Where the Anemones Bloom

Where the Anemones Bloom.

This is a  wlw (mermaid x human) romance created for NaNoReNo 2023. 

• Full Game: 33,000 words
• 7 endings (6 bad, but easy to avoid, save often)
• Modern computer recommended*

Cordelia leads a life that most mermaids would envy. She has close friends and is part of a prominent pod, her future is all planned out. But Cordelia isn’t most mermaids. When her pod moves to the coast, she’s warned about the forbidden shallows and the dangers that lurk beyond. She’s heard all the rumours of course, but none of her friends will go near it. Curiosity gets the better of Cordelia, and she soon finds herself trembling at the fearful lights and hum of this strange city. However, something - someone actually - has also caught her eye. What starts as mere curiosity blossoms into something far more interesting. Soon Cordelia questions who she really is, and what she really wants. As she ventures further into uncharted territory, she gets closer to love but further from who she is and what she knows. Will she risk it all for a taste of the forbidden?

As the MC, you play Cordelia (22yrs). Cordelia is a curious mermaid, not one to meticulously follow the rules. Her eagerness and enthusiasm make her well-liked within the pod. She’s easy to talk to and has a friendly casual nature that puts anyone at ease. Cordelia is frequently chosen for special tasks as she’s thought to embody a mermaids’ best qualities. She’s well liked within the pod, and that suits her perfectly for her role as a Revelier taking care of special events and social occasions. She loves pitching in  to help out her pod.

Yet while Cordelia is thought to embody core mermaid virtues, the truth is a little more complex. Cordelia’s curiosity and natural enthusiasm are part of a character trait that’s not so typical of mermaids: curiosity. This inquisitiveness has gotten her into trouble before. It’s not that Cordelia seeks to break rules, it’s more that natural tendencies of self-restraint and reflection have somehow gone missing in her. Those who know Cordelia hardly fault her for that; her gentle personality and inquisitive nature is part of her charm. She’s an extrovert, a social butterfly that plunges headlong into everything, including her friendships. Cordelia and Idyllia, her best friend, are like two pearls in an oyster. Idyllia cares deeply for her, character flaws and all.

Cordelia is an active mermaid and a strong swimmer, even by mermaid standards. She prefers a simple look, and always wears her hair down, no exceptions. There’s a reason for this, but Cordelia would never allow us to spoil it for you. Like most mermaids Cordelia also has accessories she might wear from time to time.  She prefers simple beauty, things made from natural materials.  Cordelia is always happy to have company as she travels sound the reef - swimming alongside other aquatic life, or even allowing them to draft in her wake. She’ll even carry a live passenger or two if she sees a plant or animal in need of a lift.

Those that get to know Dunia find her very down-to-earth. She likes to take care of herself and surroundings, that includes cultivating friendships with people who share her interests. She’s open and honest with those that she cares about, and expects the same in return. She doesn’t have time for drama or people she doesn’t feel are being genuine with her - and she won’t hesitate to cut them out of her life. In terms of herself and her surroundings, she's generally neat, tidy, and well groomed. She's very environmentally conscious and likes natural materials. She also enjoys crafts, and even makes her own jewelry when the mood suits her. In her spare time she enjoys reading and practices meditation. Nature is where she really gets her energy from, that’s one of the reasons she loves the ocean so much. She embraces nature in her home as well - surrounding herself with plants, and even growing a few of her own herbs that she uses to flavour her dishes. 

Explore through the eyes of Cordelia, a mermaid, what it means to love, to come to terms with who you are, and overcome tragedy in order to find beauty in the world. Expect tears of both joy and sadness while navigating potentially very tragic endings.

Warning: Content includes scenes involving gore, death, and self-harm. Mature themes. Recommended 18+

Where the Anemones Bloom is a visual novel made with love for NaNoReNo 2023, thanks to several volunteers and readily available materials.

Artists: Howl Vakarian (backgrounds), and Ozzy (sprites)

Editors: Kat B. Fine, Pallidia

Programmer: Kero

Writers: Kat B. Fine, Pallidia

Design: Crabaret (itch.io page)

Audio Resources: wilidacious, Pallidia (curation)

Background Resources: Minikle

GUI: Winter Ren'Py GUI Kit

Thanks also to: Aeris

*A modern computer is recommended. Builds (as of March 31) contain very large sprites and graphics which may slow older machines or render the game unplayable. A revised version with rescaled graphics (and web playable version) coming soon.