The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Spring)
Chapter 3 – Old Connections with a New Home
Monday, the 1st of Spring, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
The ride was uneventful which was good for Taeko because he already had a headache from Pam. When they arrived, the bus completely broke down right at the bus stop. Of course, the Gamer told him he was not going to get that fixed until a story quest was done to which Taeko groaned out in annoyance.
"On the bright side, this bitch no longer has a job." Taeko thought coldly.
He made a mental note to meet the daughter though and help her out if he can. Taeko got his things and exited the bus to greet Lewis who's happy to see them.
"Damn it, I can't believe she croaked!" Pam said referring to the bus.
"I'm sorry Pam, but the town might not have enough of a budget to fix it. At the moment." Lewis said sadly before turning to Taeko.
"Lewis, it's good to finally meet. I would be here earlier, but traffic." Taeko said. "A couple of drunk drivers on the road."
Pam could feel that was a dig at her as Lewis's brow furrowed.
"Well I'm glad you two are safe. Welcome back to the valley, Taeko. I noticed that you had workers come on ahead to clean up the old place. I'm glad you invested, but next time go see Robin, she could use the business." Lewis remarked.
Taeko had no idea about the workers hired but gave a nod. Then Taeko covertly used [Observe].
[Pelican Town Villager - Lewis – Relationship Level: 1/10 – Lewis is the mayor of Pelican Town. Everybody likes the guy, he's been mayor for over 20 years undefeated. Then again, nobody really wants the job. Lewis has a relationship with Marnie kept under wraps for no real reason. He tends to like special cooked dishes, blueberries, and hot peppers.]
"Next time for sure, Lewis." Taeko said.
Coming up was Robin, the town's local carpenter, and she was glaring daggers at someone who Taeko recognized. She was in a worker's uniform and hat, but Taeko recognized that pink hair of Kyu's.
"Good, you're here. The setup is finally complete, and you'll be able to get into farming right away." Kyu said to Taeko. "Your bill was covered, and so we're done here."
Taeko swiftly used [Observe] on Robin.
[Pelican Town Villager – Robin – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Robin Grant is the town's carpenter, and she practically builds everything in town. She's even good with electronics. Her dream is to pass on her craft of crafting. She is also an avid Minecraft player in her down time. She's a married woman with a son (Sebastian) and daughter (Maru). She loves spaghetti with added goat cheese.]
"You must be Robin. I apologize for not calling you, but the order was placed ahead of time." Taeko said to her.
Robin adjusted her vest and looked over at him.
"It's all right, you're new. The Maelstrom kid…Taeko, was it?" Robin said to him.
Taeko nodded, but Kyu cleared her throat.
"You can introduce yourself, later. I don't have all damn day for you make small talk, Mr. Maelstrom." Kyu snapped.
Of course, Taeko wanted the fairy's help and went with her and Lewis who was following along.
"Bitch!" Robin thought as she left for home.
Taeko, Kyu, and Lewis had walked over to Shadow Farm with Taeko and Lewis carrying his things. Tora, in a worker's uniform and hat, had come out of the farmhouse and took Taeko's things inside.
"Seems the farm is cleared up a bit. The farmhouse is even fixed up a bit. I also see you already got them to form a silo and coop. All you'll need a fence." Lewis remarked.
Steps away from the farmhouse from the distance was a 4x12 patch of dirt cleared for farming. The silo was further down, and the coop was next to the small patch of water near the edge of the fence. The rest of the farmland was still wild with many trees, stumps, grass, and rocks of all sizes.
"However, the place is still a bit wild." Lewis said a bit dismayed.
"We were only paid for fixing the house, getting a silo and coop set up, and setting a patch of land." Tora said coming out of the farmhouse. "The rest is up to you. Good luck, brother."
Tora and Kyu were opting to leave when Kyu remarked she left something for him in the house as a housewarming gift.
"Uh, they were surely strange. Well, why don't you get settled in and introduce yourself ahead town?" Lewis remarked before leaving as well.
