The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Spring)
Chapter 4 – Exploring New and Old Bonds
Monday, the 1st of Spring, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
[LOAD GAME]
…
[GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]
Taeko was out of the doctor's office wondering what to do next. He noticed the Stardrop Saloon and figured to go there next. He entered the saloon and got a really pleasant feel from the place. It even had a jukebox, arcade machines, a vending machine, and a pool table. He noticed the barman on the counter cleaning a glass to which Taeko used [Observe].
[Pelican Town Villager – Gus – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Gustave Curry is essentially the town's best chef coming from a long line of chefs. Big fun and friendly, befriending him is very easy to do. He had a goal in expanding the place, but Joja's put a monkey wrench to that. He's married to Cosette. He loves diamonds, escargot, fish tacos, and oranges.]
Taeko noticed Cosette was cooking as well. She had long light brown hair tied in a braid, light brown eyes and freckles on her face. She wears a dark red Bordeaux chef's uniform top and a white knee-length skirt. Taeko found that using [Observe] on her merely told him of her personality, but her friendship was according to Gus. Essentially, befriend Gus and you befriend Cosette.
"Good morning." Taeko greeted kindly.
Gus and Cosette looked up to see Taeko.
"Ah, the Maelstrom man. You look a lot like your old man. I was only a young whelp when I met him years ago." Gus remarked. "I'm Gustave Curry, and this lovely angel is my wife Cosette Spice-Curry."
"Taeko." Taeko said curtly. "I already like this place. It has such a rustic feel. Reminds me of a hole-in-the-wall I used to go to when I used to work in the city. Even has arcade machines, I freaking miss those."
"Well, I'm a big arcade guy myself." Gus remarked.
Aside from the Jumino Kart and Journey of the Prairie King machines, there were arcade machines for Street Fighter 2: Ultimate Edition, Pac-Man 256, TMNT Turtles in Time, and The Simpson Arcade Game. Taeko was salivating and he hadn't even seen the food.
"Thank you, grandpa!" Taeko said in joy. "If I knew this place was so cool, I'd quit Joja years ago."
"Used to work for Joja?" Cosette remarked. "Funny, I used to work for them too, right here in this town actually. Were you a cashier?"
"Nah. I was a part of corporate." Taeko remarked. "I was a part of that big scandal they had."
"The one about exposing Joja secrets?" Cosette said in shock.
"The very one." Taeko remarked. "I was able to flip off Joja before walking away."
"And I thought what I did was bold. I used to work at the counter at this JojaMart. Morris was always putting me down and ruining my self-esteem. Unlike you Taeko, I didn't have connections to anyone in town. I was new here. I met Gus and he became a dear friend to me. Soon enough, I got sick of Morris. Before I quit from JojaMart, I took a bottle of wine, drank half of it, and smashed it right on his head before I quit. It's the reason Morris's JojaMart doesn't sell liquor." Cosette said sweetly. "I also asked Gus to marry me that same day."
Taeko was impressed. She had an iron will that Taeko respected.
[Cosette and you have mutual respect for each other! +500 Friendship with Gus (and Cosette)!]
"So Taeko, you cook?" Gus asked.
"Not really. I'm ashamed to say I'm a shitty cook. I never really cooked because at my old job, I never had the time. Most I ever made was a fried egg." Taeko said sheepishly. "I was usually eating out."
Cosette pulled her husband to talk before Cosette gave Taeko a scroll.
"Here. It's a recipe. My husband sells them on top of selling food here. I want you to this one on the house, it's for pancakes." Cosette remarked.
Taeko accepted it, thanking her. Taeko remarked he'd come back for lunch and went on his way. As he left the building, he opened the scroll. It broke out into a blue light before it absorbed into his body.
[You now know how to make "Pancakes"!]
"Next time, a friggin' warning!" Taeko yelled rubbing his head.
Another text came up.
[Food and You, and Recipes Too]
[Food (or drink) in this game would not only fill you, but supply buffs as well (at least certain ones will). You can learn to cook different food by either watching TV (the Queen of Sauce), getting recipes from your friends, or buying recipes at the Stardrop Saloon. You can also give food (or drink) as a gift to your villagers, if you didn't realize that yet.]
"Well, that's cool, I guess. But now I need syrup for those cakes." Taeko mused to himself.
As Taeko walked down the street, he noticed a familiar person sitting on one of the benches. His dark hair curved to one side and black hoodie were a giveaway.
