Journeywood

Beginning

There is anticipation in the air as I take in my surroundings, a bat on my shoulder. A small, hilly forest on the coast of an ocean. Rabbits, cows, and pigs alike wander through the leafy terrain, while the ocean beckons, dark and dangerous. In the forest, I've found a small, spring-fed pond, a landmark as well as a source of fresh water. Perfect. This is the perfect place to start my faction.

I, Rowan, a hunter/gatherer of sorts, have decided I want more purpose in life that just staying alive, no matter how awesome it seems. I want to be a part of something. A community that can grow, and change, and win together. A faction. I've spent a lot of my time thinking, planning, and I think I'm finally ready to start.

Chestnut squeaks in my ear. I scratch my friendly bat's chin, something he's fond of, and he chirps happily. I feel like chirping, too. I have the perfect plan in mind for this place. I'm hoping it'll come to light. Grand structures, farms, friendly animals and people. But that's all in the far future. For now, back to basics.

Skirting around the pond, I hurry over to the nearest tree, and grab a lower branch. With a quick twist of my arm, the wood snaps, and I toss it in my all-encompassing backpack. The leather pack, dyed a dark red, can hold much more than it should physically be able to. Don't ask how; I have no idea.

With a few branches collected, I pluck a few strong vines from a nearby ironwood tree. Easily distinguishable by their beautiful silver bark and blue-green leaves, ironwood trees are known for their tough wood. Livestock fences are often woven from the vines, while the wood and leaves are used for rudimentary tools and weapons. I can't cut anything off an ironwood tree now, though. I'll need some better tools to even make a dent in the tough bark.

After a lot of fiddling with the tying of vines and the placement of sticks, I finally procure a rudimentary pickaxe, as well as a regular ol' axe. They won't last long, but they'll sure be better than nothing. I survey the land, deciding on locations. I think it's best for me to chop down trees in a selective fashion. By cutting the ones that crowd others, the forest will have healthier trees overall. Also, no clear cutting, lest I damage the local ecosystems. I also want to start a small mine. I'll probably dig the beginnings of one nearby somewhere. With basic planning out of the way, it's time to get to work.

After several seemingly endless hours, I sit down to wipe my brow and note the setting sun. Baddies will be out in less than a few hours, but I'm happy with how I've spent the day. The trees around me are sparser than previously, and I managed to make some progress on my mine. I found the perfect spot for it: a clearing a short walk from my pond. There's plenty of room for expansion and improvement. It could use some improvement. The mine is functional, if not particularly pretty (rough walls, and I have yet to build it a roof). My two new resources have provided me enough materials to survive the night. A pile of wood and stone sit before me; my broken tools have left my hand for the woodpile. Chestnut has retired to a nearby tree for a daynap. I smile at my pet, and after a moment's rest, I stand up and head over to the pile of stone. The rocks here crack into fairly uniform pieces when mined, which is lucky for me. Cobblestones are much easier to build with than gravel. They will need a mortar, though. Luck takes care of this too; my pond, as well as the ocean, is full of clay deposits. This world is strange in that resources are plentiful and easily managed. I wonder why.

Building the house takes less time than expected. The wet clay holds the stones together well, and the branches of the roof almost weave themselves. In time, I've erected a structure as tall as I, with sides approximately one and a half times as long. I even left a few spaces for windows. All that's missing on the exterior is the door. Not exactly a minor detail. A giant open hole in your home is just inviting trouble.

My wooden axe is long gone, so I quickly piece together a new one, this time with a blade of sharp stone. The clay here is very strong, and the axe works well; I manage to chop down a small tree. It crashes to the ground with an air of sacrifice. I don't like destroying the nature around me, and I'll plant a new tree in the old ones' place as soon as I can.

After a time of chopping and smoothing wood, I've pieced together a workable door, with flimsy bark hinges. I'll replace them with leather when I can. I set the door in it's frame just as the sun is setting, and I pause to marvel at the sight. What human work of art could ever compare to orange and pink racing across the sky, bumping into clouds, as if being set free to wander for the first time?

And then I hear a zombie growl and I slam shut the door. Nighty night.

Leaning against the door a moment to settle my nerves, I glance around my small cabin. A humble, little chest of drawers, a small roost for Chestnut (he sleeps there now) poking out of the wall, a few hooks for my coat and pack (also poking), and a working desk on which to plan and tinker. The chest of drawers is suffused with the same dark magic as my pack. Almost limitless storage. Again, don't ask.

I shrug off my coat and pack, and hang them up on my new hooks. They'll be out of the way here, so I won't trip on them, but within easy reach if I need to make a quick exit.

 After tossing a few of my materials into the chest, as well as my tools, I turn to head over to- and I don't have a bed. Right. I'll get on that first thing tomorrow. Hmm...well, I suppose the floor will do. I almost lie down, but then I remember the zombie. If he knocks down my door in the middle of the night, it won't be to tell me I'm a wizard or anything fun. He'll be on me before I know it. I should have something pointy within arm's reach. I'd prefer a sword, but my new stone axe will be sufficient. It's a bit heavier than a balanced weapon should be, but it'll most likely do a fair amount of damage to anything I hit it with. I grab the axe and my coat. I've realized the floor will be rather hard, and I need all the comfort I can get. I lay my "weapon" on the floor beside me, cover my cold torso with my coat, and settle down to sleep.

~~v^v~v^v~v^v~~

March 1st /16- I'm not entirely happy with this part, but oh well. If literally anyone comments on or enjoys this first part, I will write more.

If you want to be a part of the story, leave a brief description and a name in the comments. I'll add you in if I can.

EDIT- March 2nd /16- I've rewritten and added a few things.

- catcrazy37 

=^.^=