===== The Trials of Ozymandias =====

"A long time ago, the kingdom of Johrotos was ruled by a powerful king. While he may have appeared to be a good king, many who worked directly under him knew the truth: that he sought greater power than that allowed for him by the crown. He wanted more than the kingdom had to offer, and feverishly so. Many chose to follow him out of fear; after all, they could not be killed if they were useful to him.

One member of his court stood out, however, and it was not because of his ridiculous choice of clothes or his love of pranks. His name was Ozymandias, and he was the court jester. He was perhaps the king's most trusted court official, and the king would show his love for Ozymandias every day with the finest gifts, foods, and plenty of leniency when his pranks went too far. Ozymandias, however, did not find the same fondness with the king. Ozymandias was a practicing wizard, always searching for all the magic he could possibly learn, and he hoped that one day, he would be able to use his magic to help others, starting with the overthrowing of the king.

One day, the king discovered a way to live forever with more power than anyone could possibly imagine. The first step was to become a lich. The king entrusted Ozymandias to gather the supplies and help him obtain his goal. Ozymandias did so more than willingly, and prepared for the ritual.

When everything was set, he turned to Ozymandias and thanked him for his help. As the last words fell from his lips, Ozymandias thrust a dagger into the stomach of the king and bled him over the phylactery. With a few chants, Ozymandias achieved what the king had wanted for himself..."

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The Trials of Ozymandias is a visual novel set in the high fantasy world of the kingdom of Johrotos. In the capitol city, Dassi, resides the most famous adventurer's guild in all the land: Talleh-Hoy. This is where your story begins.

You play as the nameless adventurer, who is simply looking to get into adventuring, but unfortunately, like many fantasy tabletop roleplaying game players, must learn the dynamic of a party that struggles to work together...

Raphael Gallhardt

Race: Human

Class: Fighter

Raphael Gallhardt is a hardened adventurer with many tales to tell of countless exploits both big and small. He may not always know what he's doing, but he does everything with gusto and sword in hand.

Guinevere Cadigan

Race: Human

Class: Cleric

Guinevere Cadigan is the very studious magic student who always has a plan. She is kind and considerate whenever she can be, and she always has a few spell slots ready to spend for an adventurer in need.

Baldur Fjornir

Race: Half-Elf

Class: Paladin

Forever loyal to his fellow soldiers and adventurers alike, Baldur Fjornir is ready to serve and fight with the best of them. For what he may lack in confidence, he makes up for in undying loyalty to his comrades.

Camilla

Race: Tiefling

Class: Rogue

Camilla, the epitome of stealth, has always been a cautious type, but whatever she says is for good reason. With a rapier in her capable hand, she makes quick work of many threats and as silently as the night.

Take these adventurers along for a journey that will teach more than just how to kill a demi-lich--but how to become closer as people.

===== The Trials of Ozymandias =====

A Message from the Author:

"Hi everyone!

My name is Steven Villanova and what you are about to play is a short visual novel I wrote for my senior exhibition. I wrote the whole story, script, and score, and designed all the characters, backgrounds, and cutscenes all during my senior year of college (and that was ON TOP of all my other classes as well as two shows with the school's theatre and a 20 page thesis paper about visual novels--I know, I'm shocked they let me do it, too).

There are a lot of things that didn't get into the game, and at this point, I don't mind that they didn't. I believe that as a piece of artwork itself, it evolved and grew into what it needed to be. I'm very proud of what I was able to accomplish here, and I'm so glad I have this opportunity to share it with you.

Thank you all for playing The Trials of Ozymandias!

- Steven Villanova @ Golden Axolotl Studios"