Prysmcat

  If you ever wake up in a world that looks less than real, a world that’s young enough to still have some resembnce to an old computer game while its creator makes improvements, try not to panic. There are no carnivores—unless you’re surrounded by mountains and you go through a gate that clearly says “Wurmheights,” and you should not do that. The only “monsters” are rare animals and even more rare people with a nasty infection and that’s rgely in extremely remote areas. Besides, they’re not typically aggressive. The regur wildlife will ignore you if you keep your distance. Feel free to drink stream water and eat any red berries you find. There are a few environmental hazards so if you find a road, stay on or near it. You can use those shelters freely if you find one, although they aren’t very comfortable if you’re empty-handed. Go ahead and press one of those glowing buttons, either one but the star will get you medical help specifically, and someone will come as soon as they can.

  It might take you a little while to find people if you don’t stumble on a shelter or press the button, the popution density is low in four out of five provinces, but when you do, ask for help. Someone showing a five-pointed star or two triangles side by side touching at one point would be best, but anyone will do. They’re not going to hurt you or take advantage of you. You’re not going to find kinder people in any world. Tell them you’re lost and need help, and ask them to send me a message.

  I could be anywhere, although probably I’m at a festival or I’m practising something, and you can take that in either sense. Or I’m learning, since I have to get really good at alchemy if I’m going to invent sublingual and injected forms of essential medical potions. I’ll get the message quickly, I have my own post office outlet in my house and that’s always with me. I also have a lot of friends, and I’ll probably ask one of them who’s closer to come help out until I get there. Some of them have been through this too. Some of them understand without that.

  I know it’s scary and disorienting, but try to stay calm and take a deep breath. I’m coming and it’ll be okay. I’ll be there as fast as I can, and that’s pretty damned fast.

  After all, I’m the First Responder and that’s my job.

  Prysmcat