I am late to the party! I've been so busy with Uni that I'm just now finding the time to sit down and play Cantata. I want to start with the fact I adored Viatica and have always loved your writing, it was amazing! But I will note that your writing has grown significantly. The way you transport us into the world of this story is stunning. All the ROs are so interested and I am deeply invested in each and every one of them which is a rare experience with me since I usually easily pick favorites! I will say, the ending of chapter 4 -- AGHH!! YOU AND THESE DEVASTATING CLIFFHANGERS! It seems to be a signifier of yours. If something has a cliffhanger that tears your heart in two, its probably written by Fir & Fireweed! Amazing work and I can't seem to be more -- also, the secret RO! chefs kiss! what an amazingly written, passionate scene with the reunification even if you choose not to romance them. so much to say but all in all -- great work! Amazing indeed! I can't wait to see how this story continues, how the storylines of the ROs shapes their interactions and the plot...and most importantly YAYY Taking down another evil empire!
Lol, my apologies for the cliffhangers! I’d like to say I’ll stop, but, uh… 😅
Thank you for that comment about my writing! I feel it’s improved, too, but it’s nice to hear it. I’m happy to hear you’ve read and enjoyed both my stories! 💕
This is really well written!! I can't wait for the next chapters to be released, especially since it seems like there's a lot left if the RO "chemistry" bars are anything to go by!
Just one small suggestion on something I noticed in my playthroughs:
If the non-binary option is chosen there seems to be no possibility of the masculinising/feminising "tonics" like there is if you are a trans man or trans woman, and I would greatly appreciate if an option for that could be added.
ahhh - this is beautiful! the graphics, the interface, the writing, the music choices- :00
SPOILERS
i teared up during that first scene with the elder. swooning over corinne, hehe. she's so hot and badass!
the whole argument with tellus was heartwrenching. made me want to cry. i asked him for a dance before the battle. it just felt right. idk if i'm interested in him as a RO (yet), but i do have a thing for soft boys and i do care for him. looking forward to seeing where this goes!
mentally making fanart of your IF bc so many moments just live rent free in my head T-T you've worldbuilt this so beautifully, too, the world feels alive and breathing and full of colour and as a fellow writer i am jealous <3 TEACH ME YOUR WAYS
oh dear now that i've reached end of chapter 4 im having withdrawal symptoms. what do i now do with my life /j
omg i just finished chapter 4, crying, and went to the next page hopefully only to be hit with 'thank you for playing' i nearly threw my laptop across the room. What an awful place to stop T_T
I shall wait eagerly for the next update and promise myself I will not cry this time!
There is a high chance of crying next chapter but I can promise that it’s the good kind! I’ll leave you feeling like you want to snuggle your laptop rather than throw it, lol. Thank you for reading! 🫶🏻
Now, which RO to make as a custom character in Baldur's Gate 3..?
I've gotta do something while we all wait for the next chapter :]
Just did another reread, and I'm only just consciously realising how much the music helps the IF in literally EVERY regard. Sets the tone & makes whatever text is on the screen actually feel. 10/10, more IF's should do what Cantata does with music
Lol, I’m happy to see you return, thank you! And happy to hear you liked the music. 🎶 I enjoyed using it in Viatica but for this IF I wanted to make it very intentional.
okay so, WOW. this is so good? I've been on the lookout for new itch.io games to play but the couple that piqued my interest were, for the most part, abandoned. i cannot express the joy that overtook me when I came across this gem: the lore, characters, setting, DONT GET ME STARTED ON EVELYN (i absolutely adore her), i love them all! my mc is aligned with fire and I love how it actually affects the gameplay instead of just being an insignificant detail. also, my heart dropped when coda's former identity was revealed. when the camp was destroyed, i kept gaslighting convincing myself that tellus survived. thank GOD that ended up being the case. anyways, i'm really glad he's the secret RO. when the romance lock eventually comes, im gonna have such a difficult time choosing. i have no preference for any character--WHICH IS A GOOD AND BAD THING. good because this means the creator(s? unsure if there's more than one) wrote each RO beautifully, capturing my interest the moment they were introduced. bad because im indecisive as hell. the point is: I love this and can't wait for the next chapter to come.
lol, I got it, but it shows in other games and it can be very interesting... anyway, the important for me to know is that 'number' is just romantic and even if I keep it low with some RO, we will still be good friends.
aaah this is one of my favorite games in here !! the way you narrate the story is so beautiful and descriptive, i truly feel like i'm living it :)) also, i have a question ! don't really know if i missed it while reading or if it wasn't specified, but what is tellus' attunement ? looking forward to the next chapters <3
I've never leave any comments but this... this... I really love your work (and maybe have read all in one shot) and felt genuine emotions all along my reading ! I also wanted to say I look forward to the next updates !
