Death & Faeology’s Revamped Demo Brings 1920s Murder, Magic, and Mystery to Life
Written by Lover's Lens, Writer, Gamer Girl, Podcast Host, Cat Lover
Published on May 29, 2025
If you love your romance with a hint of blood, a dash of faerie dust, and a whole lot of 1920s noir moodiness, Death & Faeology might just be your next visual novel obsession.
The latest demo from indie studio Mushroomallow is out now on Steam – and it’s had a major glow-up. With a revamped script, deeper characters, two new endings (now seven total!), and even more compelling detective mechanics, this update proves that Death & Faeology is more than just pretty art and fae sparkle. It’s a smart, sexy, mysterious narrative that’s finally stepping into its full potential.
In this article:
What Is Death & Faeology?
Set in a fae-infused version of 1920s New York City, Death & Faeology drops players into a moody dark academia murder mystery. You play a forensic faeologist – someone who studies the magic and behavior of faeries – investigating a murder that tangles science, secrets, and the supernatural. Think Art Deco meets fantasy noir, with a good dash of emotional romance and political intrigue.
You’ll gather evidence using tools like a blacklight and faerie encyclopedia, interview suspects, and present your deductions to Theo, the ever-watchful detective who doesn’t tolerate shoddy reasoning. Oh, and there might be romance… if you can survive long enough to enjoy it.
What’s New in the Demo?
Mushroomallow clearly listened to player feedback, because this update is packed with improvements:
Major script rewrite – Dialogue now flows more naturally, better reflects the period, and adds emotional complexity.
Character development – Key characters are richer, more believable, and have more to say than ever before.
Expanded deduction phase – Instead of just choosing the right answer, you must now present your deductions backed by actual evidence. Theo won’t be fooled.
Revised and new evidence items – The mystery feels more layered and satisfying.
Two brand-new endings – Giving players even more reasons to replay and explore alternate paths.
More immersive 1920s vibe – From word choices to world-building, the update leans fully into the game’s setting.
Who’s Who in Death & Faeology
The updated demo doesn’t just sharpen the mechanics – it gives new depth to the characters too. Here’s a quick peek at a few of the fascinating people you’ll meet (and maybe romance) in the full game:
Florence – The Chemist
Originally a bit too into the occult, Florence has been reimagined as a charming but slightly melancholic chemist with a lively wit. She’s reliable, brilliant, and one of your closest allies in the lab.
Theodore (Theo) – The Detective
A no-nonsense investigator who used to be your partner – both professionally and romantically. He’s now written with more restraint, keeping his simmering cynicism under a composed facade. But don’t let his cool demeanor fool you -Theo can still smell lies a mile away.
“Their differences, while fewer, are the types that can amount to dealbreakers. Will they ever coexist without wanting to strangle each other? You’ll have to wait and see.” – ilyilaice, writer – Otome.com interview
Oscar – The Patron
Older, mysterious, and elegant – Oscar’s silver-fox allure hides layers of secrets. Fans joke about him being a cross between a fae conspirator and a fried chicken magnate. We’re intrigued.
Minerva – The Assistant
Sweet but capable, Minerva is your assistant – and potentially more. She’s brilliant in her own right, and there’s more to her history than meets the eye. Fun fact: one of the writers secretly ships her with Theo .
Ruthie – The Childhood Friend
Not in the demo yet, but Ruthie’s planned for the full release. Expect emotional baggage and tender flashbacks in her route.
And don’t forget Oz, the fey enigma whose design is inspired by taxidermy art and surreal insect beauty. Are they a friend, a foe, or something entirely different?
Design and Deep World-Building
The detective mechanics were inspired by games like Strange Horticulture, bringing tactile, immersive puzzle-solving into the visual novel format. Combined with a fully-developed faeology field (yes, it’s studied at universities in this world!), the setting feels smart and lived-in – like an alternate history where science and magic co-exist, sometimes uneasily.
“The scientific community is split between skeptics and believers. They perceive faeology the same way many today view folklore or astrology.” – ilyilaice
A Labor of Love, Literally
Mushroomallow is a small studio based in Bandung, Indonesia. Death & Faeology started during a game jam and has grown into a full project thanks to the team’s creative passion – and their love of stories that don’t always follow convention.
Visual novels with mature romance, emotionally complex characters, and immersive mechanics can be hard to find. That’s what makes this game so special.
“Now that I’m in the middle of my 30s, I crave that complex adult romance story in visual novel format, something very hard to find today.” – Mushroomallow, Otome.com
Final Thoughts — And Where to Play
The revamped Death & Faeology demo isn’t just a better version – it’s a promise of what’s to come. With a full game planned featuring new routes, more investigation, and even spicy scenes (you heard it here), now is the perfect time to dive into this world.
