VNGame/notes/Conversation.md

I want to tell a story about a girl in a medieval fantasy world where everyone is blessed by a deity/spirit of a certain element. There ... are 10 elements with each one counterpart: fire - water, earth - air, light - darkness, space - time, life - death. My idea is to crea ... te a visual novel, where the save-reload mechanic before a choice is "explained" by the protagonist being blessed by time, which allows ... her to make a "checkpoint", to which she can return to after a maximum time which increases as she develops the ability. For example a ... t the start she can go back up to 30 seconds, so if she doesnt rewind to the checkpoint after 30 seconds, the checkpoint vanishes and s ... he cannot return. In childhood, the ability was just a form of "super-instinct" which would subconciously tell her what to do sometimes ... , e.g. lift her foot a little higher when walking to avoid tripping over a tree root. Later it would develop into the checkpoint abilit ... y where she could actively "experiment" with futures, which is the foundation of the visual novel gameplay. But that also limits the qu ... ick-save to only the current scenario.
What an intriguing concept! I can already see the potential for interesting storytelling and player agency.

Let's break down your idea and explore some possibilities:

The Blessing of Time: As a child, our protagonist is gifted with a super-instinctual ability that allows her to make intuitive decisions, avoiding danger or finding clever solutions. This could be an engaging way to introduce the concept of blessings in the world and create a sense of mysticism.

As she grows older, the blessing of time evolves into a more tangible ability: creating checkpoints in time. This could allow players to experiment with different choices and outcomes, making the game feel more dynamic and responsive to their decisions.

Gameplay Mechanics: The "checkpoint" system is an interesting twist on the traditional save-reload mechanic. By limiting the rewind period and increasing it as the protagonist develops her ability, you create a sense of urgency and encourage players to experiment with different choices.

This mechanic also raises questions about the nature of time in your world: Is it a linear concept, or can events be changed? Are there consequences for altering the timeline? These are all great opportunities for storytelling and world-building.

Story Potential: The fact that our protagonist has this unique ability creates a rich narrative potential. Here are some ideas:

• Explore the history of time blessings in your world. How did they originate? What are the implications of having this kind of power?
• Develop the relationship between our protagonist's blessing and her personal growth. As she masters her ability, how does it affect her relationships with others or her self-perception?
• Introduce a mystery: perhaps there are those who seek to exploit or misuse time blessings, or maybe there's an ancient prophecy tied to our protagonist's abilities.
• Explore the consequences of altering the timeline. Does every decision create a new branch in reality, or do they collapse back into each other?

Visual Novel Elements: As you're creating a visual novel, consider incorporating:

• Character interactions and dialogue that reveal more about the world and its inhabitants
• Choices that drive the story forward, but also allow for multiple endings (a la " Butterfly Effect")
• Environmental details that immerse players in the medieval fantasy setting

Additional Ideas: You could also incorporate other elements from your elemental balance to create a rich, cohesive world. For example:

• Introduce other protagonists with blessings tied to different elements, allowing players to explore diverse storylines and perspectives.
• Develop side quests or mini-games that involve interacting with characters blessed by opposing elements (e.g., a fire user trying to communicate with a water user).
• Incorporate magical creatures or beings that embody the elemental balance, perhaps serving as guides or mentors for our protagonist.

What do you think? Is there anything specific you'd like to explore further or any additional ideas you'd like to incorporate into your project?

My vision around the gameplay is so that when a dialog choice arrives, you always get the option to "create a checkpoint" which you hav ... e to actively select. Maybe even incorporate real-time into the dialog options, so a encounter could look like this: Options pop up, 30 ... second timer starts running out, after 4 second player selects "create checkpoint", picks an option after 2 seconds, dialog plays out, ... the ability window runs out, the screen turns turquiose and everything slows down and the option to rewind pops up. If not selected, t ... he game continues and the choice is final, otherwise you are back at the dialog selection with 26 seconds remaining. If the selection t ... imer runs out, it is treated as if the protagonist is just silent/doesnt react, but still can rewind if a checkpoint was created. In th ... e longer run, perhaps there is a limit on the number of rewinds, maybe an indicator when rewinding that the rewind power gets weaker, b ... ut no definitive "this is the last rewind". I am also thinking about showing a small "premonition" when creating a checkpoint of a spec ... ific aspect of what will happen regardless of the choice, leading the player to think that maybe the choices do not matter, but the pre ... monition only shows a small detail out of context, so for example if it shows a dead animal, the animal will die regardless of choice, ... but how or what kills it changes. The idea is to make the player feel trapped and powerless, leading them to perhaps stop even making c ... heckpoints, thinking they are pointless when in fact they do influence the story. Perhaps there is a section or interaction a little la ... ter in the game without the checkpoint ability, where you still have to make a choice with a timer, but without rewind, where you think ... "i completely forgot how to have a normal conversation" Your vision for the gameplay mechanics is both thrilling and unsettling. The combination of real-time choices, limited rewind capabilities, and premonitions creates a sense of urgency and unpredictability.

