The Nameless Assassins

arianedartagnan | action | Complete

Slinking through the seedy underbelly of haunted, crime-ridden Doskvol, young Isha Yara juggles allegiances to two rival gangs while trying desperately to escape her family. Meanwhile, the part-demon Ashlyn Slane longs to rise in the cult of That Which Hungers. And as for Faith Karstas, she is bored. So, so bored. When Ash discovers that a gang leader needs help removing an enemy, he immediately recruits Isha and Faith. Together, the three form a crew of nameless assassins.... (A Blades in the Dark RPG adventure)

189.59 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 12:58

Tales from the UnderCurrent - Volumes 1 & 2 (Short Story Series)

Momentie | tragedy | Complete

Sabban Vint & his fellow graduates of the 117th cadet core, are exhilarated at the chance to serve alongside the legendary ace pilots of IAFS - However they will soon learn that not all soldiers are heroes nor all pilots aces - Someone needs to don the redshirt, to bellow the Wilhelm-Scream - To pilot the mighty V-MBT-Neo-M - The Nemo.Bela Grimizanis considered the best of the best, regardless of any rumours her subordinates might speak of - But are years of training, experience & raw talent enough to counter someone with faith on their side?'Lucky' Luke.Luke is his middle name actually but it's what everyone calls him.That's the sort of place he lives - A place where a legend is required when war comes beckoning at their doors... Now on Royal Road!This is a series of short stories that take place in the world of the UnderCurrent.A world where 'plot-armour' is usually something the enemy have & where the machine you pilot may very well decide a battle before it ever begins.---- Now availableon Royal-Road!For my review of 'Zeta Gundam' I wrote a short story detailing what the lives of the poor everyday background pilots must be like - In a war predicated on the fact that one man said another's name; "Sounds like a girl's name" - Leading to the deaths of 1000s. Since then I've begun writing an original novel, carrying over the characters from here, called 'UnderCurrent'.These stories can be read without knowledge of UnderCurrent and likewise it can be read without knowledge of this. Optimally however it may benefit you to read UnderCurrent to have complete context, the following are some words that may not always be in all of the stories should you choose to skip from tale to tale;Vijaik - A blanket term for mechs made of regular metals. They come in a variety of designs.Casnel - Specifically refers to any mech made of the rare metal 'Goibniu'. They are exceptionally advanced and powerful machines.Bhaile and Abhaile - The planets of UnderCurrent's people.IAFS - 'Independent Alliance of Free States', a rebel faction backed by private corporations, seeking change for the solar-system.TSU - 'The States Union', ruling body of all controlled space, known for often-times being callous and extreme in method.Remembrance - A somewhat 'wild-card' faction made up of former rebellion survivors operating from the 'Remembrance' continent. ----Thanks for reading= =M.

39.68 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:53

Quiet kids

Losing_Dog2 | tragedy | Complete

The following is a work of fiction, which includes a triple murder, bruises, a lonely house, a girl who wants to disappear, and quietness.

11.76 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:50

The Lost Realms: EVERMORE - Eadric's Chronicles

devonbarrington | tragedy | Complete

In the ancient realm of Evermore, a land steeped in magic and marred by conflict, an age-old war rages between two mighty races-the humans and the elves. Bound by a tumultuous history of bloodshed and mistrust, their bitter enmity threatens to consume the very fabric of the world they call home. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, we embark on a gripping tale that follows the extraordinary journey of Eadric Lightbringer, a formidable battlemage hailing from the town of Ravenhold. Eadric, a man burdened by the weight of destiny, finds himself thrust into a realm of unfathomable darkness, where courage will be tested, alliances will crumble, and secrets long forgotten will surface with devastating consequences. As the fragile balance of power teeters on the edge, Eadric's path converges with the ancient prophecies whispered in shadowed corridors. A reluctant hero, he must navigate treacherous landscapes and face both the savagery of the elven forces and the inner demons that haunt his own soul. With his mastery of the arcane arts and a flickering glimmer of hope, Eadric strives to bridge the chasm of hatred that divides his people, searching for a means to forge a lasting peace in a land consumed by war.

13.04 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:49

A Tale of Tricks and Knowledge

Emersyn Hart | tragedy | Complete

This story was written for the Royal Road Community Magazine Jan 2024 Ezekiel craved one thing: knowledge to become immortal. Each day he studies in a library worn down by time, hidden away past the forest. Each day, he returns with the same information. Immortality may have existed, but it can't exist anymore. The first human girl visits his hometown. Enamoured by her desire to fill her life with adventure, Ezekiel shares the library with the traveller. What was supposed to be a simple test of resolve was anything but. Secrets are uncovered. Decisions must be made. What to Expect: - 1.5k - 3k word chapters - Enemies to Lovers Romance Side Plot - A medium paced story - Non-human x Human relationship

14.70 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:48

The first summer night

Ruslan_rb_kg | one_shot | Complete

Going to sea, century after century, generation after generation, people have met the same things there - the wind, the waves and a ship with an elven captain coming into port just to restock the supplies...

