Subterranean Weekly Notes. July 4, 2026

This week I had surgery due to old injuries that had worsened. I’m strong and recovering, but I’m still convalescent and in intense pain. I hope it fades within a week.

COMBAT ACTIONS IN CAVERNS AND DRYADS

Much to my displeasure, the combat update is going to be delayed. But the good thing is that this gives me time to rethink everything more carefully.

I will probably include two new combat actions that will make it more strategic for you, without losing the fast and risky rhythm.

They are the charge and parry buttons.

The current defense becomes parry, and it means that on the next turn you get an attack boost.

There will be another, more intuitive defense button. You simply give up attacking on that turn to defend yourself better. It’s useful in situations where the warrior must protect the mage from an enemy that is physically too dangerous.

The charge action makes you lose defense and dodge, but grants an attack and damage bonus.

In addition to these new actions, I want to make what happens in combat more visible for you.

That’s why I’m going to improve the information shown in the combat log monitor, and also display critical hits, fumbles, and the attack and defense values of each turn. Possibly in a style similar to Buriedbornes, one of my favorite games, as you already know.

STORY PROGRESS

These days I haven’t been able to write much. In the hospital I wrote a few lines. Despite the painkillers, it’s hard to concentrate.

Starting tomorrow I’ll probably improve, and soon I’ll be able to write again.

I try to write and take notes on my phone, and read. Keeping my mind occupied helps me mitigate the pain. So as soon as I can, I’ll continue with the story and with programming the Caverns and Dryads update.

Today I managed to write this blog using my smartphone and a folding Bluetooth keyboard that weighs very little.

WORDS THAT EXPRESS A LOT

I plan to post about special concepts and words, often from Asian languages. In some countries the language is very precise and subtle.

For example, I want to write about the Japanese “ma”, and also about the Latin “totus floreo”. Things like that.

I think you’re going to love it. You know I adore emotional subtlety and subtext.

And I’ll write some articles about my favorite artists, the ones who make me dream the most.

I also want to make more images as soon as I can hold my digital pen again. I need to draw the boss monsters for the new quests!

PEOPLE DON’T LIKE WHEN YOU FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH

There’s a Spanish song that says exactly this. Many people get offended if you don’t do things in a typical way. We’ve lost creative originality.

Steam is on sale these days, and I’ve put the DLCs on sale because of that.

I’ve posted in forums about my game. The conversation with some people often focuses on how I do things and on the fact that my game isn’t typical. Often they’re devs who speak only to troll or express dislike. It only happens in certain places. On GameJolt and Itchio, the camaraderie among other devs is excellent.

Those other people don’t understand that this is precisely why the game appeals to those who enjoy it.

You were waiting for the experience that Caverns and Dryads gives you.

You won’t find that in a typical RPG. That’s what other games are for.

Those people complain, but new players join our community every day.

I care about the opinion of those who enjoy it. The rest goes in one ear and out the other. Caverns and Dryads wasn’t made for them. It’s for you.

Thank you always for living in my world and appreciating it. It’s not only mine. It’s for you.