Lyre
A downloadable Visual Novel for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
The first book in the "Chronicles of the Emissary" series
A human ambassador awakens in the northern Kingdom of Lyre, his entourage gone as he's surrounded by strangers. His memory seems to be intact, but something is amiss...Figuring out their motives proves to be the one of the more difficult challenges thrown his way.
Entangled in a game of deception, a loyal Knight may be the only one he can trust. Help from a mysterious individual will find him as well, but will it be enough?
The secrets of Lyre and the mystery of their world as they know it start to unravel once more, as a terrible plot and an unlikely romance unfolds.
Lyre is a queer 18+ romance novel. It contains adult themes such as intense violence, sexual content and mature situations. If you are under the age of 18, this novel is not for you. This novel is best experienced with audio.
Written and Illustrated by Atmac
Enchanting music done by Exias
More enchanting music done by Augustovich
Lyre Merchandise by Pawprint Press
Here is the link to the Discord
Please consider supporting my Patreon
Download
Install instructions
- Download and run the .exe
- If the icon is not showing properly on the executable, create a shortcut to it on your desktop
- If there is any problems, please join my Discord
Development log
- Lyre: DE progress updates + merchSep 17, 2024
- Announcements for CotE, Dryz and Lyre: DE!Jan 16, 2024
- Quick Patch out for LyreDec 27, 2023
- Lyall Plush is now up for pre-order at Pawprint Press!Dec 22, 2023
- Quick patch for the windows version.Dec 21, 2023
- Lyre Chapter 13 is out and Book 1 is complete.Dec 21, 2023
- Final news on naming feature.Dec 04, 2023
- News on the naming feature in LyreNov 30, 2023
Comments
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Oh my lord what an experience!
I had my jaw on the floor most of the time reading this story. Everything was excellent, really, but to me the soundtrack takes the cake. Everything felt so alive and emotional and beautiful...
Daym what a beautiful story that you write😍 can't wait for Dryz
Okay, wow, this was...this was quite the ride, and I am definitely looking forward to more! Absolute passion project, I can see that.
Buuuuuuut...there are a few choices that I question. And of course some choices I am very, very happy with!! SPOILERS AHEAD!
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And this is all MY OPINION, just wanna stress that.
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1. The pace of the romance. A bit too fast ^^; Or at least it was too obvious after a time. Granted, I think you may've done a better job than Adastra, where it felt a little heavy-handed, though in both cases, there were time skips, so there's some excuse (but really I think I enjoyed this romance better). I dunno, I'm not too good with romance subplots :P (And not trying to blast Adastra, it's still excellent! Just expressing an opinion about a part of it.)
2. Adrius. After reading the whole thing, I can tell you mean for Adrius to be a very complicated character. However, I feel you made it too obvious in the beginning that he's evil—he's the ONLY asshole character we meet, and he ends up being the bad guy. Further, I don't feel much sympathy for the guy after learning he murdered his own father out of frustration that his mom's death wasn't being avenged quickly enough, and then seeing him be absolutely despicable with the way he treated Richter. Speaking of, dunno if it was considered adult and I coulda skipped it, but there was really no reason to have us sit through hours of poor Rich getting tortured like he was. That was a bit much. (Again, my opinion!) And then in the end, after making us hate Adrius with a fiery passion, not only do we get to see him get off relatively scott-free, but...I feel like you want us to have some sort of pity for him. I wish he'd remained the sweetie he was in his childhood, but as he is now, he's irredeemable. Am I looking at this the wrong way?
3. The trial. It feels like a bit of a waste of time seeing as the judge is also the prosecution (though I'm aware that was probably part of the point). No matter what, Richter was going to lose. Not only that, but it wasn't much of a trial as it was nothing but people saying what they thought of Richter. There was no lawyer to cross-examine and fact check; doing so could've convinced the crowd that Adrius doing the cop-out was indeed bullshit because it goes against the logical arguments presented. But hey, I'm just an Ace Attorney fanboy, so I guess I expected differently ^^; In the end, though, it kinda feels like we were strung along with some sort of hope when it turns out there wasn't any to begin with. (That said, I can understand the choice—it shows further just how utterly fucked up Lyre's high society is.)
