You were a hero once before, but what kind of hero will you be now?

Read this in: Deutsch, Français, Português (Brasil), Español, Italiano, русский, Română, 简体中文,  繁體中文, 한국어, Polski

In Ashes is a choice-driven fantasy adventure visual novel about adventurers, monsters, and legends.

Story

The sleepy town of Hwen promised peace, but it was not meant to last. Your fragile peace is shattered when a familiar face arrives with a plea that pulls you back into the life—and the wounds—you left behind. It’s time to step into the boots of a weary, former hero.

Do you rise above the ashes of the past, or will they shape your future?

The Alpha Demo includes the first two scenes of the story—start your adventure today and follow to stay updated!

Features

📜 Your Story, Your Legacy

Customise your hero’s name, pronouns, and personality to shape the world’s perception of your hero.

⚔ Fulfilling Skill System

Choose between 9 different skills to craft your ideal play style. Each skill comes with unique dialogues, combat options, and challenges.

🎭 Dynamic Personality System

Combine traits to create a layered protagonist. Your choices shape how the world responds to you. There is no right hero, only the one you choose to be.

☠️Tactical Combat, Real Consequences

Impactful decisions determine your survival. Use the skills, items, and relationships available to you to win battles.

👑 The Valour System

Gain Valour by making choices that best align with your hero's strengths and values. Use it to turn the tide in battles where every decision matters. Being true to who you are could save your life.

💕Complex, Evolving Companions

Lead your party through the Everwood. Learn their pasts, secrets, and ambitions. 

🌀 Multiple Ending, Driven by Choices

Every decision shapes your story, leading to a variety of endings influenced by relationships, moral dilemmas, and your chosen path. Each ending is unique to your hero and their final party. Who will you become by the end of your journey?

Note: Endings are not locked to romance, but relationships do alter the endings.

🎨 A passionate team

 In Ashes is created by a small, but extremely talented team of a single character artist, one background artist, and one developer. Each one giving it their all!

Content Warnings

• Fantasy Violence (not in the demo)

Characters 

Coming Soon.

Credits

• Studio Ephua: Direction, Writing, Programming, & GUI
• Betto: Character Art
• Vui Huynh: Background Art

Next Update

Don't forget to rate and comment the demo on itch!

In the next major update you can expect to:

• Meet your other companion / love interest.
• Explore more of the skills that define your hero.

About the Developer

Ephua is a micro-studio dedicated to creating immersive, thought-provoking tales.

We believe stories are a universal truth, and humans are at the heart of them.

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Note: 

In Ashes is a recreation of the 2020 game jam entry, ‘The Secrets We Burn.’ This version features a new engine, new story, and new art.