Charlotte is absolutely my favourite, she's so sweet. I just brought this game for the extra scenes with her and probably won't play any of the other routes until hers is ready. I'll hold off on a real review since I've played so little but currently the game is a 10/10 because Charlotte is in there.
If you have downloaded v2.7, then the Loveless route can be accessed via Guillaume's route.
After clicking on his portrait, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps
Not related to the game, but I wanted to say that I just bought The Rose of Segunda on Steam and I can't wait to play it! I fell in love with the art style of the game and the premise of the story (plus the fact that it's a period romance and with a lesbian romance option, it definitely fit me like a glove, as a lesbian who loves period romances, lol). I was extremely happy when I found out that this sequel exists, at the moment I can't buy it, but I'm already excited about it, I hope that one day I can get it on Steam too... it would be easier for me to get the game there, anyway, lots of kisses! You rock! Bye!
Thank you for the kind feedback - I hope you enjoy The Rose of Segunda.
Once Thorns of War is finished it will be released on Steam and anyone who purchased a copy on itch will get a free key, but we have still two routes to finish before that can happen. ^_^
Finished Leopold (my favorite! <3) and Bastien's routes without problems, but Guillame's is really buggy. Doing the branch where he loves you and wants the crown and I've been getting a lot of errors and skipped scenes. Dialogue indicates I met with Sophia and Etrillard(sp) but I didn't actually see the scenes. I hope this will be fixed in the next version, I know it's EA. fixed now
Hello and thank you for the feedback. Do you think you could give a more detailed list of where bugs are occurring, please - either here or sent to support@blackcross-taylor.com - it can very very hard to find specific bugs without the reports owing to the number of variables defined as you play the route. I would be grateful for any help you can provide.
UPDATE: I have found and fixed a coding issue that was added by the Loveless Route (it is part of Guillaume's route and unfortunately seemed to cause some trouble with the existing code), so thank you for bring that to my attention. If you wish to redownload the game and see if this is now working for you, the version you are looking for is 2.7.
However, I have been unable to replicate the issue with the Sofia and Etrillard scenes being mentioned. This might be because fixing the code issue has fixed that as well, or it might be that I am not making the specific combination of in-game choices that lead to the issue. Please could I ask you to send me details of the line/lines where they are mentioned erroneously and I will try to investigate further.
That was really fast, thanks! I will download the new version. I don't have/remember details, unfortunately, but I assume if you couldn't replicate it, it's probably fixed. If I get anymore errors I'll let you know!
Wow. I finally read through everything and I can definitely say that this was a very enjoyable update. And so substantial too! I really enjoyed the two new love interests... It was very sweet getting to know Mathys, and speaking of..
Loveless route, Mathys(?) branch endgame spoilers
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One of the best parts was seeing Mama Parisi finally getting all choked up with pride over her daughter's achievement: staging a successful military coup! That was downright hilarious.
Ah, thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the route - particularly Mathys's path. And you managed to impress Mother - you are truly worthy of the crown! ^_^
Hi, I'm playing the linux version on steam deck right now, but for some reason I can't select the "No one" route, the way Charlotte and Frederique's routes can't be selected. All the other routes work fine. Has the linux version been updated yet?
If you are looking for the loveless route, you will find it under Guillaume's route.
After clicking on his portrait, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
I just end my playthough with the “loveless” route ( at least, one of them ).
I really find it very interesting to do. The MC is still a strong MC like in other routes, this is still the same kind of “gameplay” (strong story/lore, well done characters, tracking hints in story to find the “right” choice, MC love story ) and somehow it’s also a different “atmosphere” from other routes.
And there is really different way to go to a “successfull” end so, when playing, you feel like your choice matters in MC life.
Note that I do not think less of the other routes ( even if I may have some preferences ) and I really find good the effort done to have different kind of approach/issues in each of them.
Thanks and congratulation for the great work you have done !
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the loveless route.
