Tag: Dredge Permadeath

Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – The Final Days

In today’s entry of my Dredge permadeath run, I dredge up mysterious junk, mistake a deadly Angler for a friendly boat, earn my second Madness Strike, and finally sink myself by sailing straight into rocks. A fitting end for the S.S. Bad Decisions.

Missed the previous entry? Find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Six

Day 7 in Dredge: The Key to My Demise

Well, it’s been a while since I last braved these haunted waters, but after reacquainting myself with what needed doing, I set out to sea. I found my first spot to dredge the depths—and promptly learned I am terrible at it. I’m so used to fishing and avoiding the holes that trying to aim for them scrambled my poor sailor brain. After some flailing, I eventually nailed it and dredged up… a roll of paper. Followed by another one. I briefly wondered if I could flog them to the Trader as antique toilet paper.

Onwards I went, and at my next dredging spot, success! I fished up a key. The Collector wants this, so off I went, aiming for what I thought was Blackstone Isle. I saw a red X on my map and figured that had to be the place.

Dear reader, I was sorely mistaken.

Instead of heading south, I went north, homing in on that red X like a determined—but geographically challenged—pigeon. As I pondered my navigation skills, night fell. And boy, did it fall hard. It got so dark that when I spotted another ship’s lights, I felt a flicker of excitement; finally, another vessel! Except… it wasn’t a friendly ship. It was the glowing lure of what I assume was a giant Angler fish. It rammed me, leaving me with two points of hull damage. Lovely. I also earned my second Madness Strike for my troubles.

Eventually, I docked, only to discover I wasn’t at Blackstone Isle at all—I’d landed at Steel Point. I decided that was enough excitement for one day and called it a night.

Day 8 (aka The Final Voyage)

Normally, this is where I’d sign off, but I decided to roll right into what turned out to be my final day. What brought about my watery end, you ask? My own steering.

I undocked, ready to head for Greater Marrow, only to immediately slam into some rocks. That final scrape took out the last of my hull integrity, and my ship went down. Madness didn’t get me. A sea monster didn’t get me. My own driving did me in.

Really didn’t think I’d end the run due to my driving. Guess I’ll stick to Mario Kart

RIP, S.S. Bad Decisions. You will not be missed.

Lesson learned: In Dredge, the real horror isn’t what lurks beneath the waves—it’s what happens when I’m behind the wheel. Stay tuned; maybe next time I’ll master basic navigation… or at least buy a map that doesn’t betray me.

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This Week: One Ends, One Begins

Just a quick reminder that Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival wraps up this week. One last day of eldritch fishing, creeping madness, and questionable boat choices.

But the tide doesn’t settle for long — SnowRunner: The Permagear Diaries kicks off this Friday. Less sea, more sludge. And probably just as many bad decisions.

Stick around. The chaos continues.

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Welcome New Survivors

Just a quick post today to say a big welcome to everyone who’s recently stumbled into the chaos of Survivor Incognito. Whether you came for the haunted fish, the frozen lakes, or the exploding oak tree, I’m glad you’re here.

If you’re new, here are a few good places to start:

  • 🗺️ Check out the Long Dark Region Guide if you’re planning a cold-weather disaster of your own.
  • 🐟 Dark Waters is nearing its eerie conclusion — perfect if you like your survival stories with a side of cosmic dread.
  • ❄️ The Customloper Diaries are still going strong — Interloper-lite, full-on panic.

This week marks the end of the Grounded permadeath run — the backyard won, basically. But starting next week, we’re trading bugs for busted axles with the debut of SnowRunner: The Permagear Diaries. Expect mud, ice, and a lot of “well that truck’s gone now” moments.

Thanks for reading — and remember: surviving is optional. Storytelling the downfall is the point.

Oh — and if you think playing on easier difficulties makes survival games easy? It doesn’t. I’m living proof that you can still freeze, starve, drown, fall off cliffs, and get stomped by wildlife with the difficulty slider turned all the way down. Turns out survival isn’t just about the settings — it’s about the decisions. And mine are… let’s say “narratively interesting.”