A quest pinged up in front of Taeko.
[Story Quest: Introductions]
It would be a nice gesture to introduce yourself around town. Some people might be anxious to meet the new farmer.
People Met: 3/28
This quest is mandatory.
Bonus Objective: Do it all in less than 3 days.
"Of course, it freaking is." Taeko said hitting accept.
Taeko went inside to find everything unpacked and in place already. The TV wasn't the box Taeko had before but a flat screen TV. All his game consoles were already hooked up and ready to play. There was even a black couch for him and friend to crash on to play it. There was a table in the middle of the room with two wooden chairs tucked in. The kitchen was filled with new appliances ready for use. The walls were a plain cream finish with the floors a pale gray.
"New wallpaper will be bought ASAP." Taeko thought.
Taeko walked into the bedroom to find a king-sized bed up with its bed against the wall. The fireplace in the right corner and it was clearly off. Taeko found three chests in the room: one between the bed and the fireplace, one in the bottom right-hand corner, and one on top of the mats. Taeko found a note from Tora and Kyu explaining that they built chests for him to store my supplies and excess stuff when needed.
"Convenient. Either way, I should shower, change, and get started questing." Taeko said before going for the bathroom.
After a swift shower, Taeko went to his bedroom closest. He decided to wear a pair of aqua blue trousers, an unzipped, bright aqua blue jacket with a closed pocket flap on each side, a black tank top underneath, and black hi-top sneakers with grey socks. Taeko learned he could equip hats, two rings, and shoes to add bonuses. With the morning still young, Taeko got his new house key, wallet, and Huniebee in his pockets. With his sheathed katana on his left side, he exited his home and looked over the property.
"From cushy salaryman to farmer. Well at least the Gamer power helps." Taeko said pulling out the Gamer's Guide out his [Inventory]. "The guide helps too."
Taeko took to glancing it over.
"Alright. I have seeds, but I should go buy fertilizer. It's a bit costly, but I'll be fine." Taeko said closing the book returning to his [Inventory]. "Off to Pelican Town."
Taeko dashed off to the bus stop to get to town and Taeko found the place quaint. His Gamer ability identified the places. Taeko started with Pierre's General Store wanting to support local business. Entering the humble store, he gazed at a teenager at the counter. Her lavender hair was her most striking feature to him. She was about 5'6 with a slightly fit build.
Taeko wordlessly used [Observe] on her and Pierre.
[Pelican Town Villager – Abigail – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Abigail is the only daughter of the Belmont family. She's into the "alternate lifestyle" being a complete perky goth. She's all about the supernatural. She loves pumpkins and amethysts. Apparently, her teeth are strong enough to eat them. (She is one of the six eligible bachelorettes.)]
Taeko was screaming within his head for joy. Goth girls were something of an interest to him.
[Pelican Town Villager – Pierre – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Pierre is the patriarch of the Belmont family. The Belmont family is historically known as a family of vampire slayers using the legendary Vampire Killer whip. He's a freak for Fried Calamari and fish-related foods. It's rumored he's thinks Abigail isn't his biological child.]
Taeko calmed down and strode up to the counter. Pierre adjusted his glasses.
"You must be the Maelstrom boy….I mean man. You've grown up to look a lot like your grandfather." Pierre said. "You might remember me, but I'm Pierre. Pierre Belmont. And this is my daughter, A-"
Abigail rushed up to Taeko.
"Abigail Belmont." She said, taking his hand. "Nice to meet you. You got such wild green hair. Dyed?"
"No, it's natural. My mother has green hair." Taeko said sheepishly. "Yours?"
"I wish. Mine's chestnut brown." Abigail mused.
Then she noticed his sword as his waist.
"Wait, you're a swordsman?" Abigail asked. "A real one?"
"Legit. I've been training in martial arts and swordplay since I was young. My grandad was a fighter, and so was my dad. This katana is my own, and I call it... Eclipse." Taeko said confidently.
