I'm not fully through the game yet, but I'm stunned that this game is free?? The writing is phenomenal, I'm having such a great time reading through everything - can't wait to see what's next!
Hello Dev Cherry , I want to say Thank you for awesome work. I just finished R route's 1o chapter. It gave me that taste of romance I was looking in previous chapters and made me wanting more . I couldn't think any other things except finishing this game. I was awake last playing it . You really did write very well I can't help make everyone LI . I'm really looking forward to playing chapter 11 of R route . I pray you always a good health . Take care<3<3
hi, i'm having an issue with launching this on itch, i didn't use the website version when i first played. all of my saves are on here and when i try to launch A Tale of Crowns i'm met with file folders. one titled .itch, another titled A Tale of Crowns, and the last AToC. it doesn't launch, it just shows those file folders. is AToC no longer compatible with the itch.io app? do i need to restart on the website version?
I have no idea what's going on with the itch.io app, but the way you're describing it does sound like it might not work on the app anymore, unfortunately. I always work with the website version because the app constantly causes issues with Twine 😭
yeah, i've noticed the app gets iffy with story games. it's weird but i'll just have to suck it up and start over. AToC is like a work of art so i don't mind too much.
compared to other IFs this game feels a lot more limited in options/pushes you more into playing a specific kind of character, so it took me a few tries to be able to get into it. it's good writing but i still find the very narrow routes/complicated checks a little offputting, so i don't think i will be returning to this game once it's updated. for example i really don't like how after your crown's personality is set, you can't choose how to respond in certain situations(for example you can't be flirty with your RO if you're typically reserved and vice versa, it feels limiting). however the writing is definitely very good, i love the complexity of the characters-absolutely fantastic character building and the romance is good as well- and if you don't mind playing a specific kind of character, you'll probably enjoy this.
Yep, the Crown is their own character, not a self-insert or an OC that you made up from scratch!! They have an established backstory and an established range of personality traits, and this was a purposeful choice 💖
It allows me to give the Crown actual proper character development and a character arc, instead of what you see in a lot of other IFs where the main character is a blank slate and a passive observer that doesn't actually affect the story in any way beyond superficial dialogue 😘
Totally valid if it's not your cup of tea, glad you still enjoyed what you did read!
i cant utter nor form words properly that will be enough to describe how lovely and amazing this piece is. Ive been weeping for 4 days straight now, a day for each RO especially Daras route. This game is impeccable and nothing can ever change my opinion of it. It made me feel like i was really the Crown, that im in control over my life there and every decisions even small ones will have an impact whether if its good or a bad one. Well still, it reminds me that I, in fact have control over my life and i can change my life even with small steps. I should do what feels right to me and trust that i will do good. Your work has touched me in more ways than it should have, thank you. Ill be patiently looking forward for more :)
so i wanted less angst and decided to go for R's route but there seems to be a seen where the crown and them have tea where R would suddenly be cold towards the crown even though they have been on a good relationship before. also the stats both say that they get along well and that its unstable. i played his route from scratch on a new save
If it says your relationship is unstable then you got the low romance variant 🤷🏽♀️ You might have missed the opening scene of CH9 where your Crown shows doubts about R's ability to handle the nobles, because your relationship was checked as low since you didn't have enough romance points. That moment causes R to be closed off to you later lol.
this is the happiest 35 minutes a game i didnt even finished provided me also every single ro is hard to choose everyone is pretty nice in this game so i get a bit heartbroken why choose just one of the ro they are very well crafted(the mercenary story up to the point i played shows that he/her has a similar past to mc which i didnt uncover yet cause i didnt finish the game ever and i reseted my pc so the saves i had to use arent here so lets start fresh and hope i can refill my mug with the salty water of my tears then drink it to have no evidence*looks around with a knife to make sure there are no witnesses and notices "YOU" reading* "you there, saw,nothing." *says while pointing a knife the size of a broadsword*
I love, LOVE your writing. I love how everything is so vivid in my mind and how I can picture everything happening in the story because of your amazing descriptions. How your words make the characters, the scenery, the emotions come to life before my eyes. I love how the MC is so customizable while still maintaining an endearing personality and values of their own. I love how the story develops and diverges with our choices, it allows for plenty repetition even while replaying the same route for a particular LI. Whenever you upload a new chapter I'll find myself playing for hours through the night without noticing the sun coming up. Truly, thank you for your characters, thank you for your story and thank you for your writing, I can't wait to see what else you come up with, not only in regards to this story, but in your future endeavors as well!
