Dev Log # 38

I ran a bit of a sprint this week, finishing off crafting with some updates to tools and cleaning up NPCs to fit the new resource collection systems. I worked fast on these so there's probably even more bugs to deal with, but now that they're done I can finally start work on adding a new character! I've shared some early versions of her design already but by next month's build you'll be able to meet her at last.

The tool updates are designed to force a bit more choice and restriction on the player. You now have to craft a toolbelt to carry tools, and even then you can only have two equipped at a time. I want tools to all have roughly equivalent usefulness so that you're always rewarded for carrying them but also seeing plenty of hints for other paths available with different tools. I've also added armour as a tool which helps protect you from damage.

NPCs still need some more polish but I fixed up a few rough bits in the social minigame and simplified their job assignment. NPCs now only need to have a single task assigned and will take care of eating and sleeping at their own pace. I've also updated them to prefer eating meals over raw food. I'll need to test these changes quite a bit to make sure the balance between resource gathering and time to explore still works.