nothing to me but a plaything. I don't love you. All I need for you to do is to follow my orders. That is all you are good for. Why are you doing this to me? Why have you led me down this path?! ... What? Are you not going to speak again? Have you run out of your gall? ... Say something, you bitch!Rosa screamed with tears in her eyes. All this time that I have spent with you, I have always obeyed you. I loved you, Mother! You were always so cruel to me! ... So many times you called me a monster, blamed me and hurt me. ...But despite the hurt, I never wanted to get rid of you. I-I thought... To endure the pain... Isn't that real love? To continue hurting and sacrificing proves how true my love is? All my tears should mean something! ... Nobody told me that was a lie! ...She continued sobbing, crumpled by the wall and pulling desperately on her hair.  Then, her head snapped back in alert. She cupped her hands on her ears. Her face contorted into worry. M-Mother? D-Did you say something? I didn't hear you. ... P-Please, I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to say those things. I was just... ... Please don't be angry. I-- I love you, Mother, please come back! I'm nothing without you! ... I don't want to be alone...Rosa sobbed with grief. Just come back to me, Mother! I'll never question you again!Guilleme felt his full consciousness return to him. The sickly, nauseating atmosphere in the room started to dissipate. The spell was losing effect, but his body still refused to follow his orders. He crawled to where she had dropped his dagger. He stretched out his fingers to reach the weapon. -Kill him, child! -... You're letting him get away! Kill him, now!She smiled in pure bliss at the sound of Mother's command. She brought her foot down on Guilleme's outstretched hand. "Ice Demon" - Kevin MacLeod Aghk!She picked up the dagger. It glinted at her with malice. It was so sharp. She lifted the blade. SFX: stabbing The knife sunk deep into Guilleme's chest, almost halfway to its hilt. Guilleme groaned in pain, his breath cut short by the sudden spurt of blood in his throat. SFX: Deeper stabbing sound She brought it up again, plunged the blade deeper, and carved downwards. SFX: Squishy sound of blood filling mouth His mouth flooded with blood. Happy tears fell from Rosa's eyes. You had me so worried, Mother! I'm so happy you're back! I will never question you again!Guilleme sputtered out flecks of red as he laughed.  T-Thank you, thank you. ...B-Been waiting for this.SFX: Louder, crushing stab Rosa raised the weapon higher and brought it down again. It pierced his heart this time. Guilleme's hands clenched and flailed. But he was laughing at the end. Oh bliss The pain was beginning to fade. Every weight he carried shrunk as his heart went into shock. ...  It annoyed her that his face was contorted into a sneer, as if even in his death he still continued to taunt her. Finally, he stopped moving. SFX: Body hitting floor She kicked at him with spite. Bastard! I'm glad you're dead!She wiped her hands on her dress, which were now drenched in blood. It's a shame you didn't want to die the fun way, Gilly. You could've lived a little longer.Rosa giggled. No matter. Anyone who disrespects Mother deserves to die painfully.Rosa gave a satisfied sigh. What shall I do now, Mother? -...<< This is a choice to make here, but the only option is to stay silent. >> ... Mother? ... Don't do this to me again! Talk to me! -...<< To proceed, we have to make a deliberate act. >> ... Mother? Where are you? I did what I was told. Aren't you proud of me?<< And we have to do it every time. >> -...Rosa burst into tears again.  Why are you doing this to me, Mother? Don't you know I love you so much? I do all that you ask. I am nothing without you, Mother. Please talk to me. -...<< In the other ending when Mother went quiet, she was just out of the picture, no actions needed. >> ... Why are you so cruel to me?! W-What did I do wrong, Mother?! Whatever it is, I'll do what you want! J-Just please... Please don't torture me like this! I am afraid of being alone! -...<< This time, we are actively ignoring her. >> ... You evil bitch! Now that you got what you wanted from me, you leave me?! I hate you! Are you happy now?! Are you satisfied?!SFX: Body hitting floor. Rosa fell to the floor and sobbed. ...Come back! -...<< But we've been so abusive up to this point, maybe it's better for us to shut up.>> ... I-I don't want to be alone, Mother! Please come back!Rosa ran to Guilleme's body in desperation.  ...Gilly? Gilly?! I-I'm sorry! Please, don't be dead!Rosa touched Guilleme's face and slapped his cheek. Please! You're the only one left! ...Gilly!Rosa shook his shoulders, calling his name. She attempted to patch up the wound on his chest, pooling the blood back into his body. His body was still warm. But there was no breath left in him. There was no beat in his heart. Rosa had a sudden idea. If I give you my love, will it revive you? If I can take love, can I give it back? Guilleme, I still do love you! I do!She kissed Guilleme's lips, forcing whatever power she had into him. But he didn't move, no matter what she tried. Aren't we supposed to live long lives, Guilleme? We're supposed to be the same! ...Why are you so fragile?!Rosa hit his chest in distress. You can't be dead! I... I've never been alone... Please don't leave me alone...Rosa began to giggle. Mother is playing with me. Mother? Is this a game? Are you playing hide and seek?She tore at her hair and laughed. Is Gilly also playing? Catherine! Come join! ...Rosa sobbed.  ... Please... I don't want to be alone! ...Please... ...please...  << I noticed a couple of new things when going through this ending. One, that 'body hitting floor' sound effect gets re-used a lot more than I would have thought. The other is that, despite the game forcing you to ignore Rosa in the end, it's also the case in this path that Mother no longer needs to be present. If Mother's entire purpose really is revenge, then she possibly just disappears as soon as that is fulfilled. All the cruelty and horrible treatment of Rosa, all the nudging her toward finding out more about him -- it was all focused on one goal. That goal, the destruction of Guilleme, was completed. That does not make what was done to achieve it any less cruel. We used Rosa as a tool, and she is left broken and empty, without any purpose of her own. What I mainly get out of this ending, though, especially in the run for this LP, is just how harsh it is. When you're just going for completion, you do end up just choosing the bad choices to see what happens (and of course the game calls you out on that). Having to do it while knowing what was coming made it a lot harder to endure. The abuse feels just a bit too real in Rosa's final reactions. Even though the game does not pass judgment on which endings are good or bad, I really hope that nobody considers this one to be a desirable outcome. The only winner this time is Mother, and in no way does she deserve to come out of this the best. With two endings down, the next runs will need more direct guidance from me. They aren't all that likely to include much new content until the end, so they should go quickly. As mentioned, though, the next update will be another side topic. It'll continue with the Psyche and Cupid story, this time examining more modern (mostly English) versions of it. One in particular will explain where the thread title comes from.>> Kangra fucked around with this message at 05:33 on Apr 15, 2017 |
|
#
?
Apr 15, 2017 05:27
|
|
|
As hosed up as that ending is (it's the silent responses from Mother that really get to me), I'm kind of relieved we were consistently mean. Mixing in kind or loving words there would have made it all the more disturbing. Perhaps another time!Kangra posted:With two endings down, the next runs will need more direct guidance from me. They aren't all that likely to include much new content until the end, so they should go quickly. As mentioned, though, the next update will be another side topic. It'll continue with the Psyche and Cupid story, this time examining more modern (mostly English) versions of it. One in particular will explain where the thread title comes from.[/i]>> Also looking forward to more of Guilleme's fake diary.
|
|
#
?
Apr 17, 2017 22:08
|
|
|
How many endings are there overall?
|
|
#
?
Apr 18, 2017 00:25
|
|
|
There are 5 endings, and two main branches that lead to them ('Eros' and 'Agape'). Each branch has slightly different content depending on the choices made, although what happens to the characters doesn't change in a given ending. The most significant non-ending alteration is whether Rosa finds out/believes that Guilleme is her father. Some choices make more sense for a given ending. For instance, I think it's possible to get the ending we just got without necessarily pushing the 'Rosa loves Guilleme' angle, and if you don't have her take the dagger, she just randomly has a knife in her possession.
|
|
#
?