(sorry if there is mistakes I'm french and still a bit sruggling with english)
The next update (Chapter 5) will, yes. But this is a work in progress, so I can't promise that you won't have to start over again at some point in the future.
Heey, I've been reading this for a while now and made an account because I needed to report what I think is a bug. Basically when the MC starts questioning about the Resistencia if I choose any of the options it will respond but there's no button to continue.
hi! I don't often leave comments for these kinds of things, but I really wanted to share my thoughts.
I used to be a huge bookworm when I was younger, but I found that a lot of novels couldn't really keep me engaged as I got older and almost entirely dropped reading as a hobby. Then I stumbled onto this, was skeptical at first but it only took a few pages and I was hooked. I ended up finishing it in one straight session!
I'm really impressed by the balance between the writing feeling refined while staying engaging and fun. I love the worldbuilding and setting too (seriously Italian renaissance/steampunk is awesome) can't wait to read more through the story <3
Thank you so much, that is quite the compliment! I think I've gotten more impatient with slow reads, too, as I've gotten older, lol. It's a tricky line trying to give all the plot points their due, but yet not drag. I appreciate your words, thank you!
No, the music is an integral part of the story; it’s intentionally loud in parts to reflect the mood and what MC is experiencing. It’s in the content warning.
I realized the thing that's been bothering me about Tellus is that we never got to know him. There's this past history he has with MC but we never got to see that happen, bc he was more like a background character with the focus being on MC's friendship with Eve. When we reunite it's very emotional for everyone but on my end it took me a sec to remember who he was. Him lashing out at MC made me dislike him initially, whereas in another scene when Calliope lashes out at MC (about Vicente) I was more understanding. I felt like I knew her more and where she was coming from, while Tellus felt more like a stranger and on the real I was more annoyed he broke our shit than anything else lol. That being said, his apology made me sappy- they always do- and I'm looking forward to seeing him and MC rekindling their friendship.
I'd like to see more of him sprinkled in, either in the first chapter or whenever we're reminiscing. Like if we weren't with Eve we were with him, or how all three of us hung out together (his shy dynamic with a bold Eve would be fun to see. Eve wants to do X, MC wants to do Y, and ofc Tellus always agrees with whatever MC says which sets her off 😂), or more about the way he participated in MC's hobby.
---
I loved the differences with Bayram and his nicknames. I went back and picked everybody so I could see what he chose for them. Calliope's was my favorite, calling her LIL BUDDY.
My overall fave part was when we had to keep our pet from running out of the room. Reminded me of mine and all the times I had to squeeze through the door while they desperately tried to shove me out of the way. Compared to everything else it was such a little thing, but for some reason it stuck out to me and made me happy 🥰
Tellus was never meant to live beyond chapter 1, lol. That’s why he’s not featured much. Remember that we’re only 4 chapters in—plenty of time to get to know him. 😊
And I think you’re confused, Bayram calls Calliope “little hope”, or “dear hope”. You can find translations of all his expressions in the codex.
YOO I STILL HAVENT FINISHED THE CHAPTER BECAUSE OF SCHOOL AND MY MENTAL HEALTH RAHHH IM WATCHING MYSELF TURN FROM THE GIFTED KID TO AN IDIOT ^^ Anyways, it's already peak and im only like 5 paragraphs in >:3 love you Fir <3
side note: i find it rlly funny that i'm probably somewhat in relative closeness your offspring's age (im a late teen muahahaha >:D)
HELLO IT IS I. (10 days late but siigh school is, as always, kicking my ass!)
