Hello Travellers!

There are many ways in which wed like to bring you closer to the world of Braided Shore - in music, travel guide and lore readers of this post have come to know how it feels to live in its woods and wilds and to travel its age old roads. But theres no better way to understand a land than by listening to its people, and in this weeks post we hear a little bit about life for four of the regions denizens. Below, a Travelling Merchant, Historian, Farmer and Bandit give us their views on how life is for them. We think youll find that theres much to ruminate on in the hopes and fears that their words reveal. We hope you enjoy your acquaintance with them- please do say hello and drop your thoughts in the comments section, they are always well received!

Magdra, a travelling merchant

"The road is long but my pack of trade goods is light - I can ill-afford ample stock. Unless I spy a possible customer I keep my eyes and my nose to the sides of the road. Now and again a little something to eat appears among the bushes and the undergrowth like a Sefras bounty. Now and again I meet someone who is looking to trade for something. Like my grandfather taught me, I keep little samples of the things I have to trade hanging from my pack in little colourful strings so that wayfarers might readily spot them. I am so very hungry all the time, and my legs ache along with the soles of my feet. But I know of a Nomads rest some way up ahead, and who knows maybe some Wind-spun luck will be lingering there. It is a long road, but it is my home. And should I settle in some bountiful place, I know I would soon get homesick."

A History Professor Myrak of Rivenleaf

"Yes, the university City of Rivenleaf is a site to behold for sure. But I prefer to muddy my sandals in the field, digging in the dirt and lost ruins for the truth. Sadly, a large part of my time lately is spent in the teahouses, trying in vain to open the eyes of the faculty professors to the implications of my findings in the Potters Field and the emerging revelations in the writings on the Maratesh shards! Im most upended at how the old professors refuse to support new discoveries. That they value the comfort of their reputations as experts rather than embrace curiosity over new evidence is a disgrace to our profession. Knotting these lines, I now realise how Ive wasted my time. I will grab my shovel and join my servants in the Potters Field! Thank you for helping me realise where the true value of my work lies!"

Mijha, a grain farmer from Myr

"Its hard work drawing bounty from the earth. We must spend most of our daylight hours tending the fields, keeping only the dark of morning and evening to tend to ourselves. But though hard, there is a feeling of security in the strict repetition of each day, and each evening's rest is a welcome reward. We enjoy good food, with vegetables and meats traded with our neighbours, taken with the hum of song and pipe of the familys music making. I feel fortunate to live in these times, where the climate is mild, the wardens keep the beasts of the wild from our doors and the tax burden is fair for all. The old folk reminds us it has not always been so, and the wiser among us try to set something by for a future that may not be as kind as the present."

Ezra of The Broken Lantern Gang

"I used to work one of the wool carders in the Milomak Weavery. I had seven younger siblings and parents who seemed to take me for granted. Every day I felt the monotony crush me little by little. Every day the same work, the same people, the same places - like eating gruel at every meal. One day I broke away, walked into the forest and wandered. I guess I got lucky - a group scooped me up before the woods took me - the Broken Lantern Gang. We are banded together now, like-minded and free! The carding made my arms strong and I am good with a blade. Tomorrow we might clash with some nasty bandit gang, the next day well lighten the purse and knapsack of some overfed merchant. I might be taken by a warden but what does it matter? Today I'm the hammer and the world the anvil. Tomorrow the roles might change." Travellers, thanks again for spending your time getting to know Braided Shore. The world is growing so fast now and early access is a place not too far away - just a few months! If you like our game we'd be very grateful for any sharing you could do to help it on its way to the big wide world this summer. We've made some handy buttons below to make it easy for you. Thanks again and best of wishes from us all here in Stockholm! Helen & the Dev Team https://store.steampowered.com/app/1152340/Book_of_Travels/