Mark of the Grimoire

Submitted for Run & Jump Jam 3! The theme was 'Wacky Genre Mix-up', prompting us to make a Magical-Girl Survival-Horror Beat 'em Up!

Story
There are many tales to be found within the book-covered walls of a library, but today's adventure is unlike any other, one where many stories collide to become something new, something unexpected. 

Four friends, four unlikely warriors, gather in these dusty halls for a night of terror and trials. 

Where three stick together, one hides away in the darkness and forges their own path, empowered by a magic unknown. 

An ancient grimoire, discarded in the archives, found by chance. Or was it fate?

Unaware of the chaos bred by their hungry imagination, enraptured by the written words of old, they remain entombed within the depths of the library, awaiting rescue.

The fate of our four unlikely warriors rest in your hands. Shall their brave ways prevail over the darkness and its creations, or shall they succumb to the wickedness found within their own hearts?

Let us see, as it is time for them to tell their own story...

Controls and How to Play
Use the Arrow keys to move

X key will attack and pick up items.

C key only works when transformed. Dash through enemies and most attacks safely, at the cost of magical power.

Spacebar transforms when magical power is full!

In the game, you will need to fight to survive against summoned ghosts and monsters. You start with a basic attack and nothing else and will need to search for magical power in order to transform, vastly improving your abilities!

Once your transformation is complete you will be quite powerful but be wary, if you lose your magical power you will return to normal...and once easily-slain enemies become formidable once again!

Items
Heart - recover your HP.
Magic - recover your MP.
Inkwell - save your game here.

Tips
When transformed, try to hit lots of enemies at once! Also, be sure to use your dash [C-key] to avoid attacks. Just remember, some enemies are too strong to simply have their attacks be ignored!

When you're vulnerable and not transformed, it's okay to run! Better to live to fight another day, right?

Notes
Currently, only Scarlet aka 'The Red Masque of Death' is playable. She fights with a knife in her vulnerable state and a long scythe when transformed. After the jam, we'd like to add more characters for you to play as, so expect some updates for this one!

Team Run & Jump
noblelemon - code, main character art, sound design
The_True_Igni - UI and background art
w111nd - enemy art, title screen and main character concept
Caffeinated Sara - enemy concepts, writing
NeoJock - music and composition

Games Good!