Apr 18, 2017 02:57
|
|
|
As a break between doing runs of the game, here's a selection of stories that show Cupid and Psyche has been adapted throughout history. This time around I'm sticking with those that draw primarily on the story from Apuleius, although in a future update we'll examine the alternate routes that the story has taken through time. Giovanni Boccaccio The Italian writer Boccaccio was a great fan of Apuleius, and is credited with bringing the author out of antiquity into the Middle Ages. Boccaccio seemed to be more taken with the the other parts of The Golden rear end than with the story of Psyche and Cupid in particular, but I think it can be fairly said that he raised awareness of the author to an extent that the book gained the interest of later writers. William Adlington William Adlington was the first to produce an English translation of Apuleius's Metamorphoses, in the 16th Century. Adlington's version became the standard one read by English speakers for quite some time, as it more or less related the story accurately and plainly (although the more sexual content is excised or summarized). He sets apart the story of Cupid and Psyche into its own chapter of the book, making it a bit easier to treat it as a separate story.  Jean de La Fontaine A well-known version in French was written in the 17th Century by Jean de La Fontaine, best known for his fables. It has the title The Loves of Cupid and Psyche (Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon). He created his own framing story, and also made some modifications, which he does admit to up front. He seems to be among the first to take liberties with the text to suit his own intentions. I have not read it in full (and then again only in translation) but I did find one rather striking addition. When Psyche opens up the chest of Proserpine's beauty, the black smoke that comes from it does not leave her as if dead, but instead makes her head turn black. And not colored black or sooty, but specifically she looks like a 'Moor' i.e. African. There is then a lengthy interlude where she is ashamed of her new look, and afraid to face Cupid, but he does not reject her and convinces her that he intends to marry her. When she goes to face Venus, the attendants and other gods cannot but comment on the fact that she has an African head on a Grecian body, although it's really more the oddity of the thing to them. They all continue to praise her beauty. Although in the end her complexion is returned to its original form, it's somewhat surprising to find in this period such a commentary on the presumption of what defines beauty. Joseph Beaumont About a century after William Adlington, the Reverend Joseph Beaumont penned the lengthy poem Psyche, or Love's Mystery. Running over 40,000 lines in its last edition, it's one of the longest poems in the English language. I have not made any real attempt to read it, so what I know of it is just gleaned from summaries. Beaumont was not attempting to relate the story as it had appeared in the original text, but instead aimed to write an allegory on the ascent of the soul, and specifically a Christian one. The Greek word Psyche in fact means soul, and there are several allegorical elements already present in Apuleuis's tale. In Beaumont's version, a guardian angel named Phylax leads Psyche from her state as a tortured soul all the way until she is able to ascend at last to heaven. While it sounds a bit like The Pilgrim's Progress, I've seen several critics mention that owing to its length and the fact that it is rather dull, it likely did not have a great impact on that work or many others.  Mary Tighe A much more influential variation on the story was written in 1805 by the Irish poet Mary Tighe. While it was only widely published after her death in 1810, it became a popular work fairly quickly, and its appeal has endured to this day. Tighe's story is titled Psyche, or the Legend of Love, and consists of 6 Cantos of about 60 Spenserian stanzas each. It begins with Psyche in the midst of great distress and not knowing what to do. It then rewinds and begins to relate the story along the lines of Apuleius. Once Cupid has departed (and the story catches up to the opening), more changes to the narrative begin to become apparent. For one, Psyche is set with just a single task, which resembles the filling of the water from the spring (although it is not the Styx in Tighe's version). At this point the story takes a hard turn and becomes an allegorical chivalric romance. A knight shows up and assists Psyche as she makes her way through various trials. She has to deal with such literally-named antagonists as Vanity, Ambition, or 'Geloso', and spends some time in the service of 'Castabella' (chastity). In the end, of course, the knight is revealed to have been Cupid all along, and Psyche is allowed by Venus to join him in marriage as a goddess. It's possible that Beaumont's poem had some influence here, but most likely the author is drawing largely on Spenser's Faerie Queene, given that she was already using him as a poetic model. Tighe's work is notable for probably being one of the better adaptations of the tale. It is a reflection of a time when there was a shift toward love being a potential goal of marriage, at least as an ideal. As one of the first major works by a female author of the Cupid and Psyche story, it is also interesting to examine from a feminist perspective. Even though Psyche in this version is largely a cipher, there is some subtle questioning of gender inequality, or at least a sense of wondering why she has to deal with the particular trials that she does. For example, in the castle of Castabella there is a litany of famously chaste people — but only women are named. This holds even though Odysseus is held up as one example; he is actually defined solely in terms of the women around him. Much like Tighe's own penchant for ambiguous syntax (which we'll see in a moment), it is something not apparently intentional when it shows up just once, but repeated incidents make it clearer that there is a reason to believe it is no accident. As a final note, there is a sonnet that appears on the first page of her Psyche, apparently as a dedication. Given that it contains an image of a mother in the context of the story of Cupid and Psyche, it seemed perfectly suited to lift a line for the thread title. (here, 'accents' has an older meaning of 'statement, utterance') : quote:SONNET In fairness to Tighe, she wrote at least one more sonnet where it's clear that she is more fond of her mother than not; my own truncation of the line to make it more fitting to the possessive mother of our game might be uncharitable. On the other hand, there are a few unusual bits within her Psyche where she makes an appeal to Venus not to be angry with her as a being merely a poet telling the story. Venus is there and elsewhere pretty clearly a mother figure, and comes of as both benevolent and imposing, much as this sonnet might suggest. John Keats Although Psyche was Tighe's only major work, her name has also been kept somewhat famous due to her influence on John Keats. In his youth he had been a great admirer of her work, although he later said that he could 'see through' her and 'find nothing - or weakness'. He did mention her by name in one of his poems 'To Some Ladies', and likely retained at least some fondness for her work in shaping his sensibilities even if he felt somehow beyond it. Keats wrote his Ode to Psyche after reading Apuleius's original text. What struck him the most was that since Apuleius was writing after the peak of the Roman religion, and because in his story Psyche had started out as mortal and then became a goddess, she had somehow been 'neglected' and not worshipped as well as the other goddesses. He seems to view her as much an embodiment of Love as Cupid might have been, and thus his pledge to be her priest also appears to be a profession of love.  William Morris William Morris was a noted graphic designer, but also produced several poetic works, of which the most notable is The Earthly Paradise. The epic poem is formed up of 24 parts, each one telling a story for a month of the year; half are drawn from ancient (Greek and Roman) sources, and the other half from Medieval European stories. They also alternate in style (heroic couplets are used for the main story of Cupid and Psyche). Although I find some of his poetry a bit tedious, the work as a whole does an excellent job tying together images from these mythologies into the overall theme. The story of Cupid and Psyche appears for the month of May. Morris provides a bit more of an explanation for the events than Apuleius did, and grounds them slightly more in reality. The gods are still supernaturally powerful, but their influence is made more explicit by their actions instead of in vague influence. The characters seem to have a bit more awareness to them as well. While Psyche in this version is less naive, she is also more innocent, especially in that she does not bring about her sister's destruction. Cupid is also somewhat more purposeful and single-minded; he falls in love with Psyche at first sight, and is revealed to have engineered things so that no one else could have her. Morris's tale also contains some elements more in fitting with his era. The reason for Psyche's marriage is because Psyche's father the king has been told by Apollo, who is regarded as an emperor, that if he does not sacrifice his daughter, his whole country will be destroyed. This becomes known to the people of his land, who demand that she be given up in order to keep them secure. It's not hard to see a reflection, or at least a recognizable adaptation of 19th Century imperialism at work here. Morris's designs often included simple, natural elements, and there are several points in the story where descriptions of nature become quite detailed (Psyche's transport to her new home seems to focus on the garden at least as much as the palace). There are also hints of Christian imagery, although this seems less like an attempt to alter the story than to make it more understandable to readers who did not literally worship this pantheon. Thus, when Psyche appears before Jupiter, he is referred to only as 'the Father', and there is also a point when Cupid tells her that future glory and immortality awaits her if chooses to stay with him, but if not she will return to her family and perish with them. Robert Bridges In the late 19th Century, there was also a new verse translation of the story by the poet Robert Bridges. It seems to be a fairly competent and straightforward version; I admit that I've only skimmed it, but I've found nothing particularly remarkable about it. Possibly the only thing of note was that it was titled 'Psyche and Eros', probably in an attempt to keep the Greek and Roman pantheon distinct. C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's 1956 novel Till We Have Faces is a new take on the perspective for the story. This time it is told from the point of view of one of the ostensible antagonists, one of Psyche's sisters. While it isn't meant to be a revisionist twist on the story, it does use the now-common approach that the traditional story is a 'corruption' of the true story, and the narrator is here to set the record straight. It is set in ancient times, but in a land neighboring Greece (it also seems to follow Morris in setting up Psyche as a sacrifice to save the people). The names of the characters are altered, seemingly to avoid any allegory. The main character is called Orual, and Psyche's 'real name' is said to be Istra. Aside from the altered viewpoint and the fact that the sisters survive, there is another salient departure from the original story: The place where Psyche is taken to is entirely invisible to outsiders. Orual sees nothing more than Psyche standing in a field, whereas Psyche insists she stands on the steps of a marvelous palace. Instead of jealousy driving her to tell Psyche to betray Cupid, it is driven by her perception that Psyche is utterly delusional and possibly under the influence of some vagrant who is taking advantage of her. Nonetheless Orual becomes repentant once she has caused Psyche to lose the happiness she once had. The remainder of the book is more about Orual's life afterward, and includes a lengthy digression on her becoming a warrior-queen. The twist to make the appearance of the palace subjective is fairly clearly done in order for Lewis to explore a particular topic, namely what it is like to convert to a religion, and to be seen by those around you as not quite right in the head. Lewis famously became a Christian after being nominally raised in the faith but spending most of his young adulthood as an atheist. While he was doubtless well-versed in the mythology and setting of the original story, he seemed more interested in turning it to his own ends. Using the alternate character as the narrator also allowed him to take it in a different direction and write on other matters. Although given the fact that it is a story of a mortal achieving immortality by holding fast to their belief, it is a rather fitting tale to adapt for his purposes.  Sylvia Townsend Werner Sylvia Townsend Werner's 1929 novel The True Heart was an adaptation I only recently found out about, but I do feel it is worth mentioning for its similarities to this game. It is a romance novel, set in Victorian times. The heroine, named Sukey Bond, is an orphan girl (about 16 years old) who works as a servant and falls in love with Eric Seaborn, a man who does not seem to fully acknowledge her all the time because he is an 'idiot' (i.e. mentally ill). His mother, who has been keeping her son mostly in secret from others, naturally does not at all approve. It adheres to the original tale loosely enough that most did not recognize it for what it was. However, if you go into it knowing what it is, the correspondence is fairly obvious and some of the choices are even a bit clever. Sukey's name is close to the Greek pronunciation of Psyche, and 'Seaborn' is a pretty close match with Aphrodite ('foam-born'). Mrs. Seaborn's husband has the first name 'Smith', there is a driver named 'Zeph', and a later character in the role of Juno named 'Mrs. Oxey'. Beyond the superficial labels, it is Sukey's extreme naiveté that partly drives the narrative and maintains a link to the original. Werner seems to ride a fine line between altering the story into a more standard romance plot and keeping the reader in suspense of just how much it will stay in line with the original. This adaptation seems to be not far off from what Cupid (the game) has done - putting the original tale into a modernized context. They even seem to start off rather similarly, but that is almost certainly because they are both drawing on the common themes of romance novels, where the heroine starts out with very little and ends up winning her true love in the end. Of course Cupid deliberately subverts that expectation in the way the story ends up. I should also say that it is not solely drawing on the Cupid and Psyche story of Apuleius, but on other mythological traditions. Some of those will be examined after the next run. References/Texts https://library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections/view/1594/introduction - The University of Leeds provides a good overview of works based on Apuleius from the Medieval period to the Twentieth Century. http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/ga/ga25.htm - William Adlington's version within his translation of Apuleius. http://www.lafontaine.net/lesPoemes/affichePoeme.php?id=34 - La Fontaine's Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon Here's an English translation made not long after La Fontaine http://spenserians.cath.vt.edu/ - Beaumont's full text and Tighe's as well (sans the dedication Sonnet) can be found here using the author search. http://web.nmsu.edu/~hlinkin/Psyche/ - Mary Tighe's Psyche, including the full preface. https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/her-mother-rossana-1791 - Another poem Tighe wrote about her mother. http://spenserians.cath.vt.edu/CommentRecord.php?cmmtid=4460 - John Keats's letter mentioning his opinion on Tighe. https://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/ode-to-psyche/ - John Keats Ode to Psyche. https://archive.org/details/earthlyparadise00morr - The Earthly Paradise by William Morris. https://archive.org/details/erospsychepoemin00briduoft - Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. https://www.worldcat.org/title/true-heart/oclc/862627180/editions?editionsView=true&referer=br - The True Heart by Sylvia Townsend Werner. https://www.worldcat.org/title/till-we-have-faces-a-myth-retold/oclc/947814025/editions?editionsView=true&referer=br - Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. Kangra fucked around with this message at 19:58 on May 8, 2017 |
|
#
?
