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About The Waters Above: Prelude
The Waters Above: Prelude is a free prequel set beneath the Vault of Heaven, a massive dome that separates Earth from a celestial ocean. Magic wanes and stars die, yet sea nymphs continue their ancient duties.
Players experience four short episodes, each starring a different protagonist—Maera, Clio, Iris, or Apple—while exploring stunning art, an original soundtrack, and optional extra content on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story Premise
A colossal dome, the Vault of Heaven, isolates the world from a vast heavenly sea, and sea nymphs have tended the stars for tens of thousands of years.
In this era of fading magic and dying stars, three nymphs and a living star seek purpose, each episode revealing personal struggles within an unchanged routine.
- Notice how each character’s scene reflects the broader decline.
- Compare the tone of each episode to track subtle shifts in world‑building.
02 / THE GUIDE
Character Roster
Four protagonists appear: Maera, a respected starkeeper; Clio, Maera’s girlfriend and head of maintenance for the Celestial authority; Iris, an archivist striving to save the stars; Apple, the first star in ten thousand years to assume human form.
Each short episode follows one of these characters, letting players view the fading world through distinct responsibilities and personal hopes.
- Track each character’s role to understand their motivations.
- Observe how Apple’s human form contrasts with the nymphs’ duties.
03 / THE GUIDE
Art and Music
Character art is created by Namie and backgrounds by Loika, delivering a visually striking blend of sea motifs and celestial scenery.
An original soundtrack composed by Kris "Astartus" Flacke accompanies each episode, reinforcing emotional moments without altering gameplay.
- Pause in the music room to match themes with scenes.
- Compare background details across episodes for stylistic evolution.
04 / THE GUIDE
Accessibility Options
The title lists accessibility options, indicating settings are available to accommodate a broader audience, though specific toggles are not enumerated.
The listed accessibility options can help players tailor their experience across the four short episodes.
- Open the accessibility menu early to locate useful settings.
- Try the listed accessibility options if background details feel hard to read.
05 / THE GUIDE
Extra Features
Beyond the narrative, the game includes a music room, a CG viewer, and a guest art gallery, offering ways to revisit content.
These extras let players listen to soundtrack tracks, study artwork, and explore guest artwork after completing the episodes.
- Use the CG viewer to examine composition techniques.
- Visit the guest art gallery for alternative interpretations of the world.
COMMUNITY
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