The NPC model has been finalized as a butterfly with animated wings. It captures the inviting and whimsical appearance of a manipulative NPC; players who played Spyro or Legend of Zelda might be inclined to trust a floating, glowing insect-fairy creature. 

The player now begins in a small cave, beginning by emerging into the larger environment. Text will describe the narrative and mechanics better in the future. 

Details, trees, textures, and landscape sculpting is in early stages. Certain parts are more developed than others to test out the look and feel of the project.

The animated clouds caused a slowdown in development as I spent ~3 hours trying to figure out why the landscape was rendering totally black. Baked and Realtime maps were tested, directional light rotation was tested, environment light rendering settings were tested, and the player camera was heavily scrutinized. 

It turns out that I had it checked that all clouds cast shadows. The problem arose when I added a lot more clouds.

Make not my mistake.

Finally, a non-visual update: There are ambient forest sounds (crickets, etc), footsteps, and background music. I selected the background music from a wonderful composer who produces many royalty-free tracks. Thank you, Mr. MacLeod!

Thunderbird by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4527-thunderbird
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/