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### Topic

#### Rook Status?

Firstly, a simple explanation of what the Rook is, or was, last time we heard about it. From Glitch's blog, stoot describes it as "a collective noun referring to the evil, crow-like creatures who exist on the same plane as the Giants and are constantly buzzing at them, dive-bombing, attacking and trying to eat the Giants’ imagination. The Rook is dark and opposes all creativity. And they will try to attack the game world, especially locations which are left a little too neglected …".
In a test in October 2010 (almost half a year ago!), Stoot gave us the opportunity to test out The Rook in a street. It was laggy and buggy, but fun to try out. Rook ravens appeared on screen, animals became 'Rooked' and we fought it off with hugs and donations. See my screencapture video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi2ZuHm7H2w
Afterwards, we gave our feedback on this thread, and Stoot explained: "I think we're going to try making it slower, sparser and more ambient ... an indication of long term decay in a region that might take days or weeks to fester before it is really annoying (and days or weeks to clear) rather than something that happens all at once.".
I'm keen to know, Glitch devs, where the Rook is in terms of playability now. That was half a year ago, so, just wondering. :)
PS. Rook Wiki article link ;')

Posted 20 months ago by Hburger | Permalink

### Replies

- Nice vid, Hburger! I have never experienced The Rook in-game and I like how the one walks around the screen and looks up at you. If there are ever levels of Hell built into the game, that would be one great Purgatory quest. First you have the Beetlejuice-type waiting room and you have to hug the people who also quest in to earn your appointment. Kind of like the Bureaucrocs of the Afterlife.
  Posted 20 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies | Permalink
- creeping malaise...
  Posted 20 months ago by Nanookie | Permalink
- This does bring up the idea of community responsibility and the effects of neglect as part of gameplay. When I started playing, it seemed that decay happened quicker. That trees died fairly quickly without petting and watering--rather than now when we poison them to get to the planks or to plant something new. As a noob, I was reminded that I had responsibility to the environment. So I had to pet even when it cost me limited energy. Rook or no rook, this is something that has been lost. At least in my experience.
  Posted 20 months ago by Mac Rapalicious | Permalink
- Just watched the YouTube video and l like the concept of rooks circling around the trees. I think it would be nicer if the rooks could serve as a visual cue when a plant desperately needs petting / loving. Plants in a state of decay would give lower harvest or no harvest at all.
  I agree that a [[...slower, sparser and more ambient ... an indication of long term decay in a region that might take days or weeks to fester before it is really annoying (and days or weeks to clear) rather than something that happens all at once...]] is better. It gives the game a feel that the environment is alive and dynamic, and that the player can/must do something if he wants to preserve it.
  I haven't experience the rook before, and I must admit that it does looks like an interesting idea. Can't wait to encounter them in-game.
  Posted 20 months ago by roderick ordonez | Permalink
- Well, that looks interesting........... I think a rook attack should happen only with plenty of people around to hug and revive plants and animals. I also think that it should be like a surprise attack, and happen more often in certain places.
  Posted 20 months ago by KitkatCat | Permalink
- If I remember, the idea was if shrine donations got too far out of balance with each other, rooks happen.
  Posted 20 months ago by Tingly Claus | Permalink
- This came up as one of the highest priority things to finish in our recent Big Set of Meetings Where We Prioritize Things, so we will start work on it again "soon".
  Posted 20 months ago by stoot barfield | Permalink
- Glitch has those Type of Meetings too .. niiiiice.
  Posted 20 months ago by Bibiri | Permalink
- Awesome! Still the same concept? Or a little story/gameplay tweaks here and there?
  Posted 20 months ago by Hburger | Permalink