always such a blast going through the different routes. i finished X's route and somehow i played it just how i wanted to and ended up getting a very satisfying end with chp 10. currently going through D's but somehow can't recreate the same outcome with X's. crying because i have to restart again lmao
This feels like it could be it's own fantasy novel series and the interactivity makes it even better. The setting is interesting and really comes alive. The characters are written wonderfully. The court intrigue and the mystery regarding the FoV is very engaging. The MC's struggles over their parents and their past never failed to elicit an emotional reaction out of me, I can't put my finger on it but there was something very real and relatable about it all despite never experiencing something similar.
I can only speak for the A path, but it always felt very naturally intertwined with the rest of the plot, seamlessly fitting into the rest of the story. I imagine that is hard to do with four separate paths, so well done.
One of the best pieces of fiction I have read online.
I'm horribily enamoured with D. It's humiliating. I'd give him the world. Maybe the stars, too. Embarrassing. Who said that. I'll be going now.
Thank you for all the work and time you put into creating this beautiful story, dev. I pushed a bunch of looming deadlines to the backburner for this, but it was worth it :)
Damn X what the hell is that, I'm tired of their sh*t smh, but good job for this amazing story!
(Spoiler)
I hope I don't regret it I take an offer to have a permanent alliance with the minister , I think it's include to have a marriage of convenience I don't mind tbh I do that bcs I wanna see X reaction and piss them off I'm petty lmfao they left us heartbroken
hii, quick question, does it say its a 'high relationship' or just 'has been progressing well' in the relationship status for you?? because i really want R's good ending desperately :_)
Well I just started this because I was bored and looking for some kinda romantic LGBT Visual Novels but I was surprised by how much I loved this. The setting, the cultural influence of it all, the magic system with inner and outer magic well the actual story line, the characters. It just clicked for me, the routes were all appealing so far and I can't wait to see how each of the cliffhangers gets resolved.
It's only switched off during the prologue and returns in CH1. Since it's literally the start of the game, there's no reason for anyone to save there lol 💀
it allows you to offer the minister a more permanent alliance, hinting that the MC will have more influence over how historians record history. i guess it's not the best choice if you want a good ending.
Hey! So, i got the high relationship with R, and basically, you need to let them confide on you, trust them to handle the nobility, don't intervene when given the choice and advise them to seek the truth around their birth parents.
Basically, trust their judgement, be their confident, and when they show insecurity, you have to pick the option that reasurres them
I need to replay it going for A, X has left me disappointed, breaking a lot of trust for me at the end of 10. A was my second choice, curious to see what a romance with him would be like
Me (on x's route, ending chap 9 with an unsteady relationship): sad but respect.
Me (starting chap 10 and havent done anything gets 'your relationships been progressing well): *surprise pikachu face* wot-
Anyways i was absolutely not expecting chap 10 to be like that, chap 10 both broke me and fuiled my desire for more angst. Anyways lovely game cant wait for chap 11! <3
my choices have worked w telling kham! not sure if these are all of them but i did not tell the public abt the assassination attempt but told nobles and kham, held festivities for everyone, prioritized security for the parade only, had the curtains open on the float, stayed on ground w the mirs, approved of the artists
Your choices seemed contradictory to me (not tell the public about the assassination attempt but told nobles and kham) and I wanted to see. I tried all the choices you mentioned and I couldn't pick the choice that gives priority to citizens in chap 9.
Maybe you meant the choice in chapter 10? ^^ It appears when the player gives priority to the nobles.
