“It is said that in the waters around the islands, the Aallottaret are hiding. Water nymphs who were once women drowned, consumed by envy for the living. They grab you and drag you down without mercy. I still haven’t figured out whether they do it to keep people from reaching the islands… or to make sure they never leave.”
Over the past month, we’ve focused on bringing life (and danger) to the waters of Among the Trolls. In today’s devlog, we’ll take a closer look at the swimming system in the archipelago, how it affects exploration - and your survival. Ready to take the plunge?
INTO THE CURRENT
The sea surrounding the archipelago - the one Anna used to secretly swim in during summer as a child, without her grandfather knowing - no longer feels the same. Something is off, and those clear, calm waters that once filled her memories now seem unfamiliar: the water that laps the shore no longer seems to follow the rules of the real sea, as if her swimming skills mean nothing against its hostility. Swimming here has become excessively - and unnaturally - exhausting for Anna.
The islands of the archipelago are home to a variety of environments, but one thing they all share are the sandy shores that stretch into deep waters. Choosing to swim there can be risky - it’s up to you to weigh the dangers.
Movement in water is slower, and can be extremely tiring for Anna. While swimming, stamina drains quickly, and if you push yourself too hard, you'll soon run out of energy and run the risk of drowning.
But not all waters are the same. Swimming in island lakes is certainly less dangerous than swimming in the ocean. Out there, as you move away from the coast, you'll find the dark Deep Sea. If you cross into it, stamina depletes even faster, the world begins to distort and turns hostile. A true boundary, as solid as any wall. You can’t cross the open sea without building a bridge - because some waters are too dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.
And exhaustion isn’t the only threat. Enemies can chase Anna all the way to the shoreline - though they probably won’t follow you into the tides. Still, keep in mind that tools are useless in water: axes, bows, and spears can’t be used until you’re back on land. If Anna falls in with a heavy load, she’ll have to let it go in order to survive. One missed handhold, one misjudged jump, and the current claims another secret for the Aallottaret.
We’re working hard to make the waters of Among the Trolls as unpredictable and mysterious as the landscape. Whether you're wading between islands or simply hearing the wave crashing in the distance, remember: sometimes, it's not what you can see on the surface that you should fear - but what's down below.
That wraps up today’s devlog. The next one will be coming in September!