And I’ll Kiss Every Scar On Your Body & Soul To Remind You That Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt.

DEMO (tba) - FAQ - NAVIGATION

Dropout is an upcoming (and a side project!) +18 slice-of-life interactive fiction game. Loosely inspired by media such as In the Heights and Night in the Woods.

Tag(s): Slice of life, Drama, Romance, YA, LGBTQ+, Text-based.

You take the train home from college after nearly four years away, knowing you will be welcomed with open arms, bright smiles, and the sincerest congratulations from your friends and family, from the entire neighborhood. Their pride has not been misplaced, for better or for worse, you are the one: the only one who made it into college.

This is your first summer home since you began studying in Stanford. That is what everyone thinks.

This is your first summer home since you dropped out of college, thus becoming the biggest disappointment in your neighborhood. That is what only you know.

Trigger Warning(s): Crude humor, Strong language, optional sex scenes, Violence, Depression and depictions of other mental illnesses, Substance use, Unwanted pregnancy (a RO's, Wanda).

A short disclaimer

Features and Characters below!

Return to your home, the fictional neighborhood of Downtown Heights, where you're treated like a local hero because of your grand achievement.

Determine how you managed to make it into college and why you decided to call it quits.

Reunite with your high school friends and acquaintances, with whom you've barely spoken in the past few years.

Romance one (or more) of the six old faces waiting for you in Downtown Heights.

Customize your Main Character! From their teenage years to their young adulthood, from physicality to personality. Be it your traits, flaws, and vices: everything shapes your return home.

Navigate the very dramatic shenanigans of young adulthood.

ROs skin tone reference

Jean/Jade Gray (he/him or she/her): THE EX

J and you were good. Until you weren't, and then they broke up with you right before you left for college. The two of you promised to stay as friends, but, like most promises between you and J, that too was meant to be broken. Your ex is often considered to be ambitious, determined, and cutthroat. You honestly expected them to be well out of the neighborhood.

Exes to lovers. It's possible to start a poly relationship (v and triad) with J and Kai.

Uma Bharat (they/them): THE OLD FRIEND

It has always been you and Uma, and this has been something you covetously believed to be true. But then the distance settled in, and then the many years in which you lived abroad. You can't claim to know them as well as you once did. Uma once dreamed of being a successful painter, and they have never given up on art (though they sometimes feel like art has given up on them).

Childhood best friends to lovers. It's possible to start a poly relationship (triad) with Uma and Travis.

Statler Amani (he/him or she/her): THE HEARTTHROB

You knew Statler back in high school, though they can't claim to have known of you until you made it out of the neighborhood. Many years ago, they were every high schooler's dream partner: kind, polite, intelligent. Their current partner must be proud. Nowadays, Statler works as hard as they can to help their family.

Unrequited crush to lovers. Statler is already in a relationship, a (more-or-less) toxic one.

Wanda Pavon (she/her): THE MODEL

Wanda had a future in modeling, the two of you were in the same group of friends in high school, and you never doubted she would be capable of making it out of the neighborhood. Her self-assertive and spontaneous personality surely would have made Wanda's road a little easier. You only find out why Wanda stayed in Downtown Heights when you meet her daughter.

Friends to lovers. Wanda is a single mother, her daughter's name is Gabi.

Kai Alofa (he/him or she/her): THE ROOMMATE

Kai's glow-up is the reason some Downtown Heights grandmothers believe in magic. The high school nerd turned fuckboy/girl has spent the past few years traveling around the state. Like you, they are back for the summer, ready to disappoint their parents. Rooming together comes as a natural result of delaying said disappointment (or so Kai claimed).

Friends with benefits to lovers (mandatory to romance Kai). It's possible start a poly relationship (v and triad) with Kai and J.

Travis Camaro (he/him): THE RIVAL

Uma, Travis and you were considered to be inseparable: it was the three of you against the world. That is no longer the case. A massive argument completely shattered the friendship Travis and you had. You know he resents you, you know he's jealous you managed to make it out and that he was left behind. And that's all you know. Travis has always been... a private guy.

Enemies/Rivals to lovers. It's possible to start a poly relationship (triad) with Travis and Uma.

The list of flings!

What are the ROs love languages?