Nobles and kham musn't know about the assassination. Condem the Mir. Choose a option where only the public have a additional festival. Choose the option for a additional security in the coronation.
In my playthrough, I gave both the public and nobility extra celebration and I still got the prioritize the public choice. As long as you don't reveal to Kham and to the nobles, I think you will be able to get that choice.
The hell else can i say.. the cliffhanger is terrifying and heartbreaking especially Dara's with that bloodstained letter. Broke me! Chapter 10 was definitely worth waiting for. So well written but now the unfortunate thing knowing that because of this wonderful masterpiece having to wait for chapter 11 is gonna be torture. You are both a blessing and a curse at this point cherry. One i am grateful for tho. Thank you once again for another addition to a beautiful story.
Would you mind adding a spoiler warning to your post? I don't want other players to get spoiled just from browsing the comments. Thanks for the kind words, too!! 💖
Not to be dramatic or anything, but I would happily lay down my life on a bloody war-ravaged battlefield for A. On a completely unrelated note, I just finished R’s Route and I’ve been crying for 30 minutes. So thanks for that. :)
Yes, but then there will be other consequences (more or less serious depending on your previous choices as for the other route where you decide to keep the prisoner in the palace) Cherry said there was 6 possibilities ^^
R has definitely become my new favorite LI. I love how despite being the shyest they are basically the only one not having a giant emotional turmoil over having feelings for the crown. The gentleness of their relationship development is just *chef's kiss*.
Okay so, I found this IF a few months ago and have been waiting for the release of chapter 10 impatiently...AND HOLY HELL! I did not expect the ending of this chapter in R's route. I wonder what you're planning next cherry! I rarely comment under games and stuff, but I had to because this is absolutely amazing. The way the culture is pretended? The personalities of the characters? The lore of the story and world? It's simply gorgeous and breathtaking. You are an amazing writer with an amazing personality. I love your work and can't wait for the next chapter ;D Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us you amazing human being! Have a wonderful day or night! ^^
← Return to game
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
I'm not fully through the game yet, but I'm stunned that this game is free?? The writing is phenomenal, I'm having such a great time reading through everything - can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you for the praise!! I really appreciate it 💖💖
Is Ashaduna and Ishtiveg an allegory for Syria and Palestine?
What??? No. Where did you even get that from 😭
I'll be honest there was recency bias and bit of reaching with this one. I didn't even finish the story when I posted this 💀
Can you have a different magical affinity? I'm wondering if your magical affinity is predetermined.
See this post!
Thanks!
D got me screaming and crying holy shit. this is amazing mwahh
Hello Dev Cherry , I want to say Thank you for awesome work. I just finished R route's 1o chapter. It gave me that taste of romance I was looking in previous chapters and made me wanting more . I couldn't think any other things except finishing this game. I was awake last playing it . You really did write very well I can't help make everyone LI . I'm really looking forward to playing chapter 11 of R route . I pray you always a good health . Take care<3<3
Thanks so much for the kind words!! 💖
hi, i'm having an issue with launching this on itch, i didn't use the website version when i first played. all of my saves are on here and when i try to launch A Tale of Crowns i'm met with file folders. one titled .itch, another titled A Tale of Crowns, and the last AToC. it doesn't launch, it just shows those file folders. is AToC no longer compatible with the itch.io app? do i need to restart on the website version?
I have no idea what's going on with the itch.io app, but the way you're describing it does sound like it might not work on the app anymore, unfortunately. I always work with the website version because the app constantly causes issues with Twine 😭
yeah, i've noticed the app gets iffy with story games. it's weird but i'll just have to suck it up and start over. AToC is like a work of art so i don't mind too much.
compared to other IFs this game feels a lot more limited in options/pushes you more into playing a specific kind of character, so it took me a few tries to be able to get into it. it's good writing but i still find the very narrow routes/complicated checks a little offputting, so i don't think i will be returning to this game once it's updated. for example i really don't like how after your crown's personality is set, you can't choose how to respond in certain situations(for example you can't be flirty with your RO if you're typically reserved and vice versa, it feels limiting). however the writing is definitely very good, i love the complexity of the characters-absolutely fantastic character building and the romance is good as well- and if you don't mind playing a specific kind of character, you'll probably enjoy this.
