It’s been a week since my last update, and the word count has surged to 20,000! This feels like significant progress, and roughly a quarter of this content is dedicated to the opening prologue, set in our modern era. The story begins in Svalbard. Why Svalbard, you might ask? Where better for vampires to convene their half-century conclaves than a location bathed in 24-hour darkness for an entire month? Imagine: Vampire Party Town, and you’re invited! But beneath the surface of revelry and eternal night, a sense of foreboding quickly emerges. Your invitation might just be a death sentence.
This opening serves as an exciting entry point, immersing you in the vampire experience, particularly the act of feeding. You’re also introduced to Wolfram, your steadfast mortal companion and a potential love interest. His character, which unfolded organically as I wrote, is a compelling blend of stoicism and dry, sassy wit. The dynamic feels akin to Batman and Alfred in a romantic context.
However, the narrative swiftly shifts gears in Chapter 1, which is my current focus. This chapter marks your last day as a mortal, set against the backdrop of New York in 1777. Here, players engage in character creation and gain a feel for the environment before being thrust into the heart of the story. Within this initial 20,000-word segment, there’s also an opportunity for brief, personal encounters, either with a man or a woman, within the local brothel. These encounters are not extensively developed and don’t significantly impact the overarching plot or romance arcs, but they allow players to role-play a classic libertine archetype if they desire.
Exclusive to Patreon this week: a deep dive into New York in 1777 and the research undertaken to accurately depict the colony under British occupation. This includes highlighting unique locations from that era that players can explore within the game.
When crafting a vampire narrative, the allure of the night is undeniable. It’s in these hours of darkness that vampires truly come alive, and the concept of “Dance The Night” takes on a richer, more sinister meaning. It’s not just about revelry; it’s about embracing an eternal existence, a dance with shadows, power, and the very essence of vampirism. This sense of nocturnal freedom and the mysteries it holds is woven into the very fabric of the game’s atmosphere.
