Hi, I have some questions. Where do i start on the Hex map? What happens in a barrow or keep? How long do i stay in there and how do i get Out? For a novice like me this is hindering me from starting at all. Could you please explain?
Hi- thanks for the questions.
Starting location: start in any hex. I usually toss a die onto the map and start where it lands. Narratively, in keeping with the general theme of powerlessness in a malevolent world that was set out in Dark Fort, I figure the deep woods rambler is dropped into the remote wilderness by a trickster being, rather than entering from a border with "civilization". But if you want to start at the edge, go for it!
Barrows/keeps: if you land on one of those, switch games from Dark Forest to Dark Fort (the original that inspired me to make Dark Forest). It's a fun solo micro-RPG dungeon diver. https://morkborg.exlibrisrpg.com/entries/dark-fort It's part of the Mörk Borg Feretory zine: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/328612/moerk-borg-cult-feretory (or probably elsewhere online.)
Alternative free dungeon divers along the same theme as Dark Fort, which would make a great tool for the barrows and keeps:
Basilisk!: https://1d105.itch.io/basilisk
D66ngeon: https://visc.itch.io/d66ngeon