Crestfallen: First Steps for Begginners

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Welcome, adventurers! Crestfallen is a bronze-age fantasy roleplaying game set in a rich, pagan world. With its deep lore and immersive gameplay, it can be a bit daunting for beginners. But fear not! This step-by-step guide will take you from zero to hero in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

The Setting

Crestfallen is set in a world where gods and spirits are real, and nature itself is in turmoil. You’ll be navigating through Kerun, a world gripped by a supernatural Ice Age caused by the Earth Mother. Your ultimate goal? Stop the insane goddess Annwn from breaking free and destroying the world.

The Fate Core RPG System

The game uses the Fate Core RPG system, which is known for its flexibility and narrative focus. Familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of Fate Core, such as how to use Aspects, Skills, Stunts, and Fate Points.

Step 2: Choosing Your Civilization

Rivanon, the primary setting of Crestfallen, is home to several unique civilizations. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Cyclops: Masters of mining and engineering, Cyclops can tunnel through stone with their bare hands.
• Arcadians: Intellectual treemen who are skilled craftsmen and live in the treetops.
• Lupus: Fierce wolfmen who protect their territories with vigor.
• Humans: Newcomers who escaped slavery and have significantly impacted Rivanon.
• Formorians: Spirit world inhabitants, including Goat people, Walrus people, Wooden bird people, Jackal people, and Sirens.

Pro Tip: Choose a civilization that aligns with your preferred playstyle. For example, if you enjoy crafting and building, Cyclops might be a good fit.

Step 3: Starting Out – Gathering Resources

Basic Survival

• Gather Resources: Start by collecting essential resources like wood, stone, and fiber. These are scattered unevenly, so keep an eye out.
• Craft Tools: Create basic tools to help with resource gathering and defense. Prioritize crafting an axe and a pickaxe.
• Build a Shelter: Find a safe spot and start building your base. This will protect you from the elements and hostile creatures.

Challenge: Try to build a basic shelter within your first in-game day. Can you do it? Let us know how it goes!

Exploration

• Stay Vigilant: Watch out for invisible walls and unpredictable dangers.
• Avoid Night Travel: Stick close to your base at night until you have sufficient lighting and defenses.
• Map Knowledge: Learn the layout of the land to avoid getting lost. Use natural landmarks to navigate since custom markers aren’t available.

Exploration Tip: Use the position of the sun and natural landmarks to orient yourself.

Step 4: Building and Expanding Your Base

Defensive Structures

• Walls and Fences: Build walls and fences to protect your base from hostile creatures.
• Lighting: Ensure your base is well-lit to deter nighttime threats.

Crafting Stations

• Workbench: This is essential for crafting more advanced tools and items.
• Forge: Use this to smelt ores and create metal tools and weapons.

Pro Tip: Focus on defensive upgrades for your base before venturing out on long quests.

Step 5: Combat and Defense

Equip Yourself

• Weapons: Craft basic weapons like swords and bows to defend against creatures.
• Armor: Craft armor to protect yourself from damage.

Defend Your Base

• Traps and Barriers: Set up traps and barriers around your base to fend off attacks.
• Guard Duty: Always have someone on guard duty if you’re playing multiplayer.

Challenge: Take on a pack of Lupus with just basic weapons. It’s intense!

Step 6: Quests and Exploration

Optional Quests

• Story Quests: These drive the main narrative forward and are essential for stopping Annwn.
• Side Quests: These offer additional rewards and help you level up your character.

Exploration

• Resource Gathering: Always be on the lookout for rare resources.
• Hidden Treasures: Keep an eye out for hidden treasures and ancient relics.

Adventure Time: What’s the scariest night-time exploration you’ve done in a game? Share your stories!

Step 7: Advanced Crafting and Building

Expanding Crafting

• Unlock Recipes: Focus on gathering a variety of resources to unlock new crafting recipes.
• Upgrade Tools: Continuously upgrade your tools and weapons for better efficiency.

Building Massive Structures

• Design Blueprints: Plan out your structures before building.
• Collaborate: If you’re playing multiplayer, work with others to build massive structures.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Coordinate with friends to divide tasks like gathering, crafting, and defending.

Step 8: Mastering the Game

Combat Mastery

• Learn Enemy Patterns: Study the behavior of different creatures to effectively combat them.
• Use the Environment: Use the terrain to your advantage during battles.

Final Quests

• Prepare for the Final Battle: Gather the best weapons and armor before taking on Annwn.
• Team Up: If you’re playing multiplayer, ensure your team is well-coordinated.

Pro Tip: Focus on defensive upgrades for your base before venturing out on long quests.

Conclusion

Crestfallen is a game with immense potential, offering a rich, immersive world and a deep, engaging storyline. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way from zero to hero. Remember to adapt these steps to your playstyle and have fun exploring the mysteries of Rivanon!

Interactive Wrap-Up: What are your thoughts on Crestfallen? Have you played it, or are you excited to try it out? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this guide, share it with your fellow adventurers. For more detailed guides and exclusive content, check out our Patreon. And remember, for everything else, keep it here on GR. Until next time, happy gaming!

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