Buy Tale of Two Cranes PC key

Tale of Two Cranes is a 750,000-word interactive historical fantasy novel set in ancient China. It is entirely text-based, with no graphics or sound effects. You play a Yǒngshì warrior, trained in battle since childhood and bonded to a heavenly spirit that gives you magical powers. After the Qin dynasty falls and civil war divides the land into warring states, you must decide how to use your power and what role to take in the struggle for the throne.

The Crane’s rival

You are the mortal link to the Red-Crowned Crane, a mystical patron unlike any other in the heavens—or so you believe. Chan Ming, bonded to the Other Crane, is your rival and the only person who might match or surpass your power. You can battle him or join him to form a powerful mystical partnership. Along the way, you can uncover the mystery of your link to the Crane and the truth behind your connection to a fellow warrior.

Choose your path

You can support Liu Bang, a charismatic lord beloved by the people, or Xiang Yu, a veteran respected by the military. You can navigate the Imperial court or develop your power in seclusion at your country estate. As enemies approach from the northern steppes, you can negotiate a truce or seek their help as allies. You can prove your loyalty to the new Emperor, betray your allies, investigate conspiracies and rebellions, blackmail an Empress, or marry into the Imperial family to gain influence. You can also seek to become Emperor yourself.

Your choices can lead you into the administration or nobility, or to rule all of China. You can customize your estate to focus on military training, agriculture, spiritual enlightenment, scholarship, commerce and more, while building your personal power. The story features battles across a landscape inspired by the Warring States period.

Character and relationships

You can play as male, female or nonbinary, and choose to be gay, straight, bisexual or asexual. Romance is available with six of your closest allies, or you can choose an arranged marriage. You also choose one of four magical classes: mystic, militant, sage or strategist.