"Sebastian?" Taeko said.
Sebastian closed his 3DS and turned to the face Taeko.
"Do I know you?" Sebastian asked.
"You should. By the winds of this planet, Gaia, we fight to defend it. No matter the cost, no matter the risk. We fight to end to prevent the Final Solution and..." Taeko said before a stunned Sebastian finishes Taeko's sentence, "restore the peace in this world. For battle and for glory, this was quest. The Final Fall of the Enemy!"
Sebastian was floored.
"von Maelstrom?" Sebastian remarked.
"Good, we finally meet in person, Zeta." Taeko remarked.
[Sebastian recognizes you from the days of FinalFall battling! +500 Friendship added from past bond!]
"Wait, you're the new guy they said that was moving here. How crazy." Sebastian remarked. "At least, it's nice to an old gaming buddy here."
"Same here. I'll be taking command of the farm. Don't worry, I brought most of my game consoles with me." Taeko remarked, getting a laugh out of Sebastian. "So, what have you been up to?"
"I'm a computer programmer and I work from home. It's my own little business. And you?" Sebastian asked.
"I used to work Joja. I was a part of corporate until I betrayed them and exposed their secrets." Taeko said coolly.
"No way! That was you! Damn, that's impressive." Sebastian remarked. "I should introduce you to Sam and Abigail. How about you come to the Saloon tonight? We'll have a little hanging out. It's not Friday, but I'll make an exception."
"Freakin' A. I'm game. I'll see you later." Taeko said, going on his way.
The text box for Sebastian's profile came up.
[Pelican Town Villager – Sebastian – Relationship Level: 2/10 – Sebastian Shadows in the town's emo. a rebellious loner who lives in his parents' basement. He is Maru's older half-brother and feels like his sister gets all the attention and adoration, while he is left to rot in the dark. He tends to get deeply absorbed in computer games, comic books, and sci-fi novels, and will sometimes spend great lengths of time pursuing these hobbies alone in his room. He loves frozen tear, obsidian, pumpkin soup, sashimi, and is the only person to like void eggs. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
Taeko decided to promptly ignore that last part of his profile. Going down to 2 Willow Lane, Taeko decided to try the house there. It was a little sun above the door and cactus in the little flowerbeds. Taeko knocked on the door before entering. The house had clear evidence that whoever lived here had that Monopoly money. Two young women sat at the kitchen table. The older one, about twenty-one, was about 5'8'' with blue hair done short, pale skin, and red lipstick. She wore a stylish red sundress with a star design on the ends of it with a sash around her waist and red flats. The younger one, about eighteen, was about 5'6'' with long blonde hair, lightly tanned skin, and no lipstick. She wore an ocean blue dress ensemble with a pink skirt and blue heels. She also wore rather expensive jewelry basically saying she had money to burn.
Taeko immediately used [Observe].
[Pelican Town Villager – Emily – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Emily Umbra is the older fashion heiress to the Umbra Clothing Corporation. Her personality doesn't reflect this as she is essentially a new age hippie. She likes getting in touch with nature, studying legends, dancing, and making her own clothes. Despite being wealthy enough to own this town, she works for Gus as a barmaid. While she thinks her parents think little of her, they actually think highly of her. She loves certain gems, cloth, survival burgers, and wool. (She is one of the six eligible bachelorettes.)]
[Pelican Town Villager – Haley – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Emily Umbra is the younger fashion heiress to the Umbra Clothing Corporation. Her personality sadly reflects this as she is a bit spoiled and superficial. Conceited and a bit self-centered, she's a total daddy's girl. She prefers shopping to making clothes. She's not very bright, and her parents pray nothing happens to Emily so they don't have to give Haley the fortune. She loves coconuts, fruit salad, pink cake, and sunflowers. (She is one of the six eligible bachelorettes.)]
Haley sniffed the air and wrinkled her nose.
"What smells like grass and sword polish?" Haley said putting down her coffee before turning to see Taeko. "What's with him? He looks like he walked out of those dorky comic-cons."
Taeko was ten seconds away from smacking the crap out of her, only stopping himself as he knew he did not live in Souamil anymore. Back there, if someone insulted her, you retort in gusto. However, Taeko released his grip on his sword much to Emily's relief.
"I'm standing right here, dadakko." Taeko remarked coldly.
Unlike Haley, Emily read enough Japanese literature to understand and snickered.