4. All that said, now that I think about it, I think maybe the post-murder part could have been done a bit more quickly.
5. Tiny, but did you mean to have Lyall's sketch if Richter look like Jesus? Because if so, a little on the nose, doncha think? XD
BUT! I also have lots of praise!:
1. Tygren is a really unique character, I love them! They're a god, yes, but clearly unable to do as much as they'd like to. It actually reminds me of Marco and the Monitor from Adastra, in that the protag is frustrated with a seemingly all-powerful being not being forthcoming. This time though, there is a personal bond between Richter and Ty, whereas Marco and the Monitor was much more strained. In both cases, we have a vexed higher power who wants to help the poor humie but has tied hands. Richter got upset, but still worried a lot about poor Ty because of the bond they formed. Can't wait to see more of this handsome hybrid!
2. YOU LET US SKIP THE SEX SCENE. Dear sweet God THANK YOU. The story itself was too damn good, and I didn't wanna have to mash my screen to get past it like I did Adastra (again, not bashing Adastra! Just an opinion!). Not only that, but there was only ONE scene. You focused on the story and, most of all, respected us folks who were more interested in that than the smut. So seriously, thanks for that.
3. Lyall is fucking adorable and a precious bean who must be protected. I think I liked him better than Amicus, honestly, even if I found the latter more attractive. While I think the romance coulda been handled a little better somehow, I think you did a much better job with him than the way Amicus was handled. (Once more, not bashing Adastra! ^^; )
4. You made humans a little interesting!! Giving them a healing factor like that helps make them stand out from all the interesting anthro races. You also made it refreshing to see Elizabeth, another human, once in a while, which is impressive considering how tired I am of human characters.
5. The music. Need I say more?
6. Lief is also adorable and precious and we need more of him. One of my favorites! (That all said, I was a bit peeved to see him and Liz tolerate Adrius' bullshit like that; I was expecting them to ditch him by story's end.) As someone pointed out, clever making the healer's name an anagram for "life".
7. The backgrounds!! Absolutely beautiful work!! Kickass character work too ^^ My only complaint is it was a bit hard to tell when Lyall was smiling while talking, but that's minor.
8. Richter himself is a good protag. Relatable but still his own person—better than the typical VN romance protags who are often kinda milquetoast. He's a workaholic, deep thinker, and determined man who manages to keep some mysteries to himself to the end...even one he isn't fully aware of! Great work!
That's all for now. Looking forward to Dryz!
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1. The pacing of the romance is intentionally fast. It comes down to personal preference and I prefer it this way. I want their romance to be a little fast paced at first because it makes sense with their personalities. In the next two books, there will be plenty of time for them to evaluate their relationship and though their romance went a little fast, they'll be able to slow down and take their friendship one step at a time.
2. With Adrius, my goal is absolutely for him to be complicated. He's possibly the most complicated character in the story, with Richter himself falling not too far behind. My intention was to not rug pull when it comes to his personality and his ideals. I wanted it to be very clear that even if he somehow wasn't the killer, he would still be a great opposition to the main characters. I'm less interested in the reader sympathizing with Adrius and more interested in them understanding him on a personal level. As the story goes on, there will be moments where we see a different, more sensitive side to his character.
The reason he killed his father was so much more than his mother not being avenged fast enough. The situation he's in causes a lot of conflict with his ideals, while his mental state of mind is already split and at odds. His goals stretch much further than the canyons. Also, Richter's torture scene was only 2/3rds of a chapter and I feel if it was any shorter, it wouldn't have as much impact as I intended. I want the reader to feel what Richter is feeling in those moments so they can truly grasp just how horrific his situation was. It's something that's going to haunt him for a very long time that has physically and mentally scared him.
3. I'm an Ace Attorney fanboy too, but I wanted this trial to be as realistic and grounded as possible. Sadly, this is the way it was back then. Poor Richter is lucky he got a trial at all, considering he lives in a time where lack of freedom of speech hinders true justice being carried out. Not only was it rigged from the start, but anybody going against the system would have a target placed on their back. In a hereditary monarchy, a situation like this is almost inescapable, especially for someone like Richter, who was only given Lord status due to hard work, and not blood.
