Frozen and Chilling

The group of players were undeterred by the fact that they would be joined by more members tomorrow. TrueStrike, Rose, FrozenAsh, and ForbiddenLife had formed a party, each bringing their own unique skills to the table. TrueStrike was a nimble rogue, while Rose wielded powerful magic. FrozenAsh stood tall and strong as a warrior, and ForbiddenLife was ready to heal and support their comrades. They decided to prioritize gathering resources first so that ForbiddenLife could use their crafting abilities to create useful items for them. The four of them were part of a close-knit friend group who had all managed to secure spots in the Alpha testing phase. Their other friends were eagerly waiting on the waiting list, hoping to join them soon.

"I'm gonna start streaming, Rose, Ash, and Life, are you all streaming too? Or are you going to record instead?" Truestrike questioned their skeletal compatriots. 

"Where did you find the streaming option? Nevermind, I found the camera on the hud. I will have to get used to controlling this thing with my mind instead of motioning towards the controls." Rose joined TrueStrike in streaming.

"I think I'm just going to record and edit it down to post a few videos online. There is some crazy editing software on the hud that I found. I can also control it with my head, instead of manually doing it." Ash was messing with the system menu and the editing software as the group walked around the territory.

"I'll probably record as well. I found the profession section of the menu and it prompted another section for a few different professions like blacksmith and alchemist. There were quite a few basic recipes, including some weapons and armor. Although I don't know how well wooden weapons and armor will do, it will help. I can also make a fishing rod, so that may solve the food problem for a bit. I saw a small river that was almost snowed over in the territory." ForbiddenLife went over the menu several times as they reached some nearby trees. 

"We really just need to get as many resources as possible stored away so you can focus on crafting. I'm sure that Mira, when they join up, will be able to join us tomorrow so you can focus more on crafting when we get enough resources for it. We all know that you will get caught up having to maintain the group's gear and food." Rose commented on Life after poking them on their shoulder.

"Hey! Don't judge me just because I enjoy non-combat more than combat. Why do you think I chose being a healer in the first place? The moment we are able to make a base, I'm building one. At least someone in the group does the dishes around here. There are eight of us total and I'm the only one that actually does all the damn crafting and cooking!" The other three were giggling at Life's antics.

"At least you don't have to worry about things like gathering herbs, drops, and the like. We supply you, and you create the demand. That's how we have been doing it, and it doesn't seem like you want to change things up, so we will follow your lead. Do you wanna operate the same with this game?" ForbiddenLife just nodded at TrueStrike, and the group started gathering rocks, and twigs at Life's suggestion.

Rain observed the various parties that were setup and watched as they went to various parts of the territory. 

"Hopefully they will be able to get food soon, at least water won't be an issue since it doesn't seem like the snow is going to end anytime soon, so the players can just put snow into a filter to make water." He decided to take a nap and let the players take care of things for now.

After about an hour, almost all of the groups managed to scrounge up some resources, so Rain was woken up by several skeletons gathering outside of his hut to ask where to drop them off. As he stepped outside he motioned to the right beside the hut.

"Put the resources there for now, I will task the one most experienced with crafting to create a warehouse. There should be a blueprint for it already within your memory." 

"Thank you Mr.Rain, we shall be off then." ForbiddenLife went off to the left of the hut with the rest of his group since he was the one assigned to create the warehouse as he already started crafting gear for his group before anyone else decided to do so within the other groups. 

"Looks like this quest is going to give me a special profession that wasn't listed in the base ones, aptly named builder. I already took on the blacksmith, alchemist, leather crafter, and sewing professions since there doesn't seem to be a limit on how many I can take." Life decided to announce that to the rest of the group.

"That's good, it means that we can finish the quest for building Rain's house sooner too and possibly get a bonus for being the only ones to do so if we are fast enough." Rose piped in their opinion and the rest agreed with her.

"Then I say we get moving as fast as possible. We already have enough materials for the warehouse to be made by Life. While he is working on that, we should take the fishing rods he made for us and use them to grab some food. Possibly look around for fruit in the area too. Also have the wooden swords at the ready in case there are some minor sea creatures that we spot." Truestrike, the de facto leader of the group, led everyone else along as they dropped off Life when he finished crafting the remainder of their gear and they were fully equipped with wooden armor. 

As they trudged through the snow, their breaths coming out in clouds of white, they finally caught sight of the frozen lake. The edges were dusted with a light layer of powdery snow, giving it a serene and untouched appearance. They could see other groups scattered around, some still foraging for resources, others off on their own explorations. The stillness of the frozen landscape seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next move to be made. 

The group carefully approached the icy expanse, the muted crunch of snow underfoot blending harmoniously with the soft whisper of the falling flakes. ForbiddenLife had stayed behind, beginning work on the warehouse, while Truestrike, Rose, and FrozenAsh set out with fishing rods in hand to try their luck in the frigid waters.

Rose knelt at the edge of the lake and began brushing away snow, revealing a layer of clear ice beneath. "We'll need to break through this," she mused aloud, her voice a gentle hum in the hushed world. Truestrike joined her side, examining the thickness of the ice.

"I'll take care of it," he announced confidently, drawing a wooden sword and delivering precise, measured strikes.

The ice gave way with a satisfying crack, opening a window into the world below. The water underneath was remarkably clear, giving them a glimpse into its depths. FrozenAsh positioned himself beside Rose, both poised with fishing rods at the ready.

"It feels so real," Ash whispered as he cast his line into the frigid water. "The sensation of cold... even the weight of this rod."

Rose nodded in agreement while focusing on her own line. "It's incredible how detailed this simulation is." She glanced up at Truestrike, who had taken a defensive stance nearby, keeping an eye out for any potential threats. Their sense of camaraderie was palpable, each member playing their pivotal role in ensuring the group's survival.

The first tug on Rose's line came unexpectedly, her reflexes kicking in as she jerked the rod upwards to hook whatever had taken the bait. With a practiced ease, she began reeling in her catch, and soon enough, a shimmering fish surfaced from the hole in the ice.

"First catch of the day!" she exclaimed with a triumphant smile, holding up the wriggling prize. Truestrike nodded with approval.

"Well done, Rose. Let's keep at it; we'll need more to sustain us, and to have Life cook so we can turn in that quests to Rain." His gaze was ever vigilant, scanning the surroundings for signs of movement amongst the falling snow.

Ash chuckled as he felt a pull on his own line, setting his hook with a swift motion. "Seems like the fish are plenty; we might just feast tonight," he said optimistically.

Truestrike's thoughts, however, were elsewhere as he observed the serene landscape with a strategic eye. "We need to be careful not to get too comfortable," he cautioned his friends. "This game is still an unknown frontier; we must be prepared for anything."

As Ash and Rose continued to fish, Truestrike couldn't help but feel a subtle unease. The territory they spawned into was vast and untamed, and though they had managed to secure basic necessities so far, and started building up the territory, there was no telling what other challenges awaited them.