a Game concept...

...created by mayfly

Final Outcome For My Foundation FMP

*DISCLAIMER: This is not a real merch store, all items marketed are not available for purchase.*

Concept and World

Exposition

What would happen if an organism came from seemingly nowhere? A composite organism made of two separate organisms, which have joined together to work as one? If something made of ivy and fungi were to grow and slither from the depths of the world overnight...

While lichen might be subjectively "good" for our world, filtering particulate matter in our air and absorbing pollutants, not all of nature is so forgiving. This... thing... This complex creation is certainly not as 'live and let live' as you might expect, no, most certainly not. For, when something is made from the very manifestation of nature's anger, nature's hatred... when the very core of it is built from disdain and contempt, there is only one logical output. A creation so volatile and destructive that it could swallow the world whole.

The world begins to change as the organism spreads. It is destructive, eating away at everything in it's path. A creation of pure decay.

This, however, of course comes to the attention of the inhabitants of said world, humans and creatures alike. The humans, of course, aim to be rid of it without understanding the first thing about it. The organism is nothing but a nuisance to them, a danger. However, the creature of this story does not empathise with human opinions and, while they dislike change deeply, they believe nature does not create without a purpose.

There must be a cause, a catalyst. And, if there is one, then that means there might be room for reason, negotiation and betterment. But, also, sometimes there is not room for such things. Sometimes one must accept that nature has made a decision...

In all this chaos, of science and blind hate, a mythicised being will search for answers and a young adventurer will search for a brother... And one day, their paths will meet.

I see, perhaps you need more context before truly knowing your answer. Well through the hedges of the forest, past the mists and off the trodden path, is a home. In fact, it is conceivably less a home and more so just a cabin in the forest. For, a home is filled with warmth, joy and comfort, and this place lacks all three. Although, the dweller of the cabin would argue that their dwellings are as perfectly comforting as they are content with. You, however, would likely disagree; for the interior is meagre and without the soft cradling of a mattress to lull you to sleep. For you see, the creature of this cabin finds its comforts in a handful of fresh berries and a bed of stolen straw, or foraged moss. It holds notions very different to our predisposed humanely desires.

Many fear the forest and may never dare to step a toe within its threshold because of this one being. 'Just one?', you might be thinking. However, you must know that this speculated spirit of the forest may be one as a whole, but they wear many faces. These faces have long since plagued humankind, one look at these masks is enough to instil a fear that sends skilled hunters running in the opposing direction. At least, it is said as so. I, myself, have never had such an experience, and I wonder if it is more the tales than the creature itself that sends people scampering away.

The origins of the forest keeper are greatly debated, as are its features- likely due, of course, to the range of faces it chooses to wear. In fact, there are so many renditions of the same story that some people consider them to all be stories of different creatures of the forest, making the large thicket further imposing. Some say it is metres tall, towering above the treetops, and others argue it is about the height of a child with 15 years of age. Some say it has been here for a decade, and others argue centuries. I, however, know the true story of the woodland dweller. Many tellers will certainly boast similar things, so whether you choose to believe me is your own choice, but your choice could well indeed put a stake on your life.

If you ever have the misfortune of coming across the forest warden, do not move a muscle. It may be hard to initially spot them from a distance since the creature blends well into the forest floor when hunched over, as they are often found. Typically, it creeps close to the ground, rarely poking its head out from the underbrush unless under threat. They have very attentive hearing and, no matter how careful you think you are being or how far a distance you are keeping, they will hear you. Tales often remark that it can hear such minute sounds like the flutter of insect wings and the very beat of your heart.

If you make the mistake of disturbing their peace, a head will snap at you and stare at you eerily. The face you see will be one of many. It is hard to distinctly describe as some may have a snout or beak or flat nose, and some may have ears or antlers or nothing at all. The face you see will simply have to be one that you will carry with you. Many consider the variations to have meanings and reasons for the ways each person perceives them, but I believe those meanings to be nothing more than a product of the human need for explanation.

The stare of the being alone is often enough to scare off an unseasoned traveller, but if you refuse to move you will be greeted with an erupting litany of growls, barks and hisses that will echo grimly off of the surrounding tree bark. A handful of headstrong hunters over the years have attempted to capture the ‘brute of the forest’ and rid the world of its existence, but have failed sorely. The creature does not fight or attack when approached, unlike many might assume, instead it scurries off. Do not confuse the being’s mercy for weakness, however, as many who have entered into the forest have never returned back. They traverse the forest swiftly, their feet landing solidly with every flight. No mere human could hope to keep up, and none have ever succeeded in such a pursuit. If you were to see it run off, you might catch the unmistakable glint of light against metal, or even catch a glimpse of the leather sheath fastened around the entity's waist.

Those who have seen it’s run have remarked its human-like manner, running on hind legs with arms out for balance. Thick bountifuls of black, curled hair jettisons out from under their many faces, flowing like an angry river over the layers of furs that protrude out from the creature’s back. This bulbous back is a very debated feature of the creature, as many have seen it without and many have seen it with. Some have even noted strings flying out and strap-like features from under the thick of furs when in chase. Fleeting accounts, however, are not always to be trusted.

