Fireside meeting

**Fireside meetings** are group gatherings to discuss local issues and events happening in Sandrock. Hosted by Matilda or mayor Trudy later during the main story, these fireside meetings typically occur in front of the Sandrock City Hall on Sundays but can also occur on any given day. The player can attend each meeting anytime between 18:00 and 19:55. Every fireside meeting ends at 19:55 regardless of the time the player arrives.

Following each fireside meeting, most characters have comments that provide an additional relationship point for the day.

## Welcoming the new builders

This fireside meeting occurs after completing *Becoming Official*. Upon completing the mission, the player will receive a letter from the Church the following day:

Letter
From: ⁠⁠Matilda
 Dear *Player*,We have an important announcement at tonight's Fireside Meeting in front of the City Hall. 18:00, don't be late now!

At the Fireside Meeting:

* I want to be a great Builder!
* I want to make many friends!
* I want to live a carefree life.

 ⁠⁠ | Well said, Builder! Couldn't have put it better myself.

 ⁠⁠ | Haha, well, I didn't expect that one. We've got ourselves a companionable soul here. I'm sure you'll find lots of friends here in Sandrock!

 ⁠⁠ | Don't we all! But there are lots of responsibilities for a Builder here in Sandrock, I hope you're up for the challenge.

### Conversations

Most characters will have unique lines about the fireside meeting.

## Dance-off donations

This fireside meeting happens during *Moisture Farm Blues* after the player gets the Condenser from The Breach. The player will receive a letter inviting them to the fireside:

Letter
From: ⁠File:Church of the Light.png⁠Church of the Light
 Dear Sandrockers,We understand that the food situation is dire, and after a full night of discussion, we might have a solution.Come on down to the Fireside tonight at 18:00 and we'll shed a little Light on the subject!Church of the Light

The fireside can be attended between 18:00 and 20:00. At the fireside Matilda shares the plan:

Everyone cheers.

The player can talk to Cooper immediately after the meeting to hear more of his rant:

### Aftermath

After the meeting, a donation booth operated by Burgess will be set near Martle's Oasis to collect donations for the food drive. The player will also receive the following letter:

Letter
From: ⁠File:Church of the Light.png⁠Church of the Light
 Dear Sandrockers,We have decided at the Fireside meeting last night to hold the first ever Sandrock Dance-off contest at the Blue Moon outdoor stage in 2 days. Festivities will begin at 14:00.We're using this as an opportunity to perform a food drive for the more unfortunate citizens of Sandrock during this food crisis.Anyone who donates food will be able to participate in the Dance-off. Burgess will be handling the sign up, so talk with him.Owen will be giving out prizes to the top three finishers at the Dance-off! So practice your dance moves and see you there!Church of the Light

### Conversations

The player can talk to some characters after the fireside to hear their opinion on the matter:

## The Geegler problem

This fireside takes place several days after the Dance-off food drive.

Letter
From: ⁠File:Church.png⁠Church
 Citizens of Sandrock,I have been informed by the Ataran government that the train service to Sandrock will cease indefinitely due to the damage to the train tracks and bridge caused by the Geegler lizardmen roaming the area across the Shonash Canyon Bridge. This directly affects our water supply, as half of our water comes via the Atara-Sandrock rail link. A town meeting will be held at 18:00 today to discuss how to deal with these events.May the Light always find you,Matilda

At the fireside meeting the townsfolks are discussing the Geegler problem.

Everyone claps.

Everyone claps again.

After the meeting, Matilda, Miguel, and Justice can be briefly seen talking:

### Aftermath

The next day the player will receive a letter from Justice that starts *Operation De-Geeglate*.

### Conversations

Most characters will have unique lines about the fireside meeting.

## Bridge donations

This Fireside Meeting occurs after completing the mission *Belly of the Beast*. The player will receive a letter from the Church the day after they complete the mission:

Letter
From: ⁠⁠Matilda
 Dear *Player*,We're having an impromptu Fireside at 18:00pm tonight to talk about what all's happened with you, the Civil Corps, and what to do next. There'll be some very important information for Builders, so please try to stop in.May the Light always find youMatilda

At the Fireside Meeting:

### Aftermath

The next morning Heidi will visit the workshop to give the player a Truss diagram for *In Trusses we Trust*.

