Meet Sylas: writing a love interest who performs even for himself

Meet Sylas

Sylas is the local internet idol. He's heavily inspired by the K-pop idol scene. He is constantly performing, even for himself. He is warm and genuine to everyone. His specificity is performed.

His route asks one question: Can you reach someone who is performing even for themselves?

Finding his voice

Sylas's voice is smooth and charming. China is much less polished and doesn't perform. Kenji is, well... Kenji. He is all about grand gestures and making sure they're well received. When I found his voice, Sylas started singing from the page. He wants to be heard, that showboat.

Three ways to meet him

When you first meet Sylas, you get to choose how you react: recognize him, introduce yourself, or ask about him. My favorite choice is the second one. I love that his facade cracks, even for a moment. He lets his guard down around you, and the player is rewarded.

Sylas blinks, taken aback for a moment. His right hand reaches for an amulet shaped like a sun. His hand drops, then he returns your wry grin. "Okay, {name}, I might have deserved that look."

What to watch for

On day one, players should watch for his too-smooth mannerisms. Sylas is the master of making every moment in his presence wonderful... they don't all need to be.

Noticing plays a major role in Sylas's route. He has certain tells that you have to look out for.

How he looks

His hair looks like he spent no time on it, but that would be a lie. It's a two-block cut, his hair a pale cotton candy blue. Sun-kissed would describe his skin tone. He has a healthy glow about him. It's probably his great skin care regimen. His eyes are an intense shade of violet, and he likes maintaining eye contact.

He wears an oversized, structured suit coat in pink over a designer t-shirt. Faded jeans and expensive sneakers make up the ensemble. One piece looks out of place among the dazzle. It is an old, tarnished silver amulet shaped like a stylized sun.

He is always on. That is the point.

An alpha playtest

I'm still nervous about the alpha, but I am looking to open a small alpha playtest in the first week of December. Please let me know if you would be interested! I'm still waiting on some art assets, so that timeline might move, but I am still looking for a few good recruits!

Sign up for the alpha, and I'll email you when the build is ready. 🌸