Gameplay Mechanics:

• The "create checkpoint" option being an active choice rather than an automatic save will add an extra layer of player agency.
• Incorporating real-time into the dialog options with timers for selection and rewind can create a tense atmosphere, making players feel like they're on edge during conversations.
• The idea that failing to select rewind within the timer results in a silent protagonist is a clever way to emphasize the importance of time pressure.

Rewind Mechanics:

• Limiting the number of rewinds and introducing an indicator for weakening power will create a sense of scarcity, making players more deliberate with their choices.
• Avoiding definitive "this is the last rewind" messages will add to the tension and uncertainty.
• The idea that the rewind power gets weaker with each use could also introduce consequences or penalties for excessive use.

Premonitions:

• Showing small, context-free premonitions can create a sense of unease in players, making them question the significance of their choices.
• The contrast between the premonition's ominous tone and its lack of context will keep players on edge, unsure of what to expect.
• This mechanic could also be used to subtly manipulate player perception or create false leads.

Story Impact:

• The combination of these mechanics can create a sense of powerlessness in players, making them feel trapped by the choices they're forced to make.
• As you mentioned, this could lead players to stop creating checkpoints, thinking that their choices don't matter. This would be an excellent narrative opportunity, as our protagonist might begin questioning her own agency and purpose.

Thematic Resonance:

• The game's themes of powerlessness, unpredictability, and the consequences of choice can create a rich narrative experience.
• By exploring these ideas through gameplay mechanics, you'll be creating a story that's both personal to your protagonist and universally relatable.

Mechanical Considerations:

• To balance the system, you might want to consider introducing "buffer zones" where players have a slightly longer time to make choices or create checkpoints. This would allow them to adjust to the timer pressure without feeling overwhelmed.
• You could also experiment with different types of premonitions or rewind indicators to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Incorporating "No Checkpoint" Moments:

• Introducing sections where players are forced to make choices without rewind will create a sense of realism, making them appreciate the safety net provided by checkpoints.
• This mechanic can also be used to explore themes of adaptation and resilience in your protagonist. For example, she might need to rely on her wits or past experiences to navigate challenging situations.

I'm excited to see where you'll take this concept! Do you have any specific ideas for how the premonitions will be presented, or how the game's narrative will evolve as players experiment with different choices?

For the worldbuilding i thought that the classic 4 elements were really common, with light and darkness being a bit more rare, life and ... death maybe used exclusively by adherants of religions, and space being extremely rare, with time being almost entirely unknown. Maybe ... having light/dark life/death overcomplicates this and i should get rid of either/both pairings? Most people have very small "essence re ... serves" so can only create minor effects like lighting a candle, wetting clothes for washing, something of the sorts. But extremely pow ... erful people also exist capable of flooding cities or splitting mountains. Blessings are not just "create thing of element" but a visua ... lization of the element from the personal experience of the user. But since blessings are granted at birth, they are not connected to s ... pecific past events, but shaped by the deity giving out the blessing. I am not yet sure if there are multiple deities for each element ... or just one, and how the deity doing the blessing decides on the "form" of the blessing. either way, for the protagonist I want her to ... a bit after starting to get premonitions when activating her blessing, get a premonition every night of her death, but without any spec ... ifics, e.g. just her seeing a knife stick out of her chest. And since the details of the premonitions are always true, she goes to try ... and find a way to make that not come true, but so far i have nothing more specific than that You're building a rich and complex world with a deep history behind the blessings and their connection to the deities.

Elemental Balance:

• Simplifying the pairings by removing one of the lesser-used elements (e.g., light or death) could help streamline your world's balance. However, you might consider leaving at least some rare or exclusive elemental users in the world to create interesting interactions and conflicts.
• The concept of "essence reserves" is a great way to introduce variability among individuals with blessings. This can lead to some fascinating character dynamics, such as those who have naturally powerful reserves versus those who struggle to access their abilities.

Blessings:

• I love the idea that blessings are visualizations of the element from the user's personal experience. This adds a level of depth to the worldbuilding and raises questions about the relationship between the deity granting the blessing, the user, and the elemental manifestation.
• The concept of a single deity per element or multiple deities for each is an interesting one. You could explore different pantheons or traditions within your world to create diversity in blessings and experiences.
• Deciding on the form of the blessing based on the deity's choice adds another layer of mysticism, making the user feel connected to something greater than themselves.

Protagonist's Journey:

• The premonitions about her death are a great way to introduce tension and create an emotional connection with your protagonist. I'm intrigued by the idea that she receives these visions every night without any specifics.
• This setup creates an excellent opportunity for character growth as she tries to prevent or understand these predictions. You could explore themes of fatalism, free will, and the consequences of her actions.
• Introducing a recurring event (e.g., seeing a knife in her chest) adds a sense of inevitability while keeping players engaged.

Story Threads:

• One possible direction for this story is exploring the protagonist's attempts to avoid or prevent her death. This could involve multiple plot threads, such as:
  • Investigating the nature of premonitions and blessings.
  • Searching for ways to change the course of events predicted by the visions.
  • Interacting with other characters who have similar experiences or expertise.