Apr 29, 2017 01:46
|
|
|
Still reading through the literature review, but very cool. Thanks for pulling this all together.
|
|
#
?
May 1, 2017 16:22
|
|
|
Run 3 There won't be that much new content in this run until we get to the ending. I'll merely be highlighting the choices that we make along the way, because we'll be seeing a slightly different build-up of our choices. This time, Mother is temperamental and insecure. She's not overly controlling and cruel to Rosa, but she does want her to do what her Mother asks of her. If she feels threatened that Rosa might disobey, she's going to lash out at her. She's untrusting of others generally, but also seems to be surreptitiously interested in why they might like or dislike her daughter (or her). We start in the church, with Rosa being told not to linger any longer with the potentially dangerous priest.  Yes. Yes, Mother. But he is so very kind--  -Haven't you learned your lesson, idiot?! * -I fear for your safety * Child, follow Mother's words and leave. You saw the look in his eyes, didn't you?<< Rosa doesn't want to go back into the cold night, but we can't trust her with the priest.>>  Can't I stay? -Alright. -No! * How am I going to mind you like this? You attract so much misfortune everywhere you go. ... -This is all your fault. * -My poor child. * Why must you be like this? You are a blight to my heart.<< Rosa goes on to put her eye out and then we jump to several years later and Chapter 1. Rosa wanders by the chateâu.>> The girl stared at the food. She hadn't eaten properly for the past few days. -Are you hungry, child? * -We must not linger. * We must not linger in this place any longer. I detest it.<< As for Guilleme, Mother doesn't like him. But she doesn't like most people. >> -He is the same as everyone. * -I do not care for him. He is the same as everyone. Greedy. Insatiable. Maybe not for you. But for something else. << She'll even go so far as to say there just aren't any good people in the world. >> -There are no more good people in the world, child. * -It is hard to say. * There are no more good people in the world, child. The world has run out of them. All that is left are manipulative souls who appear kind on the outside-- --Because they need other people to survive. Ultimately, they only care for themselves. D-Don't you think I'm a good person, Mother? -Of course I do! * -Of course not! * Of course, child! You are special! Haven't I raised you as such? I have tried my best, my dearest. Yes, mother. You keep me right! I love you!<< After this, the women come and start to tease Rosa. She turns to Mother for help. >> The girl moved away as they laughed.  Mother, please save me.  Mother... Didn't I tell you to leave? * Didn't I tell you people are cruel? * Haven't I taught you this, time and again? People are cruel. Now, you see it firsthand.<< Catherine Perride arrives on the scene to support I knew it from the start, my rose. -She was nothing but selfish. * -She led you astray. * You fought so hard. You never used to fight with me. But now, she killed herself. Your sacrifice lost in her selfish ways. I knew she would just cause you pain. -I am glad she is dead. * -I am glad you are back to me. * I was so worried about you, darling. She almost led you astray. ...Away from me!<< Mother hopes Rosa doesn't trust Guilleme. Because she just knows there's something wrong about him. >> My child, tell me you see it. Remember the fear in Catherine's eyes in her last days? * Look at how he is unperturbed by Catherine's death. * There is an absence of feeling in him, don't you see? It goes beyond the usual apathy of loneliness. Did he even really love Catherine? How well do you even know him, child?<< When Rosa seeks the truth about Guilleme, Mother of course wants her to do what is best for Mother. >>  Mother. Tell me what to do. -Justice. * -Retribution. * Start with his guilt, child.<< When the spell goes bloody, Mother says she knew something would go wrong. >> -I knew it! * -We must get to the bottom of this. * I knew it. I knew it. That man.... We must find out how to destroy him. Rosa stared at the needles in her hand. << On to Chapter 3, back in the past again, with Guilleme fooling around with Emilié now. Rosa is about to get a reading lesson. >> -Leave now while he is not looking, child. * -Just go in and ignore him, child.* What are you doing just standing there? He is going to see you. Leave now, while you still have the chance. Alright, Mother, maybe you're right--Unfortunately, Guilleme lifted his head and saw her by the door. << Then we are back to the present, after Catherine's funeral. We genuinely feel for our grieving daughter. >> The soft wind lightly blew her hair. It reminded her of Catherine and her playful ways. Tears sprouted from her eye. Even the wind... -Console her.* -Scold her. * I am always here, my love. Loss will always hurt. But you love Mother the best, don't you? ...Yes, Mother. Then you are going to be fine. I will never leave you like Catherine did. << Guilleme gives her the locket. Mother urges Rosa to find out his secrets. >> -Open it. -Leave it alone. ... Open that locket. I'd like to see what is inside. An object that he owns will make any enchantment more powerful.<< I'll close out this update with the ending of Chapter 3 -- nothing is new here, but I just wanted to give a reminder of how Rosa feels about what she has to do, and how Mother feels about it. >> Open his heart with Storge. Unmask him with Philia. Strike him down with Eros.Yet Rosa kept a fourth candle. One she had named Agape. Unconditional love. She didn't know whether she would ever use it. Mother, of course, would object. But just in case Eros successfully struck Guilleme, she wished to light Agape. At least, give him peace b-before-- Rosa walked towards Guilleme, a pang of anxiousness biting at her.  The work lays ahead. To bring him down, we must find his weakness. Then, we attack. Revenge will be sweet, my dear daughter. Do it for Mother.
|
|
#
?
May 8, 2017 19:46
|
|
|
Kangra posted:When Psyche opens up the chest of Proserpine's beauty, the black smoke that comes from it does not leave her as if dead, but instead makes her head turn black. And not colored black or sooty, but specifically she looks like a 'Moor' i.e. African.  That's... progressive for the time period, I guess?Anyway, this post was particularly interesting because I love hearing about how and why people adapt old stories to new time periods. Thanks friendo.
|
|
#
?
May 8, 2017 23:39
|
|
|
Happy Mother's Day, thread. Here's an update with a somewhat better mother in it.
|
|
#
?
May 14, 2017 22:33
|
|
|
Run 3, Part 2 << We come to Chapter 4, in which Guilleme shows up unannounced at Catherine's performance. Mother knows Rosa doesn't have feelings for him, but she does understand that she cares about Catherine. >>  ...I just didn't expect to see him here, that's all. Oh, I see. It is the same problem, isn't it? - Does Guilleme's presence upset you? * - Are you worried about Catherine now that he's here? * That filthy man, again. I'm sure Catherine will be pleased. Whatever will she think now that her lover is back? I bet she would rather spend all her time with him, as usual. My poor darling. Always running after her star. I wonder how long until she is tired of you constantly tagging along? You brag to me that you share everything like sisters. Does that include Guilleme, too? ... Oh, you are making your life so complicated, darling! Why do you even bother yourself with these people? -It is obvious he is never going to look at you. * -It is obvious she will abandon you. * She will obviously abandon you when they get together. They make such a lovely pair.Rosa winced at Mother's voice, as if it were nails grating on a wall. << Eventually, Mother gives her a piece of advice that may prove vital, given who is (maybe) part of Rosa's actual family. >> -Friendships do not last. * -Family is more important. *<< Then Rosa almost eats Catherine's love, Guilleme does eat Catherine's love, and it drives the poor girl crazy. Rosa still doesn't know why Catherine's being so odd, and Mother suggests a reason. >> -She is selfish just like everyone else. * -She is probably repulsed by you. * What did you expect? After what you did to her, you little monster! Of course she will avoid you like the plague.<< Rosa can't help her friend either way. We then get to Chapter 5 and the flashback to Rosa's youth, revealing a bit more about her parents. In the present, with two candles lit, Rosa dithers on what she must do to him. When Rosa is reluctant to kill, Mother needs to prod her to keep her on task. >> Is this cowardice or stupidity? -You fancy him, don't you? * -You hate him, don't you? * Look deep into your heart and you will find it, child. As there is deep love, there is burning hate. A hate so strong it compels to end a life. Yes, darling, let it burn in you. This is fire that consumes the same way.<< Mother then says that it was Guilleme who killed her. Whether that's true or not, the force of her commands compels Rosa to concoct a plan to steal his journal. She drugs him and enters his room. We do not really trust Rosa with a weapon, so we take the key. >> -Take the dagger first. * -Take the key first. * Take the key and leave that dagger. ... I have a bad feeling about that weapon. Leave it be.Rosa agreed with Mother. The weapon was as sinister as it was beautiful. She didn't want to touch it. Rosa took the tiny key into her hand, feeling the cool metal against her palm. << So there was still no new journal entries. I'm not sure, but it may actually be the case that you need to unlock this ending in particular to get them, so I'll hold off on posting them until next time around. Anyway, she does read enough to discover what sort of creature Guilleme is, and she will soon be deciding his fate.>> This knowledge just makes me want to-- You stupid child. Can't you see it is what should be done? -Do it for the greater good! * -Do it for me! * You must do it for me! For my peace! ... Is it really? It is easy to say that.... But... What do you really want? -To destroy him, of course! * -To stop him from hurting more people. Are you really this daft, child? He devours the minds of those that love him. I cannot think of a more disgusting creature. We must destroy him, it needs to be done. He needs to pay for the victims of his curse. But is it really the right thing? Is death the only way to change him? -Yes, it is. * -Maybe not. << When Rosa points out that she is like him, and possibly a monster, Mother responds with a bit of affection. >> -No, you are not! * -Yes, you are. You are not a monster! I have raised you, guided you, and loved you enough. All my sacrifices were for you. To stop you from turning into something like him. Oh, I was always afraid. Always. Always.<< Rosa thinks she may be able to avoid the difficult task of killing someone. Mother isn't so sure it will work. >>  I think he can change. Perhaps I might still be able to save him. -He will never change. * -He will not listen to you. What makes you think he will listen to you? He has fed for centuries. His addiction is his own curse. It controls him. ******  Yes, but isn't he a creature of love? So am I. Love, no matter how lonely and depraved, always gives all of itself. Only I can understand. Only I can save him. That is why I want to try. -So you are throwing all our efforts away?* -What do you intend to do? The spell cannot be reversed now! It is dangerous to leave it unfinished. I will light Agape and make him remember. -You are to do no such thing! -Will that even work?! * What if it doesn't work, child?! Agape is a blessing, not a curse. A monster of his calibre will only shrug it off. And what will become of you then? Please don't do this.<< Mother doesn't think this is the right option for Rosa, but she might not be certain of what her daughter can actually do to him. But Rosa seems to think she can decide for herself what to do. >> Let me make my own decisions from now on. -Scream at her. -Plead. * M-My darling... I-I know you are strong now. But please... Are you not going to avenge me? Wouldn't you do that for me...? Revenge? Is it really what you want? Will that give you the peace you seek? -Yes! * -...I don't know ... What else-- I do not think revenge is what you really want. I don't know what you are talking about. You are a part of me, Mother. You are me. You simply crave punishment. You crave atonement. ...****** ... Is it not true? ... Darling... What will become of me now, without my role to guide you? I will save him, whether you allow me to or not.<< From this point, we make the same decisions as in our first run for a bit. There's no suggestion of any attraction between Rosa and Guilleme, so we are curious as to her reasons. >> I will save him, whether you allow me to or not. -Why...?* -You love him, don't you? W-Why are you making an effort to save him? After all that he has done-- Because I am all he has left. << Rosa seems to be displaying a greater love than we ever showed her. >> I know you hate him from the bottom of your heart. But I have already forgiven him. Like how I have already forgiven you. -How dare you...* -I understand... I don't need your forgiveness... H-How dare you...<< This sort of love is something that Mother just doesn't seem to understand. >> Because I love him without asking for anything in return. A concept that has never yet crossed his mind. -Stop! -S-So be it...* S-So be it. Just know that he is powerful and full of pride. He will not take kindly to being bound by magic. We can only hope, Mother. -I don't trust him. * -Please, take care of yourself. I am always here in your memories, my dear. Whatever happens. Please take care of yourself. Thank you, Mother. My beautiful daughter. -I love you. -Goodbye.<< This ends Chapter 6, and again we go to Chapter 8 (the 'Agape route') with no more choices presented. >> Kangra fucked around with this message at 22:37 on May 14, 2017 |
|
#
?