All the game paths are fundamentally the same, but I do try to make them feel different each time, so I am glad that you feel I have succeeded there. ^_^
I have to say, that this loveless route exceeded all my expectations! I talk about the The shared throne ending. This was even better than Leo's route! :D I can only praise your storytelling, it is so awesome :D I got to the Elopement and the Tyrant queen end too, these were somehow less burdened than the other characters' stories outside of the Loveless route and i like them too :)
Thank you for writing these cunning, witty and heartwarming stories :)
Also, I was rereading the Leopold POV extra for Rose, and omg, I remembered that Leopold got struck on the cheek too (though in a more benign situation as compared to Iolanthe in Thorns) and they also had a whole scene regarding first names in both games!!!
Hehehe it's been a while since I played Rose, so I think I'll get back to that. Your writing is such a delight to read. Thank you very much for this game!
Hi I was wondering. is my copy of Thorns of War supposed to come with a Steam key, like with Rose of Segunda? i don't think I got one. sorry if this was already answered
I rarely leave reviews, but this route has motivated me to:)
Absolutely adore the Loveless route!
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It was very satisfying to become a queen after all that humiliation that Iolanthe was forced to suffer. It was especially gratifying to see the looks on both Leopold and Guillaume's faces when they've realized they've been outplayed by someone they deemed so 'insignificant' and 'naive', hehe.
But my favourite part of the route was Leo's romance while making poor Guillaume realize both his mistakes and feelings towards Iolanthe ( it broke my heart to string him along though 💔 even if he was so horrible at the beginning). But the divorce scene in this particular route is *chef's kiss*!
Guillaume's route was also very sweet - his innocence is so adorable♡although it was a bit disappointing not to have a kiss cg with him🥺. Also, I like the ending with him as a queen much more than in his Love route, if only just because Iolanthe seems to be his equal in everything - much like in Leo's route.
It was also interesting to learn some new details about both Leo and Gui that were not really (or at all) discussed in their respective Love routes.
Ah, it is going to be a truly sad day when you complete the game and the story of Iolanthe ends🤧. But I will be looking forward to your next projects♥
Ah, many thanks for the review and I am glad to hear you found the route enjoyable - especially getting one over on Leo and Guillaume ^_^
Oh, and there is a kiss CG with Guillaume, but it only appears if you managed to succeed with the Auguste plot. I just double checked and it should be working, but please let me know if you are still having trouble getting it to appear.
I love love the worldbuilding and intrigue you've written into this game and the loveless route was still very enjoyable on that front. It's like feasting on a whole novel each route.
I got the Tyrant Queen ending first, as Iolanthe deserves! Hehe.
Ofc next I went for Leopold (Loveless route version), and it took me a few tries before realizing you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose? (Unless I missed something). But wow, the dynamic between not-quite-enemies Leopold and Iolanthe who are trying to feel out how much they should trust each other developing into an attraction at seeing each other's true self is so good. Eating it up!! The post divorce scene where Leopold is so furious at Guillaume on Iolanthe's behalf is everything to me. I was swooningggg. The first name basis? Oh my! Fanning myself!
Are you going to update the website with the endings guide? Asking because I'm so curious at the number of endings hidden on the list. Hehe
"you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose?" that is very disappointing to hear... It would naturally make sense if Iolanthe is in love with him, she would back him in the conflict.
The thought behind the decision was that, whatever Iolanthe's feelings, she has already rejected Leopold once in order to marry his most-hated enemy. Leopold is a proud man and, after such a betrayal, he no longer loves or trusts her. He would not accept her backing.
Super excited about the new route! However, for whatever reason I can't actually select the "No one" option when starting a new game. I tried different options and even re-downloaded the game (it's definitely the newest version since the ending list has updated), but I can't get it to work.
It isn't allowing me to select "No one" in both the Mac and Windows versions. Double checked the endings list as well and it has been updated with the Loveless Route endings (there is a lot of them, holy moly) so version 2.5 is certainly the latest.
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
(Sorry for posting twice - I wanted to make sure both posts got a notification.)
I´m very interested in this game since I played The Rose of Segunda. Really great work there. Charlotte is my favorite romance. So my question: What about Charlotte's route? Will you work on the routes how it´s shown above? Loveless route, then Frederique and after that Charlotte? Do you have an approximate release date for these routes?
Hello and thank you for your interest. Yes, Charlotte's route will be worked on after Frederique's is completed.