### Conversations

Most characters will have unique lines about the fireside meeting.

## Welcoming Trudy back

After *Appetite for Construction* Mayor Trudy comes back to town and visits the workshop to introduce herself and invite the player to the next fireside. The player will also receive the following letter from Matilda:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear *Player*,It seems my time as acting mayor is coming to an end; expect to get info about Fireside chats and other updates from Mayor Trudy from now on! Tomorrow we'll be having a Fireside at the usual time to welcome her back and hear about her adventures in the desert. Hope you'll make it!May the Light always find you,Minister Matilda

At the fireside Matilda introduces Trudy:

The player can get two Omelets from Owen at his table.

### Aftermath

The next morning Mi-an will come and pick the player up to take them to the Moisture Farm, starting *The Missing Leak*.

### Missing the fireside

If the player does not attend the fireside meeting, they will get a letter from Trudy the next day:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear *Player*,I noticed that you missed yesterday's Fireside. Just to summarize: I'll be re-assuming all mayoral duties from now on. I shared with everyone my findings in the desert, some soil samples and data for Zeke to use. Everyone's reaction was... well, it could have been worse.Sandrock City HallMayor Trudy

### Conversations

Most characters will have unique lines about the fireside meeting.

## Desert planting

After the success of *Breakthrough New Goo*, Trudy invites the player to a fireside meeting.

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear *Player*,The algae solution is turning out to be everything we were hoping for! With the Hydroponic Incubators you and Mi-an built running full time, Zeke almost has enough soil ready for the next step: a live test in the wild! We're having a Fireside tomorrow at 18:00PM to talk details. Hope you can make it!Trudy

At the fireside Trudy tells everyone about the discovery:

* *I insisted that we go.*
* *It was all for the greater good.*
* *(Stay silent)*

 ⁠⁠ | *Player*... I... Appreciate you trying to stick up for me, but... No, he's right. I acted rashly...⁠⁠Trudy (Relationship +5)⁠⁠Heidi (Relationship +5)⁠⁠Miguel (Relationship -3)

 ⁠⁠ | Yes, thank you, *Player*. I hope everyone can understand that we had the best of intentions, but... Miguel is right. I'm sorry, I should've told everyone...⁠⁠Trudy (Relationship +3)⁠⁠Heidi (Relationship +3)⁠⁠Miguel (Relationship -3)

 ⁠⁠ | Miguel is right. I... acted rashly...

The player can approach Zeke right after the meeting to get ten Black Saxoul Seeds and the crafting recipe for Intermediate Planting Kit.

Talking to Zeke also starts *One Small Step for Sandrockers*.

### Optional content

After the fireside ends, the player can stay and listen to Heidi and Trudy talk in speech bubbles.

### Missing the fireside

If the player skips the fireside meeting, they will get the following letter from Trudy with the mission, seeds, and the planting kit recipe attached:[ verify ]

Letter
From: ⁠⁠Trudy
 Dear *Player*,I don't know if you went to the Fireside last night or not, if you didn't, it's fine. It was awkward. But I did announce our biocrust test to the public, which is to start planting some trees near the old Geegler hideout, today. We'll add in some of the nutrient solution from the machine you and Mi-an built and see how it goes. If the trees grow up, then we might really have something on our hands!Now, I was hoping you might show up to help us out a bit... if you want. So I've included 10 Black Saxoul Seeds as well as the Level 2 Planting Kit recipe, this will make the planting go faster.I hope to see you there.Sandrock City HallMayor Trudy

### Conversations

Most characters will have unique lines after the fireside meeting.

## Little Woods' success

After *One Small Step for Sandrockers* Trudy will send the player the following letter:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear *Player*,How are you? I am planning to hold a Fireside meeting to let our folks know about the successful experiment with the biocrust and the trees. Please come tonight at 18:00PM. I'll see you then.Sandrock City HallMayor Trudy

At the fireside Matilda, Trudy, and Ernest are on the stage. Trudy shares the great news:

Everyone claps. Zeke immediately objects.

Everyone claps.