4. I feel that rushing this part of the story would mean removing some of the impact that it's supposed to have. Right now, I feel I'm treading the line between this section of the story being too fast paced, or too slow. I feel it being a little slower, while adding outside perspectives and other things going on outside of the dungeon is the correct choice, but again, it comes down to personal preference and I understand wanting it to be a little faster.
5. My intention was not for Richter to look like Jesus. This was pure coincidence. If I were to draw Jesus myself, he would look different. In my eyes, Richter is more of a Moses or Job figure in my eyes.
1. I'm glad you like Tygren. They're one of my favorite characters to write and I enjoy experimenting with their connection to not only Richter, but what Richter represents to them. Ty's romantic relationship with Al is probably one of the deeper and more interesting relationships I'll get to explore between two characters.
2. I plan on writing each sex scene so that the important character building aspects of the scene reside in the foreplay. This way, you can skip scenes that might make you uncomfortable, while still getting the bigger picture of why that scene is there.
3. Lyall is very sweet, but I'm looking forward to his character in Dryz, as this is where a lot of his character arc is explored.
4. I wanted humans to feel similar to animals and have traits that make them unique. I'm glad you enjoyed this. It's an important aspect of the story that there's a greater mystery behind why the humans are there. This will be explored and I'm sure it will shock many readers.
5. I'm always happy to hear people like the music. Mayer and Exias did such an amazing job. I look forward to working with Exias in the future.
6. Leif and Liz tolerating Adrius' bullshit is a major part of their respective arcs, mainly with Liz. It's meant to Mirror Lyall's decision to abandon his kingdom and duty for what he believes is right. Liz and Leif might be forced into a situation where they stay loyal in order to do what they think is right. It's a difficult situation to be trapped in. Liz will have a lot of spotlight in the next book.
7. The backgrounds are the hardest part for me, so I'm glad they turned out good.
8. Like Adrius, I intend for Richter to also be explored on a deeper level as the books continue. His arc is very important to me.
Thank you for this review. It gave me a lot to think about. I hope I was able to clear up some things.
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Thanks again for replying! I definitely get some of your choices now. Just a few more comments.
First, I wanna say that you're pretty damn good at this if you're leaving furries—FURRIES!!—not wishing especially for the protag to be anthro and not human. You write Richter and Liz that damn well.
On that note, the humans themselves are designed well (particularly Liz's subtle smirk, love that). Normally, my biggest issue with humans is that they are, by default, light-skinned. I'm mixed, so I feel it's more important to have diversity in fiction. However, both's skin tones make sense geographically! Richter is subtly darker due to being from a pretty sunny place, while Liz grew up in the north where there's less sun. In fact, I realize now that Richter looking paler at the end makes sense, too, since he had been without much direct sunlight for weeks, let alone living up north for a couple months to begin with. Of course he'd lose his tan!
Second, I literally just now realized what you're going for with Adrius. Someone who has done dire wrong, but is every bit as complex a person as most real people who do so. My mother wrote about a serial killer who went after vampires, not realizing he was one, himself, and I was just reminded of him. Complex, even if not fully sympathetic. He later on amended his ways, but who knows about Adrius?
Third, def agree with your view on characterization and sex scenes. I'm a little on the ace spectrum, myself, so I believe sex has less important a role in a relationship than others; I believe that a relationship built outside of sex leads to much stronger bonds. You're also very respectful to us folks uninterested in smut in the middle of a story like this. Thank you.
Fourth...I can't help but worry if I've done a good or a bad thing with whatever food for thought I gave that you're still chewing on ^^;;
Keep on keepin' on!!
You did a good thing. I'm always chewing on food for thought. It's my favorite meal.
bonus thoughts:
- because this vn has no choices or branching paths beyond the protagonist's name, it would be theoretically pretty easy to publish as a regular old novel for some extra income (though idk how well the prose would come across without any of the images to support it. lol)
- it's really strange reading a gay furry vn that isn't a self-insert. though it's nice to realize that i'm shipping two characters with each other for once, instead of shipping one character with myself.
- leif (life) is such a PERFECT name for a doctor
- i'm really excited for dryz
- there is definitely some bioshock shit going on.
Oh? So the romance is NOT between the POV and another character?