2.75 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:44

Wet World Wonderland: The Happiest Machine.

Alzoran | one_shot | Complete

This is a short story based in the world of Wet World Wonderland. The Machine is reborn, inspired by a great light he will journey to find it once more, giving everything he has as he upholds his prime directive.

7.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:44

Star Cats

Miles Trombley | one_shot | Complete

Tyger and his friends are a group of genetically engineered cat humanoid, raised to become star rangers for the intergalactic human federation, called the Star Alliance. Their job is to protect the human colonies and defeat whoever tries to threaten them. But everything changed when a mysterious race of alien bugs appears from the unknown and attack the planets. To order to stop the bugs, the Star Cats must find an alien artifact with the mysterious potential of stopping the invaders. They will travel to different worlds, fight different space monsters, and raid two alien temples before the bugs exterminate everyone across the galaxy. Will they be able to save humans, or will they fall? Note: There might be grammar errors I missed because this is my first draft. This fiction will also be a novella. I will post the chapters between 6 pm and 10 pm. The book cover is also AI generated from Dall-e 3.

11.42 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:46

The Hidden

janejreid | sci_fi | Complete

Millions of years ago, the magical races set about exploring space. When the humans started rejecting and persecuting them, only some chose to stay and help humanity thrive. Now, humanity is coming a little too close to discovering the magical world that lives alongside them. Unable to leave the planet, the magical races retreat to places on the earth that are uninhabitable to humans. Can they contact their space faring brethren before the humans discover them? Or will there be a genocidal war?

39.48 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:43

To My Dearest Scorpio

forevercelest | psychological | Complete

In Japanese, "羘n ". Another classical edition written that blends in horoscopes and astrology signs into the story. Surrounding the 4 elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth) of the Western and Sidereal astrology, what happens when Scorpio O meets Virgo M? Let's reveal the mystery in this special release.

0.39 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:21

Dream Theater

Pxan | psychological | Complete

Long casted shadows danced in the background, as a man squibbled and jotted words on yellow papers. A mere novelty, remnant and ghost that was left to age away along with the forgotten theater, a man grasped for inspiration to salvage what was left of his soul. Abandoned in the squalid room, Pxan was left hauntedly in the furthest corners of insanity that bubbled in his mind. No one would listen to his plight, denouncing him and claiming his mind was not right. Even though the world left him with nothing, turning their backs to him, he knew the books would never betray him in the same fashion. Faceless pages and books yet to be read ogled puppy eyes, ready to be penned by the madman. "Pxan! Pxan! Over here! To me!" Clamored the unpublished manuscripts. Pxan's fingers quivered nervously, thoughts of failure flooded his mind. Wanting to surrender to the pressure. "No!" He cried. "I've had enough of writing." Books with eyes all stared at him, begging for the tales to be written. Their pleaful eyes were all that Pxan needed to be moved to writing again. The man sighed and raised his pen again, stroking the first letters of inspiration that bore fruit from his mind. A maddening tale of a policeman, cultists and a violent revenge& -Currently on Hiatus while writing the second volume.The first volume is up. I will take a few days to rewrite a few chapters. Afterwards, updates will proceed as usual.Current rewrite progress 17/59 chapters rewrited.This is my first real novel, any kind of criticism or feedback is appreciated. I am looking for an editor, if someone wants to help me avoid typos please contact me. The cover is a detail of Faust in His Studyby Ary Scheffer, c. 1831, watercolor and gouache on paper.

19.62 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:27

Is it right to fear death?

Lekim | mystery | Complete

After dying, a young man who hates humans is awakened by a voice that proclaims itself God.Proposing to be reincarnated in a different world, he will meet other gods who act strange.He doesn't turn out as he expected, because in the blink of an eye everything changes.What will become of him after discovering the truth? The sequel is "Is it right to fear love?". (Trilogy free on Kindle Unlimited and available on Amazon: http://mybook.to/EsCoTeMEN)

29.13 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:21

Telos - 9th Anniversary Edition

Ryan Geever | mystery | Complete

THE ORIGINS OF RADICAL-9. Taking place four years before the beginning of Radical-9, Gavin Daniels is kidnapped from his abandoned college campus and uncovers the terrible origins behind the Radical-9 Virus and the motivations behind the mastermind behind it all, Jack Adata, before he ever became Game Master of Elysium. Trigger Warnings: Death, Violence, Murder, Blood