FIR AND FIREWEED I NEED A PUBLIC WRITTEN APOLOGY FOR MAKING ME CRY AT THAT LAST PART. THE STORY IS SO GOOD THE PROGRESS IS AMAZING BUT OH MY DAYS I AM SOBBINGGGGG 😭😭😭 praying mc gets to keep their parental figures this time round........looks at you pensively....
but seriously, jokes aside - phenomenal job as always!!! i had an amazing time reading through the latest chapter and practically ran laps around my room when i got to the part where you can flirt with vicente in a standoff so like. you can picture how that went 😋 as always, love what you put out and i cant wait for the next chapter!!!
(also i peep the viatica references....ur not slick fir....../affectionate)
ANGEL!! I always love seeing your name pop up here, my friend!
My public apology will be the amazing way I make it up to you in the next chapter. ;) There were actually 3 Viatica easter eggs in this chapter, hope you found them all!
Just now finished and wanted to leave a comment, absolutely amazing!!! each character is deep and I can almost feel the emotions rising in the words, great job!!
Ok, after this last chapter I am absolutely neck-deep into this IF. I knew it was gonna happen, eventually. Well, good job, Fir!
Can absolutely say I really appreciated the first meeting with Coda (neat name choice, btw). That hits close to home, and I am looking forward to see how and if they will patch up things.
I'm pretty convinced Vicente knows we're iredicci (I mean, how else could you find him without hearing? Also, what other reason could you have to eventually lie about being deaf? Come on, he's a smart one. I think ).
I appreciate your interest in my story! Do you have tumblr? That’s honestly the best way to interact with me. I answer questions like yours about voice claims there. And while I love to see fanart, the comments section isn’t an appropriate place to post it. But I encourage you to follow me on tumblr and share it there: https://www.tumblr.com/fir-fireweed
DUDE this game was so good!!!! It was genuinely so much fun, coming from someone who doesn't typically play these types of games lol! I love it so much, excited for more but no pressure ofc!
← Return to game
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Why is it that every interactive fiction I've read recently wants me to cry like a baby? WHY? WHAT HURT YOU?
😅
um wow this is so peak I NEED MORE
Thanks! More on the way!
I am late to the party! I've been so busy with Uni that I'm just now finding the time to sit down and play Cantata. I want to start with the fact I adored Viatica and have always loved your writing, it was amazing! But I will note that your writing has grown significantly. The way you transport us into the world of this story is stunning. All the ROs are so interested and I am deeply invested in each and every one of them which is a rare experience with me since I usually easily pick favorites! I will say, the ending of chapter 4 -- AGHH!! YOU AND THESE DEVASTATING CLIFFHANGERS! It seems to be a signifier of yours. If something has a cliffhanger that tears your heart in two, its probably written by Fir & Fireweed! Amazing work and I can't seem to be more -- also, the secret RO! chefs kiss! what an amazingly written, passionate scene with the reunification even if you choose not to romance them. so much to say but all in all -- great work! Amazing indeed! I can't wait to see how this story continues, how the storylines of the ROs shapes their interactions and the plot...and most importantly YAYY Taking down another evil empire!
Lol, my apologies for the cliffhangers! I’d like to say I’ll stop, but, uh… 😅
Thank you for that comment about my writing! I feel it’s improved, too, but it’s nice to hear it. I’m happy to hear you’ve read and enjoyed both my stories! 💕
This is really well written!! I can't wait for the next chapters to be released, especially since it seems like there's a lot left if the RO "chemistry" bars are anything to go by!
Just one small suggestion on something I noticed in my playthroughs:
If the non-binary option is chosen there seems to be no possibility of the masculinising/feminising "tonics" like there is if you are a trans man or trans woman, and I would greatly appreciate if an option for that could be added.
Amazing story so far!!
Thank you so much! This change will be in the next update, actually, along with including the binder option for non-binary, too.
