So you just starting playing this gigantic new text game, and you have a class, you’ve joined a city, and perhaps even embraced conformity by joining a House. Now, however, you spend a good deal of your time standing idly within the confines of familiarity, unsure of what precisely there is of interest to do outside your city’s walls. You could explore the other cities in the text game – a topic for perhaps another article for another time – or you could step out into the expansive world of Achaea that lies outside the cities, to see what unique wonders you might find.

Here are five suggestions to get you started on your quest.

1. Indulge yourself at the seaside village of Tasur’ke

Create custom confections in Allea’s candy shop by dipping an apple in caramel or a cherry in chocolate. Do not forget to coat them with sliced almonds or crushed candy cane pieces! With six different fruit to choose from, three dipping sauces and three dry toppings, your ability to customize your treat to your particular taste appears endless. This trip is perfect for a family outing, while gift shopping for a special someone, or just simply to spoil yourself.

On the other hand, if sweets are not your fancy, simply head around the corner to the smoke shop where Davel, a tabac merchant, sells a wide variety snuffs, tabacs and cigars. With a type of smoke to satiate every craving and palette, Davel’s wares are truly habit-forming!

2. Get your journal custom bound at Suthaine’s Bookbindery in Arcadia.

Do not settle on conformity! Customize your journal, or pick one up to be customized, at Suthaine’s Bookbindery. For a fee, Suthaine will re-bind your journal with your handpicked selection from his wide array of fabrics, types of lettering, and colours. Let your journal be a fashion statement that is as unique as you are.

3. Doll yourself up with Marianna’s Perfumes and Cosmetics.

A must before any date night or illustrious event, Marianna’s Perfumes and Cosmetics is a one-stop shop for all things luxurious nestled within the village of Caer Witrin. From candles which fill the room with scents that excite the senses to perfumes that make the wearer the center of attention wherever he or she may go, Marianna has truly mastered the art of beauty enhancement. Browse her selection of different makeup products and shades as well, but do remember to purchase a mirror to receive their full transformational effect!

4. Head up north to listen to the Universal Membrane.

While the trek to the Saoghal Valley is a long one, those who make the journey will find it to be worthwhile. There, below the Lake of Soaghal, you will find the Universal Membrane. Here, spoken words from across the realms are captured as voices drift through the membrane of the universe to the ears of those who linger. Learn the secrets of the Sapience, entertain yourself with random banter, and gain a bit of clarity into the going-ons of the world.

5. Explore New Thera.

When your legs grow exhausted from all of the walking, grab a private room at the Wander Inn in New Thera to catch some shut-eye. You will need the rest in order to fully enjoy all of what the village has to offer.

Money can certainly buy you love at the pet shop in New Thera, so take your winnings from your quick trip to the Ace of Spades Casino, and buy yourself a loyal companion. Daveed, the animal trainer, has carefully bred and trained a large variety of dogs, cats and birds that would all be thankful to be given a nice home. Name them, feed them, play with them and train them to do a few tricks while you are at it!

After you are done picking out some toys and treats for your new companion, head over to Shura, Mistress of Games and visit her game shop in order to reward yourself with one of a wide selection of games. From Mancala to Pearls, you will find days of entertainment within the shop’s inventory. Pick a game you are already familiar with, or challenge yourself to learn a new one with the assistance of a set of well written instructions.

Finally, after all that time away from your home city, take the time to reconnect with friends via the very special stationary that Josie, a simple artist, sells. A variety of brilliant colours, the letters sold in this shop can be turned into a variety of shapes. A parchment paper on the wall offers several suggestions which range from an angel to a snake, and an entire gambit of creatures and items between them.

While there are certainly many other treats hidden within the expansive world of Achaea, outside of your city’s walls, there is certainly something to be said about the joy of discovery. Branch out when you find yourself being idle and dare to leave your homeland and explore the entirety of the text game world. You may be pleasantly surprised with what you find.

By Teresa Harlan