Well, this is interesting. It seems something DID happen to Isibis. The writings I found were by a small band of survivors that sought shelter underground as something swept over the region from the north “Like the darkest nightmare”.
One piece of graffiti is a note saying that “Nothing remains here but ash. The Totem walks. We shall go south.”
Obviously a last message. There are no other references to this “Totem”
I’m going to return to the Lighthouse tomorrow, but I shall travel by land rather than sea, walking north of the Warden Stone.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Day 76
I’ve found a cellar beneath one of the ancient houses in Isibis. This in turn connects to a, rather cool, cave. It must have been used as a cold store.
Surprisingly, there’s quite a bit of debris left here. Not the kind of material you would expect in a cold store. It’s as though people had lived down here at one point.
There is some scattered writings on the walls. Graffiti, mostly, but it’s in the same language as the Hyss Valley writings.
Surprisingly, there’s quite a bit of debris left here. Not the kind of material you would expect in a cold store. It’s as though people had lived down here at one point.
There is some scattered writings on the walls. Graffiti, mostly, but it’s in the same language as the Hyss Valley writings.
Day 75
Well, I’ve found Isibis…..what’s left of it. I’d actually let myself think that there might still be some kind of settlement here. That the foundations of it may well have been laid down thousands of years ago, but that they were still used today.
No such thing can be seen.
Isibis is a collection of uninhabited ruins.
The story-teller in me wants to say that; with their defender gone, whatever they were fearful of finally reached the people of Isibis.
The realist in me says that it was probably drought that drove them away. There are plenty of greener placed to build a home than this dustbowl.
No such thing can be seen.
Isibis is a collection of uninhabited ruins.
The story-teller in me wants to say that; with their defender gone, whatever they were fearful of finally reached the people of Isibis.
The realist in me says that it was probably drought that drove them away. There are plenty of greener placed to build a home than this dustbowl.
Day 73
The last two useful pieces of information I can glean from the Hyss Valley texts are as follows: First, Tutkin and his people lived in a city called Isibis, which lies somewhere east of Hyss Valley.
Second; The spire over the north entrance to the Hyss Valley tomb is called the “Warden Stone”. It was built after Tutkin’s death, partly as tribute but partly in the hope that he would continue to watch over his people from there.
If Isibis is to the south of this monument, it makes me think that whatever Tutkin defended his people from lay to the north.
I shall be mounting another expedition to Hyss Valley, and from there I shall travel east, in the hope that I will find Isibis.
Second; The spire over the north entrance to the Hyss Valley tomb is called the “Warden Stone”. It was built after Tutkin’s death, partly as tribute but partly in the hope that he would continue to watch over his people from there.
If Isibis is to the south of this monument, it makes me think that whatever Tutkin defended his people from lay to the north.
I shall be mounting another expedition to Hyss Valley, and from there I shall travel east, in the hope that I will find Isibis.
Day 72
This Tutkin chap seems to have been a bit of everything. Part priest, part knight, part diplomat. He travelled some distance in this world, too, visiting many cities and sacred sites that I have yet to find, but his home was in the deserts around Hyss Valley, where he was referred to simply as “The Defender”, which hints that the people of this land must have had enemies somewhere, traces of whom I am yet to find.
Day 71
Initial translations hint that the tomb at Hyss Valley is indeed for an important figure in society, one by the name of “Tutkin”. Though high-profile, he does not appear to have been a leader. “Revered by all” is in the description, but the rest of it implies that he was an advisor of some kind. Perhaps a prominent religious figure?
Day 69
The books I require now fill the library. I’m most eager to decipher just what the Hyss writings say. Will it identify who is buried there? Will it give an account of their life in this land and, in turn, hint as to the people that lived here long before my arrival?
Day 67
The Southern wing of the Library has been stocked. I’ve also begun moving furniture into the west wing’s study and simply couldn’t resist adding a few paintings to the upper gallery.
Day 66
I’ve linked the Lighthouse and Library islands with a bridge. It’ll save me constantly having to SWIM between the two, I just hope I haven’t made it possible for creatures to cross over to what has always been my most secure bolt-hole.
