Story start

Game starts as vanilla VN? First frame — you a kid seeing your mother. She’s kind to you, says a couple of words

Second frame — your mother brutally is killed before you (body cut almost in half by a sword slash from behind) by people who will later enslave and train you.

(in general sets a dark tone for the game, shocks the player, and also gives the player a higher revenge motivation?)

Dungeon Dreams

While resting inside the dungeon you are hunted by horror dreams (maybe in some ambiguous way revealing the real nature of the dungeon)

Companions character development

Most of your companions who are initially pretty simple people (I don’t think we had any tragic backstories?) live through events that raise their determination to reach the furthest deeps of the dungeon.

Similar of those to Persona/Refantazio socials bonds. (optional) Every time their resolve grows, they get a bit stronger.

Level up messages for every level like in Skald: Against the Black Priory

1. For the first time in your life, you are overcome with a sense of purpose. The path ahead will undoubtedly be difficult, but you are certain it is the one you are supposed to take.
2. Every move forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Keep going, and soon the path behind you will be longer than the path ahead.
3. You can feel yourself growing stronger with every trial you face. Each adventure leaves you just a little bit faster, a little bit braver. What more are you capable of?
4. Adrenaline floods your veins. The tasks that once seemed so difficult now come naturally to you, leaving you with an insatiable urge to learn something new