A Chapter Ends, but the Book Remains Open

I have the feeling many of you were expecting this ever since the slowdowns began, but what I say next may be unfortunately obvious. Sadly par for the course of 2020.

Though the plans and curiosities for what lay ahead exist, the motivation to write had been steadily dying. Recent entries felt more like a chore to write as my focus was given to two larger projects. FoC grew like I never imagined, but its greatest boons were doomed to become its downfall: Endless potential and casual design. At the end of it all, there’s simply too much potential content to get through and not enough time, especially for a casual hobby. It was fun for a time, but it was too much of a pipe dream to keep building.

I know to those loyal readers this is disappointing news, but I believe it’s time for me to call an end to this endeavor. I can’t muster the time or motivation to continue building this universe when the scales are weighed unfavorably. I enjoyed writing what I could, and two million words is certainly nothing to blink at. But if continuing means forcing content out that’s only a shadow of its former self, I’d rather just let the series come to an end here. It’s not news I wished to deliver to those looking forward to more, but there’s no getting around the elephant in the room.

Throughout this journey, FoC brought a lot more surprises than I expected. A short-lived VA, fanart, and even a Discord community. I liked when I had the proper time and focus to respond accordingly to any and all messages. It was a fun project I obviously won’t forget, but it was fleeting. To keep going on when even FGO still hasn’t ended was futile, but to have gotten this far was a hell of a ride.

However, if there is any good news it’s that I will be releasing the ‘roadmap’ as an apology I can’t go on with this: A rough and malleable outline of things that were to come. It won’t go into heavy detail, but it’ll be enough to get the brain thinking and provide one final insight into how I saw branching parts of the work. You’d obviously be free to do with it as you will, and maybe even adapt it if you feel that invested. Credit would be nice if you did it, and you’re more than welcome to share the work with others (Discord being the best bet).

The final gift that should appear by Christmas will be one last shard while I still have the energy to push something out. Its contents will be revealed when it releases.

And, of course, to address the inevitable question: I’m releasing the theorized roadmap for the readers to do as you will. I’ve laid sprawling foundations, and maybe you wanted to make things otherwise or envision your own occurrences within this quaint AU. Who says you’re not free to do so? The roadmap can act as a guide or suggestion of what I wanted to make canon for my work, but you may very well do as you please. In the hands and imaginations of others, FoC may very well continue in its own designs. If some do, I’ll remain honored it’s moved you to such an extent, and apologize I couldn’t have brought it to fruition myself.

Until then, once more, save for one or two more shards, I’m sorry I couldn’t continue this further, but I’ve gone as far as I could without brute forcing content into being. I can’t say thank you enough to all those who’ve followed over the years, and can only hope this adventure helped make your day even a little bit. Time is valuable, and to spend even an ounce of it on this series was very kind of you.

Best wishes and good health to you all!

~GhostXavier

P.S. – The Tumblr will be going down before the years end since its use has come to an end. The official website and Discord will remain online. The Discord will also be changing a bit to include more things for its small community to enjoy, and you’re more than welcome to join in. I’m only putting down the pen, so it’s very likely you’ll see me and can chat in that community. There’s been some bumps and learning but the community tries to find a nice spot for people to hang out and relax.