### Aftermath

The next day the player will receive another letter from Trudy informing them about the photoshoot:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear Sandrockers,Tomorrow is the day for the photoshoot at the Little Woods near Gecko Station. The weather is expected to be perfect. Wear your Sunday best!Sandrock City HallMayor Trudy

The next mission starts at the photoshoot.

### Pen eating Duvos peppers

The player can visit the Blue Moon Saloon after 17:00 on the day of the fireside[ verify ] to see an optional conversation between Pen and Grace:

Pen runs out of the saloon and heads to Martle's Oasis. He will spend the rest of the night there standing near the edge of the water in pain.

### Trudy's interview

The next day after the fireside meeting the player can enter the City Hall to see an optional event with Ernest interviewing Trudy.

This ends the conversation, but the player can stay to listen to Ernest interview Trudy further.

### Conversations

Most characters have unique lines about the fireside meeting.

## Aftermath of the kidnapping

The meeting occurs after the events of *The Kidnapping*. The day after the mission, the player will get a letter inviting them to the fireside:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Citizens of Sandrock,After careful consideration of the situation, and taking to mind the will of the people, City Hall has found it appropriate to put funding towards the hiring of a specialist to assist in tracking down Logan and his notorious bandit gang that has plagued this city all this time.We're having a Fireside to discuss recent events with Matilda's kidnapping, the specialist being hired, and other future plans. If you have questions or concerns, please join us tomorrow at 18:00PM.Thank you for your understandingSandrock City HallMayor Trudy

At the fireside Trudy greets everyone:

Justice takes the stage.

This ends the fireside meeting. After the meeting the player can approach Trudy, Justice, and Unsuur:

The player has a chance to say something.

* *We'll get 'em, Mayor. Don't worry.*
* *You guys really dropped the ball this time.*

 ⁠⁠ | Indeed, we're glad to have you offering assistance as well, *Player*.⁠⁠Trudy (Relationship +3)⁠⁠Justice (Relationship +3)⁠⁠Unsuur (Relationship +3)

 ⁠⁠ | Ah, shucks... You too, *Player*?

The player can also listen to Burgess and Miguel talking.

* *We need every man we can get.*
* *We really should try talking it out.*
* *We all need to do our part to protect Sandrock.*

 ⁠⁠ | Indeed. Must I repeat myself, Burgess? Logan and his gang have plagued us for too long. The time for dialogue has long passed. Something needs to change.⁠⁠Miguel (Relationship +5)

 ⁠⁠ | See! That's what I'm saying!⁠⁠Burgess (Relationship +3)

 ⁠⁠ | Hm. Yes, you're right, *Player*, in the end, it is the people that live here that'll ultimately protect Sandrock. But a helping hand is needed now and then. I hope you both see that.⁠⁠Miguel (Relationship +3)

### Aftermath

Several days later the specialist hired by the city finally arrives, starting *Buckin' Bronco*.

#### Justice's interview

The morning after the fireside meeting, Justice comes by the player's workshop for a short interview.

* *I agree. I think someone is hiding water.*
* *I doubt there's anyone hiding water.*
* *Wait, are you accusing me?*

 ⁠⁠ | Eh? Really? Well, I guess you'll be glad to know that the Civil Corps has been asked to open a case. Hence, us being here.

 ⁠⁠ | Yeah... me too, partner. I mean... we already looked around everywhere, talked to everybody... If someone's hidin' water out here, we'd know by now.

 ⁠⁠ | Oh, shoot, no! Not at all, *Player*!

* *A hundred or so.*
* *A thousand wouldn't be enough!*
* *I actually don't use much at all...*

 ⁠⁠ | Hm, that sounds about right. Pretty average for a Builder. Builders, blacksmiths, y'all are expected to go through a fair share as part of the trade.

 ⁠⁠ | Woah...! You serious?If that's the case... you use more water than anyone in town! Eh, well, I mean I heard Builders need a lot of water but... I dunno, can I ask you to tone it down a little if possible?

 ⁠⁠ | Ah yeah? That's impressive considering all the stuff that comes out of this place. Keep it up!

* *Not informed at all.*
* *I know there's not enough to go around...*
* *We import water, everything should be fine.*

 ⁠⁠ | Right, right. Lot of people are out of the loop. Think that's how all these nasty rumors got started: "so-and-so's washin' their hands every ten minutes! They must be holdin' out on us!" And so on and so forth... Pretty sure that's how Logan got started down that rabbit hole of his...

