The Superlatives: Aetherfall

The Superlatives: Aetherfall is a 260,000-word, text-based interactive novel set in 19th-century Victorian London. You lead a team of superpowered heroes to defend the city and Earth from threats including a Martian warship, clockwork monsters and nefarious inventors. The story has no graphics or sound effects; it is driven by your choices and imagination.

The Superlative Society

The Society for the Advancement of Individuals of Superlative Talent and the Protection of the Queen invites you to join. On the day of your initiation, unknown Villains destroy its headquarters and kidnap your colleagues. As the Society’s only remaining full member, you must recruit new members and investigate the abduction.

Your team includes Nimble, who is faster than lightning; Wailer, a banshee who fights with sharp blades and sonic shrieks; Arturek, a gruff Martian warrior; Tua, a Venusian who commands plants; and Black Orchid, a strangely familiar recruit. Your efforts are supported by Gatsby, your faithful Clockwork assistant, and Hallow, your rival who is always butting in.

Choices and threats

Your choices shape the team’s relationships and the Society’s direction. You can earn your recruits’ trust and help them work together, or see them fall apart under pressure. You can strike a deal with London’s Villains or turn the Society into Villains yourself, and decide whether to trust the mysterious Dusk and Mr. Ink, who offer help while keeping many secrets.

You can play as male, female or nonbinary, and as gay, straight, bisexual, asexual or aromantic. Your powers can come from your preternatural nature, alien heritage or genius gadgets. You also protect Earth from torrential aetherfalls, keep your identity hidden from your nosy landlady Mrs. Rathbone, negotiate with Mercurian monarchs who stand only four inches tall, and decide whether your teammates transcend their origins or pursue their destiny.

Enemies and investigations

You can foil the Nefarious Clockwork Contraptions of Dr. Eisengeist and discover his origins. The threats you face include clockwork monsters and a Martian warship, as well as Villains and inventors who endanger London.