Interesting, I like that one!

While that is a funny idea, I think I like building into the story that inherent bond between elf and animal in this world. In that regard, it wouldn’t fit. Interesting concept in general, though…Going to file that one away 😉

While I would love to confirm something like that, I have no idea if that’s what inspired that face! The elf and human faces were all created by me in the generator, but as you correctly assumed, the demon faces were all from the MV RTP. Chances are, you are correct!

Agreed, didn’t think about that!

Also, I just realized that Option 3 for the demon pretty much looks like the standard demon sprite from the 2k/2k3 RTP… Unintentional sneak peak for “classic” graphics returning in MV-style? : P

Noted! While I agree about the isolation issue, on the flip side of that, I think the ability to communicate regardless of distance could actually HEIGHTEN the drama and intensity if, for example, the horse were captured and the elf could not get to her or if the protagonist were stranded and the horse could not find her. That sense of feeling one another’s pain but not being able to comfort someone could be an interesting plot device to explore.

Given that magic is still part of the game world, that might be a workaround. Doesn’t make things too complicated. Still, complex messages shouldn’t be the norm. Simple orders and emotions can be already conveyed with ease in the real world between horse and owner, so at best, the mental communication should be just a step above that.

Plus, “regardless of distance” sounds easy enough, but might throw a wrench in your work when trying to implement a rather dramatic scene where the elf is at her own. There’s always a point in JRPGs where the protagonist has to prove their worth (to themselves or otherwise) and outside influences (apart from seducing factors she’ll repel) will only muddle the emotional impact of such an important scene. Plus, if there’ll be a situation where Elf and Horse are actually separated, it lessens the impact of such a drama, too.

Not trying to dictate anything in a community-driven story, just pointing out potential pitfalls. Don’t want to make this short adventure a pain in the bum for you.

Good feedback, all things I have considered. I don’t know if I agree with making the horse entirely mute, I have been considering the idea of writing into the story a bit about how elves and animals in this world share a connection in nature. Each elf when growing up is assigned an animal companion and they develop a mental and spiritual connection with the animal. This allows them to communication, mentally, without speaking, regardless of distance, due to their bond.

I think that could be a cool work around.

Therefore, even more so than the demon, think HARD about the horse’s place. His sheer existence and the fact he stays in the party as a contributing member will give you quite some headaches, especially given the fact that Warrior, Mentalist and Cyborg are the current Top 3 of the “Other Party Member Classes”-poll.

For the horse, I want to point out a few things to hopefully improve his weird stand as a playable character:
-DON’T make him a talking horse. Or even a unique snowflake among horses. He’ll be special, quite intelligent and capable of doing stunts any other horse would shy away from, but he won’t be supernatural, even if you turn him into a cyborg. When he participates in a stealth sequence (apart from being a distraction or complication), then it’ll get silly.

-Given that he won’t be talking, he’ll usually take a backseat in dialogue-based cutscenes, but don’t neglect him entirely. I know from Yanfly that the emote bubbles are back, so that and moving can still make the horse quite expressive.
-Speaking about expressions, even if it might be clichéd, make the horse some sort of positive moral compass for the elf. No matter what, based on the face options, the demon will likely lead into temptation and the human might or might not be a neutral factor (“Yes, the demon’s suggestion IS bad and we shouldn’t do it, but he’s still thinking in the right direction…”). Since the elf doesn’t have a full-on “white” alignment, it could actually work.

Great idea, I like this. Also flips the trope of the oblivious male protagonist and his childhood female friend that secretly loves him instead.