The year is 1996.

Four friends gather under a cloudy day in a forgotten graveyard, united by a shared past and the memory of a man who vanished from their lives a decade ago.

His name was Avoir Cafard.

Ten years have passed since his death, yet the shadow of his presence still looms large.

All he left behind was a single blue book. Its pages filled with fragments of his memories. What secrets does it hold? What truths did Avoir carry to his grave?

Avoir was an ordinary man. He lived in a crumbling apartment in a town time seemed to abandon—a place where sorrow clung to the air and life moved in a slow, unrelenting rhythm. Yet, within this bleak landscape, Avoir tried to find some purpose.

He was a quiet confidant, a layman in the local church ministered by Father Iov. There, in the hushed sanctuary, he listened, counseled, and offered solace to those who sought refuge from their struggles.

These four individuals were among them. Each arrived at Avoir’s church carrying their own burdens, their own brokenness. And each left transformed, their lives forever altered by the man who seemed to see into the very depths of their souls.

But now, as they stand together at his memorial, a question hangs heavy in the air:

How do they remember him?

Was he a guide, a friend, a mystery? Or was he something else entirely—a mirror reflecting the truths they dared not face?

The blue book remains, its pages waiting to be opened.

And with it, the story of Avoir Cafard—and the lives he touched—begins to unravel.

About

The Eternal Fool is an atmospheric, adventure-esque game that blends poetic storytelling with introspective exploration. It invites players to wander through a gloomy city, engaging with its inhabitants, solving small tasks, and unraveling the lives of five distinct characters. At its core, the game is a profound character study, delving into their stream-of-consciousness narratives while weaving a tale of introspection, alienation, nostalgia, loneliness, and the human condition.

The story unfolds over seven pivotal days in Avoir's life. Each day brings a new encounter with a unique individual, offering opportunities to help them navigate their personal struggles. Through these interactions, players not only aid others but also uncover deeper layers of Avoir’s identity and inner world.

When not immersed in these meaningful connections, players are free to explore the city, interact with its diverse residents, and lend a hand in their daily lives. These moments of wandering and discovery enrich the narrative, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories.

Structurally, the game is divided into three acts, each containing two chapters, totaling six main segments. These are bookended by a prologue and an epilogue, framing the journey with a sense of completeness and reflection.

Crafted with care using RPG Maker 2000 v1.7 and enhanced by BananenJoe's Destiny Patch.

Features

• 5+ Hours of Emotional Gameplay; 
Though concise, every moment of the game is crafted to deliver a rich, heartfelt experience that lingers long after you finish it.

• Reactive Storytelling; 
Your choices matter. The items you collect and the actions you take will shape the narrative, leading to unique events and outcomes that reflect Avoir's journey.

• Original Soundtrack; 
Immerse yourself in a world brought to life by 13 original tracks, each composed to deepen your connection to the characters and the poignant world they inhabit.

• Memorable, Charismatic Characters; 
Forget forgettable NPCs. Every character you meet has a story to tell, offering insights into the city’s struggles, secrets, and the lives intertwined with your own.

• Semi-Open World Exploration;
Each day presents a set of tasks, but how and when you tackle them is entirely up to you. Venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden events, stories, and surprises that reward curiosity. 

• Customizable settings.
Yes, even in an RPG Maker 2000 game! Enjoy a fully customizable experience with adjustable settings for volume, text speed, fonts, dialogue boxes, and more! All without relying on static images. Tailor the game to suit your preferences and playstyle.