Elven Curse

This simple, non-field RPG challenges you to escape a cursed forest. -Prologue- You're the village's best hunter, drawn to a national hunting tournament near the royal capital. Arriving for the opening ceremony, you eagerly enter the forest the following day. Waking after your first night, you discover something unsettling: everyone's gone. Only the remnants of a large hunter encampment remain, guarded by national troops. The forest is eerily deserted.

You wisely decide against reckless wandering. Time passes, but no one appears. Reluctantly, you begin walking, only to encounter another strange phenomenon: a tree with unusual branches... a tree you're sure you just saw. Your normally reliable sense of direction has failed you; you're lost. This is... strange.

-What is the "Elven Curse"?-

This non-field RPG casts you as a hunter aided by a quarter-elf, striving to escape the cursed forest. Gameplay is remarkably straightforward, using a maximum of three buttons outside the main menu.

-Character Creation-

While manual customization isn't available, you can freely reroll your stats. Status increase rates upon leveling are only visible on this screen and cannot be checked in-game. This screen also serves as a return point. Game over occurs when your life force reaches zero and you have fewer than two "talismans."

-Foria, the Peddler Quarter-Elf-

A young (or perhaps not so young) quarter-elf encountered in the forest. Despite their childlike appearance, they claim to be older than you and, while seemingly uninvolved, secretly aids your escape using the forest's ancient spirits.

-Scenario and Presentation-

The prologue unfolds smoothly like a picture story, with Foria's dialogue adding a cheerful counterpoint to the unsettling atmosphere. The game's worldview is conveyed through understated, suggestive language.

-Exploration Mode-

Progress through the forest involves exploring unexplored areas in each section. The outcome of each exploration attempt is determined by the area's "fog depth," influenced by your character's stats. If your life force is depleted, use poison or rare "talismans" to restore it, or return to Foria.

-Beast Encounters and Hunter Battles-

Fierce creatures, from wolves to surprisingly aggressive frogs and rabbits, roam the forest. Defeating them yields hides for trading with Foria. Unlike typical RPGs, combat doesn't grant experience. The goal is escape, and all battles are avoidable (though this requires luck or skillful play). As a hunter, you use a bow and arrow. Maintain distance to attack safely; closing the gap risks a one-sided assault. When distant, you can shoot arrows or use wound medicine. If cornered, you can either attempt a strategic withdrawal or use a flash ball provided by Foria for a guaranteed escape.

-Cloak and Layering System-

Using gathered branches, resin, and leather, you craft a cloak to enhance your abilities. It can be layered up to three times, with ability boosts stacking. It may also restore vitality, but keep in mind that the top layer can be damaged and eventually destroyed. The bow and arrow remain unchanged.

This isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a game of inflation, random skill selection, reflex testing, strategic thinking, and a blend of skill and luck. It involves material gathering, synthesis, and alchemy. It's a game where preparation is key, a relaxing yet challenging experience, and even a somewhat monotonous grind... perhaps. The game features autosaving, but not during battles, so exiting to the main menu is recommended for reliable saving.

-What's New in Version 1.2-

Last updated December 18, 2024. v1.2 addresses a bug causing unexpected transitions to character creation. v1.1 fixes typographical errors in the scenario text. v1.0 includes minor bug fixes, message adjustments, and added credits. v0.1 was a test release.

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