Plenty of moments with the ROs still to come! 💕
ahhh - this is beautiful! the graphics, the interface, the writing, the music choices- :00
SPOILERS
i teared up during that first scene with the elder. swooning over corinne, hehe. she's so hot and badass!
the whole argument with tellus was heartwrenching. made me want to cry. i asked him for a dance before the battle. it just felt right. idk if i'm interested in him as a RO (yet), but i do have a thing for soft boys and i do care for him. looking forward to seeing where this goes!
mentally making fanart of your IF bc so many moments just live rent free in my head T-T you've worldbuilt this so beautifully, too, the world feels alive and breathing and full of colour and as a fellow writer i am jealous <3 TEACH ME YOUR WAYS
oh dear now that i've reached end of chapter 4 im having withdrawal symptoms. what do i now do with my life /j
Hello to a fellow writer! Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, especially Corinne; I love seeing love for her. ❤️
MAN, I AM CRYING.
WHY IS THIS SO WELL WRITTEN???
Also, got a ferret. Love him so so so so so much.
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying your ferret! ❤️
Same, but we just got him and he's already an old boy. 😭
-screaming into the void- -coughs- anyway, lovely story btw!
Lol, thanks!
You put your whooooole foot in this! How am I supposed to choose a RO when they’re all so well written 😭! Can’t wait for the next chapter
Lol, I put both feet and all 11 toes in.
(That’s an Adams family joke, btw, for you young uns.) 🤭
is there a downloadable version? or web only
Nope, browser only.
omg i just finished chapter 4, crying, and went to the next page hopefully only to be hit with 'thank you for playing' i nearly threw my laptop across the room. What an awful place to stop T_T
I shall wait eagerly for the next update and promise myself I will not cry this time!
There is a high chance of crying next chapter but I can promise that it’s the good kind! I’ll leave you feeling like you want to snuggle your laptop rather than throw it, lol. Thank you for reading! 🫶🏻
I absolutely love your work! It's a great story!!
Thank you! ❤️
Now, which RO to make as a custom character in Baldur's Gate 3..?
I've gotta do something while we all wait for the next chapter :]
Just did another reread, and I'm only just consciously realising how much the music helps the IF in literally EVERY regard. Sets the tone & makes whatever text is on the screen actually feel. 10/10, more IF's should do what Cantata does with music
Lol, I’m happy to see you return, thank you! And happy to hear you liked the music. 🎶 I enjoyed using it in Viatica but for this IF I wanted to make it very intentional.
I can't choose between Vicente and Tellus ;-; why are they so perfect???!!!!!!
I know right?!
A good problem to have. 🤭 Glad you’re enjoying the ROs!
*sigh* now to obsess in quiet misery for the next update. xD
I have no idea on how to start but SPOILERS AHEAD
okay so, WOW. this is so good? I've been on the lookout for new itch.io games to play but the couple that piqued my interest were, for the most part, abandoned. i cannot express the joy that overtook me when I came across this gem: the lore, characters, setting, DONT GET ME STARTED ON EVELYN (i absolutely adore her), i love them all! my mc is aligned with fire and I love how it actually affects the gameplay instead of just being an insignificant detail. also, my heart dropped when coda's former identity was revealed. when the camp was destroyed, i kept
gaslightingconvincing myself that tellus survived. thank GOD that ended up being the case. anyways, i'm really glad he's the secret RO. when the romance lock eventually comes, im gonna have such a difficult time choosing. i have no preference for any character--WHICH IS A GOOD AND BAD THING. good because this means the creator(s? unsure if there's more than one) wrote each RO beautifully, capturing my interest the moment they were introduced. bad because im indecisive as hell. the point is: I love this and can't wait for the next chapter to come.Thank you! This comment had me doing a full body happy wiggle. 😆
The creator is singular, just me, myself, and I, and I appreciate your words. ❤️
Well you yourself and... well you, are an absolutely fantastic writer
❤️
I really liked the new Chapter!!! Btw, the relationship meter with RO is only romantic, right? will be there another for friendship too?
Thank you! Yep, the bar measures chemistry, and honestly it’s just to initiate extra moments and flavor text. The final lock in will be a choice.
And no, friendship is something of a given in my stories so no bar necessary, lol. 😅
lol, I got it, but it shows in other games and it can be very interesting... anyway, the important for me to know is that 'number' is just romantic and even if I keep it low with some RO, we will still be good friends.
I may not romance Vicente in my first playthrough, but we are gonna friendship so hard and take down the emperor. xD
aaah this is one of my favorite games in here !! the way you narrate the story is so beautiful and descriptive, i truly feel like i'm living it :))
also, i have a question ! don't really know if i missed it while reading or if it wasn't specified, but what is tellus' attunement ?
looking forward to the next chapters <3
I might be wrong but I think it's air! It's mentioned a few times
Thank you very much! And yes, his attunement is air.
