Wilson's Survival Guide: Let's Play Don't Starve! [Image heavy]

[Mr. Moon]

DAY ONE

My name is Wilson Fontaine. I don’t know how I got here or even where “here” is – all I know is that I fell asleep in my laboratory and woke up somewhere else.

Spoiler

The air smells of brine, which would mean that whatever has transported me has seen fit to deposit me on the coastlands. This means I am likely rather far from London, but not from civilization in general. I have been left on the roadside, which means that if I am to follow this path then I must find civilization somewhere.

Also of note are the two unusual protrusions from the ground I have woken up next to. Two sphincters of some kind, covered in fur and seemingly alive. Do these new life-forms have anything to do with my kidnapping? I must examine further.

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My hypothesis that these strange ground-dwelling creatures have something to do with my disappearance has been strengthened. Approaching them caused the sphincters to open up hungrily, revealing a gaping maw of teeth and saliva. I am certain that this is the fate that befell my captors, and that if I were to get any closer they would devour me as they did them. I shall keep a healthy distance.

****

The path lead me across a bridge over the water and into the forest. I have no idea how long it goes on for, I’ve been following it for hours. I’ve discovered another one of these ground-dwelling creatures - which I shall call Wormholes – living along the path. I gave it a wide berth, but shall have to return to further study it.

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****

I am clearly not in London anymore. The path has (finally) lead me to a small village of what appear to be sentient bipedal pigs. They appear to be capable of communication and while they are not outright hostile, all my attempts of dialogue with them result in them running away.

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Even their leader is unwilling to speak with me, although I profess that this is mildly relieving. It smells no different than the common farm pigs of Britain.

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I have heard of no such aberration, not even in Ireland. Perhaps I have been whisked away to the Americas, or the Orient. The path ends at this village, but perhaps the other end of the path leads to more friendly, Godly civilization.

****

The hour grows late, and I am no closer to finding hospitable civilization. I must resign myself to sleeping on the ground, as undignified as it may be. Let’s just hope I can remember how to light a fire.

Spoiler

I was able to fashion a crude axe out of a stick and a particularly sharp piece of flint I found on the ground. This strange land is at least not devoid of palatable food. While unsophisticated, I was able to scavenge a passable supper of roasted berries and carrots. I also saw a small pond while I was foraging. Perhaps later, if need be, I can catch fish from it. For now, however, I shall rest. Hopefully come tomorrow I will find civilization that speaks the Queen’s English and find a way home to London.

- Wilson

Spoiler

[Vespe Ratavo]

Friend Computer is monitoring this Let's Play with great interest. for evidence of communists

[Slii Arhem]

Aaaaand subscribed. I await further awesome Don't Starve posts with glee and a quivering ground-sphincter.

My only regret is that I didn't think of this first. Well, I'm not good enough at the game to last more than a fortnight at it anyway, so I suppose it's for the best.

I suggest that if Wilson does die by some mishap that you begin again in the narrative as if he resurrected, so that we can watch as the existential implications of being forever trapped on the same series of horrid islands where even death isn't an escape rots his mind to the core.

Now I'm really sad I didn't think of this first.

[Mr. Moon]

DAY TWO

I woke up this morning to find a large beetle crawling on my face. It flew away as I sat up with a start, but I can still feel where its dirty little legs touched my skin.
The sun has risen, however, and so must I. With all luck I the path will lead me to salvation. I don’t know if I can stand sleeping on the cold, hard ground another night. I breakfasted on a handful of roasted berries and set out.

I must observe that these coastlands feature an astounding number of microbiomes. Within fifteen minutes I have passed forests, woods, valleys and badlands. Also another wormhole.

Spoiler

In anticipation of having to sleep on the ground yet another night, I have been collecting wild carrots and berries to sustain myself.

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Found another, smaller village of the pig-men out in the forest, although they were no more hospitable their kinsmen. I admit, however, that my solitude has left me rather starved for company. I attempted to facilitate dialogue by offering one of them some of my food, which it gladly ate… and then promptly fouled itself.

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Disgusting creatures.

