Thank you all for your support! (Concepts, Lore, Survey and More, !SPOILERS ABOUND!)
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the support this little game has received! I'm overwhelmed with all the comments flooding in- I've read all of them but I couldn't reply due to the sheer number ^^"
But of course, I am grateful for you all who took the effort to write down your thoughts ^_^
And of course, for those who recorded their playthroughs (I do enjoy watching reaction videos🤭)
Now, I originally wasn't planning to do this, but I'll do it anyway just like I did for Demon Lord last year-
Jester's Concept
I've been reading comments and a lot of people likened him to Grell, some to Laughing Jack(?); while yes, I do like Black Butler, Grell didn't actually come to mind when I was making this, and I don't know Laughing Jack.
Rather, Jester's design was based off my other waaay older Persona OC whose Persona was 'Hellequin', whose profile reads:
"an emissary of the devil, roaming the countryside with a group of demons chasing the damned souls of evil people to Hell. The physical appearance of Hellequin offers an explanation for the traditional colors of Harlequin's red-and-black mask."
So, yes- you could say that he was based off Hellequin. From the start, I've always planned to have red and black in his color palette.
Now, this OC is Jester's older brother in this universe, in a demon sense (don't think about that for now).
So, meet Jester's older brother! Yeah.
If Jester is the Demon of Betrayals and Nightmares... what could this one be a demon of...?
We'll keep his name for now, but he actually also appeared as a human NPC in Tales of Misteria as Eliam, so let's call him that. Eliam is much more human-like in Misteria since... he's human there; so don't take that as his demon version's personality. As you can see, Eliam is inspired by the Mad Hatter!
ANYWAY. TLDR; Jester's color palette, personality and design were based off OCs who were inspired by Hellequin and Mad Hatter respectively!
And his hair? It was inspired by Ryoma aka mr. Lobster Hair bro from Fire Emblem Fates.
The World of Jester
Okay, time for some lore! I'm not going to talk about everything, just a little background about their world that could help you better understand the story of the game.
Let's start with Ending 6: "You're Boring :(" - so what exactly happened in the end? Did Jester kill you? Weeell... yes, and no?
As you later learn in other routes, you've actually already died. Jester 'revived' you, through a provisional contract. In the end, he realizes that you're not worth it, so he nulls the contract and you just return to being dead.
If you also noticed, he mentions in this ending that you're a 'prissy noble'- you are actually wearing the outfit you had on when you were killed- one of an aristocrat's.
Ending 4&5: "Pet Endings"- you're prooooobably curious what happens after these... let's not go there. Or alternatively, I'll leave that to your imagination. That said, you may ask, 'how come you didn't die if Jester tossed aside the contract?'- the answer is, he didn't. He kept the provisional contract just to keep you alive. This temporary contract allowed you to keep living, but unlike a full contract, you don't get to have authority over the demon.
Ending 3: "Blasphemous Partnership"- let me talk about the religion in this world... that is, none. Or, not exactly. There is no existence of a temple or a saintess and all that; in this world, there is no governing body for their religion; however people in this world DO believe in gods. The belief in their world goes like this: gods exist- they give you blessings if you send them your wishes, offerings and prayers. People often prayed for bountiful harvests, rain and health. Shrines are built for gods, and each locality (village, city, town) has one shrine and their own god, with the exception of the capital city where the belief is that their god resides within the palace, making the royal castle the capital's 'shrine'. This is the form of worship for almost every kingdom on the continent.
However, by the time of 'Trapped with Jester', people's faith in gods have waned... many towns and villages have abandoned their shrines, and the people have forgotten to make their prayers to the royal palace... What does this have to do with this ending? HAHA. Eh, nothing, I guess?
Ending 1&2: "Vow & My Master"- now, we talk about the MC; the MC is from the royalty of the Qualian Monarchy, or Qualia for short. As you may have seen from these routes, yes, the MC was killed by someone they trusted, under the orders of a family member... or perhaps family members? Who's to say? Either way, you're a poor casualty to the fight for the throne. That said, after the deed was done, you were thrown into a sack, ready to be disposed of by the perpetrator's men.
In this world, there is such a thing as reincarnation, but you don't retain your memories of course- you simply return to the cycle of death and rebirth; this isn't true for those who die with a grudge, like you. You lingered, screaming hate and contempt which was when Jester answered your voice... and the rest is history.
Sequel?
This is probably what you've been waiting for, huh? Short answer: not yet.
This 'world' was originally an otome I was developing some years back which I scrapped because I couldn't handle the scope. In fact, I have about four (or more?) other stories set in this world. The very first story was about Jester's brother, 'Eliam', and a princess. It was set a few hundred years before 'Trapped with Jester'.
Collectively, this universe is what I'd like to call Heartless(verse). Why 'Heartless'? Because demons are heartless. They don't feel love nor emotions... or so what everyone believed. The truth is, very little is known about demons aside from being harbingers of calamities. As much as I'd like to talk more about this, let's leave it at that ;)
There are still some otome VNs I'm working on that I hope to finish first before moving into a new one, but I definitely am considering on making a continuation on Jester. Besides, I still have to think how to go about this; for one, if I do make a full game and still keep it voiced, I'd want to pay the VA (or VAs, as there will likely be more characters) this time, so I'd need funds. Anyway, I'm still figuring out options.