It is with the POV character, but he's very different to me so it still feels like a different guy
Awwww, I was hoping there would be a twist that it wasn't with the protag after all, because one minor complaint I have is that it was pretty much love at first sight. Biiiiiiit too soon for my tastes ^^; Still, Richter is indeed a bit different of a person than most furry VN protags.
spoilers ahead!
i just read the scene where lyall and the main character (don't know the default name lmao) are out in the wilderness cuddling under the auroras. and then it fades to black and the name ADRIUS appears. and i said out loud "this guy CAN'T stop losing"
Dunno, he got off pretty scot-free IMO, but still, the more he loses, the better. Evil little shit.
Ayo this shi needs an anime or atleast like a lil animated series cause its a gaw dam good story
okay im gonna have to ask you to not make me that atached to characters please
but dont stop, im invested
WHEN IS DRYZ COMING OUT I WANT IT NOWWWWWWW
mr white yo stop playing vn's yo gus is gonna kill us yo
j-jessie pinkman? 0.0
I finish Lyre just earlier that day, I have to say, I really enjoy it from the beggining to the end!
It's easy in my top3 VN!
Can't wait for Dryz, to see all these caracters again!
Keep it up the great work
Thank you!
i wish I'd found this VN sooner!!
I'm late to all this shit and it's so frustrating. All these beautiful stories, beautiful art, and even more beautiful characters! It's so overwhelming, then I saw they're was a Lyall plushie, FML!! I'd have been all over that. He kinda reminds me of my corgi Taco 🌮. Atmac, you have a great story on your hands, one worthy of a proper animated movie, cartoon, or even just a comic if I'm being honest. We need more love stories and romance novels for us gay guys, and yours is perfect 👌.
Oh, I have to say, nice to see another guy in the long haired club 👍. Had mine for almost 15yrs now and my only regret is not doing it sooner. I could tell from the story you, or someone on your team was a "long-hair" by the way you described how it falls when you take your shirt off, how it lays when you sleep, how Lyall washed Richters, someone knows how nasty it can get 😉 and how amazing it is when you wash that all away, etc. How well you described the feel, texture and scent of Lyall's, it adds so much more to his character design and to the more intimate scenes as it adds something else to describe. It's all just so fuckin great. The attention to Lyall's armor, both types is just amazing, I had to play through a few times just to notice more details. Sorry I'm rambling, but I get that way when I'm excited 😊
I'm very glad you enjoyed those details. Thank you for reading!
No, thank you for creating one of the best VN's to date! I do feel slightly bad for you, though. When you create something this amazing, the follow-ups can be even more difficult to write. You want to keep the same quality, but that can cause second-guessing as you can't help but compare the 2. If the first volume is anything to go by though, these worries are unfounded and the subsequent books will be as good or better than this(unbelievable i know!) I also bet you had most of the second and some of the third already written in your head as you were completing this one.
Wait hold on,how long have you been spacing out?
What in the world are you on about?
ummm......nvm
Don't forget to take a break when working on Dryz aight? A good product is one where it's made with love and patience ☺
Thank you. Ive been pacing myself.
But seriously what happend to dryz though it was supposed to be on release like year ago
Dryz's release date has yet to be announced, as im still working on it and far from done.
Atmac Why Dryz is not available?....i waited to download it a year ago.......GIVE US NOW!
That is not how you ask.
Yeah sorry mate i kinda like getting this too much you know,i mean been waiting for like some time sorr
I've been working on it this whole time.
Great things come to those who wait, and perfection takes time. With how good Lyre is i understand the anticipation for Dryz, but pestering for it will do nothing but hinder its release. He gifted us Lyre, imo that's more than enough perfection from one mind.
This is really shocking. I actually saw this game a long time ago, but didn't play it. Until today I played from the afternoon to the early morning, to the end. This is totally out of my expectation, and I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I really like Richter and Lyall's characterization. They really have great personalities and I like them both very much. I have to say it's a very beautiful and ambitious piece of work. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This visual novel is SO well written. Characters, world building, plot, everything is spot-fucking-on. This is one of the few NSFW games you can truly say you play for the plot.
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Rest in peace to Augustovich, you will be remembered for one of the most elegant and emotional scores ever to have graced the earth.
