Every new Life starts in one of two ways. Both lead to the same adult LIVORA systems.
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Use this chapter when: you are starting a new Life and deciding whether you want immediate adult play or a childhood and adolescence that build the character first.
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Adult Life starts at 18 or older with work, money, housing, relationships, Health, time planning, trips and civic life already relevant. Choose or shape the character's identity, appearance and starting circumstances, then begin the guided first day.
Choosing between Adult Life and Formative Years
The starting profile gives the Life a foundation, not a fixed destiny. Circumstances create different pressures and opportunities, while decisions made in play shape what follows.
Setting up the identity and circumstances of an adult Life
Formative Years begins at birth. Childhood and adolescence are played at an age-appropriate rhythm, with the family household, education, friendships, traits and formative experiences building a persistent history. Access grows as the character grows.
Both beginnings ask where the Life starts. Choose one of LIVORA’s five fictional countries, then a city, town or rural settlement within it. This establishes the character’s starting country, settlement and original home; it is more than a backdrop, because housing, costs, education, work, services, transport, climate and local opportunities can differ. Browsing another place does not move the character. Read 20A. Countries, Visas & Life Abroad before choosing if you want to compare the wider world.
| Route | Best when you want… | What carries into adulthood |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Life | Full adult systems immediately | A believable starting household, work, money, housing and relationship context |
| Formative Years | Childhood and adolescence to shape the person first | Family, education, traits, interests, memories and meaningful early relationships |
Neither route is a tutorial-only mode, and Formative Years does not end at 18: it becomes the same continuing Life.
A new Life does not overwrite the story by surprise. Existing Lives remain available through the start and continuation flow, and the game saves the active Life automatically.
The two beginnings mainly change how much history already exists when adult play starts. Adult Life supplies a believable starting position so work, money and housing can matter immediately. Formative Years lets you create that background through play. Once the character reaches adulthood, neither route receives a smaller version of the game.
Before confirming an Adult Life, read the starting household, work, money, Health and relationship information together. A well-paid role may come with pressure or travel; a cheaper home may lengthen the commute. For Formative Years, expect broader age steps during quieter childhood periods and more direct control as adolescence approaches.