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This is it. I’ve reached the end of the path. It leads not to civilization but another village of these barbaric pig-men. I have seen no other signs of construction on these accursed islands. I’ve spent the entirety of the day chasing this fool dream, only to have it dashed before me.

Fie. I am sore and tired from sleeping on the cold ground and walking all day. These ungodly creatures smell foul and cause my gorge to rise. I’m going to go gather wood for a fire and try to think of some way home.

Spoiler

I have found a most unusual device, surrounded by a ring of dark and thorny flowers. I recognize several poisonous and narcotic specimens among them. In the center of the ring lays a large golden ring of some mechanical sort. It appears to be a sort of focus for energies. This is a kind of science I am only tenuously familiar with.

I shall have to study it later. For now, I must rest. This is, however, an encouraging find. Technology, even abandoned technology, means that someone must have been alive to invent it. Perhaps its inventors or the descendants of its inventors are still alive somewhere on these coastlands. Clearly they are men of science, and can direct me home.

- Wilson

Spoiler

[Forum Explorer]

This looks amazing. Please keep it up.

[Mr. Moon]

DAY THREE

Didn’t sleep well last night. I kept waking up and realizing where I am. Eventually I gave up and spent the pre-dawn hours studying the ring I found. Unfortunately without my equipment, I can only make educated guesses. For instance, the grooves on the inside indicate that it is part of a larger device. There are markings in it, but I can only recognize a handful of them. It appears to be made of gold, likely for its conductivity and resilient nature. At home it would fetch an excellent price if melted down.

My next goal, then, is to explore these coastlands in hopes of finding the creators of this artifact, or more of its like. Who knows, perhaps I can use it to find my way home. The best way to go about this is a through exploration of these islands. Since this will take quite some time, it is pertinent that I am vigilant in foraging and collecting foods. These islands seem docile enough, save for the ground sphincters. I doubt I’ll encounter any violent threats, so cold and hunger are my greatest concern.

Spoiler

I appear to have discovered cocoon-like nests of spider silk. Evidently I was incorrect in my assessment of threats in this unusual land. I shudder to imagine of the size of six-limbed beast that would be required to create nests so large. Hopefully they aren’t diurnal, but I shan’t tarry near them. Hopefully I won’t find out.

Spoiler

Another new discovery. Another microbiome, this one a swamp. These coastlands are astoundingly diverse. For now I shall stick to the shore, but I look forward to exploring the contents of the swamp afterwords.

I found a grave. Ancient, covered in moss, the carvings in the tombstone rendered illegible from age. While morbid, it gives me hope. This is yet another sign of civilization, even if those who buried this poor soul are far away.

I passed another ground sphincter not far away. Then a second, which I nearly fell into. It was hidden rather cunningly behind a cluster of trees. I don’t know if this one is intelligent or just lucky. None of the other sphincters I’ve passed have displayed such predatory intelligence, often out in the open and easily missed. This is the first I’ve seen that actually disguised itself.
While I am speaking of predators, it is worth noting that I have discovered many more spider nests. Like the sphincters, I am giving them a VERY wide berth.

Spoiler

Spoiler

As if I were not miserable enough, the twilight has brought with it a torrent of rain. I am soaked. Hopefully I can find somewhere dry to take shelter.

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SWEET MERCIFUL CHRIST THERE IS FIRE AND SPIDERS EVERYWHERE
GET ME OUT OF THIS NIGHTMARE WORLD

Spoiler

Alright. I think I’m safe.

As I sought shelter from the rain, a bolt of lightning struck a tree right in front of me, instantly immolating it. As my vision cleared, I felt an intense heat. By the time I could see again, I was faced with a rapidly-spreading inferno. It must have awoken several of the nearby spider nests, although I saw the panicking spiders only out of the corner of my eye as I fled. I ran until the light of the fire faded from sight and then some, as any sane man would do. I can only hope that the rain has dampened the forest sufficiently that the fire will not spread to my campsite.

I am making slower progress than I hoped I would. This island is larger than the previous ones I have encountered. I only hope that my dedication to exploration will be worth it.