It is covered from head to toe in a crude and rudimentary manner, a mismatch of found garments and possessions.

I often wonder what is past its immediate exterior;

I doubt there is a kind heart to be found in there, or a welcoming soul.

I do at least know that, between the cracks of its outer appearance, are slivers of tawny brown skin peeking out. Speaking of toes, this critter’s ones are another disputed feature. I would say it has brown, worn in boots made of a soft, supple leather, but others might say it has the feet of mountain goats, which would indeed explain the speed of which it is capable.

Now, I have told you all that I have to offer.

So, I ask again.

Would you dare to venture past the borders of the forest?

Meet The Characters

??? [The Dweller]

(they/any) - MAIN CHARACTER [PC]

Tarot Alignment: The Hermit

Occupation: ??? [forest spirit? soul eater? woodland protector?]

Animal Association: Crow

Saira Hyder [The Roaming Raconteur]

(she/they) - SUPPORTING CHARACTER [NPC]

Tarot Alignment: Strength

Occupation: Amateur Adventurer

Animal Association: Dragonfly

An inquistive, but impulsive, explorer at heart, Saira either has no fear or she's very good at hiding it. They love all of nature, but they are particularily kinds to bugs because they feel that people often hate them without reason.

Saira is often seen as delicate and dainty by elders due to her "predisposed feminine nature", when she is infact very strong and very stubborn. Dragonflies are often also wrongly perceived as delicate, due to their thin wings, when they in fact have tough, flexible wings. Perhaps if society would stop thinking a cage is for her own good, they'd see how freely and beautifully she can soar.

Kaisa Gray [The Beldam]

(she/her) - SIDE [NPC]

Tarot Alignment: The Empress

Occupation: Alchemist

Animal Association: Black Cat

Connections: Faustace's Wife

Faustace Fickle

(she/fi) - SIDE [NPC]

Tarot Alignment: The Magician

Occupation: Green Witch

Animal Association: Squirrel

Connections: Kaisa's Wife

Timmy Hook

(he/they) - SIDE [NPC]

Tarot Alignment: The Fool

Occupation: Current Store Owner

Animal Association: Raccoon

Connections: Tommy's Son

Tommy Hook (deceased)

(he/him) - SIDE [NPC]

Tarot Alignment: The Emperor

Occupation: Previous Store Owner

Animal Association: Gopher

Connections: Timmy's Father

Our Shop

We have a small range of items to peruse: badges, prints, and limited edition collectibles. Have a look and see if anything peaks your fancy!

Wearable

Want to show your love for the game wherever you go? These pin badges with an illustrated design are great to put on any of your belongings.

Prints

Wall Poster [50" x 28"]

Wall Print [4.6" x 8.3"]

This large title card poster works great both in a frame and straight on a wall. Adds instant warmth into any room, and transports you into the forest scene.

Want just the concept art? Don't have the wall space for a huge poster? Well, we've got you covered. This small art print also goes well in a frame or straight on the wall. Have a mini forest in your room today!

Grayscale Print [5.8" x 8.2"]

"Would you dare to venture past the borders of the forest?" Dwell on that question everyday with this ominous print.

Lino Cut Prints [5.8" x 8.2"]

Prefer the feel of hand-made items? Well, we've got hand-cut and hand-burnished lino cut prints, illustrations inspired by the story the 'Woodland Dweller'.

Collectable Character Items

IMPORTANT: Character items are collectible limited edition items. There is a set limited stock of these, and they will be taken off the site once we are sold-out. You can sign up to our email group if you would like updates on the stock.

If you like pressed flowers, adventure and finding long lost brothers, you and Saira would get on swimmingly! This book is an artefact from when she was much younger, than she is when the story takes place, before her brother mysteriously vanished.

In the need for some interesting wall décor? Well this wall hanging of the main character's mask, which gave them their 'woodland spirit' status, would be the perfect centrepiece for any plain looking wall.

Support us!

How to show support?

• If you want to support our vision, follow us on Instagram and Tiktok, and share our work.
• If you want to get in touch formally to learn more about the project or help us with it, send us an email!
• If you want to help fund us, check out our kickstarter or merch!
  

Where to find us

You can find us at Comicons and game festivals! Check out our Instagram for more information on where we will be. Pop down and say hello! We'd love to chat and show you more concept work. We'll also be selling our merch in person!

Keep Updated

If you would like to get consistent updates on our work, receive offers for our merch or be updated on our collectibles stock, sign up to our email group! We also have a patreon for anyone who wants to get more in-depth updates on our progression, see our initial concept work and have the opportunity to influence to game's development.

Thank you!

We'd love to hear from you or see you at an event soon!

Even if you can't support us monetarily or with your expertise, we'd love to have you as part of our community on Instagram and Tiktok!

We hope this concept was intriguing and engaging for you!