Foundational Skills

At the beginning of a game, each character only has the simplest of skills from which to draw. Dumped in the open at a spawning location, she can observe the space around her, idle in place, get any loose items, harvest simple items like grasses and berries, and walk somewhere else on the map.

Observations

Anyone with functioning eyes can look at reflected light and make some simple assessments, but taking the time to intentionally observe space quickly leads to knowledge about the individual entities found nearby (possible uses, basic composition, available actions). Some experience with observation develops into examination to deeply and investigate a single nearby entity. After experience allows characters to discern discrete types of entities, [naming](Language in Trade) is possible.

Idle Time and Philosophy

Just like in real life any character needs a little down time to completely process what has just happened to her. When she has memories full of encounters, recent skill uses, or observations, the time in reflection increases the impact these memories have on developing new skills and knowledge.

Physical recuperation is also important and time spent idling to heal wounds or restore stamina advances the skill of convalescing, which becomes important healing skills in advanced play. When physical recovery is sorely needed, it is generally preferred over reflection or planning.

After sufficient time in reflection, characters will also begin to cast themselves forward in time, making more considered moves and start to plan for the future, creating caches of goods, crafting container items and wearables, and evaluating good places to settle.

Obtaining Items and Harvesting

Respecting limits in [inventory], any loose item or debris can be picked up by the character. When the item is laying on the ground, like a stick, stone, or fallen fruit, it is as simple as indicating an interest in gathering the item. Simple observation will reveal berries, grasses, and simple soils that can be gathered, while examining more complex objects, such as a tree, may allow a character to harvest fruit, grains, and more.

Exploration and Wayfinding

After walking around a bit, a faster, but more tiring run may help speed travel. Also, the character will begin to explore, which allows for recent paths to be entered into her memories. Moving to a target repeatedly will improve wayfinding and open up the possibility of remembering landmarks.