A whole new world

[aestrix]

There is a forest that likes to pretend that it's ordinary. It isn't, it's quite bizarre. Every night, in fact, zombies and other horrible monsters swarm this place, looking for people to kill. Not that they've found anyone, the forest itself is quite empty of residents. But they search anyway, during the night, shambling and groaning and occasionally leaving body parts lying around. Those disappear pretty quickly, but it still happens. Then the day comes, and they depart to who knows where, swearing (if mindless monsters could think, or in fact swear to anything in particular) that they'l be back the next night. Repeat ad nauseum.

It's currently in the day portion of this cycle of directionless attempts at violence. Maybe this day will be different from all of the others.

But then, probably not, it's a very boring island without anyone here.

Comments

[aestrix]

"It is very dangerous to be wandering around in the dark."

[greatestgift]

"I'll keep that in mind."

[aestrix]

"You should stay indoors at night," agrees Dylan.

[greatestgift]

"I hear you."

[aestrix]

The guide doesn't say anything else, but he does look at Sable, sort of expectantly.

[greatestgift]

"So, I should go dig up as much platinum as I can find and make armour with it, then pack a lot of healing potions and torches and start exploring caves? During the daytime so I don't get swarmed by lots of monsters?"

[aestrix]

"You can make a grappling hook from a hook and 3 chains. Skeletons found deep underground usually carry hooks, and chains can be made from iron bars," says Dylan. In a - sort of agreeing way.

[greatestgift]

"Underground sounds like a useful place. Anything horrifying I should be worried about down there?"

[aestrix]

There's a noticable pause. The - whoever is in charge is thinking. Possibly how to relate information, not the information itself.

"You should focus on gathering more heart crystals -"

From the merchant, yelled through the wall: "-watching-"

Mumble mumble, "- deep underground."

Merchant: "- can hear -"

"There is something about it that causes monsters -"

"Check out - dirt blocks!" adds the merchant.

[greatestgift]

"...I should be paying attention to monsters that will come out of the dirt? What, like... extremely aggressive moles?"

[aestrix]

"You can create worm bait -"

[greatestgift]

"...Worms. Are they by any chance giant worms," she sighs.

[aestrix]

From the merchant: "- big -"

That would be a yes.

[greatestgift]

"Well."

Sable contemplates this.

Then she says, with determined cheer, "At least they're not malices. Malices would be a problem."

[aestrix]

Silence from Dylan and Gus. No reply available.

[greatestgift]

"Thanks for the warning, anyway."

[aestrix]

"I am here to give you advice on what to do next." Pause. The tiniest of frowns from the guide.

The merchant calls: "-I've heard -"

"- to move in, you will need to -"

"- guy who was here -"

"- to help!"

Silence. Silence silence, silence. Slow blink from the guide. "My name is Dylan. I am your guide."

[greatestgift]

...She peers at Dylan.

"...So... your mind is busy?"

[aestrix]

"If you see a pot, be sure to smash it open. They contain all sorts of useful supplies."

[greatestgift]

"Taking that as a yes."

She goes off and starts organizing for her expedition. First she's going to have to gather a lot of platinum, which means ore hunting. While she's out there she can keep an eye out for foods that aren't blueberry or exploded rabbit, because it's important to vary one's diet. Right, goal formulated, off she goes.

[aestrix]

There are mushrooms! They are bright and yellow and have orange spots.

[greatestgift]

In the evening when she heads back home, she goes to see Dylan and shows him the mushroom.

[aestrix]

"Lesser healing potions can be made at an alchemy station, out of bottles, gel, and mushrooms," he proclaims.

[greatestgift]

"Are the mushrooms safe to eat?"

[aestrix]

"A mushroom, a goldfish, and a bowl over a cooking pot makes a bowl of soup."