-Wilson

Spoiler

[Slii Arhem]

Wheee chapter 3! I have another suggestion for you too Moon, though it's only a small one since everything's gone swimmingly otherwise. If you're going to post a map screen after each segment, it might be a good idea to work that into the narrative. Maybe Wilson's an amateur cartographer and has been scratching these maps into flat rocks next to his campsite each night with a stick of charcoal from the fire. Can't wait until he starts going nuts and will need sleeping bags and picked flowers to keep him from swinging his axe at the monsters behind his eyes.

[Mark Hall]

The Mod Wonder: Revived

[Mr. Moon]

((Woo-hoo, we're back! Apologies for the massive delay. I've managed to accumulate something of a backlog during the forum outage, so that shouldn't be happening again anytime soon. ))

DAY FOUR

It’s no good. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I spent the night shaking with adrenaline and watching as the distant glow of the forest fire slowly burnt out. Relief only came with the rising of the sun, but with it too a flood of exhaustion. I want very much to be back in my library, with a book in my lap and a cup of tea at hand.

Still. Brooding will do me no good here – a point my stomach loudly reminds me of. I ate the last of my berries and continued my search for whatever might pass for civilization in these strange lands.

A morbid curiosity drew me back to where the fire had blazed. Pieces of silk littered the desolate landscape. The trees had been reduced to brittle charcoal that collapsed at the slightest touch of my axe. I shall collect several pieces, I think. There are many uses for charcoal. The silk scraps, as well.

Spoiler

There was also a spider sleeping out in the open. I killed it.

Spoiler

I was not so lucky that all the spider nests were destroyed in the fire. As I examined one, stained with soot, a nearby sleeping spider woke up and chased me away. I passed a hermit pigman as I fled, and he gladly diverted the spider’s attention. By punching it. At least there is some use for the things.

There are a few small ponds on these islands. I stopped to drink at one, and as I did so I noticed fish swimming in the bottom. Perhaps I can fashion a fishingrod out of a stick and a string of spider silk. For now, I’ll content myself on chasing down one of the frogs that lived there.

Spoiler

EVEN THE FROGS ARE DEADLY HERE

After fleeing from two frogs and a spider, I returned to the pigman village. Never did I expect to feel so relieved to see the their warty faces. I picked some berries from their bushes; they didn’t seem to mind. As night fell, a passing turkey got trapped in a bush. I killed it and roasted it for my dinner, and was sincerely surprised it didn’t try to kill me. The meat was plain, but after nothing but carrots and berries it was the most delicious of feasts. In addition, I also tried a roasted steak of spider flesh, and then promptly threw up. Evidently the spiders are as vicious in death as they are in life.

One final note before I close for the day. There appears to be a new, dirt road that extends from where the old road ended. Perhaps this one will lead to salvation. But it probably won’t.

-Wilson

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[iyaerP]

So would you guys recommend getting this game? I saw an ad for it on steam, but wasn't able to ascertain much of the gameplay beyond simple survival.

[Slii Arhem]

Originally Posted by iyaerP

So would you guys recommend getting this game? I saw an ad for it on steam, but wasn't able to ascertain much of the gameplay beyond simple survival.

Definitely, it's got a great feel to it and with the world generation tools provided you can tailor your experience fairly precisely. It's certainly not a simple survival game anymore, though it did start fairly simple in beta.

Be forewarned, it will eat oodles of your time.

Also, wheee more Survival Guide! This means I'll have to make good on my side-along series so I don't fall behind Moon in the writing department.

[Mr. Moon]

I was lucky enough to get a free copy from a friend back in the early beta stages when they were just giving them away. I've definitely gotten a lot of gameplay out of it. It's basically Minecraft Exploration Mode with dashes of Victorian supernatural horror. If exploration and survival aren't your thing, then yeah I'd pass it up. But otherwise I heartily recommend it.

Edit: One thing I reccomend if you do get it is to go in as blind as possible. Half the fun of Don't Starve, IMO, is learning from your horrible, terrifying mistakes. :D

[Forum Explorer]

Glad to see this updating again. How much does it cost on Steam?