A text box flashed up in Taeko.
[You've impressed Abigail with your sword, you've gained a friendship heart with her.]
"That's a rather strange name for a sword." Abigail said, raising her eyebrow.
"I took the swordsman's oath at a lunar eclipse." Taeko explained.
"I see. You look so much like Zoro, it's uncanny. Shift the eye color a bit and it's perfect." Abigail remarked.
"An okatu? Guess it won't be lonesome here?" Taeko said.
"I'd say I'm one, but my taste is rather obscure." Abigail claimed.
"Please. I'm picky about my anime and manga. FLCL on my favorites list and everyone I mention it to usually have never heard of it." Taeko said.
Abigail's eyes widened.
"You're a fan of FLCL! I love that anime, its complete insanity hides such a simplistic story." Abigail said.
"I concur." Taeko said simply.
"It's kind of a shame, though. I always enjoyed exploring those overgrown fields by myself." Abigail said, referring to the farm.
"Well, you're always welcome to do so. It'll be a while until I could even fully clear it." Taeko said warmly. "Besides it'd be nice to have company being new in town."
Pierre cleared his throat, but the door to leading to the apartment behind the store came open revealed a grass green haired woman who looked close to Abigail.
Instinctively, he triggered [Observe].
[Pelican Town Villager – Caroline – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Caroline Fernandez-Belmont is the wife of Pierre and helps to run the store by adding to the stock with gardening. A rather traditional mother, this puts her at odds with her daughter. She likes fish tacos, daffodils, and summer spangles.]
"You must be the Maelstrom child. I'm Caroline. I see you've met my husband and daughter." Caroline said to him.
"Uh yeah. Taeko's the name. I came up because I needed to find a place to be my area for supplies. Anywhere from that bile called Joja…" Taeko said a bit bitter.
"Well then, you've come to the right place." Pierre said beaming.
A text box came up showing Taeko the stock of what's available and the prices. Taeko sighed for he knew he had to spend to make cash. He selected to buy five Basic Fertilizer and five Speed-Gro after he read their abilities and add-ons. The items were in his inventory and 1000 gold suddenly in Pierre's hands.
"Thanks for your patronage." Pierre said warmly.
"Well, I'll need all the boosters I can get." Taeko said.
"You didn't buy anything to cook with." Abigail pointed out.
"I only have about 2000 gold. Food's going to have either what I find out in the woods or elsewhere." Taeko said.
Taeko was about to leave when Abigail suggested he visited Gus for a good meal at a decent price. Taeko nodded and left. Stepping out, another text box came up.
[Foraging]
Foraging is the skill associated with gathering wild resources found on the ground throughout Stardew Valley, and with chopping down Trees. Foraging skills also increase by harvesting crops grown from Wild Seeds. You can also search garbage cans. When you perform certain tasks, you'll even find rarer items in the trash. If you interact with a garbage can near any villager other than Linus (and Sam depending on your luck), you will repulse the villager and lose 25 friendship points with him/her. The villager must be in a 15x15 square centered at your character to be offended.
Unlike most, Taeko was okay with going through trash cans. Playing RPGs in his down time made Taeko sharp enough to know you can find rare stuff in the most unlikely of places. Sneaking to the one next to the Stardrop Saloon, he "foraged". A Bread was added to his inventory and Taeko found it was fresh.
"Cool, and it even has healing properties." Taeko said with a smirk.
Seeing a fence with a doghouse within, Taeko walked up to 1 River Road where he found another trashcan near the house on 1 River Road.
"Might as well, go through the trash here since no one is looking." Taeko said going over to it.
He got….6 Cookies.
"Fresh too. If it's the Gamer effect putting these things in them, I can understand. But if these guys are just throwing out food like this…. it'd be a homeless man's paradise." Taeko said as the new item went into his inventory.
A text box pinged up for Taeko.