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Quick Update from Behind the Blog

Just when I thought the seas were clear… turns out Dark Waters had one more entry left! The final chapter of the Dredge permadeath run has now been scheduled, so we’re giving Stranded Deep a little breathing room (and maybe giving me a moment to dry off).

Meanwhile, SnowRunner: The Permagear Diaries is still on track to launch next week.

I am also still in the process of adding more ARK maps, but life finds a way to make that as slow as possible it seems, but I’m doing my best to add more as and when I am able. Thank you for your patience on that.

I have also seen people downloading my rules for games like The Long Dark, Dredge and even Grounded. If you have any suggestions for rules I could follow, please let me know and I will see if they could add to my playthroughs in any way.

Thanks for keeping up with the chaos — more doom is on the horizon!

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Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Six

A mysterious mansion, a weird engine, and an eyeball fish that failed to impress. Day 6 of the Dredge permadeath run brings new quests, strange artefacts, and a Collector with a taste for cursed objects.

Missed the previous day? You can find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival Day Five

A Photographer, a Mansion, and the Case of the Unsold Fish

The day starts before I’ve even had a chance to stretch my sea legs. The Mayor greets me with a new concern—apparently a photographer passed through recently, heading south. I’m told I should find her and say hello. Social obligations while I’m fishing for my life? Fine. I’ll add it to the to-do list… just beneath “don’t go mad at sea.”

I set off from Greater Marrow and head south, making landfall on the first island that looks like it might have plumbing. It turns out to be Blackstone Isle, which sounds charming in the “haunted Victorian manor” kind of way. I arrive at 8:55 AM.

I check the mansion—naturally, it’s locked. I poke around the nearby workshop instead, only to find a Sign of Ruin and something called an arterial engine, which I assume isn’t medically approved. I also learn a harsh lesson: I forgot to sell yesterday’s catch. Either that or the game saved before I did. Either way, I’m hauling stinky fish back to town.

Selling Fish and Summoning Fishy Deals

I dock at Greater Marrow around 12:49 PM and go through the usual unloading dance with the Fishmonger. Then I chat with the Mysterious Figure again, who—surprise—sends me back to Blackstone Isle.

Naturally, I fish on the way. Because of course I do. This time I reel in an all-seeing cod, which sounds cool until I try to impress the Fishmonger with it later and he gives me a book instead of admiration. Apparently, cod with eyeballs where they shouldn’t be are so last season.

At 16:12 PM, I dock at Blackstone Isle again. This time, the mansion is open and I meet The Collector, who is absolutely not sinister at all. I hand over the handkerchief I fished out of a monster, and he offers to upgrade my ship to allow dredging—basically seabed looting. Sounds good!

He gives me a cursed scavenger hunt: find a ring, necklace, watch, music box, and key. Why do I feel like I’m helping someone complete a haunted wedding registry?

Grouper Disappointment and DIY Moving Services

I attempt once again to find the elusive Black Grouper on the return journey. I fail again. The Grouper and I are clearly not fated to meet.

Back in Greater Marrow at 22:55 PM, I get flagged down by multiple NPCs who seem to think I don’t have enough to do:

The Lighthouse Keeper shares a shipwreck location.

The Builder wants to move and gives me a shopping list:

● 2x Lumber

● 2x Scrap

● Deliver to Steel Point

I finish my last few conversations, sell the disappointing fish, and finally rest—making sure to save and quit properly this time so I don’t repeat the rotting-fish incident.

Daily Summary

Date: Day 6
Events:

Spoke to the Mayor about the missing Photographer

Visited Blackstone Isle and found the Sign of Ruin

Forgot to sell fish from Day 5

Met The Collector and received dredge equipment

Fished an all-seeing cod (not as exciting as it sounds)

Got quests from the Lighthouse Keeper and the Builder

Still haven’t caught a Black Grouper

Slept peacefully after a long, confusing day

Want to know more about what this is and what rules I need to follow? Please read the Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival hub page

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Here’s What You Missed This Week – Survivor Incognito Recap

A look back at the survival chaos from this week on Survivor Incognito: from haunted seas and freezing wilderness to dino disasters and exploding oaks.

