This World Wants to Die

Rain World: The Cycle of Life and Death

Introduction to Rain World

• The setting is described as an overgrown, industrial city shrouded in fog, filled with dangers that are not immediately visible.

• The main character, a small creature called a slug cat, is introduced as it embarks on a challenging journey through this perilous world.

The Concept of Death in Rain World

• Every creature in Rain World experiences an endless cycle of death and rebirth; dying does not mean moving on but rather respawning.

• Despite the game’s focus on repeated deaths, true permanent death is nearly impossible due to the cyclical nature of existence within the game.

The Ancients and Their Quest for Ascension

• Long before the events of the game, a society known as the Ancients sought to break free from this cycle, investing resources into finding "true death," termed Ascension.

• They discovered a mysterious substance called void fluid that could potentially lead to their salvation by breaking down anything that entered it.

Consequences of Seeking True Death

• Not all who attempted to use void fluid achieved Ascension; some became Echoes—beings trapped between reality and oblivion.

• Encounters with Echoes serve as poignant reminders of the Ancients' hubris and warn against their failed attempts at escaping existence.

Legacy of the Ancients

• Ultimately, the Ancients vanished without clear explanation; remnants of their civilization remain while new creatures like slug cats continue living through cycles they tried to escape.

The Moral Dilemma of Ascension

The Ancients' Beliefs on Ascension

• The Ancients theorized that individuals unfit for ascension were often too arrogant or selfish, suggesting a belief in moral purity as the key determinant for ascension.

• They created a list of sins akin to the seven deadly sins, including violence, lust, and gluttony, which they believed anchored individuals to the material world.

• Notably, companionship and self-preservation were also considered sins by the Ancients, leading to extreme self-denial in their lives.

Consequences of Self-Imposed Suffering

• The Ancients lived under severe restrictions that resulted in malnourishment and existential dread due to their fear of becoming echoes.

• Their suffering was largely self-imposed; no external force dictated these parameters—these were constructs of their own religion.

The Role of Iterators

• To solve their ascension dilemma, the Ancients built sentient supercomputers called iterators tasked with calculating a way out of their cycles.

• Despite being remnants of the Ancients’ civilization, iterators are now left alone in a decaying world without purpose after fulfilling their mission.

The Paradox of Existence

• Iterators are programmed with a taboo against self-destruction despite understanding why one might wish to ascend. This creates a cruel irony regarding their existence.

• After solving the problem for the Ancients, they remain trapped in an empty world where nature is reclaiming them.

Life Beyond Torment: Purposed Beings

• In contrast to the tormented existence of iterators and Ancients, purposed beings like slug cat thrive within Rain World’s ecosystem.

• Slug cat's role is to clean pipes within iterator systems while enjoying life—a stark contrast to the moral constraints faced by the Ancients.

Gameplay vs. Philosophy

• Rain World's gameplay emphasizes self-preservation—the very sin avoided by the Ancients—highlighting an ironic twist in its design philosophy.

• Players often focus on exploring life within this hostile environment rather than dwelling on death or despair associated with iterators.

Community Engagement and Lore Appreciation

• Fans engage deeply with Rain World lore through extensive research and community discussions about its complex ecosystems rather than solely focusing on themes of death.

• Many players find joy in observing life as slug cat rather than being burdened by existential dread—reflecting a more positive engagement with game mechanics.

Conclusion: Embracing Life Amidst Death

Exploring the Meaning of Ascension in Rain World

The Journey of Slug Cat

• At the end of the game, Slug Cat ascends into a void-like dimension filled with alien creatures, which is visually stunning but confusing and not aligned with its initial goal of returning to its family.

• Despite achieving a symbolic ascension, players may feel unsatisfied as they never see Slug Cat accomplish its original objective; this can lead to confusion during gameplay.

• The experience for Slug Cat is portrayed as one caught in an incomprehensible reality, highlighting the limitations of understanding from its perspective.

• The desire to break free from cycles is only appealing to those who do not value them; Slug Cat finds peace in existence rather than ambition or ancient rules.

Challenges in World Building

• Designing expansive worlds can be daunting for creators; it often feels overwhelming when considering the scale and complexity involved.

• A recommended resource for aspiring world builders is a 12-part video series by Lincoln Michelle that guides through creating unique worlds and characters effectively.

Skillshare: A Resource for Creatives

• Skillshare offers access to thousands of classes across various disciplines including creative writing, illustration, animation, and more, providing valuable learning opportunities for creators.

• Curated learning paths on Skillshare help users navigate their educational journey by connecting them with relevant classes tailored to specific interests or skills.

• The first 500 viewers can access a free 30-day trial on Skillshare, allowing exploration of courses that could enhance their creative skills significantly.

Conclusion