[Your line of thinking is a lot like a certain outcast in town. +50 points with ? ! Heart event with ? unlocked, head to town anytime between 8pm-12am.]
"The hell's a heart event?" Taeko asked himself only to get another text box.
[Heart Events]
[Heart Events are cutscenes or triggers that come as rewards for developing higher levels of friendship with a villager. For example, the friendship bond with Sandy got the heart event of her mailing you once in a while. Some will aid in developing deeper relationships with the villagers, getting you benefits, and/or learning more about the villager's backstories. Remember, your choices made during these (if they are cut scenes) heavily determine whether you make or break your bonds. Be careful in your choices. There is also the "custom choice", where you can speak for yourself, but that is rather risky.]
Taeko closed the box and walked on ahead. The house was a pale blue one story with an added basement. There was a hanging potted plant near the door. Taeko was about to knock when he stopped himself.
"Wait. I'm living in the RPG, since when does anyone ever knock." Taeko said to himself before entering.
He noticed there were two elderly people here, a couple. Taeko promptly used observe on the both of them.
[Pelican Town Villager – George – Relationship Level: 0/10 – George Mullner is one of the oldest residents living in this town. Having a rooted sense of justice is what attracted his wife, Evelyn. The reason why he's in the wheelchair and his daughter, Clara, dying of heart disease are tragedies that have been made him bitter. He loves fried mushroom and/or leeks.]
[Pelican Town Villager – Evelyn – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Evelyn Smite-Mullner is one of the oldest residents living in this town, being essentially the town's grandmother. The complete opposite to her cranky husband, she thrives on gardening and baking. She's a bit worried about Alex and misses her daughter, Clara. She loves chocolates, fairy roses, tulips, and diamonds.]
Taeko cleared his throat getting the two's attention.
"Oh my, it's the Maelstrom child. George, can you tear yourself away from the TV for a moment to say hello?" Evelyn said putting the cookies in the oven.
George turned his wheelchair around away from the TV which was playing a game show, "Can You Endure It?"
"Humph, you look just like your grandad…a roughneck. You're taking over the farm, aren't you?" George said to him.
"Yes, I'll be taking it over and running the place. It's a better job than my old line of work." Taeko remarked a bit downcast. "Only wish my grandparents were still around."
"Oh right, he passed away. But I didn't know that Kimiko passed away too." Evelyn said saddened. "Poor dear must have died of a broken heart. Well, just you can call me Granny like everyone does in town."
Taeko nodded.
"If I wasn't so damned old, I'd show you a thing or two on that farm." George said. "But you should introduce yourself to our grandson, Alex. He's outside playing with his balls."
It took all of Taeko's willpower to not snigger like an idiot, but it seemed Evelyn was doing the same. George realized what he just said and facepalmed.
[Not laughing like an idiot got you some respect out of both George and Evelyn. +250 Friendship Points!]
"Not what I meant! His footballs…I mean football." George said awkwardly. "Yeah, the old pigskin."
Taeko said his goodbyes and left outside to find Alex outside fiddling with a football. Observe was used rather quickly.
[Pelican Town Villager – Alex – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Alex Mullner is a guy fresh out of high school with aspirations of being a professional athlete. Alex loves sports and hanging out at the beach. He's arrogant and brags to everyone that he is going to be a professional athlete, particularly girdball. His cockiness covers his facade to mask his crushing self-doubt. With no parents in his life, he's a Woobie of all his own. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
"Oh great. One of the guys available has daddy and mommy issues. I pity the females in my place interested in him." Taeko thought before greeting him.
"Yo, you must be Alex." Taeko said calmly.
"What's up bruh? Name's Alex, the future sports star of Stardew Valley." Alex said cocky.
Already, Taeko wanted to punch this guy.
"So, you say." Taeko said blankly.
"Trust me, I can beat anymore here in a sport. You couldn't match up to me." Alex said to me.
"How about kendo?" Taeko said darkly showing a glint of Eclipse. "Or boxing, martials arts, or maybe judo?"