35.49 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:18

The Corpse of ICARUS (Twelve Monoliths Book II)

Ryan Geever | horror | Complete

Release Window: [06/16-06/25] Allison Fae is the new kid to Nasseu Middle School, and already she's got kids dying left and right! Okay, just left. One half of conjoined twins Rosemary and Josephine Higgins is the victim of an awful bashing-to-the-head that kids are getting so mixed up with today. A dark force takes intrigue in the itty-bitty human conflict that is definitely in no way, shape, or form related to the murder of that rich kid a few months before the start of school. The force, named Issachar preserves the scene of the crime perfectly so an investigation can be properly maintained with no silly distractions from the outside like 'police' or 'lawyers'. "Solve the murder, escape the darkness!" Issachar tells the children, and thus kickstarts an investigation into the darkest truths and lies about the kids at Nasseu Middle School. Trigger Warnings: Violence, Murder, Torture

34.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:15

Good People Die (Twelve Monoliths Book I)

Ryan Geever | horror | Complete

Release Window: [3/14-04/03] Six players. One gun. One way out. Lucas Gray has no idea who he is or why he was captured to participate in the mysterious Roulette Game--A death game centered around trust in complete strangers in order to avoid being shot and killed. Pieces of the puzzle will begin to come together and a terrible truth shall be revealed. Trigger Warnings: Death, Gore, Animal Violence, Decay

44.51 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:12

Within the Shadows of Sanity

MrSoopy | horror | Complete

Dr. Jonathan Everett is a renowned psychiatrist known for his remarkable ability to navigate the twisted depths of the human mind. But when he is called to Oakridge Asylum, a renowned institution housing the most severe mental afflictions, he finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and darkness.

0.48 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:10

Kanu

OriginalKingD | drama | Complete

Kanu is a heroic fantasy in the shadows of legendary warriors such as Conan and Imaro. A young man hurled away from the safety and protection of his tribe into a world he never imagined. Haunted by nightmares that have plagued his mind since Birth Kanu travels the world searching for the voice inside his head hoping that he may one day know peace. As we know him now, he is an orphan bathed in blood barely escaping the grasp of madness but one day his name shall be spoken in timeless classics and sang of wherever libations may be had. [This is part of the June 2022 Community Magazine]

7.13 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:07

The Explorer Saga

KestenH | drama | Complete

The Explorer Saga is also available on Amazon. A race of violent aliens known as the Aggressive Intellectuals have been at war with humanity for over 400 years, but Wander Locke's never given the conflict much thought. Not until it claimed his parents. His sister's body was never recovered, leaving him to believe that she's still out there somewhere. He's made it his personal mission to find her and bring her home. A mission supported by the President of the First Division, who tasks him with retrieving an experimental shield generator from a mysterious group of rebels. What was meant to be a simple task evolves into a life-changing fight as Wander discovers that the galaxy has as many secrets as it does stars. He's not just searching for his sister anymore, he's looking for answers about his family, his enemies, and himself.

182.10 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:06

Tabula Rasa: C-13 [A Sci-fi Drama]

Poptotype | drama | Complete

What would you do if you woke up without a clue who you were? Would you end up repeating everything over again, repeating your mistakes? Or would you prove that people are more than their past? You woke up in a mechanical body in a long-decayed compound, can you live this life better than the last? Do you seek out your origin... or do you embrace this chance to flee those fleeting and bittersweet memories? Join C-13 on his new chance at life, live his struggles in this dystopian cyberpunk world, watch him grow into the person he was always meant to be, and don't forget, reality is what we perceive it to be. [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] *Currently under rewrite, will post second edition for beta reading when complete!*

36.30 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 16:10

The Illusion of Freedom

RandomSyllables | drama | Complete

We are all bound. Whether it is in literal chains or metaphorical chains, we have oppressors, obligations, even love holding us in place. During a scientific expedition to the Blazing Crescent, the SS Serendipity discovers a mysterious woman adrift in the ocean. She is from a world beyond an impassable barrier; the world of Siperon. As she tells the tale of the life she left behind, she is also preparing herself for the future that awaits her in Lomany. There are two concurrent stories which unfold. The frame story that Trosyn "Red" Nytt tells of her history as a slave, and the present story of the relationships she develops aboard the SS Serendipity. Although there are romantic elements in the story, I do not consider this a romance. What you can expect: * Updates every Tuesday and Friday* Chapters ranging from 2500-5000 words.* A mix of third and first person narration.* Steampunk-ish setting (It takes place on a ship with a steam engine)* Lore vaguely inspired by Celtic/British Isles mythology* The odd spot of dry humour.* Main characters that aren't teenagers.* Mature themes without the crutch of gratuitous sex and graphic violence

33.35 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 15:57