Day 64
It’s taking longer than I had hoped to assemble the books I require. Also; more creepers appeared on Library Island last night. One ambushed me as I left the building. Damn near blew the doors off. I must set about securing this area before I continue any kind of explorative work!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 63
The Library’s main structure has now been finished. I’ve already begun assembling bookshelves. With luck, I shall have the place fully stocked by the end to tomorrow and I can begin the translation of the Hyss Valley writings.
Day 59
The central atrium of the Library has been completed. This will act as a gallery. The North and South wings that lead off it shall house my books while the West wing shall be my new study.
Day 53
Began a quarry just to the south of my sugarcane farm. There is a huge drift of sand that’ll be a perfect source of sandstone.
Day 49
Returned to the lighthouse.
Scouted out a location to build a sugar cane farm. Didn’t want to build it too close to where I plan on constructing the library. Industrial farming is so unsightly.
Scouted out a location to build a sugar cane farm. Didn’t want to build it too close to where I plan on constructing the library. Industrial farming is so unsightly.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 48
The last of the passages have been cleared to the best of my abilities. Three are utterly impassable. The weakness in the roofing of the main chamber seems to have been a flaw in the architecture of the entire tomb. The one passage that has not collapsed lead to a long, shallow set of stairs that ascend to the surface at a point just beyond the edge of the desert. Over this entrance is a high pillar, perhaps a marker for this site so that those who wish to pay tribute to whomever is buried here might more easily find it.
I have found no clues that might help me in the translation of the writings I have found, and I have exhausted all avenues of investigation at this site (bar, of course, the sarcophagus, which I have no intention of trying to open at this time).
I am going to return to the Lighthouse and begin construction of a library on the nearby island. Once I bring in a few books on languages, I can attempt to translate the writings on my own.
I have found no clues that might help me in the translation of the writings I have found, and I have exhausted all avenues of investigation at this site (bar, of course, the sarcophagus, which I have no intention of trying to open at this time).
I am going to return to the Lighthouse and begin construction of a library on the nearby island. Once I bring in a few books on languages, I can attempt to translate the writings on my own.
Day 46
The entry to the ruins has been successfully cleared, though it sustained substantial damage.
Also cleared was the new passage at the far side of the main chamber. Beyond is what I assume to be a tomb of some sort, with a sarcophagus at its centre. The walls are covered in writings that I cannot decipher.
I’m not game to open the sarcophagus until I’ve translated them. These ruins have been battered enough as it is. If there’s some sort of trap or mechanism in place to protect the body and/or treasures that may be within this giant stone box, I’d rather know about them before prising loose the lid!
I’ll leave the tomb be and clear the remaining 4 passages that lead off the main chamber. I may stumble upon a Rosetta Stone!
Also cleared was the new passage at the far side of the main chamber. Beyond is what I assume to be a tomb of some sort, with a sarcophagus at its centre. The walls are covered in writings that I cannot decipher.
I’m not game to open the sarcophagus until I’ve translated them. These ruins have been battered enough as it is. If there’s some sort of trap or mechanism in place to protect the body and/or treasures that may be within this giant stone box, I’d rather know about them before prising loose the lid!
I’ll leave the tomb be and clear the remaining 4 passages that lead off the main chamber. I may stumble upon a Rosetta Stone!
Day 43
Partially exposed another passage on the far side of the main chamber. It’s a taller doorway than the others. Might mean a more important chamber lies beyond.
That exciting possibility has, however, been tainted by disaster. I was attacked by creepers again while heading back to the hut at the end of the day. The resulting explosion has damaged the entry to the ruins and blocked it with sand.
It’ll take me days to clear it!
That exciting possibility has, however, been tainted by disaster. I was attacked by creepers again while heading back to the hut at the end of the day. The resulting explosion has damaged the entry to the ruins and blocked it with sand.
It’ll take me days to clear it!
Day 41
The roof in the main chamber of the Hyss Valley Ruins doesn’t seem particularly stable. I’m going to construct some scaffolding to add a little reinforcement. Marauding creatures I can deal with but a steel sword isn’t going to do much against a tonnage of rock falling from a great height.
Day 38
The creeper explosion yesterday blasted open a small cave with a rich seam of coal in it. I thought my luck had turned….and then I broke open a larger cave full of skeletons. Hyss Valley is turning out to be a very unpleasant place. If my excavations at the ruin here don’t turn up something of note soon, I’m packing up and leaving!
