Devlog Update: Helltale — “Illustrations, Renovation & Ambientation” Drop

Hey folks! It’s Geldple, AU owner and Geple Team member

This is a very special update we’ve been working on for a while, and it’s finally here:

Drop Title: Illustrations, Renovation & Ambientation

This drop is unlike any other we’ve released. It’s continuous, meaning that content will be added progressively over time. You might see new artwork, badges, or pixel scenes pop up weeks after this goes live — and that’s the idea!

What’s Included?

[11:13 AM]

Brand-new illustrations, pixel art, badges, and small in-world upgrades

A system rework — from scattered scenes to structured chapters

Ambience created using selected existing songs (we don’t have a “Music Man” yet!)

Legacy status for old content: previous chapters, characters, and endings are now officially non-canon. They're part of our Legacy Era — proof of how much the project has grown over these last 7 months

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The Structure

Helltale now follows a chapter-based structure, inspired by Deltarune — but don't be mistaken:

Helltale is hellishly different from Undertale or Deltarune.

We’re aiming for 7 or 8 chapters total, and each will evolve naturally — both artistically and narratively.

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Routes & Endings

Just like the source material, Helltale features three main routes:

Mercy Route (The True Ending)

➤ This is the canon story the fanfic will follow. It’s focused on compassion, growth, and recovery.

Neutral Route (What’s best for Gunhat)

➤ A path of compromise and uncertainty. Mixed outcomes. Some gain, some loss.

Genocide Route (We recommend not taking this path)

➤ A route that carries deep consequences. It’s emotionally heavy, grim, and devastating. If you choose it, be ready to face that burden.

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What’s Coming Next?

We aim to start working on an animated series, in the spirit of Inverted Fate, as soon as we have the team and resources. We’re building toward that moment slowly but surely.

In the meantime, the old versions of Clover Adventures are now Legacy — they were important steps, but they no longer represent the canon of this AU.

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Music & Atmosphere

[11:14 AM]

We don’t currently have a composer — no "Music Man" in the team —

so we’re carefully selecting existing songs that match each moment’s tone and emotion.

This keeps the ambience alive and meaningful despite limitations.

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Inspirations

Some of the core inspirations behind Helltale are:

Dante’s Inferno — for its layered descent, psychological symbolism, and emotional weight. Expect punishment, transformation, and inner hells.

Coronation Day (Creepy Super Mario World Hack) —

This bizarre and unnerving fanhack had a huge influence on Helltale.

Its abstract visuals, haunting tone, and cryptic storytelling pushed me to ask:

"What if glitches, trauma, and dread were part of canon too?"

You’ll see references, atmospheres, and moments that carry that same eerie spirit.

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Fan Service & Ships?

Yes, there’s some fan service and a few ships, but:

It’s never the focus. The story always comes first.

Ships are subtle and woven naturally into character arcs.

This is not a shipping AU, and we’re avoiding anything overdone or out-of-place.

Reminder: Helltale is a non-canon expansion of the Undertale universe, made with deep respect, love, and creative freedom.

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Final Words

We’re entering what we proudly call the Golden Age of Helltale.

As long as Rocketman doesn’t turn off the internet , we’ll keep this AU going strong through 2025 and 2026.

To everyone who’s read, drawn, shared, or just followed our project:

Thank you for being here. We’re a small team (2 writers + 3 artists), but we’re building something special — together, with you.

Stay determined. Stay creative. Stay curious.

With love, depth, and a little darkness,

~ Geple, Team Member

https://www.deviantart.com/teamdeadtaleofficial/art/HELLTALE-1208333879