For now, have a possible synopsis of what could possibly be a sequel to Jester's story:
The throne was rightfully yours, yet you were betrayed and killed by the one you trusted the most.
Anger. Contempt. Vengeance. Your soul seethed with rage.
It should have been the end to your story, so when a demon offers his hand, you cannot find yourself to refuse.
Your tale cannot end here.
... But can you truly trust the Demon of Betrayals?
".............................................."
"Hey, hey, hey... (-insert puppy dog eyes here-) can you step on me again?"
... Oh gods. Is this revenge actually worth it?!
*COUGHS* Yeah. It would be a continuation from where the jam version left off- your quest to take revenge on those who wronged you, seize the throne that is rightfully yours... or maybe find love? OR idk, maybe go off rails and destroy the whole kingdom just for laughs?
Q&A!
Some of you had questions in the comments so...
- As I've posted above (in the smol chibi drawing), the diet of demons are dark desires... as well as negative emotions and darkness in people's hearts; it's basically a free buffet. Demons can hear the thoughts within them. Consuming these desires aren't harmful, normally. Like I mentioned above, souls with a grudge couldn't return to the cycle because these dark desires chain them down. The way Jester worded it "Guess I slurped in too much"- he wasn't sure either. So, whether it was really stress, or if it was Jester's oopsie, a combination of factors or something else entirely... that's all up to interpretation.
That said, the MC was indeed an innocent person; someone who easily trusted others but was unfortunate enough to end up being chosen for the crown which made them a target by those who coveted it. They were betrayed by the one they trusted the most (...and it's up to your interpretation to say whether MC actually had feelings for the one who betrayed them or not); this betrayal, you could say, had broken MC as they were dying- once a kind soul, suddenly filled with dark desires.
And yes, desires play a very important role in this world.
-Here ya go: https://twitter.com/Antares252/status/1555463628077182979
-Ring size? Yes.
Family? Babies?
That's a secret... or a spoiler? ;D
-Honestly, it's not that I'm against doing R18+, but I literally don't know how to write R18+😅
Final Message and Survey
Now that you've reached the end of this post, CONGRATULATIONS! And thank you for reading this far (or maybe you skipped?!)-
With that said, it would greatly help and I would greatly appreciate it if you can fill out this SURVEY FORM, like, if you REALLY wanna see a full game version, help me out here and fill it out, please?
*if the survey form doesn't work (aka if it's full-) please go here (ONLY IF the above link doesn't work ok? >:( )
LASTLY (for real, this time) thank you all once again for all the support! If you have questions, feel free to DM me on Twitter or post a comment here! I'm also open for art commissions, though I still hadn't made my normal commission sheet (only my chibi commission sheet) but you can also DM me for details if you're interested ^_^
Aaaaaand that's it! Well then, until next time!
-ANTA
Files
Get Trapped with Jester
Trapped with Jester
You wake up in a carriage with an annoying stranger...
Status | Released |
Author | Anta |
Genre | Visual Novel |
Tags | Amare, Comedy, Dating Sim, Fantasy, Horror, Indie, Otome, Romance, Short, Story Rich |
More posts
- French and Italian Translation Updates59 days ago
- Vietnamese, Polish, Turkish and Ukrainian Translations Now Available!Mar 06, 2024
- Malaysian and Chinese Translations Now Available!Mar 06, 2023
- German (Deutsch) Translation Now Available!Nov 24, 2022
- Trapped with Jester Spanish+Russian (Español+Русский) Update!Nov 09, 2022
- Spanish Translation Announcement!Oct 16, 2022
- Trapped with Jester Steam Art+Lore Book Giveaway~Oct 10, 2022
- Trapped with Jester is Now on Steam! +Art and Lore Book DLC Discount!Oct 10, 2022
- Trapped with Jester is Coming to Steam!Sep 25, 2022
Comments
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how tall is jester? And is his relationship with his brother competitive or just netural? (and jester's favorite song if he has one:D)
I've already answered questions on his height here.
As for their relationship... it's more of respect? He looks up to his 'older brother' in a way.
As for song, I don't think he'd have a specific one, but he'd be fond of street performer and carnival music.
what happened to the horses pulling the carriage?
Hint: He's the demon of betrayal and NIGHTMARES 🙂
damn.
wonder what horse meat tast like.
wait how did the horses not scream did he just snaped his finger and they just vanished, disintegrated, instantly dropped dead without a sound, horse are very heavy animals, so they'll make a loud sound if they dropped to the ground. Ima go with disintegrated the horses it makes more sense.
can i see the result of the survey (pls or just the would you like to pay part)
I haven't compiled them yet 😅
pls make the full ver available for Android or at least available to play on browser, MY PHONE WONT FRICKIN LET ME PLAY APKS :((!!!! (ty^u^) btw im such a huge fan of ur game keep up the good work!
THE LORE IS TOO INTERESTING I CANNOT HANDLE OMG.... IM REALLY INTERESTED IF THIS IS STILL IN THE MAKING????
