🫀Patron Poll: Harrowing vs. Ludus - Direction of Chapter 3.3

Patrons of Pain and Punishment,

Privileged Purveyors of Pleasure,

Two paths now stand before us — both carved in blood and ritual.

The next chapter of Orphan (3.3) will determine which story continues first:

1️⃣ The Harrowing (Academy Arc)
Weeks into their first term, the initiates of Highrock are stripped of sleep, food, and mercy. The Night Watch ends, and what begins as a trial of discipline becomes a descent into madness; the moment where magick either awakens… or consumes.

Will you guide your Orphan through the Harrowing unscathed, or forever changed?

2️⃣ The Ludus (Gladiator Arc)
Sold at auction to one of four, yet delivered into Duchess Livia's gladiator crucible all the same. Your Orphan will be trained at the Ludus among slaves, servants and sworn killers. Rivals, masters, pleasures and punishments abound. The slow shaping of a mind and body fit for the Death Games. How will you stand the tests yet to come?

Your votes will decide which route receives the primary focus for Chapter 3.3, while the other continues in parallel drafts behind the scenes.

⚖️ Vote below:
🩸 Harrowing — the magickal , underground gauntlet of Highrock
⚔️ Ludus Crathal — the flesh-forged beginning of the Gladiator arc

The future of Orphan has always been shaped by your voices, your desire, your devotion.

This question is no different.

And it should go without saying... Thank you for the wave of support in the wake of Chapter 3.2's release, along with the positive reception and feedback. Alas, you (my patrons) keep the fire burning bright. Whether you've been with me from the beginning or have only arrived recently, it means a great deal to see Orphan growing.

It's alive in your hands. So thank you.

🩸 Onward.
– Truth @ Exalted Text