May 14, 2017 22:34
|
|
|
Happy Mother's day. 
|
|
#
?
May 15, 2017 21:58
|
|
|
Run 3, Chapter 8 << Guilleme's dream is identical to the one seen on our first run. After he wakes up, the story continues for a while in an almost, but not quite identical way for a bit. Some of the dialogue is just slightly changed, but the changes are frequent enough (and using the 'skip' function doesn't go past them) so I'm posting the whole of it. Most notable is that Guilleme doesn't seem quite as forceful with his anger in this route. >> Guilleme woke up with the dream still fading from his memory.   "Snowdrop" by Kevin MacLeodThis did not surprise him. Whoever cast the spell did not do so on a whim. To take him away from his sanctuary was to render him weaker. A pure, white candle flickered on the table, its flame looked as though it was ready to go out.  I couldn't save you. I tried.Rosa stepped out of the shadows. You--!Guilleme's anger subsided just a little. What is the meaning of this, Rosa? This is your doing?She looked at him with sadness. I was too weak to save you, Guilleme. Save me from what? From what you are.Guilleme's face crumpled into confused anger. I do not take kindly to people who dabble with my brain, Rosa. Especially when they have such audacity to do so when I am most vulnerable. Do you expect me to ask your forgiveness for what I've done, Sire? Because I won't. I will stand by what I did. I will do it again if I can. But such a spell requires much preparation. You are not to do that again, do you hear me? I will not allow myself to be subjected to such mockery. It's not mockery! I am trying to save you-- I do not know what you're talking about! If you persist in this foolish behavior then I will be forced to take action. Go ahead. But I will simply try again. Stop it!Guilleme grabbed her shoulders in irritation and shook her. They stared at each other in heavy silence, and Guilleme somewhat regretted his forcefulness. Rosa had grown stronger through the years, but she was still fragile, wasn't she? ...Maybe to him. Why was that? But Rosa's eye did not flinch or look away, even at his outburst. There was no fear or fragility in her eye at all. She held her gaze steady until it was Guilleme who looked away. Why-- Why are you doing this? I understand that you loved Catherine. I know you want her memory to live on but-- No. It's not because of that. Catherine's memory is already present in me. I already have her. But you don't. I wanted to... give her to you-- --so you don't have to resort to feeding.Guilleme recoiled from her like her skin was scalding to the touch.  You-- How did you--Rosa just stared at him, her eye clear and resolute. I know what you are because we are the same. We are creatures that emanate desire and feed on love. I have lived with this curse knowing only a semblance of what I am. Mother guided me. She protected me. She taught me how to control it, even in her own twisted way. I was lucky, Guilleme. I wasn't alone. ... But you were.Rosa's eye bloomed with sadness. I can only imagine... how hard that must've been. So there was another one like him. A desperate hope clutched onto him like talons. Was that why he had taken to her so without wanting to feed on her? Rosa wiped tears from her face. That's why I am doing this, Guilleme. I wanted to give you Catherine's memory, like how Mother's memory keeps me sustained. Love doesn't have to be taken like this. There are other ways.Guilleme frowned indignantly.  Don't you think I have tried that? You're still very young. I can tell. I have already endured centuries of this curse. I know all the tricks to survive. From strangers to the villagers, I know how much I can take. I am meticulous. Then why must you insist on this method--With no reason to stand for ceremony, Guilleme's face changed easily. Rosa's jaw clenched.  His face lost the virtue that once belonged to a blameless man. It was replaced by a curious, cheeky grin, a perpetual look of childlike mischief. He was different, and yet somehow, Rosa felt like she had known him for a lifetime. He had always been there, hadn't he? Or rather, it had always been him.  Why? Because it is fun. And the taste is worlds better. ... The experience of drawing out love is unlike any human feeling. It is transcendent. It is the only moment I feel alive. The only moment I feel like a god. Once you've had a taste of it, nothing else compares. You must try it! I bet you can only afford to be self-righteous because you don't know any better. You're wrong! I did it to Catherine. I tasted her love, but I was able to stop myself in time! I knew it would destroy her! So that was you, hm? It makes sense that Catherine's love for me waned. That never happened before. Desire can be controlled, Guilleme!  I do not wish to control it! Why should I?! Admit it, you've longed for that taste since your tongue dipped in its pot.Rosa did not speak. She shifted nervously on her feet. Guilleme went on.  We are given this curse to endure, Rosa. Why must we scutter in the corner and humble ourselves? To whom do we abdicate ourselves to? To normal people? They are beneath us. For all their achievements and talents, love is the one thing that can drive them mad. Don't you see? Their weakness is the one thing we feed on. It is the natural order.Guilleme stepped closer to her and touched her bare arm. He tried to hide his bliss. I told you before. If you need power, then be powerful. I will teach you how to wield it. You still have much to learn. If you will join me, Rosa, just imagine what we can do. We will be powerful, you and I. Rosa's momentary confusion faded. The hard look dawned on her face once again. I will never join you. You use people for your gain. And so?! Guilleme's voice couldn't keep from rising. What of it?! Isn't it the rule of human existence? It's all a game. And it's a game I play to win! So people's lives are a game to you?Guilleme shrugged. Of course they are. The alternative is much worse. ... Humans don't play fair. They use and abuse and they throw away on whim. They destroy for no apparent reason except that they want to. I just get ahead. I can give them love, I can give them affection. But I will never give them pity.Rosa's eye narrowed at Guilleme. Didn't you once tell me not to think of myself as a victim, Guilleme? So why is that all you ever think of yourself as?Guilleme's lips quivered. He tried to speak but no words came out. Rosa stared at him, her eye seemed to search for his answer beyond his silence. Naive!! He shouted in his head. You do not know what you're talking about! But his throat dried up. Suddenly, he felt inadequate in her gaze. Is that the reason you tell yourself it's alright to throw people away? Then you've never had the courage to see their value. You don't believe your own lie, do you? Mother was tainted. But she still loved me and protected me the best she could. Even in her cruelty, she gave herself wholly. Papa Francois was tainted, but he looked at me like a daughter and never touched me. Catherine...Rosa's tears made her voice quiver and break. She was tainted. Caught between me and you, I wonder what that was like? And yet, she never acted on desire, but on love. ...She was the safe place where two opposing forces meet. She loved you, Guilleme. And yet when you took her love, you left a lifetime of memories. You left her hope. The lack of love isn't what broke her, but this hope. She never stopped loving you. The woman, Catherine, may have thrown it away, but the child never did. ... You know it as much as I do. Don't you? ...Rosa wiped her tears. I am tainted by you. I could hate you and curse you like any of your victims. ...But I choose not to. Because of Catherine... Because of Mother... ...I learned that love can be a blessing. Something we can give rather than take. Love isn't your curse, Guilleme. This curse you wallow in was brought on by yourself.Guilleme took a hasty step back.  ...Catherine's memory once again flooded his mind.  In his greed, he forgot to ask why. Why did she give everything? He might say that it was only fair. ...But that had always been a lie, hadn't it? The girl who always chose to be loving, instead of just loved. He had always...kept a few pieces to himself... ...This concept of totality utterly foreign and terrifying to someone like him. The girl who was whole. La Tapa del viernes - Circus Marcus << Recall that this music was playing within the dream when Catherine appeared. >>Guilleme clutched his chest. ...But it's... ...p.a.i.n.f.u.l... I don't want to...He said this petulantly, like a child. I don't want to... It is painful, isn't it? But that is the real taste of love. Have you ever asked yourself why you stayed that long with her? Why you cared for her until she died, even when you had no use for her anymore? Maybe you had started to love her beyond your needs, Guilleme. You can't fake sacrifice, mon chou. You are a good man. Maybe you liked keeping this face?A different taste spread on Guilleme's tongue. It was salty with just the hint of sweetness.  Guilleme realized he tasted his own sadness. But it faded quickly from his numb mouth. He was so accustomed to pleasure that he scrambled to get her face back. It took all of his efforts to remember, to form the memories like a jigsaw puzzle in his mind. The stars. Ribbons. The smell of burnt sugar. Magpies. "You'd marry me when I grow up, wouldn't you?" Her hair. The wind. A touch of her fingers on his cheek. Every memory squeezed his heart which he thought was long dead. It was the harder way. But a glimmer of understanding appeared. It was not enough to change him, but there was hope. The sickening taste he had been devouring was not love. Only desire. He had put it in his mouth over and over again, convincing himself it was all there was. Perhaps to wash away the taste of what he really wanted. Was it... too late for him? The cravings controlled him. He could feel them slither under his tongue. He was sick of them, but also reliant on them. ...They were most loyal. Guilleme looked up at Rosa. He was never strong, he knew that now. Rosa was. You... You are the one I seek. The one to save me from this wretchedness. And didn't you say you are tainted by me? Do you love me, Rosa? Please say you do. Please walk beside me.   I don't... understand much. ...But I will try. Stay with me... You don't know how grateful I am to know I am not alone in enduring this.He reached out his hand to touch her, almost like a newborn reaching for the warmth of a mother. But Rosa shoved away his hand. There was a bitterness in her voice that stabbed through his heart. Why are you surprised to know I exist? Am I that easy to forget?Guilleme frowned.  What are you talking about?
