Runt of the Litter
"Runt of the Litter" is a 150,000 word interactive fantasy novel by Kelly Sandoval, where your choices control the story. It's entirely text-based—without graphics or sound effects—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.
The gryphon keepers hold all the power in the Empire of Vaengrea. They make the laws, patrol the borders, and only give gryphon eggs to their chosen heirs. As a poor stable hand, a "thrall," you know you'll never have a chance to prove yourself.
But then, you find the egg. Small, neglected, nudged out of the nest by a disapproving mother. But you can feel warmth growing inside.
Now your gryphon is in terrible danger, both from the other gryphon keepers and from a deadly plague that's wiping out the Empire's gryphons. Can you keep your gryphon safe? Where will you hide your new hatchling? Are you skilled enough to hunt its food or clever enough to steal it? Which of the gryphon keepers can you trust? How will you shape the young gryphon's mind?
Wyrm riders invade from the north on their fire-breathing dragons, the natural enemy of the gryphons. Will you and your gryphon fight in the war, seizing your place among the elite? Or will you defy the empire and lead your fellow thralls to revolution?
Can you keep a runt gryphon safe with the whole world against you? The life of your gryphon, and the fate of an empire, is in your hands.
• Play as any gender and as gay, straight, or asexual
• Choose from a variety of unusual gryphon breeds
• Raise your gryphon with a gentle hand or demand obedience
• Find romance among your fellow thralls or steal the heart of a gryphon keeper
• Rise to the rank of gryphon keeper or lead your fellow thralls to freedom
• Battle fire-breathing wyrms to protect your empire
• Find a cure for the devastating gryphon plague
Category : Role Playing
Reviews (30)
I actually purchased this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The book itself starts off a bit slow which I suspect means the demo might be underwhelming however the story is excellent. From the beginning to the end the story was believable and the choices had great meaning and the stats mattered. Multiple endings, many different ways to play. Excellent replayability. The writing is very good. One other thing done well is the world building, this is a unique story. Highly recommend.
One of the stronger Choice of Games Entries thus far. Skill checks exist, but are not overly punishing if you fail them, which allows players to focus on actually role playing instead of trying to min-max their stats to progress the story like the other entries. It does have a feeling of being a bit too short though, and past the first playthrough, lacks suspense because the narration does not make it seem like you'll be caught or ratted out, no matter your choice.
While this game is decent, it is far from perfect and feels unfinished. Its stats system is unexplained and useless throughout the entire game, your choices have very little bearing on the story outside of the ending, and the story itself simply remains stagnant. It is never properly explored, and the ending felt incredibly abrupt. On top of all that while most CoG games are incredibly inclusive this one's use of neo-pronouns feels forced above all else. They could have at least given they/them.
This was a very nice story, however the description is a bit missleading. You cant play as any gender. Youre given three options, she/her, he/him, or the neopronouns Ze/zir, which, if you aren't familiar with before purchasing this, its going to make this a bit harder to read at times. I was expecting them to put a _/_/_ thing to do a custamizable gender thing. My forst choice was to go for being a guy, though, as thats what I imahine easiest. Good game otherwise, sort of short
God I love these types of games when they're done well. your choices do matter! it is worth the price tag, because there are so many options for what you could do, and so many choices you can make!
Its admittedly short, but sweet and with good replayability. You really get attached to your runt
Great story telling,it really almost made me cry \,10/10
I want a refund. This is way too short, and a lot of the stats dont make sense. I've had it for 2 days and played it once, so I should be able to get a refund. If I get a refund, I'll put it back to three stars, but overall, it just isnt worth $3.
Good story but I feel it is too short and some parts aren't explored in greater detail
this was a great choice game! can you make a part 2 of this game???? cuz maybe something really great might happen to the runt?? so can you???
It's good. Not exactly thrilled that the player dies. Was kinda hoping for a different ending, but it is what it is.
Way too short. I finished it in under an hour. Usually these games last me at least two or three.
to short to have to pay, I like your games but maybe make it less confusion...?
It was very plain and felt like all the choice lead to the same thing.
Loved this game!! should definitely do more similar ones with other creatures!
It was ok but boring, it wasn't worth the purchase
really fun game shame I have to wait for the next one!
Looking forward to the continuation!
this game is great
PLEASE MAKE A SEQUEL!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MADE!!! I LOVE THE FANTASY GENRE! But a few things that need to be fixed: can we please have more customization options for the gryphon you choose such as special details and markings. Another thing (one of the reasons I am asking for a sequel) it is a bit short
It was a really good concept and story. I went through one of the more knowledge and charm based endings at first, and then decided to go for a more strength based ending. However, I was left eventually with three choices in the ending: Save myself, my gryphon, or my friend. Of course, I ended up dying in the process of saving my gryphon, and ended up with an ending that felt too sudden too unsatisfying. I get that you need an ending with shock value and tear jerking moments, but I feel like it could have been done in a different way. Could just be me being unhappy about the ending though, haha. Despite the ending I still love this game.
I could play this game just the way I wanted. The choices felt broad enough to handle each situation how I would have.
It's short, there are no save points and the whole game seems rather uninspired. Having played and liked other choice games, I honestly cannot recommend this one.
I have always loved these games this is one of my favorites but it's very short , but still good story please, please make a sequel, would really love that
I love it though I wish it was a little longer with a bit more customization of your gryphon as well as more chances to change emotional ties to others, but other than that its overall very good.
I thought It was pretty good but I think I still prefer werewolves
It's a somewhat short, but very entertaining story.
Way to short might need a refund if no sequel.. ok no refund but I need more
If ever a game like this should have sequel this one both should and needs one.
Like the reviews below, Runt of the Litter is really short. Besides taking care of my warrior runt, I didn't really get into the story. I went from one thing to the next without much care. Didn't feel like I was in danger. My exile felt really short. Started off decent, A tid-bit of hunting and such. Then fell off a cliff and plummeted into a stream of rushed progress. Little action. No battles, which by that I mean- It's wartime but didn't feel like war was at hand. Overall, Needs more.