Yep, the Crown is their own character, not a self-insert or an OC that you made up from scratch!! They have an established backstory and an established range of personality traits, and this was a purposeful choice 💖
It allows me to give the Crown actual proper character development and a character arc, instead of what you see in a lot of other IFs where the main character is a blank slate and a passive observer that doesn't actually affect the story in any way beyond superficial dialogue 😘
Totally valid if it's not your cup of tea, glad you still enjoyed what you did read!
i cant utter nor form words properly that will be enough to describe how lovely and amazing this piece is. Ive been weeping for 4 days straight now, a day for each RO especially Daras route. This game is impeccable and nothing can ever change my opinion of it. It made me feel like i was really the Crown, that im in control over my life there and every decisions even small ones will have an impact whether if its good or a bad one. Well still, it reminds me that I, in fact have control over my life and i can change my life even with small steps. I should do what feels right to me and trust that i will do good. Your work has touched me in more ways than it should have, thank you. Ill be patiently looking forward for more :)
so i wanted less angst and decided to go for R's route but there seems to be a seen where the crown and them have tea where R would suddenly be cold towards the crown even though they have been on a good relationship before. also the stats both say that they get along well and that its unstable. i played his route from scratch on a new save
If it says your relationship is unstable then you got the low romance variant 🤷🏽♀️ You might have missed the opening scene of CH9 where your Crown shows doubts about R's ability to handle the nobles, because your relationship was checked as low since you didn't have enough romance points. That moment causes R to be closed off to you later lol.
I loved the part of "are you taking a piss right now" to the servant who was so mad 😹
this is the happiest 35 minutes a game i didnt even finished provided me also every single ro is hard to choose everyone is pretty nice in this game so i get a bit heartbroken why choose just one of the ro they are very well crafted(the mercenary story up to the point i played shows that he/her has a similar past to mc which i didnt uncover yet cause i didnt finish the game ever and i reseted my pc so the saves i had to use arent here so lets start fresh and hope i can refill my mug with the salty water of my tears then drink it to have no evidence*looks around with a knife to make sure there are no witnesses and notices "YOU" reading* "you there, saw,nothing." *says while pointing a knife the size of a broadsword*
I love, LOVE your writing. I love how everything is so vivid in my mind and how I can picture everything happening in the story because of your amazing descriptions. How your words make the characters, the scenery, the emotions come to life before my eyes. I love how the MC is so customizable while still maintaining an endearing personality and values of their own. I love how the story develops and diverges with our choices, it allows for plenty repetition even while replaying the same route for a particular LI. Whenever you upload a new chapter I'll find myself playing for hours through the night without noticing the sun coming up. Truly, thank you for your characters, thank you for your story and thank you for your writing, I can't wait to see what else you come up with, not only in regards to this story, but in your future endeavors as well!
Thanks so much!! I'm glad you enjoy all the variation especially, it really makes all the time and effort worth it 💖💖
always such a blast going through the different routes. i finished X's route and somehow i played it just how i wanted to and ended up getting a very satisfying end with chp 10. currently going through D's but somehow can't recreate the same outcome with X's. crying because i have to restart again lmao
Aww, good luck with D's route!! And thank you for the kind comment 💖💖
This feels like it could be it's own fantasy novel series and the interactivity makes it even better.
The setting is interesting and really comes alive.
The characters are written wonderfully.
The court intrigue and the mystery regarding the FoV is very engaging.
The MC's struggles over their parents and their past never failed to elicit an emotional reaction out of me, I can't put my finger on it but there was something very real and relatable about it all despite never experiencing something similar.
I can only speak for the A path, but it always felt very naturally intertwined with the rest of the plot, seamlessly fitting into the rest of the story.
I imagine that is hard to do with four separate paths, so well done.
One of the best pieces of fiction I have read online.