Kangra fucked around with this message at 18:21 on May 23, 2017 |
|
#
?
May 19, 2017 19:22
|
|
|
Run 3, Chapter 8 You locked my memory away. You were content to forget! What you did to my Mother was already unforgivable. But to erase her existence from your mind! I could hate you, Father!Guilleme's chest tightened. W-What?But... that's impossible... I was never able to... Rosa took out the locket that he had given her. The lock was open now, and a picture of a woman was inside. Guilleme couldn't remember her, but the woman's face stirred something buried deeply in his mind.  Moonlight. He searched his memory for such a woman but his mind came up blank. His head ached. I-- I don't remember. Of course you don't. Isn't that how insignificant we were to you? ... She... she loved you. But to you, she was just another faceless woman, easy to throw away and forget. Even when you left, she kept me. Me... who was a constant reminder of her pain. ... Tell me now how meaningless this love is? Why did you leave her, Father? Is it hard to keep something you broke?Guilleme's hand shook. He was barren... Wasn't he? And yet here she was. His child. He didn't know how that could have happened, but he clung to the belief desperately. He welcomed the regret. He savored this pain. How could he have forgotten the only child he sired? Rosa... I--- My name is not Rosa! I lost my name a long time ago. Much like you have lost me in your memory. How could you drop me so easily? Am I not good enough? You didn't even look for me, never even thought about me.She was sobbing now, like a child who wanted to understand the mysterious ways of her parents, but could not. Guilleme's arms moved stiffly on their own. He held her in his arms as she cried, stroking her head to soothe her.  I-I'm sorry.He still couldn't remember this woman he loved. Unlike his other victims, he must have stayed. Hoping, probably, that things would improve. Hoping that the hundreds of shallow lovers he had had before were somehow payment for one true love. If he stayed long enough, if he paced his feeding, if he--- He might not remember her, but he already knew what happened. Greed is the core of desire. I am not a monster. But why am I always hungry? I... I'm sorry... But... Y-You're here now, Rosa. Let me... make it up to you.He held Rosa tightly in his arms. Maybe... This is the love I need. The love of family. Rosa. You are my family. If we stay together, I don't need to use other people, you see? I will try my best to learn from you. I will-- I-I will... try to sate my addiction.This was the first time Guilleme used that word. He winced at the grossness of it. His mouth salivated with disgust at its weight. But he swallowed it like a hard pill. He could change. He could! For her. Everything would be alright. Rosa was here now. Rosa was-- I don't think you understand, Guilleme. --Why not?!Guilleme spat with the anger of a man with shattered hopes. Deep inside he knew why, but his loneliness pushed it away. "Maybe this time it wouldn't turn out like the others", he tried to convince himself. She was his daughter. It might be different! It would be! He wished to change it with the force of will alone.  Our curse will taint even this kind of love. I can feel it surge in me even now. It is... slower than normal, but more potent and dangerous. ...And then what? Time will pass, and you will degrade me into another lover's memory. You will be doomed to repeat the same thing. You know this too, don't you? ... No.He held on to her stubbornly.  No, please. I'm sure we'll find a way! I'll do whatever it takes!Rosa broke away from her father's embrace and stepped back from him. You can't make me stay like an object to satisfy you, Father. I... I am doing this for you. If you do not want Catherine's memory, then I will leave you mine. My dearest Father. I love you how a child inexplicably loves their parent. Without any conditions, or any hope of return. You were given the chance to raise me, and I was able to make memories of you I will treasure. I want you to be happy. I want you to be free. You don't know how much it hurts me to do this... But you cannot depend on me for change. You must do it on your own. Please remember me like this. I hope you will change, knowing that it can be done. Rosa... Please-- P-Please stay. I beg you. Goodbye, Father. May we meet again in better times.Rosa turned her back on him, and Guilleme fell to his knees in despair. He stretched out his hand to reach for her, but she seemed too far away.  A final exhale of breath, and the candle fizzled out. The first few rays of the dawn touched his face. He opened his eyes.  << So that's Ending 1. To get to it, you need to have Rosa be very aware of her family, but be careful that she retains some hardness. Note that we have to avoid 'calling Catherine selfish', though that seems to depend only on the choices at the concert scene, not the earlier one in which we literally called her selfish. This ending will next be contrasted with Ending 4, the second Eros ending. In that one we get to see crazy Rosa again. >> 
Kangra fucked around with this message at 18:20 on May 23, 2017 |
|
#
?
May 23, 2017 18:17
|
|
|
Kangra posted:This ending will next be contrasted with Ending 4, the second Eros ending. In that one we get to see crazy Rosa again. >>[/i] Yay! 
|
|
#
?
May 23, 2017 19:04
|
|
|
Cupid, Run 4 << In this run, we aren't particularly hateful. We'd like to see Guilleme punished, but we're kind of capricious and if it doesn't work out, it was just a bit of amusement for us. Rosa is indeed our daughter, and we don't hate her, but we don't much care for her. I guess you could say we just think she's stupid, and nothing we do is going to really help her. This abuse and neglect for her feelings is, naturally, not going to leave her in a good place. By now, it should be sufficient to merely show the choices. There isn't much new, although I will add the extra journal entries. For some reason I can't get them to show up properly in the game I'm using for the LP, so possibly there's a bug that can crop up. But as we did get a different entry this time, it's as good a time as any to add them.>> But he is so very kind-- -Haven't you learned your lesson, idiot?! * -I fear for your safety *...  Please don't be angry. -Then stop your disobedience! * -I only want you to be safe, dearest. I only want you to be safe, dearest. I only want what is best for you, child. Do you believe that? Y-Yes... You saw the way that priest looked at you, didn't you? ... And still, you insist on staying. Where is your head? ... So, follow my words, that is final. Flee and never look back. ... Yes, Mother. I understand. I shall leave at once.... -This is all your fault. * -My poor child. *... -Are you hungry, child? * -We must not linger. *... -He is the same as everyone. * -I do not care for him. ... -There are no more good people in the world, child. * -It is hard to say. *... D-Don't you think I'm a good person, Mother? -Of course I do! * -Of course not! * ... -Didn't I tell you to leave? * -Didn't I tell you people are cruel? *... -She was nothing but selfish. * -She led you astray. *... -I am glad she is dead. * -I am glad you are back to me. *... -Remember the fear in Catherine's eyes in her last days? * -Look at how he is unperturbed by Catherine's death. *... Tell me what to do. -Justice. * -Retribution. *... -I knew it! * -We must get to the bottom of this. *... -Leave now while he is not looking, child. * -Just go in and ignore him, child.*... -Console her.* -Scold her. *... -How dare you talk back to me! * -I'm sorry, dear.... -Open it. * -Leave it alone. I loathe that thing. I don't wish to accept any gift from that man. I wish you hadn't taken it. In any case, just leave it alone. Yes, Mother.Rosa slipped the necklace into her coat's pocket. ... -Does Guilleme's presence upset you? * -Are you worried about Catherine now that he's here? *... -It is obvious he is never going to look at you. * -It is obvious she will abandon you. *... -Friendships do not last. * -Family is more important. *... -She is selfish just like everyone else. * -She is probably repulsed by you. *... -You fancy him, don't you? * -You hate him, don't you? *... -Take the dagger first. * -Take the key first. *... << These two appear early on, before the years are numbered (pre-1471). The use of 'Liechenstein' here would have to indicate the castle (although probably it's just an anachronism). >> quote:6 March --- Rosa read the words and found them tugging at her heart. This was the same feeling she had had for years. It almost seemed like the words were her own. quote:2 December --- << A different year, shortly after the plague has killed everyone. >> quote:4th December -- << This entry is changed from the one we saw when the locket is opened, as there is less mention of children. >> quote:
<< The rest are dated; there are other entries in between that we saw previously. >> quote:4th May 1490 quote:9th December 1506 quote:21st November 1550 << There aren't any new entries if you choose the 'read more' option. >> ... << By shunning the locket, the scene of Rosa's realization is a bit altered as well. Otherwise, she manages to open it after she asks the question of mother. >> Then that means that I am also-- ...Mother? Am I-- The same? Oh, finally figured it out, have you? Do you see it now? My child... He is a monster.... << We want to see what Rosa is willing to do for us. Will she really kill Guilleme? >> -Do it for the greater good! * -Do it for me! *
|
|
#
?