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I'm not gonna gush about how amazing all of the twists and turns in the story are, but I will say that you need to PLAY THE GAME FOR YOURSELF! If you're here for H-Scenes specifically, sorry to disappoint. There's really only one (And it's done super tastefully, mind you) but oh my god does this story take you places. The cacophony of dread and joy, of sorrow and love; it reads like a bestselling middle-earth romance novel, but accompanied with BANGER ART and MUSIC?!?!
Anyway, if you are reading this and are on the fence about downloading the game and playing it for yourself, just do it. You won't lose anything, and this is an experience you don't want to miss out on.
Atmac, for crafting this wonderful, mysterious, immersive world, and sharing it for others to see, I am grateful. This is incredibly talented work, and many people are looking forward to your next work. Be it joyous, sorrowful, or somewhere in between, let it come from the heart. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I'm very glad you enjoyed it!
After all this time back to witness the end. Do not read unless you have seen.
It proceeds as expected. A little twist a little turn. The harshness we not realize that can be so close. Makes you wonder how something so right cane nd going so wrong, sometimes it so slow to happen. Ah... trying to run form it, tends to be the very thing that causes it...
Its sad but he is right..., can't just expect someone else to solve your problems, BUT be careful how you try to solve them. My own bitterness does come from inaction, but alone can do nothing. True guilt cuts deeper than any knife. Issues left unresolved fester. A horror no one should want, one that revolts me to feel. Nothing worse than any family, real or adopted, to turn on you, for doing what you must or right.
Aww! Hehe! Yes blanket! ^^ Murr!
It true its a foreign concept to them, so they don't understand, nor should it be expected for them to understand, but its the actual feelings that matter the most. If you are nice enough individual, it should not matter who or what you are, as it helps set others at ease and lets them look past things, I wish more people understood that. Even for me I do have some guilt in this regard, ones that I do wish I could some amends for.
Ooohhh!!! Damn...
Floof! :3
An ending most worthwhile.
I'm not going to rejoin the Discord server unless I am wanted... I'm a little too passionate about things for others to handle. Just a big puppy. ^^;
I will come around again soon for the sand. For now tears and awe.
What
Don't mind me too much, I'm being perhaps too passionate but still trying to be vague. Need to reign it in again going forwards, I'm no one important. I've just really loved the story and have not great way to express it.
Thank you!
Tbh this is one of the best vn I've read I can't wait for the next one whenever that comes out
This is genuinely one of my favorite VN's I've ever read, reading through this made me feel such a rollercoaster of emotions, the hopelessness and despair kept me at the edge of my seat. And the relief and satisfaction after they reunited was perfect! I'm so excited to see what's next to come in the sequel. After finishing this story I can't wait to read more!
why every game I play either something weird happened or I glitch/break it
The dear icon in the corner keeps showing up, is it just happening to me or does this just happen to everyone this is chapter 4.
It's a common glitch. I will fix it with the next release.
The possible cause of this is that it acts like a placeholder for when there is not a character to speak or when there is no text when going in-between text boxes. I have tested for how it shows up and it only happens starting at chapter 4 because that is when you meet Raynar and leave the dining room.
Do I read this now or do people recommend waiting for the Definitive Edition?
Its up to you. Personally I think it would be fun to go through both.
I just finished it and oh my god it is amazing, so lovely, yet heartbreaking, so hopeful, yet filled with despair, The perfect balance!! I just wish there was MORE!
I was looking for a game like that after I finished Adastra.
This was sooooo beatiful, people shoulnd't be taken aback for this being a furry novel, art can come in many ways and this is trully art (Shout out to the music compositor, it was the most beatiful ost i have ever heard period)
i'm not sure if i broke the game or something but i don't see any choices or options
This story is linear
ohhhhhhhh, thx
Oh my god this game is just great, I put off reading this novel for a long time thinking it was boring and comparing it to other bad furry visual novels I already knew. But, omg, this game is just great! It's wonderful! I hope the author is not a nationalist, a Russian guy is writing this to you, I read and am writing this to you through a translator and God, I am in complete shock, you they really did a great job on this plot, the characters are well done, you can feel that they are alive, the motivation is visible and it is interesting to watch each character, and that same arc with Adrius great! They showed perfectly what will happen if a person who should not take the throne takes it, I am now very interested in observing the dynamics of the relationship of each of the characters, I have theories that from the king they can turn away and he will be left all alone! I don’t know what can await this novel in its next part, but I’m already terribly interested, I’m building a plot in my head, there are so many ideas that I I'm going to explode if I think about it too long! You are great and your work is not in vain, I'm sure of it! Keep up the good work! I hope there will be news about the next part soon!
