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 ventured into the forest, only to wake to find your campsite deserted, littered with the remnants of numerous hunters. National guards usually oversee the tournament; their absence is unsettling. Your attempts to retrace your steps prove fruitless – you're inexplicably lost, despite your superior sense of direction. This strangeness is the first sign of trouble.

What is the "Elven Curse"? This non-field RPG casts you as a hunter striving to escape a cursed forest. Gameplay is remarkably simple, using at most three buttons outside the main menu.

Character Creation: While character customization is limited, you can freely reroll your stats. Status increases upon leveling are only visible on this screen; this information is unavailable in-game. Your stats are reset upon returning to the character creation screen. When your "talismans" fall below two, or your life force hits zero, it's game over.

Foria, the Peddler Quarter-Elf: A mysterious boy (or is he?) encountered in the forest. Despite his youthful appearance, he claims to be older than you and offers cryptic assistance, drawing on the forest's ancient spirits to aid your escape.

Game Environment: The prologue unfolds like a visual novel, with Foria's dialogue adding a cheerful counterpoint to the ominous setting. The game world is conveyed through understated, evocative language.

Exploration Mode: Progress involves exploring unexplored areas within each section of the forest. The success of each exploration attempt depends on the "fog depth" of the area and your character's stats. When your life force is depleted, use poison strategically to restore your vitality, or utilize rare talismans. You may need to return to Foria for assistance.

Beast Encounters & Hunter Battles: The forest is teeming with dangerous creatures, from wolves to surprisingly aggressive frogs and rabbits. Defeating them yields hides for trading with Foria, but unlike traditional RPGs, combat doesn't grant experience. The goal is escape, not conquest. Battles are avoidable (though requiring luck or skillful play). As a hunter, you use a bow and arrow, needing to maintain a safe distance to attack without being countered. While at range, you can also use wound medicine. Closing the distance risks a one-sided attack, forcing you to either withdraw (with a chance of success based on your stats) or use a flash ball provided by Foria for guaranteed escape.

Cloak & Layering System: Using collected branches, resin, and leather, you craft a cloak that enhances your abilities. Up to three layers can be worn, each adding to your stat bonuses. The cloak may also restore vitality, but it's subject to damage and eventual wear. The bow and arrow remain unchanged.

Game Features: This is a game about the experience of playing. It features randomized skill selection, challenging reflexes and strategy, and elements of luck. It involves collecting materials for crafting and alchemy. Preparation (leveling and item acquisition) is a significant aspect of the gameplay. It's a relaxing game that allows progress even with casual play.

Auto-Save: The game auto-saves, but not during battles. For reliable saving, exit to the base menu before closing the application.

Version 1.2 Update (Dec 18, 2024): Fixed a bug causing unexpected transitions to the character creation mode. Previous updates included bug fixes, text corrections, and credit additions.