"Haley, be nice. He's the new guy that's taking over the old farm." Emily said pouring a cup of coffee for Taeko. "I'm Emily Umbra and that dadakko is my younger sister, Haley."
"Maelstrom Taeko." Taeko said respectfully.
"Ugh, this is the new guy the Mayor droning about. He speaks and looks like a total weeb especially with lame sword of his." Haley remarked about drinking her cup of coffee.
Before either sister could even react, Taeko unsheathed Eclipse and slashed Haley's coffee mug causing it to split in half sending the coffee to the floor. Then, he calmly raised the blade up to Haley's eye level.
"I'm only going to say this one you spoiled beach blond valley girl stereotype; I am not a weeb. I am part Japanese, you ignoramus. Secondly, you've got no right to dig into how I dress considering fashion is subjective. Thirdly, this katana is made with some of the hardest metals, and I know how to use it. I will not use on you, but I'll be damned if I take shit from you!" Taeko ranted before sheathing his sword.
Haley was, of course, terrified. Emily laughed it off.
"Haley, you should be lucky he didn't take your head. His aura shows he's witnessed some rough stuff. Plus, if the sword was fake, he wouldn't be using sword polish." Emily said before giving Taeko the coffee.
Taeko used [Observe] on it right away.
[Drink – Coffee – The sweet nectar of the coffee beans. Basically, it's a safe bet in keeping you alive and active. Just don't get an addiction. It smells delicious. This is sure to give you a boost. +3 Energy/+1 Health (Can be sold for 150 Gold) Buff: +1 Speed Stat for 1h 23m 00s]
Taeko downed it in one gulp and his eyes bolted open. He had never drunk coffee before in his past in Joja preferring juices and sodas. Now he understands why so many downed coffees. The speed boost was a nice gain. Haley was still stunned stupid.
"So, I notice that wicked design on your clothes. You make them?" Taeko asked.
"Sure do. I do like making my own clothes, but fabric is hard to come by here." Emily remarked. "That jacket of yours is clearly a custom job. You tailor?"
"A tad. I have to learn due to rather traumatic circumstances." Taeko remarked.
Taeko had to once use a sewing needle and material to sew someone's wound shut leaving him with blood on his hands and arms. While traumatizing, he had to later sew a mob boss's plum wine suit while with arms still covered in blood. Taeko flinched before snapping out of his recollection of it.
"Well, it was nice meeting you. Sorry about that mug." Taeko said putting the mug Emily gave him on the table.
"It's no problem." Emily said. "Haley really needs to realize the world don't revolve around her."
Taeko bided goodbye and left. Back outside, he foraged in their trashcan to find…an [Amethyst]. Taeko was just wondering why anyone would toss one in the trash. Shrugging, he foraged through the one next door on 1 Willow Lane. He got…another [Amethyst]. Another text box came up with an important message.
[Mining and Gems]
[Congratulations! You've obtained your first gem. When you obtain a gem for the first time, it's recommended you bring it to the local museum for the "Gem Collection" sidequest. After doing so, you'll be lucky to get a better chance of finding more of them. Certain gems can be used on the forge as crafting material. Gems can be given as gifts or sold.]
Taeko bolted for the museum with the coffee enhancing his speed. It was only 11 in the morning now and Taeko managed to rocket from one side to the other five minutes flat. Another text box came up.
[Lost Books]
[This sidequest is mandatory for later main story quests. This library here at the Stardew Museum had lost several books. You can find it by using the Hoe on special spots around the Valley. Any book you find will be automatically beamed to the library.]
Taeko shook his head, dismissed the text box, and entered. There he met Gunther and Taeko was relieved he had max friendship with Gunter already. He made the handoff to Gunter to which the curator explained his old assistant and ex-wife stole the original collection. Taeko turned over to see Penny teaching two young six-year-old children. Penny would be what many called lithe at nineteen. She was about 5'5" being the shortest of the bachelorettes. Despite the shortness, she had the best of Pam's features to the point where Taeko mused that Pam could have still looked like this if she wasn't drinking. She wore a plain yellow blouse, orange skirt, and matching flats. [Observe] kicked in automatically. Unlike the others, this gave more information.
