The Butler Did It

The Butler Did It is a 300,000-word interactive novel set in steampunk Port Terris, where your choices shape the story. You play someone struggling to find food and work while friends are taken by the Constables and their bots. When a majordomo of a Great House offers you a job, a warm bed and plentiful food, you accept rather than face a long stay in the City Dungeons. At Coburg Manor, you make friends, confront enemies and investigate a mystery with consequences for your society.

Your character and choices

You can play as male, female or nonbinary, and as gay, straight, bisexual or asexual. The story is entirely text-based, without graphics or sound effects. You decide how to deal with the conspiracy threatening the fabric of society: expose it or keep its secret.

Foes and relationships

Use your wits, a sword or skill with steam against human and mechanical foes. You can get to know a diverse cast of characters and may find love. The story also raises the possibility of ending up on a spaceship, and places you in the path of a strange apocalypse that its people do not suspect. Your character may save their home or fall prey to madness, as many of their friends have.