As for release dates, the Loveless route will be coming out at the end of March. I then hope to have Frederique's route finished some time in the summer, after which I will begin Charlotte's route. But having not begun her route yet, I do not think I can give a release date as yet.
Thanks for the answer. No problem. That´s all I wanted to know. I didn´t expect an exact release date, just something to look forward to.
So maybe end of the year. That´s enough for me. I think it´s time to replay The Rose of Segunda and after that start with Sofia´s route in The Thorns of War.
← Return to game
Comments
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Charlotte is absolutely my favourite, she's so sweet. I just brought this game for the extra scenes with her and probably won't play any of the other routes until hers is ready. I'll hold off on a real review since I've played so little but currently the game is a 10/10 because Charlotte is in there.
Many thanks for your feedback - I'm glad to hear you like Charlotte and I'm impressed by your willpower waiting f! ^_^
She will be worked on after the current route is finished, so I hope you won't have much longer to wait.
Many thanks for playing
Hello, I bought game two years ago. I see in log that loveless route is out, but when I started new game I cant pick it. Why ?
If you have downloaded v2.7, then the Loveless route can be accessed via Guillaume's route.
After clicking on his portrait, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps
Ok, Thank You
Not related to the game, but I wanted to say that I just bought The Rose of Segunda on Steam and I can't wait to play it! I fell in love with the art style of the game and the premise of the story (plus the fact that it's a period romance and with a lesbian romance option, it definitely fit me like a glove, as a lesbian who loves period romances, lol). I was extremely happy when I found out that this sequel exists, at the moment I can't buy it, but I'm already excited about it, I hope that one day I can get it on Steam too... it would be easier for me to get the game there, anyway, lots of kisses! You rock! Bye!
Thank you for the kind feedback - I hope you enjoy The Rose of Segunda.
Once Thorns of War is finished it will be released on Steam and anyone who purchased a copy on itch will get a free key, but we have still two routes to finish before that can happen. ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Finished Leopold (my favorite! <3) and Bastien's routes without problems, but
Guillame's is really buggy. Doing the branch where he loves you and wants the crown and I've been getting a lot of errors and skipped scenes. Dialogue indicates I met with Sophia and Etrillard(sp) but I didn't actually see the scenes. I hope this will be fixed in the next version, I know it's EA.fixed nowHello and thank you for the feedback. Do you think you could give a more detailed list of where bugs are occurring, please - either here or sent to support@blackcross-taylor.com - it can very very hard to find specific bugs without the reports owing to the number of variables defined as you play the route. I would be grateful for any help you can provide.
Many thanks for playing
UPDATE: I have found and fixed a coding issue that was added by the Loveless Route (it is part of Guillaume's route and unfortunately seemed to cause some trouble with the existing code), so thank you for bring that to my attention. If you wish to redownload the game and see if this is now working for you, the version you are looking for is 2.7.
However, I have been unable to replicate the issue with the Sofia and Etrillard scenes being mentioned. This might be because fixing the code issue has fixed that as well, or it might be that I am not making the specific combination of in-game choices that lead to the issue. Please could I ask you to send me details of the line/lines where they are mentioned erroneously and I will try to investigate further.
Many thanks again for playing
That was really fast, thanks! I will download the new version. I don't have/remember details, unfortunately, but I assume if you couldn't replicate it, it's probably fixed. If I get anymore errors I'll let you know!
Thank you, I really do appreciate all the bug reports.
Even with the testing that I and the playtesters do, we always have a few bugs that slip through, so I am very grateful when players report them ^_^
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that, when the time comes, Charlotte’s route will be a fitting finale to your fond reminiscences.
Many thanks for playing ^_^
Wow. I finally read through everything and I can definitely say that this was a very enjoyable update. And so substantial too! I really enjoyed the two new love interests... It was very sweet getting to know Mathys, and speaking of..
Loveless route, Mathys(?) branch endgame spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
One of the best parts was seeing Mama Parisi finally getting all choked up with pride over her daughter's achievement: staging a successful military coup! That was downright hilarious.