 ⁠⁠ | Yeah... the oasis is lookin' worse by the day. We import water on the train, but we're really just puttin' a bandage on the problem...

 ⁠⁠ | Eh, maybe fine for now, but... It's not gonna work forever. And what happens if our source ever gets cut off?

* *I've never seen anything suspicious.* (This option gives no unique lines.)
* *Maybe it's Burgess.*
* *T'was I all along!*

 ⁠⁠ | Eh, you're not crazy to suspect Burgess. He does get pretty maniacal about water.But nah, he's the first guy we looked into. He spends... almost literally all of his time looking for people commiting minor crimes and checking water usage himself. Plus, eh, let's just say he doesn't strike me as the criminal mastermind type.

 ⁠⁠ | Haha, c'mon, *Player*. You're cleared already. Still, I'd be careful makin' jokes like that. Some people are still real sideways about the whole ordeal.

This concludes the interview, and Justice leaves. The next day the player will receive a letter inviting them to another fireside.

#### Wanted posters

A few days after the fireside the player finds Justice and Unsuur hanging new wanted posters at the newsstand.

They turn to the player.

* *Yeah, good enough.*
* *I dunno...*

 ⁠⁠ | Yeah! Right? I mean, they're always wearing the bandanas anyway, 'specially when they're perpetratin' criminal activities and the what not... so... maybe it's better to do it this way anyway.⁠⁠Justice (Relationship +2)⁠⁠Unsuur (Relationship +3)

 ⁠⁠ | Ah, shucks...

## Stolen water

After the previous meeting and Justice's interview, the player will receive a letter inviting them to another meeting:

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear *Player*,We're having a Fireside tomorrow at the usual time, 18:00PM, to address an accusation by Logan to Minister Matilda during her kidnapping that someone is hiding water somewhere in town. If this is something that interests you, please attend.City HallTrudy

At the fireside Justice and Miguel take the stage:

Justice turns to Miguel.

Miguel takes out a book.

Miguel puts his book away and turns to leave.

Justice turns back to the audience.

### Conversations

The player can speak to some characters after the meeting to hear their opinion on the topic.

## Musa's arrival

After *Mystical Investigations* and the first Tour de Rock festival, Trudy will send the player a letter explaining Musa has shown interest in Sandrock's affairs and inviting them to a fireside.

Letter
From: ⁠File:City Hall.png⁠City Hall
 Dear Citizen,The world renowned businessman, Musa, has taken an interest in investing into our town! We're having a Fireside meeting Tomorrow at 18:00PM in front of City Hall to discuss how to make a good first impression, do hope you'll join!TrudyCity Hall

At the fireside Trudy shares the exciting news:

Grace salutes.

Matilda interjects.

Justice offers a suggestion.

Suddenly, Qi arrives at the scene with his suggestion.

Dan-bi shares her idea.

Townsfolk support Jensen's idea.

Jensen shrugs. Trudy asks if anyone else has other ideas.

Trudy, Jensen, and Heidi stay on the scene to discuss the train station renovations.

### Aftermath

The next morning the player will receive a letter with two diagrams attached. Opening that letter starts *First Impressions*. The player can also listen to Arvio, Amirah, Catori, and Vivi talk to offer to help Arvio with his grand idea.

#### Qi's giant robot

The day after the fireside the player can visit the Research Center to find Qi and Heidi talking.

* *Come on, man. Be rational.*
* *I'm on Team Robot!*
* *How will your plan impress Musa?*

 ⁠⁠ | Perhaps there is some merit to the pragmatic nature of our current plan. I shouldn't let my own ambitions get in the way of this town's preservation.⁠⁠Heidi (Relationship +2)

 ⁠⁠ | Welcome aboard, glad to have you. Now that there are two of us, we may need jackets with our names on them.⁠⁠Qi (Relationship +2)

 ⁠⁠ | Are giant robots not impressive?⁠⁠Heidi (Relationship +1)⁠⁠Qi (Relationship +1)

### Conversations

Most characters have unique lines about the fireside meeting and Musa's upcoming arrival.