It was never -STILL- in the making, but -NOT YET- in making.
Explanation is written under [SEQUEL?] section.
If you're interested in more lore crumbs though, you can check out the artbook if you haven't yet.
Please, please for all that is unholy make a full game, this is driving me crazy!! i downloaded it not expecting to get so addicted!! I only expected it to be a short casual game but....IM BEGGING YOU PLEAAASSEEE FUEL MY ADDICTIOOONNN!!
Thanks for clearing up some things. Also I loved the character development information, always a treat to see how a design is developed!
If Jester is Betrayals and Nightmares (and designed like a court jester, where nobility are often/depicted as backstabbing intrigue) and the 'older brother' looks like a noble himself then maybe 'Eliam' is the Demon of Manipulation and Paranoia?
Ending 3 information paints a very fun image of what things might be going on with everywhere in the setting: it'd be a cycle of belief rising and waning and demons taking advantage of the lower times. Naturally I imagine there'd also be a lot of local folktales and superstitions that develop every time the metaphysical barriers start to fall.
Ending 1&2, while I am sure that the Qualian nobility are just bog-standard human jerks (you do not need mystical manipulation to do horrible things to people), I can also imagine there's a demon among them happily using their court as a buffet table. ....probably was Jester actually, but I can somewhat see him sharing his feasting grounds with his 'brother'.
Sequel: I'm excited at the idea and hope development goes as smoothly as possible but I have to say the synopsis actually made me laugh. Starts off very "dark fantasy vn" but quickly drops into comedy/parody. I can picture it too: three romance options and a fake (trying that route is a definite death sentence) with a lot of bad ending paths, and the demon lurking at your back is the not-so-secret route whose responses are shaped by how you handle/react to the other characters. You don't know which romance option was involved in your death but it's a Morton's Fork because all the mortal romance options were involved in some way. One is actually feeling guilty about you "nearly" dying and wants to make up for it, another is terrified that you're pretending to not know and plan to make them pay, and the third is surprised and waiting for the perfect chance to finish the job (although depending on your dialogue options, they might change their mind and decide you are the perfect match to them in temperament). All the while the demon leans on the fourth wall to make fun of the characters and your responses to things, while sometimes deciding to "spice things up" for fun like killing someone and hiding the knife in your room.
Lol you're not far off there. While 'manipulation' isn't part of his demon title, it is what he does. Eliam isn't well-suited for direct confrontations. That's why Jester is the stronger one between them; if he's the brawn, Eliam is the brains.
i am on my knee's, respectfully
BARK BARK WOOF AWOOOO AWOOGA HUMINAHUMINA CHIRP CHIRP ROAAAAARRRRRR HONGA HONGA FJDSFHSJDGFJHFBGJHGFUYSEGFBUWBFJHFB
Respectfully
I loved the endings! The character is pretty cool, and I really want to know what happens! You got a supporter. I know this project will be continued in the near future. I missed the Q&A. Shoot, still maybe someone has the answer to the question I have? I apologize if this was already answered or discussed.
Will pronouns of gender and non-conforming gender be added? I am not really worried about visuals of MC.
I'm considering on just keeping it 'you' (cause it's easiest for me). Ultimately, it depends on the final writing if it'll even need pronouns at all- think Twisted Wonderland (if you've played that) where MC's gender is never specified.
You could always use they/them pronouns for the MC.
holy fuck "eliam" design is so hot shshSHSHSHHAHWWHHAHAHAHA lmaoo but i still like jester cuz i have a soft spot for clowns. I would totally be down for a full version!!
Definitely following. Love that chaos man as much as I love Mephisto from FGO
I have a soft spot for Mephisto, one of my starter FGO servants 😌
AYO SAME. Chaotic Clown Gang!
I would like to actually marry him.
I would love if you extended this game. You have my vote!
I did the survey too.
I would love a full game.
Wait, people are actually thirsting for the Jester?
yes
Yes, yes they are.
Aye captain! Tis a lovely design with a chaotic personality
Oh you sweet summer child
Nah I'm actually thirsty most of the time and I'm specifically on itch.io for the sexy stuff. I'm just surprised because I thought the Jester was sexually unappealing. Well, at least he is to me. I like the story though.
YEP. INCLUDING MEE:)
yeah idk why people simp for the twinkiest looking 7'3 or 7'2 tall man with hair that looks him like he has never been seen shampoo in his life aand then has or does he even have parents that thought when he was born "hmm we should name it jester" he prob was bullied at the park as a kid for having the most goofy ass name and wack hair ( this is just me being silly pls dont take it personal my silliness is uncontrolable )
I loved with the story, and I will definitely come back to see the second part kgskkd
And this has nothing to do with what I wrote before or what the.... this thing- *proceeds to forget every word* this thing, but... every time I read "Jester" I remember Chester Cheetah and I can't stop thinking about Jester eating cheetos after eating my soul (????)
And I'm sorry if the comment is written ugly, but today I woke up with my head in the clouds and now it's hard for me to translate everything into English *llora en español*
Omg, Imagine Jester secretly being a hot cheeto boy?? :0
OMG YESS
lol