I picked up the void yesterday and I'm absolutely loving it so far, it's completely different from anything I have ever played. I just had a few questions concerning basic strategy, I don't want to work myself into a corner and get frustrated with the game as A result. I'm not asking anyone to answer all or even any of these at once. If you feel like helping out a begginner just answer any of the questions and I will be grateful.

1.) I made a "supergarden" of sorts in the first garden available. almost all the trees are activated with full color. It's been working out great so far and I have always had plenty of color to spare. I'm just wondering if this is a dumb move(IE I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.) I activated the trap but I don't know if that will even stop a brother or just piss him off.
1.B) There's 6-8 fireflies running around in there, I don't know what they do but they seem to be friendly. Purpose?

2.) Does giving color to a sister do anything besides open new pathways?

3.) I think I read somewhere that the cycle limit is 35 and the game ends. I'm on 6 and I haven't left the first chamber; Am I on track or should I hurry my ass up?

Any other hints or strategies would be greatly appreciated.

PS. if you thinking of smoking and playing this game DON'T. I got back from my friends house still high and attempted to play this game and I freaked the fuck out when the brothers showed up. I would not recommend it.

1, A well maintained and defended garden is always a smart move. Keeping it maintained and defended becomes increasingly difficult as you gain more gardens and mines.

2. It intensely annoys their respective brothers, increases their chances of survival later in the game and becomes important for finishing the game. More long term goals than short term.

3. No, sounds a reasonable rate of progression.

4. Sage advice good sir - something to be added to the FAQ perhaps:

Q: The Mantid appears to be crawling of my screen and screaming in a terrifying way.
A: Please refrain from playing the game while under the effects of illegal substances.

Thx for the advice, im beginning to get a solid idea of how the game functions. although I did not give my self nearly enough time to complete the mantids trial and had to regress back 2 or so hours worth of saves to right that.

one more question that has been really bothering me. Is damage cumulative? or do you have to take an enemy out in one hit? cause i'm spending a painful amount of color on predators.

also that comment about being high and playing this game is not a joke. This game is not fun when you think that guy is real.

With predators, I usually charge up to 15 or so colour to begin with and just hit them with it - no glyphs. Later in the game, this technique is not good enough and you will need to start using proper glyphs.

Damage is cumulative for giant beasts that live in some locations you'll find later.
It is not for predators. I would not recommend fighting them at all. It is pointless. The only possible reason for killing a predator is when you are being attacked RIGHT NOW. Otherwise it is a waste of colour as you really get nothing for killing them, and they appear again soon.

From my experience with the english version (The Void), I'd say it's cumulative for predators too. When I hit a certain predator (the one-legged jumping angry lump, for example) with a simple stroke of, say 12 of a color, and then hit it again with 5 or so (less then the first time anyway) and it dies after that, I'd say that should mean it's cumulative. Could be one of the differences between the several versions of the game.
The predators really do come back as soon as the next cycle begins even if you kill them. The best bet would be to stock up on silver as soon as possible, and always have 100 of silver in your hearts when not on the map if you plan on spending color - fighting/growing trees/(filling a sister's heart?). That prevents you from damaging the realm and causing the predators to appear in that realm in the first place. Just don't forget to take it out before you go on the map or it'll transform into nerva and leave you with no silver to put in your hearts next time, unless you grow a tree, but that can take some time.

Can somebody confirm if the realm is being damaged / predators appear if I feed a sister with color without having 100 of silver in my hearts (100% frost)?

When Halfgild says cumulative, he means, you can exit the chamber and when you get back the monster is still damaged (only applies to pangolin, lemma and worm.)

Oh! Damn, didn't make any sense the other way around actually.

What color was it again that I need to fill my heart with in order to not look like a complete idiot?

Silver: the amount of damage the sister's domain receives is reduces.
Crimson: the damage dealt by attacks (and attacking glyphs) is increased
Amber: colour processing in your body is sped up (i.e. on the map of the Void)
Azure: running speed is increased
Violet: reviving trees becomes more effective (the same result is achieved by less colour)
Emerald: increases Defence; damage from hostile creatures' attacks is reduced
Gold: feeding Sisters becomes more effective (the same result is achieved while less colour is spent)

You kind of missed my point, but thanks for the tip!