Jun 1, 2017 18:32
|
|
|
My game must have been bugged too, since I don't remember getting those journal entries either. Weird.
|
|
#
?
Jun 1, 2017 20:07
|
|
|
I just went and checked on the computer I originally played this on, and it seems like they aren't popping up there either. I'm almost sure I saw them when I played it, though. I was able to show them because I've extracted the script. There's an 'end' variable that determines which ones you see (the originals, one for seeing at least one end, another set for seeing two or more endings) and even an extra line about her having read all she could once you get past two endings. My best guess is that maybe this only works if you play straight through and start a new game without quitting, which I did at least once when going for the endings. Or perhaps I just hallucinated them. Either way, it doesn't look like they were meant to be left out, so if nothing else, it's bonus material.
|
|
#
?
Jun 1, 2017 20:58
|
|
|
Cupid, Run 4 << This section of Rosa's decision plays out mostly the same as in Run 2, but there are a few alternative choices made, and the choices are close together, so this update will have less editing.>> -Do it for the greater good! * -Do it for me! * You must do it for me! For my peace! ... Is it really? It is easy to say that.... But... What do you really want? -To destroy him, of course! * -To stop him from hurting more people. Are you really this daft, child? He devours the minds of those that love him. I cannot think of a more disgusting creature. We must destroy him, it needs to be done. He needs to pay for the victims of his curse. But is it really the right thing? Is death the only way to change him? -Yes, it is. * -Maybe not. << Eh, maybe she doesn't have to kill him, who knows. >> ... Maybe not. But must we risk it? He has become haughty and powerful. Soon enough, this power will drive him mad.****** Am I not like him, Mother? I am also... a monster. We are the same. -No, you are not! * -Yes, you are. * Yes, you are, and it is part of my regret to have ever loved you. But that is why I am here. To keep you from becoming the monster he is. Yes, you are, and it is part of my regret to have ever loved you. But that is why I am here. To keep you from becoming the monster he is. ... Now that you know his true face, there is only one thing to do! Rosa bit her lip until she could taste blood. But M-Mother, please... Don't make me kill anyone again. I am scared. -Don't worry, I will guide you. * -You've done it before. * Don't you fret, my child. I will be there to guide you. It is simple, my darling. Focus on the goal ahead.****** This isn't right. I can't kill another person, Mother! Yes, you can. You must. To fulfill your goal, it is necessary to crush things along the way. Just remember that they don't matter. It is just you and I, forever, darling. Trust no one. Love no one, but me.<< Rosa spends a bit more time dithering (though in this run she doesn't complain about Guilleme not being interested in her). Then Mother steps in once more to keep her on track. >> -Convince -Scold So you are more willing to face my wrath rather than obey, is that it? What is it that you do not understand? He cannot live. You have read his journal. He is a vile, filthy insect. He has to perish. B-But it shouldn't be up to me to decide! It's not how it's supposed to--- -Believe in Mother, child! -Obey! * Mother knows what is best for you, my darling. Do you believe that? Y-Yes, Mother. I have protected you and loved you all these years, haven't I? Y-Yes, Mother... All my sacrifices were for you, you degenerate.Tears formed in Rosa's eye. She grabbed her head and scratched viciously. No... I don't understand anymore! I am so confused-- Please, Mother-- -Don't cry, honey. -Stop it. * You are not amusing me. Do you want to keep my presence with you? Do you still want my memory to stay? O-Of course, Mother! Please don't leave me! Do you love me, my daughter? Y-Yes. Then do as I say, my child. Horror Ambience 45 whooshes - klankbeeld Rosa began to giggle. Her tongue danced in her mouth. She licked her lips in delight. Ye~s! Kill him. This is what he deserves for being filthy. I am a little monster, too, aren't I? But Mother kept me clean.<< A short while after this, we do get the scene in which Rosa grabs a knife from the kitchen. This is something of a scripting bug, because she doesn't have it later on. But we didn't see this bit of text in the other Eros run. >> Rosa lit Eros, bathing her face in the scarlet light cast by the candle. The night went on. The spell buried Guilleme into a deeper slumber. >>****** She brought out a gigantic carving knife she'd snuck out of the kitchen. It was almost as long as her forearm. It had been sharpened enough to tear meat from bone. ****** She played with the shiny thing whilst whistling a lullaby. Sleep now, my precious Gilly. Dream of me... Dream, and descend into the depths of your personal hell. I hope you like your gift.Rosa giggled while pricking the tip of her tongue with the sharp knife. Let me deliver your atonement.
Kangra fucked around with this message at 18:25 on Jun 6, 2017 |
|
#
?
Jun 6, 2017 18:18
|
|
|
Cupid, Run 4, Chapter 7 << The dream is the same as in Run 2 -- Rosa is the image seen instead of Catherine. Since Rosa is not jealous of her, her attitude toward Guilleme and how he treated her is a bit different, however. >> W-Who are you, really, Rosa-- But you're moving now, grinding deeper into me. Your hips slap on my thigh. The poison of disgust and arousal saturates my senses. The smile breaks your cheek and splits your face in two. Your mouth reveals a gaping hole. R-Rosa-- W-Why are you doing this-- Why?! Because you are filthy! You eat and you eat!******> You took all her love, left me with nothing! I've always been at your scraps. I just wanted a bite, that's all, but you had to consume every last bit!<****** My eyes widen at your words as the realization strikes my senses. What did you say?! Y-You are-- But oh, I forgive you, even if Mother can't. I love you that much.<< Once he wakes up from the dream, Guilleme decides he will handle the situation. We didn't take the dagger from him, and this time he plans to use it. >> Helpless and weak, beside his own vomit and blood. But soon, his strength came back to him. Pushing himself from the floor, Guilleme staggered around his room. He cleaned himself and put on fresh clothes. He could still feel the tugs of odious power within his stomach. He walked to his bedside drawer and looked inside. ******> The old dagger glinted at him with malice. It reminded him of his anger, forged and sharpened over the years. His hatred was distilled in this blade. He gripped the dagger's hilt until red welts formed on his hands. He felt bound by purpose and rage. <****** He could hear her calling out to him. A whisper. A taunt. Guilleme... Play with me again... Pleeeease...? You know where to find me!He shivered as his teeth grinded in his mouth. You will pay for this.<< He goes to her room, and the scene starts as in the second run. There are a few minor mentions of his dagger that show up, but I haven't bothered including them. What does change here is that she doesn't know him as her father, so some of that is cut. It is possible to get this ending with the locket open; I just wanted to have a comparative ending where it didn't happen. >> Do you really want to fight me, Guilleme? I know how to kill you~! A strike to the heart. A wound that will never heal.She was taunting him. And this spell... I made this spell especially for you. Your own power of emitting desire is used against you. It makes my spell more powerful, while you become weaker. You must admit, it is impressive. ... I am more powerful than you, Guilleme.Guilleme choked on his own spit. He swallowed and swallowed, but the liquid in his mouth seemed to drown him. What does it feel like, being seduced against your own will?Guilleme couldn't move. His arms felt heavy and numb. His dagger clattered to the floor as she stepped nearer. Her power was double his own. The spell seemed to magnify it with her proximity. She ran her hands over his chest, chasing a finger down his shirt. !rsaroused! Getting torn down the middle must be-- Excruciating. Now you know how your victims feel, you dirty monster. W-Who are you? I am your judge, Guilleme. I am your scourge. Your truth. I am like you, a creature that emanates and feeds on desire. But unlike you, I am clean. I am pure. What? Mother's love... I am attached to her teat and sucking at her love way after she died. Isn't it wonderful? You on the other hand, you-- You are vile! Repugnant! Filthy! You must admit the possibility that this Mother you speak of-- --Was simply a stranger who took to you in because of our curse.Rosa's mouth hung open in shock. Must be why it is easy for you to use her memory to justify your filth. T-That is not true! I love Mother with all my heart! I'm doing what Mother wants! I just follow her orders! I am her vessel! She lives through me! ... Then answer me this. Why would any mother who loves her child want her to be a murderer? She doesn't love you. She's just using you. Same as how you are using her to survive.SFX: Hands gripping. Rosa clamped her hands tighter on Guilleme's neck. Shut up! Shut up! I'm doing this because Mother is always right! I am avenging her! ...R-Really?Guilleme choked. Go on, then... why don't... you ask your Mother... why you are h-here? Why you're r-really here? ...M-Maybe she's just... enjoying the show. That's not true! Mother loves me! M-Mother...? Should I really be doing this? -Yes. -...<< Last time we chose to guide Rosa one last time. This time we won't do it, but we will see if we can get some amusement from her first. >>
|
|
#
?
