These Thieving Hearts

These Thieving Hearts is a 280,000-word, text-based interactive novel with no graphics or sound effects. You play a thief recruited by a mysterious billionaire at a Scottish manor, where he reveals that he has a copy of the Thief’s Demise: a collection of the world’s most dangerous and heavily secured targets, all protected by magic. He wants you to steal every one of them, and each stolen mark raises your profile.

The rival crews

Your patron, Arthur, funds the heists and provides a crew: Ivan, an experienced thief with a quick mind and tongue; Eiji, an exceptional lockpick; and Jackson, the grandson of a legendary bodyguard and an enforcer in the magical underworld. Arthur’s brother sends a rival crew led by Cesar Espinoza, one of the most infamous charmers. You race the opposition around the world and try to survive vaults designed to kill you.

Heists and choices

You can improve your thieving skills and choose how to handle dangerous situations, by fighting or talking your way out. Your options include weaving magic, hacking computers and blowing things up. The heists take you to far-flung corners of the world, where you encounter powerful, bizarre magic and can spend quiet moments getting to know your companions or enjoy a life of luxury.

The god of thievery

Behind the rivalry between the crews lies an ancient conflict between the god of thievery and the Cult of Vaults, which tries to keep him at bay. Every stolen mark empowers the god, and the Cult is determined to stop him from rising too far. You can uncover the god’s secrets while pursuing the Thief’s Demise and seeking love with the men around you.