Alex gulped.
"Well…." Alex said nervously.
"Thought so. Later, "bruh"." Taeko said walking away.
Taeko decided to circle back to Clinic next to the General Store wanting to get acquainted with the town doctor. Entering, he found the doctor at the counter reading a novel. Looking over the doctor, Taeko could not help but dug his style. [Observe] came up automatically at this point.
[Pelican Town Villager – Harvey – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Harvey Ovid is the town doctor. He's a little old for a bachelor, but he has a kind heart and a respected position in the community. He lives in a small apartment above the medical clinic but spends most of his time working. You can sense a sadness about him, as if there's something he's not telling you. He comes from a family of pilots, interestingly enough. He loves coffee, picked veggies, and wine. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
"You must be Dr. Ovid." Taeko said, getting his attention.
The novel was put away as Harvey adjusted himself.
"Mr. Maelstrom." Harvey said, offering her hand.
Taeko gave the handshake.
"Considering the sword on the side, you'll be here soon enough." Harvey said.
Taeko chuckled.
"I wouldn't bet on too often." Taeko said.
"Either way, you should meet my assistant and nurse, Miss Maru Grant. Should be coming out of the restroom any minute." Harvey said.
A text box came up with Maru's profile.
[Pelican Town Villager – Maru – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Maru Grant is essentially the town nerd having a passion creating gadgetry. Friendly and ambitious, she aims to create new technology to aid mankind for the better. She has a strained relationship with her half-brother wishing he'd open up. She'll go crazy for battery packs, diamonds, gold bars, and strawberries among other things. (She is one of the six eligible bachelorettes.)]
And then she came out and Taeko was pleased with the sight. Dark skin, reddish hair, and purple eyes that pierce. The nurse uniform was doing her favors and the glasses were the cherry on the cake. Taeko introduced himself, immediately.
"It's funny. We have already meet." Maru said to him.
Taeko was about to ask when the world went gray, and the Game had triggered a flashback. Taeko noticed it was playing out like a cutscene.
-[Flashback: 2014] -
It was the STEAM fair at Nationals, all the territories and States gathered at New York City. Many projects were lined up for the chance to win the best project.
A 17-year-old, Kiba, was next to his project. This was his last shot and last year in school before graduating. He had done well in his local high school and Island Wide STEAM fairs being reigning champs. This was Taeko before getting work at Joja Corporate, instead he was a manager at the St. Thomas branch.
Kiba was next to his partner, Leah Gardenia. Essentially his best friend. Their project was one they did before. It was themed around video games. Ironically, the project was centered on the programming code of an RPG. Leah had provided the art, and Kiba did most of the coding. He had provided some of his own art too. Kiba was on the phone chatting with a long-distance friend.
"Sebastian, you, all right? You seemed more depressed than usual." Kiba asked.
Kiba and Sebastian weren't close, but they were players of the same MMORPG, FinalFall: Worlds Beyond. They came across each other in the game and became a part of a team. Kiba was the leader, Naruto von Maelstrom, and Sebastian was first mate, as Zero Zeta.
"It's my family again. I feel so shut out… That assclown of a stepdad didn't even put money for me to go with my half-sister down to the STEAM nationals. I wanted to go, but all he cares about is her and Mom lets him get away with it." Sebastian remarked.
"Damn….remind me never to bitch of my parents to you." Kiba remarked. "Jeez Shadows, you got it rough. But know you have us all. We're your friends and fellow players stick together."
Then they announced they were announcing final results.
"Gotta go, they are announcing results." Kiba said hanging up.
The head judge came up to the podium.
"Students, I must stay we have a hard time choosing a winner. So much so, in the first time in about 5 years since we have a dead tie for first place. And those winners are Kiba Maelstrom of Saint Thomas' Charlotte Amalie High School and Maru Grant of Ferngill Republic's Stardew High School. Please come up and accept your reward."