Ah, thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the route - particularly Mathys's path. And you managed to impress Mother - you are truly worthy of the crown! ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Hi, I'm playing the linux version on steam deck right now, but for some reason I can't select the "No one" route, the way Charlotte and Frederique's routes can't be selected. All the other routes work fine. Has the linux version been updated yet?
If you are looking for the loveless route, you will find it under Guillaume's route.
After clicking on his portrait, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
Hello,
I just end my playthough with the “loveless” route ( at least, one of them ).
I really find it very interesting to do. The MC is still a strong MC like in other routes, this is still the same kind of “gameplay” (strong story/lore, well done characters, tracking hints in story to find the “right” choice, MC love story ) and somehow it’s also a different “atmosphere” from other routes.
And there is really different way to go to a “successfull” end so, when playing, you feel like your choice matters in MC life.
Note that I do not think less of the other routes ( even if I may have some preferences ) and I really find good the effort done to have different kind of approach/issues in each of them.
Thanks and congratulation for the great work you have done !
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the loveless route.
All the game paths are fundamentally the same, but I do try to make them feel different each time, so I am glad that you feel I have succeeded there. ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Hi!
I have to say, that this loveless route exceeded all my expectations! I talk about the The shared throne ending. This was even better than Leo's route! :D I can only praise your storytelling, it is so awesome :D I got to the Elopement and the Tyrant queen end too, these were somehow less burdened than the other characters' stories outside of the Loveless route and i like them too :)
Thank you for writing these cunning, witty and heartwarming stories :)
(I tend to avoid sad ends :D)
Brigi
Hello and thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed the route - especially Leo's romance.
"(I tend to avoid sad ends :D)" - wisely done ^_^
Many thanks for playing
Loveless route, Leopold branch minor spoilers
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.
.
.
.
Also, I was rereading the Leopold POV extra for Rose, and omg, I remembered that Leopold got struck on the cheek too (though in a more benign situation as compared to Iolanthe in Thorns) and they also had a whole scene regarding first names in both games!!!
Hehehe it's been a while since I played Rose, so I think I'll get back to that. Your writing is such a delight to read. Thank you very much for this game!
Hi I was wondering. is my copy of Thorns of War supposed to come with a Steam key, like with Rose of Segunda? i don't think I got one. sorry if this was already answered
It will do, once the game is finished and on Steam. But I can't provide any keys until that happens ^_^
Ohh okay that makes sense. thank you!
I rarely leave reviews, but this route has motivated me to:)
Absolutely adore the Loveless route!
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*
*
*
*
It was very satisfying to become a queen after all that humiliation that Iolanthe was forced to suffer. It was especially gratifying to see the looks on both Leopold and Guillaume's faces when they've realized they've been outplayed by someone they deemed so 'insignificant' and 'naive', hehe.
But my favourite part of the route was Leo's romance while making poor Guillaume realize both his mistakes and feelings towards Iolanthe ( it broke my heart to string him along though 💔 even if he was so horrible at the beginning). But the divorce scene in this particular route is *chef's kiss*!
Guillaume's route was also very sweet - his innocence is so adorable♡although it was a bit disappointing not to have a kiss cg with him🥺. Also, I like the ending with him as a queen much more than in his Love route, if only just because Iolanthe seems to be his equal in everything - much like in Leo's route.
It was also interesting to learn some new details about both Leo and Gui that were not really (or at all) discussed in their respective Love routes.
Ah, it is going to be a truly sad day when you complete the game and the story of Iolanthe ends🤧. But I will be looking forward to your next projects♥
Ah, many thanks for the review and I am glad to hear you found the route enjoyable - especially getting one over on Leo and Guillaume ^_^
Oh, and there is a kiss CG with Guillaume, but it only appears if you managed to succeed with the Auguste plot. I just double checked and it should be working, but please let me know if you are still having trouble getting it to appear.
Many thanks for playing
Ohhh, yeah, I forgot I kinda failed the apple or stick plot 😳 Sorry for this confusion:)
Okay, time to go replay it again!
Thank you for this wonderful game:)
Just uploaded version 2.6 to correct a small bug.
Are the 2 new love interests part of the loveless route, or will they be added in future updates?
Vesela and Mathys? They are a part of this route. ^_^
Many thanks for your interest.