It’s been a week full of questionable decisions, close calls, and new beginnings here at Survivor Incognito. In case you missed any of the madness, here’s your survival cheat sheet!

🌊 Tuesday – Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Five

The search for one stubborn fish continued, along with a steady descent into darkness and dread.

🐇 Wednesday – Customloper Diaries Day Three

Charcoal maps, rabbit stew, and a sudden storm — because survival in The Long Dark is never boring.

🗺️ Wednesday – Behind the Blog: ARK Map Page Expansion

A behind-the-scenes update! I’m working on expanding the ARK Survival Evolved map page to cover all Switch maps. All the regions, all the doom.

🏹 Thursday – Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival – Day Ten

Vampires, arrows, and highly questionable footwear choices. My Argonian had quite the day.

🐜 Friday – The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Three

The lasers were fixed, the oak tree exploded (as it does), and the backyard remains terrifying.

🦖 Saturday – ARK: Aberration – Day One Diary

Punching trees, hallucinating plants, and being reminded why Aberration is not the friendliest place to spawn.

What’s Next?

More chaos, more permadeath, and maybe even a few victories (no promises). Stay tuned!

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Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Five

The search for one stubborn fish continues. Instead, I find a mutant flounder, a handkerchief inside a fish, and a shady stranger with a business proposition. Also, I upgrade my boat’s engine, because speed might save my life.

Missed the previous day? Find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Four

The Elusive Fish and the Flounder of Nightmares

I began Day 5, once again hoping to finally catch this Black Grouper that seems more myth than fish at this point. With desperate optimism, I set out, casting my line into the nearest fishing spot. The sea, as always, had other plans.

First bite?
A Cyclopean Flounder.

It stared back at me with its single eye and enough teeth to make a dentist weep. Not the fish I was after, but a catch nonetheless.

I kept fishing, still determined. A Gulf Flounder followed, then a Stingray, and finally a lone Cod. Still no sign of the Grouper. As if the ocean wanted to taunt me further, I spotted another message bobbing in the waves.

Another Message, Another Mystery

I fished up the bottle and stashed the message, adding one more note to my growing collection of cryptic correspondence. Given how last night played out, I didn’t want to risk another late return. I steered back toward Greater Marrow and docked at 6:24 PM — safely ahead of nightfall this time.

The Handkerchief Surprise

The Fishmonger, completely unfazed by the mutant flounder, carved it open with all the care of a man slicing a ham sandwich. Inside?
A delicately patterned handkerchief.

Because of course there’s a handkerchief inside the cyclopean mutant.

He handed it over without a second thought. Not sure why I need a bloodstained fish hanky, but I suspect someone on Lesser Marrow might know. Before I could make inquiries, however, my day took a turn.

The Stranger on the Dock

As I sat in my boat, a man appeared at the dock. He didn’t step closer, just stood watching.

He knew I had spoken with the Fishmonger.

Creepy.

He offered to examine the handkerchief… but only if I met him at Blackstone Isle. South of Greater Marrow. He mentioned a “business proposition.” That always ends well.

Speed Upgrade: Because Running May Soon Be Required

Before ending the day, I stopped by the Shipwright. She handed me a book titled “Correct Engine Operation.” Subtle.

I also installed an Improved Outboard Engine, moving my old engine into storage. If I’m about to get involved in someone’s “business proposition,” having more speed felt like a solid investment.

With that done, I called it a night — and will decide tomorrow if a trip to Blackstone Isle is brave or just plain stupid.

Daily Summary

  • Fish Caught: 1 Cyclopean Flounder, 1 Gulf Flounder, 1 Stingray, 1 Cod
  • Madness Strikes: Still just one
  • Damage Taken: None
  • New Item Obtained: Delicately Patterned Handkerchief
  • Business Propositions Recieved: 1 (Blackstone Isle invitation)

If you’d like to know more, please check out: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival

For information on the rules, please check out: Dark Waters: Dredge Permadeath Rules & Survival Guide

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Here’s What You Missed This Week – Survivor Incognito Recap

It’s been another action-packed week of survival, chaos, and questionable decisions over at Survivor Incognito. If you’ve been busy wrestling giant crabs, flipping trucks, or dodging ghost fish, here’s your chance to catch up!