Jun 9, 2017 18:56
|
|
|
Should I really be doing this? -Yes. * -... You have a purpose! This is what you're supposed to do! W-Why? -To get revenge. * -To stop him. He is a monster, you stupid child! He has to be stopped from feeding again! Haven't we already discussed this? I am not stupid! Stop calling me stupid! Rosa's grip on Guilleme's neck slackened. Guilleme coughed at the sudden influx of air. Rosa stared at her hands in confusion. Tears started to run down her face. Why do you want me to kill somebody, Mother? Should I really do it? Why should I be the one to kill him?Rosa yanked hair from her head. Why should I do this? If he killed Catherine, should I kill him too? And then if I killed him, I would have his blood on my hands. I live a long life, Mother. Can it really wash away? Is killing him the only way? Yes! Then why should I be the one to do it?! -Because you must! * -Because you are the only one who can! Child, you have seen his face. You have an opportunity to end his existence! But why should I be the one to kill him? Can't somebody else do that? M-Mother... I... I don't want to be a murderer... Please don't make me do it. I... I am scared... -How dare you disobey me! -... I already told you that you must! I will not stand your disobedience, you ingrate! Why are you doing this?! I said I don't want to do it! Stop making me want to do it! ... Do you even love me, Mother? -Yes. -... Of course I do, child! Then why do you force me to kill someone? - Because he is a bad man. -... He is a bad man and must be killed, my dear. Do you understand this? It is justice! That is not justice. That is just validation! And wouldn't this make me bad too? Killing somebody would make me worse! -Of course not! -... Of course not, child. You are not bad! Yes, I am##! Killing somebody is bad! Don't patronize me! Who deserves to die? Why should I decide? I don't want to! ...Tell me the truth, Mother! Why do you want me to kill somebody? -Tell the truth -... Because I wanted to see a little blood. I find it entertaining. ... Is this funny to you? To see lives toyed with? I thought you loved me! -Tell the truth -...<< Bored now. >> ... I hate you!Rosa sobbed, her knees giving way underneath her. She retreated into a corner of the room and cried. I thought you loved me, Mother... I have followed all your words all this time. Am I even worth anything to you? -Tell the truth -... ... Now, you don't speak?! Tell me! Why have you led me down this path? Answer me! Why won't you talk to me?! Are you just going to keep silent? I hate you##! You abusive bitch! ... What? Are you not going to speak again? Have you run out of your gall? ... Say something, you bitch!Rosa screamed with tears in her eyes. All this time that I have spent with you, I have always obeyed you. I loved you, Mother! You were always so cruel to me! ... So many times you called me a monster, blamed me and hurt me. ...But despite the hurt, I never wanted to get rid of you. I-I thought... To endure the pain... Isn't that real love? To continue hurting and sacrificing proves how true my love is? All my tears should mean something! ... Nobody told me that was a lie! ...She continued sobbing, crumpled by the wall and pulling desperately on her hair. She would shout her anger sometimes, would whisper sometimes. Then, her head snapped back in alert. She cupped her hands on her ears. Her face contorted into worry. M-Mother? D-Did you say something? I didn't hear you. ... P-Please, I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to say those things. I was just... ... Please don't be angry. I-- I love you, Mother, please come back! I'm nothing without you! ... I don't want to be alone...Rosa sobbed with grief. Just come back to me, Mother! I'll never question you again!Guilleme felt his full consciousness return to him. The sickly, nauseating atmosphere in the room started to dissipate. The spell was losing effect, but his body still refused to follow his orders. He crawled to where she had dropped the large knife. He stretched out his fingers to reach the weapon. -Kill him, child! * -...<< We're done with her. No need to interact anymore. >> Rosa whimpered in a corner, searching for Mother's voice. She kept calling for Mother to talk to her, but she didn't seem to be answering. She would laugh for a bit, and then stare blankly at the ceiling. The candle died out - the spell was lifted from the room as the last glimmer of its light faded. Without Mother, without magic, Rosa cried, grasping at the tiny shards of her sanity. Guilleme's limbs felt free. He stood up from the floor, watching the broken girl press herself into a corner. His lips stretched into a smile, an idea forming in his head.  Well, I did offer to take care of you. Didn't I, Rosa? She scuttled away from his touch, but he cooed and coaxed until she let him touch her. He stroked her head gently, smoothing her messy hair. Rosa clung to his hand, kissing and nibbling at his fingers fondly. Gilly...! Aww, you poor thing. I-I'm sorry, Gilly. Mother is not talking to me anymore. ...B-But I hate her anyways. She has always been mean to me. She's always so cruel. I see. ...B-But you! You were always kind and sweet! You always were! Will you stay with me? Please tell me you'll stay with me!Guilleme tapped his finger on his chin, seemingly mulling it over. Hmm... why not?Rosa clapped with glee and hugged Guilleme's neck. I love you, Guilleme##! I always have! Really? Do you really love me, Rosa? Yes, I do! I really do! I'm sorry! Please don't leave me! I don't want to be alone!Guilleme smiled. He scooped the broken girl off the floor, her arms still draped around his neck. She giggled to herself, still talking to the non-existent voice in her head, hoping it would answer.  I'm going on a trip. A trip? Far away. You'll take me with you? You aren't angry at me anymore? D-Do you forgive me?Guilleme bit Rosa's earlobe fondly. He dug his tongue inside her ear. Rosa moaned. Never. But I'll take you with me, if you want. Would you like that? I would! In return... You will feed me... won't you, Rosa? Yes! I'll do anything for you! Such a sweet girl, you are. Don't worry, I won't ever leave you. You're going to be a good girl. The two figures disappeared into the shadows.   So that's all four of the normal endings done. Rosa and Guilleme both survive, but not really under the best of circumstances. The difference between this and the other Eros ending actually only comes down to the very last choice (whether to tell Rosa to kill him or not). This is a course one would hope is tackled after the others, because it involves really messing up your child. There will be one more run before this LP is finished, plus some bonus content at the end.
|
|
#
?
Jun 15, 2017 21:56
|
|
|
And they lived creepily ever after. 
|
|
#
?
Jun 15, 2017 22:16
|
|
|
Klingon w Bowl Cut posted:And they lived creepily ever after. Everybody has as much to eat as they desire. 
|
|
#
?
Jun 16, 2017 00:18
|
|
|
 That's a match made in hell, there.
|
|
#
?
Jun 16, 2017 00:49
|
|
|
I can't imagine how the non-normal endings will end up.
|
|
#
?
Aug 7, 2017 14:20
|
|
|
I'm bad at finishing LPs, it seems. It's only been as short ago as yesterday that I felt a little better at being able to work on this one. But I will post some stuff I wanted to say about the alternate tales of this nature. I considered connecting it to the game, but I'll leave it up to the reader to decide the elements they see reflected -- the subject goes well beyond just one story.
|
|
#
?
Aug 8, 2017 05:58
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 5, 2024 23:19 |
|
|
Other Tales of this Form Even when Apuleius related the story of Cupid and Psyche, he seemed aware that it dates from an earlier time. The story is so old and has been told in so many ways that it's unlikely that any single version can be said to be original (*). Variations on the theme occur in folk stories the world over, as the idea of communion between humans and the supernatural is attractive to many people, and the cultural associations with love and marriage are of no less interest to them. Although the stories of this variety involve the joining of the divine with the mundane, they are reflections of regular human relationships too. Most of them incorporate cultural attitudes toward marriage and sexuality. The main characters are just as likely to be women as men, and either of them will be just as awed and confused about the subject. It's not uncommon for their spouse to be disguised in an animal form, which only heightens the trepidation regarding sexual contact. Marriage was after all for much of human history a entry into a partnership with a foreign entity that was hardly understood, but it nevertheless held the potential for something transcendent. It is therefore common that the protagonist of the tale enters the relationship under some sort of duress. It may even be a literal obligation to the family, as happens in Beauty and the Beast. Sometimes it does seem to occur more in the way that human relationships do, with the mysterious lover 'catching the eye' of the protagonist. It seems that the women are forced into the situation more often than the men, and typically need to learn the proper behavior toward their lover. which again reflects how most human societies have been built. More often the women leave their culture and have to live in and adjust to their husband's culture than the other way around. This requirement of proper or expected cultural behavior is incorporated in the story as some restriction on the new lover. When the rule is broken, it often leads to a loss of the love (even if only temporarily). These may reflect the difficulty people have when failing to understand another culture, or simply to fail to understand the person they have just married. It is also a way to explain actual cultural taboos around marriage, which may themselves have arisen as a way to deal with these difficulties. It has not been uncommon for newly-married woman to remain veiled or secluded for days or even weeks after the wedding, so the restriction on being seen is a common one. Of course, such elements also add dramatic tension to the story, since the consequences of breaking the taboo are nearly always shown. A lengthy struggle typically ensues to demonstrate the endurance required to establish true love, and also the hardships that must be overcome to preserve it. That reunification of the lovers occurs quite frequently in the stories. There is naturally a wish for a happy ending, and also the didactic element of showing a pleasant outcome for proper behavior. It may also reflect a desire for true love to be preserved, but takes on a greater significance considering the divine nature of one side of the relationship. While in some cases the supernatural elements simply seem to disguise cultural barriers as magical ones, in other cases there is a genuine longing for something more than the everyday world. Sometimes the unknown lover is seen in the sky, or some other place representing a mystical separation from humanity. The protagonist then shows their determination merely by finding a way to be with their lover. When the marriage elements are introduced, then, the theme becomes one of not merely trying to adapt to a strange new situation, but of trying to transcend it to achieve something greater. Finding true love in a marriage can be one route to make this possible, but it can also be more symbolic. Psyche, after all, means 'soul' in Greek. There are different ways of regarding what Cupid represents - perhaps simply desire, or maybe romantic love, or even divine love, but all of them require the soul to be looking for something more, and can inspire a person in a way nothing else can. In some of these stories, the marriage to the spiritual being may mean access to new ability or magical creative power. Sometimes it brings greater wisdom or a higher understanding of existence. Looked at through this lens, in which the tale describes a process much more than the marriage of two persons, that too explains how widespread these themes are. Every human can understand what might be brought about by the union with a greater power, and even those who have already faced some of those real-life trials are able to see a path to something greater in their relationships with their own marriage partners. Here are merely a handful of the multitude stories in this vein: Pururavas & Urvashi (India) This is the oldest recorded version of what might be called a Cupid & Psyche story. It tells of Pururavas, a young (human) warrior, and Urvashi, an apasara (something like a nymph). Urvashi falls in love and marries Pururavas, but makes him promise to never let her see him unclothed. Some other heavenly spirits, seeking to bring Urvashi back to heaven, contrive a plan: They get Puruvaras to rush out of bed without thinking, and then they cause a flash of lightning. When Urvashi sees him naked she is then forced to return to the divine realm. In the end, however, Pururavas achieves immortality and is able to remain with his love forever. The song from the Rig Veda (over 3000 years old): http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10095.htm The later play Vikramorvasiyam, which has the full story: http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2010/05/vikramorvasiyam-of-kalidasa-sanskrit-text-english-translation/ Aengus Og & Caer Ibormeith (Ireland/Celtic traditions) Aengus is often identified as the god of love, so his story has some resonance with the depictions of Cupid. He dreams of a beautiful girl and falls deeply in love with her. She cannot be found anywhere in the waking world, even though he searches for a full year. Eventually he finds out that her name is Caer Ibormeith, and she spends alternate years in swan form. He is taken to a place where he must identify her (in her bird form), which he is able to do. In order to be with her, he agrees to become a swan too. http://www.celtic-twilight.com/ireland/gregory/cuchulain/dream_angusog.htm Algon & the Sky Girl (Algonquin) Algon, a hunter, comes upon a group of young women from the sky, and he falls in love with one at first sight. But when he approaches them, the rush off and away from him back to the sky. In order to catch her, he disguises himself as a mouse. They are married and have a child, but eventually the woman grows homesick and leaves with her son back to the sky world. When her son grows older, he asks about his father, and this causes the woman to miss Algon. She returns to Earth and brings him back with her. In order for them to travel freely between the worlds, they both are transformed into falcons. http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/AlgonandtheSkyGirl-Algonquin.html Beauty & the Beast (France) I'd imagine of the stories here, this one is probably the most well-known. While it has many variations, the oldest modern version of this tale was a book-length version written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740. An abridged (and uncredited) story based on it, by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont became the most popular retelling. Belle ('Beauty') is the youngest daughter to a struggling merchant. The man seeks shelter from a storm in a mysterious castle where he is attended to by invisible servants; when he leaves, he takes a rose from the garden, as it was a gift that Belle requested (as opposed to her siblings who demanded extravagant items). Unfortunately, the theft of that rose leads to him being taken prisoner by a hideous creature, aka the Beast. Belle ends up taking his place as the Beast's captive so that he can be free. Every night the Beast asks her to marry him, but she refuses; she also sees visions in her dreams of a handsome prince and supposes that he is being held as prisoner in the castle as well. Eventually, Belle is so homesick for her family that she convinces the Beast to allow her to make a short visit. Her sisters are envious of the wealth she enjoys at the castle, and try to get her to overstay at home so that the Beast will grow angry at her. But when she uses a magic mirror to see what the Beast is doing, she finds that he has nearly died of heartbreak. She returns to the castle; the Beast confesses his love, and when her tears fall on his body, he is freed from the bestial form and becomes the handsome prince that she had dreamed of. Beaumont's version (French): https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/La_Belle_et_la_B%C3%AAte English version : http://www.maerchenlexikon.de/texte/te425C-007.htm East of the Sun & West of the Moon (Norway) A white bear shows up at the house of a poor farmer and asks for her hand in marriage, promising wealth in return. While initially the girl refuses, eventually she relents and rides off with the bear. The bear has a wonderfully appointed house, and her family also receives their promised wealth. The young woman is visited every night by a man whose face she is never allowed to see. On a visit with her mother, she is given a candle to reveal him (despite having been warned by the bear not to speak with her mother alone). When she does, he reveals to her that he'd been cursed by a witch to be a bear by day and a man by night; and was nearly free before she doomed him; he will now have to marry an ugly troll in the witch's castle, which is east of the sun and west of the moon. The woman sets off to find the castle. Along the way she encounters people who help her and guide her to the next step, while also testing her bravery and courage. When she arrives at the castle, she trades some of the items she received along the way in order to see the prince at night. Unfortunately, the troll has drugged him with a sleeping potion and she is unable to wake him. On the last night, however, he is awake thanks to help from some other captives at the castle who overheard his lover crying for him. In the end, he manages to trick the trolls and ends up with his human wife. And the trolls all explode (probably). [This is one of my favorite fairy tales; it has such a matter-of-fact tone about it that it almost seems self-aware.] Norwegian: http://runeberg.org/folkeven/034.html English: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/30973/30973-h/30973-h.htm The Fairy Wife (Wales) A young man sees a group of fairies dancing, and he falls in love with one of them. Overcome with desire, he kidnaps one and locks her away. She says that she will be his wife only if he can discover her name. He finds out her name, and she agrees to marry him, but places a further restriction - if he ever strikes her with iron, she will return to the fairy people. For many years he manages to hold to this; she bears him two children and they become a happy family. But one day the iron bit of a horse hits her, and she is taken from him. At this point, she has grown fond of him and her children, and desires to see them again. Because she is prohibited from setting foot on dry land, she constructs a floating island on the lake, and by this means is able to visit with her human family. http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/wfb/wfb15.htm The Golden Root (Italy) This is a tale collected by Giambattista Basile, from the 17th Century. It's an interesting contrast to La Fontaine's "Psyche & Cupid". A poor farmer has three daughters, the youngest of which is Parmetella. Shunned by her older sisters, she finds a tree with golden leaves, which she picks and gives to her father until the tree is bare. When she digs up the tree to get at its root, she instead discovers a staircase leading down, into an extravagant palace. From there it follows the plot of Cupid and Psyche fairly closely, with some alterations. The Cupid character (known as Truone-e-lampe, or Thunder-and-Lightning) appears to her as... a 'Slave' (i.e. African), and in the night becomes his true form, a white person. When she uses a lantern to reveal him he is 'cursed' to remain that way for seven years. Parmetella finds out his mother is an ogress and he has seven angry sisters. The mother sets several tasks before Parmetella, one of which is separating various types of grains. Thunder-and-Lightning ends up helping her out, but for much of the story he has not quite forgiven her (he repeatedly calls her a traitor). In the end he is actually about to be married off to a much worse woman, but at the last minute he realizes he cannot be apart from Parmetella. http://www.worldoftales.com/European_folktales/Italian_folktale_28.html The Little Mermaid (Denmark) This is a more modern creation, as are all of Andersen's tales, but it has some slight relevance to the game (remember the game? I hope to get back to it soon.) It's more of one that deliberately borrows these themes than has them arise naturally, but it's also interesting as a sort of alternate take - it's actually the human that's seen as the divine creature in this one. The titular mermaid is the youngest (and strangest) of the king of the sea's daughters. She is obsessed with the world of humans, and can't wait until she turns fifteen and is allowed to visit the surface. When she does, she ends up saving the life of a prince and falls in love with him. She discovers that while humans have immortal souls, mermaids disappear upon their death and are never remembered. She desires to not only be with the boy but to gain a soul of her own. She goes to the sea witch, who gives her a magic potion that will let her grow legs but also take her voice. She can gain a soul through true love, but if the prince marries someone else, then she will perish with no soul. She takes the potion and grows her legs and goes to the prince. He treats her fondly, but is unaware that she is actually the one who saved him. Instead he believes that it was a girl from a temple far away is the one who saved his life, and he seems to be in love with her. Eventually his parents have arranged a marriage for him to someone he does not know. However, he rejoices that the girl turns out to be the one from the temple, and his wedding is set for the next day. He remarks to the little mermaid that she must be delighted to see him so happy. She, of course, knows that she will die. Her sisters attempt to save her, by bringing her a dagger from the sea witch. If she will kill the prince, then she can gain her tail and return to being a mermaid again. But she cannot do it, and in the end throws herself into the ocean. Yet she ends up not dying, but reborn as a 'daughter of the air', who are helpful to humans, and with effort might be able to gain a soul if they are fortunate. Danish: http://www.andersenstories.com/da/andersen_fortaellinger/den_lille_havfrue English: http://hca.gilead.org.il/li_merma.html Partonopeus de Blois (France) This is a chivalric romance dating to the 12th Century. Partonopeus (a mere teenager) is transported to a magical castle with invisible attendants, and there taken as husband by Melior. One of Melior's conditions of the marriage is that she will not be visible to him for at least two years. Eventually he obtains a lantern that will reveal her to him, but this of course causes him to lose her. Her sister conspires for him to win Melior's hand back by competing secretly in a tournament for her love, and in the end they are restored to each other. French version: https://archive.org/details/partonopeusdebl02crapgoog There was an English version written in the 15th Century, titled Partonope of Blois: http://middleenglishromance.org.uk/mer/44 The Snake with Five Heads (South Africa) The story tells of a man who had two daughters, Kazi and Zanyani. Kazi is beautiful, but willful, lazy and unpleasant. Her father meets a man who tells him that the chief of his village is looking for a wife. The people of the village fear the chief, for they have never seen him and hear tales that he eats those who upset him. Kazi's father thinks that he may be a good match for her, since she would want to marry someone of that rank and would be able to stand up to him. On her way to be married, Kazi has several encounters with people (and even a mouse) trying to help her out or give her advice. Yet she ignores them all and heads to the village on her own. When she gets there, the villagers are surprised that she has not come properly prepared, yet they send her to the chief's hut so that she can make him food when he returns. She's not able to do this very well, and when the chief returns, she discovers that he is indeed a five-headed snake. After he becomes displeased with her poor cooking skills and bad behavior, he kills and eats her. A year later the chief of the village again is said to be seeking a wife. Zanyani agrees to go to be wed to him. She, however, follows the advice of those that she meets along the way. When she arrives, she is led to the chief's hut. She is respectful and knows how to cook for him. Once this happens, he actually sheds his snake skin and is transformed back into a human. Her kindness and love have broken the spell. http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=mcpherson&book=native&story=five The Woodcutter and the Heavenly Maid (Korea) A woodcutter takes a heavenly girl as his wife by stealing her magical dress. He is told that he must not give the dress back until she has borne him three children. Unfortunately, he fails to heed this warning, and she leaves him. He does find a way to enter the heavenly kingdom, and resides with her there for a time. But when he wishes to come back to Earth to see his mother again, he ends up breaking the rule that he cannot touch the ground again, and the tale ends with him tragically forever separated from his love. http://www.sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/tales/woodcutter.php There are many, many more variations on these stories, depending on the elements you choose to focus on. Here's nearly comprehensive resource on folktales (if dated in design) http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folklinks.html It does include a collection of stories by theme as well: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html (*) A recent study developed a hypothetical origin for many folk tales based solely on the development of the languages they are told in. That data is sparse and the results are unverifiable so take it with a grain of salt. It also is restricted to certain language families. In Eurasia, 'Beauty and the Beast' may date back thousands of years , and 'Animal Bride' stories to even earlier. (So it's roughly 15 billion years younger than 'time', but close in age to 'rhyme'.) http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/1/150645
|
|
#
?
Aug 8, 2017 16:38
|
|