I've never leave any comments but this... this... I really love your work (and maybe have read all in one shot) and felt genuine emotions all along my reading ! I also wanted to say I look forward to the next updates !
(sorry if there is mistakes I'm french and still a bit sruggling with english)
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment! ❤️
Will the next updates support the saves?
The next update (Chapter 5) will, yes. But this is a work in progress, so I can't promise that you won't have to start over again at some point in the future.
Heey, I've been reading this for a while now and made an account because I needed to report what I think is a bug.
Basically when the MC starts questioning about the Resistencia if I choose any of the options it will respond but there's no button to continue.
Nvm I just read about the update having bugs when uploading old saves. Guess I now have something to do with my afternoon. Anyways love your work❤️
hi! I don't often leave comments for these kinds of things, but I really wanted to share my thoughts.
I used to be a huge bookworm when I was younger, but I found that a lot of novels couldn't really keep me engaged as I got older and almost entirely dropped reading as a hobby. Then I stumbled onto this, was skeptical at first but it only took a few pages and I was hooked. I ended up finishing it in one straight session!
I'm really impressed by the balance between the writing feeling refined while staying engaging and fun. I love the worldbuilding and setting too (seriously Italian renaissance/steampunk is awesome) can't wait to read more through the story <3
also has yuri so 10/10
Thank you so much, that is quite the compliment! I think I've gotten more impatient with slow reads, too, as I've gotten older, lol. It's a tricky line trying to give all the plot points their due, but yet not drag. I appreciate your words, thank you!
Would it be possible to add a way to adjust music volume? The music's great but it's a little loud sometimes.
No, the music is an integral part of the story; it’s intentionally loud in parts to reflect the mood and what MC is experiencing. It’s in the content warning.
You can always adjust the volume on your device.
My bad, I usually don't read content warnings so I missed that.
SPOILERS BELOW.
I realized the thing that's been bothering me about Tellus is that we never got to know him. There's this past history he has with MC but we never got to see that happen, bc he was more like a background character with the focus being on MC's friendship with Eve. When we reunite it's very emotional for everyone but on my end it took me a sec to remember who he was. Him lashing out at MC made me dislike him initially, whereas in another scene when Calliope lashes out at MC (about Vicente) I was more understanding. I felt like I knew her more and where she was coming from, while Tellus felt more like a stranger and on the real I was more annoyed he broke our shit than anything else lol. That being said, his apology made me sappy- they always do- and I'm looking forward to seeing him and MC rekindling their friendship.
I'd like to see more of him sprinkled in, either in the first chapter or whenever we're reminiscing. Like if we weren't with Eve we were with him, or how all three of us hung out together (his shy dynamic with a bold Eve would be fun to see. Eve wants to do X, MC wants to do Y, and ofc Tellus always agrees with whatever MC says which sets her off 😂), or more about the way he participated in MC's hobby.
---
I loved the differences with Bayram and his nicknames. I went back and picked everybody so I could see what he chose for them. Calliope's was my favorite, calling her LIL BUDDY.
My overall fave part was when we had to keep our pet from running out of the room. Reminded me of mine and all the times I had to squeeze through the door while they desperately tried to shove me out of the way. Compared to everything else it was such a little thing, but for some reason it stuck out to me and made me happy 🥰
Tellus was never meant to live beyond chapter 1, lol. That’s why he’s not featured much. Remember that we’re only 4 chapters in—plenty of time to get to know him. 😊
And I think you’re confused, Bayram calls Calliope “little hope”, or “dear hope”. You can find translations of all his expressions in the codex.
just finished reading- Tellus is definitely my favorite so I can't wait to see more of him hehe
YOO I STILL HAVENT FINISHED THE CHAPTER BECAUSE OF SCHOOL AND MY MENTAL HEALTH RAHHH IM WATCHING MYSELF TURN FROM THE GIFTED KID TO AN IDIOT ^^ Anyways, it's already peak and im only like 5 paragraphs in >:3
love you Fir <3
side note: i find it rlly funny that i'm probably somewhat in relative closeness your offspring's age (im a late teen muahahaha >:D)
Lol, thank you! And yup, if you’re late teens you’re exactly my kiddos’ ages. 😆
Take care of school and yourself!