Day 37
GOD DAMN IT! While at my workbench assembling new tools, a creeper snuck up behind me and nearly blew my camp at Hyss Valley to pieces. It didn’t damage the hut, but there’s now a crater where my storage chests used to be.
I’ve extended the hut and brought my workbench indoors. Something a smart man would have done in the first place….
I’ve extended the hut and brought my workbench indoors. Something a smart man would have done in the first place….
Day 33
I’ve broken into a much larger chamber with wide pillars at its entrance. Still a lot of debris to clear, but there appears to be a number of passages leading out of it.
Day 32
Exploration hindered by Skeletons and Creepers. They attacked and I was injured. Headed back to the surface to patch myself up, but it turned out that night had fallen and this empty landscape was crawling with creatures. Had to fight my way to reach the safety of the dig site’s hut. Had one of those creepers detonated near it, I would have had to try and run all the way back to Cactus Drift!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Day 30
The Hyss Valley ruin is indeed the entry to a tunnel network. That tunnel network, however, appears to start with a deep, vertical shaft. If I’m going to make an attempt at descending into it, I’ll need extra wood for torches and ladders.
I’ve headed back to Cactus Drift. There are trees across the canal that I can use.
I’ve headed back to Cactus Drift. There are trees across the canal that I can use.
Day 29
I’m Going to name this place “Hyss Valley”. All I hear non-stop when I walk around here are spiders. There must be a hidden cave nearby that’s full of them.
Hope I don’t burrow into it by mistake!
The ruin seems to be an entrance to a tunnel network. It’s taking longer than I thought it would to clear the sand.
Hope I don’t burrow into it by mistake!
The ruin seems to be an entrance to a tunnel network. It’s taking longer than I thought it would to clear the sand.
Day 28
Discovered a ruin in the desert valleys. Unclear as to what it once was at this point. I’ve constructed a hut nearby and will start excavations at daybreak.
Day 25
The portal was completed and I ventured into the Nether. As hoped: I returned with armfuls of Netherack, but I just couldn’t get close enough to any Glowstone in order to mine it. Ghasts kept getting in the way. I hate those things.
By the time I left the Nether, the sun was setting, making the descent down from Weird Spire rather perilous. On top of that; I had a nasty encounter with a Creeper on the way back to the lighthouse. The damn thing had decided to take a dip in the shallow waters and obliterated yet another boat.
Very nearly lost all my precious cargo!
By the time I left the Nether, the sun was setting, making the descent down from Weird Spire rather perilous. On top of that; I had a nasty encounter with a Creeper on the way back to the lighthouse. The damn thing had decided to take a dip in the shallow waters and obliterated yet another boat.
Very nearly lost all my precious cargo!
Day 24
There was another lava flow marked on my charts that I had missed. It was located right next to Weird Spire, and to my delight: it was a small lake of the stuff! I’ve now harvested enough Obsidian to complete the portal. This time tomorrow, I should have ventured into the Nether and grabbed a stack of Netherack and Glowstone!
Day 23
Descending the western side of Mist Peak brought me to the second lava flow on my charts. This short trip has only generated two blocks of Obsidian. I may have to venture into one of the many caves I’ve seen if I’m to find enough material to build the portal.
I hate caves.
I hate caves.
Day 22
Change in tactic. I’ve set off in search of the surface lava flows I spotted earlier. Found one just west of Weird Spire. From there, I climbed the high cliffs spotted on Day 8. At the summit I constructed another outpost, naming it “Mist Peak”.
Apt, given that the clouds run right through the trees up here.
Apt, given that the clouds run right through the trees up here.
Day 21
Mining continues. It’s too easy to loose track of time down here. I have some gold. Maybe I should build a clock?
Day 20
Found diamond at very nearly bedrock level in the mine beneath the Lighthouse.
I’m continuing to dig in the hope of finding a lava lake that I can convert to Obsidian.
I’m continuing to dig in the hope of finding a lava lake that I can convert to Obsidian.
Day 19
I’ve worked my way back to the Lighthouse.
Before I set out on further exploration, I plan on finishing the portal at Weird Spire. There are a few lava flows I’ve spotted in my travels, so Obsidian won’t be hard to find, but I’ll need to craft a diamond pick axe before I can harvest it and diamond is the one resource I have yet to find.
