Magehunter: Phoenix Flame

Magehunter: Phoenix Flame is a 300,000-word interactive fantasy novel by Nic Vasudeva-Barkdull, set in the same world as Battlemage: Magic By Mail. It is entirely text-based, with no graphics or sound effects; the story unfolds through hundreds of choices.

The kingdom of Jubai

Generations ago, invaders brought magic to Jubai. Battlemages rose to the top of the kingdom’s noble power structure, while everyone else was left oppressed. A secret order of mage hunters has emerged to challenge the mages and overthrow their rule.

You play as one of the hunters, wielding slipflame, an energy source that powers hunter technology. In battle, you can fire explosive bolts from a bow, use silence bombs to cover a stealthy approach, or control enemies from afar with puppet darts. You can also master three types of slipflame, fight with a sword and bow, or pursue your goals through peaceful means.

The order’s divisions

The mage hunters have split into four factions, and internal discord threatens their mission. You can join a faction and influence the order’s future, while the prospect of peaceful elections raises the question of which candidate to support. You also investigate a mysterious famine and fight for the welfare of the common people.

The choices reach beyond the order’s internal politics: you can remain loyal to the mage hunters or be drawn to the mages’ power. Along the way, you can uncover secrets about the order, slipflame, the realm’s history and your closest companions.

Your character

You can play as male, female or non-binary, and choose to be gay, straight or pan, and polyamorous or monogamous.