still at chapter 1 and holy shit this is peak why didnt i find this sooner
just finished it all in one sittign, tis peak indeed, havent found one this good since forever, look forward for its futute!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it and gave it a chance. 😁
Me: Okay, my Bucky Barnes obsession finally passed, now I can enjoy fics from different genres with different characters :)
Vicente:
Me:
Vicente:
Me: ...quack
dammit nooooooooooo I need moreeeee not that cliffhanger D:
that cliffhanger is diabolical
HELLO IT IS I. (10 days late but siigh school is, as always, kicking my ass!)
FIR AND FIREWEED I NEED A PUBLIC WRITTEN APOLOGY FOR MAKING ME CRY AT THAT LAST PART. THE STORY IS SO GOOD THE PROGRESS IS AMAZING BUT OH MY DAYS I AM SOBBINGGGGG 😭😭😭 praying mc gets to keep their parental figures this time round........looks at you pensively....
but seriously, jokes aside - phenomenal job as always!!! i had an amazing time reading through the latest chapter and practically ran laps around my room when i got to the part where you can flirt with vicente in a standoff so like. you can picture how that went 😋 as always, love what you put out and i cant wait for the next chapter!!!
(also i peep the viatica references....ur not slick fir....../affectionate)
ANGEL!! I always love seeing your name pop up here, my friend!
My public apology will be the amazing way I make it up to you in the next chapter. ;) There were actually 3 Viatica easter eggs in this chapter, hope you found them all!
Good luck at school!
Just now finished and wanted to leave a comment, absolutely amazing!!! each character is deep and I can almost feel the emotions rising in the words, great job!!
Thank you for your kind words!
how dare you make me feel this much fir 😭 This is such a beautiful IF I truly look forward to every chapter, and they just get better!🔥✍️
Thank you, Bat!
Ok, after this last chapter I am absolutely neck-deep into this IF. I knew it was gonna happen, eventually. Well, good job, Fir!
Can absolutely say I really appreciated the first meeting with Coda (neat name choice, btw). That hits close to home, and I am looking forward to see how and if they will patch up things.
I'm pretty convinced Vicente knows we're iredicci (I mean, how else could you find him without hearing? Also, what other reason could you have to eventually lie about being deaf? Come on, he's a smart one. I think ).
I appreciate your interest in my story! Do you have tumblr? That’s honestly the best way to interact with me. I answer questions like yours about voice claims there. And while I love to see fanart, the comments section isn’t an appropriate place to post it. But I encourage you to follow me on tumblr and share it there: https://www.tumblr.com/fir-fireweed
Thanks for telling me! I don't have tumblr, but I'll keep in mind for when I'll have enough time for that too.
Why the fuck would you leave me bawling my eyes out at the end of the chapter 😭😭 ughhhh i hate you and I love you.
Erm, thank you? 😅
Oh my god I’m in actual disbelief at how good this is so far, I Need more! This is genuinely the first IF ever I’ve debated donating for!
Lol, glad I could tempt your purse strings. 😆 Even if you don’t donate, thank you for reading!
I'M SCREAMING, IM CRYING. You're writing is soo good! And the Viatica references!!! I love you and this story so much
Thank you!
The story is beautiful. I chosed Vincente.
XTKDTKSIRWTKDLUFJFJLFHKDJTAURAIYDLHDIJFSURDYOFITUAJTFLG IT'S SO AMAZING I'M HOOKED
Lol, thanks!
DUDE this game was so good!!!! It was genuinely so much fun, coming from someone who doesn't typically play these types of games lol! I love it so much, excited for more but no pressure ofc!
Thank you, I appreciate that! The next chapter will be done sometime in early 2026. 😁
underrated, how does this only have 482 reviews?
The game is still relatively new, hasn't been out a year yet. That's a decent number considering.
But I very much appreciate the sentiment and vote of confidence, thank you! ❤️
Ohhh Fir, this gets better every time I read it and it was already so good! 🙏
Thank you, Elv!