Maxwell Sterling

Maxwell Sterling
Culture	Elaniens
Location	Goldenfield
Involved In	A Spark in the Dark Heart of the Woods
Image

Maxwell Sterling is an NPC in Goldenfield, south-west of the Wheat Tent.

Dialogue

Don't waste my time. / State your business. / What do you want? / Yeah?

I'm Maxwell Sterling. Censor, survivor, all-around fun guy.

I teach newcomers how not to die. Or at least, how to die less often.

This scar? Oh, just a reminder of a fun Saturday night out with a pack of hungry gnats.

I've been dead, cloned, reanimated, and brought back to life more times than you've had hot dinners.

Right now, I'm teaching survival. Because apparently, some folks need reminding that running at a monster naked with a stick is a bad idea.

I'm as good as you can expect, considering the prospect of sudden death is a constant companion around here.

So, you've landed in Kwalat. Here, you're most likely to end up as monster chow than find a decent latrine.

Want to survive? Here's a tip: learn some skills. Cooking, Weaponsmithing, Mining... catch my drift?

Start with Big Mamma, up north on this road, take a left at the big house. Can't miss it. always crammed with newcomers hoping for a government-handout meal.

She'll teach you the basics of not starving to death.

In the town center, you'll find Ivie Clarkson, local cafe owner. Makes the best latte within a hundred miles. Knows everyone around, she's a local fixture.

Round back of her cafe, you'll find an Alchemist. Good guy, Percy.

Pity he skipped his university classes - his alchemy skills are about on par with mine. But he's a good drinking buddy.

Head west of the town center and you'll run into old Hank, the only living guard around here. There are a couple of bots, too, but I'd trust Hank over them any day.

He, like the other two guard-bots, can give you the lowdown on the locals, where to find them, where to go, and so on. It's part of their job.

Take a left after Hank and you'll find the Lumberjack and Miner near the Gas Station.

Take a right after passing Hank, before the pumpkin field, follow the road to the end and you'll hit the Workshop.

The place is run by aliens - Constructor and Weaponsmith. They look a bit odd, but they know their stuff.

Head east from the town center, and you'll see the Summer House and the Herbalist's bench on your right.

The house is rented by a sexy Qadarian, Nia. She's a hot one, but she's hard to win over.

Further south from her house is a Pig farm. Locals say that's where the butcher resides. But I manage fine without his services.

There's also a Mystic over at the Cemetery, but I try to avoid dealing with the dead. The locals can tell you more.

Seriously! Just ask around. I'm still finding my own feet here.

[If not accepted A Spark in the Dark]

Could use a pair of extra hands. Or any body parts, really.

So, you want to learn about survival, huh? First things first - Know your limits.

See a monster? Think it's too strong? Then it probably is. Run. And if it chases, run faster.

Forget about quests, honour, revenge. Around here, your biggest achievement is making it through the day with all your limbs attached.

And gear up. You wouldn't believe the number of naked, brave individuals I've seen charging at monsters only to end up as a gruesome buffet. Their reckless bravery is our again - their corpses make for good looting.

Lastly, fetch some wood for a fire. It's right here in the camp, and I'll need three pieces.

Usually, you'd get wood from logging those magic trees around. But chopping trees isn't in our agenda for now

[A Spark in the Dark]

Go on, fetch the wood. It's right around camp, and you won't have to watch for wildlife here. This is the safe part... for now.

Huh. Guess you're not the survival type. / Missed chance. Cold nights are a killer. Literally. / Your funeral, pal.

[If completed A Spark in the Dark but not accepted Heart of the Woods]

I've got a few chores, if you're up to it.

Alright, moving on to the next survival lesson - get familiar with your surroundings. And by that, I mean, don't let anything crucial slip past your attention, especially those magic trees in the forest.

We're not just any hikers looking for firewood. We are after Heartwood. It's the core of magic trees, and trust me, burning that stuff gives you a fire that's worth the trouble.

Eating by the fire kindled with Heartwood has a special restorative effect. You'll feel stronger, fresher. Trust me, it's not your average camping meal.

[Heart of the Woods]

Good! But keep this in mind, finding what you need doesn't always happen on the first try. Yet with persistence, you'll get what you're after.

Now, head into the forest and fetch me three pieces of Heartwood. Aim for the trees that are glowing.

Oh well. Enjoy struggling through fatigue and raw critter meat. Without the magic of Kwalat's fires and food, you're in for a real treat. / Suit yourself. But remember, no magic fire means no magic recovery. Think on that next time you're feeling run down. / Turning down a chance to play lumberjack? Alright, your loss.

[If not completed A Spark In the Dark or accepted Heart of the Woods]

I'm good for now. But stick around, death never takes a vacation. / I've got it covered. Unless you know how to prevent a full-scale alien invasion. No? Then I'm good. / Nope. But keep your eyes peeled. This place changes quicker than a gnats' lunch.

[If accepted A Spark In the Dark]

Don't forget, 3 pieces. Not 2. Not 4. 3. / Haven't frozen to death yet, huh? / How's the wood hunt going, newbie?

[If completed A Spark In the Dark]

Well, look who's a regular Davy Crockett. Here's how to make a campfire. And some matches. You're going to need 'em.

[If accepted Heart of the Woods]

Done playing lumberjack yet? Or did the trees fight back? / If you're not back soon, I'll assume a tree fell on you. / Remember, Heartwood. Bright glow. Don't get it wrong.

[If completed Heart of the Woods]

Look at you, all alive and stuff. Good job. Here's the Heartwood Campfire Recipe.

And remember, nothing warms your bones like a hot meal near Heartwood fire.