[Pelican Town Villager – Penny – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Penny Leanna is essentially your town woobie being the daughter of a drunk. While Pam is out carousing at the saloon, Penny quietly tends to her chores in the dim, stuffy room she is forced to call home. Painfully shy and modest, without any grand ambitions for life other than settling in and starting a family. Sad, considering she's a genius who's on par with Maru is several subject. She can't even gain the nerve to stand up to her mother. She loves diamonds, emeralds, poppies, poppy seed muffins, red plate, roots platter, sandfish, and Tom Kha Soup. She detests holly, grapes, hops, and anything related to liquor.]
"Wow, this gamer profile is roasting her. But I do want to aid her in growing a spine." Taeko said before looking over at the profiles for the children.
[Pelican Town Villager – Jas – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Jasmine Sanford is a part the third generation of Stardew Valley alongside her best friend, Vincent Knight. She's a rather quiet girl with her nose in a book or playing with her dolls. Her parents died tragically due to a drunk driver running them off the road thus to why she's with her Aunt Marine. She's a bit creepy having a rather morbid sense of humor. She likes fairy rose, pink cake, and plum pudding.]
[Pelican Town Villager – Vincent – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Vincent Knight is a part of third generation of Stardew Valley alongside his best friend, Jasmine Sanford. He's your typical little kid, loving sweet things and exploring the valley. He dreams of being like his brother who he idolizes. He tends to be Jas's confidant proves he does have a mature side when ready. He loves cranberry candy, pink cake, and grapes.]
Taeko was intrigued by the profiles. The three were in a study session, with Penny teaching them about the muscles in the body. Vincent took note of Taeko immediately.
"Whoa, is that a real sword?" Vincent said pointing to Eclipse.
Penny and Jas turned to see Taeko standing here.
"Yo. And yes, it's real and I can use it." Taeko said striding in.
Penny was caught off-guard by the new guy and a brief blush caught her face. He had obviously seen combat and the way he had sword was position for him to sheath it in and out with ease.
"You must be the new guy that Mayor Lewis was talking about." Penny remarked. "I'm Penny and these are my charges Vincent and Jas."
"Hello." Both kids said respectfully.
"Taeko Maelstrom. It's nice to meet all of you, especially you Penny." Taeko remarked.
The blush on Penny's face came back full force.
"Jas, Vince, I think to speak to Penny for a bit. Why don't you two take a breather?" Taeko said.
The two rocketed out of their chairs and out the door like they had ten cups of coffee. There was even a trail of smoke.
"Are the people of this town superhuman?! Actually, that would explain so much." Taeko thought before turning to Penny.
"I want to talk because it's about your mom." Taeko said, taking a seat.
Taeko explained what happened on the crap ride with her omitting certain details.
"Oh, I'm so sorry you had to endure that." Penny said having sympathy.
"Don't be. If anything, it's you I should be sympathetic to. If you need anything, just ask." Taeko said kindly.
"Th….Thank you, Taeko. That means a lot… It's really bold of you." Penny remarked.
Penny was wishing she could be bold as well.
[Penny respects your boldness and appreciates your concern! +250 Friendship points with Penny!]
Taeko got up to leave bidding Penny goodbye before going. He returned to the farmhouse to put the Amethyst in storage. He had gotten a calendar in the house and the gamer power marked birthdays for all the villagers. Since Abigail's was 12 days away, he'd save this for her.
"So far, 16 down, more to go…" Taeko said to himself as he crashed on the couch.
[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
Gus (and Cosette) – 2/10 Hearts – 500 Friendship Points
Sebastian – 2/10 Hearts – 500 Friendship Points
Haley – 0/10 – 0 Friendship Points
Emily – 0.25/10 – 62.5 Friendship Points
Penny – 1/10 – 250 Friendship Points
Jas – 0/10 – 0 Friendship Points
Vincent – 0/10 – Friendship Points
[SAVE GAME]
….
[GAME SAVED]
(A/N: The key to a good story is good pacing and taking your time. That's why I'm easing on myself for still being on the introduction. After that mission, the chapters might come quicker. I also filled in the blanks on Jas's backstory adding a hint of dramatic irony to those who play the game. Either way, expect more to come soon. Edit: 2/26/18: A small error I made was having Penny teaching on Monday as she only does so on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. But I did not change it as the reason why Penny taught that day will be explained in another chapter.)
(Remastered A/N: I'm glad this is one of the chapters where there were few errors to correct. In fact I can actually laugh at the fact of Taeko's statement of everyone in town being somewhat superhuman. Oh the irony.)