🌨️ Monday – Why I Made SnowRunner Permadeath

I broke down the logic (or madness?) behind turning SnowRunner into a permadeath challenge. Because nothing says “relaxing drive” like knowing one bad flip could end it all. [Read More Here]

🌊 Tuesday – Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Four

The sea giveth, the sea taketh away… and sometimes it just giveth more terror. Day Four of my Dredge permadeath series saw the madness meter creeping ever higher. [Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Four]

🐺 Wednesday – The Cold Chronicles – Day Seven

Another day, another frostbite risk. My Voyageur survivor braved the cold and the chaos as we inch further into this brutal Long Dark journey. [The Cold Chronicles Day Seven: A Voyageur’s Tale of The Long Dark]

🏹 Thursday – Sneak, Snipe, Repeat – Day Nine

The Argonian archer continued slinking through Skyrim, proving that stealth is great—right up until it isn’t. Day Nine brought more dragons, more necromancy, and more “how did that go so wrong?” moments. [Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival Day Nine]

🐜 Friday – Grounded: Day Two

The backyard is still terrifying. Day Two brought more bugs, more base-building, and more moments of me asking why I ever thought permadeath was a good idea here. [The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Two]

🦖 Saturday – Day One Diaries of ARK: Survival Evolved Announced

Big news! I announced the upcoming Day One Diaries for ARK: Survival Evolved. Expect dinos, disasters, and probably a lot of running for my life. [Get the details here]

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Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Four

Fishing frustrations, elusive groupers, a shiny new rod upgrade, and a very foggy late-night encounter with a suspicious rock. Day 4 of the Dredge permadeath run tests both my patience and my sanity.

Missed day three? Find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Three

The Great Grouper Hunt (That Wasn’t)

The morning plan was simple: head out early, catch fish, finally land that mysterious Black Grouper, and pretend I’m not on the verge of bankruptcy. But the sea, as always, had other plans.

I head straight out and find several fishing spots—most of which give me the “you need better equipment” message. Apparently, my starter rod wasn’t cutting it. Still, I manage to pull up 7 blue mackerel and a lone grey eel. Not exactly the haul I was hoping for, but at least the cooler wasn’t empty.

Somewhere along the way, my studies in Sustainable Fishing pay off: book finished, and now I have a 10% chance of not reducing fish stocks every time I catch something with a rod. You’d think that would make me feel better about the environment. It mostly makes me feel better about my wallet.

By 4:36 PM, I pull back into Greater Marrow, snagging one last mackerel on the way in. Still no sign of a Grouper, though I’m starting to question whether they’re actually real or just a fishmonger fever dream.

After selling my haul, I decide it’s time for some serious gear. I visit the Shipwright, sell off my old Simple Skimmer, and upgrade to a shiny new Weighted Line. The installation takes 3 hours, which means by the time I’m ready to head out again, it’s already 7:39 PM.

Unionised Fish and Fog – And Maybe Rocks?

Determined (or possibly just stubborn), I head back out into the night. With my new line, surely the elusive Grouper will finally show itself.

Spoiler: it does not.

Between 7:39 PM and 2:20 AM, I catch absolutely nothing. It’s like the fish all formed a union and declared tonight a strike. The only thing I catch is frustration.

With the fog rolling in thick, visibility drops to near zero. I briefly spot some shiny things off in the distance—potential treasure, or more likely, a quick route to a Madness Strike. I wisely decide not to push my luck.

And then there was the rock.
At one point, something comes into view near the edge of my light. It had that familiar red tinge that usually means my panicked brain is starting to see things that aren’t there. But as I moved closer and got it fully under the light, the red vanished and it looked completely normal.

So was it real?
Probably.
Maybe.
Hopefully.

For the sake of my Madness Strike counter, I’m calling it real. But let’s just say the boat was very carefully steered around it, just in case.

