I’d like to thank everyone for their kind comments regarding ‘Sanctuary’ and the playthroughs. It’s been a joy to work on! I’d like to thank Steph for her wonderful voice-acting, feedback and support!  The O2A2 Jam has been fantastic this year, it was fantastic to see so many different and creative entries. Be sure to check them out if you have time.

This entry is a little different than other in the Folklore series- there’s a different tone, so I wanted to talk just a little about that.

1. The setting – Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful place! The first time I went there I knew that I had to make a game set in that location! But it’s actually quite a vibrant and lively place these days, especially in the daytime, there are lots of events held, it’s free to walk around too! A great place to visit if you’re in the North of England!
2. The characters –
   1. Gregory - I was short on words with this entry, but I realise that I never mentioned that The Grim/Gregory appeared like a dog at the beginning of the game! That was an error on my part! A good lesson learnt for the future. Importantly, I think grieving is a personal process, we all react in different ways, and some people…are too hurt by repeated grief and don’t know how to be. I think this captures Gregory’s experience well. He’s not always been this way – he has met people who he cared about, but losing them has made him frightened of attachment. There is a tie-in to other parts of the Folklore series, but I wanted this to be enjoyed in isolation, so it isn’t dwelled on in the narrative.
   2. Alice – There are many ‘edgy’ and ‘oppressive’ characters in the world’s folklore stories – but there are gentle and kind figures too. Alice is one such character, a delightful white witch who loves nature and particularly enjoys herbology. She respects people and the ways they choose to live with curiosity, but without judgement. She is comfortable in herself and very secure. Alice represents the power of gentility and respect – she does not pressure the Grim, she doesn’t abandon him when he is feeling vulnerable and wants space. She takes joy in their budding friendship. We could all use a friend like Alice! Or even better, we can be that friend to someone else. 😊
3. The game narrative – There is no ‘bad end’ in this game…Alice will remain a presence in Gregory’s life either way. She will not give up on him and she is respectful, she doesn’t want to burden Gregory with doubts or regrets – so regardless of what the player picks, Alice will support him. Even when he is less social, she understands and gives him space – respecting his introverted tendencies.
4. Finally… the title - Sanctuary – the world is a scary place for many of us at the moment, so I wanted to create Sanctuary as Counterbalance to that – I hope Sanctuary can offer a place of refuge and protection for around 15 minutes or so.

Thank you for your companionship – and I’ll hopefully see you again for the upcoming Folklore title – ‘The Perusers of Mythic Truth’- which will be part of the Mythology VN Jam!