Aurelian:

1- Gifts: whether you're romancing Aurelian or just having a platonic relationship with him, he will gift you lots of presents that MC loves. For instance, if they were in the market and MC showed interest in something, the next day it might be outside your door. ;)

2- Words of affirmation: this boy will compliment MC every time they are alone, "Did I ever tell you that I love your eyes?" And then sneakily proceed to kiss MC's eyes. (sneaky snake)

3- Physical touch: the thing he loves most receiving from MC is hugs. It may sound simple, but in reality, it has a big impact on him for reasons that will be revealed in the next chapters. ;)

Elara:

1- Quality time: Elara loves and treasures every single moment she spends with MC, whether they are having a quick conversation or taking a walk together. She appreciates it when MC comes to her while she's studying something new that interests her, and MC just sits somewhere close, picking up a book or just relaxing.

2- Words of affirmation: this is sweet Elara we are talking about; she absolutely loves to give MC encouragement if they feel down or actively listen to them. (😩)

Kazuo:

1- Act of service: he is ferociously loyal and always tries to help MC in any way he can. He always looks out for MC when they go hunting or finishing a task. If MC was injured in a hunt, Kazuo would go out of his way to help them and stay beside them until they get better.

2- Quality time: Kazuo appreciates any moment with MC, especially when they're training together. He loves seeing MC in their fighting mood.

3- Physical touch: Kazuo won't be too pushy or clingy with his touch. He will just hold MC if they get stuck or injured. When he is in his lycan form, he loves to gently rub his cheek against MC's cheek when MC pats him behind his ears.

Aiden/Ava:

1- Physical touch: they absolutely adore any touch from MC, whether it's holding hands while walking or snuggling with MC. They will do anything for more kisses and cuddles from MC. (Their life motto is: kisses and cuddles any free time)

2- Words of affirmation: they will make you go crazy with how much they compliment and praise you for any simple thing you do. If someone accidentally bumps into MC and they help them up, A will praise MC until they die from embarrassment.

3- Gifts: when A comes back from a job they had (stealing, lol), you bet they will always come back with something extra just for MC. "A…where did you get that from?" You looked at them suspiciously.

"…" A averted their eyes from you, looking at the floor, the wall, the ceiling—anything but you. (🥺)

SC:

1- Physical touch: they will always, I mean always, find a way to tease and seduce you in any manner they can think of. Their brain is just full of two things (MC, bed). MC might need to scold them. 😔

2- Act of service: they always find a way to help MC, but is it for their satisfaction or something else? 👀

Embark on a captivating journey as you assume the identity of Birbal, a brilliant prodigy, and immerse yourself in the enigmatic realm of the Mughal Empire. Behold a world thrown into chaos following the demise of Emperor Humayun, as a mere 14-year-old Akbar inherits the illustrious throne. Your choices shall shape the destiny of this young monarch, as you aid him in becoming the legendary emperor he's destined to be, or plunge the empire into turmoil by orchestrating a web of subversion and deceit. The power to shape an empire lies within your hands.

Amidst a cast of colorful characters, tread cautiously as you determine which souls can be deemed trustworthy, while remaining ever vigilant for those who may, with a swift and treacherous strike, plunge a dagger deep into your unsuspecting back. In this enthralling tale of loyalty and betrayal, the art of discerning friend from foe becomes your most vital survival skill. Make allies, face challenges and uncover hidden secrets. Just as internal conflict reaches a boiling point, the walls of the royal palace begin to tremble, beckoning you take a stance. Whose side will you embrace?

Empire of Pearls: A Mughal Tale is an interactive story inspired by historical events. It is set at the beginning of Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar's reign as the youngest-ever Mughal Emperor where you play as his most trusted advisor and friend, Birbal. This reimagined work is entirely text-based and your choices help shape Birbal's personality, skills, relationship with others, and of course the fate of the Empire.

Content warning: This game explores dark themes such as abuse, bullying, manipulation, use of drugs and alcohol, blood, gore, violence etc. and is strictly rated 18+. Besides that more in depth warnings will be provided before each chapter and certain trigger points can be turned off completely at the start of the game.

Demo | Character Appearances | Tags | FAQ |

Play as male or female and choose your real name and sexuality.

Customize your appearance and personality.

Choose one of three different backgrounds that will impact your reputation and relationships:

A noble possessing a remarkable talent, invited to join the court by Emperor Humayun himself; a child of a maid serving a powerful military commander, hired on the recommendation of the commander or a street urchin caught stealing from the royal palace, rewarded with a place in the elite circle owing to the incredible feat.

Romance any of the five different love interests or not. Friendship is always an option.

Be a part of an elite group of courtiers serving none other than Emperor Akbar and shape the fate of the Empire.

Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (he/him) 💕 : The newly crowned young emperor. Friendly and affable, the ruler has a tendency to be a bit impulsive at times. Despite his age he has been preparing for this role for years and doesn't seem at all nervous to be the new monarch. Akbar can be a powerful friend and an equally dangerous foe. How he perceives you vary depending on your background. A year younger than Birbal.

...........

Bairam Khan (he/him): A military commander and the most trusted ally of the throne until the death of Emperor Humayun. Since then he has been promoted to commander-in-chief, if that wasn't all he also happens to be Akbar's guardian, chief mentor and advisor. Bairam knows his way around the empire but can you actually trust this man?

...........

Ruqaiya Sultan Begum (she/her) 💕: An aloof but fiercely loyal woman and Akbar's first wife. Being cousins, neither of them ever saw each other as anything but friends. But Ruqaiya also hides a big secret, one that has her loathing herself. Will you able to form a deep enough connection to assist her in embracing her true self and breaking free from her constraints? A year younger than Birbal.

...........

Salima Sultan Begum (she/her): A strong and intelligible woman and Akbar's second wife. She feels heavily undervalued and undermined by the court which causes her to constantly act out and push the boundaries of what is acceptable for a woman. Though she sees Akbar as a friend, anything more than that with anyone is unfathomable to her. Two years younger than Birbal.

...........

Mahira Khan Mughal (she/her) 💕: A softspoken and timid young woman sold as a political pawn by her own father to become Akbar's third wife. Mahira longs for companionship and understanding which she can't find in the palace but you can fill that void in her life by secretly courting her or by providing the friendship she desperately craves. Two years younger than Birbal.

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Arslan Khan (he/him)💕: The son of Bairam Khan and another young prodigy, seemingly possessing supernatural powers and later becoming known as the legendary Mulla Do-Pyaza. With a mixture of rivalry and occasional bullying, he views Birbal as a formidable adversary. Arslan, driven by an insatiable desire for his father's approval, harbors a volatile temper that ignites at the mere mention of insults hurled towards his family. Peering beyond the myth, can you uncover the man within? A year older than Birbal.

...........

Nadeem/Nadia Mirza (opposite gender of Birbal) 💕: Birbal's betrothed and distant cousin of Akbar. A noble with a secret lover, N only accepted the marriage offer because it was arranged by commander-in-chief Bairam Khan himself and it was made obvious that refusal would not bear good consequences for their family. Can you form a connection with your betrothed despite the rocky start? Two years older than Birbal.

Maybe make a scene in the game where mc kabedon the RO's or...The RO's kabedon mc ;)(Kabedon means slapping a wall next to the person)

Sigh…

ahhh I’m so glad I edited the main post. Now it looks much cleaner! :)

Played the demo and I really like it, makes me excited for what's to come. Soul collector is very interesting, I want to know what's going on in their gnoggin. I love a schemer!

On another note Aurelian is gonna get it, it's on sight when we see him again. (To smooch or to kill, that is the question?)

I’m glad you enjoyed it, anon! <3

SC is such a fun character to write. You just don’t know which side they’re on, and it makes scenes very chaotic and exciting. 🤭

That’s a very good question. I will let you decide when you meet him. 👀

Chapter 1 Demo Drop

So Chapter is here, a bit short compared to my other works, Demo here. Also I suggest you play it in dark mode so that you can get the best expereiene.

What to expect?

Talk a bit with Maria

Meet the team

Learn Uncle's love life

Meet Alpha

That's all for now and thanks for playing :)

IT'S HERE! On Patreon! The entirety of chapter two!

Reminder! Please refresh and start a new save if you have any; a lot was updated in the earlier code, which did break saves.

The full update is here, despite the issues I had actually getting it uploaded. This one branches a lot based on prior interactions, so it was a lot.

✨ Meet a mysterious man at the tavern...

✨ Deal with asshole nobility, of course.

✨ *gasp* Flirt with Emil/Emilia?!

✨ Sleep in the same bed as Florian or Marcella...*wink*

✨ Offer to punch some dads.

✨ Leave Liris to begin the journey to Oclesia.

✨ ...Lose a companion?

I hope you all enjoy this full chapter! As always, if you find any typos/bugs, feel free to message me on tumblr or use the bug-reporting channel in the patron discord server!

✨Public Release is set for July 22nd✨

Aurelian/Soul Collector poly, you say? 👀 Not gonna lie, I really need that in my life. Mostly because I need MC to whimper suffer.

sorry anon, it was something I had thought about wayyy back when I started writing this story. But now I've realized that I can't really see Aurelian or SC being okay with it. They aren't keen on sharing MC. 😭