The First Death in Albia
Death is a natural part of Norn life, but it is something that is never sought after. In many cases, it’s also unexpected and heartbreaking. Old age or disease often indicate an impending visit to the grave. In the beginning of a new life, however, one never expects a Norn to breath his or her last breath.
In the dark and dreary light of the jungle, Adria and Noric found one another again. A promising little egg soon appeared, startling the seasoned parents. I think Adria has been surprised about each of her eggs so far! Noric appeared to be more curious, though, and was eager to meet his child. With two differing viewpoints, they were still united in finding out just who would break out of that shell. The suspense built up, and I joined in their excitement. Another new Norn would be on his or her way!
I took the liberty of moving the egg to the incubator so the little one could begin life in a warm, safe haven. As the doors opened and I braced myself for the excitement of a little one, the message at the bottom of the screen read “DEATH” rather than “BIRTH.” Little Arnessa was a stillborn, and a huge blow to Albia. She may not have seen the world, yet she will never be forgotten. Such is how the first passing Norn often has a serious impact in Creatures. It was a very sad experience, and one no one would easily forget.
Perhaps it was the journey to the incubator, but the more likely cause was an uncontrollable genetic defect. I wondered what it would have been like if Arnessa was born near Adria and Noric, but I think it would have been an even more traumatic experience. Eggs are supposed to signify life, and the adult Norns may have gotten a different message. Adria seems to have sensed that something went wrong, for she refuses to eat or do much of anything. For now, Albia sits in a bit of gloom as we mourn the passing of Arnessa.
Tercerois2cool here, and dangit, I can’t stand it anymore. Do you think it could be possible if you sent Creatures 1 through my Yahoo email? You zip it then send it. Please? :) tercerois2cool@yahoo.com
I would love to help you out Tercerois2cool, but unfortunately I can’t send out Creatures 1 via e-mail. I believe GOG.com has a digital download of Creatures: The Albian Years available to buy for Windows XP/Vista. Hopefully that helps you out and you’re able to play Creatures 1 again soon!
One of my lasting memories of my first ever creatures game is when a young norn died. Her aunt was nearby when it happened. She stayed around the body until it disappeared, and even afterwards, refusing all food and most interaction with the Hand until eventually she too died. I suppose in real-world animals or people we’d call it dying of a broken heart.
That sounds like a very sorrowful situation, and it makes perfect sense why you would remember it so well! Although it may not be very measurable in the games, especially Creatures 1, do you think that Norns experience emotions, like a broken heart? I tend to think that they do, not only related to being happy or sad in relation to their needs, but also related to social situations. For that matter, do Ettins and Grendels have emotions, too? Definitely an interesting topic to discuss!
But on a more serious note, your story is very heart-wrenching, and I hope that young deaths won’t happen to any of our Norns in the near future. Thanks for sharing and stirring up some new ideas!
I can still remember the loss of my first every Norn. His name was Tiggy and oddly enough he never died. His file was corrupted during an export and despite my dad’s valiant efforts (he’s a computer techy) we were never able to retrieve him. Sadly he never had kids either :(
I like to think he still exists out there somewhere, lost in cyberspace chasing butterflies.
Aww, sorry to hear about Tiggy! I think our first Norns are very sentimental to us, although I can’t recall the name of my very first Norn. I believe she was a Brown Mouse Norn, though, and an excellent breeder. I also think there’s a place out there for all Norns who have passed on, in one way or another. It’s very interesting how attached to our Creatures we can become!
You never forget your first Norns… Or your first death. At least she went gently into that goodnight.
Well said, Chip! It was heartbreaking to have this first Norn be stillborn, but it wasn’t an entirely terrible moment. Adria and Noric had a wonderful partnership throughout their lives that may have been strengthened by this sad moment surrounding their first child.
I know this one was years ago now, but since I started at the beginning and just got here, it seems an appropriate place… I just started over in C1 for the first time in awhile. My first egg when I started the game was a stillborn male horse norn. Not off to a very good start here… le sigh.
Oh no! Stillborns are really sad to deal with in Creatures 1. Did you hatch the egg from the Hatchery? Those eggs use a combination of two different genomes, so mutations are possible, even in the first generation. I usually hatch brand new Norns from the Genetics Kit, just so I know what I’m getting at the start. Hopefully that’s the last stillborn Norn you have for a long, long time. Good luck with your new world!