I pull into dock and call it a night. Day 4 closes with no Grouper, a slightly better rod, one near-debate with my own sanity, and a growing suspicion that the fish are mocking me.

Daily Summary

  • Fish Caught: 7 Blue Mackerel, 1 Grey Eel
  • Madness Strikes: Still just one
  • Damage Taken: None (rock judged real – no collision)

If you’d like to know more, please check out: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival

For more information on the rules, please check out: Dark Waters: Dredge Permadeath Rules & Survival Guide

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Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Three

Debt cleared, upgrades unlocked, and still no Black Grouper in sight. Day 3 of my Dredge permadeath run brings ship upgrades, mysterious messages in bottles, and the creeping fog of midnight.

Missed the previous day? Read it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Two

The Package Delivery, Finally

After two days of stumbling around like I had no idea where I was going (because I didn’t), I finally discovered that my map exists. You know, the thing that tells you where stuff is? Turns out that helps.

With my newfound cartographic skills, I double-checked that Little Marrow hadn’t mysteriously drifted off into the abyss overnight. Satisfied, I set sail and arrived at 8:14 AM.

The dockworker greeted me like a man who’d been waiting a while for this delivery. He took the package (still no idea what was in it — apparently it was “fresh,” which feels mildly concerning) and handed over $25. That nearly covered my hull repair bill from last night’s adventures, so I’ll take the win.

He also handed me a book on sustainable fishing — whether that’s foreshadowing or just helpful remains to be seen. Oh, and I got the usual “stop by for a chat” offer. I might actually take him up on that. Maybe he’ll tell me what was in that package.

Trinkets & Treasures

While I was in the area, I stopped by the Trader on Little Marrow. He seems keen to buy any “special trinkets” I find lying around the sea. Given the kinds of things washing up out here, I’m not sure if that’s entrepreneurial or deeply suspicious.

The Hunt for the Elusive Black Grouper

With business handled, I headed back out and activated my newly acquired fishing book, because reading on the job is apparently acceptable when you’re on a boat. At 11:53 AM, I pulled up a respectable haul of 5 cod. Not bad.

I then went searching for another fishing spot, hoping to finally locate a Black Grouper for the Fishmonger’s special order. Along the way, I spotted something floating — a message in a bottle. Curiosity overruled caution, as usual.

Inside was… well, let’s just say people out here write very dramatic love letters. But nothing that helps me find a Black Grouper.

I fished up 3 blue mackerel instead, then headed back to Greater Marrow to sell my catch. Docked safely at 4:35 PM.

Debt-Free and Dry Dock Dreams

After offloading my haul at the Fishmonger, the Mayor popped up like a bad jump scare. Good news though:

The Dry Dock is now open for business.

The Fishmonger’s facilities have been improved.

And most importantly: my debt is officially cleared.


Feels good not to owe anyone anything — though in this town, I’m sure they’ll find new ways to get my money.

I went to check out the Dry Dock, where the Shipwright explained I can now upgrade my vessel — provided I bring her the required materials. These materials are mostly found at shipwrecks, which sounds safe and completely unproblematic.

One Last Attempt Before Madness (Literally)

With the day slipping away, I made one last push to find this cursed Black Grouper. Night fell. Still no luck.

Since I was out, I decided to install a cracked bulb upgrade at the Shipwright, which somehow brought the time to 9:50 PM.

And because I enjoy dancing with doom, I made one final sweep after midnight. The fog rolled in right on cue. At that point, my sense of self-preservation kicked in and I hightailed it back to Greater Marrow to live another day.

Daily Summary

  • Fish Caught: 5 Cod, 3 Blue Mackerel
  • Debt Remaining: None (Debt cleared)
  • Madness Strikes: Still just one
  • Damage Taken: None
  • Suspicious Package Count: One (Delivered)
  • Upgrades Unlocked: Dry Dock operational, Shipwright expansion, Fishmonger improvements
  • Notable Finds: Message in a bottle (Read)

If you’d like to know more, please check out: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival

For information on the rules, please check out: Dark Waters: Dredge Permadeath Rules & Survival Guide

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