Thank you very much!! That's very high praise, I really appreciate it💖💖💖
I'm horribily enamoured with D. It's humiliating. I'd give him the world. Maybe the stars, too. Embarrassing. Who said that. I'll be going now.
Thank you for all the work and time you put into creating this beautiful story, dev. I pushed a bunch of looming deadlines to the backburner for this, but it was worth it :)
Totally understandable, D is a great LI 💖
Thank you for the kind comment!! Hope you can still catch up on your deadlines haha
Damn X what the hell is that, I'm tired of their sh*t smh, but good job for this amazing story!
(Spoiler)
I hope I don't regret it I take an offer to have a permanent alliance with the minister , I think it's include to have a marriage of convenience I don't mind tbh I do that bcs I wanna see X reaction and piss them off I'm petty lmfao they left us heartbroken
Trust me, X would not care lol. They'd simply move on.
But-but, Xelef actually likes us....*cries* bad player boy will always be the bad player boy I guess XD
I am SCREAMING, SCREAMING at the romantic scene (with high relationship for Route R) in chapter 10. My heart is bursting too, omg. I can’t—
This game is a masterpiece!! Rezan is a vision. AHHH ghsmsjskh
hii, quick question, does it say its a 'high relationship' or just 'has been progressing well' in the relationship status for you?? because i really want R's good ending desperately :_)
As far as I know (from my own saves), if it says "has been progressing well" then it means you're on a high rel.
thank you!
Yup, what I mean by high relationship is “has been progressing well; it feels like you’ve known each other for years” status.
Thank you!!
the new chapter with R's route got me giggling and kicking my feet
Well I just started this because I was bored and looking for some kinda romantic LGBT Visual Novels but I was surprised by how much I loved this. The setting, the cultural influence of it all, the magic system with inner and outer magic well the actual story line, the characters. It just clicked for me, the routes were all appealing so far and I can't wait to see how each of the cliffhangers gets resolved.
Thank you so much!! 💖💖💖
i think it's safe to say i'm in love with everyone
THE CLIFFHANGERS ARE KILLING ME AHHHHHHH
Can relate ;(
Does the save button disappear for anyone else after clicking begin the story?
It's only switched off during the prologue and returns in CH1. Since it's literally the start of the game, there's no reason for anyone to save there lol 💀
Ohhhh ok I just saw that and I was panicking cuz like it just randomly disappeared 💀
Someone know what is the hidden choice at chapter ten? The one in wich you have to give priority at the nobility to unlock it...
I do
And...? What is the hidden option and what happens if selected?
(spoilers)
it allows you to offer the minister a more permanent alliance, hinting that the MC will have more influence over how historians record history. i guess it's not the best choice if you want a good ending.
Is it possible to prioritize the public and the elites at the same time?
If I remember correctly, the author said on her blog that prioritizing both is impossible and you have to take one side.
🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 why would you do this to me 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
💖💖💖
I don't know what i'm doing wrong that keeps making my relationship with R unsteady??? Screaming, crying, throwing up
Hey! So, i got the high relationship with R, and basically, you need to let them confide on you, trust them to handle the nobility, don't intervene when given the choice and advise them to seek the truth around their birth parents.
Basically, trust their judgement, be their confident, and when they show insecurity, you have to pick the option that reasurres them
Thank you sooo much darling <3
Thank you so much too. GAH, I adore Rezan.
tysm, the closure/truth choice was damning me every time jdgdsgjiyf
Also LOL, I loved your reaction. “Screaming crying, throwing up.” 😂
AHHHHH. I’m in love with Rezan! Your writing is beautiful and the story is absolutely engaging! The characters feel real too.
Thank you!! 💖💖
AND WHAT IF I AM HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH A??? WHAT ABOUT IT??????
(i genuinley adore your writing, and the character development is just. mwah)
You're not the only one that's falling in love with A, I'm CRYING WITH CHAPTER 10
I need to replay it going for A, X has left me disappointed, breaking a lot of trust for me at the end of 10. A was my second choice, curious to see what a romance with him would be like
Me (on x's route, ending chap 9 with an unsteady relationship): sad but respect.
