DISCLAIMER

This is a demo version of the game and only contains the first chapter of the story. Additionally, everything in the demo may be subject to change; some things you see here might be different in the full version.
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About Us

Nightrose Interactive is a small team of just two developers who are both enthusiastic and eager to bring more queer-oriented stories into the visual novel world. City of Thorns is our debut project, and we hope to have more in the future.

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Game Description

A Murder in the City: In City of Thorns, you play as an intrepid oracle who's known all over the capital city of Florentia for how accurate your prophecies are. That's why the Sovereign Princess summons you to the palace when her husband is murdered in his sleep. Your task is to figure out which of the people you meet at the palace did the deed - or if none of them did.

Relationships to Last the Ages: When you arrive at the palace, you'll meet plenty of interesting members of the court. Choose whose story you'll follow - and keep in mind, your first impressions might not give you the full picture - and develop a lasting bond.

Your Choices Matter: Based on the choices you make during your story, you'll either steer your partner towards their best self, or their worst. Guide your character through the character-driven route of your choice and its multiple endings.

Choose Your Identity: In this game, you'll be able to choose your own name and pronouns. *The full version may have further customisation options.*

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Meet the Characters

Phase 1* Love Interests

Koré   ✦   The Stoic Princess
"Your cooperation will not be forgotten."

Burdened by her birthright, Koré's hardened and cold exterior masks a lonely and uncertain heart.

Morgaine  ✦   The Charming Ambassador
"I don't care what your reasoning was. Not everyone would step in to protect an innocent."

A foreign princess and a mage, Morgaine wants nothing more than acceptance - even at the cost of her personal comfort.

Ariel  ✦   The Gentle Chamberlain
"I'd like to help you, in any way that I can."

The chief-of-staff for the palace and royal family, Ariel's grief over the loss of their lover hangs heavy over their head.

Phase 2* Love Interests

Dimitri   ✦   The Strong-Willed Soldier
"I'll be keeping an eye on you."

The hot-headed Captain of the Royal Guard, Dimitri might have more to answer for than you think.

  
Anatole   ✦   The Ambitious Mage
"If you need help with the magical side of the investigation, I consider myself knowledgeable on the subject."

A clever man with a thirst for knowledge, Anatole has never been satisfied with "good enough".

Jasmin   ✦   The Enigmatic Doctor
"Sounds like you're stressed. Luckily, that shouldn't be difficult to fix."

The head physician of the palace, Jasmin is slow to trust, and slower to reveal her secrets.

Phase 3* Love Interest

Nocturne   ✦   The Loyal Priest
"I hear you're a guest of the palace now. Stay safe, okay?"

Your right hand at the temple, and your best friend since childhood. They'd do anything for you. But how well do you really know them?

* The full game will have the routes developed and released in "phases" in order to minimise stress on the developers. As the team consists of just two people, both of whom being currently unable to work on development full-time, we decided that this would be the more mindful development option.

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Social Media

Our Tumblr Page (more active)

Our Bluesky Profile

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Content Warnings

City of Thorns contains mature themes and is intended for an older audience. Player discretion is advised. Specific warnings for this demo include, but are not limited to: written depictions of death, brief depictions of blood, implied self-harm and/or suicide.