a guide to exploring abandoned farms
essential supplies include: plenty of food and water, a change of socks, a hat, rope, bandaids, a knife, gloves, an acorn in your pocket, and an offering
there are always odd noises on the farm. half of them come from the animals
try to forget what the lake looks like between the hours of three and four AM
never ever find yourself alone in the milking shed in the south end of the farm. time passes differently there
if you happen to hurt yourself in your exploration, make sure you do not bleed onto the dirt
bring plenty of water, you do not want to drink from there
the cows will watch you, this is normal
close every gate you open, even if the fields are empty. don’t ever leave one open behind you, just trust me
beware unstable rocks, the cracks tend to be filled with insect nests
bring a weapon with you, but no guns
if you see someone else while exploring, never tell them your name. you can never be sure if they are real or not, and further out you go, the less real they will seem. the patupaiarehe have evolved in cruel and unusual ways
do not go inside the empty share-milkers cottages, whatever you do, do not go inside. something else lives there now
a tree with the undersides of its leaves showing mean that a storm is coming. a tree with no leaves means the storm has already come
sometimes the hills look like they’re moving. be aware of this, because some things don’t like to be disturbed
do not sleep under the full moon, in fact, just don’t sleep on the farm
finding skulls is normal, only become worried when you start finding ribs
if you find yourself lost in a forest, continue walking in a straight line until you are free again. the trees may make it look as though you are going in circles, but i promise you’re not. ignore the soft music you can hear
your phone won’t work out here
the ghosts from the land wars won’t harm you, but be sure to show them respect
don’t take anything from the farm with you when you leave. just be grateful you have made it out alive
