Favored: A Dark Journey in a World of Broken Gods

 Step into "Favored," a promising interactive fiction by spoiledsweet that plunges you into a world of forgotten gods, divine gifts, and a struggle for survival in a crownless city. This prototype, available on Itch.io, offers a captivating introduction to a rich dark fantasy narrative where the favor of the gods can be both a blessing and a curse.

The World of Favored: Under the Shadow of Broken Gods

The universe of "Favored" is built upon a fascinating premise: humanity lives under the shadow of broken gods. The "Chosen," born with divine powers and aspects, were once seen as guides for humankind. However, that balance shattered long ago. Now, you are born a Croneborn, a Chosen of the Crone, goddess of cycles, death, and the unknown. Your yellow eyes and inherent ability to mute the gifts of other Chosen mark you as an omen of plague and death, leading you to be hunted by the Sun King's Church in the North.

Sylla: The Crownless City

Your refuge is Sylla, known as the Crownless City, one of the last free city-states outside the Sun King's grasp. Without a central government, each quarter is a tangle of chaos, violence, and corruption, but it is precisely this environment that has allowed you to thrive. For twenty-six years, you have been trained and protected by Elwin, an old healer and priest. In Sylla, you've carved out a reputation as a "fixer," someone capable of solving any problem, and you are rarely short of work.

The Plot: Between Shadows and Conspiracies

However, one job brings you too close to the Church's secrets, revealing their plans to subjugate Sylla. Now, you are hunted for more than just your Croneborn birth, and you might be the only hope to stop the Church's advance.

Key Characters and Potential Romances:

"Favored" introduces a cast of complex characters, each with their own backstories and warnings:

• Grin (The Mob Boss, He/Him): Your oldest friend and the leader of Sylla's most powerful gang. A brash, unapologetic, and feared man, yet with a noble heart. His work is violent, but his loyalty is unwavering.
  Warnings: Self-harm, violence. Romanceable only by female MCs.

• Irion/Irina (The Templar, He/Him or She/Her): A Sunborn, cherished by the Church for their connection to the Father. Raised from a young age in the Templar order, they see the world in black and white. But in Sylla, they meet their doubts made flesh: you.
  Warnings: Self-harm, physical abuse, religious trauma. Asexual, romanceable by anyone.

• Cassius/Cassia (The Courtesan, He/Him or She/Her): A Moonborn, sold at a young age and trained as a courtesan in the luxurious Noblesse District. Famous for their ethereal beauty and healing presence. Your friendship, forged by chance, is held together by a quiet understanding that you've both been forced to live lives defined by others.
  Warnings: Sex work and child trafficking. Romanceable by anyone.

• "Nil" (The Unbroken, He/They): An Unbroken, born from the death of two gods. Their presence is said to drive those around them insane. Violent, unpredictable, and obsessed with you. Their hatred for the Sun King's Church is the only common ground.
  Warnings: Sexualized violence, death, grief. Romanceable by anyone.

Current Status and Future:

"Favored" is currently a prototype designed to introduce the world and its concepts. It offers limited character customization and a single dialogue choice, seeking to gauge community interest for potential future development.

Conclusion:

"Favored" promises an immersive and dark narrative experience, with a deep mythological backdrop and intriguing characters. If you enjoy interactive fiction with a strong dose of fantasy and ambiguous morality, this is a title you'll want to follow closely.

Play Favored here: https://spoiledsweet.itch.io/favored