Im so glad you enjoyed it! And dont worry, im not a Nationalist. :D
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completely at a loss for words...
You kicked me right in the feels...
So sorry ;(
I think I didn't make myself understand perfectly:
I was completely overwhelmed with this story because it grabbed from the beginning to the end and I just wanted to keep reading and reading and reading... Damn! Reaching the end was really a rough kick... Can't wait for the developments.
Simply in love! Great art, awesome storyline, fabulous soundtrack...
Man... I'm abso-fugging-lutely in love.
Its okay, I understood :D
I was just saying I know what it's like to get punched in the feels.
Thank you so much!
When is dryz coming????z
You can follow me on Twitter/Bluesky or Join the Discord for updates. Dryz won't be releasing for a short while.
Yes?
Who ?
I don't understand.
How to rate?
Pls tell me I'm lost
you r funny
No seriously
This is a goddamn masterpiece
I wanna rate it but don't know how to
I only know how to do it on PC. Should be among these options.
No worries figured it out
You just have to turn on desktop site
Hi! I read the lyre and fell in love with it. Looking at Dryz I saw the poem on the itch.io page and wrote this one. Hope you like it. The poem might include spoilers.
(English isn’t my main language so there might be some spelling or grammatical mistakes, any correction is appreciated)
A river of red, by madness spread,
Will the truth cleanse what has been bled?
Or the will of the new king tear through the night,
To bury this scar out of mortal sight?
The heavens may weep, their torrents fall,
Yet even God alone cannot cleanse it all.
The lovers cry out, but the stain remains,
Etched in silence, bounded by chains.
Will the flames arise, devouring the land,
With antlers of fire, with a scorching hand?
And when the ash settles, as soft as snow,
Will he recall the wrongs he sowed?
For blood once spilled is a tale long told,
And neither storm nor fire can make it gone…
Very nice!
for you and your good work!
One of the most amazing things I've read! The mysteries keep me on the edge of my seat, and I adore looking forward to what's going to happen to Richter and Lyall! The balance of suspense, darkness, and sweetness makes following our heroes (and villains) that much more interesting. Plus, Richter and Lyall are just so sweet together, so what's not to love?
Thank you for putting in such great work, and I look forward to what's being cooked up in the future! :D
Thank you!
impossibly good VN, especially the music
How dare you make me cry like this. Absolutely beautiful VN down to every facet - art, music, story, all phenomenal. Thank you so much for this.
after reading everything 3 to 4 months ago i completely forgot to leave a comment but uh when i saw the Lyre VN i said to myself "ugh this visual novel is gonna be terrible" i started reading through it and i deeply regret saying it was i mean the music,the images and how the story started and ended was completely amazing and i can't stop to listen to most of its song if i had to choose i would say lyre would be a very good VN to read first before any other
God damn am I excited for Dryz. I already like dark stuff, but aside from that, all of the characters are really good. I like Elizabeth, Lyall, the bird doctor guy, and a lot more characters. Also, I can't wait to beat Adrius' ass in the sequel. Awesome VN, 10/10.
Thank you so much!
i just finished reading it and oh boy it was gorgeous the music,the art,the bg and pretty much the rest of it
is it weird that i love them being together? they're just so adorable
really looking forward on the next sequel!
Thank you!
Lord Richter of Eryn: agreeable INTJ
Lyall Reed: ESFJ with developed Ne
King Adrius Ossian of Lyre: ISTP with developed Se and Fe
King Raynar Ossian of Lyre: disagreeable ESFJ with developed Si
Elizabeth Rene of Rosewind: INTJ with developed Te
Lord Kadaj of Drys: ENFJ with developed Ni
Leif: agreeable ISTJ
I dont know what this mean but i agree with this man
Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe this novel, it is beyond words i'm afraid, truly a work of art.