The Forest of Doom: 148, 20, 277, 114, 350: Nitroglycerine Tablets

      A back and forth sweep of the forest seems best. East I go!

Choice: East: 20

     I'm so glad we could have this interlude to share with each other.

     I actually think I know why this one is here. It's likely obfuscating the fact that if I'd gone North earlier than I did when first I'd have ended up in the same place this is taking me. Going South would therefore put me into the space of another reference that was written assuming you'd gone straight up.

     Mind, it's probably unnecessary obfuscation given we never saw 277 on our way here, but whatever.

     I guess it matters to map drawing, still.

Choice: None: 277

     I stop. That feeling... I close my eyes and listen for the signs of the Lady. What is it? What is wrong he-

     The blow knocks me back hard, and I can feel blood running down my nose. This wouldn't have happened if I still had that coin.

Stamina: 15-1=14

     I open my eyes and leap back to my feet to see the Treeman advancing.

     This... is not a great picture... The jack o' lantern six left out past Thanksgiving doesn't convey horror so much as weakness. The way tree lines are drawn obfuscates the imagery, not helped by more trees (if less detailed), and outside lines not being any bolder than the inside ones. Makes it all quite odd.

      Also, the tiny little arms underimine the danger. I feel less like I'm being assaulted by an overpowering monstrosity, and more like one of the trees from the Wizard of Oz trying to bum a smoke off me backstage.

      "What wickedness have I done that you attack me, tree? I bear no axe. No harm to you or your kin. Why do you have this to me?"

      The tree merely groans and creaks, and swings a branch at me.

      "Fine, then!" I shout at it, "You shall know my wrath!"

Choice: Fight the Treeman: 114

      Ooh, I do have those. Let's do it!

Choice: Fire Capsule: 350

"How about a little fire, Scarecrow?"

      It feels good to watch the Treeman stagger back and wave his arms around. It also feels good to not have to slay him. I almost laugh as I run through the path and leaping over the roots.

      So, here we have the first use of the items from Yaztromo! And I hope that those capsules aren't necessary later!

      Seems that the items serve the exact same purpose as spells. You just use them in context and see what happens. Not a bad move, but I have my issues. The spells told us what they did, for a start. These items are vague. The book is vague as to whether you can buy multiple copies of the same item, but I don't think you can. Might just be my assumption.

     Similar system, similar idea. I like that the number taken isn't random, but unlike the spells the items just feel like a weird thing handed to you rather than an intrinsic part of the character. Holds up worse in narrative terms.

Choice: North: 329