Maru, who was 14, had done an extensive project on robotics to increase physical strength to aid with lifting. Kiba personally was a bit smug at the fact he got the popular vote.
"Congrats on winning. I've tested your build, and I must say it's quite fun." Maru said shaking his hand.
"Thanks. Your work ain't too shabby neither." Kiba remarked.
Afterwards, they were all at a dinner party. Kiba was seating with his parents and Leah next to Maru and her parents.
Taeko remembered this and sneered at it. He'll never forget those words.
Maru's father was gushing over Maru's win.
"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. Still, I don't see how some pointless game that probably didn't take much effort managed to tie with your robotics." Maru's father said.
CLINK! Kiba's fork hit his plate. Everything went quietly as the people looked on with shock. Kiba and Leah had spent years on their project. It was the project in the background and considering their busy schedules and Kiba's job, it was a miracle it was even done before Senior Year. Leah was quiet yet she clearly looked hurt. Leah stood up and left trying her hardest to hide her tears. What pissed off Kiba further was the fact that Maru's father didn't realize why she bolted. Kiba wanted to say something and give him the prick a tongue lashing, but Maru being uncomfortable with her father's praise made him relent.
"Mom, Dad, I'm going back to the hotel after Leah. Save me some desert." Kiba said walking away fuming.
"I will make that asshole pay for making Leah cry!" Kiba thought coldly.
And Taeko still aimed to do so. The flashback seemed to end, but it showed him another scene. One he hadn't seen before.
-[2015]-
The scene was in someone's bedroom with a dark-haired teenager on the computer in his room. He was programming a set of codes for his business. This teenager was a whiz at computers and was making money.
Taeko saw a familiar asshole come into the bedroom.
Maru's father arrived in the room.
"Sebastian, dinner's ready." Maru's father said.
"So, you acknowledge me at last?" Sebastian said coldly.
Taeko realized something. Maru was Sebastian's half-sister and Maru's father was the bastard stepdad. But why show him this? Then he looked at the date on Sebastian and gasped. That was the day that FinalFall had closed its servers. He had lost contact with Sebastian.
"Shit. No wonder he's depressed. I got to fix Maru and Sebastian's relationship." Taeko said.
A text floated up offering the warrior a quest.
[Optional Quest]
Mending Bridges
You are the only one who can help fix the relationship between Maru and Sebastian. The way to do so will not be easy, and the choices you make are going to become difficult. ? has made their relationship fracture rather badly.
Quest Objectives:
- Get your friendship level with Maru up to 8 hearts.
- Get your friendship level with Sebastian up to 4 hearts.
- Find a way to get the two together to talk it out.
Quest Requirements:
- The third objective cannot be done until the first two are done.
Quest Completion Reward:
- 1,000,000 Gold
- Maru and Sebastian will be indebted to you.
- Robin will respect you.
Quest Failure:
- It's best not known the consequences.
Bonus Objectives:
- Ensure ? is clueless to your plan.
- Ruin Maru's relationship with her father.
- Don't fix the relationship with Sebastian and ?
Bonus Objectives Reward:
- 5 Ancient Seeds
- 500,000 Gold
- 10 Diamonds
Accept?
Y/N
Taeko drooled at the rewards. This quest would take some time, but Taeko was staying for the long-term either way. He accepted the quest, and the world returned to normal.
"Oh, I remember now. You tied with me in the 2014 STEAM fair…." Taeko said coolly. "Guess we'll be neighbors now. I've been still working on my old project. Improving it in my spare time, you can come over and test it whenever I'm not busy."
Maru perked at this. A text box pinged up.
[Your bond over geeky tech forms a faint bond! +250 friendship points with Maru. Getting friendly with Maru got you friendly with the good doctor. +250 friendship points with Harvey.]
"It's good to see you two getting along." Harvey remarked.
"Well, I should get going." Taeko said. "Nice seeing you Maru."
Taeko about to leave when Harvey called for him tossing two bottles which Taeko caught turning around.
