itch.io

I created a Kickstarter account to back this project - alas, I was thwarted by my distinct lack of a credit card. :(

I'm currently setting up the game (perfect way to pass the time until our internet is fixed) and I absolutely love it.

I'm a little confused about page 79, daily task 8. for Bloom. It says you need a new washer and a spanner, only the spanner is listed in the shop inventories though. Speaking of, I'd really like a quick reference of shop inventories, for when you really need to get your paws on some of that BugOff Spray.
I was also wondering about enlisting the help of a tradesanimal, does it cost anything to get in touch via the post office or is that included in their fee?
There's a small typo on page 34 under "Repairs" where it says "inhabit" instead of "inhibit".
I took some slight artistic liberty with the floorplan by flipping the counter upside down and adding windows to the small room with the kitchen. It seemed odd to not have any in a room you'd cook in!

With those notes out of the way, the game is absolutely wonderful. The book is beautifully designed and has such a cosy feel, I can absolutely see myself playing through more than one animalfolk's story of life on the river. What I like about this solo journaling game is that it gives a lot of guidance and clear prompts - that works much better for me than other games that leave basically everything up to you. The journaling game police won't get you if you change any aspect of the game to suit you better, so there's no harm in having more rather than less framework provided for your story! I'm definitely thinking of picking up a physical copy should they be easily available within the EU at some point.

I used a digital program to play around with the shop layout until I was happy, but I'm copying it onto paper to play through a physical journal. It just adds something to the experience for me, putting pen to paper tickles my brain in just the right way. Drawing out the river map by hand at the start of my journal for quick reference definitely was a nice and somewhat meditative exercise! I'm also adding (and decorating) the deck outside the two rooms, so my shopkeeping cat has a nice spot to sit down and enjoy the view or do some fishing. There's definitely going to be fairylights involved. I can't wait to sit down now and start her adventures on the river!