Me (starting chap 10 and havent done anything gets 'your relationships been progressing well): *surprise pikachu face* wot-
Anyways i was absolutely not expecting chap 10 to be like that, chap 10 both broke me and fuiled my desire for more angst. Anyways lovely game cant wait for chap 11! <3
Spoilers I think?
So I've tried multiple times to prioritize the people and I still can't, what are the right choices?!
*SPOILER*
From what I know, in chapter 5 there is also a choice that is important: does not reveal to Kham (nor to the nobles) what happened with the assassin.
*Spoiler*
if you want Khan's help in chapter 10 you have to tell her EVERYTHING
spoilers!
my choices have worked w telling kham! not sure if these are all of them but i did not tell the public abt the assassination attempt but told nobles and kham, held festivities for everyone, prioritized security for the parade only, had the curtains open on the float, stayed on ground w the mirs, approved of the artists
*spoiler*
Your choices seemed contradictory to me (not tell the public about the assassination attempt but told nobles and kham) and I wanted to see. I tried all the choices you mentioned and I couldn't pick the choice that gives priority to citizens in chap 9.
Maybe you meant the choice in chapter 10? ^^ It appears when the player gives priority to the nobles.
Nobles and kham musn't know about the assassination. Condem the Mir. Choose a option where only the public have a additional festival. Choose the option for a additional security in the coronation.
In my playthrough, I gave both the public and nobility extra celebration and I still got the prioritize the public choice. As long as you don't reveal to Kham and to the nobles, I think you will be able to get that choice.
OMGOMG KURDISH GAME DEV??
Bijî Kurdistan ❤️☀️💚
PLEEEASE LET ME RUN AWAY AND COMFORT X
Well damn!
SPOILER AHEAD!!
The hell else can i say.. the cliffhanger is terrifying and heartbreaking especially Dara's with that bloodstained letter. Broke me! Chapter 10 was definitely worth waiting for. So well written but now the unfortunate thing knowing that because of this wonderful masterpiece having to wait for chapter 11 is gonna be torture. You are both a blessing and a curse at this point cherry. One i am grateful for tho. Thank you once again for another addition to a beautiful story.
Would you mind adding a spoiler warning to your post? I don't want other players to get spoiled just from browsing the comments. Thanks for the kind words, too!! 💖
excuse me WHAT is up with the cliffhanger
i love it but AAAAAAHH
Not to be dramatic or anything, but I would happily lay down my life on a bloody war-ravaged battlefield for A. On a completely unrelated note, I just finished R’s Route and I’ve been crying for 30 minutes. So thanks for that. :)
Is ther any way to save the scholar if I take the Prisoner out of the palace
*SPOILER Chap 9*
Yes, but then there will be other consequences (more or less serious depending on your previous choices as for the other route where you decide to keep the prisoner in the palace) Cherry said there was 6 possibilities ^^
ALL THE ROUTES DESTROYED ME CHERRY HOW CAN U WRITE SUCH A MASTERPIECE AND THE CLIFFHANGER ??? CHEF KISS
Update was great!
R has definitely become my new favorite LI. I love how despite being the shyest they are basically the only one not having a giant emotional turmoil over having feelings for the crown. The gentleness of their relationship development is just *chef's kiss*.
Bruuuh, the cliffhanger :'))
THE NEW CHAPTER IM ON THE FLOUR ;;;;;;;;
Rozerin is my beloved, she MUST BE PROTECTED. (also her scene has made my breath hitch every time i've read it)
Okay so, I found this IF a few months ago and have been waiting for the release of chapter 10 impatiently...AND HOLY HELL! I did not expect the ending of this chapter in R's route. I wonder what you're planning next cherry! I rarely comment under games and stuff, but I had to because this is absolutely amazing. The way the culture is pretended? The personalities of the characters? The lore of the story and world? It's simply gorgeous and breathtaking. You are an amazing writer with an amazing personality. I love your work and can't wait for the next chapter ;D Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us you amazing human being! Have a wonderful day or night! ^^