[HandofShadows]

Great work Mr. Moon. Wish this forum had rep points as I would give you some.

[Mr. Moon]

((Right now it's 22.49, which is a shame because I'm pretty sure it was only 15 last time I checked.

Aw, thanks Hand of Shadows. ))

DAY FIVE

Spoiler

I dreamt of home last night. Such a sweet dream it was. I smelt Victoria’s sweet perfume as she leaned against me. I read aloud to her from one of the adventure novels she loves so much.
Oh, Victoria.

There was more to the dream, but I can’t remember what.

I woke to discover a fine beard upon my chin. And I swear to you, Victoria, that I saw eyes in the darkness as the sun began to rise. Something is watching me.

The path I followed lead me to the swamp I discovered earlier. It appears to be following a large, ovular route. There is a rock here, which I might mine for valuable minerals later. For now I have not enough flint to construct even a crude pickaxe.

Spoiler

As I suspected, the path merely doubled back to the main road. It did, however, lead past the fairy ring in which I found the ring artifact. Perhaps other paths will lead to more. I must wonder, however, who built this path? It appeared overnight. I am not alone, Victoria. There is someone else here. But who?

There is little else here for me on this island. I shall backtrack to the last island I passed, and see what lies there.

Spoiler

I discovered as I foraged for berries that I have filled my pockets as much as I can. No matter. I was able to fashion a crude backpack out of woven hay and a few sticks.

Evening fell as I was wandering close to a pair of spider nests. I was able to flee to the huts of a pair of hermit pigmen, however. They stopped chasing me, and I was able to light a fire. The pigmen turn off their lights when I get close, Victoria, but I feel more comfortable just to be near them.

Goodnight, Victoria
-Wilson

Spoiler

[The Bushranger]

Originally Posted by Mr. Moon

It's basically Minecraft Exploration Mode with dashes of Victorian supernatural horror.

Lovecraftian done Tim Burton style, I've heard it described as.

Also, whee! Fun stuff here.

[Mr. Moon]

DAY SIX

I woke up in the middle of the night, just as a spider was looming over me. It’s dead now, Victoria, but I cannot stop shaking. I want to go home. There are monsters in the darkness. I can’t see them but I know they’re there. Great, bristly furred beasts that walk on a bed of tentacles.

When the sun rose, the pigmen left their huts. They watched me break my fast on a pocketful of roasted berries. I bade them sit and join me, offering a spider steak to each of them. After all, they were no good to me. No sooner had the pigmen devoured their breakfast did they announce me Friend.

Spoiler

They’re following me. I won’t complain. I can’t imagine I smell any better than they do at this point. And I must admit, Victoria, there is something… comforting about their company.

I found another path, this one leading what I think is north east. It lead to what appears to be a sort of nexus, not a step away from the main road. Curious. I shall follow the path that doubles back, and see what I find.

Along the path I found what appears to be a burnt out campsite. There is evidence of a fire, but no trace of whoever may have stayed there. Perhaps whoever slept here is responsible for the paths?

Spoiler

Ah, no good. The path here leads to a dead end. I’ll explore the rest of this island and return to the nexus.

Spoiler

Evening fell, and with it rain. I can only hope that there is no thunder again tonight. I don’t know if I could flee another fire. One of the pigmen ran off to chase a spider shortly after I made camp. Hopefully he’ll make it back alright.

The pouring rain is making it difficult to keep a fire going, and it is not even nightfall yet. Luckily there is no shortage of trees. My pigman friend, who told me in grunts that is name is Olybrius, is terribly afraid of the dark but enjoys the rain. He keeps alternating between cowering and dancing, which I profess is rather entertaining to watch.
I heard thunder crash earlier, but no signs of a fire yet.

By the time night fell, the rain finally broke off. Unfortunately, the head of my woodaxe did the exact same thing. I used the last of my flint to make another, but if I don’t find more flint soon I’m going to be in trouble.

Goodnight, Victoria
-Wilson

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[HandofShadows]

"Thar be SPIDERS in thems woods!"

(At least no Tallbirds... yet)