Nice :D, I'll jump right in even before having the walkthrough. Wish me luck with not getting the bad endings XD.
Good luck! You got this! ^_^
Played the Loveless route!!
Spoilers
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I love love the worldbuilding and intrigue you've written into this game and the loveless route was still very enjoyable on that front. It's like feasting on a whole novel each route.
I got the Tyrant Queen ending first, as Iolanthe deserves! Hehe.
Ofc next I went for Leopold (Loveless route version), and it took me a few tries before realizing you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose? (Unless I missed something). But wow, the dynamic between not-quite-enemies Leopold and Iolanthe who are trying to feel out how much they should trust each other developing into an attraction at seeing each other's true self is so good. Eating it up!! The post divorce scene where Leopold is so furious at Guillaume on Iolanthe's behalf is everything to me. I was swooningggg. The first name basis? Oh my! Fanning myself!
Are you going to update the website with the endings guide? Asking because I'm so curious at the number of endings hidden on the list. Hehe
Thank you for the kind feedback - I'm so glad you've been enjoying the route.
As for the endings, yes, I'll be updating the website with the endings tomorrow, and I'll get a walkthrough posted next week.
Many thanks for playing
"you can only get on his route if he isn't your ex in Rose?" that is very disappointing to hear... It would naturally make sense if Iolanthe is in love with him, she would back him in the conflict.
I am sorry to hear you are disappointed.
The thought behind the decision was that, whatever Iolanthe's feelings, she has already rejected Leopold once in order to marry his most-hated enemy. Leopold is a proud man and, after such a betrayal, he no longer loves or trusts her. He would not accept her backing.
details please I just cant wait for walkthrough
I am not certain what you need details on, but the guide is up and can be found here https://blackcross-taylor.com/the-thorns-of-war-loveless/
Super excited about the new route! However, for whatever reason I can't actually select the "No one" option when starting a new game. I tried different options and even re-downloaded the game (it's definitely the newest version since the ending list has updated), but I can't get it to work.
Yep, same here.
It isn't allowing me to select "No one" in both the Mac and Windows versions. Double checked the endings list as well and it has been updated with the Loveless Route endings (there is a lot of them, holy moly) so version 2.5 is certainly the latest.
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
Thank you very much for the help!
Been a while and forgot Loveless was attached to him. Diving in now! Thanks again.
Glad it's sorted! I hope you enjoy the route and many thanks for playing. ^_^
Hi there, sorry for the confusion. The Loveless route can be accessed through Guillaume's route. You need to click on Guillaume's portrait. Then, at the prompt 'who did King Auguste want to become queen?' click on 'Me'. And then choose the last option, "No, I behaved as instructed and King Auguste chose me".
This will get you onto the Loveless route. I hope this helps ^_^
(Sorry for posting twice - I wanted to make sure both posts got a notification.)
Right, of course! For whatever reason that didn't cross my mind even though it makes tons of sense.
Thank you! Off to play now. 😊
No problem! I hope you enjoy the route and thanks for playing. ^_^
Thank you for the Loveless route release!!! Playing now :)
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! ^_^
Hello,
I´m very interested in this game since I played The Rose of Segunda. Really great work there. Charlotte is my favorite romance. So my question: What about Charlotte's route? Will you work on the routes how it´s shown above? Loveless route, then Frederique and after that Charlotte? Do you have an approximate release date for these routes?
Hello and thank you for your interest. Yes, Charlotte's route will be worked on after Frederique's is completed.
As for release dates, the Loveless route will be coming out at the end of March. I then hope to have Frederique's route finished some time in the summer, after which I will begin Charlotte's route. But having not begun her route yet, I do not think I can give a release date as yet.
I hope this helps
Thanks for the answer. No problem. That´s all I wanted to know. I didn´t expect an exact release date, just something to look forward to.
So maybe end of the year. That´s enough for me. I think it´s time to replay The Rose of Segunda and after that start with Sofia´s route in The Thorns of War.
Thanks again!
So sorry to bother you, but are you still working on Frederique's route?
Yes, I am. A devlog with a few details just went up, if you are interested.
Many thanks
I'm glad. Thank you for responding!