"Something to help you out. First one's free." Harvey said cheerfully.
"Yeah, thanks." Taeko remarked leaving.
Outside, Taeko immediately used [Observe] on them.
[Item – Energy Tonic – It's a mixture made by the good doctor himself, it restores a lot of energy. It's basically the Senzu Bean of your world. +500 Energy/+225 Health (Can be sold for 500 Gold)]
[Item – Muscle Remedy – It's a mixture made by the good doctor himself, it's more focused on reliving Exhaustion for when you exhaust all your energy. Won't heal you much though. +50 Energy/+22 Health (Can be sold for 500 Gold)]
Taeko called up the time to find it's already 10 am, and figured he'd get a move on.
[STATS]
Taeko Kiba Maelstrom
Occupation: Farmer/Freelancer Ronin
Age: 20 years
HP: 500/500
Energy: 300/300
Overall Level: Greenhorn
Farming Skill Level: 0
Mining Skill Level: 0
Foraging Skill Level: 2
Fishing Skill Level: 0
Combat Skill Level: 10
Gold: 2000
Total Amount Earned: 0 Gold
Taeko is a former employee of the corrupt Joja Corp.. Screwing it over, he got away with it free to chase his dreams and ambitions. An anti-hero and a roughneck, he won't take crap from no-one. Now he's the head farmer of Shadow Farm along with being essentially a ronin. His favorite food is pepperoni pizza. His favorite gifts tend to center around gaming, manga, and combat.
[Taeko's Perks]
The Gamer's Mind - Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through. Allows peaceful state of Mind. Immunity to Psychological Mass Effect and Hypnotism.
The Gamer's Body - Grants the user a body to live life like a video game, Immunity to Physical Damage, but not the pain. Sleeping in a bed fully restores HP/Energy, Sleeping in a tent restores HP/Energy by 75% of total amount, and sleeping on an improvised surface (a couch, the ground) restores HP/Energy by 50% of maximum amount.
Made of Iron – You can survive your HP going down to zero, and you only need four hours and ten minutes of sleep to function perfectly. (Downside, you have to bed before 2 A.M. or else you pass out.)
Fighter - All attacks deal 10% more damage. (+15 HP)
Brute - Damage is increased by 15%
[Relationships]
Sandy – 4/10 Hearts – 1000 Friendship Points
Pam – 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Lewis – 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Pierre – 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Robin – 0/10 Hearts – 0 Friendship Points
Abigail - 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Caroline – 0/10 Hearts - 0 Friendship Points
George - 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Evelyn - 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Alex – 0/10 Hearts - 0 Friendship Points
Harvey - 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
Maru - 1/10 Hearts – 250 Friendship Points
? - .5/10 Hearts – 125 Friendship Points
[SAVE GAME]
….
[GAME SAVED]
(A/N: Yeah, not every chapter is going to be one day. That's too much. Either way, I'm pleased with this chapter. Why? Deep story, that's way. I realized the golden opportunity I had with the game's limited backstory on the Ferngill Republic. I even got to show you how Taeko was in his past, how "Kiba" was different back then. He wasn't an ass to everyone until that day. The connection was Sebastian was actually a last-minute thought I had. Either way two of the main girls Taeko will focus on had meet him or all that's left is Penny. Stay tuned. Fun fact: Demetrius is the catalyst for more than you think. I don't want to say how, as they will be revealed later on. You'll just have to WMG them all!)
(Remastered A/N: Removed the sudden author's note on the flashback because that broke the pace. To make the explanation brief, The Ferngill Republic is a US territory that the US bought long ago to have a buffer against the Gotoro Empire. Taeko and Leah also weren't raised in the republic but another US territory. Now, about Caroline's surname change. Originally, she was a descendant of the Belanades clan and it would be a case of history repeating herself. However, given what I've done later on with the character, I've changed to Fernandez which is the 'alternative' name for the Belnades family (which is non-canon). For this universe, they're two separate families that have worked together in the past.)