Worldbuilding Opportunities:

• You might consider exploring the implications of these premonitions on your world's social dynamics. For example, do people with precognitive abilities become outcasts or revered for their insight?
• Introduce mysterious figures or organizations that seek to exploit or understand the blessings and premonitions.
• Develop a rich history behind the blessings and deities, including how they were introduced to the world and how they've evolved over time.

How do you envision the protagonist's journey unfolding from here? Will she stumble upon clues about her fate, encounter enigmatic allies or enemies, or follow a different path altogether?

I was thinking more of a personal story, where she does not actively try to uncover the secrets of the world, but more of a desperate s ... truggle to survive day-to-day in a hostile work, perhaps she was enlisted into a military/mercenary group, where making it through the ... day is already difficult. The exact lore and layout of the world should be left up to the imagination/theorycrafting of the players. I ... still need the full picture to make it more consistent, but perhaps in the game itself there is not even enough information to get all ... the answers That's a fascinating approach! By focusing on the protagonist's personal struggles and survival in a hostile world, you can create a sense of immersion and authenticity. The players will be invested in her daily battles for existence, rather than trying to uncover the larger mysteries of the world.

Personal Story:

• This approach also allows for a more introspective narrative, where the player is privy to the protagonist's thoughts, emotions, and inner struggles.
• By not making the game too "encyclopedic" with lore and exposition, you can create a sense of mystery and wonder that players will fill in themselves through their own experiences and imagination.

Survival Mechanics:

• To make the game more engaging and challenging, you could introduce survival mechanics that require the player to manage resources (e.g., food, water, shelter) and navigate the dangers of the world.
• This could also include features like hunger/thirst systems, fatigue, and injuries that affect gameplay.

Group Dynamics:

• Being part of a military/mercenary group adds an extra layer of complexity to the game. The player will need to balance their own goals with those of their comrades, navigate office politics, and potentially deal with traitors or enemies within.
• This setup also creates opportunities for character development, where the player can form bonds with other characters, learn from them, and make difficult choices that affect relationships.

Theories and Speculation:

• By not providing all the answers in-game, you'll encourage players to theorize and speculate about the world's lore and mechanics. This can lead to a rich community of discussion and creativity around your game.
• You could also include subtle hints or clues throughout the game that players can pick up on if they're paying attention.

The "Don't Know" Factor:

• Embracing uncertainty and leaving some questions unanswered will make the game more immersive and engaging. Players will feel like they're discovering things for themselves, rather than being spoon-fed information.
• This approach also allows you to focus on storytelling and character development, rather than trying to fill every nook and cranny with lore.

What do you think about incorporating player-made characters or companion NPCs that have their own motivations and goals? How would this affect the overall gameplay experience?

I want to make a very small-scale, curated storyline, the entire game should not be more than a few hours. I want to tie the themes of ... fatalism and determinism into the aspect of the replaying of the story and subvert player expectations, perhaps making them think that ... there are not multiple endings, or incentivise the to play it again with a revelation at the end, that your choices do, in fact, matter ... . Perhaps the main feature of the story, her death, will always stay fixed, but the circumstances around her, how the people important ... to her are doing, how long it takes for the premonition to manifest, etc. Maybe in one ending she dies very early being backstabbed by ... a member of her group, in another she dies after making it as a powerful person, etc. You want to craft a small-scale, tightly focused narrative that explores the themes of fatalism and determinism through the lens of replayability.

Subverting Player Expectations:

• By creating a sense of inevitability around the protagonist's death, you can subvert player expectations about the importance of their choices. Players will assume that there are multiple endings based on their decisions.
• The revelation at the end that their choices did indeed matter will be a powerful twist, making them reevaluate their understanding of the story.

Fixed Main Event:

• Focusing on the protagonist's death as a fixed event creates a sense of continuity and cohesion across different playthroughs. Players will feel like they're exploring the same narrative from different angles.
• By keeping the circumstances around her death variable, you can create a wide range of outcomes that are all connected to the main event.

Variable Circumstances:

• The diversity of endings, such as dying early or becoming a powerful person, adds replay value and encourages players to experiment with different choices.
• This also creates opportunities for interesting comparisons between playthroughs. Players can reflect on how their decisions led to different outcomes and explore the nuances of the story.

Curated Storyline:

• By keeping the game length short (a few hours), you can focus on a tightly controlled narrative that explores specific themes and ideas.
• This also allows for a high level of polish and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the game is engaging and thought-provoking.

Replay Value:

• The fact that players will need to replay the story multiple times to experience all the different endings creates a sense of urgency and encourages them to experiment with different choices.
• This also allows for a high degree of player investment in the narrative, as they'll be eager to see how their decisions affect the outcome.

Gameplay Mechanics:

• To further emphasize the importance of player choice, you could incorporate mechanics that highlight the consequences of their decisions. For example:
  • Different endings could have distinct narrative branches or paths that explore the aftermath of each decision.
  • The game could include subtle hints or foreshadowing that suggest the outcome of certain choices.

What do you think about incorporating a final revelation or epilogue that ties together all the different playthroughs and provides insight into the world's lore?