The story follows a brutal and calculating protagonist, Narcissus, as she embarks on a journey of survival and discovery within the strange and unforgiving VRMMO world of Fallen Carcosa Online—two months before the game’s official release. Armed with nothing but her wits, dexterity, and a simple stick, Narcissus must navigate a world filled with unknown horrors, where surviving even a single day is no small feat. During this crucial preparation period, Narcissus learns first-hand that the world of Carcosa is anything but ordinary. The game world is teeming with monstrous creatures of unknown origins, Faustian entities offering dangerous bargains, and god-like beings of chaos capable of altering reality itself—if certain dark criteria are met. These horrors, lurking especially during the night of the Ordeal, make every move a life-or-death decision. But survival isn’t the only theme of this story. Narcissus herself carries a multitude of untold secrets, and the narrative delves deep into her psyche, offering a rich, introspective exploration of her character. The psychological depth of Narcissus is what makes her a truly multi-dimensional protagonist, one whose complexity enhances the tension and intrigue of the story. That said, the story isn’t all doom and gloom. There’s a surprising amount of fluff and humour woven into the narrative, with hilarious interactions and lighter moments that provide a welcome contrast to the overarching horror and tension. The balance between suspense and levity makes the story engaging and multifaceted, keeping me on my toes while also offering a lot of moments of relief.
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