Before I set out on further exploration, I plan on finishing the portal at Weird Spire. There are a few lava flows I’ve spotted in my travels, so Obsidian won’t be hard to find, but I’ll need to craft a diamond pick axe before I can harvest it and diamond is the one resource I have yet to find.
Day 18
The hut at Gravel Bridge clearly wasn’t as secure as I had hoped. Zombies and skeletons invaded at night. I was forced to dig an emergency bunker, which is where I spent the night.
When day broke I continued following the waters north. I believe I have found the south eastern edge of the desert region, sighted on Day 15. I am currently digging a channel back to what I think are familiar waters.
On these channels I have established “Cactus Drift Station”.
When day broke I continued following the waters north. I believe I have found the south eastern edge of the desert region, sighted on Day 15. I am currently digging a channel back to what I think are familiar waters.
On these channels I have established “Cactus Drift Station”.
Day 17
A day spent digging small channels and canals between larger bodies of water.
Heading North again, through more lakes and seas I wasn’t aware of.
Tonight’s outpost I shall name “Gravel Bridge”, because of the huge amount of gravel that lines its shores.
Heading North again, through more lakes and seas I wasn’t aware of.
Tonight’s outpost I shall name “Gravel Bridge”, because of the huge amount of gravel that lines its shores.
Day 16
After rebuilding my boat (and killing all the chickens), continued following the coastline. Eventually reached an ice-flow that prevented progress. Constructed another outpost.
Will cut a path through the ice tomorrow. Perhaps following the coast will gradually take me northwards again?
Will cut a path through the ice tomorrow. Perhaps following the coast will gradually take me northwards again?
Day 15
Explored the new, and much larger, ocean to the south. Followed its east coast and discovered a new desert region (yet to be named) and a towering, craggy mountain range that I dubbed “Demon Rock”.
I would have kept going south, but my boat hit a chicken and sank. I figured it best to set up camp where I swam to shore. I built a hut and placed within a chest containing an axe and some provisions, lest I find myself out here again, stripped of tools and need to construct another boat to return to the Lighthouse.
Unsurprisingly; I’ve named this outpost “Poultry Point”.
I would have kept going south, but my boat hit a chicken and sank. I figured it best to set up camp where I swam to shore. I built a hut and placed within a chest containing an axe and some provisions, lest I find myself out here again, stripped of tools and need to construct another boat to return to the Lighthouse.
Unsurprisingly; I’ve named this outpost “Poultry Point”.
Day 14
Constructed the canal to the body of water south of the Lighthouse. Placed a couple of warning beacons at each end, just in case I have to find or navigate it in the dark. I’ll head south tomorrow.
Day 13
After exploration, I have found that the waters in which the Lighthouse sits are completely enclosed. There is a small strip of land near Weird Spire that I plan on digging up to create a canal that will link to a larger expanse of ocean so that exploration may continue.
Day 12
Finally found some Redstone. Now that I have a compass I’m going to construct a boat and start exploring.
Day 11
Built stairway up the most prominent peak at Weird Spire and constructed a placeholder totem for where I will one day build the portal.
Day 10
Ship built. Christened the “Sparrow”, because it’s a rather small thing. Maybe I’ll build a larger one when I find an ocean.
Day 9
Started clearing the Weird Spire region of trees. I plan to put a gate to the Nether there.
I’ll use the wood to construct a ship in the waters off the shore near the lighthouse.
I’ll use the wood to construct a ship in the waters off the shore near the lighthouse.
Day 8
Explored to the south. Found a vast seam of clay. Might finally try to build something out of brick rather than stone.
Also found some strange tower formations and a floating island. I’ll dub this place “Weird Spire”.
Explored to the west. Discovered a huge cliff face.
Also found some strange tower formations and a floating island. I’ll dub this place “Weird Spire”.
Explored to the west. Discovered a huge cliff face.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Day 7
Lighthouse completed.
Need to find greater source of illumination. Neverack or Glowstone should do, but I’ll need to build a portal to the Nether if I want either.
Need to find greater source of illumination. Neverack or Glowstone should do, but I’ll need to build a portal to the Nether if I want either.
Exploring Nu Eden
I like exploration in games. As such, Minecraft and Myst are two of my favorite games. With this little blog, I'm going to merge the experience of both together: exploration coupled with a journal and maps charting my adventure through a strange new world - that of Nu Eden.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)