I've dabbled in a variety of disciplines. I write a lot of stories, sure. I've also made some crude drawings, briefly tried my hand at music, and worked on a number of video games in my spare time. The problem with all this is that when I get really enthusiastic about some particular hobby, the other will necessarily take a backseat to it. During the last couple months, I haven't posted any stories at all, primarily because I've been all fired up about a specific project that I'm working on.

The project is called SummonerRL, and it is a collaboration between me and  clawdragons - I write all the code and do the initial gameplay design, while Clawdragons creates all the game content such as monsters and items, provides additional input on design and acts as the chief playtester with the responsibility of balancing the game elements to ensure an enjoyable experience.

On the surface it's a fairly traditional roguelike, in which players delve as far as they can into a deep dungeon swarming with savage creatures. It borrows heavily from the classics such as ADOM and Brogue that have inspired me greatly over the years. But it also gives the formula a special twist, which is hinted at by the game's title.

SummonerRL is about a nature-wizard who descends into the dungeon to stop the spread of corruption emanating from its depths. At her side she can summon up to two companions to help her complete the mission. Perhaps she is joined by a white wolf, a fiercely loyal canine that will follow her commands without fear or hesitation. Perhaps she instead brings the raw power and majesty of a dragon to the battlefield. Perhaps she favors the sharp senses and trickery of a spotted snake, snapping at the enemy's weak points with his scales shimmering in a brilliant magical display.

http://i.imgur.com/bc1HD1s.png
http://i.imgur.com/IeV9IBF.png

These familiars are essential to your success - so important are they that each of them has its own key modifying all other commands in the game. For example, the U key normally opens the inventory to select an item to use on the summoner. However, if you hold Control and press U, you will instead use the item on one of your familiars. Or you press I to examine an item, and then press Control+I to have your pet take a look at it too. Skillful play involves taking full advantage of the abilities of your feral friends to perform complex maneuvers throughout the dungeon.

The plan is that eventually, this game will even contain some adult content in which your summoner can interact with these creatures in both a romantic and sexual manner. I'm going to distribute two different versions of the game, one with the adult content included and another one for the more squeamish audience. It's my hope that this will bring about the best experience for everyone.

If all goes well, the first public release will be made available one or two days from now! Keep an eye out for more announcements in the close future.