Hybrid Vigour

Sam’s guiding you to the source of the mysterious countdown, now being broadcast on the radio. It’s a rather lovely forest, but Sam remains suspicious and tells you to take care.

Deeper in the forest, Sam wonders why there’s no birdsong and every tree is different. Ernie cuts into your signal – he’s trapped in a hole and needs your help.

As Ernie guides you towards his hut to fetch some rope, he explains that this forest was once the grounds of a mansion – belonging to a Victorian explorer who collected poisonous plants. You can’t touch anything!

As you search Ernie’s shack, he talks about the fall of New Canton and why he chose to abandon his friends. Before you leave, he asks you to collect a vial of antidote. He’s been poisoned and paralysis is setting in. You need to cure him before it stops his heart.

You’re pursued by a zombie who resembles the mythological Green Man. The orchids growing out of him release a soporific gas – you can’t let him get too close.

Ernie has a plan for getting rid of the pursuing zombie. You need to lead it to the pride of his collection: a hybridised Venus fly trap, big enough to trap a zom. But it will take you too if you aren’t quick.

You reach Ernie just in time. He’s delighted to see you and resolves to make contact with his surviving friends from New Canton. In the meantime, he tells you the source of the countdown – and says he can help you reach it.